The Dark Angel On My Shoulder -- Baboom Couture and October's 4Seasons New Releases

I begin the day with a captivating gown created by Kyra at Baboom Couture. This Dark Angel gown replete with the most unique skirt and beautiful wings struck me on a personal level and I found myself feeling ethereal, as if for a moment or two, I had an angel on my shoulder as I worked with the photos.

Each year the sophistication of the program on which we play or live or however you define your Second Life grows more realistic, offers more options and in essence becomes more... more beautiful, more dynamic, offering more options to the creative minds behind content creation. This reflects both in the gown I wear and the surroundings. Just look at the rabbits, the trees laden with snow and the icy waterfall. Gorgeous.

October's 4Seasons has a brand new set of Holiday Designs nails for you, coming very soon. They're unique in the fact that instead of having a colorful base and silver tips, the silver is a crescent of shiny and the rest of the nail is painted color with silver etchings. You'll love adding them to holiday themed attire.

* October's 4Seasons NEW Christmas Nails
* Baboom Dark Angel Mesh Dress

- RYCA Platinum Earrings
- *~Damesfly*~ Hudson Hair
- HOLLYHOOD Black Godiva Heels
- EMO-tions Bellona Armor (Forearms only)
- Apple Spice Poses

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

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

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

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

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

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Carrie's Lingerie Sparkle Emerald

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

Featuring [#7] Akimasa Daiyamondo Jewels

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Pale Steel Blue

2. Bliss: Lexa

3. Kyxe: Alabaster Skintone

4. RYCA: Gold Hoop Earrings

5. Focus Poses

Those Moments When Life Just Happens -- Featuring Totally Random, GALLI, AIDORU, Kyxe Skins & Shapes

In the course of a regular, normal evening, I got to see a designer's newest project in progress. Novey Benoir of Totally Random had been working on a trench coat and asked for input. Anyone who was in world and happened to be watch Starwalkers could have answered, and I hope several weighed in with their opinion. It's always good to get a cross section of opinion.

Featuring Totally Random Creme de Menthe Dress

Featuring GAALI Think Sandals

1. RYCA: Gold Hoop Earrings

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Moss

5. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Perfection

6. MADesigns: Hair ~ Christina

7. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner

8. Taken on Site at TCL Photo Studio - Built in Poses

I offered my input and went back to work that evening, doing whatever blog or styling whatever item it was I'd been working on, and smiled. I like the interruptions that make my day whole. I like looking at items in progress, cheering on content creators who have a beautifully artistic hand when it comes to Second Life, and all the personal people aspect of this business.

Featuring Totally Random Creme de Menthe Dress

Featuring GAALI Think Sandals

1. RYCA: Gold Hoop Earrings

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Moss

5. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Perfection

6. MADesigns: Hair ~ Christina

7. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner

8. Taken on Site at TCL Photo Studio - Built in Poses

A couple of days later, Ms. Novey IM'd me and asked if I would like to blog one of her items. I said, "Of course!" and smiled. She sent me a blogger's bag and I went to work. Inside was this pretty Creme de Menthe cocktail dress. I knew I wanted to work with The Creative Loft's photo studio, and found (what I think) the perfect background for the dress.

Featuring Totally Random Creme de Menthe Dress

Featuring GAALI Think Sandals

1. RYCA: Gold Hoop Earrings

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Heather Tan Skintone

3. Candy Nail: Rain Drop Green

4. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Moss

5. MADesigns: Eyelashes ~ Perfection

6. MADesigns: Hair ~ Christina

7. Face Paint: Metallic Green Liner

8. Taken on Site at TCL Photo Studio - Built in Poses

When I was just about done with the raw photos for the dress, I sent her a brief IM thanking her for the chance to work with her beautiful new dress. She sent me a "??" response, and I told her that she'd sent me the dress and I'd thrilled at the chance to style it. It was soft and feminine and thought it's simplicity was elegant.

