Dear Diary I always thought that Second Life creators did a fantastic job on making winter sims. But the one I found this year was spectacular. The ambiance really puts your mind set to "winter". Since it's that cold season in my world, I fit right into this sim.
The Forest Winter Wonderland is truly beautiful. The snow is falling in a steady stream and the lights are glittering when you walk through different pathways. I posted about The Forest previously when Chloe and I picked out my tree from the tree lot. I was so impressed with the sim that I made a few other trips out to look around. In this spot, the trees form a tunnel all decorated with multi coloured lights. I really loved this spot. Take a trip out to The Forest. There are so many wonderful areas to visit. Take a trip up the mountain on the ski lift for an eye-catching look at the view from above. It certainly is a day well spent Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Jacket: AMITOMO Moon Light Gacha #4 (Kustom9 til January 10) Leggings: Maitreya (suede brown) Touque: Ohemo Joe Beanie Colour 2
Dear Diary: I can't believe it's time for the Ugly Christmas Sweater picture!! It seems like yesterday when Chloe and I got together for the 2016 version. I called her up and said, "Get shopping for that sweater. It's time for THE picture." We both went out to have a look.
Chloe always looks for something different and picked her sweater in a purple shade. That's not exactly a Christmas colour but I imagine in her mind it is. We had fun looking, wearing and posing. Good Night for now. Chloe is wearing: Hair: Analog Dog Chi Sweater: REVOLUTION Cozy Knit Sweater (lilac Christmas) Leggings: Maitreya footless tights (Xanadu) I'm wearing: Hair: Letitulier Curly Sweater: Blushed Cozy Holiday Sweater Leggings: Maitreya footless tights (Royal) Background: La Galleria Snowflake collage (tinted blue)
Dear Diary: I love dogs. Not so much cats. Dogs are my animals for sure. My first pet, in my first world, was a mixed Spaniel. He was black and cute but not particularly healthy. My parents got him from a pet store and I don't think he was well looked after. Then my Mom decided she would get a daschund so for years we had 3 or 4 of those. Once I got out on my own, I thought a pet would be perfect for me and of course it had to be a dog. Of course, it also had to be a Spaniel. She was a beauty - white and tan. I had her for 15 years. So when I came into my second world, a Spaniel was perfect in my house.
In my Second Life, I have a few other dogs but the Spaniels from Jian are my favourites. I have one other that may be wandering around my neighbourhood right this minute. Several other pets hang around my home. Some birds, a tortoise and a snake can be seen at times. Maybe I need to add a few more. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Hair: Argrace Sae Sweater: Decoy Nyla Sweater (red) Pants: Maitreya footless tights (royal) Necklace and earrings: YS&YS Stone Xmas Dog (in arms): Jian Splendid Spaniels Blenheim Dog (on chair): Jian Splendid Spaniels Tri Colour Companion Chair: ++LP2++ Sofa Christmas (no longer available) Wall feature: Urbanized wall tattoo Xmas 1 (no longer available)
Dear Diary: My Mom always sent out Christmas cards...yes...actual cards...in the mail. She sent out lots and we got lots in return. I enjoyed putting the cards up around the house, looking at the picture on the front, reading the cheery message inside and then checking out signatures of who sent it. It was part of the Christmas tradition. My first few years as an adult, I too sent out actual cards to older relatives and some of my friends from university who lived in other places. I would receive cards back. Eventually the actual cards slowed coming in and going out. It was so much easier logging into a card shop online, picking a cute card, entering an email address and pressing "SEND". Off it went without too much time or thought. Simple! But this year I decided I would go back to the actual card and send out a few to older relatives and some friends again.
This does require a lot of time and thought on my part. What do I say? What do I ask? How much do I write? I admit it is time consuming when time is flying by and so much needs to be accomplished in a short period. But...I am enjoying it. I wonder if I'll get actual cards back? Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Pamela Hair: monso My Hair Yoni Shirt: erratic Julia boyfriend shirt (red) Socks: erratic Eva knee socks (high) (red green) Christmas pillows: La Galleria Bed: La Galleria Antique Curved Pewter bed
Dear Diary: On December 1st, I start decorating my house in both my worlds. It seems that's a good time for me and it does get me into the Christmas mood. I have a tree in every room in the house (in both worlds). I love the smell of the real tree in the living room and enjoy the "theme" trees seen in the other rooms. Of course going out to get a real tree is the height of the preparation. So I coerced my friend Chloe to take a run out to the tree farm at The Forest. Of course we found the biggest and best one around.
