Another Hallowe'en Post

Dear Diary:

Hallowe'en is not my favourite "big event day" but I'm enjoying posting some of the free costumes I found this year.  This one really made me laugh.  I think I've seen it before but I didn't pay much attention.  This year I really thought it would be fun trying it out.

The costume comes with the black tee and jeans.  The paper bag has two sizes and can be worn with any clothing.  I think I could wear this out in my first world too.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Costume: TD Costumes Paper Bag Free Costume

Hallowe'en Background: Katink

It's HalloMeme!

Dear Diary:

Berry's Monday Meme came at a perfect time.  My friend Chloe and I always take a Hallowe'en pic together so I'm using my pic from the weekend for this post.

 

1. Did you go trick or treating as a child?  You bet!!  That was the highlight in my neighbourhood.  We would all get dressed up and go out in a group.  There were 8 of us and we stuck together as a group until I was 12.

 

2. What was the best Halloween costume you ever saw or wore yourself?  My costumes were always really special to me.  I never had a "bought" costume.  My Mom would gather things over the year - fake jewels, fur, flowers - and then I would wear whatever she devised to put on the outfit.  So I often wore old clothes from my Dad or Mom, or even my Grandmother.  Some of my friends thought that was really cool.  My Mom couldn't sew very well but one year she made me a ghoul costume.  I didn't really like it and neither did my friends because the made-up ones that she did were always more colourful and definitely more special.

 

3. What is your most vivid memory about Halloween?  One year there was a new family on my block who came from Europe.  The man answered the door and explained they weren't used to celebrating Hallowe'en so he had no candy.  Instead he was giving out nickels.  But to get that nickel, we had to sing a song.  When it was my turn, I sang something I learned in school.  When I was finished, the man gave me a dime because he said I might need the extra money for singing lessons.  Every one of my friends could hardly walk as they were laughing so hard.

 

4. What is the scariest movie you have ever seen?  I can't watch scary movies so I can't name one...I'll get scared even typing the name. 

 

5. Do you ever get nightmares after watching a scary movie?  My answer to #4 should be a good explanation.

 

6. Are you superstitious? If so, name at least one superstition of yours.  I don't really have superstitions but this Hallowe'en, when handing out treats, I will never give 4...it has to be less or more...but not 4.

 

7. What will you be doing for Halloween this year, if anything, in SL and RL?  IF I get a chance to fly into SL, I'll put on my costume and go to some party / dance with my friends.  Probably in RL I'll be giving out treats at the door....oh and eating a few myself.

 

Good Night for now.

 

Chloe is wearing:

Costume: Boudoir Driving That Thing Victorian Burlesque

 

I'm wearing:

Costume: Abranimations Female Zombie Avatar (FREE until Hallowe'en)

 

We're both on Exposeur pumpkins gacha (sparkle orange)



Autumn Grasshopper is the Colour of the Week

Dear Diary:

The Twisted Colour Challenge has a happy colour duo this week.  I love the fall colours and this combo shows it best.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Oceane Glammy lips (orange2)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Colourful Winged Eye with lashes (brown) (no longer available)
Hair: LaViere Amanda

Dress: TuTy's Sweater Mesh Dress (orange)
Sweater: tram J1 cardigan (with HUD)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Angelina Peeptoe (chocolate)

Earrings and necklace: Maxi Gossamer Madrah
Ring: LaGyo Stroune (gold)

Poses: Flowey

Breast Cancer Awareness

Dear Diary:

I'm sure that everyone is aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The campaign not only offers information and support but hopes that people will help raise funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure for this disease.

Several events take place this month to promote aid for this type of cancer.  The Run for the Cure was first held in October of 1983 with only 800 people participating.  By 2002, over a million were participating in this event.  Now there are various walks or runs, in Canada,  in the U.S., and around the world, helping to raise consciousness
and keeping information flowing to all women in the world. Let's all be aware that men can have breast cancer too.  Although rare, the action group for men, A Man's Pink, provide the same information for men, that women get.  It is also recognized in October.

The fourth Monday in October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness day so this Monday, October 28th, wear the pink ribbon, as I am, to make everyone aware of the importance of this month.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Truth Hair Kalista
Dress: Riddle basic sweater dress (oatmeal)
Boots: Decoy Jully boots (onyx)

Pink ribbon: Primagine RFL Pink Ribbon for Breast Cancer (no longer available) but ribbons available for free on SL Marketplace here and here. 

Pose: Glitterati (SL Marketplace)

Am I Qualified Enough to Reply to the Monday Meme?

Dear Diary:

Strawberry Singh's Meme this week is a very thought provoking subject that certainly requires a mind that is geared to legal logistics.  That leaves me out!  So I'm not sure I should even be responding but after supper last night, I got the paper and pencil and decided to jot down a few things, from my viewpoint, concerning the anxiety over the TOS.

