Fairytales Can Come True; They Can Happen To You -- Featuring Sabra Style, {{BSD Design Studio}} and Wicca's Wardrobe

What a difference a day makes. I'm not one who gets too tied into a specific day because I've had health issues that were indiscriminatory as the good or not so good days happened every day, special days, regular day, it didn't matter. It means I grew up learning to be flexible and also to make the best of the good moments so that when another dark valley swooped in for a few weeks or days or months, I'd have something warm and wonderful stored up in memory, close to my heart; I used those positive memories to support me. This week was part of our annual beach trip. In recent years, I've traveled and stayed in one place for two weeks consecutively. Unfortunately, the military status and leave and all that jazz is slightly different at the moment, so I'm at Myrtle this week and this time next month, I'll be at Taibee Island Georgia. I love getting away from the same four walls, even when I'm not in the best of health or head space. I also know it helps my sweetheart. I was unplugged for a bit more than 24 hours this year, just to make sure he knew he was the heart and soul of my life, and nothing was more important than him and his special day. We ate well, played well, went to see the One Show tonight, and then he's snoring and I'm writing briefly to each of you on Facebook.

It's never too late to keep up with family and friends. It's never too late to have a small vacation. An actress on one of the day time talk shows commented about making time for 'me parties'. She just put on her favorite pj's, had wine, listened to her favorite music and even danced. Sometimes we need a me party and sometimes, like today, I needed a we party. I think he does an amazing job of taking care of the details. My thought patters get terribly crossed, and not intentionally so. But when I can put aside my needs and stresses that I seem to heap on his head, I think he really does try to relax and enjoy a day all about him.

I had fun the day before yesterday putting this latest 'spy girl' look. Once dressed, I thought about the story of Black Bart and his cronies who were trying to come across the back yard of the little fella on A Christmas Story. The traditional mask paired with the black and white stripes of prison uniforms in that time period. I could have snuck away with something. I'm just not sure what I would want to take. I'd make a very bad cat burglar. I'm sure I'd sit and enie-meanie-minie-moe and my partners in crime would shake there heads and whisper as loud a whisper as possible, "Let's Go Karyn!" The Tori gown in black and white and encircled at the ankles with mounds of dark swan feathers comes from Sabra Style. The mask comes from the always clever Wicca Merlin at Wicca's Wardrobe. You'll notice a small pink bag, over the shoulder. From BSD Design studio, this bag comes with color change options on a HUD allowing you to make it suit any style and interest.

All the joy of this blog and style come as a result of a compilation of talented designers:

Featuring Sabra Style Tori Black

Featuring Wicca's Wardrobe Black Mask with Studs

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Resort Bag Pink

1. Moondance Boutique: Livia

2. Caryn - Tattoo - No Hate

3. [Chic Zafari]: Rose Hair

4. SLink: Elegant 1 Hands

5. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Latte Skin Tone

6. Poetic Color Eyes: Quick Silver

Always Classy, Always Sexy, Always Carrie's - Featuring Carrie's Lingerie, EMO-tions, SoliDea Follies

No matter where modeling takes me, or blogging or any other fashion connection, my first love of modeling came from Carrie's Lingerie.

It's raining hearts at Carrie's. Both down in the main store and up in the VIP sphere, hearts are falling everywhere.

Elizabeth in green, this satiny sexy new VIP gift, allures with both a lingerie option and an evening gown choice. Paired with new jewelry from Chop Zuey and EMO-tions "Love" hair, I'm dressed and ready for love.

As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose. Love is. It's a verb we all should do regularly. Not Sex. That's fun too, don't get me wrong. But love. That's the key. Back down in the main store, I have one of the Valentine looks from another season, an outfit that was loaded into the Mania board, Spicy Valentine.

Still wearing Spicy, I popped over to SoliDea Follies and found the cutest little head pieces, one a gift and another was a hunt item. Both were white and whimsical.

At Carrie's you'll always find a hunt or two in progress. I found a whole array of Crazy Hearts items hidden around the store in one of Carrie's in house hunts. Items for the men are always included.