I was glad she was there to help put it on top of the car but somehow I think I got the heavy end. It's fun picking out the tree in any world. Another week or so, I'll get it up and decorate it. Hope she's around to help then. Good Night for now. Chloe is wearing: Sweatshirt: !gO! Men's hoodie (gift) Jeans: Pixicat Tova boyfriend jeans (red) I'm wearing: Jacket: hh Veronica coat (with HUD) Leggings: Maitreya leggings suede (brown) Hat: Wonton Pearl Wool Beanie (taupe) Boots: fame femme Knitted Uggs (brown) Location: The Forest
Dear Diary: Everyone knows that I love vintage clothes, whether it's the Flapper era, the 60's BoHo or the neon 80's. So when I saw there was a 40's event, I had to go.
There was so much to choose from I had a difficult time so I decided to leave it up to the Astralia gacha background to pick my theme. I got the car wash background which was super but I do hate to wash my car. But here I am. A few days left to visit the event. Good Night for now. I'm wearing (all from Rewind to the 40's) Hair: Wasabi Joan Hair bow: emarie 40's hair bows Outfit: The Forge Mary (teal) Shoes with socks: ChicChica Wendy (tiff) Earrings: Caroline Large hoops (gold) Background: Astralia Pin Up Background Sexy Car Wash Pose: Gingerfish
Dear Diary: The other day as I was checking out new places, I came upon a quirky, eclectic furniture store by the name of USB and am making it a new store to me. When you go through the front door, you're faced with an ad for prefabs. Since I wasn't in the market, I didn't check them out. Further into the main floor, there is an office desk, truly one that would fit into a business office, along with chairs and desk top accessories. Then some pieces caught my eye. The living room items were made with Rubik's Cube in mind.
I bought the cabinet since it was a great place to sit and have my morning coffee. The Cube is also available in a sofa (with poses) and a shelving unit. The two pictures came as a set and I thought they would be good to hang on the wall by my computer. It seemed as if they were appropriate for me The second floor has additional furniture including lighting, clocks and shelves. It's a very interesting store to roam around in and if you're interested in electic items for your home, this is the place to visit.
Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin, shadow, lipstick: Amara Beauty Pamela Hair: Bryce Designs puck (now only on SL Marketplace) Dress: fame femme Belted Knit Dress (Mix 4) Tights: Izzie's sheer tights Boots: aDiva Lisbeth boot (no longer available) Earrings: ieQED Brisa (gold) Watch: Kunst Regan watch Furniture: USB Cubed Cabinet Pictures: USB Nerd and Geek Location: USB
Dear Diary: I was visiting Solo Arte, a great sim that promotes art, with illustrations of paintings, photographs or moving 3D statuary. The locale is well decorated with examples of artistic creations mingling with a depiction of a town square holding a vegetable stand and flea market . I decided to take a picture here at the vegetable stand for Berry's Challenge.
Here are the results from my search (for 2 names - my blog name and my SL name: 1. Google your Second Life name in "Quotations" and share your results. Only a few results. 2. What are the first 5 links that come up? As my blog name, My blog and My youtube channel. As my SL name, youtube. 3. Click on the "images" tab and tell us where the first 5 images are from. All are from my blog posts. 4. Click on the "Videos" tab and share your results, if any. As Dreamer, I have my youtube videos; and as my SL persona, I have most of the videos on youtube from my work as an actor with a SL machinima company. 5. Click on the "News" tab and share your results, if any. No results. 6. Did any or the results surprise you? No surprises. 7, Are you satisfied with your results or wish they were different in any way? I'm satisfied. Well, that was short and sweet!! I guess I'm rather invisible. It's ok...I like the anonymity. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Pamela Eye Shadow: OHeMO Lashes: Arte Mixed Lipstick: Alaskametro Lumina Blush: Zibska Ayame Hair: Tameless Paislee (at Designer Showcase til Nov 30) Top: FurtaCor Catarina (with HUD) (at Designer Showcase til Nov 30) Pants: KO-H Skinny Leather Pants (red) (SL Marketplace) Pose: Gingerfish Location: Solo Arte
Dear Diary: This week, the #SecondLifeChallenge poses questions about our blogging/vlogging life. Although I haven't done much with the vlogging part, I still love doing my blog. I also did the Challenge in 2014 and I found some of my answers have not changed much since then. So early in the morning, I sat in my comfortable chair, still in my pjs, and formulated my answers.
