Pressing Onward -- New From Analog Dog - New Gifts From Chop Zuey - New From October's 4Seasons

Onward and so forth... Christmas is one of those times of year that push and pull us in multiple directions and even in the best of moments, it can overwhelm us. I felt healthier this year than in many years past, and grateful for the extra bit of energy to get through the last little bit. Now it's done for a year and I'm ready to get on with what we call 'normal'.

Back to football, and bowl games and watching television through eyes that are 'just resting'. The last of Middle Earth came this season and it feels like an era passes. I don't know if it matters what we call normal or how we live day to day. In some ways, I hope I'm like the character Scrooge realizes he wants to be by the end of A Christmas Carol. I'll keep Christmas every day in my heart, do good to others, and make merry. I'll hope the same for you.

MAG created a selection of tops and minis to go together along with multiple styles of stockings/tights. I thought the grey with the rose patterned patches suited me perfectly. I love roses and though it's a little too cold for my roses to begin new Spring growth, that time will soon be here and meanwhile, I can find wonderlands like the one in the photos. Chop Zuey's gifts abound, and will until the end of the month. I'm wearing a combination of the men's items including Chakra Warrior Cuffs, the Crunchy Salamander (does that mean it's crunchy when bitten? ewww), and Razor's Edge Earrings. Also new is October's 4Seasons Keiko in Latte. This skin tone has a middle of the spectrum appeal that's suited for lots of different nationalities depending how you accessorize her. And I'm not sure if the creator at Analog Dog knew how amazing the deal was that she offered on Christmas Day but I could not pass up the opportunity for a few new FREE updos including this one called Chance. Thank you, Analog Dog!

* MAG Frill Dress Light Grey and Roses
* Chop Zuey Chakra Warrior Cuffs Bracelets
* Chop Zuey Crunchy Salamander Brooch
* Chop Zuey The Razor's Edge Earrings
* October's 4Seasons NEW Keiko Latte Black Brows
* Analog Dog Chance

- Liv-Glam Palladium Stud Boots
- October's 4Seasons Candy Ocean Eyeshadow
- October's 4Seasons Glamour Sunset Lips
- Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia
- KaTink Chanel Poses

Standard Items:
-- SLink Hands and Feet
-- KMADD Mesh Eyes

Oh So Naughty, Sexxxy and Fun - Paisley Daisy's Peace On Earth Hunt 7 (POE 7) and Carrie's Lingerie

My latest look comes from two exceptionally sexy designs put together; also shown separate from one another.

Paisley Daisy has a shear Snowflake Gown as it's contribution to the Peace On Earth Hunt 7 (POE 7). There's absolutely nothing hidden when wearing the lacy frock. Depending on your tastes and style, you could really make a special someone very happy to see you. Is it formal? I don't know. You tell me. It's about the naughtiest full length gown I've ever worn!

Carrie's Lingerie created a world of holiday magic for it's customers and pulled out the best of the best for the VIP special section. If you have not ever visited Carrie's, I really encourage you to do so. There are items for men and women. No matter what, your special someone should find you extra sizzling hot to trot in Carrie's designs. Avi Choice created a shopping space this year dedicated to the designers who'd been nominated, and Carrie's was there. Under the tree, an original holiday design was free for the touching, this shear holiday version of Malorie. In it's original form, Malorie breathed sexy, but with the special holiday colors, it's even more able to do so.

It's difficult to catch on a virtual world camera the fact that the white flower from Paisley Daisy that I wore on my head with a puff of roses as well to compliment the lace and the lingerie, it snows. Small specks of snow followed me wherever I ventured, like a little snow cloud that was all my own. This clever little bit of accessory brought a big smile!

Naughty, Sexy, Flirty -- Happy Holidays!

* Paisley Daisy Sheer Snowflake Gown From Peace On Earth Hunt 7 (POE 7)
* Carrie's Lingerie Holiday Malorie

- Chop Zuey Circus Maximus Palladium Set
- Chop Zuey Angels Silver Ring
- October's 4Seasons Cinnamon Skin Tone Special Release
- October's 4Seasons Diva Emerald
- October's 4Seasons Seduction Gloss
- Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia
- Liv-Glam Fancy Heels

Sadly Saying Farewell To FFL 2014 -- Featuring Baboom! from Fashion For Life, Tchelo's from Summer Fashion Festival; New from Liv-Glam, Gaeline and KMADD/Moda

I'm always just a little sad when an event comes to its end but today, it's just a little more sad than the usual. Fashion For Life has run since the beginning of June and tonight, it closes its doors. I believe it's been a successful endeavor to raise money for the Relay For Life/American Cancer Society that are both at the heart of the Fashion For Life project.

