Dear Diary: I'm not really good at keeping New Year's Resolutions so when StrawberrySinghposted her"challenge" listlast January, I decided I would try to follow as many of her suggested resolutions as I could. So yesterday, I had a relaxing day and it was a perfect time to look back at what I had covered.
Here's my tally: 1. TED talks: I visited the site and found so many topics that I would like to explore but I settled on two that I enjoyed listening to. Here is my post. 2. Try a mesh head and wear for 24 hours: This was the first resolution that I did. It was fun and I was glad I tried a mesh head out. It was a group gift so I didn't spend any money. I still haven't bought one but...maybe one of these days. Here is my trial. 3. Vote: I live in Canada so our election was in October 2015. I voted (always do) a bit before the challenge. The Canadian political results can be viewed here. 4. Donate or volunteer: In my first life I always donate to local charities as I feel this is most beneficial to my community, especially food banks and things for children. In my second life, I donate to various sims so they can keep running and to special events such as Relay for Life. 5. Start a meme: No. I didn't do this. 6. Comment: Over the year, I have left comments on a few blogs that I admire and appreciate. I haven't done this previous to the challenge so I'm glad I told these people how much I enjoy reading their writing or how I admire their creativity. 7. Reconnect: I thought this was an excellent resolution. So many of our friends slip away without us realizing. I have a long friends list but I only see and talk to a few close people. My results are here. 8. Explore Second Life: I try to explore various sims that can be different or those that might be recommended. One of the prettiest was Patron, mentioned here and one of the friendliest, Crestwick Island, visited here. 9. Give thanks: No. I didn't do this directly. One time, a few years back, I was having trouble with getting rid of a griefer and his "grief"!!! I finally contacted Guy Linden who managed to get rid of the noise-grating, light-flashing item that had invaded my house. I thanked him profusely. He is in charge of land, abandoned or otherwise. And...he does have a fan club you can join. 10. Start a daily mantra: Meditating has been a part of my life for many years so this was an easy one for me to do. Here it is. This past year has gone quickly for me and I'm glad I tried to finish as many of the resolutions as I could. I wonder if Berry will do another challenge for 2017 (??) Hmmm...better start getting ready now. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Skin: Izzie's Romy Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Hair: enVOGUE Paige Sweater: Pixicat Fall Sweater (green) Leggings: Pixicat Fall tights (flower) Slippers: JustDesign Slipper fur (black) (SL Marketplace) Glasses: je suis charmante (red) Bed, Christmas pillows: La Galleria Pose (with cup): Lisp Tea Pose
Dear Diary: I meditate often. I used to do it every day but now I find I can do it whenever I feel I want to, whether I'm at home, on the bus or sitting on the deck. I have a mantra. A mantra is described as "a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation". This word I use to slow my breathing and get me relaxed but it's private so I can't share that with you. I also go to a yoga class twice a week that can put me in the "zone".
I also tell myself everyday: 1. I am strong 2. I am smart 3. I am loyal 4. I believe in me 5. I never give up 6. I am confident 7. I am positive 8. I am healthy 9. I learn something new everyday 10. I am loved
Dear Diary: I've been trying to check off Strawberry Singh's New Year's Resolution list gradually. Well, time IS running out before a new New Year's Resolution comes around so in the next few weeks I'll be trying to whittle the contents down. One of the challenges was to watch TED talks on any topic of your choice. What are TED talks? It has been described as "a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers all topics - from science to business to global issues - in more than 100 languages." (ted.com) So I checked out the list of subjects and chose the science group. The first talk I picked was on DNA.
I find this aspect of genetics very interesting. I've had my DNA tested by a reliable lab and had no surprises when they told me the results. This talk was informative, as the speaker, Sebastian Kraves, claimed that in the future, most homes will support a DNA testing station. Fascinating! I also watched a second program, "You Have No Idea Where Camels Came From" that was also extremely interesting. Who would have though to look for camels in the Arctic? It was not only an entertaining evening but I learned a lot too. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Hair: Tiny Bird Sodom South Georgia (no longer available) Pyjamas: digital girl design Sarah pj set (SL Marketplace) Chair: Pop Art Kari chair (no longer available) Rug: Cream Swirls Television: Shared Media Preloaded TV (no longer available)
Dear Diary: The Monday Meme this week is a repeat of the movie poster theme of a few years back. I did it then and really had fun doing it so I was looking forward to trying it again. There's always so many genres to consider but I went for the wild wild West.