1. How long have you been blogging or vlogging about Second Life? I started blogging June 13, 2010 and have enjoyed doing it every since. I'm not a vlogger...yet. I've only done two video postings and still feel I should put more videos out there to gain practice. 2. Why did you start blogging or vlogging about Second Life? I always wanted to be a journalist so I thought this was a good outlet for honing my writing skills and perhaps developing a writing style. It was also a way to cultivate more creativity, by writing and blogging about items that I put into a photograph. 3. How many times a week/month do you post? It depends on how much free time I have. I work full time; look after my family; and sneak some volunteer work in in my spare time. I used to try and do 2 posts a week but it became more like another job rather than fun. Now I post when I can so it's never a set number. 4. Do you keep track of how many hits or subscribers you have? Not really. I know the number of hits is there and I do check it...but rarely. I really do my blog for me. I love doing it and enjoy seeing how it looks when it's posted. I get a lot of satisfaction in knowing that I've actually published something.
5. Which electronic devices do you use to blog/vlog with? I use my desktop computer primarily. I do have a laptop but it's old so I don't use it for constructing a post. 6. Do you monetize your blog or vlog? If so do you mind sharing how much you make approximately? I don't monetize my blog. 7. What has Second Life blogging or vlogging taught you? I've learned to take chances. Not everyone will agree with my viewpoint but different opinions stimulate my mind and make me think more about what I'm saying / typing. My photography is getting a bit better. I'm trying to be more creative in where I take pictures along with background and windlight settings. But I do think I learn something new daily. 8. Do you feel like Second Life blogging or vlogging takes away from your real life?Not at all. In fact it's helped in many ways. Sometimes my job can be very intense. Sometimes it involves pressure; sometimes extremes; and, often deadlines to meet. Coming home and concentrating on topics for the next blog helps relax my mind and take away any stress I've have developed. I've learned to leave my RL environment behind and walk into my SL settings.
9. Do you have a mission statement for your blog or vlog? If so what is it? I have no mission statement.
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers/vloggers.
As in 2014, my tips really haven't changed much. First, write about what you like. Don't force writing concerning something you're not happy with. Next write positively. If you want people to read your posts, don't pass on negative words or thoughts to your readers. If you want to criticize do it in the affirmative. And finally, try it. If you find it too much of a chore, ...QUIT! Love the Second Life Challenge. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Pamela Hair: Argrace Yakumo PJs: Mynx Onesie (birds) Nose stud: Amala The Circle Nose Stud Chair: The Infinite Living Room Comfy Chair (no longer available) Lamp: floorplan metal floor lamp Pose: Imeka
Dear Diary: I'm not a big fan of Hallowe'en in any world. As a kid, I went trick and treating with my friends and was always thrilled with the amount of candy I got from the neighbours. My Mom went through my bag and eliminated all the "bad" candy that I'm sure she ate when I wasn't looking. Then I had the party phase with costumes and dancing. I was never creative so my costume was unassuming. Now that I'm truly an adult, I like to stay home in my cozy house (since it's usually raining or snowing in my part of the world) and hand out candy to kids who come to my door.
While I wait for the shouts of "Hallowe'en treats please", I tend to sample every candy or chocolate bar in the bowl. That makes it a fun night for me. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Pamela Lipstick: Modish Bonnie Eyes: Izzie's LeLutka Applier (storm) Lashes: Arte mixed lashes Hair with hat: Exile Take Flight (bento version) Sweater: *D*W* Jack O Lantern (SL Marketplace) Leggings: Maitreya (black) Slippers: JD fur slipper (black) (SL Marketplace) Chair (with broom, cat and rug): Trowix The Witch Next Door's Sitting Corner Table: Just My Imagination Candy bowl (candy in hand): DDD Pumpkin Candy Bowl (SL Marketplace)
Dear Diary: I know most people like a good hot dog any time then can get it. I'm picky about my dogs. The bun has to be steamed; the wiener must have a crackly casing; and it all has to come out piping hot. I particularly like a hot dog from a street vendor, a hockey arena or baseball stadium. And never an all beef wiener.