Featuring Totally Random Purple Polka Dot Trench

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Lips Glamour II Cocoa

Featuring AIDORU Vintage 70s Tartan Ankleboots

1. Wunderland: Dots Leggings

2. Chop Zuey: Christmas Earrings

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

-- Orchid Skin

-- Eyeliner ~ Onxy

-- Eyeshadow ~ Splendor - Amethyst

4. MADesigns:

-- Eyelashes ~ Simplicity

-- Eyes ~ Confidence - Subtle Moss

5. Face Paint: Gem Nails

6. EMO-tions: Winter Night (Modified slightly to include colors on Snow)

At that point, I could tell she was a bit flustered. When she'd originally asked if I would blog for her, I thought she WAS sending me the trench that I'd seen several days earlier. Though I was surprised to receive a dress instead, I just threw my energy into making it look as good as I could as I styled it and had fun in the process. Styling distracts me more than almost any other thing, and I love it.

Featuring Totally Random Purple Polka Dot Trench

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Lips Glamour II Cocoa

Featuring AIDORU Vintage 70s Tartan Ankleboots

1. Wunderland: Dots Leggings

2. Chop Zuey: Christmas Earrings

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

-- Orchid Skin

-- Eyeliner ~ Onxy

-- Eyeshadow ~ Splendor - Amethyst

4. MADesigns:

-- Eyelashes ~ Simplicity

-- Eyes ~ Confidence - Subtle Moss

5. Face Paint: Gem Nails

6. EMO-tions: Winter Night (Modified slightly to include colors on Snow)

She 'Ooops'd and smiled. She had intended to send me the trench. I told her not to apologize. I was grateful to work with her items, and wasn't disappointed at all that I'd gotten to work with the dress. The thing was, she's a designer in progress, learning, trying new things, and each new project means so much because each new idea, texture, practice, and all that goes into it means a certain sense of success.

Featuring Totally Random Purple Polka Dot Trench

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Lips Glamour II Cocoa

Featuring AIDORU Vintage 70s Tartan Ankleboots

1. Wunderland: Dots Leggings

2. Chop Zuey: Christmas Earrings

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes:

-- Orchid Skin

-- Eyeliner ~ Onxy

-- Eyeshadow ~ Splendor - Amethyst

4. MADesigns:

-- Eyelashes ~ Simplicity

-- Eyes ~ Confidence - Subtle Moss

5. Face Paint: Gem Nails

6. EMO-tions: Winter Night (Modified slightly to include colors on Snow)

This trench coat, which comes in a vibrant array of colors, some with dots, some not, she created most recently, and felt it was the best design she'd done yet. I love the passion with which she spoke, and could sense that raw pure energy of someone who's eager and pushing and seeking more. I told her that I'd enjoyed the dress, and I loved the trench. I'd just put both on my blog today and showcase her heart and work.

You Get Out Of It What You Put Into It -- TBCF Envyme, Sky, [Liv-Glam], Apple Spice Poses, Revenge, {{BSD Design Studio}}, and Poudre

People show what they value the most clearly if you open their checkbook register or these days, peek at their online account. The more someone believes in something, the more it shows in how they spend their money. It also shows if you research how they spend their time.

Featuring TBCF

- {{BSD Design Studio}} Classic Beaute

- EnvyMe Samie Skin Fair

- Sky Luxury Heart Diamond Tattoo

- Liv-Glam Love How It Hurts

- Apple Spice Poses

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. [Liv-Glam]: Sculpted Lashes

3. Face Paint: Jessica

4. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

5. Snowpaws: Eilee Leggings Cherry

6. [ChicZafari]: Rose

I know some pretty amazing people around the globe, people who've been doctors and people who've been ordinary citizens. I've met royalty and invited homeless people into my home for Thanksgiving Dinner. I think the people who still have passion for something are the happy and healthy ones.

Featuring TBCF

- {{BSD Design Studio}} Classic Beaute

- EnvyMe Samie Skin Fair

- Sky Luxury Heart Diamond Tattoo

- Liv-Glam Love How It Hurts

- Apple Spice Poses

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. [Liv-Glam]: Sculpted Lashes

3. Face Paint: Jessica

4. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

5. Snowpaws: Eilee Leggings Cherry

6. [ChicZafari]: Rose

When I look at things online, I'm often really impressed with someone after I see their business prowess. To succeed in anything, it takes energy, focus, passion, and sheer will. I think it can be very easy to get disappointed and give up when it's tough.

