有一个快乐的中国新年

Dear Diary:

Today is the beginning of the new year in the Asian calendar with celebrations lasting 15 days.  It's the year of the Horse.  This is an important holiday in China where people are aware of how important it is to bring good luck for the coming year.  One of the ways is through colour.

There is a legend to how Chinese New Year came to be.  A mythical beast, Nian, who caused much destruction, was believed to have been the cause for Chinese New Year.  Villagers discovered that one thing Nian was afraid of was the colour red so they considered this a favourable colour.  Since this is the year of the Wooden Horse, other colours are considered lucky.

Water and Earth colours will bring luck since these elements support Wood.  So any shades of green and brown would be excellent to wear during this year.  Blue and black from the water element, are also suitable colours.  This is not only for clothing but for any accessories such as scarves, belts or jewelry.  Jade jewelry is a good choice in jewelry selection.

 

Gong Hey Fat Choy.

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: HeadTurners Matt Lipstick (scarlet)

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity with lashes (hickory brown)

Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (casual)

Nailpolish: Izzie's Classic nails

Hair: Plume Asia (no longer available)

 

Dress: TuTy's Short Qipao (embroidered bouquet)

Shoes: Gos Boutique Lauren d'Orsay (chocolate)

 

Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Zaadori (jade and gold)

Bracelet: Second Wave Apparel Asian Bangle (jade)

 

Lantern: Botanica Year of the Horse Chinese Lantern

 

Pose: InPose

 

My Interview--err--Her Interview--ok Our Interview Meme

Dear Diary:

Yesterday, for the Monday Meme,  Berry was interviewed by her new fake hubby.  The instructions were:
Get someone else to interview you and then post the question and answers on your own blog. You can ask a friend, lover, another blogger (you can interview each other) or a fake husband like I did. 
I decided I would ask my friend Chloe, since she was the one that hooked me on to this second world.  I knew it would be difficult as we know each other well so what would be left to ask?  We thought it best to interview each other since it might get nasty if it was just one sided.

ME: ok...we know each other in RL so maybe I know you too much and I don't need to ask you anything.
CHLOE: HA, my non-perceptive friend!!  You don't know me at all.
ME: Alright I think all the readers know that we're shopping buddies and that you help me out with pics etc. So let's talk about something we haven't discussed.
CHLOE: *laughing*  All of a sudden I'm feeling...ummm....squirmy!
ME: Not to worry.  I'll be kind.  I know awhile back you had a partner here...well you weren't "partnered" but you were...shall we say...very close.  I know it ended badly.  Any thoughts of doing it again?
CHLOE: Well, not in the near future.  I was hanging out with a super guy and we had a lot of fun together but he chose to leave SL.  That made me sad and I realized that in SL it's really hard to hold on to friends.  But never say never! 
ME: Did you become very attached to this guy?
CHLOE: Of course.  I'm a real person and whether this world is virtual or not, emotions can be real.  I became attached to friends too.  We did a lot of things together, almost every night, however, most of my original friends have left.  My work groups seem to have some "oldies" but a lot of them are new to the group too.
**NOTE": Chloe came to SL because her RL job was opening a sim here.  She kept talking about this "game" and she convinced me to join.
CHLOE: My turn for questions.  How come you don't have a husband, like Berry, fake or otherwise in SL?
ME:  That's a stupid question but I have a sensible answer.  #1. I don't want anybody telling me how to spend my Lindens.  #2. I don't want anybody complaining because I buy a new house or want to change up the furniture; and #3. I'm way too independent to have to be fluffing egos, unless it's mine...or maybe yours.
CHLOE: AHA!!  So...nobody can put up with you!  You're too much of a ball buster!  I get it.  But I have to admit you are a very loyal friend in any world, even though when it comes to having their ego fluffed, you...oh, never mind.
ME: Gee, thanks, I guess.  And now me.  Has being in SL changed you at all?
CHLOE: Changed me?  In what way?
ME: Well, are you getting bored? discouraged? insensitive? You know.
CHLOE: On the contrary.  I still participate in all of my work groups and it helps with my job in RL.  I think I'm more tolerant of a lot of the idiots out there, in both worlds.  And I love the things created in Second Life.  I still have a lot of fun going out to clubs and I'm still friends with you, in and out of this world.  THAT is being very tolerant!
ME: **snort**  Guess it's time to end this interview.  [Note to self: Start looking for a fake husband for the next time]
Thanks Chloe for helping out with this post.  I appreciate it.
CHLOE: My pleasure.  This has been fun.  This is the first time you let me talk on this blog.  Usually you call me at the last minute cuz you need a pic.  Not often we talk seriously...this was serious, wasn't it?

