Sending Prayers -- Featuring Chop Zuey's Venezuelan Poodle Moth

One of my favorite people in all the virtual worlds that I know, and I admit to only knowing one well and a few others very remotely, has surgery to look forward to in the near future, and while he's waiting, all the worries and what ifs run through his mind like they do for most any one. Juan Delgado affectionately called my Obi Juan Delgado, taught me many times and in that time, many things. My prayers are lifted to him.

I have to be honest. When I went up to Chop Zuey's boutique, I really didn't know what to buy first. I love being one of her models, and I wanted to have a few clothing items to go with my exceptional jewelry collection. I found this unbelievable outfit and it's name, "Venezuelan Poodle Moth" and the notation by the dress, "Google it..." So I did.

I put it on a few times, just because it's sooo unique and fun, but haven't had a real cause to wear it out yet. Maybe one of these days I'll have a party or something fun to attend, and I'll find this adorable little moth again, and the vibrant amazing way Belle Roussel put it together, and smile as I do. Today, I put it together because I was thinking of Mr. Frolic and his surgery and his country and his life and this little moth just seemed to be apt. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and you should -- Google it!

Featuring Chop Zuey Venezuelan Poodle Moth Outfit

Featuring Chop Zuey Circus Maximus Gold Earrings

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. EMO-tions: Grace

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Blossom Special Asian Flowers

4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

-- Female High Feet

5. HOLLYHOOD: Gold Mya Heels

6. Corpus Poses

Rock Your Rack and Rock Some More -- Featuring Nya's Closet at RYR, Plus New From no. 7 and !Lyrical B!zarre Templates!

Do you ever find yourself pausing and remembering that this is supposed to be fun? Once in a while, I realize that I'm getting ultra serious about everything, every deadline, every need here and there. I want to be professional and I want to retain my 'good name'. Those are both important. But I think one of the reasons we spend any time online (or anywhere else in our life) is to have fun.

When I created the look that went with this eccentric dress, one of Nya's Shop exclusives from Rock Your Rack, I deliberately went over the top. I was thinking about the vibrant colors of Tokyo fashion and how the world really feels so small when we interact online with one another but it's so huge when we're thinking of the distance from Tinyville SC to Tokyo, and all the wild and wonderful things the world offers beyond my front door.

I have a new head piece from Lyrical B!zarre Templates as well as new makeup from no. 7. With a compilation of all the things, the world spinning till it becomes a rainbow of brilliant color, shining brighter and brighter, I was really glad to tap into that fun moment and share this sneak peek to the Rock Your Rack Event.

Please mark your calendar for September 1 thru September 15 to shop for content created just so we can raise money to find a cure for breast cancer. There are donation jars all over the sim where this event will take place and there's an online option to donate directly found here:

https://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=283425

Featuring Nya's Closet Rock Your Rack Exclusive Ethnic Dress

Featuring no. 7 Fantasy in Festive Season

Featuring !Lyrical B!zarre Templates Regina Headdress

1. blackLiquid: Marker

2. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

3. EMO-tions: Mantus

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

-- Glamour Lips Sunset

-- Mystic Eyeshadow #1

5. Moondance Boutique: Passionate Heart 3d

-- Charlotte Earrings

6. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

7. [Liv-Glam] Boutique - Parrow Thigh Strapped Boots

Using My Living Imagination -- Featuring *LI* Living Imagination, and A&A Hair

Couturier's Docks will have a whole array of new items very soon and this stunning gown from Living Imagination will be there. It's called Angel Garden - Heaven, and it made me feel like I was wearing a little piece of heaven. I wore one of her gowns for my MVW audition on Saturday and I'm including a photo of that gown as I styled it as well. I'm grateful to Bodza Mubble for her support and friendship.

I have one of those special sister friends who's always looking out for me, holding my hand when I'm anxious, listening when I need to talk, and who bonks me over the head when it's needed. She pointed out this hair style from A&A - Viennara. I hadn't been to that store in ages.

