I'm Leaving the Winter Behind

Dear Diary:

It's been a long, cold winter in my area of the world and although March has provided me with a few days of warm not below freezing temps, I jumped at the chance to fly to somewhere that's definitely warm.

I had vacation time that was begging to be used so with the blessings of my boss and office peers, I'm spending the next few weeks south.

I'll catch up when I return.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefeet arched
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (elegant)
Hair: Dura Girl #41
Bathing suit: Forever Summer Tradewind Hibiscus strapless (SL Marketplace)
Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies sunglasses 01

Location: SS Galaxy Cruise Ship

I'm in My Favourite Book Title

Dear Diary:

For the Monday Meme, I took a title of one of my favourite books, added a few words to the title and created my own cover.

It's funny how sometimes a book written for kids, is best appreciated and understood by adults.  Paper Bag Princess is a kids' book written by Robert Munsch.  The plot of the story is:

Princess Elizabeth plans on marrying Prince Ronald, who is practically perfect. However, a dragon arrives who destroys her kingdom, kidnaps Ronald, and burns all her clothes so that she has no choice but to wear a paper bag. Elizabeth follows the dragon and Ronald, and seeking to rescue her fiancé, challenges the dragon to burn forests with fire and to fly around the world. The dragon completes the tasks but after flying around the world a second time becomes tired and falls asleep. Elizabeth rescues Ronald, who is ungrateful and tells her to return when she looks more like a princess. Elizabeth realizes that she is better off without Ronald and sets off into the sunset to live her own life.

In conclusion, some men are NOT princes!

Good Night for now.

"I'm too shy to express my sexual needs except over the phone to people I don't know." (Gary Shandling)

Dear Diary:

A very interesting meme from Berry this week!  It seems to be quite personal and I don't know if it's for me or ME so I'll try to answer it both ways when and if I can.

1. What is your sexual orientation or do you not like to label yourself?  I'm definitely without a doubt, heterosexual in all my worlds.  When I was about 14, a friend of mine, a female,  kissed me smack on the lips in a very provocative way [no tongue but close enough].  I was surprised and it was pleasant but it didn't give me the "butterfly-in-the-stomach" effect. 

2. Name a physical attribute that you find attractive or sexy.  I like the tall and dark type.  A man with a good build, who is not overly muscle bound, on the slim side does it.  Eyes always get my second look as does a nice smile.

3. Are you promiscuous, a prude or in between?  I'm not a prude.  As long as a relationship brings happiness to both parties, I don't care what goes on.  I don't consider myself promiscuous either.  I'm very loyal when in a relationship and don't have sex with others...well there was one time....but that's for another meme. 

4. What turns you on?  A deep husky voice will set me spinning.

5. Are you dominant or submissive?  I become the way my partner leads me.

6. Are you into sexual roleplay?  Not really.  In RL I'm usually just the way I am.  I find it funny and frustrating trying to be someone I'm not.  As my last post for the Monday Meme stated, I haven't tried it in SL and I probably won't.  I'm pretty well the same in both worlds.

7. Which sexual position is your favourite?  My favourite is whatever it is at the time.

8.  Do you have any fetishes?  Hmmm...like rubber?  I had a boyfriend once who wanted me to wear plastic sandals in bed all the time.  It was totally uncomfortable and I really didn't get turned on by it.  So the answer is no.

9.  Have you or would you do porn, amateur or professional?  First of all, I don't think they would hire me!  That aside, no, in RL I wouldn't do porn.  I've gone to nude beaches, stripped off my bikini and had fun doing it but that's not porn.  In SL, I had a strange experience involving nudity that also was not porn.  I was asked to pose nude for an art gallery opening that was being recorded and streamed to an art gallery in New York.  Artists in both worlds were sketching us.  It was great fun and I enjoyed being part of the production.  When it was over, my boyfriend at the time, dumped me because he was disgusted that I participated in pornography.  Some of my friends were horrified that I  "exposed myself to the world".  They told me I shouldn't have done that.  Now how can we say that our worlds don't cross over?

10. Do you consider yourself sexy?  No I don't.  In RL I'm a bit of a flirt and I've been told I look sexy but I don't consider myself that way.  In SL, I've been complimented that way too but my mind doesn't acknowledge that.