The hot dog's origins are a mystery. Several German butchers are said to make claim as far back as the 1400's that they produced the first hot dog. The dog was sold at the 1893 World's Fair in the United States but who invented it is not known. By all accounts, mustard seems to be the most popular hot dog topping but ketchup is surely a close second. Across Canada, each province seems to have their favourite way of decorating a hot dog. From British Columbia who has a sushi-inspired hot dog to Quebec who top their wieners with non-creamy coleslaw. Saskatchewan uses the ethnic addition of sauerkraut from the Polish community while New Brunswick often combine their hot dogs with the traditional lobster roll. Ontario seems to lean towards the "common" toppings of mustard, relish, ketchup and chopped onion. And that's the way I like my dog dressed! Some of my health conscious friends tell me hot dogs aren't good for you but I don't really believe that. Sometimes it's nice to indulge in my guilty pleasure. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin and lipstick: Amara Beauty Sylvia Eyes: Izzie's LeLutka Applier (storm) Eye Shadow: Alaskametro Smoke Show (sand) Lashes: Arte Mixed Styles Hair: Wasabi Pills Ginny (at The Seasons Story til Oct 31) Sweater: Decoy Nyla sweater (red) (at Collabor88 til Nov 6) Leggings: Maitreya (suede brown) Shoes: Essenz Hanover (brown) Necklace: Lybra (gold) Rings: Absolut Vendetta Juno rings Hot Dog: INDO Hot dog with bun (SL Marketplace) Background: Minimal New York subway Cart: ANHELO M43RB-17AGA Food Trailer (rusty blue)
Dear Diary: Berry posted a great Challenge on Monday concerning thoughts on Zodiac signs. I think that's a lot of fun and this one is in particular.
1. What is your sign? Oh I'm definitely a Taurus!! In many ways!! But by virtue of being born in May. 2. Do you believe in Astrology and read your horoscope often? I don't think I believe in Astrology. I never seek my horoscope out but if I pick up the paper and it's at the horoscope page, I'll read it. 3. What are some of the traits of your zodiac sign and do you feel they reflect who you are? I used Berry's suggested website for Taurus good (and not so good) traits here: Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible, stable Without sounding too egotistical, I think this describes me very well. I'm pretty laid back and not too many things get me irritated. I'm extremely loyal to my friends and family. I think I have a lot of common sense so I can offer solutions to a problem. Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising Oh Yeah! Here we go. I admit to it all! I'm very stubborn and if I feel I'm right, I will argue my point to the Nth degree. I hardly ever back down. I'm opinionated for sure. I can be impatient at times, especially when others can't make up their minds. It shouldn't be a marathon to make a decision. My possessiveness is evident with my partners, no matter what world I'm in. I can share friends. Taurus likes: Gardening, cooking, music, romance, high quality clothes, working with hands. I think only a few of these would fit me. I do have gardens but only with perennials since I don't look after veggies or annuals very well. I love to cook! I do play the piano. And who doesn't like a little romance in their life? I do love high quality anything. I'm a hedonist at heart. Working with hands?? Not me! Can't knit, crochet, or any of those talented to-do things. Taurus dislikes: Sudden changes, complications, insecurity of any kind, synthetic fabrics I don't mind sudden changes. Sometimes they work out better than the planned things. Life can be complicated so I tend to take it as it comes. I do like to feel secure in my life, whether it be in relationships or in a place I've never been before. I wear synthetic fabric so that doesn't bother me. Here are the results of the BuzzFeed Quiz:
Can We Accurately Guess Your Zodiac Sign Based On How you Describe Yourself?
You got: Air sign
Gemini, Aquarius, Libra
Let me check my birth certificate again! Taureans best colours are associated with the Earth sign - browns, yellows, greens (my favourite colour). One of the tips from a website said, "Wear pink every Friday". I hate pink! This was so much fun. P.S. A few years back I did another post on the Taurus sign. You'll find it here. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Makeup: Amara Beauty Sylvia Eyes: Mudskin Signature LeLutka eye collection Lashes: OHeMO (under construction) Hair: no match Yes Tee: PZC Zodiac series T-shirt (Taurus) (SL Marketplace) Jeans: Maitreya Zipper Skinny jeans (dirty) Shoes: Gos Boutique Karrueche Sandals (black) Earrings: Caroline's Large hoop (gold) (no longer available) Ring: Ysoral Luxe Ring (gold) Horns: LouLou & Co (v3) Symbol: Mesh Zodiac (Taurus) (SL Marketplace) Pose: !bang Taurus (SL Marketplace)
Dear Diary: Whether it's called the Monday Meme or the Second Life Challenge, I'm glad to be doing it again. I really missed it!
