Sometimes I Wonder - Featuring Fashion For Life: Prism and Deluxe Body Factory, Featuring October's 4Seasons Skin Fair 2016, Featuring NEW Chop Zuey

I read this week that Justin Bieber wore a shirt that said, "Bigger Than Satan" on the back and I just had to wonder. Even if you're someone who doesn't believe in anything except self, wouldn't you consider wearing something like that to be stirring some sort of energy and isn't the potential that you're stirring not so great energy in your teapot?

I have a very open mind when it comes to faith. It's a very personal thing for me, so I respect your right to your personal choices too. Even those choices that make me wonder. His choice to wear such a shirt, well it's his right to express himself. I've always been the type of person that thought positive energy translates to encouraging others. I just don't know how someone could do that when they were deliberately poking at the darker energy of this world. I imagine there are a kajillion things I don't understand. That's just one of them. Hmmm...

In my own little way, my positive energy gets stirred every time I come here to share something. It may be 'only' a video game but in this video game, I've seen lives changed, hearts mended, and souls soaring. I've seen people with little self esteem able to spread their wings and fly. I've seen something as serious as the fight for the cure and the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life and the in world Fashion For Life crew sponsor an event year after year that raises real money, real awareness and makes a real difference. YOU can get involved in this special event right NOW. Visit the Fashion For Life event and donate, shop, share. I'm also always quick to support friends and friendship and in so much as I can hopefully make a small difference, I happily and proudly wear ONLY October's 4Seasons skins. The one I'm sporting for this set of photos is from Skin Fair 2016, Catalina in the Papavar tone. It's the Natural skin with Dark Brown brows. It's a perfect tapestry for makeup layers like the one I chose from the Fashion For Life event. And no outfit would be complete without great jewelry. I can always and ever find something new and fun at Chop Zuey like the Love Knot earrings. I'm just one little me in a world of people doing whatever they do. I hope that the little that I do makes a warm and wonderful difference in a life today. Pass it on!

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Deluxe Body Factory [DBF] Hunny Bunny Makeup 2.1
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life6/86/128/24
From Prism Jasmine Coat Set by Jezzixa in Black White (Includes Boots non-Slink)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life8/166/87/34

Featuring NEW Skin Fair 2016
From October's 4Seasons Catalina Papavar Skin Package Natura Dark Brown
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

Featuring NEW Chop Zuey Love Knot Earrings
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/43/141/26

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Analog Dog Tunnel Cake
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Felicia

Fun and Fashion For A Great Cause - Featuring NEW Fashion For Life: Baboom, Glint & alskametro; Featuring NEW Skin Fair October's 4Seasons

October's 4Seasons kicks off Skin Fair 2016 today, just in time for fun this weekend. My favorite skin designer so talented and capable and maker of stunning skins takes the helm this year as primary sponsor, collaborating to bring you the best skin fair ever. This natural skin tone shown today is one of many reasons I love October's 4Seasons. I can wear it and then layer other tattoos, makeups or anything else creative I might find along my SL journey. In my Catalina Lily Skin package, I have five makeup choices, this natural skin, some cleavage options, eyebrow color choices, and trim choices for that other delicate hair that some find so enticing.

With the natural skin layer, I was able to add new items from the Fashion For Life event that's continuing this weekend. alaskametro created both the Extreme Wing II shadow and the Nadia lipstick as part of their support for the charity event designed to help raise money for the cure for cancer. I'm also modeling the new Linette Peplum Top in Black and Mira Leather Pants in Grey from Baboom and .:Glint:.'s Multi Colored Oval Charm Earrings and the Unisex Time To Heal Necklace, each items created to support this fashionable fun charity event. Fashion For Life is a branch of the Relay For Life annual drive. By shopping with Fashion For Life, you're supporting an urgent international event that will touch many lives in so many positive ways.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From .:Glint:. Exclusive Multi Colored Oval Charm Earrings and Unisex Time To Heal Necklace
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life8/180/127/33
From alaskametro <3 Extreme Wing II Eyeshadow Black and Nadia Lipstick Divine
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/165/62/25
From Baboom Linette Peplum Top Black and Mira Leather Pants Grey
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/65/62/25

Featuring NEW Items from Skin Fair 2016 OPEN NOW
October's 4Seasons Catalina Lily Skin Package Natural
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Palce
Hair Day Heather Limited Flower Edition
Gracefully Wicked Chair

Events Galore - For All the Right Reasons - Featuring Pink Ice at Fashion For Life; October's 4Seasons and Skin Fair 2016; [SWANK] and Chop Zuey

So many things to share, so many places to visit...

