My Blogging Journey Meme

Dear Diary:

I'm so late joining in Berry's Monday Meme [what day is it???] but I've been fighting a virus [Viral Strain blah blah blah A] and I'm just getting back to the real world today.  So I decided I would blog from my current spot.

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? I've only used my computer. 
2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it?  I don't have a mission statement for my blog. 
3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? When I come on a new blog that might interest me, I'll start to read it.  If it has a nasty, self serving, negative tone about stores or creators, other people or bloggers, or products they've received, I hit the "close" button. 
4. Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors?  Alright.  I hate to admit it...but...yes!!  I'm a grammar and spelling junkie for sure.  Mistakes seem to jump out at me and I will always go back and correct.  Before I post, I usually go back and check again but some things have slipped through on me.  THEN when I realize it, I'm mad at myself for not realizing what happened.  I never judge others for grammar or spelling mistakes.  Some people have trouble with grammar or spelling which I can understand.  English is a difficult language.  Others have English as a second language and I marvel that they write as well as they do.  I could never ever write in another language.  English is hard enough for me.
5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? There are so many talented bloggers that I would love to switch with.  I don't think I could name just one.  And then they would have to agree to switch with me. heheheh
6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How?  I certainly hope so.  When I first started I thought I would be into fashion, since I seem to buy so much but I found I was lousy at it.  I do try and promote things in SL, through buying items and trying new venues.  I try to incorporate those things into some opinion pieces.  I might try something else in the future but I'm comfortable with that right now.  I think my photos have improved somewhat since the first several, years ago but more improvement on that part might call for a new computer.
7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging?   I get to read other people's ideas and opinions about a common subject.  People amaze me with their abilities.
8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in?  My answer to #6 has probably answered this question. I read all the kinds of blogs mentioned.  I like the techie ones because I always learn something from them and it gives me incentive to try something new.  I envy the fashion bloggers.  If only I could takes pictures [and look] like that.  Lifestyle bloggers bring us everyday life and that's what I enjoy reading. I probably am a somewhat Lifestyle blogger.
9. What has blogging taught you? Blogging has given me the push to "put myself out there".  Even though I'm writing under an fake name, it's really ME writing these words.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I know not everyone agrees with mine and vice versa but it's great that we can all converse on a common level.
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. 1. Write about what you like.  2. Write positive words, otherwise #3 will be you.  3. As with everything in life - Try it.  If you don't like it, quit

On that final sentence, I'll say my good nights and blow my nose.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefeet (arched)
Hair: W&Y Messy #122 (no longer available)
Sleep Shirt: Myst Fashion Snowflake night shirt (SL Marketplace)

Bed: La Galleria brass bed with white lace ruffled skirt
Laptop: what next iblog Laptop
"Sick stuff": Second Spaces sick day tissue; sick magazine and soup

Pose: Just a Pose (no longer available)

Strike (alotof) Poses!

Dear  Diary:

Berry's Monday Meme is a well deserved tribute to all the pose makers who give us attitude or elegance in our photos.  This was a huge challenge for me.  I love my poses and have a ton of them in my inventory so trying to pick a few was an all consuming task.  However, after much anxiety, I did come up with a list.

Poses are not by importance to me but just in alphabetical order.

1. Del May - I like the quirkiness of the poses here.  They're very artistic so when I want to portray something, I know if I use a pose from Del May, it will work.  

2. elephant - I first started noticing props from here but soon saw new pose packs coming up.  A lot of the poses are great for hinting at the idea of movement or emotion.

3. Focus Poses - There's lots of variety of different action poses, some with added props.  A lot of thought goes into how arms are positioned and how legs react to body movement

4. Icons of Style - I love the poses from this store.  I find them edgy.  A lot of attention is paid to how hands are displayed; body is bent; and legs are positioned.  The pose portrays motion and looks very good.  In addition to that, the packs are a good price.

5. oOo Studio - I started by buying props from oOo years ago.  They're very well made with lots of detail and had appropriate poses to go with the item.

I also use a lot of Diesel Works, !Bang, Exposeur, and Di's Opera.  Of course, Adorkable  poses, available on Marketplace, are also in the mix. 