I'm not always sure how to style the darker skins from Kyxe Skins & Shapes but I love that she and other gorgeously darker skinned ladies have offered their input. And I love the challenge. Why do I change skins all the time instead of sticking with one? Because one of the nicest people I've met creates them in 12 shades and I want to represent all of them as part of her team of Kyxe Beauties. Laila will release in all 12 shades over the next few weeks and I look forward to showing you all of them!

Featuring Living Imagination Angel Garden - Heaven from Couturier's Docks August

Featuring A&A Viennara Hair Mixed Brown

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. Maxi Gossamer: Swallow Wings

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

-- Innocence Eyeshadow Spring

4. Morphine: Ghail's Chic Mint

5. Manifeste Poses

*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

I Need a Hero -- Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe at Gypset; Moondance Boutique, Lindy Shoes and -{ZOZ}- at Designer Showcase, and h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe

I have the jacket from her Nancy Tux on, along with the handbag for the same outfit. These items have been available at Gypset, until the end of July, so hurry! You'll also note new items from h.m.a.e.m. - the Sultana Pants in pink, new items from August's Designer Showcase - Lindy Madlin Black Heels, -{ZOZ}- (omgossshhhh I love ZOZ!!) Basic Polish nails and Moondance Boutique beautiful necklace that has a gorgeous chain in front and also drapes elegantly in back. Since you can't see the back in these photos, I'll use the necklace another time this month to share.

--- Longer Note Follows -- Featuring Heroes and Wicca Merlin Specifically

 I celebrate heroes who have impacted my life in a variety of ways. I do this in an internet/virtual world sort of way and also in the world away from the net. These heroes have come along at times in my world where I really needed them, where they really exemplified quality and character, love and compassion, intelligence and direction. These heroes helped create the me that I am today and I know that because life is ever evolving, I haven't met the last hero who will influence my life yet, and I hope I don't for a very long time.

I know she doesn't have a FB name, but she probably has numerous friends and followers and supporters who do know her via this medium. I know she has more on her blog (I'll share her links below) and more in the world we share in Second Life because she's a dynamic model, educator, blogger and above all, friend. Today, I have on some of her items and every time I wear something from Wicca's Wardrobe, I try to think like a Wicca.

Wicca Merlin offers a perspective in modeling that changed the face of pretty in Second Life. She took her sense of self, sense of aesthetic, sense of style and then embodied it. I don't know if she's ever won awards for her amazing work. I do know that I've heard her speak several times and have taken classes where she was the educator. Every time I've been in her company, I've learned something new.

When I say I try to think like Wicca, there's a catch. The thing is, I think that Wicca asserts her will and desire to be different, to break the mold, to do what feels most like self, and though she respects the middle ground, the norm, the whatever many people might call modeling, she acknowledges, and then does what works for her. Thinking like Wicca then means to me... thinking like a me. I see influences all around me. I love a few bloggers and acknowledge their influence. I've had some amazing educators and friends who've helped. Ultimately though, I had to figure out Caryn. I think maybe Wicca might have been the most instrumental in my world related to that topic.

Even if you're new to Miss Virtual World Modeling Academy and you're taking your first class, 101 and you happen to get Ms. Wicca, who will apologize profusely for not speaking English well and then speak it brilliantly for the next hour or so, you will likely see and hear what I mean. Who is this off beat, wonderfully unusual person teaching this class? Am I in the right place? Just because she doesn't look like your canned version of model doesn't mean she's not a great model. I hope many people have a chance to know her, and in that, I hope they have also a chance to know self. If you see that she's speaking somewhere, you should go and listen. And now, because she wasn't already busy enough in SL fashion, she owns her own store and it's awesome too!