#FashionForLife - join a great cause, get involved, go shopping and support this annual charitable fundraiser. Money goes to finding the cure for cancer. #RelayforLife, #AmericanCancerSociety. Designers like Pink Ice have created new and exclusive items for this very special event.

The Skin Fair 2016 - just two days away and oh what a treat October's 4Seasons stands at the helm, a terrific sponsor and leader in skins creations in Second Life.

[SWANK] and the Luck Of the Irish brings all sorts of great new items including a beautiful new release from Chop Zuey.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items

From Pink Ice Exclusive Nadine

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life4/56/102/25

Featuring NEW Items from Skin Fair 2016 (opens March 11)

From October's 4Seasons Catalina Lily Skin Package - Makeup 5

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Alanya%20Bay/232/126/22

Featuring NEW March Items From [SWANK]

Theme: Luck Of the Irish

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001

Chop Zuey The Fair Olivia Set

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale Truth Dasha Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia

Just Around the Corner - The Skin Fair Is Coming - Featuring NEW October's 4Seasons @ Skin Fair; Featuring NEW [SWANK] !CST Designs, Moondance Boutique & {Ana Markova}

I'm excited to share news with you about the 2016 Skin Fair. In just three short days, you'll find so many new skins and makeup and other accessories from designers all around the grid. This year, aside from making some amazing new products exclusive to this event, October's 4Seasons sponsors the whole thing. Catalina is the new beauty showcased in the event and the skin I'm modeling here Catalina Lily is one of the many options you'll find.

A new round of [SWANK] tantalizes the most diverse interests with items like the new heels from !CST Designs, the black pumps with a bow. Also I'm wearing a new pants suit called Solstice Abstract from {Ana Markova} and new earrings and bracelet from Moondance Boutique. This month's theme "Luck Of the Irish" brings out the best in every designer participating in the event.

**Special note** The designer behind Moondance Boutique expects a new bundle of beauty, a baby girl. She's experiencing some of life's more difficult moments and I encourage you to help in some small way. It's very difficult to have to choose between health and a pay check. Moondance Boutique and Kathrin Dassin always thanks every person who supports the adventure, but ever more so as she prepares for the new arrival in her world. Thank you for being a special part of her world.

Featuring NEW March Items From [SWANK]
Theme: Luck Of the Irish
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Manatoba/188/11/2001
!CST Designs Black Pumps with Bow
Moondance Boutique Briana Jewelry Set
{Ana Markova} Solstice Abstract Pants Suit

Featuring NEW Skin Fair Sponsor October's 4Seasons
Catalina Lily Skin Package Makeup 4 Option

IKON Ascension Eyes Coffee
enVOGUE Lauren Hair
Corpus Poses

Fashion For Life Waiting For You and Your Support - Featuring FFL Designer Feyline Fashions

Fashion For Life is in full swing! Feyline Fashions is just one of many amazing designers who have joined together in this annual push towards the goal of finding Cancer's cure. Fashion For Life in Second Life works together with #RelayForLife and the #AmericanCancerSociety to raise money for cancer research and finding the cure for cancer, a dream everyone everywhere can get behind. Be a part by shopping at this event. A portion of every purchase goes directly to this charity.

I used to love role-play for hours. I hate to say how many hours (meeps) but it was so much fun to immerse myself in the vivid imagination of peers, book creators, movie creators, whoever the founder of the idea was for said role-play environment, and then interact. It's been a decade now since I did so, but when I put on Feyline Fashions Joslyne Sunset, memories flooded back to me. I would have found such an outfit perfect for so many themes.