I have a sailor's dress and cap from Baboom! that made me smile. I was in the US Navy and remember those caps the boys wore well. In dungarees and boondockers, those hats were so very NOT a fashion statement, but with this cute outfit, Kyra Camel hit it out of the park, and the hat add a saucy playful note to the overall aesthetic. This is the last item I saved to blog for FFL.

In addition, I have a new purse by Tchelo's from Summer Fashion Festival, great SLink related heels from Liv-Glam new this week for sale, brand new released lashes from Gaeline and one of the hair styles I've not yet shown you from KMADD/Moda. The array of new items from around the grid fit together like that 'playing Barbie' puzzle that I love about blogging! I hope you enjoy.

It's not too late to contribute to the Fashion For Life fundraiser. You can go to the sim, or go to their website: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=37321408&fr_id=61576&pg=personal

Thank you to all the designers who contributed to this look and made this blog possible:

Featuring from Fashion For Life Baboom! Sea Day Dress and Hat (Last Day)

Featuring from Summer Fashion Festival Tchelo's Summer Purse

Featuring from Liv-Glam Natasha High Heels SLink

Featuring from Gaeline Natura Mesh Lashes

Featuring from KMADD/Moda Matt

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Spring SLink Nail Appliers

-- Latte Skin Tone Ultra Makeup 04

-- Ripe Grape Matte Lips

2. Moondance: Sayuri Jewelry Set at Fashion For Life (Last Day)

3. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- Female High Feet

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

Liv-Glam Does Specials! -- Featuring 55L Thursday Liv-Glam; Also Featuring Bliensen+MaiTai from Fashion for Life

This is the other outfit I wanted to share today to say thank you to all the designers out there who do bargains and specials. Liv-Glam has one nearly every day of the week, so whether you're a casual clothing lover and would enjoy something like this top and shorts casual outfit, Save the Hero, one of Liv-Glam's 55L looks...

Or you like club gear, glam and elegant... if you poke into Liv-Glam during each week, you're bound to find something that suits and you might just find it at a price you have to love.

Kandinsky, a relatively new designer to me, created such a plethora of unique items for one of the recent events I did, I set aside some of the pieces so I could use them later, like now. The shoes are called Sansa Black Bootie Heels. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, you might recognize the name. I think it might be the inspiration behind the heels. Even so, it made me think of her!

I have more to show from Fashion for Life. Bliensen+Mai Tai have several items, and this set of jewelry with color change options, called Yasemine, can be found there. Also this hair style (seen on another blog of mine) by *~Damesfly can also be found there. If you haven't been to see yet, you should!
To donate directly, please visit:
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?px=37321408&fr_id=61576&pg=personal

My blog would not be possible without these designers. Thank you!

Featuring Liv-Glam for 55L Thursday Save the Hero

Featuring from Fashion for Life Bliensen+MaiTai Yasemine Jewelry

Featuring Kandinsky Sansa Black Bootie Heels

1. From FFL - *~Damesfly Jase

2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Walnut

4. NailedIt: RPH Set

5. SLink: Mid High Female Feet

6. Avante Poses

7. WetCat: Crow Sitting Pose and prop

Life's Tapestry -- Featuring Liv-Glam, *Les Petits Details*, BAOBA, Chop Zuey, Truth, and KaTink

I've done a composite photo, with two smaller photos added, as this is a composite styling that includes designers from all over the place supporting events of all kinds in Second Life. From Couturier's Docks, *Les Petits Details* offers Judith boots. At L'Accessories, you will find this spring welcoming hat from BAOBA.

If you take time to see who's invested time and craft into DOPE Fashion Week, you'd find this new mini from Liv-Glam - Waking Up In Vegas (sounds fun doesn't it!?). KaTink has new releases out that include the pose set Chasing Butterflies and the Backgrounds Pack Soft Blooms both of which are part of a charity drive called the EB Charity Event. Chop Zuey created a whole array of beads in Easter colors and gave them away last weekend to her group.

And last but surely not least, I have a special thank you to the one who sent me a gift card for Truth; I enjoyed the process of narrowing down ideas, til I found a style that suited me and the essence of this time of year, frolicking with butterflies. The more exposure I have to a diverse and free spirited group of designers, content creators, people who love and live a life of joy and value in Second Life, the more I embrace and treasure my experiences. We're all bits of fabric on a massive life tapestry.

The following designers offered an array of frolicking fun and helped create this look:

Featuring KaTink Soft Blooms Background Pack for EB Charity Event Donating 50% of Proceeds

Featuring KaTink Chasing Butterflies Poses for EB Charity Event Donating 50% of Proceeds

Featuring Liv-Glam Waking Up In Vegas from DOPE Fashion Week

Featuring BAOBA from L'Accessories Delicacy Blue

Featuring NEW from Truth Harriet

Featuring Chop Zuey's Easter Gift - A Wee Bit O Easter Beige Pieces

Featuring *Les Petits Details* Judith Boots from Couturier's Docks

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Papaver Skin Tone Makeup 1

2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

3. Candy Nail: Resort Sunset

A Dark Angels - SAVIAD !Lybra and PosESioN, EMO-tions Jewelry and Hair

Every so often I realize I thought I knew something that I didn't really know, like song lyrics, and they made perfect sense to me until I finally read them or heard them one time, and they were so different than what I'd been singing. Sometimes for years!

