Let Me Look Into My Crystal Ball - Wertina from Winter Market, Analog Dog, Chop Zuey and Lindy

What does the new year bring for each of us? Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball. When my sons were young and they would ask me some question to which I had no way of knowing because it was either simply information I didn't know or associated with time we hadn't had yet, I would answer, "Let me look into my crystal ball." They grew to laugh at this retort and now they make similar comments if I ask them about time off from work or other details for holidays, in much the same manner I used the phrase in their youth.

Since I don't have one of those balls, but I do have a sixth sense about some things, I feel really positive going into 2015. I think I will have a grand-child, hopefully a grand-daughter, on the way before 2015 ends. No they haven't announced it yet, and its one of those ideas where they both say oh no, we're not ready for that yet (and they're not!!) but I still believe it will be happily on its way before the year 2015 comes to a close. I also believe it's going to be my healthiest year yet since 2004 when my world fell apart at the seams. I have some say in this, obviously, by eating well, doing things that are good for the body and so forth, but also I think other things are affecting me for the better and they're going to keep doing so.

In Second Life, I'm going to get more involved in the business behind the business of modeling. I've always enjoyed the fact that modeling in SL and probably off line too, there are a thousand jobs that must be done for every single 'face' that's out on the runway showing the clothes. I've only begun to explore and have embraced the chance to invest time and talent in several ways and will continue to find ways in 2015. I had thought at one point that I would move away from blogging, and I may yet do so one day but not yet. It's not time yet. I enjoy the connection I have with designers all over the grid and I'm not ready to yield that.

I have a new gown on from Wertina, an item made for the Winter Market Event. I think I'll be sharing Analog Dog hair until sometime next year after the killer sale they had this week! Lindy had an array of patent leather heels with the pointed toe sandal look. And it will certainly be a while to share with you all the beauty of Chop Zuey from the generosity of Belle Roussel.

* Wertina Evening Gown Navy from Winter Market Event
* Chop Zuey The Promised Morrow Set from Christmas' Generous Gifts
* Lindy Birget Black Patent Leather
* Analog Dog Mash

- .::LUNA::. Penumbra A/W 14 Nails
- Maxi Gossamer Party Swallow Wings Lashes
- Muse Poses and Di's Opera Poses

Standard Items:
-- October's 4Seasons Chocolate Cosmos Skin Tone Laila Face
-- SLink Hands and Feet
-- KMADD Mesh Eyes

Easter Market: 1)PICHI, 2)WERTINA - Japan Fair: Candy Nail, Also KaTink, EMO-tions, Chop Zuey, {{BSD}} and Kyxe Skins & Shapes

With pose creators, they seem to make them in packs of five or ten. As a model, and as I've prepared different looks, I noticed that if the pack were used in tandem, it looks like the pack could be used all at once on a runway and display a dress, or boots, or something with each pack. I have much much more experience behind a camera than on a runway, so this is only my perception. I had fun with setting up the poses here, from KaTink. One had hands up, and I immediately thought stealth, like on Survivor when one of member of an alliance overhears something while listening behind a bush. You'll see my rendition of that in this set of photos. Thank you KaTink.

Many of the items that come with different fairs and events are full outfits from the get go. I feel responsible to show you as many parts as possible in such outfit sets. I like separates a lot, as well, and when I have the chance, like I did in this series, to put a top by one designer with a skirt or pants or shorts in this case, it's more of a puzzle to me.

The sweater print is from WERTINA at Easter Market, and the shorts are from PICHI. I also have a new set of nails from Candy Nail, from Japan Fair. I've been a Candy Nail shopper for a few years, so I enjoyed finding Candy Nail as part of Japan Fair and knew it would be a treat. There are several styles, some with very unique sculpts for the nail's shape. You have to go and see!

EMO-tions spoils customers with new gifts regularly. The hair that Ms. Mirja Mills is giving away this month is seen in these photos, Suri in the Snow color. The headband will change colors, to optimize your use. I liked keeping it white so it would show the bold difference between the white head scarf and the Marigold skin tone from Kyxe Skins & Shapes.

The very very up close and personal head shot was taken to show you a whole new product idea that was added to Kyxe inventory this weekend, brow tattoos to add drama to your skins in many color and shape options. Across runways in the world of fashion off line, brilliant colored hair and unique brows are trending. This means more pink and blue hair this spring! I'm going to dye it!! And also thick, or cut or even brightly matching brows are on the horizon.

Babycham PagneSass touched my heart when she allowed me to begin blogging her shoes mid-year of 2013. I knew she crafted her own mesh forms for each new shoe, and she had her own ideas and dreams to creatively add something to the fashion world of Second Life. I think she's had an impressive new year, and for one lady (me!) she's made my heart soar more than a few times as she shared a new style here and there. The Super Model shoe was the first shoe I blogged for her and now she's released a Special Anniversary version of it, and the Nu Purple suited just fine for this styling. I wish her the very best in 2014, and beyond as she continues to grow.

