#SecondLifeChallenge - Analyze Your Blog

Dear Diary:

For this week's Challenge, Strawberry Singh suggested we analyze our blogs using one or all of three options.  I chose the Typealyzer.  Here are the results:

ESFP - The Performers
The entertaining and friendly type.  They are especially attuned to pleasure and 
beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft beautiful textiles, bright colors
and sweet smells.  They live in the present moment and don't like to plan ahead
- they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.  ESFPs love being around
people and having new experiences.  Living in the here-and-now, the often do not think about long term effects or the consequences of their actions.

ESFPs live in the moment, experiencing life to the fullest.  They enjoy people, as well as material comforts.  Rarely allowing conventions to interfere with their lives, they find creative ways to meet human needs.  Active types, they find pleasure in new experiences.

They enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way.  They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation -
qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.  ESFPs are excellent team players, focused on completing the task at hand with maximum fun and minimum discord.

Common satisfying careers: Artist, Performer, Actors, Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Event Coordinator, Chef, Fashion Designer, Jeweler, Retail Manager, Recreation Worker and Interior decorator.

Notable ESFPs: John F Kennedy, Richard Branson, Hugh Hefner, Deepak Chopra
Paulo Coelho, Quentin Tarantino, Mel Gibson, Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus,
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, Jamie Oliver, Robbie Williams, Dan Brown and Chewbacca.

Years ago I took the Myers-Briggs test and I was designated as "The Entertainer" so I guess I'm typecast from now on.  I worked in one of the careers suggested and I did have a management position.  I was not required to fire anyone but I did have to write up two who on my recommendation were fired.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Monso Lea
Dress: Decoy Crisp Dress (dark pink) (at Collabor88 til Mar 6)
Shoes: fri. Sarah Janes (rose)
Earrings: Mood Fumo (no longer available)

Pose (with props): Kuro in Motion (The Juggler)

Happy Valentine's Day & #SecondLifeChallenge Love And Dating In SL

Dear Diary:

I'm not much on St Valentine's Day (except for the chocolates) but I like to do a post on the day.  I'm combining the Day post with the Challenge that Strawberry Singh put out for Monday.  After all, it IS a love and dating day.

1. Do you date in Second Life?
When I first came into Second Life, I did date.  It was a chance to meet people and go to different clubs / events.  It "got me around" but it was always casual and easy.  Now I don't date. I have a lot of male friends and we still go dancing and hang out but it's a friendly relationship and that's the way I like it.

2. Share some locations in Second Life that you think are ideal to go to on a date.
I'm really not sure where to go any more.  It's been a long time since I dated.  I guess if your romantically involved, any place is good.

3. Share a story of one of your favourite dates/proposals you've experienced in Second Life or something someone has done for you that meant a lot.
Early on I was dating a guy who turned out to be a jerk.  One of my other male friends persuaded me to go out on a date that turned out to be so much fun and it made me feel so much better.  We ended up cuddling on my couch...just what I needed.

4. Have you ever fallen in love in Second Life?
Oooo...love is such a tricky, convoluted thing.  But I think I have.

5. Have you ever gotten partnered or married in Second Life?
I was partnered once but never had an official marriage ceremony.  He disappeared one day and never returned.  I had to pay for the divorce!!!

Well, that's my take on Valentine's Day.  I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with lots of chocolates.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Head: LeLutka Chloe
Skin, lipstick and shadow: Amara Beauty Amy
Hair: Wasabi Ginny

Sweater: Mimikri Poppy embellished cardigan (tango)(at Uber til Feb 23)
Skirt: Mimikri Poppy suede skirt (tango) (at Uber til Feb 23)
Earrings: Supernatural Becca heart (under construction)
Charm bracelet: Cae Lovestruck (Cupid heart, Heart, puzzle, Rose charms)
Rings: Absolut Vendetta Juno Bento
Wedge shoes: Mosquito's Way Betty

Background: Valentine 3.9 (SL Marketplace)
Pose: Image Essentials Hand heart AO compatible

#SecondLifeChallenge - Winter In Second Life

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

Boots: fame femme Knitted uggs (peach)

Pose: PosESioN Eleganza (bento)

Location: The Forest Winter Wonderland

#SecondLifeChallenge - Animals In Second Life

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)

#SecondLifeChallenge - I'm An Absentee Person

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

Oh What A Blogging/Vlogging Journey!

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 

My Kind Of Hallowe'en Night

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)

#SecondLifeChallenge - My Zodiac Sign - A Lot Of Bull!

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)

What Don't My Friends Know About Me??

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)