My Special Thanks To Designers Who Made This Look Possible:

Featuring SAVIAD !Lybra Malificent

Featuring SAVIAD PosESioN Fiero Set

Featuring EMO-tions Ariel Silver and Black Jewelry

Featuring EMO-tions Annie

1. Liv-Glam: Sculpted Lashes

2. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Alabaster Skin Tone

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Glamour Cocoa

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

I feel like that at times when I'm getting dressed, on or off line. Something that I thought might look great together suddenly doesn't look quite right. I don't even know why at times; I just know that it doesn't work. I think with fashion, as with music, seeing it, hearing it, playing it, over and over, teaches a little at a time.

I always knew I liked the theatrical singer Meatloaf. I liked him but not sure I could have told you why. I probably heard his music played umpteen times while I was in middle and high school, and I probably sang along, with words that weren't actually words to the song, trundling along through my teen years.

My sweetheart, he's a music aficionado, and wouldn't dare repeat words unless he'd read the jacket, or the music lyrics online and knew them clearly and correctly. Needless to say I probably irked him a time or two, totally destroying his favorite songs. We were watching American Idol because it's a guilty pleasure and fills the air with sometimes decent music, commenting on the young shaggy singer who was still in the competition last time we watched on demand... a fella who reminded me of Meatloaf.

Now why did he remind me of this singer? I don't know. I barely knew anything about Meatloaf, while Mr. Man knew every lyric it turns out, of this song that lasts 8 and a half minutes. I'm fairly sure they would not let mr. shaggy singer have 8 1/2 minutes on Idol to test his chops on Meatloaf, but it certainly created a fun moment for us. "Why do you like Meatloaf. Do you know what he always had in his hand while he sang?" What difference does it make? This was not the right comment of course. ~laughing~

This song, Paradise By the Dashboard Light, ended up cracking me up as Mr. flipped on YouTube, because you can do that with a PS3, who knew? And we listened to every word while I had the lyrics up on my laptop, trying to please the man, and eventually laughing so hard with him, that we forgot Idol for a bit and just sat there enjoying the amusement.

It's a theatrical song with a story behind it, which makes it make more sense that the song itself is 8 1/2 minutes. Meatloaf and his girl are singing, and at some point, he wants sex, don't we all??!! and she wants to know if he loves her. He asks, "Can I sleep on it?" but she wants to know NOW.

"Will you love me forever

Let me sleep on it

Will you love me forever

I couldn't take it any longer Lord I was crazed And when the feeling came upon me Like a tidal wave I started swearing to my god And on my mother's grave That I would love you to the end of time I swore I would love you to the end of time

So now I'm praying for the end of time To hurry up and arrive 'Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you I don't think that I can really survive I'll never break my promise or forget my vow But God only knows what I can do right now I'm praying for the end of time"

I don't know how many other boys and girls somewhere in their teen years have been through such a conversation, about love, sex and all things important to people that age, but the last part of the song is what tickled me most. He commits, he even agrees that the vow is one he can never break.

I work daily on making sure I get this or that look 'right', and I realize there are times when I completely make things up as I go along, and other times I pour over every little detail and want to know it as clearly as I learned this song. I'm human. You are too, by the way. It's okay not to always get it exactly finitely RIGHT. Sometimes, I think it's just fine to get it the best we can, and get better later. Can I sleep on it?

Gingerbread, So Sweet To Eat -- Featuring Belladonna, Luziefee, Silken Moon, and [Mirror's Enigma]

I'm fanatical at this time of year about Gingerbread. I love the cake, the muffin, the little friends, anything made from this basic holiday staple!

When I was in my teens, I often worked at child care facilities. I grew up taking care of much younger brothers, so it was a smooth fit. I seemed to tell the same stories over and over again. One favorite they wanted to hear was the simpler, sweeter Gingerbread Man.

Later in life, when I had my own children, I think the story had become one of my favorite. We'd get gingerbread men for the holidays and then I'd have to tell the story over and over again. I think children never get enough repetitions of stories and songs and sweets.

No children to entertain in a really long time, except perhaps me. I still send out to my favorite bakery to get the best gingerbread in the universe. I love it on so many levels. 

When I saw Belladonna's cute holiday outfit, it was love at first sight. I pulled on the leather jacket from Silken Moon, to show a different look. There's one other drool in this series... boots!