I, along with many others, miss LAP.  I gathered those dollarbies with fervor and visited the store weekly to buy the new poses that just came out.  Those poses always worked for me and could be used in any situation.  Really miss those. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (gris)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel glossy pout lipstick (baby pink)
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement hands (casual)
Hair: Analog Dog b. Sine

Top: The Secret Store Betsy halter (cropped) (charcoal) (April COLLABOR88)
Skirt: The Secret Store Amy highwaist skirt (charcoal) (April COLLABOR88)

Shoes: Gos Boutique Charlotte Mary Jane Pumps (black) (April faMESHed)

What I'm Wearing for Easter

Dear Diary:

As a kid, when Easter rolled around, it was always a special time for me.  My Mom would buy a new spring coat for me to wear to church.  Even if it was a little on the chilly side, I wore that coat, along with a hat and gloves to celebrate the season.  I thought I looked pretty "spiffylicious".

So my thoughts this year, returned to the memories of old, and made me smile,  especially this Easter since there will be no spring coat coming out of my closet.

It snowed, is snowing, and will be snowing.  Last Thursday, my lawn only had remnants of snow piles but later that night, the brown patches were covered with fluffy white stuff.  This morning we had heavy wet flakes coming down.  Later we are expecting another 15cm (6 inches).  Where are the spring flowers that should be up in my garden?  Maybe they're smart and went to Florida!

No Easter bonnet for me this year.  Here's my outfit for the next few days.

Happy Easter Everybody.  Wherever you are, I hope you're wearing your spring coat.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair with hat: Mina 
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement hands (casual)

Snowsuit: sf design snowsuit
Scarf: Decoy Izel scarf

Location: Enchanted Forest

Flat Ebbe is not Flat Anymore

Dear Diary:

Berry has set another challenging meme for us this week.  It seemed to be a serious one so I thought I would take Ebbe out for a calming, serene boat ride.  Then we could talk.

1. Promote Second Life as a creative, social place to be.  It's not a sex den.  This world is full of creative people who build and make fantastic items; people who are talented and perform musically and artistically; and people who instruct classes for the intellectual or the interested.  THAT'S what's important!

2. Fix the ToS.  I've had friends leave this world and take their talents with them.  Give them a home here where they can create without worry of losing control of their own items.

3. Keep communication open.  We all have opinions, ideas, or choices.  Ask and we'll answer.

Ebbe was a good listener...but not a good boater.  He did put on the life jacket I gave him.  Unfortunately he wouldn't sit down so my rowboat started to go under. 
When he started to sing a hymn, I figured we were in trouble but we made it to shore.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair: Argrace Aya (Japan Fair)

Shirt: Coco Shirt and Parka (gift)
Cami: fri basic cami (tinted)
Jeans: Jane 52 classic
Hat: Neurolab Inc cap FREE

Boat: TUFF Rowboat (blue and white)
Life jackets: PFD Inflatable life jackets FREE (SL Marketplace)

Flat Ebbe Linden FREE (SL Marketplace)

Location: Boat rezzing area

Latinam linguam mortua non est

Dear Diary:

Right, Latin is not a dead language and I've just recently discovered that.  My Mom took Latin in high school.  It was an elective but she took it because there was some cute guy taking it.  By the time I got to high school, Latin was no longer an option but for one year, the school offered it as an "extra".  I ran to sign up for it, not because I was planning on a science career or because I was even interested.  It was for the same reason my Mom had taken it many years before. [Ego idem] I found I liked the language and it definitely helped me at university and in my career choice.  But last year I read how Latin is experiencing a resurgence in popularity.

Yes, a bit of Latin helped me with a lot of anatomy and biology but I didn't realize how it's come into our everyday life.  In the Harry Potter books, many names and spells were written in Latin.  [Filii amorem historiarum].   From the article, I discovered Twitter provides a page @latinlanguage; Ovid has a Facebook page; and last year, the season finale of Girls had a male lead planning his PhD in Latin to impress his girlfriend. [Par videtur]  It's nice to know that Latin will continue on, broadening the knowledge of those coming up.

[In via] my Latin is not that good.  I needed a translator to change some of my English phrases to better Latin. 

Lam enim nox

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lashes: mock Priscilla lashes
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (elegant)
Hair: Aoharu Daria

Toga: Meli Imako Ancient Princess toga (SL Marketplace)
Sandals: Aoharu Gladiator sandals (gold)

Earrings: Maxi Gossamer shell (peacock)
Bracelets: Zaara Pratha silver cuff (malachite)


Location: The Temple of Fortunus

Oh to be a Newbie Again!

Dear Diary:

Remember the time when we were all Newbies?  Oh yes!!  Don't we all!!  Berry's Monday Meme is a good one this week because it brings that all into memory again.

