Aloha Caryn! Featuring Sky, >Asset< and Face Paint

Before I jump into June, I have to pause and share something meaningful about a lady named Sky Summerwind. Like many of us, she's experienced the ups and downs of the economy and how it affects our day to day lives. While she'd enjoyed Second Life as a place to play and have fun and even created a few items to wear and use in Second Life prior to October, in October 2013, she determined to make a financial difference in her world via her store.

I could feel her enthusiasm; the passion she had jumped off the page when she typed about her dreams. I knew that with the energy she had to put into her decision, it wouldn't be long before she had reached that goal, where the work she did in Second Life could enhance her family's finances.

I remember when she told me the first time it happened, and I squealed with her in joy and sense of pride. She believed in herself and she made it happen. I worked with her as a model for one of her HUD frames for a new release and she offered to pay me. I said no thanks. But I did tell her one thing that would mean a great deal to me. I suggested that she name a new garment after me instead of paying, and it would thrill me to no end. So... here's Aloha Caryn.

I used another of Asset's new releases Cao Cao (which reminded me of a favorite Mooooo friend of mine), as hair, a perfect do for playing in the sands off Maui. I also added Face Paint's new Simplicity (eyes only) layer. And with that, the compilation was complete. I could close my eyes, inhale and smell the sea spray and hear that heavenly surf.

Thank you Sky! And thank you designers who made this blog possible:

Featuring Caryn Aloha by Sky

Featuring >Asset< Cao Cao Hair

Featuring Face Paint Simplicity Pack

1. Apple Spice Poses

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Blossom Skin Tone

-- Captivate Bubble Gum Lips

-- Teeth Tattoo

3. SLink: Mid Feet

-- Elegant 1 Hands

4. **Feel** Diamond Royal Queen Necklace Set

Come *Sky* With Me -- Featuring Lybra from Couturier's Docks, 1 Hundred from Designer Showcase, Sky from FASHIONART Faire, and [Liv-Glam]

This collection of items really made me smile as I dug around in my bag to make pieces mix and match and use things from a whole array of people to make it work. Sometimes it's just like an 'AHA!!' moment, and that's how this outfit feels. Sky Summerwind's New Tapestry Overalls are an exclusive item for FASHIONART Faire. The Bianca jewelry from Libra as well as the clutch are new from The Couturier's Docks and as I looked closer at the pieces, I could see a faint echo of the print on Sky's coveralls. I pulled a cute one piece lingerie bodice from 1 Hundred's items at Designer Showcase. Decorative Fancy Heels for SLink feet (high) from [Liv-Glam] could also be interpreted as very close to the prints and color scheme. You have options with [Liv-Glam] Fancy Heels not shown because there are color change options on the HUD.

Sky's store grows every time I drop by and I'm always smiling to see it. Her passion related to the store, artistic creation and branding and marketing match the zeal of other successful movers and shakers in Second Life. She just needs to put in time, let others get to know her, and in my opinion, she's doing that very well. She creates items for a number of events, and keeps her main store stocked well. She offers sale items, and even participates in a Free club where every so often, she shares a brand new item, absolutely free. It's fun to see the absolute delight of someone realizing their dreams, in progress. I took these photos on her sim so I could show and tell you just a little bit more about her.

I'm grateful for each designer represented in this blog:

Featuring Lybra Bianca Clutch and Jewelry Set from Couturier's Docks

Featuring 1 Hundred Little White Lace Dress from May's Designer Showcase

Featuring Sky Tapestry Overalls Exclusive FASHIONART Faire by Glamourist

Featuring [Liv-Glam] Boutique Fancy Heels for SLink High Feet

1. EMO-tions: Silja

2. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Candice Marigold Skin Tone

-- Kyxe Candy Powder Blue Shadow

-- Kyxe Glamour Ombre Ocea Lips

3. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Felicia

4. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

5. PoseWay Chic Set

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dolphin%20Cliff/59/109/28

A Little Sister Pestering -- Featuring Sky from Christmas Market Event, Also Kyxe Skins & Shapes, .::Shellac, and MADesigns

So how do I see myself in this modeling and fashion world. Last year, when I first began writing my blog, it was late April, and I had a huge moment of self doubt, erased the first 7 or 8 posts on my blog and was going to wait a while. A good friend, who came to mean the world to me - Eve Express - nudged me not to give up on the blog thing and also hired me to work with and for her. I miss her!