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Skin: Izzie's Harlow (pale)
Lipstick: Izzie's Dark Vibrant Lipstick (fuschia)
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (elegant)
Hair: Analog Dog Schnapp
Dress: PurpleMoon Dita (black)
Shoes: GF Ribbon Slingback (black)
Earrings and necklace: Mandala Sinra (wolf silver)
Clipboard and pen: SL Marketplace

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Lipstick (berry smoothie)
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (casual)
Hair: W&Y #148 (no longer available)
Dress: Riddle Sweater dress (clover)
Shoes: LaRoo Spencer pumps (green)
Earrings: NHA Yara
Clipboard and pen: (old gift)

Background: Abranimations ProPhoto Studio

It's Time To Spend

Dear Diary:

Sometimes I shop alone but most often, when I feel the need to contribute to the economy of Second Life, I send my friend Chloe a text that it's time for us to get going.  That's exactly what we did last weekend.  For my part I spent a LOT where Chloe is a little more selective with her spending...usually...but not when we got to COLLABOR88.  We both loved everything that was there. 

Both of us bought the same dress, in different colours but I also bought another one so when we went out we didn't look exactly the same.  We ended up buying the same hair too but she bought another style.  I guess we shop too much together and it seems we both have the same taste.

We hit the town that night and I must admit we looked FABULOUS!  We both agreed that this COLLABOR88 had to be one of the best.

Good Night for now.

From January COLLABOR88:
Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Diva Hair Averil (garnet)
Gown: Junbug Instant Crush (lavender)

I'm wearing:
Hair: Diva Hair Astralia (onyx)
Gown: Maitreya Vintage lace gown (delicate) 

Tools That Are Good For Me

Dear Diary:

I'm a minimalist, or maybe a novice when it comes to using tools available in second life.  You'd think after my years in this life I would have experimented with more.  On my screen, in addition to the usual toolbars [chat, people, snapshot etc.], I usually have only a couple of tools all the time.  The others come on for a reason or when I need them. 

1. Abranimations AO:  This is always on my screen and I use it most often.  I have another Abranimations AO called "Happy" that I picked up for free.  I use that one only occasionally.  

2. AnyPose Expressions HUD:  I like this HUD.  It's great when you take a photo and want a perfect facial expression for a pose or if you want your eyes turned toward an area.  I use it all the time. It's also FREE.

3. Improved Camera Placement HUD:  I got this years ago and don't use it often but for certain pictures it gives the right perspective.  It's simple to use.  It was FREE but I'm not sure where I got it.

4. Abranimations EmoGadget:  I use this HUD primarily when I'm working.  There's a good variety of animations accompanied by facial expressions, as well as some audio.

5. Sgeo Editing Appearance HUD:  I have this running all the time.  I found it very handy when I go to try on a demo when there are no stands around or if I want to adjust something when I'm not at home.    It's simplistic and I got it back in 2007 but I find it very handy.  I just saw it on Marketplace and it's FREE.

6. Zhao-II AO:  I picked this up as an empty case at Outrider Animations [now here]and added animations to it.  I use it when I'm at a concert or shopping since there's not as much "action" to it as #1.  Sometimes I find a lot of movement distracting when I'm trying to watch something.

So these are my tools that I use.  Not that sophisticated compared to some but they work for me.

Look at Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme for other suggestions on tools.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Sweater: PurpleMoon Dresha top (green striped)
Pants: Casual cords (brown) (very old...not sure where they came from)
Shoes: GField Shoetopia 2013 Gift (flower deck shoes)

"Let's Get Rid of That Word" for Good!

Dear Diary:

At this time of year, Lake Superior State University publishes a list of words that should be banned from the English language because of overuse or misuse.  I look forward to seeing what words [and some of my pet peeves] are present.  This year I've picked a couple that irritate me...drive me crazy...make me scream!