Sensual yet soft and sweet, Carrie's goes with so many things. Take this cute tank from the Crazy Heart's hunt. I could pair it with jeans and boots and hang out with special friends or that special someone, or I could doll it up, and add the other head piece from SoliDea Follies for frolicksome fun.

As I said, Carrie's marks an important point in my Second Life. Before Carrie's, I played with the best of them, danced from time to time, flirted and met people all around the world. I managed a few small clubs and enjoyed but never really 'worked'.

After I began working for Carrie's, I found a whole new world, a world of people who put time and energy into a vein of interest I really didn't even know existed. It remains one of the classiest lingerie stores and one of the best customer oriented stores as a result of that personal customer service. Every time I visit, I enjoy the bright spirited Assistants, and of course Carrie too.

In every way, Carrie's offers such a special experience, for people on every budget, and during holidays, special favorites make their way into the holiday collections. I hope you can visit while Cupid still hunts for new victims, and you feel the special Carrie's magic aimed your way with lots of love.

Featured EMO-tions Love

Featured Carrie's VIP Elizabeth

Featured Chop Zuey Singing Hearts Set

1. MADesigns: Ball Lashes

2. MADesigns: Confidence Subtle Moss

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Chocolate Cosmos

4. Poses in Displays at Carrie's Lingerie

5. AND Demise of Flight Delicate Poses

Featured Carrie's Gracie - From the Stupid Cupid Hunt

1. Alice Project: Heather

2. Sexy Mama Glitter Nails

3. Poetic Colors: Christmas Tale

4. [White Widow] Game Special

5. [Al Vulo!]: Aisha

6. Shoenique Design: Red Wood Leather

7. Poses in Displays at Carrie's Lingerie

Featured Carrie's Crazy Hearts - From in store Hunt

1. Alice Project: Heather

2. Sexy Mama Glitter Nails

3. DS: Prim Lashes

4. DS: Snowy Night Winter Queen

5. Poses in Displays at Carrie's Lingerie

5. [Al Vulo]: Aisha

Featured Carrie's Valentine Spicy

1. [elika]: Interrupt

2. Sexy Mama Glitter Nails

3. [Al Vulo]: Ewa

4. Paint: Vanessa Boots

5. Poses in Displays at Carrie's Lingerie

SoliDea Follies White Mila Headpiece Group Gift

SoliDea Follies Lil Snow Headpiece

Summer Over Already? -- Featuring KL Couture and Evolve

When I was younger, seasons were defined by the school year. Summer ended when school returned to a full session. My sons are grown now, but when they were little, school systems always seemed to return to class mid-August, and a week or so prior to that, there was a mad rush to prepare for the new school year. That's what this time of year reminds me of...

and that included shoe shopping and clothes and tons of odd school supplies, like boxes of tissues and pencil cases and so much other stuff. Stuff! It's that time of year now, time to prepare for fall and school and change. My world is simpler now. I had children when I was fairly young so at 43, they're both pretty doing their own thing and I don't measure time by their schedules anymore.

I'll have to use other cues now to remind me of seasons changing. I do research for several designers, looking at trends, colors for new seasons' arrivals, and other things that keep me grounded. Otherwise, because my world is mostly indoors, I wouldn't know seasons changed at all. Is summer over already? It seems like it just began. I appreciated those priceless years and all that we did with them. I also cherish the time I have now, the quiet, and the beauty of how life evolves for all of us.

Featuring KL Couture Robbie White Leather Dress and Jewelry
1. EMO-tions: Lala
2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina
4. Face Paint: Round Classic Prim Manicure
5. Face Paint: Color Stroke
6. Mirror's Enigma: Croix Light Skintone
7. Taken on Location at Image Essentials

Featuring Evolve Eden
1. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
2. *booN OPT129
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina
4. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold
5. Liv-Glam: Amelia Bronze
6. Donna Flora Bonnin: Lara
7. Taken on location at Evolve

My Miss Virtual World Audition 2014 (8.3.2013)

I have to share a special story with you regarding this outfit. I met a lady one night, Mrs. Amber Xofan *(amber.chaudry), when I had insomnia and she was looking for ideas for this past spring's Hollywood Event. The designers created outfits that were reflections back to movies and stars from Hollywood. We'd never met. I was on a completely different time zone than she, so it was random, and wonderful fun. I stayed up looking at Bond girls and getting to know this designer of [[Masoom]] that night.