Live! Laugh! Love! and eat gingerbread.

Featuring Belladonna Gingerbread House Sweater and Pants

Featuring Luziefee Victoria Ankle Boots Milk Choco

Featuring Silken Moon BTBW Leather Jacket The Gang

Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami Native Skintone

1. EMO-tions: Tilda

2. Liv-Glam: Sculpted Lashes

3. MADesigns: Black and White

4. Candy Nail: Enishi White

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

- Adriana Lips Ripe Grapes Gloss

- Devine Eyeshadow Merlot

6. Taken at Image Essentials Photo Set with poses built in to set

The Freedom To Be -- TBCF *Stars Fashion* and POUDRE Also Featuring Lyrical Bizarre

Certifications say on a piece of paper, or on a computer screen a lot of times these days, that you've completed a task well enough to be certified in that field of study. We get to drive once we have certification that we passed the driver's exam. A lot of our life depends on certifications.

Featuring TBCF

- *Stars Fashion* Orange Nature

- POUDRE Kenia MT 06

Also Featuring

Lyrical Bizarre Ajala Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Coffee

2. EMO-tions: Cora

3. Liv-Glam: Sculpted Lashes

4. Finesmith: Belly Gems

5. Manifeste Poses

Like driving a car or earning an EE or ME (Electricians) Degree, a model certification in Second Life says "According to this person or this agency, you've passed the minimum requirements to become a model. All schools are not equal. All educators do not agree with each other. Just as there are different rules on the US driving exam than there are on the UK driving exam, model exams also differ.

Featuring TBCF

- *Stars Fashion* Orange Nature

- POUDRE Kenia MT 06

Also Featuring

Lyrical Bizarre Ajala Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Coffee

2. EMO-tions: Cora

3. Liv-Glam: Sculpted Lashes

4. Finesmith: Belly Gems

5. Manifeste Poses

At first, it's a dream someone has. Maybe a six year old girl sees Danika Patrick get out of an Indy Car and from that moment forward, she's sure she's going to race one day. After the dream comes the work. Driving a car and racing a car have to be very different. For a model, walking and walking as a model are very different. Time, energy, passion and focus are needed, even after basic certification.

Featuring TBCF

- *Stars Fashion* Orange Nature

- POUDRE Kenia MT 06

Also Featuring

Lyrical Bizarre Ajala Jewelry Set

1. IKON: Coffee

2. EMO-tions: Cora

3. Liv-Glam: Sculpted Lashes

4. Finesmith: Belly Gems

5. Manifeste Poses

Somewhere in time, and it varies for each person, the essence of the dream becomes reality. It still takes practice and focus. It takes time. A focused deliberate choice must be made daily to live up to the certification and then some. I think it would be awful to go in for surgery on a day when the doctor woke up and said, "Meh, I don't feel much like being a doctor today. Oh well."

Yet I contend that an end can be reached at some point. The ability to fix an airplane, or operate, or race a car repeats itself often enough that we're able to reach a comfort zone or plateau. I know I have a thousand steps to take in this modeling journey. I know I have much to learn. I need that focus. I need that deliberate stance to do more and do it better every time I do it.

Anxiety and fear no longer have such a fierce grasp on me. I don't fret over every small decision. I do some of what used to be very difficult more quickly. I do some of it better. I know. I see. I feel. And in that process, I discovered a comforting truth. I'm free to be me again, and I love it!

You Work Hard For the Money -- Featuring Liv-Glam, Hairoin, blackLiquid,

It's a catchy phrase that was blasted across the airways in the 80's by Donna Summer. "She works hard for the money so you better treat her right." I know many people thought the sexual revolution in the US occurred many decades earlier, with the Suffragettes, and earning the right to vote. But there was more.

Featuring blackLiquid Kaja Earrings

Featuring blackLiquid Gatsby Makeup

Featuring Liv-Glam Christelle Draped Dress

Featuring Hairoin Cronos
Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Shoe Collector Red Paint

1. Aidoru: Ethnic Dream Necklace

2. Black Ethnik Bangles

3. Glance: Anais

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Golden Kiss Matte Lips

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Face Paint: Gem Eyes Bronze

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

8. In-Pose! taken on site at Image Essentials

Long after women were permitted to vote, it was still unusual for them to work outside the home. In our current age, that seems so foreign but just a little time past in our history, it was very different. Both my grandmothers worked. One was a full time nurse. The other was a part time teacher.

Featuring blackLiquid Kaja Earrings

Featuring blackLiquid Gatsby Makeup

Featuring Liv-Glam Christelle Draped Dress

Featuring Hairoin Cronos
Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Shoe Collector Red Paint

1. Aidoru: Ethnic Dream Necklace

2. Black Ethnik Bangles

3. Glance: Anais

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Golden Kiss Matte Lips

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Face Paint: Gem Eyes Bronze

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

8. In-Pose! taken on site at Image Essentials

The choices they made to work were not easy. In many cases, the fact that women joined the work force when they did changed the course of US History and in a bigger picture, world history for now and a long time to come. By the time my mother made the choice to work, she was supported and not shunned.

