Jonquils Like to be First

Dear Diary:
I have jonquils in my garden so this colour really appealed to me.  Jonquils are one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring and add a bright note often when there is still a bit of snow on the ground.  This flower is often mistaken for a daffodil as they look quite similar.

And I really don't like to be first...ummm...ok....sometimes!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (sun tan)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (013) (no longer available)
Beauty mark: Blacklace beauty mark
Hair: CIC Marcie (with blonde streak) (Hair Fair 2012)

Blouse: C'est la vie frill sleeve (floral yellow)
Skirt: Molichino mesh preppy skirt (lemon)
Shoes: R2 Shoes Koaniani elua (yellow stripe)
Purse: Indy & Co Marina tote (yellow)

Ring: LaGyo BonBon ring
Sunglasses: HOC apparel glasses (yellow)

Poses: Reek (no longer available); in purse; Poseur

Knit 1, Purl 1

Dear Diary:

Years ago, on a family trip to British Columbia, my Mother taught me how to knit.  It was a simple stitch I used to make a doll blanket.  Over the years, I stopped knitting  as none of my friends were able to knit.  So, what a surprise when I read an article saying that knitting was "new" again.

Knitting is not just for grannies any more.  The knit chicks are taking over.  Yarn sales are up at the craft stores, while the Internet is helping with free patterns and chat rooms that give help and advice.

Expressing one's creativity is enticing people into trying knitting.  The younger generation are looking for a creative outlet, that produces tangible items.  Craft shows are displaying more hand knitted items, from mitts and scarves to afghans and clothing.

I've gone out to buy some wool and looked through the closet for my knitting needles.  Anyone need a doll blanket?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (013)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Hair: Sadistic Hacker Corvus

Sweater: Fri Ballet Sweater (grape) (gift)
Skirt: DDJ plaid skirt
Shoes: Ms Graphic Design D010 QT (Sangria)

Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry large hoop earrings (gold) (gift)
Glasses: HOC rectangle framed glasses

Props and pose: What next Knitanista

The Dishonoured Dandelion

Dear Diary:

Did you know that the dandelion is a herb, NOT a weed??  Does that make it easier to deal with when your lawn is covered with bright yellow flowers?

You could make Dandelion Salad with the young greens, tomatoes and a oil and vinegar dressing...or sauteed dandelion greens with a bit of garlic and onion.

Dandelion greens need to be picked before the plant goes to flower.  The leaves are like arugula, a bit on the peppery-bitter side but so good.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (012)
Hair: W&Y No. 137

Sweater: The Secret Store Kimono sweater (bamboo)
Skirt: The Secret Store pencil skirt (bamboo)
Shoes: R2 Koaniani elua (yellow)
Purse: Indyra Originals Indy & Co Marina tote (yellow)

Earrings: NHA earrings Amy (gift)
Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies sunglass 01

Poses: Water Sapphire Poses

A Coating of Patina

Dear Diary:

PAT-n-uh or pu-TEE-nuh, whatever way you pronounce it, is a beautiful colour.  It is a tarnish that forms on some metal over time, or a sheen on wooden furniture produced by age or a change in a surface through exposure or weathering or changes to colour from years of wear.

This girl is running to the mirror to check out her attributes! 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (dark)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Dura (gift)
Nails: SN Shiny Black

Jacket: Peqe Pacific / Flora
Tee: Callie Cline signature tank (leaf green)
Skirt (with belt): Aleida Erna pleated skirt (banknote)
Stockings: Shiny Things Thigh highs (charcoal)
Shoes: Aleida Vivian pumps (banknote)

Earrings and choker: AlaMood (Mood) Celestial Aged Gold

Poses: Miamai

It Ends with Orange!

Dear Diary:

Well, the 52 Week Colour Challenge has come down to #52.  I was really feeling down...sad...upset because I enjoyed doing this so much.  I loved reading the great blogs of the participants; the photos were phenomenal; the colour offerings innovative and the challenge WAS challenging.  But just before writing this, I happened to come upon this quote:

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. ~Theodor [Dr. Seuss] Geisel

and it got me thinking about some of the colours I was presented with.  Who's heard of "wenge"?  Patriarch is a colour?  Then there was the series that resembled a grocery list - asparagus, lemon, eggplant, banana, tangerine, melon, apricot, cream, electric lime and the dreaded LIVER! Looking fiercely for the different hues of red and trying to come close to matching the colour swatches.  And as I was remembering my furious searches through the weeks, I realized I was smiling.  What a great year this was!  Every Saturday morning, I would look at Luna's blog to find out what challenge I was about to meet this week.  Each week it was so much fun to write this blog.  