This outfit is one of several Feyline Fashions has at this year's Fashion For Life event. You can shop, enjoy the fun of the outfits, and support finding the cure for cancer all at one time. Fashion For Life works together with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life in an annual charity event.

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Feyline Fashions Joslyne Sunset
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ophelia%20Isle/70/62/22

IKON Ascension Eyes Coffee
EMO-tions Connor
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
October's 4Seasons Kinetic Coral Kiss Lips
October's 4Seasons Splendor Brown Diamonds Shadow
Wishbox Jingle Anklets
Image Essentials Studios and Pose Stores Wall To Wall Set

It's Time To Support Something Special - Fashion For Life 2016 - Featuring Shani and Featuring Chop Zuey

 "Relay For Life. Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life event is a life-changing experience that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to Celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back against the disease."

There are thousands of ways to get involved in civic minded culturally now and relevant interests in Second Life. One of the best ways in my opinion is to get involved with charitable events. At this time of year, everyone kicks it into high gear as they prepare for the phenomenal Fashion For Life event. Each year members of Second Life, the designers and models, the bloggers and every single valued customer all work together to raise money for Relay For Life.

Chop Zuey creator Belle Roussel spoils her customers, her family, her friends and countless fans in so many ways. The Chains Of Calypso set shows just how much this month. For the cost of a little time and sleuthing skills, you can take your set home today as a part of this year's Twisted Hunt. All you have to do is find it! Good luck. It's so worth it. (This set includes beautiful bracelets with large onyx gems set in chunky gold not seen in the photos above.)

Featuring NEW Fashion For Life Items
From Shani Money For Nothing Retro Squares
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairweather/184/43/31
Featuring NEW Chop Zuey
From Twisted Hunt - The Chains Of Calypso (Necklace and Earrings)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Chop%20Zuey/92/128/27

IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Analog Dog Mash Dark Blonds
Maxi Gossamer Eyelashes Party Swallow Wings Red/Black
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
DE Boutique Shine Heels Black

Breathtaking Beauty at !Lyrical B!zarre Templates

Elegance and creativity continue to mark the merchandise sold at !Lyrical B!zarre Templates. Every time I see a new item, a new set, a new collection, I'm in awe that Lyric continues to turn out original mesh and a whole array of it in so many different themes. Whether you're looking for something personal or something to personalize and sell on your own, there's something new and fresh from which to choose.

Featuring NEW !Lyrical B!zarre Templates
Steam Candour Mesh from the Steam Love Collection
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jasmine%20Hills/234/237/21

Chop Zuey Dirait-On Texture Change Set
Truth Alison
IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
Gaeline Mesh Lashes Natura
October's 4Seasons Guiselle Lily
-LOUX- Sensual Lipstick 10

Casual and Sleek -- Featuring A.F.I Designs and blackLiquid

I'm not sure how I got these out of order.

Blame it on the rain or the brain. DJ A.F.I is not just a fantastic spinner of tunes.

She also creates great designs. I pulled together this chic look with her new Bloom dress and blackLiquid's newest Virgin spex.

There are several other pair of shades in this collection so you'll find something that suits your needs too!

Featuring A.F.I Bloom Dress

Featuring blackLiquid Shades Virgin

1. Yasum Legging Plus Shoe Tiger Striped

2. WoW Designs Gulsem Jewelry Set

3. Xen's Burbank Hat

4. SLink Elegant 1 Hands

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes Latte Skin Tone (Laila)

-- Luscious Lips Crave

6. IKON Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

7. *booN blueBlack hairbase

8. KaTink Poses

-- KaTink Backdrop

May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor - Baboom! Exclusive at the Hunger Games

Playful and brightly colored are two definitions of what I've seen from Baboom Couture during the Hunger Games event. I've loved the chance to show you the beautiful fun by Kyra Camel.

I've used brighter lips and intentionally 'tinted' hair to a more neon-like color to keep with the theme. I also realized that with the unique bolero she created, and the silver shading at the bodice, then add to that the great plumage of flowers as a head piece and veil, the need for jewelry disappeared. It's one of the few outfits I've ever styled without adding a bit or bauble.

