It's Because Of Second Life

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:

#BecauseofSecondLife I 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

#BecauseofSecondLife I 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.

#BecauseofSecondLife I have broadened my technology skills, even posting a dance video!  I have learned a few programs that I wouldn't have tried otherwise.

#BecauseofSecondLife I 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

Jumpsuit: Fishy Strawberry Prairie jumpsuit (medium wash) (Uber til May 23)

Sweater: tram J.l cardigan with HUD

Earrings: Finesmith Dew earrings (colour change)

Prop with poses: Shutter Field cozy corner

Let's Give Them Something To Talk About

Dear Diary:

Chloe and I went shopping at the Black Fashion Fair for some sexy items.  She wanted something for her man and I just wanted something for myself.  We thought it deserved a great pose to show it all off. 

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Harlow
Lipstick: Topazia Celeste (starry coal)
Hair: Analog Dog Rae
Lingerie: Butterfly Effect Esther (black) (Black Fashion Fair til April 29)
Shoes: Hilly Haalan Brooke heels (The Shoe Project til April 30)
Earrings: Tracei Floral cluster long (black)

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eye shadow with lashes: mock Party All Night Indifference (no longer available)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Dark (red)
Nailpolish: DMZ Blizzard Douche Mani and Pedi
Beauty mark: Blacklace BeautyBeauty mark
Hair: enVogue Gisselle (Black Fashion Fair til April 29)
Lingerie: Mon Cheri Seduce Me (black) (Black Fashion Fair til April 29)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Eva Slingback (black satin)
Bracelet: Maxi Gossamer Hampton Boho

Pose: NRage With all my heart (Tres Chic til May 10)

Earth Day In 2016

Dear Diary:

This year, Earth Day is focusing on the global forest.  We need to restore our forests to better health.  By planting trees, we are helping to promote clean air for our planet and provide an aid for climate change.

Earth Day is approaching its 50 year anniversary so goals have been set over the next five years in anticipation of the celebration.  The first goal is to plant over 7 billion trees on earth to help maintain a good balance on our planet.  

Today over 150 world leaders will sign The Paris Agreement at the United Nations in New York.  Finally Canada is taking a active part in improving our environment.  From 10am to 1pm EST today, you can watch the live opening and signing here.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands (tattoo): Kundala K-DB001 dirty hands for Maitreya Lara (SL Marketplace)
Hair (with hat): INK felting beret with soft short hair (no longer available)
Hoodie: MIUK graffiti hoodie (SL Marketplace)
Jeans: Maitreya zipper skinny jeans (dirty)
Boots: sf design wellingtons (dirty)

Pose: LostBoys gardening (no longer available)

Location: Bridgewood Barrow

Social Media Choices

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)

The Dancing Challenge..and ...yes ... CHALLENGE!

Dear Diary:

Well, I've never done a video before but with the dancing challenge this 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

World Autism Awareness Day on April 2

Dear Diary:

Autism Spectum Disorder is a condition present in childhood but diagnosis can easily be missed.  Children have difficulty communicating and forming relationships with others.  Sometimes autism is not understood by society and having an awareness day educates people.

Jig-saw puzzle pieces often are used as a logo for autism.  This could be because autism is puzzling and there are many factions to the disorder.  It is believed that autism can be a genetic problem but other scientists say heredity should also be considered.  If a child is diagnosed early enough, behavioural programs can provide confidence to achieve a productive life.

Several prominent people were autistic, including Mozart, Charles Darwin, and Einstein.  All exhibited signs of autistic behaviour but all went on to be well known, with hugely successful lives.

There are several groups in Second Life that are supportive of autism.  I visited Club Accessible this morning.  Everyone was very friendly.  Fly out for a dance, a cup of coffee or just to talk.  You'll enjoy your time there.

To find out more about autism, you could check here or here. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: EMO-tions Hannah
Tee: Tiny Squeaks with Kelli's Krazy Tees Autism Awareness Women's Tee
(SL Marketplace)
Jeans: Emery Mid-Rise Skinny jeans (original)

Location: Club Accessible

Never Have I Ever! Really?