Featuring from Wicca's Wardrobe Gypset July Nancy Tux Jacket and Handbag

Featuring from Moondance Boutique at Designer Showcase Oscare Drape Necklace

Featuring from Lindy Shoes at Designer Showcase Madlin Black Heels

Featuring from -{ZOZ}- Shimmer Basics Polish (Hands and Feet)

Featuring from h.m.a.e.m. at Trempe Sultana Pants Pink

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone (Hannah)

-- Pink Berries Matte Lips

-- Electra Barbie Eyeshadow

3. MG: Groomed Lashes

4. SLink: Mid-Feet Female

-- Hands Elegant 1

5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

6. PoSeSiOn Poses

Hard On the Outside; Soft On the Inside -- Featuring from The Month of Games Boudoir and 69 Park Avenue

I'm back just in time to wrap up the Month of Games event the last few days it will be playing. Siren Productions always puts together an awesome array of events and this one was even better than others, I think, because the theme really pushed designers to think outside maybe their normal range of ideas, and encourage everyone to have fun, and think 'game.'

Boudoir put together several really playful composite outfits and I chose to share this one, The Chess Queen. It's a little bit naughty but isn't that what you expect from a place that features fancy lingerie and bits and pieces meant to tempt and tease your special someone?

I also found a pair of mens boots I really liked in one of the outfits that was marked as a male outfit. I do like to borrow from men's clothing designers all the time, especially accessories. The essence of hard and soft appeals to me, and expresses a good estimate of me, the person behind the text and pixels. I'm hard on the surface, sometimes even perceived as cold by those who know me off line, but inside, I just want to be snuggled, to be loved, and to love and snuggle others. The boots from 69 Park Avenue from their King Justice outfit added just the toughness I sought.

Featuring from The Month of Games Boudoir Chess Queen

Featuring from The Month of Games 69 Park Avenue King Justice (boots)

Featuring from [no. 7] Circus Boop Makeup

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. EMO-tions: Susannah

3. Gaeline: Magnificia

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skin Tone - Hannah

5. Manifeste Poses

Such A Strange Day -- Featuring [[Masoom],

Here lately, I've had absolutely no control over my schedule regarding sleep, rest, awake time, or whatever else you call it when you're teetering somewhere in the ethos of none of the above... and it's something I just accept. Life gives us all sorts of strange hurdles. One day it might be a conflict with a friend. Another day it may be (not so) simple insomnia. When I can identify a problem, I can trouble shoot till I can solve it, but some things in life cannot be addressed so clearly or fixed so easily.

A friend mentioned that they were in for another sleepless night, and sounded quite frustrated by it, I could understand his frustration. Once our sleep clock gets off tilt, things in the rest of our world seem to get off tilt too. I know that without sleep, our cells cannot regenerate, the body has a more difficult time fighting infection, and dealing with all the things it's supposed to do while our body lays primarily inactive for a good 8 hours. Insomnia that occurs regularly may even become life threatening.

I offered some suggestions to the friend, commiserated, and then went on with my unpredictable evening. Those suggestions mostly came from other friends who were also trying to help me cope with my bouts of insomnia in the past. After experiencing things repetitively, even things that aren't as good for us as other things, I think we have the opportunity to adapt to it, learn from it, and make the best of it. I think if I kept dwelling on an issue, I could make it worse.

Whatever the quirky thing is that happens to you today, or tomorrow, or next week, I hope that you have the friends in your world who want to reach out and offer suggestions. I hope you find a way to listen with your heart, and realize that even if those suggestions sound silly, friends say things like that in effort to help. I hope you realize that some things happen we cannot control and if we acknowledge them and work to adapt to them, less stress attaches itself to that thing and it doesn't have the power to affect us as profoundly.

I may have a zombie-esque night. It won't be the end of the world. I'll do small things here and there that I enjoy. I know a few people in every time zone, and I'll catch up with those who may be awake now when they rarely are in my natural time zone. And I'll embrace my three words and hope you do also, "Live! Laugh! Love!"