Featuring TBCF

- {{BSD Design Studio}} Classic Beaute

- EnvyMe Samie Skin Fair

- Sky Luxury Heart Diamond Tattoo

- Liv-Glam Love How It Hurts

- Apple Spice Poses

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. [Liv-Glam]: Sculpted Lashes

3. Face Paint: Jessica

4. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

5. Snowpaws: Eilee Leggings Cherry

6. [ChicZafari]: Rose

It's very challenging to open new ventures in Second Life. New clubs come and close over the course of only a few weeks. New builders, new designers, new anything comes at a pretty steep price, and some major sacrifices, especially if you want to rise above the rest and become the best.

Featuring TBCF

- {{BSD Design Studio}} Classic Beaute

- EnvyMe Samie Skin Fair

- Sky Luxury Heart Diamond Tattoo

- Liv-Glam Love How It Hurts

- Apple Spice Poses

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. [Liv-Glam]: Sculpted Lashes

3. Face Paint: Jessica

4. RYCA: Platinum Earrings

5. Snowpaws: Eilee Leggings Cherry

6. [ChicZafari]: Rose

Samantha Jones and I met very soon after she'd formed the brand [Liv-Glam]. Every time I spoke with her, she was working fastidiously on all the details necessary to launch a brand. Not only did she create an array of mesh clothing, she also created a lot of her own decor and breathed life into her dream.

Featuring TBCF

- [Liv-Glam] Hate To Say I Told You

- Revenge Black Ostric Boots

- Poudre Shina T 03

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Truth: Pandora

3. Gaeline: Fantasy

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

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips - Craze

6. Manifeste Pose

It moved so quickly from an unknown store to a well respected brand that my head was often spinning. I believe there were and there still are many days when she chooses not to pause and sleep in order to keep [Liv-Glam] constantly growing, and constantly keeping up with what's fashionable.

Featuring TBCF

- [Liv-Glam] Hate To Say I Told You

- Revenge Black Ostric Boots

- Poudre Shina T 03

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Truth: Pandora

3. Gaeline: Fantasy

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

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips - Craze

6. Manifeste Pose

To this day, I've met no one else like her that possessed the will and fortitude she exhibited as she breathed life into [Liv-Glam]. The products she created at the beginning were not 'newbie' designer pieces. From the get go, items of quality billowed out of [Liv-Glam], a virtual avalanche!

Featuring TBCF

- [Liv-Glam] Hate To Say I Told You

- Revenge Black Ostric Boots

- Poudre Shina T 03

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Truth: Pandora

3. Gaeline: Fantasy

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

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips - Craze

6. Manifeste Pose

In recent weeks, and it's probably been longer than weeks, but my sense of time flows weirdly... in recent weeks, she's done live model searches. I believe they're done in contest format, and she's pulled in some of the best known models on the grid to participate in her business.

Featuring TBCF

- [Liv-Glam] Hate To Say I Told You

- Revenge Black Ostric Boots

- Poudre Shina T 03

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Truth: Pandora

3. Gaeline: Fantasy

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

5. [Mirror's Enigma]: Azuka Dark Lips - Craze

6. Manifeste Pose

I've never really believed in the concept of a Midas' touch. I believe everything good that happens occurs because someone passionately invest into it to make it golden. [Liv-Glam] shows an excellent business model, a place that's about 18 months old, and steadily moves forward, always a little better, always a little more to share.

All of us have the choice to put our time and our money where our mouth is, but most of us dream big but do not act. You get out of it what you put into it, whatever your 'it' is, and if you need a shimmering example of this, just take a look at [Liv-Glam].

A Different Point of View -- Featuring blackLiquid from the Cosmetics Fair

In sports, they say it a lot. A team that may be considered less experienced, unranked, and not great at whatever they should be doing may play like a much better team when they are facing the greats. There's no rationale to it, except our innate sense of competition.