This certainly was putting everything out there.  I'm exhausted!!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (warm brown)
Lipstick: Izzie's dark vibrant lipstick (red)
Hair: Analog Dog Friday

Feathers: deviousMind Chanimations Fetish Cabaret set (red)
Pose: Glitterati (SL Marketplace)

The New to Me Meme

Dear Diary:

Strawberry Singh's call to post something I've never blogged before, was a bit of a challenge.  I searched my mind.  Nothing seemed to be clicking.  Then I read the line, "if you prefer to make it a written meme and just write about something you normally wouldn’t write " and that brought about the CLICK!

Last week for the Book Meme, I was looking up a title and came upon the author John Norman.  For some reason, I checked him out and found that he has written 33 books all having "Gor" in the title .  [sidebar: It didn't incite an AHA moment but should have]  When I read the meme for this week, I remembered.  "Hmmm...how about role play?  What would I like to try?  Could I become Gorean?"  Strong willed = independent would never equal slave.  So let's try it.  Now where would I go?  Hmmm...it might be Gor.

I found the history of Gor to be very interesting.  I flew to the visitor's area of Lorem Ipsum Academy, the place to learn Gor basics.  Upon entering, the sign told me that Gor was the largest role play community in SL.  There are two different Gor areas.  "By the book" means exactly what it says.  The rules and characters are much the same as what was written in the Gor books.  On the "Gorean Evolved" sims,  characters are still mostly by the book but female warriors along with some Norse myths are added.  Still rules must be followed.

The true Gor role play is based on John Norman's books about a counter earth.  The culture offers a strict structure with very defining, gender specific roles for each.  Men are mostly free while women can be free, slaves or panthers (outlaws).  I chose to be a slave since that role would be hardest for me. 

At the Gor Academy sim, they are offering instruction on how to role play here.  Last night I listened to a lecture about training and it's quite involved.  I certainly would have to study a lot to be a good player.  

I might try role playing...or am I doing that now?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Outfit: Soedara

Use your Power to Stop the Bullies

"When people hurt you over and over,

think of them like sandpaper.

They may scratch and hurt you a bit,

but in the end, you end up polished and

they end up useless."

 

Anonymous

 

 

Dear Diary:

 

Bullying is a horrible mean-spirited act of cruelty that we all have been involved in, whether it's as an observer, a contributor or as a recipient.  This act has been visible everywhere, in the school, at work, at home or in senior's centres.  At one time, bullying was kept rather isolated but with the Internet, these tormenters are able to reach a wider audience with more hatred and often drastic results.  Online provides a person anonymity that seems to make these antagonizers more scathing in their attacks.

 

Poulet Koenkamp, of PurpleMoon Creations, has made this tee for men and women.  In her note, she makes a statement that I really like.  She writes: Stand against bullying without saying a word, by slipping into a pink T-shirt.  For a donation of 10L, you can purchase it at her store but a larger donation is certainly welcome.  Your donation will go to CKNW Orphans' Fund in support of Boys & Girls Clubs Anti-Bullying programs. 

 

Even though Pink Shirt Day was last Wednesday, you can still pick up the tee and donate until March 4.

 

Here are some interesting facts to read:

A Movement against bullying Nobullying.com

Bullying Prevention Character Education Partnership

Cyber-bullying 

 

Don't let anyone take away your power.

 

Good Night for now.

 

Tee: PurpleMoon Pink Shirt Day - Bullying Stops here

Hair: [INK] Hair Benzie

Pose: Ma Vie

 

 

 





The Book Worm

Dear Diary:

 

Berry's Monday Meme was right up my alley this week.  Books and me....me and books!

1. Are you a bookworm?  Absolutely!  I read whenever and wherever I can.  I'm always reading something.  If it's not an actual book, it could be a magazine, newspaper, even a flyer.  I particularly enjoy it after work, after supper, when the house is dark and quiet and I'm cozy and comfy.

 

2. Which do you prefer: hardcover, paperback or electronic?  Hardcover, paperback and electronic in that order of preference.  There's something about the *crack* of a hardcover.  And of course the old hardcovers appeal to the senses.  There's the feel of the old leather covers; the look of the paper; and thought of ancient readers.  I buy paperbacks because they're cheaper and I consider them [almost] throw-aways.  I don't like electronic very much but it does come in handy when I travel. 