Randomness brings our worlds into orbit with other's worlds, and then the universe makes things happen. It continues to be a wonderful relationship, business conversations and blogging, and when I IM'd her after I found I was fortunate enough to be auditioning, and asked her if she could recolor a gown she'd recently made, she said sure. What do you want it to look like. I had done my homework, to learn the current trends and what will be hot for fall. All the metallics are HUGE. I knew Gold would fit perfectly. The gown is graceful, a sheath dress that I would wear to the fanciest of parties, and just beamed with it's sparkle in my heart.

But there's still more to this story. Near the last moment, I was struggling to find the right walk to be natural in this gown. You couldn't stretch a sheath dress, so the feet had to be just write. I don't know Isoldel well but I know her by reputation and I sent her a distress IM - off line. When I woke up the next day, I had a walk in my inbox, something suited for the dress. I was again more than overwhelmed by support and friendship and people just being their wonderful selves.

Pressure can bring out the best or the worst in each of us. I like to think it brings out the best in me most of the time, but I'm also human. When it brought the best out in these women I know in our shared fashion profession, I was just grateful. I know why Isoldel has earned her positive reputation. I don't know if some of you know of [[Masoom]] and Mrs. Amber Xofan. If you haven't visited her store before, please do.

I had to wear Face Paint. It's part of my heart and soul. This look had a bit of pink a lot of metal, and was just the right tone for the India colored Glam Affair skin I chose. I had gotten this gorgeous little brooch from Vendome that I loved and thought it suited the outfit well. I used earrings from RYCA that were from a good friend last Christmas. On my wrist, I wore a bracelet by Finesmith. Each of the accenting pieces seemed to be fit for the look, elegant sophistication, ready to breathe life and energy into a party, and into her world.

My Miss Virtual World 2014 Audition Outfit 8.3.2013
[[Masoom]]: Helen in Gold
Poetic Colors: Oriental Pearl
*booN OPT129: Black
Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia
Face Paint: Helios
Noya: Golden Sculpted Nails
Glam Affair Skin: Amberly
Finesmith: Sura Bracelet
Vendome: Hair Brooch
RYCA: Gold Earrings
Taken on location where auditions were held

The Unexpected Act of Kindness -- Featuring Evolve 55L Thursday Deal

We all work in situations where we learn the patterns and daily drill of whatever it is we're invested in, work or play, people or art. The probability of patterns repeating encourage us in a way that psychologically, we may not even realize. That dependable thing though gives us stability and comfort and feed our most basic needs.

When we add new things, or meet new people, or any other first time activity, we have little ability to predict what will happen. It's logical to attach some similar thoughts to similar behaviors, so when I add new designers to my blog, I have some idea what to expect because I've worked with other designers. However, I do have to learn the new designer's personal tastes and ways so that I find balance and make myself the most useful.

This past week, Evolve added me to their blogger list. I was thrilled. When I began blogging over a year ago, I worked really hard to find designers who would work with first time bloggers and for those who helped along the way, I will be ever grateful. Some businesses however, seemed so far removed from something I'd ever earn the privilege of doing. Acceptance as a blogger for this company was one of those impossibilities in my thoughts.

Yesterday, the artistic creator behind the scenes at Evolve contacted all her bloggers and did something so unbelievably kind and unexpected that I sat in silent awe and thanksgiving. I know she's a gifted designer. I knew she had earned her reputation through hard work which I admire. I did not know her personally and so I did not know her personality. This unexpected act of kindness opened my eyes to know her a little better, and I hope to share with those who read my blog and follow my Facebook and Flickr - Reign Congrejo goes beyond the standard, and touches lives in a real and personal way.

Thank you, Ms. Reign, from the depth of my heart.