Featuring [[Masoom]] Beyonce Gown - Coming to the Singer Icon Fair

-- http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/X%20BrEeDeRs%20Market/223/229/2

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Glam Futuristic SLebrity Wood 1 - Coming to Dreams Way Charity Event

-- http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Saint%20Tropez/194/127/22

Featuring Kyxe Vixen Shadow Collection - Emerald

Featuring .::Shellac Slink Nails Spill

1. Poetic Color: Autumn Moon

2. EMO-tions: Fame

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily

4. Slink: Elegant 1 Hands

5. FINESMITH: Folieole Sunflower Bronze Bracelet

6. FINESMITH: Winter Drops Natural Set

7. Face Paint: Violet Liner

8. [[Masoom]] Poses

9. Manifeste Poses

What Are Words For? -- Featuring Romance Couture Gowns and {{BSD Design Studio}}

Recently, the people behind the new store Romance Couture opened their store with the flourish that can only be matched by the lavishly appointed gowns they sell. I've never had a reason to wear such extravagant gowns in my world off line, but a girl can dream.

Featuring }RC{ Romance Couture Wraith Night (group gift)

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Carpe Diem Brown Croco Black

Featuring Kyxe Shapes & Skins

- Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

- Brown Diamonds

Featuring Chop Zuey Crux Invictus Women's Necklace

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Deeses Skins: Loreen

5. Face Paint: Eye Liner

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Apple Blossom with Gloss

7. Quentessencia: 17 Nails Square

In addition to opening their store, they've also introduced a new contest, one seeking the best representative to wear their items and represent their brand. I hope that the contest draws models in from all over the grid at all levels of experience.

Featuring }RC{ Romance Couture Wraith Night (group gift)

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Carpe Diem Brown Croco Black

Featuring Kyxe Shapes & Skins

- Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

- Brown Diamonds

Featuring Chop Zuey Crux Invictus Women's Necklace

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Deeses Skins: Loreen

5. Face Paint: Eye Liner

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Apple Blossom with Gloss

7. Quentessencia: 17 Nails Square

Sometimes new businesses in Second Life seem to have to work extra hard those first few days and weeks of existence, just to get noticed. People who might enjoy their garments choose not to buy right away because they want to see how the public in general responds to the new store.

Featuring }RC{ Romance Couture Ava Dress Rose

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Carpe Diem Brown Croco Black

Featuring Kyxe Shapes & Skins

- Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

- Brown Diamonds

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Deeses Skins: Loreen

5. Face Paint: Eye Liner

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Apple Blossom with Gloss

7. Quentessencia: 17 Nails Square

8. Jewelry by Jake: Valencia Set

Clever use of advertisement help any store at any stage. I know that in those early days, it's challenging to figure out what to do, how to best expose a brand, and all those choices seem a bit like a tidal wave that threatens to take down everything before you get started.

Featuring }RC{ Romance Couture Rea Red (Finesmith Bazaar)

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Carpe Diem Brown Croco Black

Featuring Kyxe Shapes & Skins

- Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

- Brown Diamonds

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Deeses Skins: Loreen

5. Face Paint: Eye Liner

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Apple Blossom with Gloss

7. Quentessencia: 17 Nails Square

8. Jewelry by Jake: Valencia Set

9. Demise of Flight Poses

Store blogs tell an item's story from the viewpoint of the designer. Between the photographs and the words shared, customers will choose to risk or not to risk buying something. It's the best time to get involved in any business, on or off line, because when you're new, you really cannot go backwards. The only direction then is forward.

Featuring }RC{ Romance Couture Rea Red (Finesmith Bazaar)

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Carpe Diem Brown Croco Black

Featuring Kyxe Shapes & Skins

- Dark Golden Sparkle Shadow

- Brown Diamonds

1. Poetic Color: Quicksilver

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. Deeses Skins: Loreen

5. Face Paint: Eye Liner

6. Kyxe Shapes & Skins: Apple Blossom with Gloss

7. Quentessencia: 17 Nails Square

8. Jewelry by Jake: Valencia Set

9. Demise of Flight Poses

I think bloggers have become important to the overall mechanism of branding and advertising clothing. What are words for? when a blogger shares a designer on their blog? How do those words convey data, energy, and emotion? How do you feel after you've read the blog. Some bloggers are careful to keep their blog very professional and non-emotional. Others go in another direction. The designer has to find the right fit, and if they do, the words of the bloggers they choose should enhance their business.