Dear Diary:

Strawberry Singh posted a Monday Meme this week and I'm so happy she's thinking of doing her memes again.  But after just reading the first couple of questions, I was overcome with the thought that I better seek absolution before answering and putting it all into print.  

1. Never have I ever had sex, in Second Life. - Yes I have. I'm guilty - on several occasions.

2. Never have I ever visited a sex sim, in Second Life. - I have. Not recently but a few years back.  I don't even remember the name of the sim but I did make a few  lots of visits.

3. Never have I ever been an escort or stripper, in Second Life. - Never.  I did pose nude for an art presentation that was broadcast into the real world but that was it.

4. Never have I ever been in porn videos in Second Life. - Never.  I have been in lots of videos filmed in Second Life but none have been porn.

5. Never have I ever done things that may be illegal in the real world, in Second Life. - Yep.  I have.  Admitting to all illegal activities. **phoning my lawyer**

6. Never have I ever created an ALT for secret activities, in Second Life. - Oh yeah. I created one for spying on some friends.  I don't use her any more and I felt creepy doing it so I shelved her.

7. Never have I ever had a one night stand, in Second Life. - I have...and I have...and I...well you know.

8. Never have I ever been part of a roleplay community, in Second Life. - Never.  Just recently a friend suggested one that sounded interesting but I haven't tried it yet.

9. Never have I ever discovered a new fetish, because of Second Life. - Never.  Guess I have enough of my own.

10. Never have I ever done things in Second Life that I wouldn't admit to my friends or family. - I have.  None of my friends or family even know about my Second Life.

Ahhhh....confession is so good for the soul!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Mirone GiGi (no longer available)

Coat: Ricielli Eleanor Trench Coat (deep red)
Skirt: Ducknipple 20.FIVE mesh pencil skirt
Boots: PM Rea Suede boots (gray) (no longer available)

Hat: Shi Cloche hat
Gloves: Izzie's knit gloves

Location:  Church of Our Saviour

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Dear Diary:

I'm not Irish but I do appreciate the Irish culture.  Many others also celebrate St. Patrick's Day in their way too.  Chicago dyes the river green; parades take place from Boston to New Orleans; and popular food, like corn beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie, is consumed for lots of suppers.  I always like to celebrate on March 17 by having Irish stew accompanied by a Guinness.  My mouth is watering right now.  And of course since green is my favourite colour, I have to wear something of that hue.

Can you spot the error that Guinness made with this ad?  Check it out here.  Try to find it before scrolling down for the answer.  It was a winner!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy (pale)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye shadow: Izzie's green (from Romy skin)
Eye lashes: Mon Cheri Falsies
Lipstick: Izzie's raspberry (from Romy skin)
Nailpolish: A.S.S. nail appliers (metal dreams)
Hair: Analog Dog Gardenia (Hairology until March 31 )

Dress: HH Hucci Zemio dress (green) (Mesh Body Addicts until April 1)

Pose and prop: Outside The Box Leprechaun hat (SWANK until April 1)

Hopscotching Into Daylight Savings Time

Dear Diary:

When I was a kid, my friends and I loved to play hopscotch.  We would draw the hopscotch form with chalk on the sidewalk in front of my house, pick up a couple of stones and play for hours.  So when I saw this hopscotch game at The Secret Room, I just had to play it.

We drew our hopscotch a bit differently in my day but the objective of the game seems to be the same.  We each had our favourite stone to throw into the square and when the rain washed away the form, we drew another.  It was great fun in the neighbourhood.

As I was hopping around today, trying to get a good picture, I thought I looked like I was "springing" from square to square.  That brought to mind that tonight I had to move the clocks ahead an hour.  So remember that we lose an hour of sleep tonight. No hopping around tomorrow.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: monso My Hair
Sweater: Bueno Mishi Sweater (striped lime)
Jeans: Emery Mid Rise Skinny Jeans Verve (butter)
Sneakers: kokoia Vernon (green)

Hopscotch Game: Serenity Style (The Secret Room)

Background: Katink NYC pack

Looking Pretty, Feeling Beautiful

Dear Diary:

Sometimes when I read the fashion mags from Second Life, I envy the models who have everything put together so perfectly - makeup, hair, co-ordinated outfits and just the right amount of haughtiness.  I sigh...I want to be just like them.  But I'm not.  I'm a jeans and tee type of girl who feels most comfortable shlepping along in her over-washed clothes.