Featuring Evolve Fantasy 3
1. EMO-tions: Lissi
2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Fantasia
4. Face Paint: Sophisticates
5. Candy Nail: Harvest Beige
6. Mirror's Enigma: Nixie Light Skintone
7. N@N@: Gold Heart Bangle
8 HollyWeird: Harmony Necklace
9. Felicity: Harlow Stilettos
10. [LAP] Poses

11. Taken on location at Image Essentials

Trying On Different Hats -- Featuring Dot-Be Fashion, {{BSD Design Studio}} and Chop Zuey

The world online exposes us to so many options that might otherwise never exist in our life off line. For some, it is because they live in a rural part of the world that simply does not have an array of entertainment options and for others, like me, their health does not permit outings and experiences that look and sound enticing.

I've played a little bit of every character in Second Life and explored it since March of 2005 when my first Caryn character entered this virtual world of many opportunities, and many hats. One day I was an official Second Life Mentor, the next I was helping to manage an island called Nage Prime. Each time I tried something new, it reminded me of the saying about trying on different hats.

In the southern region of the United States (and likely other places as well) when someone is graduating high school or college, they're often encouraged to try on different hats until they find the most fitting career choice. I put on {{BSD Design Studio}}'s hat, sold at the Hair Fair right now, and realized this new look with Dot-Be Fashion's very casual top and the accessories including one of Chop Zuey's always amazing and generous gifts created an image that was very new to me. I ended up trying on a new hat, both figuratively and literally.

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Unisex Rolled Sleeve Shirt
Featuring Chop Zuey Spangles Ring
Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Bandana from Hair Fair
1. EMO-tions: Anna
2. Poetic Color: Autum Colors - Storm
3. Face Paint: Marie
4. Pulcino Nails: Reyukken
5. Mirror's Enigma: Nixie Light Skintone
6. Ben's Beauty: Always Earrings
7. Miamai: Pink Catwalk Lashes

8. Boho HoBo: Bohemian Punk Mesh Jeans

Seeing Life From Different Perspectives -- Featuring Evolve and KL Couture

One of the things they teach us when we attend modeling classes relates to prim and prim placement. Before I ever tried my hand at modeling, I liked what looked good but I did not analyze the things I chose to wear, or worry about how they fit on my shape or any other thing really.

Once I learn about something that's detail oriented, I find myself far more attentive to that thing, and in this case, I became more and more obsessed with having the prims placed at the right spot on the body so the movement works naturally and the outfit is portrayed as well as I know how to make it.

And the thing is, no matter which way our body moves, this detail still remains important. I never thought about how many wardrobe items broke the laws of physics in Second Life. Now, when I prepare for a new look, I spin around, looking at the outfit from many different angles, until I'm sure I have the right perspective.

No matter which way I turn with this Glamorous Red Gown, the dress looks appealing, formal, yet sexy with a tempting tease of flesh under which only a bit of fabric wraps the top part of my body like a ribbon on a package to open. When I walk, it moves around me, swishing secrets, and showcasing the artist who created the gown at Evolve.

When I look at Second Life fashion, I'm always impressed by how many interpretations of a concept there can be on any given topic. This dress also flows smoothly with a whisper of soft cloth moving, but this one reveals even more skin, leaving the left leg bare and more of the upper body bare as well. This Aurore Gown from KL Couture evokes a completely different energy than the other, and that's a wonderful thing. We all want to have lively fun clothing to wear, things to showcase our perspective on any given day, and something that speaks nonverbally to anyone around us. 

Featuring Evolve SG Glamourouslife Red
1. Poetic Colors: Oriental Pearl
2. Truth: Eden
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
4. Face Paint: Aphrodite
5. Finesmith: French Sky Nails
6. Mirror's Enigma: Nixie Light Skintone
7. Bracelet with bells (creator no longer in world)
8. Chop Zuey: Love Struck White Gold
9. Miamai Poses and [LAP] Poses

Featuring KL Couture Aurore Gown (July Group Gift)
1. EMO-tions: Cheyenne
2. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors - Storm
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
4. Face Paint: Eartha
5. Candy Nail: Resort Sunset
6. Mirror's Enigma: Nixie Light Skintone
7. Face Paint Jewelry: Gold and Copper Bangles
8. EMO-tions: Orion Set

9. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Fierce Grey

Things That Just Fit Into Place -- Featuring Evolve, {{BSD}} Design Studio

Sometimes I love puzzles. I was the type of child who could fiddle for hours until I could solve how to get the little ball to the center of the toy by slowly and patiently tilting it this way and that. To this day, I can take the time, and enjoy the process of puzzles.

