Who Loves Dogs More Than Cats?

Dear Diary:

While watching the news the other day, I heard that a recent study was done by a university to determine the difference between a cat owner and a dog owner so I perked up my ears.  I am a dog lover. 

I have been a dog owner in my first world for many years.  When I was a kid, my family always owned a dog and had so since before I was born.  At one time we had two together, which proved difficult when the older one died first.  The dog that was left was devastated and refused to eat for days.  As an adult, I had an American Cocker Spaniel for 15 years and when she died, I was the one who couldn't eat for days.  But back to the news...

This study cited that dog owners were "energetic, outgoing and followed the rules".  I thought that was pretty good.  Cat owners were supposedly "introverted, open minded and generally scored higher on IQ tests".  Humph!!

The report didn't say how many people had been part of the study or what questions were asked but I think I'm going to have to write that university a letter!

Good dog, good dog.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Eyelashes: mock Priscilla lashes
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout lipsticks (plum)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair with hat: C'est las vie Glow pork pie hat

Top: Color Me HOF Tunic Dress (cream) (May COLLABOR88)
Leggings: SMS duo pants floral camo (The Dressing Room Fusion)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Espadrille (sand)

Dog: Birdy Boston Buddy (from April Men's Dept)

Location: Egoisme Milano

Personal Questions for the Meme

Dear Diary:

It was a beautiful weekend in my real world and it seems to have run over to today.  It's about time!!  We need some warm weather to get rid of the chill of that horrible winter.  So when Berry put out her Monday Meme and it required thinking on my part, I decided to find a chair some place on the beach to sit and think about my answers to all the questions.

1. When and how did you discover Second Life?  I came into Second Life in March of 2008.  A friend had previously joined the year before and told me what a great time she was having so I thought I'd give it a try.
2. Did you know about virtual worlds before or was this your first experience with them?  I really wasn't experienced with virtual worlds.  I had no idea what it would be like.  I played SIMS a few times so I thought it might be the same.
3. Has Second Life met your expectations?  I didn't come to Second Life with any preconceived ideas so I had no expectations to fill but it has been more than I thought it would be. 
4. If you could teleport back to the first ten minutes of your avatar’s slife, what would you tell yourself? Don't be in such a hurry to do everything.  Take your time and enjoy the world. 
5. How long did it take you to master avatar flying and driving vehicles inworld?  That's funny!  I'm not sure I've mastered either of those things YET!  I spend a lot of time just walking into things let alone flying. 
6. Do you have a mystery alt?  Yes I do.  None of my friends know about my "alter ego". 
7. Is your SL avatar a reflection of you, or someone you wished you could be?  She is totally me.  Perhaps the physical attributes are slightly different but personality, and emotionally it's me.  I can't be someone I'm not so everything about her is just me. 
8. Is there an individual you met in SL that inspired you in your RL? How?  Shortly after  I arrived, I met a woman who helped me with the simplest things, like how to dance, shopping, getting my first AO.  She was extremely kind and patient with me and always willing to answer my stupid questions.  I got to know her in both worlds.  I didn't know it but she was very ill.  She died.  She showed me what strength can do in the face of adversity. 
9. Do you feel it is easier to create stronger bonds/relationships with people you meet inworld as opposed to the real world?  No.  This is still a "virtual" world.  I believe the face-to-face contact is still the best way to form a relationship with someone.  However, I have made friends in Second Life that have also become real life friends, so even though we have not met directly, I do have a connection with them.
10. Did you ever imagine or believe people could fall in love with someone they never met before Second Life?  Of course.  There are many online dating sites where people talk and fall in love without meeting so I guess it could happen in Second Life too. 
11. How has your perspective of dating changed (or not) since you started playing second life?  No, nothing has changed.
12. How has your perspective of employment changed (or not) since you started playing second life?  I didn't realize that people in this world could make a living until I read an article concerning a land owner who had made thousands of [real] dollars selling and renting property.  I imagine the creators in Second Life also make some money and I'm sure as this virtual world goes on, more people will find this is a way for employment. 
13. Name three things in both your lives that overlap each other significantly.  Love of fashion; love of music; love of "newness"  
14. If you could live your life more immersively in a virtual world, would you? (Kind of like the Matrix)  Oooohhhh....yes....definitely...as long as I could leave when I wanted to.  
15. How do you think behavior changes for people if they’re inworld vs in real world? Why do you think that is?  Many people hide behind their avatar.  It provides anonymity so their behaviour can be as repulsive as they want it to be. 
16. How has second life consumerism changed your perception of spending habits, the value of money, the need to be “bleeding edge” with fashion?  I think I answered in #7 that I'm exactly like Dreamer.  So I don't need to be "bleeding edge" with fashion but I do contribute to the Second Life economy [healthily I might add].
17. Do you think virtual worlds like SL drive and redefine human interaction or do they narrow and limit it?  Perhaps SL simultaneously drives interaction and limits it.  I think virtual worlds help a lot of people who tend to be shy in our first world.  In Second Life you can talk to anyone and join groups without having to meet someone first.  However, you're still sitting behind a computer, by yourself, so it doesn't encourage one to move on and out of that room. 
18. If technology progressed tomorrow to allow you to send emotions to people the way you’d send text or voice messages, would it enrich your SL experience or infringe on it?  I believe we all send emotions in some way or other right now. 
19. Name three skills you attribute to having learned or honed in second life alone.  photography, creativity and of course...dancing!
20. If your grand kids googled your Second Life Avatar’s name, would they be intrigued, disgusted, proud or something else?  This question really made me laugh.  By the time my grandkids would ever be on a computer, computers might be replaced by immersive technology.  Then there would be more interesting things for them to do then log in to Second Life to read ole Grannie's diary. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (sunkissed)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Pinks (milkshake)
Hair: kik hair Katie