Here are my top five pieces of advice for anyone new coming into this world:

1. Come into this world with an open mind.  Some people choose to be extensions of themselves while others pick to be fantasy people or animal figures.  Because they don't look like "people" doesn't mean they don't enjoy this place just as much as anyone else.  They want to express themselves the way they want to be seen.  Some people change their appearance frequently so accept them as they are.

2. Don't expect sex from everyone you meet.  Yes, sex is here and I'm sure you can get it if you want it but not all people are here for it.  Cover up those...ummm...attachments or boobs.  You wouldn't show those in public in your first world so why do you think we want to see them in this one?

3. Be respectful.  There is a real person behind every avi so don't hide behind your anonymity and be rude or mean.  Feelings can be hurt. 

4. Do a search for things you're interested in.  In RL, if you work at something you enjoy, check to see if there is a group in SL that you can join. I did and found that I learned a lot.  You can meet friends and have input from people around the world.

5. Explore, explore, explore.  There are wonderful, creative people in SL that have built marvelous sims that are truly works of art.  Everyday can provide a new, mind expanding experience.

What is that saying...if only I knew then...??

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Cake Dakota
Top: Shampoo Check tunic (brown) (no longer available)
Skirt: Naïve Denim Mini (no longer available)
Glasses: je suis charmante (red)
Earrings: je suis asymetrique (red)

Blackboard: Really useful blackboard Lite (SL Marketplace)

Returning from Vacation

Dear Diary:

I love to travel.  In particular, I love to travel to a warm, sunny location and leave my snow and freezing temps behind.  And that's what made my recent trip so wonderful.  The warmth of the sun brought a subtle colour to my cheeks and a definite heat to my heart.  I didn't think of the snow I left behind at all.  But on my return I was met with snow, icy rain and more snow so shovelling the driveway was on my agenda. 

What also makes my return from vacation difficult, is the mound of laundry I have to do.

I guess I'll be spending the weekend washing and drying so I have something clean to wear to work on Monday.  That's a small sacrifice for the relaxing days I spent doing nothing.

Nice to be home.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Feet: Gos Boutique barefoot (flat)
Hair: Oh Hair Oh my holiday (no longer available)

Housecoat: G&N Quality Design Cosy gown (blue) (SL Marketplace)

Washer, dryer, soap: MD Laundry Department (white) (SL Marketplace)
Basket (on right): Kinoko laundry basket FREE (SL Marketplace)
Clothes: Clothes / Laundry on floor Non wearables (SL Marketplace)

I'm Leaving the Winter Behind

Dear Diary:

It's been a long, cold winter in my area of the world and although March has provided me with a few days of warm not below freezing temps, I jumped at the chance to fly to somewhere that's definitely warm.

I had vacation time that was begging to be used so with the blessings of my boss and office peers, I'm spending the next few weeks south.

I'll catch up when I return.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefeet arched
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (elegant)
Hair: Dura Girl #41
Bathing suit: Forever Summer Tradewind Hibiscus strapless (SL Marketplace)
Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies sunglasses 01

Location: SS Galaxy Cruise Ship

I'm in My Favourite Book Title

Dear Diary:

For the Monday Meme, I took a title of one of my favourite books, added a few words to the title and created my own cover.

It's funny how sometimes a book written for kids, is best appreciated and understood by adults.  Paper Bag Princess is a kids' book written by Robert Munsch.  The plot of the story is:

Princess Elizabeth plans on marrying Prince Ronald, who is practically perfect. However, a dragon arrives who destroys her kingdom, kidnaps Ronald, and burns all her clothes so that she has no choice but to wear a paper bag. Elizabeth follows the dragon and Ronald, and seeking to rescue her fiancé, challenges the dragon to burn forests with fire and to fly around the world. The dragon completes the tasks but after flying around the world a second time becomes tired and falls asleep. Elizabeth rescues Ronald, who is ungrateful and tells her to return when she looks more like a princess. Elizabeth realizes that she is better off without Ronald and sets off into the sunset to live her own life.

In conclusion, some men are NOT princes!

Good Night for now.

"I'm too shy to express my sexual needs except over the phone to people I don't know." (Gary Shandling)

Dear Diary:

A very interesting meme from Berry this week!  It seems to be quite personal and I don't know if it's for me or ME so I'll try to answer it both ways when and if I can.