1. SELFIE:  This received the most votes this year and came top of the list.  I detest seeing people snapping pics of themselves anywhere, at anytime with their phone.  Once I saw a man snap a pic of himself outside a funeral home.  I think they should not only ban the word, but ban the cell phone for that use.

2. TWERK / TWERKING: I don't even need to comment on this word.  Can you believe it made the Oxford Dictionary? 

3. ____ ON STEROIDS:  This phrase is SOOO annoying to me.  I realize that whoever is using it, is trying to make a point but it's usually missing the point completely..."That steak I ate was meat on steroids".  That thought is enough to make me squirm.

So those are my top three irritants for this year.  To see previous words that have been like nails on the blackboard to me, you can check 2012 and 2013. 

To see all of the words put out on the official list this year, go here or to add your  comment or submit a word for the upcoming list next year, look here.  My list is starting soon.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Kik Hair Katie
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced Hands (casual)
Sweater and Skirt: ur favorite one Lullaby (warmy)
 Pose in cell phone: RC stellar cell phone (no longer available)

Practical Joke Meme

Dear Diary:

When I read Berry's meme, I had to really think about the topic.  I don't think I'm a very good joke player.  I don't think I've played a joke on any of my friends in SL...maybe I don't have a very good sense of humour...or maybe I'm afraid it will come back to me.  I had to search the old grey matter to try and remember any practical jokes I've been the recipient of.  Finally one came to mind from years ago.

I had been only a few weeks in this world when I went out dancing to Blackhearts'.  I wasn't even sure how to dance.  Everyone in the crowd seemed very friendly and helpful.  One person had one of those "kick me" signs that attach to you and follow you around and of course I was the target.  I wish I had taken a picture but at that point I was just trying to dance. [*note to self* - You didn't know how to take a pic at that point] so I recreated the event the other day:

All I can remember is the embarrassment.  I flew out the place pretty quickly.  I didn't think it was funny at the time and now I just think it's a bit lame.

In my first world, I did play one joke that I thought was funny.  A friend of mine turned forty and I asked a senior's home if they could send her a blank form for admittance.  They did and included a pamphlet outlining how the home's facilities could help her cope in her life due to her advanced age.  I thought it was hilarious...hmmmm...just thought maybe she didn't agree that it was quite that amusing and had the same embarrassing feelings I did.  Just saying.

Good Night for now.

Location: Blackhearts' Cafe

New Year Meme

Dear Diary:

I'm thrilled to see Berry doing her Monday Meme again.  I just love the challenge every week.  Makes me think!

This meme concerns the old / new year so it's an interesting project.



 

1. How did you spend New Year’s Eve? I spent it quite quietly.  Four of us, close friends that we are, got together for a gourmet dinner with lots of wine and lots of laughs.  It was just the way I like to see the new year come in.  I'm not much for the club variety of New Year's Eve where some stranger is trying to stick his tongue down my throat.
2. Did you keep any new years’ resolutions? Oh I always make the usual resolutions - less eating / more exercising; less lying-on-the-bed reading / more going-out-and-doing-something; less I-want-that-spending / more I-need-that-spending but it seems my routine often comes out the same way in the end so this year I decided to save myself the embarrassment of breaking those promises the day after I make them.
3. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year? In my first life, I solved a problem at work that no one seemed to be able to.  I felt very good about that.  I guess it's always nice when you can figure out something that has been nagging at you.  In Second Life [or is it also RL?], I've been tackling some blogging challenges [like this one] and going a bit beyond my comfort zone.  I found I really love it.  I enjoy reading about fashion but as I've mentioned in many other posts, I'm not really good at describing the fashions which does the wonderful creators no good.  But I'm awesome at giving my opinion...on any topic. 
4. What was the best thing you bought? In my real life, the best thing I bought was a well...like in water.  Someone came to my property to search for an appropriate place, then the drillers came in and got the job done.  I know...just how exotic is that?  But it was perfect for me.  I needed it.  In SL, I've bought so much this year I'm not sure what I like the best. I think I like it ALL. 
5. What do you wish you’d done more of? In RL, I'm quite happy with what I accomplished this year.  I did some travelling but really enjoyed my time at home just relaxing so I'm very content with that.  In SL, I wish I had gone out to see more of the fabulous sims that people have created. Some are disappearing or have already done so. 
6. What do you wish you’d done less of? I don't regret anything I've done...ever.  In RL, I have a wonderful life with family and a super network of friends.  In SL, I have great friends I talk to and share thoughts with. So no regrets!
7. What was your favorite movie you watched this year? The best movie I've seen this year is "Philomena".  I belong to a Film Association and it was shown in December but I believe it's in regular theatres now.  It's an English film, starring Judi Dench, who I think is one of the treasured actors of this time.  Many people remember her as M in the James Bond movies. 
8. What did you do on your birthday this year? Birthday?  Didn't I skip that this year?  I think I went out for supper.
9. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned. My Mom always told me, "Don't worry about something that you have no control over."  And I don't!
10. What does 2014 hold for you? I really have no idea at all.  That's what makes life so exciting.  You don't know what's going to happen from one day to the next. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Lipstick: Izzie's dark vibrant lipstick (rust)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Nail polish: Izzie's Classic Nails
Hair: W&Y Model Hair #24 (no longer available)