1. Do you usually read the TOS thoroughly before you hit accept? I can probably say no, I never used to but the last one that came through I skimmed through, partly due to what everyone had been saying about it.  However, in RL I'm a researcher but the legalese combobulation of this TOS throws my mind.  Why can't the LL put a synopsis of their document in REAL language that a lot of us can understand?  Many large companies will send a TOS for you to accept but will also include a language-simplified post.  This makes it a lot easier for those of us who do not know or understand all the legal ramification of their jargon.

2. How do you feel about the new LL TOS changes, specially from August 15th and section 2.3.
This is a very difficult question.  I am not creative.  I can't even make a box. But I have friends who are artists, writers, machinimagraphers, content creators and I feel for them.  Part of my job in RL for quite a few years was in copyright so I can appreciate the mistrust when items that have been legally protected by the inventor are usurped by LL. 

3. Do the changes affect you directly? No, not directly.  However, I'm a big consumer of Second Life products.  My budget will tell you that, so indirectly it might.  I can understand people in the creative industry, whether it be building, clothing or personal enhancements, not making new items or even drastically pulling out of the business arena.  I would miss my shopping excursions.  No more haute couture; no more high-class coiffures; and certainly not the top-of-the-line furniture I'm used to.
I do work for a machinima company.  If they decide to fold, then I will be out of a job and out of work that I love.  And of course, out of the $$ that I need to be spending on all the fantastic items that fill my closet. 

4. What do you think people should do about this new change? Hmmm....I agree with Berry on this one.  I'm really not sure at this point.  I consider myself to be proactive and would like to be protesting to the nth degree but I really have nothing to protest for...at least right now.  I would support any content creator if they choose to protest. I think it's important that we all read about the changes that are being forced upon us, especially since it might involve most of us in some other way when the next TOS comes out.  When we become well prepared, we can decide what the next step might be.  I believe we should all be apprised of what LL has in store for us.  That way we can choose our actions.  From now on I'll read every TOS coming across my screen.

 5. Are you or have you ever thought about leaving Second Life? What would you do with your time/blogs/career if you ever did?  Crazy as it sounds, I considered leaving about 3 days after becoming "me".  I wasn't sure that I was meant for this virtual place.  Now, several years later, I have a house, tons of friends, a bulging closet and a very active life.  I would never consider abandoning it now. 
If I did ever leave [it would be forced for sure!], I would have no problem filling up my time.  I have an extremely active, busy RL so perhaps I would devote more time to that.  But SL is another social outlet for me that I have fun with.  I've met some wonderful friends from around the world.  I enjoy the live entertainment, the dances and the tons of fun.  I'm sure I would find another world to live in but it would never be the same.  This blog, and my career in my second world would be gone.  I would be sad about that but there's something always around the corner that would peak my curiosity, as Second Life did.

A friend just passed this article on to me, The Second Audience: Rights for Creators.
Perfect timing!

Good Night for now.

Beach Club for The Twisted Colour Challenge

Dear Diary:

Well I thought of going for a "beachy" look this week for Sookie's Challenge.  With the colour name, it would have been perfect.  I have the swimsuit; I have the sunhat; and I have the fake tan.  But when I stepped out my front door, I thought, "Yeah...sure...right!!  I really could get into a bikini in this weather!!"  So I'm wearing something less revealing and a lot warmer.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Izzie's Dark Vibrant Lipstick (dark red)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Cosmetics Miss Vanity
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair: LeLutka Rush

Dress: !gO! Cotton sweater (khaki)
Leggings: en Svale leggings (border) (free)
Boots: lassitude & ennui Selene boots (grey and mint)

Earrings: Mandala Leather feather earrings (gold)

Poses: Adorkable Poses (SL Marketplace)

It's National Boss's Day

Dear Diary:

Whether you think your boss is undoubtedly a prince, or just a beast to be dealt with, this is HIS day.

In 1958, Patricia Bays Haroski, proposed a "National Boss's Day.  At that time, she was working in Illinois as a secretary for an insurance company.  She picked
October 16 as the commemorative date as it was her father's birthday.  Interestingly enough, her father was also her boss.

Some interesting facts about the "boss":

• 1 out of 3 employees think they're smarter than their boss
• 1 out of 3 would like their boss's job
• Bosses think they are better role models than they actually are
• Employees and their boss may be friends but not on a social network as Facebook
• A boss with children is not as stressed as one who has no family.

To see other things that determine a good boss, check here.

I'm lucky.  I've only experienced one boss in my work career that I felt was not doing an adequate job.  Presently I have a boss in my main life and one in my second life who are both positive futuristic and from whom I've learned a lot.

Today let your boss know if you appreciate what he or she is doing. 

Good Night for now.

Prince Charming Avatar (SL Marketplace) (only $L1)
Giant Besalisk Avatar (SL Marketplace) (free)

Happy Thanksgiving Canada!

Dear Diary:

A Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends.