1. What is your sexual orientation or do you not like to label yourself?  I'm definitely without a doubt, heterosexual in all my worlds.  When I was about 14, a friend of mine, a female,  kissed me smack on the lips in a very provocative way [no tongue but close enough].  I was surprised and it was pleasant but it didn't give me the "butterfly-in-the-stomach" effect. 

2. Name a physical attribute that you find attractive or sexy.  I like the tall and dark type.  A man with a good build, who is not overly muscle bound, on the slim side does it.  Eyes always get my second look as does a nice smile.

3. Are you promiscuous, a prude or in between?  I'm not a prude.  As long as a relationship brings happiness to both parties, I don't care what goes on.  I don't consider myself promiscuous either.  I'm very loyal when in a relationship and don't have sex with others...well there was one time....but that's for another meme. 

4. What turns you on?  A deep husky voice will set me spinning.

5. Are you dominant or submissive?  I become the way my partner leads me.

6. Are you into sexual roleplay?  Not really.  In RL I'm usually just the way I am.  I find it funny and frustrating trying to be someone I'm not.  As my last post for the Monday Meme stated, I haven't tried it in SL and I probably won't.  I'm pretty well the same in both worlds.

7. Which sexual position is your favourite?  My favourite is whatever it is at the time.

8.  Do you have any fetishes?  Hmmm...like rubber?  I had a boyfriend once who wanted me to wear plastic sandals in bed all the time.  It was totally uncomfortable and I really didn't get turned on by it.  So the answer is no.

9.  Have you or would you do porn, amateur or professional?  First of all, I don't think they would hire me!  That aside, no, in RL I wouldn't do porn.  I've gone to nude beaches, stripped off my bikini and had fun doing it but that's not porn.  In SL, I had a strange experience involving nudity that also was not porn.  I was asked to pose nude for an art gallery opening that was being recorded and streamed to an art gallery in New York.  Artists in both worlds were sketching us.  It was great fun and I enjoyed being part of the production.  When it was over, my boyfriend at the time, dumped me because he was disgusted that I participated in pornography.  Some of my friends were horrified that I  "exposed myself to the world".  They told me I shouldn't have done that.  Now how can we say that our worlds don't cross over?

10. Do you consider yourself sexy?  No I don't.  In RL I'm a bit of a flirt and I've been told I look sexy but I don't consider myself that way.  In SL, I've been complimented that way too but my mind doesn't acknowledge that.

This certainly was putting everything out there.  I'm exhausted!!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (warm brown)
Lipstick: Izzie's dark vibrant lipstick (red)
Hair: Analog Dog Friday

Feathers: deviousMind Chanimations Fetish Cabaret set (red)
Pose: Glitterati (SL Marketplace)

The New to Me Meme

Dear Diary:

Strawberry Singh's call to post something I've never blogged before, was a bit of a challenge.  I searched my mind.  Nothing seemed to be clicking.  Then I read the line, "if you prefer to make it a written meme and just write about something you normally wouldn’t write " and that brought about the CLICK!

Last week for the Book Meme, I was looking up a title and came upon the author John Norman.  For some reason, I checked him out and found that he has written 33 books all having "Gor" in the title .  [sidebar: It didn't incite an AHA moment but should have]  When I read the meme for this week, I remembered.  "Hmmm...how about role play?  What would I like to try?  Could I become Gorean?"  Strong willed = independent would never equal slave.  So let's try it.  Now where would I go?  Hmmm...it might be Gor.

I found the history of Gor to be very interesting.  I flew to the visitor's area of Lorem Ipsum Academy, the place to learn Gor basics.  Upon entering, the sign told me that Gor was the largest role play community in SL.  There are two different Gor areas.  "By the book" means exactly what it says.  The rules and characters are much the same as what was written in the Gor books.  On the "Gorean Evolved" sims,  characters are still mostly by the book but female warriors along with some Norse myths are added.  Still rules must be followed.

The true Gor role play is based on John Norman's books about a counter earth.  The culture offers a strict structure with very defining, gender specific roles for each.  Men are mostly free while women can be free, slaves or panthers (outlaws).  I chose to be a slave since that role would be hardest for me. 

At the Gor Academy sim, they are offering instruction on how to role play here.  Last night I listened to a lecture about training and it's quite involved.  I certainly would have to study a lot to be a good player.  

I might try role playing...or am I doing that now?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Outfit: Soedara

Use your Power to Stop the Bullies

"When people hurt you over and over,

think of them like sandpaper.