Trying With All That Is In You -- TBCF 1mm, 7 Deadly s{K}ins, [ME], AIDORU, Axix Animation, shine by [ZD], Kaithleen's, ~Shabby Cat

**Special thanks to jan1 Ying aka Jan Bacon for joining me so I could take the pairs pose photographs.

As I watch a variety of reality television programs, I'm most often drawn to those that emanate a genuine sense of reality. I know that behind the scenes, many so called real shows are orchestrated to follow a loose script, planned and sometimes a scene occurs that producers end up redoing to make it better or more believable. More believable than reality?

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

Some of these shows seem to test endurance while others appear to provoke passion. Depending on the type of show, people from all walks of life end up finding their way to that one moment that may make or break them; and find that one moment where they have to give everything.

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

I know very little about the Real World show that supposedly kickstarted America's hunger for reality television, but I do know a little bit about a lot of the ones that have ensued. I know you can search for love, find a millionaire matchmaker, have your tea leaves read, live in a house with countless strangers, eat peanut butter for a week as 'punishment' and feel as though you're dying of boredom.

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

Are you the best dancer? The best cook? Is your passion singing? What is it that you've always wanted to do with your life but never thought you would have the chance? Dreams are valuable. I think without them, we'd live a very uneventful life. If a dream cannot reach fruition, however, it can hurt to the core.

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

What are you going to be when you grow up? This question pops up along life's journey for every person in every corner of the world. It likely begins with life's first steps and doesn't cease until we die. I know at my age, I still have a sense of "When I grow up, I'm going to..."

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

Certain fields of interest may be easier than others to follow. Some take huge sacrifices of time, of money, of love, of endurance and ultimately even with all that has been sacrificed, no guarantee exists that you actually end up doing that singular thing that you've wanted to do all your life.

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

I love to watch the family members reactions most of all on these type of shows. They know how much their loved one has put into that single moment. Fathers, sisters, aunts and grandparents devoted their time as well to this moment. When I see their eyes light up, the pride shining, I'm more touched than words could say.

TBCF

- 1mm Hippie Headband

- AIDORU 70s Tartan Boots

- shine by [ZD] Laeticia Mesh Tunic Creme

- Kaithleen's Corduroy Wide Legs Pants Black

- ~Shabby Cat Braided Leather Bracelet (black band)

- 7 Deadly s{K}ins Boho Special Dark

- Axix Animation Love & Peace (Pair pose set)

1. blackLiquid: Marker Deluxe

2. blackLiquid: Liquid Glaze Autumn 13

3. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

4. EMO-tions: Nova

5. Candy Nail: TieDye

6. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka EyeShadow 04 w/Liner

7. Manifeste Poses

Positive energy seems to envelope some of these shows while pure raw evil takes over on others. If it's too intensely ugly, I do not continue to watch. I have a really great box full of noise cancelling ear buds. When positive energy comes through the screen and touches me, I feel something special, as if I were right there next to those beaming family members.

Sometimes my journey through Second Life feels like I'm living out a role on reality television, and my goals are high. I do not compete with others, however. I prefer competing with myself. I want to grow more capable daily. At first, modeling and fashion were a distraction. Now this is something that I try with all that is in me... to succeed.

This Magic Moment -- Featuring TBCF Poudre, *Pc*, cae.b, [[Masoom]]

In every relationship you'll find this magic moment. It's the moment you realize you trust someone. To me trust means far more than love. I know, others may disagree, but I will share my point of view. Some of my point of view may relate to how I was raised, and your point of view reflects the same.