Featuring blackLiquid Liquid Glaze Autumn 13 Deluxe from Cosmetics Fair

Featuring blackLiquid Slink AE Autumn 13 Nails

1. [Mirror's Enigma]: Stella Peach Skintone

2. Slink AvEnhance Hands Female Elegant 1

3. Finesmith: White Hat

4. Finesmith: White Neck

5. RYCA Platinum Earrings

Maybe we're all like that in whatever specialty we do, or whatever type of fun we have. A human desire to stand tall, and fight a good fight to the very end, no matter what it takes, lives on it each of us. I'm not an athletic sort now. I used to play soccer like a wild woman, but those were other years.

Featuring Chen Deluxe from Cosmetics Fair

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. [Mirror's Enigma]: Sofia Dusk Skintone

3. EMO-tions: Aquaria Snow

When I filled out an application to blog for blackLiquid, one of the comments on the application referenced 'Creativity' as a necessity for the bloggers in that group. I sensed that Ms. B wanted to push people who worked for and with her beyond the norm, always pulling the very best.

Featuring blackLiquid Marker Deluxe (tintable) from Cosmetics Fair

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Starlia

3. [Mirror's Enigma]: Eliza DuskBlue Skintone

I really wasn't sure my blogging, my styling, and my overall aesthetic was good enough to meet the parameters laid out in the application. I shared that I would do my best. After all, that's all any of us can ever do.

So I have reviewed a few items now from blackLiquid. I looked for a different point of view, beyond the normal, outside the box, to show style but also creativity. I'm not there yet, but I know what direction I'm heading. I'm enjoying the journey so very much.

Home Sweet Home - Featuring A.F.I Designs, Luziefee, Hairoin and Tresor

There's a saying - Your Home Is Where Your Heart Is - and I think it's an interesting bit of truth, especially since many of us have created virtual world homes that mean as much if not more to those who've done so, and in essence their whole life exists in text and pixels and connecting people.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

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

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

I really never was keen on the idea of a personal home. I have owned two very small homes along my SL journey, both of which fit on a 512x512 parcel. This was the size the Lindens offered rent free for members who joined when I joined.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

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

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

Even way back when SL was much smaller as far as land mass would take you, and the few groups that gathered like-minded people, I enjoyed those few locations more than I ever did the 512x512 piece. I needed to feel people's energy, highs and lows, and be a part of something bigger than myself.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

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

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

I've shared more of my heart and soul in my Second Life than with many who would know me from my life offline. Due to circumstances I do not control, it's very rare for me to travel to visit family, to go 'home' for the holidays or attend special events like weddings and graduations.

Featuring A.F.I Cleo Gown **Only at the BOSL Location

--http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Renaissance%20Galleria/152/75/43

Featuring Luziefee Lysa Stiletto Colors

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue

2. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

3. Noya: Gold Sculpted Nails

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

5. RYCA: Gold Box Earrings and Necklace

Maybe that's why I really need this world we share. I've met others, many many others, who also deal with health issues and have their world and their home at their fingertips. I'm not special in that regard, just one of many who learned how to distract myself in a computer so I did not dwell on the less fortunate details.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

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

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

There was a time when people online would see another person stressing out about some activity in their online world and in text, the one person would tell the other to 'GET A LIFE'. It was meant as an insult, to their intelligence, to their ability to actively accomplish something off line, and to imply all sorts of rudeness.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

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

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

Times have changed in that regard. Many people make this world their life for many reasons. Who am I to judge when a person can or cannot function in society that's beyond the virtual world where I know them? If I judge harshly, I should be prepared to be judged harshly. I prefer to accept what I see and hear until such a time may come where I learn it wasn't real or truthful.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

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

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

I've heard the phrase a number of times in my many explorations. Some things I've done were for the pure fun of it, role-play and all sorts of imaginative things. They resembled things I'd done as a younger woman, like Dungeons and Dragons, only pixelated and more intense.