If you haven't had a chance to visit the Hunger Games event, I hope you can, and look for your favorite designers so you can wear exclusives like this long after the party ends and everyone packs up to go home. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

Featuring Baboom! from The Hunger Games - Stroll Around Capitol

Featuring Tchelo's Nails Must Have Color

1. SLink: Mid High Female Feet

2. Lindy: Madlin Black Heels

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone (Laila)

-- Captivate Lips Juicy

4. EMO-tions: Collien

5. IKON Steel Blue Pale Eyes

6. {NanTra} Poses

7. KaTink Backdrop

*MochaWear* - NEW NEW NEW - A Brand New Store On the Grid

I actually styled this *MochaWear* Rose Cardinal gown for Hermione Mocha - aka Pattie Peacock - because (EXCITING!!) she's opened her own store and wanted me to share in her joy and her artistry by blogging an item or two from her initial releases.

I went through the things she shared and thought about each of our own personal approaches to art and how very differently they can appear. The same idea, a red gown for example, might be produced as many ways as there are designers out there making gowns.

I took two photos in one locale and then got busy helping someone and distracted. I then came in to do something else the next day and had 'photograph Hermione's gown' on the top of my list. It wasn't til I went to edit the photos that I realized I had duplicate sets of photos from two different days looks. You can see a few changes I made from day one to day two.

I don't think I could ever say enough to share how much I revere Belle Roussel. The work she puts in, hours and hours and hours of it, shows in everything she does. Quality products for more than fair prices. But there's more. She constantly has items she gives away, so even the most restricted budget might own a pretty bit of sparkle at Chop Zuey just because that's the way it works. Today's Mistress Enchantment set offers something I've actually not seen often, a very long chain. It's beautiful and accented the gown well.

Featuring *MochaWear* - A Brand NEW Store - Rose - Cardinal Gown

Featuring Chop Zuey Mystic Enchantress Set

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl

2. *~Damesfly*~: Kalima

3. MG: Wild Full Thick

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone (Laila)

-- Dark Golden Sparkle Eyeshadow

-- Cherry Blossom Gloss

5. SLink: Female High Feet

-- Elegant 1 Hands

6. [Liv-Glam] Fancy Heels

7. Chop Zuey Symphony Black Bracelet

8. Corpus Poses

9. [[Masoom]] Poses

Wicca's Wardrobe At The Hunger Games; Celebrating a New Kyxe Face and Glittering Too From Chop Zuey

I found another radically fun costume to show you! This outfit called Enobaria comes from the genius of Wicca's Wardrobe and is an exclusive for The Hunger Games. Few accessories were needed to complete the look because she did all the work for you and for me!

I paired it with another new Laila face, Kyxe Skins & Shapes very newest face, this time on the Mocha skin tone. The bold colors seem to glint off the screen because of the beautiful contrast between clothing and skin choice.

The earrings I pulled from a set called Symphony Tri-Color set at Chop Zuey tied the rose tint on my lips to the rest of the outfit and added the elegant richness that always comes as a result of wearing jewelry from Chop Zuey.

Featuring from Wicca's Wardrobe at The Hunger Games Enobaria Outfit

Featuring from Chop Zuey Symphony Special Tri-Color Earrings From the Set

Featuring from Kyxe Skins & Shapes Mocha Skin Tone With New Laila Face

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. *~Damesfly*~: Jase

3. Gaeline: Felicia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Ripe Grape Matte Lips

5. SLink: Female High Feet

-- Elegant 1 Hands

6. Corpus Poses

Costume Party At The Capitol? -- Featuring Baboom! from The Hunger Games, [Liv-Glam] from Designer Showcase, Kyxe Skins & Shapes, Chop Zuey, and Wicca's Wardrobe

I have to say that I love costumes for masquerade parties, Halloween, and any other excuse to wear them and I've loved the designs that have come from this year's Hunger Games event. I remember watching some of the scenes thinking, "Wow, that would look great in Second Life." Little did I know... Baboom Couture has several exclusive items at the event and hopes you'll love all of them and take them home.