Gown: Snowpaws Frivol gown (Harvest Moon)
Shoes: MSD018 Strapped (gold) (no longer available)

Chair: The Infinite Living Room comfy chair (no longer available)
Hat: 2014 Black Top Hat (SL Marketplace)
Party Horn: Okin's Party Horn (SL Marketplace)
Background: Happy New Year & people (SL Marketplace)

Global Warming? Are You Kidding?

Dear Diary:

This is the last day of my holidays and I woke up to the sound of the plow going by.  It's been snowing for the past week.  Nothing like Newfoundland or the Midwest of the U.S. but enough to keep me out shovelling every day.  Oh, well...it's part of the winter in Canada...I think (??)

I gradually got myself out of bed and with coffee in hand, glanced out the window to see what amount of snow hit the end of the driveway.  WHAAAAT?????  Over a metre (about 4 feet) of snow was blocking me in.  Nasty plow driver!(edited)  So I thought, "Might as well get at it...won't take me long...throw it over the already mountainous snow bank...then in for brekkie."  I quickly got dressed and thought I would check the temperature before hitting the door.  It was -34C (approx. -29F) but the wind chill brought it down to -44C (almost -47F).  Then I knew there was no such thing as global warming in my part of the world!!  

Fortunately my neighbour, now called Mr. Angel, came over with his snow blower so I didn't have to spend a lot of time outside freezing my cheeks (also edited).

The rest of my day is going to be inside, feet up, reading a book, watching tv or doing anything...but shovelling.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Makeup: croire snow angel (SL Marketplace)

Hat: je suis chapka (olive)
Jacket: Meli Imako Ladies padded coat (green) (SL Marketplace)
Scarf: Mr Poet wide scarf (gift)

Who Will Be the First-Foot in Your Home?

Dear Diary:

Yesterday was the first day of 2014 and I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's Day.  For me, it certainly was but I still celebrate a ritual from my Scottish Grandmother.

The first person to enter the home on New Year's Day was someone that would bring good luck for the rest of the year.  This person was known as the first-foot.  The first-footer had to be male, and must be tall and dark haired.  A fair man was considered to be unlucky. 

My Father fit the ideal first-foot.  He was not really tall but tall enough to suit my Grandma.  He was dark haired though and that seemed to be the important part.  When we went to my Grandma's on New Year's Day, there would often be several people waiting in the porch for my family to arrive.  Well, actually waiting for my Dad so they could get into the house.  My Dad would have to enter the door first, carrying a bottle of scotch as a gift, followed by my Mother and I since women were not considered appropriate first-footers either.  So in keeping with tradition in my second world, I texted my friend Sam, who is just the right person, to come over and be the first-foot in 2014 to enter my home here.

It was very early in the morning but I was happy that a tall, dark haired man was bringing me luck for the coming year.  Running out to buy a lottery ticket!

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Jacket: switch Achtung Lumberjack coat (brown)
Hat: Bad Unicorn Orange Brooklyn Beanie

I'm wearing:
Dress: Coco Design shirred tube dress (blackberry) (old gift)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Clementine
Headband: teas Happy 2014 (gift)
Earrings: NHA Mirella