Hurray for the movies! Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Hair with cowboy hat: W&Y #5 (no longer available) Shirt: Steelhead Outfitters Women's Western shirt (olive) Jeans: Ricielli Sally Skinny jeans (green) Pose (with shotgun): Juxtapose (SL Marketplace) Location: Timber Creek Outfitters
Dear Diary: It was Strawberry Singh's rez day this past Monday so the meme called for a "yearbook" picture. I always hated school yearbook pictures but this meme suggested a kinder, gentler look.
I wish I had had the forethought that Berry had of taking a pic each year on rez day. I would have a nice album at this point. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Skin: Izzie's Romy Lipstick: from Romy (peach) Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Lashes: MC Falsies Hair with headband: kik Hair Zinnia Outfit: LazyBones Estelle Attire (mint) (The Chapter Four until May 21) Earrings: Caroline's large hoop (silver) Pose: oOo Studio
Dear Diary: I love the Monday Meme this week. Strawberry Singh has made us think of our achievements brought about #BecauseofSecondLife.
And here is mine: #BecauseofSecondLifeI have met wonderful people from around the world with a varitey of cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. I appreciate the differences of all and what they've taught me #BecauseofSecondLifeI started a blog, something I've always wanted to do but never had the reason to do it #BecauseofSecondLife I realized that people's personality is the same no matter what world they're in. Kindness and caring are foremost in Second Life but a jerk is a jerk regardless. #BecauseofSecondLifeI have broadened my technology skills, even posting a dance video! I have learned a few programs that I wouldn't have tried otherwise. #BecauseofSecondLifeI am aware of the incredible creativity of people and what they produce - sims, furniture, jewelry, clothing Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Skin: Izzie's Romy (pale) Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Lashes: Mon Cheri Falsies Nailpolish: ZOZ Summer 2015 Solids Hair: Analog Dog Gardenia
Dear Diary: When Berry put out her Monday Meme about our social media interests, I had to try and think about my involvement for Dreamer. In my first world, I joined several media networks when they first came out - Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter especially - but I slowly lost interest over the past few years. I still have accounts but rarely log in. Because my first life doesn't capture interest in social media, I don't involve Dreamer too much either.
So, in my second life, I'm not involved with many social media networks. My list is small:
Second Life Profile
YouTube (just recently)
Guess you could call me "anti-social-media". Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Skin: Izzie's Romy Hair: booN Lab009 (Hairology until April 30) Outfit: Baiastice Long hoodie set (tropical) (Collabor88 until May 6) Glasses: Haysuriza Eyewear Fox No. 2 (tortoiseshell) Desk: MMG's workdesk and chair (no longer available) Lamp: Lisp Jacob lamp (blue) Laptop: Shared Media Preloaded laptop (no longer available)
Dear Diary: Well, I've never done a video before but with the dancing challengethis week I thought I might tackle it. I did have some extra time and it was a good thing. It took me all week to accomplish 30 sec of careening around a dance floor. I learned a lot. I filmed a few...deleted many. Edited a couple....added things to two. Published one....deleted one. Tried the "fancies"...lost the core video. And the result for the first attempt was not exactly as planned but then that would have taken another week of ups and downs. So...
Thanks to Strawberry Singh for suggesting this and I hope we do more videos since I think I can do better next time. A special thanks to Caitlin Tobias who provided tips and tricks for making videos and by reading and re-reading her post several thousand times, it gave me confidence to try this. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Hair: Vanity Hair Fugee Outfit: Moonstore no rules outfit (pink) Earrings: MOOD Fumo (no longer available) Shoes: KC Georgia Dance: MOVE Sonja
Dear Diary: June is a very busy month for me so I was late seeing Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme. I'm also a little late with the post but here it is!
1. If Linden Lab shut the door on Second Life, what do you think you might do to replace it, or the time you spend on it. Gaming, school, work, reading, other virtual world, etc? Hmmm....tough question. I really enjoy Second Life. I like the idea I can be a chameleon and be / look however I choose. I would probably look around for another world although I think it would be very difficult to find something that could or would replace my Second Life. I also think most of us already accomplish extras like school, work, reading and family in our "spare" time so those wouldn't be a replacement for me. 2. What would you consider your mission statement for your blog? I think my mission statement would be to keep true to my thoughts and to myself. I write about what I enjoy. Often I tie in my RL to some extent. Sometimes I have definite opinions which I am not afraid to voice. I love doing this blog and I know I would have to continue with blogging in some other capacity. I guess, I hope, that what I write interests other people but I don't think that matters to me. The number of views of my blog is not really important, it's the fact I'm writing!