As much as I love Capitol Day, the name of this dress, and all the fanfare and glitz from the movie, I could also minimize the look, the makeup, and take it down a notch and wear it any time. It's not JUST a costume or themed outfit. Smart! Wicca's Wardrobe has several items at events around SL. The poses I used with this dress were perfect for it. I told Wicca when she shared them with me that I was desperate to use them NOW. Pencil skirts are sometimes difficult to pose. Funky Pencil Skirt poses solves this. Designer Showcase really lives up to the name. Designers from all over the grid are invited to participate, and their items are showcased for a month at a time. The heels from [Liv-Glam] - Isadora Wedges - are only one of several great items they've got at the showcase this month.

I introduced you to Laila yesterday and have another skin tone with the new face today. This time, it's Kyxe Skins & Shapes beautiful Walnut Skin Tone. Twelve skin tones comprise the spectrum you'll find at Kyxe and Walnut is one step away from the darkest tint. Kyxe prides itself on offering a skin for women of every color. And speaking of bold colors, Belle Roussel at Chop Zuey breathes life into her jewelry with all the colors of a rainbow and more. This set, Jupiter Symphony, reflects the exaggerated color scheme of Capitol Day in the Hunger Games movie and I believe matched the mood of the overall costume beautifully.

Featuring Baboom from The Hunger Games Capitol Day

Featuring [Liv-Glam] from Designer Showcase Isodora Wedge Heels

Featuring Chop Zuey Jupiter Symphony Set

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Walnut New Laila Face

Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe Poses Funky Pencil Skirt

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Truth: Soleil

3. Gaeline: Magnificia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Shine Gold Essence Eyeshadow

-- Delicate Eggplant Gloss for Lips

5. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- Female High Feet

I Could Be An Exotic Princess! -- Featuring from Artizana at Designer Showcase, Image Essentials at The Black Fair, Kyxe Skins & Shapes and Chop Zuey

All summer long... I could wear this little dress everywhere. I wish I owned one in my closet here in my world off line. It's sleek and sexy and comfortable. This month at Designer Showcase, LAYIDU VI as well as four other items are on sale. Get to know Artizana - "Ethnic inspired fashions for women & men - mesh clothing, accessories & decor. Exotic African, Caribbean, Indian, Indonesian, Persian fabrics. Africa ethnic couture boho and more..."

Kyxe Skins & Shapes have a new 'face' coming very soon - Laila. This is the Chocolate Cosmos version. I find the eyes and brow notably different from some of the other faces created by the same designer. My favorite feature on this newest face is the dark thick brow. It's fashionably fierce. More new poses from Image Essentials Props and Poses allow me to show you the best curves, oh la la!

Chop Zuey sells something you want. I just know they do. I know this because every single time I visit, there are many somethings I want. From the very unique items that you might not ever even envision to the classic wedding bands to the casual everyday colorful stones sets, it's there. This Romance in F set is just one example. I loved the button style of the ring, so I turned it to the side and converted to earrings to add to the overall look.

Featuring Artizana from Designer Showcase Layidu VI

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Chocolate Cosmos Laila w/Dark Brows

Featuring from Chop Zuey Romance in F Bracelet and Rings in Black

-- Plus Re-purposed rings as earrings

Featuring Image Essentials Props and Poses from The Black Fair

1. Kazimir: Heels Black

2. Dulce Secrets: Boudoir Peace Eyeshadow

3. Morphine: Azuka Dark Lips

4. **Feel**: StarDust Nails

5. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

6. EMO-tions: Estelle

7. Gaeline: Divina

Just An Elegant Dress -- Featuring Loovus Dzevavor and [Liv-Glam] from Designer Showcase, Also Image Essentials, Face Paint and [White-Widow]

I really liked the design of this pencil skirt and top meshed together. I love the way it hits a high waist then drops down below the knee. Fashion evolves, and skirt lengths go up and down. The pencil skirt won't ever go out of style and Loovus Dzevavor really made this one feel refined.