Here are the top 7 things that others may not know about my avatar: My Second Life Fact #1: I have an alt. The College I worked at decided to build an educational facility inworld and they asked me to create an avatar to "work" at the school. I did and I had a lot of fun with her. I used her to give tours and teach a course inworld to my RL students. She's still around but I haven't brought her to life in a few years. My Second Life Fact #2: I pretend to be a shopaholic but I'm actually quite careful with my Lindens. I have a job in SL but I supplement that income with bought Lindens. My Second Life Fact #3: I've become a bit of a loner. I like to come inworld and be able to do my own thing. I enjoy exploring destinations on my own; going to the current display of art; or just hanging out at a concert of a perfomer I like. I do meet up with my friends occasionally but not dancing every night as I used to. My Second Life Fact #4: I'm not a person who has to go out and buy the "latest" fad or fashion. I bought a mesh body in 2015 and a mesh head in 2017. I'm still wearing the same two items and might consider at some time, adding another head but it would have to be very special. My Second Life Fact #5: It's hard for me to delete some things from my inventory. I have older clothing, shoes and hair from my newbie years that I have trouble getting rid of even though I won't wear them ever again. I associate certain times with each item so I don't want to delete it...hmmm...just like RL!! My Second Life Fact #6: I don't own a premium account. I keep my groups under the limit and never have a problem getting rid of those that I don't need or want any more. My Second Life Fact #7: I have never been bored with SL. Things are constantly changing and new things are rapidly happening. I like to learn about all of it. Thanks to Berry for starting this up again. I know it must be a lot of work for her but even an occasional challenge is fun. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Sylvia Eyes: Arte Toda eyes Eye shadow: Alaskametro matte mist Manicure: ZoZ Rubber polish Hair: monso My Hair Jieun (at Collabor88 til Nov 6) Blazer: Tetra stretch blazer (purple pack) (at Uber til Oct 23) Earrings: je suis asymetrique (purple) Pose: Marukin (at Collabor88 til Nov 6)
Dear Diary: October 9th is Thanksgiving in my part of the world. We will be celebrating with family and friends, with all the delicious food that is associated with that day. In my part of my second world, I also invite friends over to sample the delectable food.
Let's all be thankful for what we have, not only at Thanksgiving, but every day. From the four of us, Happy Thanksgiving. Good Night for now.
Dear Diary: I have made a lot of friends since coming into this world. I know people in other countries and other parts of Canada. Some of these people have become close to me and I value their friendship. But there is one person that is and will always be my best friend - Chloe.
Chloe is also my best friend in my first world. She came into Second Life before I did and then convinced me what a great place it was and that I should join her inworld. I did and have never regretted it. So this is my post for my BFF in both worlds - a person I can count on; lean on; and dump on. Here's to you Chloe. Good Night for now. Chloe is wearing: Hair: Analog Dog Ava Dress: Petite Mort Roses Madison Dress (blk/plum) Earrings: Mandala Tukemono (gold) I'm wearing: Hair: no match no expression Sweater: Tres Blah Passport sweater (grey) Skirt: Tres Blah Skater skirt (vintage plaid) Earrings: Mood fumo (no longer available) Pose with sign: Belle poses friends
Dear Diary: When I saw that "The Liaison Collaborative" was having a literary theme, I had to fly out and see what they were offering. I think everyone knows that I love to read. I finished reading "The Dinner" in July and enjoyed the story immensely. It tells of two families who go to dinner to talk over an issue they have with their sons. The dinner contains twists and turns, jumping to the past and talking of potential results for the future. You can read a short review here. I understand there's a movie soon to be out based on this book.
I'm now reading "The Lightkeeper's Daughter", a mystery, by Canadian (and Ontarian) Jean Pedizwol. I'm just into the beginning chapters so can't comment on how much I like it or not. Read about it here.
My picture shows exactly how I like to read in my first life...after supper when I can relax; with my dog sitting across my feet; and a good book to keep me company. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Head: LeLutka Chloe Skin: Amara Beauty Felicity Eyes: Arte Toda eyes Eye Shadow: Alaskametro Matte Mist Lashes: SlackGirl Sweet Baby Lashes Mani / Pedi: A.S.S. metal dreams Hair: Tableau Vivant Elle (at Collabor88 til Oct 6) Top and Pants: Indented Monroe top and overalls (green) (at Tres Chic til Oct 5) Sneakers: Ingenue Elke sneakers (pineapple) (at Collabor88 til Oct 6) Glasses: Haysuriza Eyewear Fox #2 (tortoise shell) Nose stud: Amala the circle nose stud Arm cuff: Ama Ring: Meva Bento ring (gold) Dog: Jian Splendid Spaniels Tri Colour Companion Pose with book and book pile: Sari Sari Bookworm (bento) (at The Liaison Collaborative til Sept 30) Flowers: What Next sunflower pitcher