Kaftan: ba City Glam Amore outfit (striped)
Flip flops: Gos Boutique flip-flops (grass)

Earrings: Caroline large hoops (silver) (SL Marketplace)
Sun glasses: Role Optic Sunny

Pose: in the chair

Location: Aloha Beach

Do You Have Your Towel On?

Dear Diary:

This Sunday, May 25, you have a chance to celebrate Towel Day 2014.  Last year, I wrote a post about the history behind the occasion. 

Again, the very generous Uccello Poultry has designed free towels to be worn.  Thanks Uccie.  This year she made one for men so I coerced Sam to put one on and join me in a picture.

Towel Day is celebrated in memory of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.  The story takes place on an ordinary Thursday at lunchtime.  But soon, Arthur Dent finds out it's anything but ordinary.  His house is demolished as is the Earth, making way for a new hyperspace bypass.  He and his friend, who has just proclaimed he's an alien, are thrown into space, while only wearing towels.  They are holding a book that has DON'T PANIC written on the cover.  I read the story quite a few years back but I decided I would read the book again in tribute to this day.  It's still a fun book to read.

Today, in Kenilworth, New York, the Branch Library will be recognizing Towel Day a few days earlier.  They will be giving away free copies of the guide "until supplies run out (or the world ends, whichever comes first)".  They will also be handing out emergency towels in case any patron forgets to bring one.

Another honour this year, is from Alessandro Sbrogio, who is a big fan of Douglas Adams.  He has written a music piece for Towel Day.  You can hear it or download it on this page. 

Of course there are lots of celebrations all around the world.  You can find out what's going on in your area on the official Towel Day page.

As it says on the website, "On Towel Day, carry a towel.  Where? Everywhere". 

And remember, DON'T PANIC!

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Skin: Clef de Peau (T5)
Eyes: Ikon Promise (storm)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced Male hands (relax)
Feet: SLink AvEnhanced Male feet (flat)
Hair: Redgrave Cruz
Towel: Pop Shop 2014 Towel Day wrap around towel for men FREE (SL Marketplace)
Glasses: Role Optic Arcadi

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefeet (flat)
Hair: Alli&Ali Hair Miley
Towel: Pop Shop 2014 Towel Day wrap around towel for women FREE (SL Marketplace)

Pose: Rack Poses

KABOOOOM!! Photobomb!

Dear Diary:

Berry's meme this week provided me with laughs, a little embarrassment and many AHA! moments.  I started out by being very polite.  I asked if I could take a picture and be in it with that person.  That was met with chuckles, gaffaws and out-and-out NOs!  I approached singles, couples and groups.  Then I tried to sneak a snapshot with a group of women but they "unpolitely" told me where to go.  I flew into many different locations and didn't find a single person there.  I was about ready to give up for the time when I landed in a pretty spot, and through my mini map spotted two dots that looked promising.  As I got closer, I realized they were also taking a picture of themselves under a bower of white flowers so I slipped behind them for a photobomb.