Featuring blackLiquid Kaja Earrings

Featuring blackLiquid Gatsby Makeup

Featuring Liv-Glam Christelle Draped Dress

Featuring Hairoin Cronos

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Shoe Collector Red Paint

1. Aidoru: Ethnic Dream Necklace

2. Black Ethnik Bangles

3. Glance: Anais

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Golden Kiss Matte Lips

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Face Paint: Gem Eyes Bronze

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

8. In-Pose! taken on site at Image Essentials

**I could not get over how much the special Red Paint version of the Supermodel Shoe looked like it was designed to accompany the Christelle dress.Featuring Hairoin Alien

But even with support, the rules were different for women in the work force. Cue up the Donna Summer song. A woman went to work, sometimes in a job where her co-workers were all men, did the same job the men did and yet got paid about 30% less then men.

Featuring blackLiquid Kaja Earrings

Featuring blackLiquid Gatsby Makeup

Featuring Liv-Glam Christelle Draped Dress

Featuring Hairoin Cronos

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Shoe Collector Red Paint

1. Aidoru: Ethnic Dream Necklace

2. Black Ethnik Bangles

3. Glance: Anais

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Golden Kiss Matte Lips

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Face Paint: Gem Eyes Bronze

7. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

8. In-Pose! taken on site at Image Essentials

When the laws of the US began to support women's needs for fair pay and other similar controversy, there were people of both genders on either side of the coin, pointing out how wrong (or how right) the laws were and how needed or how much they wasted time.

Featuring Hairoin Alien
Featuring Zanze Debbie Retro
1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
2. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner
3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Milk Skintone
4. Chop Zuey: Winter Berries Set
5. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Post Modernism
6. Wicca's Poses

I think it took a lot of diligence to push past each of these hurdles. I also think that while there were some who argued for and others who argued against the whole concept of women in the public sphere working, they each had some rational arguments and some that were irrational. I see both sides.

Featuring Hairoin Alien
Featuring Zanze Debbie Retro
1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
2. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner
3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Milk Skintone
4. Chop Zuey: Winter Berries Set
5. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Post Modernism
6. Wicca's Poses

Even when women won the right to work, won the right to vote, and won the right to do many things that men had been doing for ages, they still faced adversity. Sometimes it was of a very personal nature, other times it was public. 'Women are too emotional,' they'd say.

Featuring Hairoin Alien
Featuring Zanze Debbie Retro
1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
2. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner
3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Milk Skintone
4. Chop Zuey: Winter Berries Set
5. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Post Modernism
6. Wicca's Poses

I think when you put the word "too" in that sentence, that's where the problem lies. Women are emotional. Men are also. Women can deal with emotion differently then men do and when they are involved, they often bring new perspective to old problems and have helped in many work arenas.

Featuring Hairoin Alien
Featuring Zanze Debbie Retro
1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale
2. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner
3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Milk Skintone
4. Chop Zuey: Winter Berries Set
5. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Post Modernism
6. Wicca's Poses

When I have a chance to work with brilliant women in Second Life, I love it. I know that each of the designers I represent and some who are simply great friends work hard for the money. I don't know who's at home with them, treating them right, but I hope they feel some sense of accomplishment.

I don't know how many hours a week Ms. B from blackLiquid or Samantha from Liv-Glam... Elke from Hairoin or Zzoiee from Zanze... put in to making their product viable, and beyond that, wonderful and useful too. Each devote a part of their soul to make it work though, because whether you see it or not, each tiny pixel is someone's brilliant creation and beautiful art. We support them when we buy from them. They work hard for the money and I do hope they're treated right.

Every Now and Then I See... a New Me -- Featuring blackLiquid, A.F.I Designs, Pure Poison, White Widow, and Liv-Glam

Every now and then, I see a new me. It continues to happen. At first, I thought it was just what I would do when I was in modeling school or working with a new mentor. People critiqued my look often. Some made suggestions while others insisted. I continue to desire to be flexible and work with anyone who's also willing to work with me, so I'd edit me.

Featuring blackLiquid Hair Chen at Couturier's Docks

Featuring A.F.I Designs Flower Power

Featuring Pure Poison Silver Tomnia Jewelry Set at Couturier's Docks

Featuring White Widow Face Tattoo at Couturier's Docks

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone Midnight Nightmares

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips and Silver Eyeshadow

6. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Supermodel MVW Grey

7. Adorkable Poses

I still listen to those I respect in the business. I have gone to get specific skins because a designer would like their photos taken with that skin for my blog. If I'm taken seriously as a blogger, than I repay that with all earnestness for my sponsor, whoever it may be. I don't even mind being something fantastical from time to time, like a fairy or an elf.