I hope you spend this day with friends and family, eating your fill of turkey, mashed potatoes, turnip, gravy and of course pumpkin pie - with lots and lots of whipped cream.

Good Night for now.

My home décor and the turkey dinner for Sam and I, courtesy of La Galleria.

It's the Peruvian Way

Dear Diary:

The Twisted Colour Challenge is into the 42nd week.  The colour duos just keep getting more interesting.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Put lipstick Pink (love)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: mock Priscilla eyelashes
Hands: SLink AV Enhanced Mesh Hands (L-casual; R-gesture)
Hair: Truth Hair Venus

Sweater: Ison lacy shoulder shirt (slate)
Skirt: Ison slit pencil skirt (pink)
Shoes: GF Strap Shoes Alex (gray)

Necklace: Mon Cheri Vintage Charm Necklace (Strong Will)

Poses: Di's Opera

My Avatar's Private Life...[if she has one!]

Dear Diary:

Berry's Monday Meme got me thinking about my avi and what she does when I'm not around so I decided to have a conversation with her.

ME: So...what exactly do you do when I'm not here?

DREAMER: Why?

ME: Well, I'm just curious to see if you're bored when I'm not around to get you motivated.

DREAMER: I BEG YOUR PARDON!!! You think you motivate me???  HA!   You're always making me get all fancied up, with perfect hair and perfect makeup.  I'm dressed in satin, dripping in heavy jewelry.  And just who is it that has to be  posing...posing...posing, sometimes at IMPOSSIBLE angles that make me ache for hours?  Eh? I think you spend all your hours away from me just thinking of other things you can make me do.  And just who do you think shops for hours picking up all the things that YOU think I would like?  And you never seem to ask my opinion, you just assume. Then there's the endless hours of dancing in stilettos until my feet blister.  Sometimes I just want to shlep around the house and do nothing.  So when you're tired of controlling me, and are finally ready to let me be myself, I take off the makeup and nail polish; I put my hair up; put some comfy sloppy clothes on and try to get my qi back until you come up with the next round of what you call "fun".

ME: ok ok....calm down...I had no idea that you hated being Dreamer so much.

DREAMER:  Hate it ..oh no....I love it!  But don't think you can take all the credit for who I am or what I do.  After all, I am you.  So give me a break now and then.  Try meditating...get in touch with your inner self.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: W&Y No. 135 (no longer available)
Hands: SLink AV enhanced hands (casual)
Eyelids: SLink Mesh lids and lashes
Feet: Gos Boutique barefeet (arched)

Top: Sassy Urban tank top (graffiti)
Sweatpants: Sassy Baggy sweatpants (black)

Pose: Embody Poses

Enchanted High for Twisted Colour

Dear Diary:

The Twisted Colour Challenge is calling for a very vibrant duo this week.  As you all know, pink is not for me but this shade is such a soft one I quite like it.

The name made me think of high school, although I could never have worn this to my school.  Uniforms were the dress of the day for me.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Lipsticks (milkshake)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (peacock)
Hands: SLink AVEnhanced Mesh hands (casual)
Hair: Plume Kiss From a Rose (no longer available)

Dress: Mutresse Vera Studded mini dress (teal)
Boots: Mutresse Galena boots (teal)

Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry Drop earrings (pastel)

Poses: oOo Studio

Fall? Or Autumn? It's Just a Great Time of Year

Dear Diary:

Another good Monday Meme from Berry and it's so relevant at this time of year.

1. Is autumn your favorite season? Why or why not? This is a tough question.  I love this time of year - for the brilliant colours; the crispness of the air; the earthy smells; and the sound of the geese flying south.  But winter comes in just above, just below...ok it's a tie!

2. Do you call it Autumn or Fall?  I had to think about this answer, crazy as that may sound.  I think they're interchangeable in my vocabulary but I tend to use the "fall" word more.

3. What kind of weather does your area get during this season?  In my part of Canada, it can be warm and sunny or it can be snowing.  Fortunately this year, we've had a perfect fall.  This morning it was 10C (about 51F) and it went up to 21C (almost 70F) this afternoon.  Of course I wasn't out in the sun to enjoy it but the evening has been pleasant.

4. Which color do you always associate with autumn?  Orangey Red

5. Which Autumn themed sim is your favorite at the moment?  There's so many great ones out there but I think, right at this moment, I like the Pixel Bean Cafe.

After writing this, I got an uplifting flash so now I'm going out for a walk and reinforce why I love autumn so much.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AVEnhance Mesh Hands (splayed)
Hair: sWEET FACEs, sWEET HAIRs

Jacket: Vero Modero Trench coat (red plaid)
Sweater: fri.day Ballet sweater (red)
Jeans: PixelDolls Cimarron Jeans (Indigo)
Boots: BAX Prestige Boots blue suede (midnight)

Pose: Magnifique Poses (now on SL Marketplace)

Location: The Pixel Bean Coffeehouse and Cafe