Thanks to Luna for the organization, perseverance and the encouragement to keep all of us bloggers on schedule.  Thanks to all the bloggers involved for the information, suggestions, and comments over the past year too.  And a big congrats to those that managed all 52!!  I'll be patiently waiting for January 1st to be starting this all over again.

And so - it ends with orange.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: Glam Affair Gio (light) I wanna bite you (TDR)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (orange)
Eyes: Glam Affair Stella eyes (TDR)
Hair: Baiastice witch and vampire hair (gift)
Nails: Love Soul nail colour (orange)

Blouse: SAS Catherine top (black)
Skirt: SAS Catherine skirt (orange)
Belt: SAS bigbelts (black)
Earrings: Dark Mouse Nouveau Lady Bakelite (orange)
Fangs: Baiastice Vampire fangs (gift)

The "No Smoking" Sign is up

Dear Diary:

When I was young, I thought that being a stewardess would be an awesome job.  You can fly anywhere in the world; have a job that's essentially different every day; and don't spend a lot of money on clothes since you have a uniform.  That's why when ABC network announced the new series, "Pan Am", my interest peaked.  The story line follows stewardesses in the 1960's, paying great detail to getting the society of the period perfectly correct.  However, the one thing they will not show is the actors with lit cigarettes in their hands.

Over the past few years, cigarette smoking has become taboo on major networks as it's perceived as being "impressionable" to some viewers.  I'll still be looking forward to seeing how the series comes out.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (deep red)

Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)

Eye lashes: Mozz Cosmetics lashes version 2 (#02)

Hair: Laqorki Thrill

Uniform: Flight assistant (SL Marketplace)

Collar: Coco sleeveless blouse (collar only)

Gloves: Cover Girl fur gloves (white)

Earrings: Gems pearl earrings (temporarily closed)

Cigarette: F*s smoking cigarette (no longer available)

Pose: LAP

Location: Yumixster Regional Airport 

Mouth-watering Melon

Dear Diary:


Mmmmm....yes...this is the time for melon...water...musk...honeydew...or this smexy type.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (sun kissed)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (silver)
Eye lashes: LeLutka Lola lashes
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (pale)
Nails: PXL Creations Nail polish Pink 8
Hair: Truth Hair Madeline
Hair band: Lelka's Ribbon Headband (pink toile - tinted) (SL Marketplace)

Blouse: The Sea Hole Annis lace top (coral)
Skirt: The Sea Hole Smocked waist skirt (coral)
Stockings: (with N-core shoes - tinted)
Shoes: N-core Designs Chic Neige
Sunglasses: LWL Goggle glasses (silver)

Bracelet and ring: Awesome Blossom braided bangles and thumb ring (old gift)

Poses: Olive Juice (Look Book 1)

The British Broadcasting Corporation Productions

Dear Diary:

I love a good movie and lately I've seen a couple produced by the BBC.  The first was "Made in Dagenham", a true story taking place at the Ford Motor Co. in 1968, about a group of  women, considered "unskilled labour" who go on strike for equal pay with men.  The second was "West is West", a sequel to "East is East" and a wonderful tragic-comedy that turns out perfectly in the end.  I always like to parallel my worlds so I found the BBC location in my second world and decided to see what was showing there.

The ad in front of the theatre listed "I expect Joan feels the same" which was a great film to watch yesterday since it was Memorial Day, in the United States.  It told the story of two English widows who lost their husbands during the Second World War.

The movies produced by the BBC always have a variety of topics and can be documentary or fiction and frequently attract big-name movie stars to play parts in their films.

The BBC in world change their films frequently and also offer other events to participate in.  Go watch this film while it's still showing.  It is fairly short but it gives you insight into what women went through during this period of history.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Mila / HUSH
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eyes (pink-green)
Hair: Truth Hair Saffron
Nails: SN shiny red nails

Top: SMS Simple dress (top only)(brown)
Skirt: The Secret Store Chiffon silk kerchief skirt
Belt: BOOM skream ring belt
Boots: Slink Marina boots (tan)(50L Friday)

Bracelets: Malt bracelets (green/silver)

Poses: (in theatre seats)

Location: BBC Film Network Cinema

Precious Ruby

Dear Diary:

Rubies can be found in all shades of red, from dark red to blood red, or some have a pinkish hue.  Rubies are very strong and hardy.  They are extremely resilient.  However almost all rubies have flaws.  Those without imperfections are exceptionally rare.  Often rubies are associated with passion, for life and for love.   Oh my!!  I think I'm describing us, aren't I??  We are all RUBIES!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Mila / HUSH
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colorful winged eye (brown)
Hair: W&Y Hair casual cool (gift)
Nails: Adam & Eve manicure (plum)

Tee: Fri. layering tank scoop (pumpkin)
Jacket: R.icelli MARIA mini jacket / # liberty
Skirt: The Sea Hole silk crepe skirt (juiced)
Shoes: Baiastice Maxine wedge (mother of pearl)(Shoe Fair 2011)
Hat: LaGyo bowhat Jojoba (modified)

Earrings, necklace, ring: MOOD Nightlife diamond / ruby ensemble

Poses: Di's opera (gift bag)

A Librarian can be your new best friend

Dear Diary:

I love books.  I always have a "book-on-the-go".  Consequently, any article on libraries peaks my interest and the other day I read an interesting one about the changing environment of libraries and the role that the librarian plays.

I know several people who say, "Oh libraries are like dodo birds.  They're gone!  Everything you need to know is online and it's so easy to find things."  Oohhh that gets me riled up!!  Yes, libraries need to change.  Electronic resources are so important for research.  Ebooks can be cheaper texts than buying the hard copy one and you always get the most up to date version.  The Internet is a valuable tool for getting information.  BUT!!  You have to know how to search for positive results or it could be a waste of precious time.  For that you need a qualified media specialist (usually a librarian) to show you the fastest and most efficient way of retrieving data.

The first time I went to university, I knew nothing about searching the proper way.  I floundered for a few months.  Thank goodness for a kind and patient librarian who helped me through my undergraduate years.  She showed me how to retrieve material from qualified sites for maximum effect in my papers.  A library definitely needs someone like that.

Today's academic library has an information station, as this one in McMaster University Library, where you can use your laptop and check the online catalogue at the same time. 

There are also study pods or rooms as here in McGill University Library.  This place provides group study where discussions can take place, where Wifi is enabled, where a librarian is always ready to help.

Read this interesting article and find out one person's opinion on the future of the library and how librarians need to evolve to keep current in the future.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eyelashes: Glow Studio Innocent
Hair: Truth Hair Riley

Sweater: SC Surf Couture Kettle Corn Cardigan (violet)
Skirt: Doppelganger Inc. Cut off Jean skirt (light blue)
Sandals: Aoharu Ethnic Bijou Sandal (opal)

Earrings: Dark Mouse silver ball earrings (gift)
Watch: DCCXXIII FW-16

Locations:
Picture 1: McMaster University Library 
Picture 2: McGill University Library

McMaster University is in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.
McGill University is in Montreal, Quebec Canada.

It's SO Pinky

Dear Diary:

Pink is not my favourite colour by any means but I did find it in my closet.  Wonder how it got there?

So I wondered what I could write about pink when I'm not crazy about it.  I thought...and I thought.  I do like pink roses.  My aunt likes to drink a Pink Lady now and then.  Pigs are kind of cute.  Well, I guess that's about it.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola pale
Eyeshadow: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (pink / green)
Hair: W&Y Hair #154
Nails: PXL Manicure Pink #8

Blouse: Latte polka dot tulle tunic (pink) (group gift)
Skirt: JANE a little lace skirt (blush) (free in store)
Boots and purse: Indyra Originals Chasseu boots and fab boho (pink) (50L Friday)

Earrings: MOOD parade pearl earrings (pink)
Bracelet: Zaara Indra painted stacked bracelets

Poses: Exposeur (little hearts)

"Egg-xuberant" Eggplant

Dear Diary:

There's not much I can find that's redeeming about eggplant ...."egg-cept" the colour.  I do like that.  But I did find an "egg-cellent" recipe thanks to Bon Appetit   It is a great appetizer with pita chips or raw veggies.

• 1 large eggplant (about 1 1/4 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup drained canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons (generous) tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise, then score flesh in crisscross pattern at 1-inch intervals, 1/2 inch deep. Rub cut sides with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt. Place eggplant on rimmed baking sheet, cut side down; bake until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Cool slightly, then scoop flesh into processor (discard skins). Add garbanzo beans, remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, tahini, and garlic; puree until mixture is almost smooth. Transfer to bowl; stir in parsley. Season hummus to taste with salt and pepper.