This dress and the heels as well are part of August's Designer Showcase. [Liv-Glam] offers a set of pantone colors for the heels, so I tuned one in that looked as if it were created to match the dress. Love it when that works!

Beautiful poses abound at Image Essentials Props and Poses, and in this case, also at some of the events away from the main store like these Graceful Elegance set at the Black Fair. A blend of two great makeup designers created the overall face, and I loved the intensity. [White-Widow]'s Chance provided the elements that framed the eyes while Face Paint's recent Doe release painted the rest.

Featuring from .::LD::. Silk Top Pencil Dress in Hemlock

Featuring from Image Essentials Graceful Elegance (Set 1) Poses

Featuring [Liv-Glam] from Designer Showcase Isodora Wedge Heels

Featuring from Face Paint Doe Storm Cloud

Featuring from [White-Widow] Chance Black/Pink

1. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- High Female Feet

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Marigold Skin Tone

3. EMO-tions: Connor

4. IKON: Sunrise Eyes

Who Is Effie Trinket? -- Featuring Baboom Couture from The Hunger Games, Loordes of London from Designer Showcase, [White-Widow] and ***Feel***

When Kyra nudged me yesterday, asking if I wanted to blog the new outfit Effie that she'd created for The Hunger Games, I was all excited. I really wanted to blog an outfit or two from that series of movies, and Effie is so so sooo over the top. It helped pull my gentle little elegant self out of the box I keep close at hand most of the time.

Baboom Couture keeps a current edge on an ever changing definition of chic. When I met Kyra maybe two years ago now (where does time go?!), she made me smile when she asked, if I would like to blog news for Baboom. The answer was and has always been since then a resounding "YES!" show me the news.

The really cute wedge sandals from Designer Showcase come in several different color leather and wood combinations and for a summer come fall look, they suited just wonderfully well. [White-Widow] creates some of the most unique makeup pieces I've found as I shopped. I first discovered it at Couturier's Docks, and since then have bookmarked their main store.

Featuring from Baboom! at The Hunger Games Effi Exclusive

Featuring from [White~Widow] Petale Blue/Black w/eyeshadow

Featuring ***Feel*** Cross & Butterfly Triplering Silver-Blue

Featuring from Loordes of London at Designer Showcase Dr. Shoeseurs #25

1. SLink: High Female Feet

-- Elegant 1 Hands

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Marigold Skin Tone

-- Glamour Ombre Ocean Lips

-- Frost Metallic Lips

-- Shine Shadow White Shimmer

3. KMADD/Moda: Sam Hair

4. IKON: Steel Blue Pale Eyes

5. MG: Inverted Crown

6. PosESioN

Waiting For Time To Fly -- Featuring Evolve, Kyxe Skins & Shapes, ~ghe and Poseway Poses from Couturier's Docks *gift

It's nearly time for a new year. Many times I ascribe to a new year all the things that didn't quite happen in the year that's just occurred. I read a study mentioned recently that said we spend an average of 17% of our entire life waiting. For the study, they included waiting in line at a fast food, in traffic before and after work, and other things that probably are relevant to so many of us.

But I think we wait on a lot more than just the things the study addressed. We wait on news about topics that range from medical news to the birth and death of loved ones. We wait on people to change, sometimes with a skewed point of view ourselves because I've never thought that expecting someone else to change was logical, yet I've still put myself in that position throughout my life.

I don't know about others but I find it just as difficult to wait on good news as it is to wait on not so good news. I have been watching the show Breaking Bad on Netflix, and there was a scene where a man who'd been diagnosed with serious cancer was told treatments had worked and his cancer decreased by a huge margin.

His reaction to the news shocked me. He smiled pleasantly while he was in the office with the physical and family but then excused himself and went to the men's room. At that point, after assuring he was alone, he turned and punched the hand dryer so many times that it dented and his hand was in sorry shape. This reaction surprised me at first.