I called myself a baby model, a model so green I had no idea what to do with myself and yet people inspired me and helped me and mentored me and gave me things to blog when I probably had no business doing it except the passion to learn and grow.

It can be very intimidating, wanting something so much and knowing no one. I wasn't going to stay in that place though. I wanted to reach out, get to know people and evolve. I remember the first time I met Ms. Ponchi. She did a favor for me, for Eve. Later, I met Mr. Frolic Juan Delgado and he helped with this and that. They both seemed larger than life.

Now here it is, over a year since I met those two, a year that was filled with joy and crushing failure, a year and a few days to pass 105, and to get certified with Miss Virtual World. What am I now? I'm sure in their ears, their IMs, their Facebook links, I'm the quintessential little sister, pestering, always asking a new question, advice, and being a nuisance. I know more people now, more people I can pester!

But honestly, I cherish these people who've invested in me. I AM at the little sister age. I think there are stages that many models pass through. Some stay and go through all of them, others only get their feet wet. It will take years, more than just this one, to get to a point where I feel like a grown up model, and the joy of that is, I'm glad for the journey! Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring Sky from the Christmas Market Event

- Sky Shooting Star Tattoo

- Sky Bow Skirt

- Sky Winter Coat Jacket

- Sky (Gacha Rare) Sneaker Boot

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Atlantis%20City%202/27/101/1224

Also Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes Glamour Ombre Nude

Also Featuring .::Shellac Slink Nails Autumn Palate

Also Featuring MADesigns ~ Eyelashes - Lush Lash 

Also Featuring MADesigns ~ Eyes - Dark Path

1. FINESMITH: 02 Earrings

2. FINESTITH: Tyra Necklace

3. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Splendor Eyeshadow Brown Diamonds

4. SLink: Elegant 1

5. Hairoin: 10 Hour Hair

6. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Lily Skintone

7. Manifeste Poses

Fitting All the Pieces TBCF *Citrus* RAMS WEAR, Sky, Envyme and Also Featuring Finesmith

I really enjoy what I do each day as a blogger in Second Life. I have asked a few people along the way if they accept bloggers, and submitted blogger applications. I also have had the joy of friends mentioning me to other friends and ending up working with new friends as a result.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup
-DEW Boho Clutch

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

This past week felt a little like an avalanche, but the overwhelming flush of items to review is a huge gift to receive. I have wanted to make sure I included a little bit of something from each participant who shared their clever designs.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup
-DEW Boho Clutch

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

A few times already, I've had items I blogged that were from my regular sponsors. I did a dress for [[Masoom]], a dress from A.F.I Designs and shoes from {{BSD Design Studio}}. I cherish those designers who've invested in me in the long haul. I believe they realize I do not take them for granted.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

I have a hard time asking for help. I don't ask for free items. I couldn't imagine ever doing so. I think I'd freak out a bit if someone tried to make me. During this Boho Fair, I've posted a whole plethora of blogs, several a day sometimes. I know it's a lot of data to process because it's a lot for you and me.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup
-DEW Boho Clutch

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

Really special little moments happen in these special event settings for bloggers, at least they have for me and I consider them memories of people at their finest, leading me on my continued sense of positive overall energy in Second Life and my hopefulness that it overcomes darkness fully.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

I told one of the designers who'd provided a whole array of items for blogging how grateful I was at their generosity. I try to piece together as many things from the fair itself, and then go to other sponsors items and finally my own personal inventory to get a styling done well.

TBCF

- *Citrus* Boho Black Boots

- RAMS WEAR Eternal Black Top

- Sky Music Note Leggings

- Envyme Samia Skin Tan Makeup

Also Featuring

Finesmith Urban Angel Catseye Sunglasses

Finesmith Urban Angel Earrings

1. IKON: Sunrise Eyes Steel Blue Grey

2. Osmose: Chignon

3. Slink: Elegant 1

4. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Tangerine Matte Lips

5. Manifeste Poses

Because this designer put all sorts of items in their box, I had unusual trinkets of all sorts to add to each blog styling for this fair. When I thanked the owner/designer, the reaction I received only added a greater blessing, "Anything you need. Anything at all. Just let me know."

I've had fun fitting all the pieces together for this event. I think I have one or two more stylings I'll share this week, and I'll have had exposure to more designers than I have ever had. What a treat. It's work. It's FUN work. And I love it.

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].