They may scratch and hurt you a bit,

but in the end, you end up polished and

they end up useless."

 

Anonymous

 

 

Dear Diary:

 

Bullying is a horrible mean-spirited act of cruelty that we all have been involved in, whether it's as an observer, a contributor or as a recipient.  This act has been visible everywhere, in the school, at work, at home or in senior's centres.  At one time, bullying was kept rather isolated but with the Internet, these tormenters are able to reach a wider audience with more hatred and often drastic results.  Online provides a person anonymity that seems to make these antagonizers more scathing in their attacks.

 

Poulet Koenkamp, of PurpleMoon Creations, has made this tee for men and women.  In her note, she makes a statement that I really like.  She writes: Stand against bullying without saying a word, by slipping into a pink T-shirt.  For a donation of 10L, you can purchase it at her store but a larger donation is certainly welcome.  Your donation will go to CKNW Orphans' Fund in support of Boys & Girls Clubs Anti-Bullying programs. 

 

Even though Pink Shirt Day was last Wednesday, you can still pick up the tee and donate until March 4.

 

Here are some interesting facts to read:

A Movement against bullying Nobullying.com

Bullying Prevention Character Education Partnership

Cyber-bullying 

 

Don't let anyone take away your power.

 

Good Night for now.

 

Tee: PurpleMoon Pink Shirt Day - Bullying Stops here

Hair: [INK] Hair Benzie

Pose: Ma Vie

 

 

 





The Book Worm

Dear Diary:

 

Berry's Monday Meme was right up my alley this week.  Books and me....me and books!

1. Are you a bookworm?  Absolutely!  I read whenever and wherever I can.  I'm always reading something.  If it's not an actual book, it could be a magazine, newspaper, even a flyer.  I particularly enjoy it after work, after supper, when the house is dark and quiet and I'm cozy and comfy.

 

2. Which do you prefer: hardcover, paperback or electronic?  Hardcover, paperback and electronic in that order of preference.  There's something about the *crack* of a hardcover.  And of course the old hardcovers appeal to the senses.  There's the feel of the old leather covers; the look of the paper; and thought of ancient readers.  I buy paperbacks because they're cheaper and I consider them [almost] throw-aways.  I don't like electronic very much but it does come in handy when I travel. 

 

3. Which book is your favourite?  "The wise man reads both books and life itself".  Any book by Lin Yutang.

 

4. Which children's book is your favourite?   I love children's books and some of the newer ones cover current topics that explain things to kids in their own terms.  There is one book that always brings me to tears when I read it.  I bought a copy for my Mom and we both sat crying while reading it.  It's "Love you Forever" by Robert Munsch.  Everyone should read this and pass it on to a mom / child.

5. What's the last book you read?  It was "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova.  The author interpreted a very real scenario of an intellectual woman who suffers with Alzheimer's.  I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book but I'm glad I did.

6. Name your top five favourite writers:  It's difficult to pick only five but - Robert Munsch, Guy de Maupassant, Robert Galbraith, Alice Munro and Tomson Highway.

7. Name a book that had a strong impact on you: When I was a kid, I got really sick one year and had to spend some time in bed.  My Grandmother passed on a book to me that had been given to her by her mother.  It contained 2 short stories entitled, "The Cuckoo Clock and The Tapestry Room".  I was enthralled by the stories full of magic and mystery.  The vivid descriptions peaked my imagination and made me live each page.  I was no longer a captive in my room...I was a magical cuckoo in a clock on the wall full of tapestries.

8. Favourite & least favourite book genres?  I'll read anything!  I like history, philosophy or the latest on the best seller list.  My least favourite subject is the newest publications of the vampire kind. 

9. Favourite & least favourite book-to-movie adaptations?  I usually read the book first and then I'm always disappointed on how movie people portray things on the screen.  I thought the movie "Life of Pi" was really well done and I think I liked it better than the book.  "Time Traveler's Wife" was better left in the paper version.

10.  Have you ever bought a book on the cover alone?  No I haven't.  The cover often attracts me and I will pick up that book to have a look at it but I always turn to the back or the inside to read what the story is actually about.

11.  Where do you usually buy your books?  I buy at Chapters Indigo at the mall.  I have often ordered from Barnes & Noble or Amazon if I can't get it locally.  I miss the small individual book stores where you could get some different books.