Featuring blackLiquid Hair Chen at Couturier's Docks

Featuring A.F.I Designs Flower Power

Featuring Pure Poison Silver Tomnia Jewelry Set at Couturier's Docks

Featuring White Widow Face Tattoo at Couturier's Docks

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone Midnight Nightmares

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips and Silver Eyeshadow

6. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Supermodel MVW Grey

7. Adorkable Poses

A tweak here and a tug there never seem like much. Then I go back and I look at my avi from a month ago or three months ago, and though they always seem similar, I can tell what changes I've made along my journey.

Featuring blackLiquid Hair Chen at Couturier's Docks

Featuring A.F.I Designs Flower Power

Featuring Pure Poison Silver Tomnia Jewelry Set at Couturier's Docks

Featuring White Widow Face Tattoo at Couturier's Docks

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone Midnight Nightmares

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips and Silver Eyeshadow

6. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Supermodel MVW Grey

7. Adorkable Poses

A day or so ago, I saw a lady post in one of the modeling groups a "HELP! I don't recognize me, what do I do?" petition. She'd been to a class or an event where change was encouraged and she'd changed so many elements, she was lost and didn't know herself at all.

Featuring blackLiquid Hair Chen at Couturier's Docks

Featuring A.F.I Designs Flower Power

Featuring Pure Poison Silver Tomnia Jewelry Set at Couturier's Docks

Featuring White Widow Face Tattoo at Couturier's Docks

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone Midnight Nightmares

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips and Silver Eyeshadow

6. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Supermodel MVW Grey

7. Adorkable Poses

Carrie Bridger at Carrie's Lingerie was the first to comment on my shape, about how tiny I was, and suggested I stretch. She found a good price on Marketplace for a couple of shapes and I chose one of those. It was leaner and taller. I went from 5'3 to about 5'7. This was a major change for me!

Featuring Liv-Glam I Love You (But You're Boring)

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Strangelove

3. Liv-Glam: Couture Lashes

4. Noya: Musical Note Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

6. FuLo: Bangles

7. Liv-Glam: Odeur

8. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

9. Focus Poses

The next time someone worked with me on shape occurred at Face Paint. I was new, not even placed yet in their contest, just doing some practice store modeling while the contest was in progress. Eve Express gave me a 'basic model' shape then encouraged me to take it and edit it and make it feel like me. I wasn't sure what felt like me, but I was more than willing to do as she said, and I edited it.

Featuring Liv-Glam I Love You (But You're Boring)

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Strangelove

3. Liv-Glam: Couture Lashes

4. Noya: Musical Note Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

6. FuLo: Bangles

7. Liv-Glam: Odeur

8. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

9. Focus Poses

About three months later, I'd been working with Face Paint during the passage of that time, and Eve set an appointment for me to meet the amazing Ponchituti for a private-ish shape lesson and work on the shape I already had been tweaking. Ms. Ponch gave me a few key pointers that have helped ever since. She said, "Always make a copy of the now you and save it. Then adjust yourself s-l-o-w-l-y.

Featuring Liv-Glam I Love You (But You're Boring)

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Strangelove

3. Liv-Glam: Couture Lashes

4. Noya: Musical Note Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

6. FuLo: Bangles

7. Liv-Glam: Odeur

8. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

9. Focus Poses

Rather than making huge changes, she suggested 2 or 3 points on the slider option built in to creating SL shapes. She said that if I did more than that each time I worked on it, I would send everything pelmel into catastrophe. Sound advice too, because it did help prevent me from that overwhelming sense of "Who am I?"

Featuring Liv-Glam I Love You (But You're Boring)

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. EMO-tions: Strangelove

3. Liv-Glam: Couture Lashes

4. Noya: Musical Note Nails

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

6. FuLo: Bangles

7. Liv-Glam: Odeur

8. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

9. Focus Poses

Later, I bid on personal time with Mr. Frolic. I was enamored by this man and when he wanted to 'take my shape and tweak it some' I was more than eager to comply. He sent me back an updated version of Caryn, but it was by no means finished. He said I would have more work to do when I attended a modeling class. I had already known I wanted to attend Miss Virtual World Modeling Academy.

When the time came, and I did attend the Shape Class portion of MVWMA, I spent an official hour with Ms. Kay Fairey and then later, she worked with me one on one to help me understand the tweaks and changes she'd recommended. I worked on minute details with her and that again was priceless.

I've never had that "Oh no! Where did I go?" reaction to shape editing. I have a short, a tall, a curvaceous, a thin (for mesh) and several other versions of the same me, because regardless what I edit otherwise, I keep the face the same. Though I thought I'd get to a point where I thought I was 'done', I realize now that I was not, nor would I ever be really done with my shape.