3. What would you change about your SLife right now if you could just press a magic button and have it automatically happen? I don't think I would change very much. I'm comfortable with my SLife; my friends; my travel and my home. Perhaps, to be able to dress my mesh body and not have to worry that my bits are showing, would be magic for me. 4. What topic would you like to see explored in a non fashion blog post? Anything you are curious about and want someone else to do all the research? In my other world, I do research so I always enjoy reading where people have delved into the "guts" of a topic. I would be interested in the technology of SL - how we can get the max out of it; what happens behind our screens and what computer add-ons or fix-ups would help. 5. Do you have a point of contact in SL? Someone that a person from your RL knows to contact in case something happens to you or you are unable to get online for an extended period of time? Yes I do. A RL friend got me into SL in the first place so she knows the "real" me.
6. What provides you the most inspiration and motivation to keep learning and growing? What keeps you from being held back by the common negativity in SecondLife and elsewhere? I'm self-motivated. I like to learn new things (when I have the time) so I will always keep going. I see negativity in SL but it doesn't intrude on my life. I don't hang out with negative people in either world and if someone like that happens to come my way, they're gone. 7. How do you deal with other bloggers (who don't know you personally) that are spiteful towards you? I really don't have to deal with this since no one knows who I am. But if I did, I know it wouldn't bother me. I would ignore it. I always think that when someone is overly nasty to you, it stems from a little jealousy on their side. 8. What is your advice to those that admire you and what you do, hoping to be able to do some of the same things with as much confidence as you often seem to have? This gave me a chuckle. I must admit, I have a lot of confidence in either world. I'm very secure in who I am but I would never try to tell anyone how to achieve that. That's something that just comes to you. I'm sure no one in this world or my other world "admires" me. It would surprise me a lot if they did.
9. Name 5 favorite events in Second Life. 1. FaMESHed - great place for new mesh ideas 2. The Arcade - fulfills my gambling habit 3. Hair Fair - hair whore - guilty 4. A Tattered Page - love the correlation of book and creator 5. Pose Fair - can't get enough poses
10. Name 3 of your favorite blogs. Sorry...just can't pare it down to 3. I read a lot every day; some several times a week; and others periodically. They are all well done and it amazes me how many creative people there are who have great photography skills, tremendous fashion sense and the ability to put it all together with a meaningful background. I gain a lot of information from them. I would hate to name only 3. Nice to be doing a meme again. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Body: Maitreya Lara Skin: Izzie's Romy Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Eye shadow: mock Miss Vanity (original purple) Lashes: MC Falsies Lipstick: Oceane Metallix Glammy lips 2 Hair: Dura Boys & Girls 53 Dress: Baiastice Ilary Print (tan) Ear cuff: Swallow Cross Earring: Maxi Gossamer Roho (gold) Ring: Maxi Gossamer Dream Angel Skull Pose: aDORKable (on SL Marketplace)
Dear Diary: It was a difficult decision for this Monday Meme. I don't watch a lot of tv but I do have a few favourite shows that I like to see. I decided to pick a Canadian production and a popular sci-fi show Orphan Black, now into its third season.
The story line is based on the aspect of cloning. Tatiana Maslany plays the part of several different people who seem identical but in reality are clones. The story started with Sarah Manning, a con artist, witnessing the death of a detective, who looks identical to her. Sarah assumes the detective's identity. During the first season, Sarah realizes she and others identical to her are clones and people are trying to kill all of them off. She starts to search for every one of them to warn about the harm. Three clones are already dead, and 2 will follow. There have been almost a dozen clones in the story, all played by Tatiana Maslany. All have different looks and different personalities. Most are female but one is a transgender male. Often she has to play 3 or 4 different clones in an episode. I have shown 4 of the characters: Sarah Manning; Alison Hendrix; Cosima Niehaus; and Helena, Sarah's twin sister. The third season has started with promises of more twists and turns. The story does get complicated at times but if you like sci-fi, it's a good one to watch. It also gets one thinking of all the implications, moral, ethical and political, of cloning. There is an end in sight to the show. The co-creator, John Fawcett, has said the series will end after the fifth season. If you live in the United States, you can see this program through the BBC America network. Good Night for now. All of us are wearing: Skin: Izzie's Romy Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Sarah: Hair: LeLutka Lumen Pants and boots: CoCo Design Jacket and tee: (very old; not sure where it came from) Alison: Hair: DH Clara (no longer available) Dress: Vrsion Rival Shoes: G Field slingback Cosima: Hair: Discord Designs Roni Lab Coat: G&Q Fashion lab coat (SL Marketplace) Helena: Hair: Alli&Ali Nyota Ombre Sweater: Malt cropped knit (lavender) Jeans: (very old; not sure where it came from) Shoes: Yulicie slip on
Dear Diary: Another Monday Meme that makes us think about ourselves. Love it.