However, while I was out shopping, I saw the ultimate dress that would be just right for me.  I just fell in love withit.  It's by Ison and available at Uber. 

The bodice has a great amount of detail that appears like ruching, a type of design sewn into dresses.  It's wonderful how the creator worked that into the dress.  The dress itself comes in two different styles but I liked the netting covering the bodice the best.  The hard part was deciding on the colour.  I always tend to go to darker colours but some of the pastels were so delicate looking.  I settled on the sea colour.

I truly feel as if I should be appearing on one of those magazine pages in this dress.

Good Night for now

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Eyelids: Slink eyelids (tinted eyeshadow)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Lipsticks (baby pink)
Nailpoliah: Zoz Summer 2015 solids
Hair: D!va Hair Jasmine

Dress: Ison ethereal gown (sea) (at Uber until March 23)
Shoes: Reign Carrie pumps (tan) (at FaMESHed until March 27)
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Serena white pears
Flower: Lode accessory blossoms (single peony) (gift Shiny Shabby until March 10)

Pose: vix (SL Marketplace)

Leaping Over Leap Day

Dear Diary:

Every four years we have an extra day added to February to keep the calendar and clocks in sync with the Earth.  Lots of cultural traditions are associated with this day and a few years back I wrote about one here.

If you celebrate a birthday on this day, you remain a lot younger than you actually are since you only celebrate every 4 years.  How sweet is that!  However, having a birthday on this day has proven to come with annoyances.  

At one time, being a leaper (those with the 29th as a birthday), forced you to pick February 28th or March 1st as a birthday when applying for insurance, bank accounts or drivers' licences, since the 29th didn't show up on forms.  Newer technology has made this easier but some online applications still do not accept February 29th as a valid date.  I read of one person who was unable to get a Facebook account because of her birth date but that has been fixed recently.   Companies who offer birthday perks are just starting to give leapers their benefits.

Happy Birthday to all the leapers out there.  Don't worry.  It will be back to normal for the next 4 years.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Truth Hair Arden
Sweater and scarf: !gO! Sweater Laura (red grey)
Jeans: Maitreya Zipper Skinny Jeans (dirty)
Boots: Deco Paraboots (ruined)

Pose: Embody (leap)(now Repose)

Location: Two Moon Paradise

Let's Stop The Bullying!

Dear Diary:

Today, February 24th, marks Pink Shirt Day.  This day came about through David Shepherd and Travis Price of Nova Scotia.  In 2007, they distributed pink shirts in support of a high school student who had been bullied because he wore a pink shirt to school. 

Bullying is using force, threats or abuse to dominate others.  There are four types of bullying:
1. emotional - this type of abuse may be found in family or work place situations. It may promote anxiety or depression to those experiencing it.
2. verbal - as it is the most common form of bullying, anyone can experience it, in any place.  It's not often reported since there's really no "proof".
3. physical - when injury is evident without accidental causes, the victim may struggle for years with after effects.
4. cyber - due to the increase in social media, cyberbullying has become more prevalent, because that type of abuse offers anonymity.  It is also hard to prove and cases brought to court have often been rejected. 

I'm sure a lot of us have been bullied at some time in our life.  I was in Grade 7 and it was a horrible year for me.  I still remember it in detail many years later.  I also have had friends who have been bullied in our second world and that has to be stopped.

Take time today to remember "Kindness is one size fits all".  Let's get rid of the bullying in all of our lives.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: EMO-tions Hannah
Shirt: PurpleMoon Pink Shirt Day - Bullying Stops Here (not available)(date has been changed by permission from Poulet Koenkamp)
Jeans: CoCo Designs skinny jeans
Glasses: Kumaki glasses K_gs optino

Sign: Mon Cheri Anti-Bullying texture (SL Marketplace - 6 textures 1L)

Peace And Love At Flower Power

Dear Diary:

Ah yes!  Flower Power!  This simple phrase came about in the '60's when there were protests against the Vietnam war.  I heard about this many times from my Mom when I was growing up and I've always been attracted to that era and what it represented. So of course I had to visit the Flower Power Fair and scoop up a few of the wonderful items of that time.