I visited Couturier's Docks this morning and found an array of items I thought would accessorize the amazing new Flower Power dress from A.F.I Designs. The Chen hair from blackLiquid paired with Pure Poison's Silver Tomnia jewelry and fantastic eye art from White Widow seemed like they were all from the same puzzle and all I had to do was put it together.

For the Liv-Glam look, I got the dress from the 24 Event. Because I worked for Liv-Glam for a number of months, I know various versions of a dress appear all around the grid at special locations as well as at least one being for sale in the flagship store. I continue to keep all of my Liv-Glam items that include clothing, shoes, jewelry and so much more. When I blog something from Liv-Glam, I try to accessorize with Liv-Glam products.

Under the Sea -- Featuring Liv-Glam, {{BSD Design Studio}}, Hairoin and M&M Sexy Lingerie

When I began blogging, I only took one photo, or if I took more, it was done like a mirror effect so you could see every color in the rainbow sold in any given fat pack. My concept of what was right and what was expected from me as a blogger came from my own sense of fair.

Taken on Location at Elegance by Elysa

--I liked the Tiki Delight Room Divider so I posed in front of it (150L)

Featuring M&M Sexy Lingerie Jaqueline

Featuring Hairoin Arista

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Eliza Peach Skintone

5. N-Core: Chic Rose

6. Manifeste Poses

As time progressed, I grew more comfortable in creating a blog that was about things I really wanted. I chose designers to approach in earnest desire to blog for them carefully and systematically. I knew I would be able to say something good about them because I'd chosen them.

Taken on Location at Elegance by Elysa

--I liked the Tiki Delight Room Divider so I posed in front of it (150L)

Featuring M&M Sexy Lingerie Jaqueline

Featuring Hairoin Arista

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Eliza Peach Skintone

5. N-Core: Chic Rose

6. Manifeste Poses

I know that others blog differently and to each their own. It's a good thing in my opinion that no two people are copies of one another. It would be really boring if all you got were carbon copy clones and everyone said the same thing about everything. Yawn!

Taken on Location at Elegance by Elysa

--I liked the Tiki Delight Room Divider so I posed in front of it (150L)

Featuring M&M Sexy Lingerie Jaqueline

Featuring Hairoin Arista

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Eliza Peach Skintone

5. N-Core: Chic Rose

6. Manifeste Poses

I fear less each time I blog anything. I used to worry over the details, wanting to get everything perfect, which of course is impossible, but I needed to earn my keep so to speak, and continually prove to these designers that they were not wasting their time by letting me blog a copy of their items.

Taken on Location at Elegance by Elysa

--I liked the Tiki Delight Room Divider so I posed in front of it (150L)

Featuring M&M Sexy Lingerie Jaqueline

Featuring Hairoin Arista

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. [Mirror's Enigma]: Eliza Peach Skintone

5. N-Core: Chic Rose

6. Manifeste Poses

Almost everything I did at one time was in a studio setting and on a computer that really didn't have the capability to offer much depth or crispness to the photos. I look at the pictures I took before the new computer and cringe just a little bit, then whisper thanks to all of the people who worked with me.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} IT Girl Shining in Black

Featuring Liv-Glam Alejandro

Featuring Hairoin Dawn

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangy Orange Matte

5. FuLo: Basia Earrings Copper

6. Face Paint: Copper Bangles

Now I deliberately go to unique places like the store Elegance by Elysa and the place "Under the Sea" that sincerely reminded me of The Little Mermaid. Regardless where I go, I know I'll get unique sets, poses and lighting that enhance the varied products I showcase. And I meet new people and have fun.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} IT Girl Shining in Black

Featuring Liv-Glam Alejandro

Featuring Hairoin Dawn

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangy Orange Matte

5. FuLo: Basia Earrings Copper

6. Face Paint: Copper Bangles

I like having a voice people tune in to, to 'listen' to what I have to share. Many have become followers and friends, commenting along the way, offering a hug, thanks, and so much more that's intangible and difficult to explain. Each connection has it's own special place in my life.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} IT Girl Shining in Black

Featuring Liv-Glam Alejandro

Featuring Hairoin Dawn

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangy Orange Matte

5. FuLo: Basia Earrings Copper

6. Face Paint: Copper Bangles

Because I know literally hundreds of people could read my words here, followers from Google+, Blogspot and Facebook, I try to say something of value. I know that many people will share the good and the not so good things about items they review. That just doesn't work for me.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} IT Girl Shining in Black

Featuring Liv-Glam Alejandro

Featuring Hairoin Dawn

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sapphire Tan Skintone

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangy Orange Matte

5. FuLo: Basia Earrings Copper

6. Face Paint: Copper Bangles

I have my gramma's voice in my head reminding me, "Karyn, if you can't say something nice, don't bother to say it at all." So I carefully choose those I follow and represent and cherish the sponsors who work with me. Whether I take you under the sea or across the wild world, I hope it's a joyful journey.