12. Do you go to the library?  Yes all the time.  I've had a library card since I was a kid.

13. How many books do you own? If I buy paperbacks, which I often do, I pass them on to friends or donate them to the used book store or the library so I don't accumulate a lot of those.  The hard cover books I keep since they've been passed down to me from Great Grandparents.  I probably have 100 of those.  I've also kept some of my university text books [not sure why] but am beginning to realize the info in them is getting to be ancient!

14. If you were to write a book about Second Life, which topic would you focus on?  Wow!  I'm sure that book would cover every genre from Art and Architecture to Crime and Mystery to Fantasy.  I think I would title it "My Virtual Migration: A Journey Beyond Myself".

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced (casual)
Manicure: Izzie's Nails applier
Hair: Analog Dog seven
Tee: ufo boyfriend sweater (universe)
Leggings: Coco white leggings (gift)
Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry large hoops (silver)
Glasses: je suis charmante (silver)

Chair with pose, end table: Just My Imagination Cleom comfort chair
Light: floorplan metal floor lamp

Location:  My house from La Galleria (Palo Alto)

 

I Got Rid of the Cold...Now It's the Snow

Dear Diary:

A few weeks back I wrote about the extreme cold I was having.  Yes, that was a miserable time.  It has warmed up a little but as always, with a warming trend comes the snow.  Now I have that to complain about.

Last week, 45cm [almost 18 inches] of snow was dumped on my area.  The plow went by and it was impossible to get out of the driveway.  The snowblower came out and I spent an hour before work blowing, shovelling and digging out.  Now here we are a week later and it's happened all over again!  Wet, heavy sloppy snow is blowing around outside.  The street plow and sidewalk plow have managed to, yet again, force me to put on the toque, parka and tall boots to clear my path to the road.  But this morning I was saved - a bit.  The city has closed the schools and encouraged people to stay home.  Suits me just fine.  

My friend Chloe and I flew to a wintery sim for a snow ball fight.  At least in my second world I can have some fun without shovelling or snowblowing first.  I enjoyed this a lot better.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Clawtooth Cozy Cutie
Vest: Meli Imako Mesh ladies padded vest (SL Marketplace)
Pants: Coco Shiny leggings
Gloves: Izzie's Basic Fluffy Gloves (orange) for SLink AvEnhanced hands
Boots: DECO Mesh Some Boots (spray)

I'm wearing:
Hair: Mina Hair Carlijin
Jacket: Meli Imako Ladies Padded coat (SL Marketplace)
Pants: Coco skinny jeans (gift)
Gloves: Izzie's Basic Fluffy Gloves (rose) for SLink AvEnhanced hands
Boots: GField Long Fur Cuff Boots (white)

Location: Santa's Magical Wonderland

Hope is For Today, Tomorrow and Always

Dear Diary:

 

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,

show life that you have a thousand reasons

to smile

We have all had losses in our lives.  It might be the death of a loved one, the termination of a friendship or the demise of a partnership.  The emotions attached with those damages are hard to bear.  But I handled it.

I had a journal.  I wrote in pencil.  I scribbled vile words.  I recorded tearful thoughts. I composed vengeful acts.  I scrawled self-blaming causes.  I detailed jubilant satisfaction.  I created humiliating reunions.  I scribbled pathetic emotions.  I drafted confident retribution.

I came to the end of pain.

Time passed.  Words faded.  Heart healed.

I became a stronger person.

Good Night for now.

A Day to Spend with Your Family

Dear Diary:

In my province, Ontario, the third Monday in February is designated as Family Day.  In 2007, Family Day was established as a statutory holiday by the provincial government.  However, an employer can substitute any other day in place of this one.  Luckily my workplace is closed today so I'm staying in my jammies all day.

Enjoy your time with your family today.  It certainly is a time when we can be together.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Wasabi Pills Betty
Housecoat: G&N Quality Design Cosy Gown (blue) (SL Marketplace)

Chair: La Galleria Indigo Contemporary Linen Chair
Wall decal: Dazzling Designs Family Decal (SL Marketplace)

A Special Day for Your Heart

Dear Diary:

I must admit Valentine's Day doesn't mean a lot for me.  My post last year told how I like to spend the day but my friend Sam just gave himself a makeover with new everything, especially an awesome tux so he begged me to set up a pic for us.  I thought I could forgo the candy and help him out.  So I glammed myself up and called him.  He was excited to put on his new self and pose.  So here we are!

Actually we don't look too shabby!