 

3. Which book is your favourite?  "The wise man reads both books and life itself".  Any book by Lin Yutang.

 

4. Which children's book is your favourite?   I love children's books and some of the newer ones cover current topics that explain things to kids in their own terms.  There is one book that always brings me to tears when I read it.  I bought a copy for my Mom and we both sat crying while reading it.  It's "Love you Forever" by Robert Munsch.  Everyone should read this and pass it on to a mom / child.

5. What's the last book you read?  It was "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova.  The author interpreted a very real scenario of an intellectual woman who suffers with Alzheimer's.  I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book but I'm glad I did.

6. Name your top five favourite writers:  It's difficult to pick only five but - Robert Munsch, Guy de Maupassant, Robert Galbraith, Alice Munro and Tomson Highway.

7. Name a book that had a strong impact on you: When I was a kid, I got really sick one year and had to spend some time in bed.  My Grandmother passed on a book to me that had been given to her by her mother.  It contained 2 short stories entitled, "The Cuckoo Clock and The Tapestry Room".  I was enthralled by the stories full of magic and mystery.  The vivid descriptions peaked my imagination and made me live each page.  I was no longer a captive in my room...I was a magical cuckoo in a clock on the wall full of tapestries.

8. Favourite & least favourite book genres?  I'll read anything!  I like history, philosophy or the latest on the best seller list.  My least favourite subject is the newest publications of the vampire kind. 

9. Favourite & least favourite book-to-movie adaptations?  I usually read the book first and then I'm always disappointed on how movie people portray things on the screen.  I thought the movie "Life of Pi" was really well done and I think I liked it better than the book.  "Time Traveler's Wife" was better left in the paper version.

10.  Have you ever bought a book on the cover alone?  No I haven't.  The cover often attracts me and I will pick up that book to have a look at it but I always turn to the back or the inside to read what the story is actually about.

11.  Where do you usually buy your books?  I buy at Chapters Indigo at the mall.  I have often ordered from Barnes & Noble or Amazon if I can't get it locally.  I miss the small individual book stores where you could get some different books.

12. Do you go to the library?  Yes all the time.  I've had a library card since I was a kid.

13. How many books do you own? If I buy paperbacks, which I often do, I pass them on to friends or donate them to the used book store or the library so I don't accumulate a lot of those.  The hard cover books I keep since they've been passed down to me from Great Grandparents.  I probably have 100 of those.  I've also kept some of my university text books [not sure why] but am beginning to realize the info in them is getting to be ancient!

14. If you were to write a book about Second Life, which topic would you focus on?  Wow!  I'm sure that book would cover every genre from Art and Architecture to Crime and Mystery to Fantasy.  I think I would title it "My Virtual Migration: A Journey Beyond Myself".

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced (casual)
Manicure: Izzie's Nails applier
Hair: Analog Dog seven
Tee: ufo boyfriend sweater (universe)
Leggings: Coco white leggings (gift)
Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry large hoops (silver)
Glasses: je suis charmante (silver)

Chair with pose, end table: Just My Imagination Cleom comfort chair
Light: floorplan metal floor lamp

Location:  My house from La Galleria (Palo Alto)

 

I Got Rid of the Cold...Now It's the Snow

Dear Diary:

A few weeks back I wrote about the extreme cold I was having.  Yes, that was a miserable time.  It has warmed up a little but as always, with a warming trend comes the snow.  Now I have that to complain about.

Last week, 45cm [almost 18 inches] of snow was dumped on my area.  The plow went by and it was impossible to get out of the driveway.  The snowblower came out and I spent an hour before work blowing, shovelling and digging out.  Now here we are a week later and it's happened all over again!  Wet, heavy sloppy snow is blowing around outside.  The street plow and sidewalk plow have managed to, yet again, force me to put on the toque, parka and tall boots to clear my path to the road.  But this morning I was saved - a bit.  The city has closed the schools and encouraged people to stay home.  Suits me just fine.  