1. Do you currently own a mesh body? If so, do you wear it all the time or just once in a while?If not, skip to the fourth question.I own Maitreya Lara Mesh Body. I only bought it recently so I can't say I wear it all the time...maybe most of the time. 2. What is your preferred mesh body available on the market right now?My preferred mesh body is Lara by Maitreya. 3. Have you changed your shape since you started wearing the body?Since my body purchase has been quite recent, I haven't had a lot of time to fiddle with my shape. My digits from last year are very close to what I have now. I decreased my breast size, and hand size but increased my saddle bags. Yikes! Gotta fix that! I think I should increase my body fat a bit since I'm looking thinner. I seem to be taller but I thinks that's the stilettoes...heheheh.
4. How do you feel about mesh bodies in general?I tried a few other mesh bodies and I must admit that threw me off for awhile. Some were harder to work with than others, some required a lot of shape adjustment. I tried the Maitreya Lara body and loved it instantly. I found it a lot easier to use and more compatible with some of the mesh clothing I already had. When I finally refine it to my liking, I'm sure I'll find it indispensable.
5. What is one thing you would request from designers when it comes to mesh bodies?I agree with Berry and the others who have said a universal applier system would be wonderful. Good Night for now.
Dear Diary: Now what could be more intriguing than to get 2 Dreamers to answer the questions for Berry's Monday Meme? I'm afraid they're not much of a threat though.
Two online screen names you’ve had:The name I have in SL now is the only one I've ever had. Ai Li on another game. Two video games you’ve played:Sims and Tekken Two things you love about Second Life:I enjoy the creativity of all the talented people who produce the marvelous sims. I can participate in a lot of social activities where I've met a lot of friends from around the world that otherwise I would never know.
Two things you’ve done in Second Life:Shopped...a lot. Then decorated my home and myself. Two things you still want to do in Second Life:I would like to improve my building skills. And always try for better photography. Two things you like about your Second Life avatar:I like the idea I can be a chameleon whenever I want. And I never seem to get any wrinkles!
Two of your Second Life Pet Peeves:Finding a wonderful photogenic sim for pictures then discovering you can't rez anything there. Also not being able to fly around a sim. I understand the reasons for restrictions but they are still pet peeves of mine.
Two things you did as a newb that you’re embarrassed of:Walked around with "demos" showing for awhile thinking I was the only one who could see it. Could never get the hang of changing clothes and waiting before teleporting; hence showing up nude in the middle of a crowd.
Two of your closest friends in Second Life:I have several close friends so I'd rather not name the two I feel the most in sync with.
Two of the most beloved things in your inventory:A music box that plays "Russian Lullaby" and a pair of very pretty earrings, given to me, free, by a famous jewelry maker when I was a newbie. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Skin: Izzie's Romy (pale) Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pink (milkshake) Eyes: IkonSunrise (deep hazel) Lashes: MC Falsies Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2.1 (casual) Nailpolish: Figure Basic nail set (mauve) Hair: D!va Hair Nene Dress: Earth and Sky design Claudia summer dress (green pattern) Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Shell earrings Teardrop (sea pearl)
Dear Diary: Berry has brought up a good topic for theMonday Meme - hurtful comments made by people who are probably doing it intentionally. It was a long time ago but, yes, it happened to me too.