I was extremely pleased with myself, almost laughing out loud at my success but then I started to feel so guilty.  I had ruined a romantic occasion, that was being snapped for their special personal album.  Wow...the remorse that poured over me!  I apologized profusely for my bad behaviour and quickly flew out of there.

When I got home, I realized they probably were so busy they didn't even know that I would be in their scrapbook. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Analog Dog .b sine
Top: Mimikri Roxy (top only)
Jeans: Izzie's Skinny jeans (brown)
Shoes: Gos Gator Sport Clogs (splash)

Pose: HelaMiyo

Location:  I left so fast I can't remember where I was.

A New Store to Me #9

Dear Diary:

It's been awhile since I've done a post about a store that is new to me but I found one.  The other day, I was going through some old addresses and when I clicked on one, it took me to a store that intrigued me.

I've always loved jumpsuits and this was the first thing that I spotted in the store, called Countdown.

 

The jumpsuit comes in several different flower patterns, all very summery.  It fits really nicely.  Sometimes I have trouble fitting the alpha layer and have to adjust my shape but this time it fit perfectly.  The top and bottom come in two pieces, which makes it ideal for wearing only the pants with a cami or the top separately as a blouse.  The belt can be added or left off. 

 

The store has a nice selection of women's clothing from the casual to the formal.  I also bought a bikini to wear when the weather gets warmer.  In an adjacent room, there is a grouping of men's clothes.  I looked at a great suit that any man would look very debonair in! 

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Lipstick: Oceane Glammy lipstick (orange)

Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)

Hair: Vanity Hair Comadi

 

Jumpsuit: Countdown La Mode Floral print jumpsuit v7

Shoes: Gos Boutique Charlotte Mary Jane pumps (tangerine) (gift)

 

Earrings and gold necklace: Uzuri Miwezi (silver available on SL Marketplace)

Wooden necklace: Uzuri Mapatno (no longer available)

 

Pose: LAP (no longer available)

My Friends are in the Meme

Dear Diary:

Last night, I convinced my friend, Sam, to answer the Monday Meme with me.  He brought the popcorn so it was fun to answer together.

1. What is the number of contacts on your Second Life Friends List?
Dreamer:  I have 72 friends on my list.
Sam: She's the social one.  I only have 31 on my list.  Besides, she's older! And she gets around a lot and I mean A LOT!!.

2. Are you picky about who you add to your list or do you usually add most people?
Dreamer: I do have a pretty hard time saying no if someone asks for my friendship.  Sometimes, and I hate to say this, I'll accept it, then take them off after a day or two, if I feel the friendship offer was not sincere.
Sam: If I have been in someone's company a few times and they want to friend me I do it but if it's a random request, I have no problem saying no.

3. Who is your oldest contact? (check your calling cards)
Dreamer: popebunny Schuman
Sam: Jenny Snakeankle

4. Who is your newest contact? (check your calling cards)
Dreamer: Sultan Crystal
Sam: Rockingus Maximus

5.  Do you know every single person on your list?
Dreamer: Yes
Sam: Yes

6. How many do you speak to on a daily (weekly) basis?
Dreamer: On an average, I speak to about 4 daily and around 10 weekly.
Sam: I'm very busy in my RL work so I'm not on every day.  Weekly I talk to maybe 3 all the time.  Sometimes it may go to 5.  Guess I'm anti-social.

7. How many do you see/get together with in-world on a daily (weekly) basis?
Dreamer: I usually get together with 1 or 2 friends on a daily basis but on the weekend it's usually 5 of us that hang out.
Sam: It's weekly for me.  I see the same 3 people every weekend.

8. Who on your list do you have the closest relationship with?
Dreamer: That's hard to answer.  I have quite a few friends that I consider close so I'm not going to mention anybody.
Sam: Besides this sexy one here, probably Bookslinger Ballinger.

9. Who do you wish you knew better?
Dreamer: There are lots of people on my list who are very talented - artists, musicians, actors - and although I know them and I consider them friends, I would like to know them better than I do.
Sam:  Ditto for me.  I belong to several technical groups.  Most of those people are better than I am at things and I would like to know how they got to this point.

10. Who on your list is the funniest/most entertaining?
Dreamer: Marble Baar.  I met him through an acting gig and love his sense of humour.
Sam: Raven Underwood.  She can bust me up quicker than a light switch.