Featuring Evolve Shine - 9

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Orange

N@N@: Earrings Gift

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors Storm

2. [elika]: Breathe

3. Chop Zuey: Men's Necklace and Bracelet

4. Face Paint: Flora Eyes with #6 Lip Gloss

5. Face Paint: French Square Prim Manicure

6. Face Paint: Long Prim Eye Lashes Black

7. [:Mirror's Enigma:]: Nixie Light Skintone

So when I get an array of new items from multiple designers, it looks like my "Items to Blog" file suddenly becomes a puzzle I get to solve. I want to combine elements, create unique ways to wear them or simply display them in a manner that appeals to many in hopes that my photos and blog encourage you to try a new outfit from Evolve or Dot-Be Fashion or Luziefee, or maybe some terrific new shoes from {{BSD Design Studio}} and jewelry from one of my all time favorites Chop Zuey.

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Black Triangle

Featuring Luziefee Agatha Black

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Striped Special Pants

1. EMO-tions: Karen

2. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver

3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia

4. Face Paint: Blush Pink, Gem Eyes Grey, Glitter Lips Red

5. Candy Nail: Rosy Black

6. Glam Affair Skin

I can pull pieces together like this, where I have on a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Then other times, I receive entire outfits in one box. Shop and wear can be fun too, and if a designer throws a lot of options into the box, you don't have to ponder what goes with what.

Featuring Evolve Shine - 9

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Supermodel Giuls - Orange

1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors Storm

2. EMO-tions: Chevia

3. Chop Zuey: Impossible Dream Hummingbird Set

4. Face Paint: Grace

5. Face Paint: French Square Prim Manicure

6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

7. [:Mirror's Enigma:]: Nixie Light Skintone

To me, both ways are enjoyable. Every now and then, I realize I have to be somewhere 5 minutes ago and I feverishly look for something stylish, chic and easy to wear. Other times I may sit and play with a look for hours, coming up with plausible options that differ slightly (like the top photo shown here today and the bottom one). It's a privilege to have the chance to do both, and something I never take for granted.

Run Away and Join the Circus -- Featuring [[Masoom]] and Face Paint

I don't hear so much these days about people who wanted to run away and join the circus. I think it used to be a phrase that was used when life got so frustrating and there were no more answers, 'I guess I'll just have to run away and join the circus.' There just isn't a big market for traveling entertainment like a circus anymore.

I had this great Asil gown from [[Masoom]] to share with you and I had to go and see what I could discover new at Image Essentials to take the photo. When I found this set, it reminded me of the circus, and how the performers always look so dressed up, even while they're doing some of the most death defying acts. I'm not ready to run off and join a circus any time soon. In many ways, my life already IS a circus. 

I would love to travel to Vegas one day and see the Cirque du Soleil while there. I'm not a gambler, but I know I'd find the shows they have there thrilling. One fun thing about Second Life, we get to pretend a lot of things. As I swung by the metal ring, I imagined for an instant me, spotlight on me, crowd watching with widening eyes. And the good thing... in Second Life, I will never fall off the ring! I can look graceful.

Featuring [[Masoom]] Asil Dress
Featuring Face Paint Flora (new for 55L Thursday)
1. EMO-tions: Tyra
2. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
4. Face Paint: Lip Gloss Berry
5. Face Paint: Round Classic Prim Manicure
6. Glam Affair Skin: Amberly
7. Uzuri: Bibi Cuff
8. Chop Zuey: Love's Coming

9. Taken on location at Image Essentials

Fashion Therapy -- Featuring Evolve

Long before I knew much about this business, I had read note cards that went out that mentioned "Fashion Therapy". It hit me as amusing and actually a possibility that would work for some of us. Sometimes all we need to do is get outside of our head, and shopping does that.

Evolve participates in a number of sales each week, so even if your budget is slim like mine is, you'll find something lovely and at a great price. This Hiraoki dress comes from the 60L sale board. With a little bit of something for everyone, it's an ideal shopping stop and fashion therapy.