Featuring Hairoin *New Release* Blair

Featuring Tresor Couture Zuri's Elegance Power Blue

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

2. Gaeline: Mysteria

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

4. Finesmith: Lillies Set

5. In-Pose!

I've made this my life. THIS thing I do, this thing I enjoy, and these people I get to work with here. In a new Cleo gown from A.F.I Designs, only available at BOSL Renaissance Galleria paired with stiletto boots, Lysa by Luziefee or wearing a new princess-ish gown from Tresor called Zuri's Elegance and brand new hair from Hairoin called Blair I'm right at home, where my heart is, enjoying the life I've created for myself, It's my life, and I know I make the most and best of it.

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.

On Being a Moon and Not a Sun -- Featuring Evolve, Pure Poison from 24 Event and Warm Animations from 24 Event

We think of the moon as a light source that comes to our aid in the night. There are times that the light is not so great in the tiny sliver of a crescent period, but even that tiny bit of light shimmers and can make the difference between being totally lost in the dark and able to find your way.

Featured Pure Poison Angela Dress Black for 24 Event

Featured Warm Animations An Array of Games for 24 Event

1. [noname]: Defining Boho Sandals

2. RYCA: Earrings and Necklace

3. FuLo: Bangles and Watch

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

5. Face Paint: Fall Matte Lip Scarlett and Liner

6. Sexy Mama Sculpted Nails

7. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria

8. EMO-tions: Nova

9. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

All levels of models have been involved this week in the 24 Event. Some have been around a very long time and have earned their classy reputation from time invested and respect earned. Others are newer, like me, "Little Sister Models". I see the radiance of a seasoned model and all I really want to do is reflect on their source of light and learn from it.

Featuring Evolve Romanticism

1. N@N@: Seraphine Bangle

2. Finesmith: Aqua Earrings and Necklace

3. *Glance Skins: Anais

4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

5. Calico Ingmann: April

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

Though we perceive the moon as a light source, it really only reflects the brilliant majesty of the sun. The sun seems to disappear for a time, allowing the moon's light to glow. I think there are times when models fit into one of these categories, the sun or the moon, and sadly one other category, that of a black hole that sucks energy and life out of people but thankfully that's a rare and small group.

Featuring Evolve Romanticism

1. N@N@: Seraphine Bangle

2. Finesmith: Aqua Earrings and Necklace

3. *Glance Skins: Anais

4. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Divina

5. Calico Ingmann: April

6. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Pale

It's probably that many models who begin their role in Second Life fashion as emulators and reflectors, little glowing moons of enthusiasm will eventually become a sun in their own right. It comes with determination, dedication and a willingness to be patient for the time to come. It's so easy too, to want to have everything happen NOW. But most things that are great are worth waiting for, and whether you're the powerful ball of sun or the reflective glow of the moon, you have your place in this virtual-verse.

Something New Always Lurking Around the Corner -- Featuring ~ghee~ and JCP OCH

All sorts of people contact me for all sorts of reasons. Most of those contacts end up being interesting people who are meant to be a part of my life for a season. I don't have to know how long, just accept that it's the way it is, and embrace it fully.

I posted on Facebook the other day about a new design by one of the sponsors I work with and I received an IM from the designer at ~ghee~, a subsequent conversation and a gown delivered, to see what I thought of her animated work. It sparkles. It glows. It moves brilliantly. It's a very busy dress. You would definitely catch the eye of those in your company when you wear this Time Warp.

This second dress came through the Stores and Creators List group. I looked up the creator several different ways, and had a hard time figuring out who JCP OCH was, but I did decide I liked their skill with design. The shoes and bag came with this dress, a trumpet sleeve shape I'd seen before, but the texture on this one does a great job of blending with the bag and shoes' textures.

Trying on designs I've never been introduced to before makes me realize that no matter how much time I've been in Second Life (since March 2005), there's always something new lurking around the corner.