1. Have you ever been subjected to mean comments online by strangers?When I first came into this world, I belonged to a dance club where I believed I made lots of friends. One night, a group was talking about a band they liked. One of the girls turned to me and said, "You have no idea who we're talking about, do you?" I said no, I didn't know that band. Then another person said, "Well, what do you expect! She's from Canada. They don't know anything there. They're really back woods". Then the comments flew around concerning "speaking only French", "living in igloos", "very uncivilized" and of course the everlasting "Eh". 2. How did you respond to them?At first I kind of laughed because I'm used to being teased like that and normally it doesn't bother me but the comments were starting to get nasty and rude. I wasn't willing to sit back and let them run me down...and my country but I felt totally inadequate of how to answer. So...absolutely nerdy me said, "Oh yeah! Well who won the War of 1812?" HONESTLY!!! What a dumb remark was that!! Of course I got a lot of "LOLs", "ROFLs" and other not so respectful comments so the ignorant remarks kept coming. I chose to keep silent and just pretend I didn't hear but I'm not sure that was the right solution either. 3. How did they make you feel? I felt powerless. These were people I thought were my friends but obviously they didn't think the same way. Things don't stay with me for long, so after a day or so, I realized I didn't want them as friends; I left the group and never looked back. Those were people I didn't need. 4. Can you share some of the mean comments you’ve received and your thoughtson them?In all my years in SL, that was the only time I have ever received negative comments. Perhaps it's because now I have a better choice of friends and I'm not so naïve to believe everyone in SL is there for fun. 5.Have you ever ridiculed or negatively commented on someone else’s work, actionsor personality with the intention to hurt them?Yes I have but never as an adult, and never in SL. I was bullied in elementary school over things I had no control over. I was tall for my age and thin; and I was smart. It lasted a whole year until I went to the next grade level with other kids. It hurt. So the next year, I turned it on others until I realized I was losing friends and I was feeling miserable at what I was doing. I told my Mom and she explained how I was hurting kids like I had been hurt. I stopped. Adding my own comments to this, I believe all mean comments stem from jealousy. If comments are directed towards bloggers, it's because they have talent in what they do. If people are the targets of nasty remarks, it's probably due to the fact they're friendly and kind. So...what's the difference between SL and RL? You wouldn't want these people in your life in RL so why give them power in SL? This says it all:
Dear Diary: There's nothing like a visit to a dimly lit New York night club, with a good looking piano player, to put one in the mood for theMonday Meme.
I wasn't sure if I should answer as Dreamer or as me but I answered with the first thing that came to mind. Interestingly enough, I think "we" would both give the same answers.
I am...very calm I want... to be glamorous I have...the best job in the world I wish... that I could live forever I hate... nothing...dislike is the word...so I dislike bullies and bigots I fear... not accomplishing everything I want to do I search...for knowledge I wonder...if I'll ever grow up I regret... nothing I never... look back I always...look for the positive I usually...make friends easily I dance...whenever I can I sing... very loudly and often off key I often... shop til I drop I sometimes... worry I cry... only for sad movies or books I need... to be more assertive I should...clean out my closet I love...my life
The kind piano player, Moustaki Galaxy, agreed to the picture and by the way, girls, I think he plays every night at the club. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Skin: LeLutka Lola (light) Lipstick: Oceane Body Design Glammy lips (orange2) Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel) Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (soft brown) Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2.1 (casual) Nailpolish: The Wicked Peach Spring basics Hair: D!va Sayaka Dress: Gizza Creations draped dress (soil) Shoes: Gos Boutique Lauren D'Orsay Earrings and necklace: Finesmith
1. What is your perception of Second Life?Second Life has shown me just how creative people are. I've had friends who are artists in their main world and are able to bring their talent into this world. I'm amazed at all the creators who provide us with items and continue to produce more elaborate things. It's a place where I can go and try my hand at creating. I enjoy being in my second world. 2. Do you feel the portrayal or reputation Second Life seems to have in themainstreammedia is justified?No. In the past I've read articles maligning Second Life for being nothing but a place for free sex. I believe most of these journalists have never tried Second Life because it certainly offers a lot more. 3. Do you talk about your Second Life with your real life friends and family?No. As I've mentioned in previous posts, most of my friends wouldn't understand. At one time I did mention it to a few friends and they weren't sure what I was talking about. They passed it off as, "Oh...that's just Dreamer. She does those crazy things." I'm not ashamed of being here. I'm tired of trying to explain it. 4. What is your most favorite thing to do in Second Life? My picture shows one of my most favourite things. My first world is a cold and snowy one for almost half a year. In my second world, I have a lovely home in a tropical setting. I can fly there in my coat and boots, pull up a beach chair and sit in the sun all day long. I can organize my thoughts, listen to music and wash away the problems of the day. When I've done that, I can change into some summery clothes, go dancing, visit an art gallery, fly to exotic locations or talk to my friends. It's a wonderful life! No video today...maybe next time. Good Night for now. I'm wearing: Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2 (casual) Hair: Argrace Aya Coat: ufo mustang duffle coat (cream) Jeans: Emery mid rise skinny jeans Kooks (original) Boots: ufo tongku boots (red) Gloves: Izzie's Fluffy gloves for Slink hands Hat: Wonton pearl wool beanie (taupe/white) Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies Sunglasses Chair: NanTra Poses Life's a Beach Chair (pose in chair) Location: The patio at my home (La Galleria Palo Alto house)