Some of you might notice that these photos posted here do not have borders around them and it's intentional. After trying the July 4th Dress Group Gift, I knew I wanted to work for and with Evolve. Though you can't see much of the dress in this photo, it's featured on an entry earlier this week. And the photos are raw so the staff might evaluate my images as fairly as possible. Whatever happens, I've been blessed!

Featuring Evolve Hiroaki Dress Purple
1. Truth Hair: Ana (1)
2. EMO-tions: Chevia (2)
3. Poetic Colors: Autumn Moon (1)
4. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors - Storm (2)
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina
6. Face Paint: Trin Gloss 1, Frosted Shadow Pink, Gem Eyes Aqua (1)
7. Face Paint: Drama Purple (2)
8. Chop Zuey: Espresso in Pompeii (2)
9. .::Joops::. Black Golden Nailed Ankle Boots
10. Manifeste Poses

Featuring Evolve July Hippie Dress
1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors - Storm
2. /Wasabi Pills/: Lory Mesh Hair Chocolate
3. Face Paint: Happy Fourth Basic (no fireworks)
4. Face Paint: Long Prim Eye Lashes Black

5. Onyx Paw Lip Piercing - Creator Unknown

I Need This Job Because I Love This Job -- Featuring Luziefee and Chop Zuey

There are so many people in our current market economy (real world off line economy) who are suffering as they look and look and look some more for work. When someone gets desperate for a loaf of bread or a jug of milk to feed their children, it can be a very desperate situation indeed.

Instead of getting something they want to do, or something that follows in the vein of thought they had when they began college, they find themselves doing anything from driving a bus of school children to cleaning up after hours at a business. They aren't the pretty jobs, but they are jobs.

Maybe things will evolve into a better tomorrow with the world's brightest minds collaborating on solutions that encourage all of us, and affect all of us as well. Meanwhile, to be able to work at all off line appears to be only a random possibility rather than a sure thing, even with multiple degrees or finesse training in some specialty.

People often told me when I was in my teens, "Discover what you love doing then find someone who would pay you to do it." This would be in essence the perfect job. Some people would hate a desk job but thrive on a mountain side as a park ranger. It doesn't matter what you love, there probably is a job definition that fits you. Yet, with such a struggling job market in every field, this utopian job idea may seem far far away from you.

I encourage you not to ever give up or give in and quit. This actually applies to things you do in Second Life as well as off line. Keep knocking on doors, asking for help, asking for a chance to prove your value. Take a risk and do something for someone 'free of charge' and let them discover how amazing you are. I do not have the option to work outside the net, so I pour my heart and soul into this job and these people here. I love every minute of it, and I need it. Every place I've ever worked, I offered to simply work 'free of charge' and eventually found compensation for the work I'd done. If you have no idea what you can do or where you could do it, think outside the box, and try, try again.

Featured Luziefee Kei A Medida
Featured Chop Zuey Candy Kisses Earrings
1. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors - Storm
2. *booN: CCV788
3. Face Paint: Nail Art Prim Manicure
4. Face Paint: Liner and Long Prim Eye Lashes Black
5. .::Beauty Code::. Skin London Tan - Red Burn Lips N
6. {{BSD Design Studio}}: Stay Cool Model - Green Croc
7. Totally Random: Shades of the Summer Hair Barette
8. Miamai Poses

9. Taken on location at Scottish Retreat

Summer Shines -- Featuring Totally Random and Chop Zuey

Summer shines. People in general spend more time outdoors, enjoy longer days, and spend more time on vacation at this point in their year than any other time. Long lazy summer afternoons give way to lightning bugs and fireworks and other evening entertainment at this time of year.

For some of us, I've learned that it's certainly not only me, our world out of doors really seems as foreign as life on Venus might be, and the seasons that come and go do so out the window where we can watch but maybe not experience. It's one of many reasons why Second Life can be so valued by us.