Featuring JCP OCH Group Gift
1. EMO-tions: Celie
2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
4. Face Paint: Jane
5. Mirror's Enigma: Croix Light Skintone

Featuring ~ghee~ Time Warp Watermelon Tourmaline
1. EMO-tions: Silja
2. Poetic Color: Oriental Pearl
3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
4. Face Paint: Moonlight
5. Candy Nail: Strawberry Marble
6. Mirror's Enigma: Croix Light Skintone
7. RYCA: Platinum Earrings
8. N-Core: Graphite Ankle Boots
9. Taken on Location at Face Paint

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 Call of the Wild

Regardless where I travel in Second Life, I find multiple definitions of what 'WILD' is and how people approach wild to have fun, play and run with their imagination. The Fairy Glen is a new garden on a friend's sim and I was invited to see it. The gorgeous rich colors came out of places like Lewis Carroll's Wonderland, over the top, beautiful and wild. 

At Face Paint, several different series have approached 'WILD' with different points of view. Last year, the call of the wild played with animal prints and makeup. This spring, the geometric starkness of white and black inspired this new Sinister #1 checkered look. Paired with a new style from EMO-tions, Chevia partially hides the eyes and offers an air of mystery that also plays into this wild wide world.

Featured EMO-tions Chevia
Featured Face Paint Sinister #1
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Chop Zuey: Mens Margherita Necklace
4. RYCA: Platinum Earrings
5. Glam Affair: Amberly
6.  Face Paint: Grace Green

I'm In a New York State of Mind

I'm partial to Snowpaws for many reasons, but one of the ones at the core of the positive emotions resounds in the relationship I've been privileged to develop over time with Carrie Snowpaw.

Way... way... back in time, she supported the Face of Face Paint contest with Eve Express, committing new outfits to the winner(s).

I had peripherally known of Snowpaws for a long time prior to March 2012, but when I won one of the spots at Face Paint thus also winning clothing from Snowpaws, I got to know it a bit more.

Ever since, I have worked with Carrie Snowpaw, writing the weekly blog, posting sales, special events, news and fashion shows she's done. All the while, besides a business relationship building trust, we also developed a welcome friendship.

She's one of those people you simply want to know because she exudes a warmth that is genuine, and in her little niche in Second Life, she's poured out that warmth to so many many people.

Not only does she participate in a half dozen or so special sales events each week, she also joins hunts and makes high quality treasures for those hunts, and then there are all the ways you can win free items.

But there's even more to it than that. Every so often, I think of the phrase, "Go the extra mile," and how it relates to her and to Snowpaws. She contributes items to a conglomeration of charity based fund raisers.

No, she's not a Saint yet, but I don't know if anyone has petitioned the new Pope Francis to recognize her as one... yet. When I get to work with and for someone who offers more of herself than she ever asks, I consider myself the lucky one.

If you've never visited Snowpaws, you should. People have so many motives in Second Life, some of them seemingly unsavory, but at Snowpaws, there's always a sense of goodness with a splash of fun and naughty in a good way. Her motives come through as crystal clear and full of hope.

A side note, about the fun nails I have on in the photo (see the zoomed in photo), these are the cleverest drops of fun ever to drip on my fingertips. The set of 10 nails each have little tea party dishes. They're some of my favorite ever from Candy Nail and they were in a Gacha machine for only 50L. Fun at a great price. Who can do better than that?


Featured Snowpaws Ava Dress (The Event)
Featured Candy Nail (Gacha, and what a deal) Tea Time Nails in Pink
1. Custom Shape
2. EMO-tions: Fame
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 2 A Girl's Best Friend
5. Face Paint: Midas Touch Silver v2
6. Baboom!: Bracelet from Silver Moon Outfit
7. RYCA: Platinum Earrings
8. N-Core: Triumph
9. Focus Poses
10. Avante Pose (Now called In-Pose!)

Featured Snowpaws Harlow Form Fitting Dress
1. Custom Shape
2. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
3. Truth: Soleil
4. Face Paint Gems: Spring Gems 1 Easter Basket
5. Sexy Mama Valentine Manicure
6. LAQ: Tasha Skin
7. Zuri's: My Juliet Set Bracelet
8. Angel Dessous: Dragon Fly Brooch (worn in hair)
9. Joops: Black Golden Nailed Ankle Boots