Happy Valentine's Day.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Skin: Clef de Peau (Joshua)
Eyes: Ikon Promise (storm)
Hands: SLink Male AvEnhanced hands (relax)
Hair: Redgrave Chris
Tuxedo: Lapointe and Bastchild Modern Black Open
Glasses: Role Optic Arcadi

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka (Lola)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity shadow with lashes (soft brown)
Lipstick: LeLutka (deep red)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair: Diva Daria
Dress: PurpleMoon Donna Dress in red Valentine's Edition (Gypset)
Earrings and ring: Mood Nightlife (diamond and ruby) (SL Marketplace)

Background: Katink Feb-A-Bration Pack (gift)
Pose: Purple Poses  (couple 352) (With Love Fair)

A First Hand Look At The Past

Dear Diary:

The other day I was looking at the Destination Guide and noticed a place that appealed to me.  It was "Prehistorica: The Dawn Kingdoms".  Perfect!  I've loved dinosaurs all my life and even pursued the subject into university.  I flew out to the sim immediately.

The era that is available on the sim, right now is the Mesozoic, which is my favourite and most others too since it's known as the "age of the dinosaurs". 

The Mesozoic began about 250 million years ago.  Small dinosaurs began to appear at the end of the Triassic Period. The plant eating dinosaurs were prevalent in the next period, the Jurassic but the last period, the Cretaceous, the large carnivores came into being.  The most famous was the extremely large and more than extremely dangerous, Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Prehistorica is wonderful and true to the time period.  The environment shows the over abundance of confers; with some flowering plants starting to grow.  The atmosphere was tropical in most areas.

The dead body beside me is an herbivore which was the main staple of the T Rex and other meat eating animals.  There were even large insects flying around the carcass that I like to think are wasps or bees.

Of course I had to get into the theme and decided to dress as a dinosaur, wearing this dinosaur attire made by meilo monotaur for Meta Body.

If you get a chance, step back in time and visit Prehistorica.  It's worth the visit.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Meta_Body (dinosaur)
Location: Prehistorica: The Dawn Kingdoms

Thank Your Weatherman Today

Dear Diary:

Doesn't it seem strange to be having a day for weathermen when this winter has been horrible??  I think so too but when I was checking out what was important about February 5th, this odd acknowledgement popped up so I considered following it up. 

It's not an official holiday or celebration anywhere but I thought it very appropriate to recognize it, especially today.  The Midwest and Eastern U.S. is being pummeled with snow while England is experiencing major flooding.  In my part of Canada, it's still below the normal temp for this time of year, but I can't compare my situation to a city in Russia that reached -50C (-58F) this morning.  No, I'm not that bad off.

Yesterday, I persuaded my friend Sam to be weatherman of the day, although he was very reluctant to play the part.  He told me, "Oh sure! Everybody will hate me!"  I told him that they wouldn't since weather in our second world is perfect anytime you want it.

I guess it's not really the weatherman's fault.  This weather is not his doing.  I'm sure weathermen are always blamed for the treacherous driving; the rainy wedding day; or the chilly family picnic.  So today let's forget the blame game and watch the weather, appreciating what the weatherman does to bring us the forecast. 

That will make Sam feel better.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Skin: Clef de Peau (Joshua)
Hair: Redgrave Chris
Jacket and pants: [W] Sports jacket brown & blue plaid (SL Marketplace)
Tie: [W] Bowtie (abstract patterns) (SL Marketplace)
Boots: theosophy Lewiston boots (tan)
 Camera: BN studio camera (SL Marketplace)

A Challenge in Black and White

Dear Diary:

I always look forward to Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme and always find it thought provoking and challenging.  This one served up both.  What to wear!  How to pose!  Whew!  That took most of my time!  Even then, it seems I doubt myself.

I like black and white photos and in my RL I have several decorating a wall.  When you have to take one of yourself and turn it to monotone, it really is a challenge.

Here is my black and white portrait.

 

And the colour version.

 

If I had to do again, I probably would have worn something different and taken a little more time.  But it was certainly fun doing it.

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: Izzie's dark vibrant lipstick (dark red)

Teeth: Yuki Teeth tattoo

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity shadow with lashes (soft brown)

Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)

Hair: Miamai Sakura Teal Party

 

Blouse: SAS Catherine top (black)

Earrings and necklace: Maxi Gossamer Serena white pearls

Ring: Shi Luxe Gift

 

Pose: Glitterati (SL Marketplace)