One other detail is the Brooch from Chop Zuey. The small heart pin stuck to my sweater made me think of the pinning that used to occur in the days when my parents were dating. If a fella liked a girl, he'd pin her. I think it was like a promise to a promise to a promise, that meant it was possible, even likely, that the couple would marry after high school ended. I don't think there are little significant moments like that in modern teen culture. It's a sweet little heart pin and beautifully designed.

What a treat each designer presented that helped create this blog. Thank you!

Image Essentials Sim: The Meadow

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Parameshvara/142/154/1201

Featuring KaTink Poses Roxeanne 2

Featuring from Japan Fair Candy Nail Queen Rose Spring Pink

Featuring from Easter Market PICHI Greta Shorts

Featuring from Easter Market WERTINA Dona Spring Sweater

Featuring {{BSD Design Studio}} Special Anniversary Super Model Nu Purple

Featuring Kyxe Skins & Shapes NEW Eyebrow Tattoos Blond Eyebrown 1

Featuring Chop Zuey Captured Heart Brooch

Featuring EMO-tions New Group Gift Nuri in Snow

1. Kyxe Skins & Shapes: Marigold Makeup 02

2. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Felicia

3. KMADD/Moda: Mesh Eyes

I'm Talking To You - Featuring MADesigns, [Mirror's Enigma], Wertina, Ch's, and Kastle Rock

Sometimes I find an alter ego in the styles I create from designers who have a different point of view. This time is such an occasion. After a stretch of very fancy clothes, I put together this urban look, and enjoyed the change.

Do you ever wonder what your super power would be, if you got to choose it? Is your alter ego bolder, stronger, more intelligent? What's the rationale behind the whole super hero thing. Not only Batman and Super Man, Cat Woman and Wonder Woman... Beauty, Brains and Brawn...

I'm fairly sure the appeal of the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series and other popular bits of fiction comes under the surreal hope of an alter ego that wins those battles we otherwise know we'd lose in life. If we can't be Batman, maybe we can wizard our way out of something, or simply out live it.

Christmas is a special day and this season is special to me also. I still struggle with the stress of it. I don't ever quite get it right, and I wish I were this tough girl here, daring and bold, able to stand up to the stress, the people around me that make it sad instead of glorious, just once I do wish it.

I'm looking for the silver lining in a holiday season that's meant to be one giant silver lining. I think maybe we hear that on commercials and read it in fairy tales, though. Maybe the spirit that resides in us throughout the year helps us face all that we face, even in the moments that could overwhelm.

If you're stressed, misty-eyed with frustration or sadness as a relationship batters you about this season, take a deep breath, and smile. The only person I know I can change is me. I think that's an important point. Maybe it's the point of the novels, the fantasy, the things in our alter ego we wish we could do, and maybe it's not so bad to boldly pretend with a fiery attitude, "I'm talking to you..."

Live! Love! Laugh!

Featuring MADesigns Julia Dark Blonde

Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami Dread Eyeshadow

Featuring [Mirror's Enigma] Kami War Painted Lips Blight

Featuring Wertina Winter Hat

Featuring Ch's Sira Boots

Featuring Kastle Rock Leather Jacket Black

1. SLink Hands Elegant

2. MADesigns Eyes Attention Deep

3. Black Lace Tease Cut Denim Jeans Baby Blue

4. Wicca's Wardrobe Poses

The Glory of Love -- .charme., MINT!, Essenz, Wertina and NiNight

At the end of the year, we celebrate in some way, most of us do all around the globe. Even if it's simply acknowledging the passing of one year and seeing a new one on our horizon, we hopefully look towards that horizon. It's our chance to be better, do better, live better. It means something to me.

This little tree from Ninight reminded me somehow of the moment in the story of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas, when they woke to find nothing, and still they went to the town circle and they sang. They weren't singing for things, but for the essence of the moment, the beauty in their hearts.

The glory of love may be shared a thousand ways. You could sing in that nonsense language they came up with for the televised version of the Grinch or you could do a hundred family traditions. It doesn't matter. Love comes packaged in so many ways. And for those who have lost the sense of glory that love is, I hope you find it as this year ends, and like the Grinch, may your heart grow three sizes today.

Live! Laugh! Love!

Featuring .charme. Li Rose Headband (worn as a wreath instead) from the Christmas Market

Featuring Essenz Venice Black Heels from the Christmas Market

Featuring MINT! Caroline Jumpsuit from the Christmas Market

Wertina Winter Hat from the Christmas Market

NiNight Christmas Tree w/Animated Sing Pose Built In from the Christmas Market

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

1. MADesigns: Eyes Confidence ~ Subtle Green

2. EnvyMe: Samia Skin Fair Makeup

3. Manifeste Poses (used instead of pose built in to tree for better overall display)