11. How did you meet most of the people on your list? (work, parties, etc…)
Dreamer: I met most of my friends through parties, dances or clubs I used to go to.  A few people became close friends through a work group.
Sam: I met most of my friends through this woman I'm sitting with and her friend Chloe.

12. Do you ever clean out your list?
Dreamer: I have cleaned up my list a few times but I find it difficult to do.  There are several friends who are no longer in SL but I find it hard to take them off.  I probably never will.  They were all part of my journey in this world.  They all influenced me or helped me in various ways.
Sam: I purge all the time.  I delete some who have turned out to be jerks and others that no longer have the same interests as I do.

13. Do you have a crush on someone in your list?
Dreamer: Do I have to say Sam??  Just kidding.  Sam is a great guy and we're good friends but I would hate to ruin that friendship.  Nope...not interested in anyone from this world.
Sam: Damn!  Was hoping I was the one!  I'm not interested in any romantic entanglements in SL.  I'm here for the fun.

14. Is there anyone on your list that you would trust with your password?
Dreamer: Certainly not Sam!  If he had my password, I would log in to find out I was a free wheeling, motorcycle mama who works nights at a strip club, pole dancing for change and who roams the streets in the days, looking for love wherever she could find it.  But I do have a couple of other friends I would trust.
Sam: Kisses Sweets!  You read my mind.  No need to give someone my password but if I had to, I would consider...um...you.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced Male hands (relax)
Hair: Redgrave Chris
Jacket and shirt: etham Chris blaxer (Men's Dept)
Jeans: hoorenbeek Mesh skinny jeans (Indie blue)
Sneakers: TMD Gabriel Sneakers (gray) (Men's Dept)
Glasses: Role Optic arcadi
Pose: Share popcorn (he doesn't know where he got it)

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Nail polish: MONS Spring collection (galaxy)
Hair: Vanity Hair Fugee
Headband: Le Primitif head scarf
Dress: Meli Imako draped cowl dress (tinted) (SL Marketplace)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Lauren d'Orsay
Earrings: je suis voyante plain ear clips
Anklet: Cae Charmed anklet (Karma silver)

Furniture:
Couch: The Infinite Living Room Comfy Loveseat (no longer available)
Fireplace: Simply fireplace (round) (no longer available)
Carpet: NV Tiger undulating (no longer available)

Happy Mother's Day to Everyone

Dear Diary:

A word about mothers...

Sooner or later we all quote our mothers
(Bern Williams)

A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary.
(Dorothy C Fisher)

A mother understands what a child does not say
(Jewish proverb)

 

No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of improvement.

(Florida Scott-Maxwell)

 

However motherhood comes to you, it's a miracle.

(Valerie Harper)

 

Mother's are a biological necessity; fathers are a social invention

(Margaret Mead)

 

Motherly love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.

(Marion Garretty)

 

The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of motherhood, still flabbergasted by how a job can be terrific and torturous.

(Anna Quindlen)

 

Happy Mothers' Day. 

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow and lashes (warm brown)

Lipstick: HeadTurners Matt lipstick (cookie lips) (store seems to be empty now)

Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)

Hair: Argrace Aya

 

Blouse: Whippet and Buck Liliana cap sleeve blouse (without sleeves) (sepia)

Skirt: Living Imagination Treasure of Old Loft (spring breeze)

 

Pose and sign: Rou Happy Mothers' Day (SL Marketplace) (altered)

 

 

 

My Favourite Colour

Dear Diary:

Another mind challenge from Berry this week.  These Meme's are killing me!!  I have to think too much.  This week is about my favourite colour.  The problem is I like a lot of colours but I guess if I had to choose one it would be green.

Green always makes me think of spring - fresh, new beginnings, regeneration.  There's a calmness and hope associated with shades of green and that's probably why a lot of health care areas have their walls painted this colour.

Of course, green is also linked with jealousy and envy.  This was first brought to attention by William Shakespeare, mentioning "the green eyed monster"  in "Othello".  But that's not me **cough cough**.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (pale)
Lipstick: SEVEN glossy lipstick (peachy brown) (SL Marketplace)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow and lashes (neutral)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (right gesture; left casual)
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefeet (flat)
Hair: Argrace Haruka

Dress: bilo Sushmita (trois) (bought last year so not sure it's in the store now)

Earrings and necklace: Mandala Kagetora

Pose: Poise (no longer available)

Location: Baja Norte

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)