Featuring TBCF

- Poudre Kenia 06 CL - MT

- *Pc* Earrings Lulia

- cae.b - One Strange Necklace

- cae.b - The Escape Shoes

- [[Masoom]] Amita Dress

Also Featuring

FINESMITH October Evil Nails

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. *booN: CCV788

3. Manifeste Poses

Love must exist. I think it's one of those precious things we need to survive. We eat. We drink. We sleep. We shelter ourselves from the climate. And we also love. With the variety of relationships, that love manifests itself differently. I try to be sure that I use love as a verb, as a thing I do in life.

(Caption: This paisley dress Amita from [[Masoom]] has that playful, devil may care, spirit of the Bohemian culture.)

Featuring TBCF

- Poudre Kenia 06 CL - MT

- *Pc* Earrings Lulia

- cae.b - One Strange Necklace

- cae.b - The Escape Shoes

- [[Masoom]] Amita Dress

Also Featuring

FINESMITH October Evil Nails

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. *booN: CCV788

3. Manifeste Poses

Many texts speak of love. They date back as far as the first time a written/spoken language occurred. Some focus on a religious aspect of love, while others believe love exists just because it exists and they assign no specific religious association.

(The shiny earrings from *Pc* come with a HUD that allows you to mix and match colors.)

Featuring TBCF

- Poudre Kenia 06 CL - MT

- *Pc* Earrings Lulia

- cae.b - One Strange Necklace

- cae.b - The Escape Shoes

- [[Masoom]] Amita Dress

Also Featuring

FINESMITH October Evil Nails

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. *booN: CCV788

3. Manifeste Poses

Love! It's an action we should all take. Love exists easily when life spins wildly and with great amusement. Love exists less easily during times of crisis. I try to find something of value, thus something worth loving, in every person I meet. I believe the loneliest people are the ones who have no idea how to feel or share love. My goal - Love Unconditionally.

(cae.b showed a very artistic point of view, even in the naming of the products. A Strange Necklace and Escape Shoes both truly suit the overall aesthetic.)

Featuring TBCF

- Poudre Kenia 06 CL - MT

- *Pc* Earrings Lulia

- cae.b - One Strange Necklace

- cae.b - The Escape Shoes

- [[Masoom]] Amita Dress

Also Featuring

FINESMITH October Evil Nails

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. *booN: CCV788

3. Manifeste Poses

Trust. Not so easy. It really takes time for me to trust. Time. Consistency. Genuine. These are all words I believe must be present before I consider trusting someone. My standards are high or my defense mechanisms are Fort Knox-like. When trust finally comes, it's a magical moment, a special experience that I never forget.

Let Me Count the Ways -- TBCF MM5, *SLAVE*, Dulce Secrets, JPK

Sometimes when we're most affected by something or someone, we're least able to speak about it. It could be something that we think about or daydream about all through a day, but to actually say it? Too scary!

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- MM5 Rock! Funny Halloween Hat

- *SLAVE* Missy Shoes

- *SLAVE* Kat Bow Top

- *SLAVE* Jeans

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blanc Agate Furor

- JPK Rune Earrings Orange

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Madame

3. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

4. Manifeste Poses

I think the internet and chat specifically prompted me to utilize all the communication skills I'd learned growing up and express myself fairly well most of the time. I realized quickly that when exchanging instant messages, a lot could be lost in translation.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- MM5 Rock! Funny Halloween Hat

- *SLAVE* Missy Shoes

- *SLAVE* Kat Bow Top

- *SLAVE* Jeans

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blanc Agate Furor

- JPK Rune Earrings Orange

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Madame

3. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

4. Manifeste Poses

I also learned fairly early in my internet journey that people cannot read my mind. A few over the years have taken time to know me and had a better chance of reading my mood, but no, not one, none... ever learned to read my mind.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- MM5 Rock! Funny Halloween Hat