Some have said  casually or curtly, "Get a real life." Many say this who don't know me well. Even family and friends who live a good distance away from us express concern for me and my time online. What they don't realize ~ I love my online world because while I watch the world outside my window change, spring, summer, autumn, winter - I don't experience it, but in Second Life, I embrace everything. Summer still shines for me, but it's just the virtual reality of summer, and for me, it's priceless.

These sherbet colored dresses fit naturally, hugging to the body and leaving just enough skin to entice without being overly bold and they made me think of summer spaghetti strap dresses I used to wear (and fight with those awful straps constantly!!) and all the fun activities I enjoyed while wearing them. Any time art and crafty design in Second Life can help me remember a moment from my past or enjoy a moment in my present, it's a very good thing. I hope you too find that Summer Shines!

Featuring Totally Random Shades of the Summer - Moss
Featuring Chop Zuey Always True Bangles (1)
Featuring Chop Zuey Always True Necklace (part A)
1. EMO-tions: Fabienne
2. Poetic Colors: Quicksilver
3. Face Paint: Niki Lip Gloss 6
4. Candy Nail: Rose Garden Classic
5. Oceane's: Rose Natural Coffee Tan
6. N-Core: Slingback Xtreme Heel II

7. Taken on location at The Heating Pool

Do Assumptions Ever Trap You? -- Featuring [[Masoom]] and {{BSD Design Studio}}

I do attempt to be organized in my Second Life. I try to make my inventory make sense. I delete extraneous pages from each pack as I unpack it, and other things to also decrease the size of my inventory. I also create folders for the designers I work with most often. It's not a failsafe system but it does save some time finding items... usually.

This week, I knew I wanted to style this pretty little minidress with a pair of shoes from {{BSD Design Studio}} and  began to hunt in my inventory for shoes. I have a category 'shoes' and then sub categories for different types of shoes. Boots. Heels. But I have a separate {{BSD Design Studio}} folder and found some delicious heels. One thing I love about {{BSD Design Studio}}, she makes her own mesh so every single design is original!

So I put on the heels and then looked at this folder of {{BSD Design Studio}} and didn't recall looking at all the folders there. I opened them, one at a time, and 'wore' the items, and wow. I realized I'd assumed that I had a folder with shoes, but I had folders with a great handbag and another with earrings and yet another with a necklace! What a treasure to find. I almost let my assumptions trap me in one train of thought and I"d have never seen the gorgeous bag and necklace you see here as part of this styling. I do try to avoid the assumptions we could make in life, but sometimes I fall right into the trap. Do you?

Featured {{BSD Design Studio}} Eternal Beauty Necklace
Featured {{BSD Design Studio}} Model Off Duty Pnk Bag
Featured [[Masoom]] Amina Dress
1. EMO-tions: Lavina
2. Poetic Colors: Storm
3. Face Paint: Round Classic Prim Nails
4. Face Paint: Nyree Storm
5. Face Paint: Brown Liner
6. Glam Affair Skin: Amberly
7. Chop Zuey: Candy Kisses Bracelet
8. Taken on location at Fairy Forest 

    and Image Essentials

A Treasure to Meet You -- Featuring Evolve

A common courtesy type comment when you've met someone new and your conversation is about to end in my neck of the world... "It was a pleasure to meet you." And for the most part, you mean it on some level, but it's also just one of those polite phrases that leaves the two who were just in the conversation thinking positively as they walk away from one another.

I'm the world's worst 'anti' common thing to say person. I like to answer in ways no one else will when someone asks me how I am doing. "How are you feeling today?" "Sparkly with a touch of cotton candy." Is there any way to respond to that without a smile or a smirk or a little laugh? I find new places, new people and new things in Second Life treasures in my life. I need them many times more than I think they need me and I'm grateful that they have adopted me on some level.

 When I spoke to Spirit Llewellyn today about blogging for Evolve, I had known her already, but I hadn't seen her or talked to her much in the past year as our paths diverged. It was a treasure to 'remeet' her today, and I'm excited about working with Evolve. I look forward to showing you new items from their collection as I can, beginning with this first look.

This dress reminded me a bit of the one Julia Roberts wore in Pretty Woman, but with a more distinct separation between top and skirt. It's great to see how the lines of mesh make such a dress as this fit correctly against the body so you can move, twist, turn and dance the night away without odd parts poking out like some traditional system designed pieces used to do. For the month of July, this dress comes free as part of your group membership.