The hipster pants come in a great variety of colours, both patterned and plain that can be co-ordinated with fringed tops.  The tops come in a 3 pack so you can vary the look.  Both come from sYs.  It's a super look.

I love the big hoop earrings.  They have multiple changes through a HUD, ranging from several metal looks, to colourful wood features.  They're made by Delirium exclusively for this event.

The pose from IE is perfect for the time.  Music was considered more powerful than weapons so everyone seemed to play an instrument.  Naturally the guitar was most popular since it was so portable.  Hitch hiking made it really easy to get around.

I added a few items I had in my closet from past boho encounters and the  look is complete.

How appropriate to find an abandoned VW garage to complete the picture.

Visit Flower Power until February 26th.

Read about the Flower Power movement here.  Peace.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing from Flower Power:
Mani/Pedi: Shakeup! Maitreya Nails Applier (daisies)
Hair: enVogue Paige
Top: sYs Design Janis shirt psyche1
Jeans: sYs Design Janis flared jeans psyche 2
Earrings: D-Style Loops with HUD (Flower Power exclusive)
Headband: Pulse Lenity Flower Crown (red)
Pose with guitar case: Image Essentials Walk About

Other:
Purse: sYs Caba bag (gift)
Friendship bracelets:  BoHo HoBo (no longer available)
Glasses: Kumaki Glasses K_gs Mito 

Location: Oranje vinjstaat

Valentine's Day Our Way

Dear Diary:

Ah yes!  The day of love!  And here it is for Chloe and I.  The other day we were discussing our plans in our second world and discovered the same man was flirting with both of us.  Interesting!  He had promised candy and flowers.  Intriguing!  He had made plans to take us both - but separately - out dancing. Fascinating!  How he was going to pull that off would have been a miracle.  Amusing!

So Chloe and I put our heads together and came up with a method to get back at this guy.

I hope he felt every pin going in.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Lipstick: Eye Candi (cheeky)
Hair: Analog Dog Rae
Sweater and skirt: Shine by ZD Camille dress & sweater (pink)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Victoria platforms with hold ups
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer love hearts (cerise)
Pose: Nantra Voodo Valentine with voodo doll, pin and picture #1

I'm wearing:
Lipstick: Oceane Glammy lipstick (purple 3) (store closed; on SL Marketplace) 
Hair: elua Yepa
Tee: Coquet Ltd Amore tee shirt (heart) (at FaMESHed til Feb 27)        
Leggings: Coquet Ltd skirt/leggings combo (heart) (at FaMESHed til Feb 27)
Shoes: Maitreya Gold Liason VIP group gift (plum)
Earrings: Finesmith heart2heart earrings (silver)
Pose: Nantra Voodo Valentine with voodo doll, pin and picture #3

Location: Timeless Memories

Poutine Week Is Wrapping Up

Dear Diary:

Poutine Week is just coming to an end and what a gastronimical delight it was! Customers in Quebec and across Canada sampled poutine done a variety of ways - a poutine hamburger for one.

Depending on who you ask about poutine, you'll receive divergent answers on how it got started.  The name was developed around 1964, in Drummondville, Quebec. Others say it comes from other areas in the province or the name has evolved in another way.  What ever you choose to believe, the combination of these three items was a gourmet delight. 

Poutine is a delicious dish made of french fries, united with tangy cheese curds and covered in gravy.  Of course, over the years there have been many diverse ways of making it.  My first taste was in my university days but not in Quebec.  I was hooked as the first savoury bite hit my mouth.   Next I did have it from a street vendor in Quebec and it was equally as good as the first time - maybe even better since I was visiting the "birth place" of the iconic dish.  