Sometimes, I'm waiting for something but when it finally arrives, I'm not sure what to do with it. As I pondered why he was so angry, letting go in a physical way, in that solitude of the men's room, I realized that his response was probably the way many of us would handle it. Even when we're waiting for time to fly, a certain answer, a thing we need, it doesn't always add up to what we thought it would.

The new year brings more time, and 17% of that time will be spent waiting again. I think the key here would be to fill life, wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, with goodness and kindness, so that I don't worry later about lost time. I also think it's helpful to realize that sometimes all the waiting in the world won't make a situation easier. Sometimes it complicates it.

I pray your New Year brings goodness and kindness, love, joy and peace. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Poseway Poses from Couturier's Docks **See Note

Featuring Evolve{SG} Zoom

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Papaver Skintone

Featuring ~ghee White Pyper Coat

1. no. 7: Kissing Lipstick

2. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

3. *booN: CCV788

4. WoW: Diva Lashes

5. [S H O C K]: Starshine Glitter Nails

6. [White Widow]: Face Tattoo Petale White/Black

7. {{BSD Design Studio}}: IT Girl Shining Black

8. Chop Zuey: Le Bolshevik (Christmas Gift-Thank you Ms. Belle!)

Getting Ready To Visit a Special Event -- Featuring Carrie's Lingerie, h.m.a.e.m., and [#7]

This evening, I popped into Second Life for a brief visit and got a nudge from a friend to attend a big event. I had to find something to wear and I thought that it would be useful if I styled something new to blog.

One of my favorite things about Carrie's Lingerie becomes apparent if you look at the transformation. i was in a formal gown called Sparkle - aptly named!! - to attend the event.

Afterward, I pulled off the long gown skirt and voila. I had a sexy sitting room bit of sensuality. I grabbed a glass of champagne and toasted the special weekend it has been. A new Miss Virtual World was crowned.

Other news revealed the top votes from AVI choice, and others celebrated their anniversary of joining this Second Life, and still others just had a great holiday evening. I tugged off the corset, and slid into bed with my someone special, thinking of holiday, brilliant stars of memories to savor.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie Sparkle Emerald

Featuring h.m.a.e.m. Salmace Jewelry Set Gold

Featuring [#7] Akimasa Daiyamondo Jewels

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Pale Steel Blue

2. Bliss: Lexa

3. Kyxe: Alabaster Skintone

4. RYCA: Gold Hoop Earrings

5. Focus Poses

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like... Featuring Kawaii Dolls, {{BSD Design Studio}}, Kyxe Skins & Shapes

I know we're only in mid-November, and it's really early to think about the holidays, but I can't help it. I have a love hate relationship with them anyway, and some years, I can't bear to even see decorations, much less do a lot that people would call holiday related. Other years, I seem to need a double dose of it. Maybe it balances out over time. Last year, I didn't even put up a tree. I just didn't want to see it, didn't want to be reminded. Another year had passed. Oh whee.

This year, it's one of those double dose years. I already want the holiday decor out of the closet and on every little shelf and more in the main room and I want to buy a little bitty tree for my Karyn pretty princess office (my bedroom) where I often sit and work in Second Life, or in blogging, photos, or Facebook. I deliberately went hunting for a gorgeous Christmas setting last night after a special something happened. It felt like the spirit of the season, and I was already feeling the mood.

Cat Sahara, creator of the gown seen in the photos, Kawaii Dolls Athena Gown (to be released soon!), sent a message out late in the evening East Coast time, and offered the first five who responded a new gown from her new store. I thought well, that sounds delightful, and I IM'd her, and low and behold, I was one of those first five. I got a gift, one I wasn't expecting, even when the page in the group occurred. I imagined that she'd be flooded with responses, and I'd just smile and say thanks anyway.

I eagerly opened it. I learned from Cat that her store was relatively new and thus the reason I had not yet heard of it. I thrilled to try on the dress. Because it was a gift? Yes. Because it was from a designer I'd not yet tried? Yes. Because random acts of kindness like that ripple out to affect many with positive energy? Yes, yes, yes! I don't know what trips the trigger in my own mental processing of the holidays, but whatever it is, it's tripped in the positive direction this year, and I'm excited to say...