And that's about enough eggplant for me.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Mila / HUSH
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow & lashes: Mozz Cosmetics colorful winged eye (with lashes purple-gold)
Hair: W&Y #154
Nails: Je Suis..Naive Nails #001 purples


Top: Zaara Yauvani top (lilac) (RFL edition)
Skirt: The Sea Hole gathered twill skirt (with stockings) (eggplant)
Shoes: GField bow stiletto "Kate" (plum) (group gift)


Poses: doremi (<3 how now; two hand touch) (Pose Fair)
 

"Stalking the Wild Asparagus"

Dear Diary:

Ahhhh yes!  The title is of a book that brings back childhood thoughts.  My Grandmother was a vegan when it wasn't fashionable to be so.  She relied on this book for many recipes, covering casseroles, muffins, jellies and even wine.  It was written in the '70's by Euell Gibbons who was the first to put out a cookbook about edible wild plants, and was reprinted in the '90's.  This colour challenge, difficult as it was to find that particular colour in my closet, brought back many gastronomical memories.

Here's my asparagus -ness!

 Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Ava (light) (gift)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eyelashes: LeLutka 2011 lashes / long
Hair: EMO-tions Big in Japan (gift)

Blouse: MichaMi Fearne in green
Skirt: JANE a little lace skirt (eucalyptus) (gift)
Shoes: GF flat shoes "Little Diva" (moss)

Bracelets: Malt bracelets (green / black)

Pose: Miamai (spring) (gift)

Thinking about friendship

Dear Diary:

A few weeks back I lost a friend.  And when I say lost, I mean lost - forever.  She did not disappear.  She did not evolve into a new identity.  She died.  When I received the notecard telling me of her passing, I felt cold.  I felt shock.  I felt numb.  I sat with my fingers on the keyboard with thoughts racing through my brain.  What exactly was I feeling?

I never knew her true name.  But when seeing her name pop up on my friends' list, I knew her.  I knew little of her background and yet I knew the life she shared with her partner on a beautiful island in a rambling house.  I never heard her voice but I could sense the laughter and friendliness when we were together.  So what did I know?

I knew her profession, one of caring and consideration, that definitely passed on to our other world.  She always asked how I was, and what was new in my life.  She was a great listener and was willing to take the time to hear my rantings and ravings and always had a positive spin on the situation that made me look at things in a different way.

I knew the state she lived in and although we didn't share the same country, views on politics or thoughts on international affairs, we did share much the same weather!  And we both could commiserate about that!

I knew she had children.  They were grown-up but she was very proud of them and often mentioned about the accomplishments of each.

I knew she was very ill.

Yes, I didn't know a lot about her, but I considered her my friend...a good friend.  I will miss seeing her name in bold, miss the conversations and miss her friendship.

How can you doubt the reality of this world?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Mila / HUSH
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eyelashes: LeLutka Seductress volume lashes
Hair: Laqorki Saturday
Nails: PXL Creations Manicure pink #1

Jacket: The Secret Store Mrs. Jones' Jacket (carbon)
Skirt: CoCo Designs Ruffle skirt black lace (group gift)
Earrings and necklace: Dark Mouse simple pearl set (black) 12 days catnmousemas

Chair: Morantique Garbo chair / natura

Get my credit card on the way to Emerald City!

Dear Diary:

OK I paraphrased a line from "The Wizard of Oz" but it just fit my feelings about emerald. I love all of the greens but emerald is one of my favourites and of course it fits into the jewelry category too.

Emeralds have always held an allure for me.  Yes, it's the colour, the carats and the cost but when you look deeply into that sparkly green stone, all sensibility leaves your brain.  Last year I was in Colombia and I just had to go to a jewelry store.  I tried on rings, bracelets and necklaces that were all beyond my reach but it was such fun doing it.

The emerald is a true gemstone.  When buying an emerald, as with diamonds, you should consider the four "C"'s - colour, clarity, cut and crystal (transparency).  The darker the colour, the more valuable the stone. Most emeralds have flaws and often develop cracks but that doesn't lessen the desire to own one.  Although Colombia mines produce most of the world's emeralds right now, I read that emeralds can also be found in other countries, including Canada!  Hmmmm....running out now with a pick and shovel!

Good Night for now

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Ava (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: ploom Twila

Top:  Barbed wire body by Eshi Otawara (emerald) (comes with earrings)
Skirt: The Secret Store Chiffon silk kerchief skirt (for TDRB)
Leggings: A piece of candy Sheilagh leggings (emerald)
Shoes: GF flat shoes "Little Diva" (moss)

Bracelet: Zaara Pratha silver cuff "malachite"
Glasses: Dark Mouse Cateye glasses Marilyn


Poses: Exposeur; Sway