Over the years I have tasted many different forms of poutine.  Some have melted cheese instead of curds; others have a sauce and not gravy; occasionally there is offbeat cheese such as feta; and some contain other items such as chili, called Ras-poutine.  I still favour the original.

After eating a large portion of poutine, I want to lie down and go to sleep, it's so filling.  But it's well worth it.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Hair: Truth Hair Kizzy (gift)

Dress: Ambrosia Mesh Cardigan & One piece (dots) (Cosmopolitan til Feb 14)

Piercing: A:S:S deLuxe Monroe piercing

Poutine:  Lonesome Dolls Poutine (free on SL Marketplace)

Pose: Di's Opera

Here's Where I'll Be Today

Dear Diary:

I like my football so today I'm a stay-at-home-person!  I am not leaving my house at all.  Why?  It's Superbowl Sunday!

I've got my self looked after.  I'm surrounded by snacks and drinks so I won't even have to move out of my chair.  I'm wearing my Cam Newton shirt so you know who I'm cheering for.  I've settled in for the next few hours.  And...my phone is turned off.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Wasabi Pills Karin
Shirt: Addiction NFL Panthers 1 Cam Newton (SL Marketplace)
Jeans: BoHo HoBo Mesh Skinny Jeans (black) (no longer available)
Slippers: Meli Imako Cozy Boot Slippers Knitted (no longer available)
Glasses: je suis  charmante (grey)

Chair (with pose and coffee cup): Just My Imagination Wing Chair
Coffee table: La Galleria Pine Square Turned Leg Coffee Table
Rug: La Galleria Giant Chrysanthemum
Pizza box: Dutchie Furniture (gift)

Not sure where I collected the coke can, popcorn or cupcake.

Groundhog Day -- BLEH!

Dear Diary:

Whether it be Wiarton Willy in Ontario,  Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia or Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, people were all watching early this morning to see if the groundhog glimpsed his shadow.   

February 2nd, Groundhog Day, is a day that marks this interesting ritual.  If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, it means an early spring.  However, when he emerges from the ground and spies his shadow, it means 6 more weeks of winter. Yuck!

In my part of the world, the results were:

Yep, 6 more weeks of winter for me.  Curse that little rodent!

Oh...and by the way, Historica Canada states that a study of weather data shows the two Canadian groundhogs are only right 37% of the time.  So much for predictions!

Guess I'd better not put away the long johns yet.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair with hat: Mina Hair Liss
Jacket: Meli Imako Mesh Ladies Padded Coat (SL Marketplace)
Jeans: Maitreya Mesh Zipper Skinny Jeans (dirty)

Groundhog: Grouchy Groundhog Woodchuck (SL Marketplace)

Pose: ibang

I'm Prepared For The Cold

Dear Diary:

Everyone knows how much I love to shop and one of my favourite events is Shiny Shabby.  I admire all the vendors at this occasion and enjoy seeing what newness they're bringing to us, the customers.  I was not disappointed this round.

I absolutely am crazy for the fur coat by Coco so I had to buy it.  It comes in 5 different colours but the brown one I liked best.  It reminded me of a muskrat coat my Grandmother used to have.  I paired it with a fabulous sweater dress from RAMA. While the dress looks innocent enough from the front, it dips to a low V in the back. So when the coat comes off, I'm ready for the club.  Of course I needed to keep my feet warm in this snowy sim, so the stylish but practical winter boots from monso completed my outfit.  

In my first world, I would be wearing a toque and scarf in weather like this but in my second world I can be warm and classy.  My hair style is by Due.  I loved the look of it and the back can sport a small braided tail or a plain one.  I usually like to wear dark hair, mirroring my first life, but this platinum colour just seemed to go with the outfit.

There was just so much I could should buy this time at Shiny Shabby.  I have until February 10th to give it another go.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing from Shiny Shabby:
Hair: Due Graaf (Shiny Shabby)
Dress: RAMA One fell swoop Ribbed Dress (burgundy) (Shiny Shabby)
Coat: COCO Designs Long Fur Coat (brown) (Shiny Shabby)
Boots: monso My Winter Boots (camel) (Shiny Shabby)

Other:
Pose: IDK (SL Marketplace)

Location: Kalamata