It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays, and I wish nothing more for each of you as you and your loved ones slide into the holiday spirit, in whatever way you do in your part of the world, that you find the joy and beauty and love that makes it miraculous. Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Kawaii Dolls Athena Mesh Gown Royal Blue

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} - at Shoetopia - Supermodel Nude-Black

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Latte Skintone

1. [Liv-Glam]: Palm Springs Mesh Safari Belt

2. FuLo: Sequin Animal Print Bracelet (Gold)

3. Kyxe: Seduction Lip Gloss

4. [S H O C K]: Frosty Penguin Nails

5. EMO-tions: Chevia

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

7. Manifeste Poses

Behind Bars -- Featuring Dot-Be Fashion, [NikotiN], ::Marshmallows::, and Delirium Style

Help! I'm in jail! Okay, I admit. I went searching for a jail where I could film these photos. I had to find a place that really looked like a jail and a place that wasn't ultra busy so I wouldn't have people who came into the camera's view while I was setting up the photos, and asking questions or worse yet, trying to interact with me as if I were in the jail as a set up for some role-play. Places like that are not so easy to find in Second Life. It seems loads of people LIKE being in jail!

Strangely enough, when I got the new [NikotiN] clever little cigarette set, I knew I wanted to blog from a jail cell. I also knew finding one that would not be crowded would be a challenge. Most jails seem to be on Adult sims with all sorts of tricks and traps set up for the epitome of play. I didn't want to step into anyone's trap and have to explain. No no. Really. I'm not here to be... stop. No. Wuf? Really? Okay. I finally ended up here in this little basement room with walls and bars and little else.

I have heard references to jail in all sorts of literature, the movies, and pop music. The allusion to life, where our worlds are bound up behind bars, restrictions, limitations, past choices, makes sense. It's not that different from the physical world, the rock and mortar and the old rusty iron. If I were passionately avid about escaping, I imagine the rust would work in my favor and over time I could wiggle my way out of such a setting. I have to imagine in like manner that I would do the same in life.

I know that those who've lived in an institution like a prison for a good portion of their life have a hard time wanting to come out from behind the bars. Somewhere in their world, the bars became a security that kept them where they actually felt safe. They learned the rhythm of the prison, the day, the night, the people's faces, and what was permitted. Then they learned to beat the system, and get items that were not permitted. I don't think anyone who's been in that situation said, "OH I LOVE IT HERE!"

I get the idea, the being institutionalized, the getting comfortable within a setting, even if the setting is putting bars on your windows and bars on your heart. If it's been a while, and you haven't acknowledged your own bars, things holding you back, I encourage you to take a deep breath of bravery and rattle that rusty cage door till it comes off its hinges. Fight to get back into your life, and do it with head held high. You can't fail if you don't try. You must try.

Life behind bars will always be less than ideal. Only you can make the decision to do something about it. I pray that you do. Take baby steps. Don't rely on the patterns and consistency of the world you're in now, even if there's a sense of peace and understanding. Don't get so comfortable with wherever you've caged yourself in that you don't realize it's a cage. Always... Live! Laugh! Love!

The Dot-Be Aviator Jacket and [NikotiN]'s new cigarette set inspired me. One thing I really love about Dot-Be... every time I try something new from there, it takes me some new 'where' in my head, and shows a diverse style. Not only does Boniefacio create a whole array of women's things from exquisite formals to urban grunge, he does men's things as well, so if you haven't been by to see, it's worth the trip!

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Aviator Jacket and Shirt

Featuring ::Marshmallows:: Nu Sneakers

Featuring Delirium Style Easy Slim Jeans 01

Featuring [NikotiN] Cigarette Premium

1. Pure Poison: Snowman Earrings

2. EnvyMe Samia Skin Fair Light Collection With Makeup

3. Kyxe: Exotic Liner Dual Point

4. Face Paint: Eartha Black Lips

5. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

6. Nikita: Double Density Lashes

7. EMO-tions: Nova

8. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

9. Poses Built In w/Cigarette