- *SLAVE* Missy Shoes

- *SLAVE* Kat Bow Top

- *SLAVE* Jeans

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blanc Agate Furor

- JPK Rune Earrings Orange

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Madame

3. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

4. Manifeste Poses

I choose to be blunt. I also choose to do my best not to hurt anyone's feelings, not strangers, not friends. Sometimes being blunt and protecting someone's feelings cross purposes. That's when every ounce of skill you ever learned in communication comes in handy.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- MM5 Rock! Funny Halloween Hat

- *SLAVE* Missy Shoes

- *SLAVE* Kat Bow Top

- *SLAVE* Jeans

- Dulce Secrets Starley Blanc Agate Furor

- JPK Rune Earrings Orange

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Madame

3. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige

4. Manifeste Poses

I will articulate to you clearly how I feel about you, what I think about something you said, or other opinion type details... if you ask. Some long time ago, a sonnet writer began a poem, "How do I love Thee, let me count the ways." I clarify, explain, repeat... until I've said something well enough that you can understand me. Let me count the ways.

Message In a Bottle -- Featuring TBCF ArisAris, Poudre, avd, AIDORU, Bliensen and MaiTai, Apple Spice

Does anyone ever mail paper letters with stamps on the corner, sent by train or plane to the person you want to receive it?

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- ArisAris Sascha Boots

- Poudre Kenia Skin

- *avd* Bohemian Lemonade Outfit

- AIDORU BoyGeorge 80s Hat

- Bliensen MaiTai Saucer Green Earrings

- Apple Spice Blogger Poses 1

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Nelli

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails

5. Finesmith: Chakra Belly Jewel

I remember hearing stories of the Pony Express, the postal system that the US used prior to the US Postal Service. They bragged that they would bring the mail, rain or shine.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- ArisAris Sascha Boots

- Poudre Kenia Skin

- *avd* Bohemian Lemonade Outfit

- AIDORU BoyGeorge 80s Hat

- Bliensen MaiTai Saucer Green Earrings

- Apple Spice Blogger Poses 1

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Nelli

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails

5. Finesmith: Chakra Belly Jewel

When I think of the early developments of towns and cities and the huge numbers of people who lived on farms with their nearest neighbor 20 or 50 miles away, and then think of the mail carrier galloping over mountains and through forests and crossing rivers to meet the expectations, I'm in awe.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- ArisAris Sascha Boots

- Poudre Kenia Skin

- *avd* Bohemian Lemonade Outfit

- AIDORU BoyGeorge 80s Hat

- Bliensen MaiTai Saucer Green Earrings

- Apple Spice Blogger Poses 1

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Nelli

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails

5. Finesmith: Chakra Belly Jewel

I learned penmanship in grade school. I graduated to 'adult' writing somewhere around the fourth or fifth grade, practicing cursive. Now they're considering removing the cursive writing part of the public school curriculum completely. It's archaic.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- ArisAris Sascha Boots

- Poudre Kenia Skin

- *avd* Bohemian Lemonade Outfit

- AIDORU BoyGeorge 80s Hat

- Bliensen MaiTai Saucer Green Earrings

- Apple Spice Blogger Poses 1

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Nelli

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails

5. Finesmith: Chakra Belly Jewel

No one sits down to write a letter with pen and paper, then waits for 2 to 6 months for a reply. It's not necessary. With the invention of the telephone, many messages could be exchanged within minutes of thinking up the topic.

Featuring Items from The Boho Culture Fair

- ArisAris Sascha Boots

- Poudre Kenia Skin

- *avd* Bohemian Lemonade Outfit

- AIDORU BoyGeorge 80s Hat

- Bliensen MaiTai Saucer Green Earrings

- Apple Spice Blogger Poses 1

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. EMO-tions: Nelli

3. Gaeline: Fantasia

4. [S H O C K]: Animalier Nails

5. Finesmith: Chakra Belly Jewel

I think the students in those fourth or fifth grade classes are bored because they're forced to learn computer skills, which they already knew before they ever began attending school. They don't need to use cursive anymore. They have computers that share not only instant messages, but also instant information. Gone are the days of sending a message in a bottle and the Pony Express.