Featuring Evolve July Hippie Outfit (Group Gift)
1. EMO-tions: Sunburst
2. Poetic Colors: Autumn Colors
3. Face Paint: New Lip 12
4. Face Paint: Long Prim Lashes Black
5. Quintessecia: Nails 17
6. [:ME:]: Croix Light Skintone
7. Dotted Bangles
8. Ruby Diamond Earrings

9. Taken on location at Model's Workshop

Pretty in Pink -- Featuring Dot-Be Fashion

Pink has never been my favorite color. When I receive pink items in my folders for blogging, I often look in the box to see if there's possibly another color. This time, the dress I was offered was pink or nothing at all, so I pulled it out and put it on to see it.

And I absolutely fell in love with this dress. Dot-Be Fashion designer creates both mens and women's clothes and does a fantastic job with textures that range from carefree to edgy and everything in between and each new look speaks about his talent.

I don't know if I've turned into a "pink" lover but for this moment, in this pretty flowing frock, I felt pink and it felt good. I looked at a variety of shoes to pair with it but then realized it was one of those dresses that looked awesome with bare feet and strolling in the summer sun.

Finesmith continually adds new products to the store, primarily jewelry with a twist now and then that run the gamut from unusual clothing items and shoes. The gold and turquoise set offers the glinting style of Finesmith's finest and it was free for May's montly gift. And speaking of free, the makeup from Face Paint I have with the little firework art also was free with purchase for the Fourth of July holiday.

**If you purchased anything from Face Paint during the 4th, please send me a note with your transaction history and I will send you the gift box. There are four items in the gift, separates, the makeup shown above and the same makeup but no fireworks.

Featuring Dot-Be Fashion Dress Barentu Pink
Featuring Finesmith Sura Bracelet
Featuring Finesmith Aqua Earrings and Necklace Gold
1. Poetic Colors: Oriental Pearl
2. Vanity Hair: Opium Dark Reds
3. Face Paint: Special Fourth of July
4. Face Paint: Long Prim Eyelashes Violet
5. Candy Nail: Bare Feet
6. Glam Affair Skin: Amberly
7. Take on location at Model's Workshop

I'm Going to Love Every Minute of It... Featuring Zanze and Chop Zuey

Are you the glass half full type or the glass half empty? It's so easy to fall into the category where you only see the negatives in our world. Too easy. And sad too. We have a lot of crazy stuff around us. Crazy people. Crazy things. Crazy world. But... we also have a lot of beauty around us. Beautiful people. Beautiful things. Beautiful world.

Holidays can bring out the best and worst in people. I look forward to the best people have to offer and when something not so good happens, I wish quick recovery so whoever it is, wherever they are, they know how to get back to being a glass half full type.

I think maybe it's easy to feel like we're drowning in a sea of ick. Here's a buoy for each of you. A life preserver. A toss of rope out to the deep end, to give you something to hold on to today. No matter what your life circumstance or where you are and when you are in your journey through life, you can make the most of today. I could look at all the dark things in my life, like the dark of the night sky. I could choose to look at those brilliant beautiful stars though. My life? I'm going to choose to love every minute of it.

Featuring Zanze Tina (Fourth of July!) Dress
Featuring Chop Zuey Always (Fourth of July!) Earrings
1. EMO-tions: Cosmic
2. Poetic Colors: Oriental Pearl
3. Face Paint: Gem Square Prim Nails
4. Face Paint: Nyree Navy
5. Face Paint: Long Prim Eye Lashes Black
6. ::Shiva:: Boho Culture Fair Exclusive Skin 002
7. Poses and studio at Image Essentials

Featuring Zanze Tatiana (Fourth of July!) Ruffle Skirt and Top
Featuring Chop Zuey Hana Shobu BellyRing
1. EMO-tions: Forever
2. Poetic Colors: Autum Moon
3. Face Paint: Nail Art Prim Manicure
4. Face Paint: Nyree Storm
5. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis

6. Poses and studio at Image Essentials