It always is to me!

Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face -- Featuring Carrie's Lingerie, Hairoin, and KL Couture

It's easy to get comfortable with a particular style. When I was in my late teens and early twenties, every single article of clothing I owned was black, white or red. And if it were white or red, it was still primarily black.

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie September VIP Gift

Hairoin Afreet

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Chop Zuey: Tristan Romantika Ring and Bracelet

5. Pink Cherry: Silver and Grey Hoops

6. Thalia's Fashion Boots

7. Doh: Orange Agate Pendant

When I got very close to the special man courting me, his opinion became clear that all the black I wore was depressing and he set out to ease me away from my comfort zone, seeking out colors for the first time. It didn't 'hurt' me at all and it made him smile. I didn't regret adding color in the least.

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie September VIP Gift

Hairoin Afreet

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Chop Zuey: Tristan Romantika Ring and Bracelet

5. Pink Cherry: Silver and Grey Hoops

6. Thalia's Fashion Boots

7. Doh: Orange Agate Pendant

My Second Life attire has had this solid singular approach to clothing and selection of clothing. Prior to modeling, I either wore R-rated outfits or very ladylike things. Both extremes don't seem to go together but I have always been a lady in public and someone sexy in private.

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie September VIP Gift

Hairoin Afreet

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Chop Zuey: Tristan Romantika Ring and Bracelet

5. Pink Cherry: Silver and Grey Hoops

6. Thalia's Fashion Boots

7. Doh: Orange Agate Pendant

When I first met Mr. Frolic, I had no real clue about who he was save his reputation. I heard that you either loved him or hated him. I felt sad that there was such a dichotomy of thought on this. I've always been someone who makes a determined effort to define others on my own without influence of others.

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie September VIP Gift

Hairoin Afreet

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Light Skintone

4. Chop Zuey: Tristan Romantika Ring and Bracelet

5. Pink Cherry: Silver and Grey Hoops

6. Thalia's Fashion Boots

7. Doh: Orange Agate Pendant

One of my first conversations with him came only a few weeks after I began working with Face Paint and his name had come up in conversation with the other models. I knew he engendered many things in others and I wanted to set the tone of our budding relationship in a positive way.

Featuring KL Couture Euphoria Set Jacket, Halter and Leather Mini

Featuring Hairoin Caustic

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. Liv-Glam: Exquisite Boots

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Dark Blue Lips

7. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey Earrings

8. Adorkable Poses and Manifeste Poses

I knew that at some point, I wanted to work for him. I still don't know when that will come to pass, but every time we interacted, I consciously chose to create a connection that I hoped meant something to him while I knew it was meaning something to me.

Featuring KL Couture Euphoria Set Jacket, Halter and Leather Mini

Featuring Hairoin Caustic

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. Liv-Glam: Exquisite Boots

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Dark Blue Lips

7. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey Earrings

8. Adorkable Poses and Manifeste Poses

One of my goals was to get certified by the MVWMA. It had a reputation as being one of the best academies on the grid. It only made sense to approach Mr. Frolic for work after I'd passed the basics test that MVWMA had for everyone who passes through their doors, Mr. Frolic's 105.

Featuring KL Couture Euphoria Set Jacket, Halter and Leather Mini

Featuring Hairoin Caustic

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. Liv-Glam: Exquisite Boots

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Dark Blue Lips

7. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey Earrings

8. Adorkable Poses and Manifeste Poses

It took almost a year, and four attempts, for me to reach my goal. It was only then that I approached him with a desire to work for him. I'd finally made it through the course and now was prepared to contact him personally, offering him my willingness to work for him in some capacity.

Featuring KL Couture Euphoria Set Jacket, Halter and Leather Mini

Featuring Hairoin Caustic

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Croix Exotic Skintone

4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold

5. Liv-Glam: Exquisite Boots

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Dark Blue Lips

7. Chop Zuey: Venetian Honey Earrings

8. Adorkable Poses and Manifeste Poses

One of the words he used to describe me many many times - Safe. This doesn't cut it in 105. I've learned through that experience and life in general since I began modeling. Chantilly lace and a pretty face comes easily or at least more easily to me than edgy, fierce and dark.

Today I share a sexy slinky sweet bit of lingerie, September VIP Gift from Carrie's Linger, and a fierce leather outfit, Euphoria by KL Couture. Neither portray the innocent gentle lady. They push my boundaries. I love the opportunity to do so and when I do, I think of all the wise words I've learned from Mr. Frolic and many other leaders, teachers, model friends, who've encouraged my every step.