News travels fast. I'm part of that process. I'm glad you make time to read my version of the message in a bottle, my blog.

Pushing Boundaries -- Featuring A.F.I Designs and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

I have been pushing the edge of what I know to new extremes here in Second Life as well as my paint program. I use Corel Draw X4 for those who know about those details. I edit most of what I do with simple cropping, the occasional retouch of a missed pixel, but not too much of the fancy stuff.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I want to learn the fancy stuff, and I imagine that's why I'm in the process of asking questions to those I know who are already fantastic artists in this realm. Not every artist works with fashion, and that's neat too, and exposes me to other points of view. I get impatient with myself at times.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I think I've always been that type of personality. Once I set my mind to learn something, I will eventually learn it but I'm my own worst critic and I always want to know it all NOW and I want it to look GREAT the first time out of the starting gate. Both of which, of course, make no rational sense.

Featuring A.F.I Designs Gold Nuvo

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Marigold Skin

-- Kyxe mesh hands

-- Kyxe mesh feet

-- Kyxe Adriana Lips Orange Gloss

-- Kyxe Green Grapes Sparkle Eye Shadow

1. Poetic Color: Rain Tree

2. Hairoin: Pheasant Phlower

3. Exodi: Silver Flicker

4. Kastle Rock: Italia Bandeau Top

5. Poses built into studio at The Creative Loft

I've done other things in Second Life; I've done a lot of other things really. Every 4-6 months, I put one idea down and try another. I get bored easily, or have gotten bored easily in the past. This thing with fashion, and modeling, and photography and blogging though... it challenges me, and after 2 years and 2 months I'm still working towards goals. I know I have a long way to go, but I know that with each step I take, and each boundary I push, I get a little closer.

Halloween Fun -- Featuring Baboom!

I get attached to different people in different ways, which makes sense, as it's not that different online than off line. I get to know people I see more often better than those who's only crossed my path once or twice.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

From time to time I have the joy of working with people from all sorts of places in the world where their first language is something other than English and they speak/type English really well in Second Life yet spend a lot of time apologizing for not doing so. One of those neat people is Kyra Camel.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Kyra creates an array of items, from gowns to casual wear, hats and shoes, and when you visit Baboom! you immediately get a sense for the talent of this neat woman. She speaks German as a first language and communicates terrifically well in English too!

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Summers can be difficult in Second Life business and this past summer was no different. People go on vaca, they spend time with children who are at home for the summer, and so many diversions distract them (and it's a healthy thing too!!) so they're not as avidly invested in Second Life.

Featuring Baboom! Happy Pumpkin Dress

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon Eyes

2. EMO-tions: Irina

3. Wretched Dolls: Broken Dollie Skin

4. Chop Zuey: Itsy Bitsy Spider

5. Turn`n`Talk Doll Key

6. In-Pose! Poses

Sometime in late Summer, I spoke briefly with Kyra. She had been working hard, creating all that she sold and sells at Baboom! and was feeling the crunch of summer numbers not being easy and I could tell she was frustrated with it.

This last summer, a number of stores closed their doors. When that happens, the people disperse. Some leave. Some recreate themselves under new names. Some even get new names and then open new stores. I sensed for Kyra though, that this was a make or break time. I'm so glad she chose to make it work another year, and now here we are at the end of October, and she's got this amazingly crafted dress out to entice you to visit and enjoy all things Baboom!

--P.S. Some people have already asked me about the skin. I've been in Second Life a very long time. Many things people created years ago are not useful in this newer, fancier SL, but now and then items in my inventory stand the test of time. The creator 'Wretched Dolls' made outfits suitable to the Lewis Carroll version of Alice in Wonderland, and this skin was one of many items I loved and used from that designer. I don't even know if the store exists, or if the person who made the store successful is in SL at this time.