My friend Chloe and I flew to a wintery sim for a snow ball fight.  At least in my second world I can have some fun without shovelling or snowblowing first.  I enjoyed this a lot better.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Clawtooth Cozy Cutie
Vest: Meli Imako Mesh ladies padded vest (SL Marketplace)
Pants: Coco Shiny leggings
Gloves: Izzie's Basic Fluffy Gloves (orange) for SLink AvEnhanced hands
Boots: DECO Mesh Some Boots (spray)

I'm wearing:
Hair: Mina Hair Carlijin
Jacket: Meli Imako Ladies Padded coat (SL Marketplace)
Pants: Coco skinny jeans (gift)
Gloves: Izzie's Basic Fluffy Gloves (rose) for SLink AvEnhanced hands
Boots: GField Long Fur Cuff Boots (white)

Location: Santa's Magical Wonderland

Hope is For Today, Tomorrow and Always

Dear Diary:

 

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,

show life that you have a thousand reasons

to smile

We have all had losses in our lives.  It might be the death of a loved one, the termination of a friendship or the demise of a partnership.  The emotions attached with those damages are hard to bear.  But I handled it.

I had a journal.  I wrote in pencil.  I scribbled vile words.  I recorded tearful thoughts. I composed vengeful acts.  I scrawled self-blaming causes.  I detailed jubilant satisfaction.  I created humiliating reunions.  I scribbled pathetic emotions.  I drafted confident retribution.

I came to the end of pain.

Time passed.  Words faded.  Heart healed.

I became a stronger person.

Good Night for now.

A Day to Spend with Your Family

Dear Diary:

In my province, Ontario, the third Monday in February is designated as Family Day.  In 2007, Family Day was established as a statutory holiday by the provincial government.  However, an employer can substitute any other day in place of this one.  Luckily my workplace is closed today so I'm staying in my jammies all day.

Enjoy your time with your family today.  It certainly is a time when we can be together.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Wasabi Pills Betty
Housecoat: G&N Quality Design Cosy Gown (blue) (SL Marketplace)

Chair: La Galleria Indigo Contemporary Linen Chair
Wall decal: Dazzling Designs Family Decal (SL Marketplace)

A Special Day for Your Heart

Dear Diary:

I must admit Valentine's Day doesn't mean a lot for me.  My post last year told how I like to spend the day but my friend Sam just gave himself a makeover with new everything, especially an awesome tux so he begged me to set up a pic for us.  I thought I could forgo the candy and help him out.  So I glammed myself up and called him.  He was excited to put on his new self and pose.  So here we are!

Actually we don't look too shabby!

Happy Valentine's Day.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Skin: Clef de Peau (Joshua)
Eyes: Ikon Promise (storm)
Hands: SLink Male AvEnhanced hands (relax)
Hair: Redgrave Chris
Tuxedo: Lapointe and Bastchild Modern Black Open
Glasses: Role Optic Arcadi

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka (Lola)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity shadow with lashes (soft brown)
Lipstick: LeLutka (deep red)
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair: Diva Daria
Dress: PurpleMoon Donna Dress in red Valentine's Edition (Gypset)
Earrings and ring: Mood Nightlife (diamond and ruby) (SL Marketplace)

Background: Katink Feb-A-Bration Pack (gift)
Pose: Purple Poses  (couple 352) (With Love Fair)

A First Hand Look At The Past

Dear Diary:

The other day I was looking at the Destination Guide and noticed a place that appealed to me.  It was "Prehistorica: The Dawn Kingdoms".  Perfect!  I've loved dinosaurs all my life and even pursued the subject into university.  I flew out to the sim immediately.

The era that is available on the sim, right now is the Mesozoic, which is my favourite and most others too since it's known as the "age of the dinosaurs". 

The Mesozoic began about 250 million years ago.  Small dinosaurs began to appear at the end of the Triassic Period. The plant eating dinosaurs were prevalent in the next period, the Jurassic but the last period, the Cretaceous, the large carnivores came into being.  The most famous was the extremely large and more than extremely dangerous, Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Prehistorica is wonderful and true to the time period.  The environment shows the over abundance of confers; with some flowering plants starting to grow.  The atmosphere was tropical in most areas.

The dead body beside me is an herbivore which was the main staple of the T Rex and other meat eating animals.  There were even large insects flying around the carcass that I like to think are wasps or bees.

Of course I had to get into the theme and decided to dress as a dinosaur, wearing this dinosaur attire made by meilo monotaur for Meta Body.

If you get a chance, step back in time and visit Prehistorica.  It's worth the visit.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Meta_Body (dinosaur)
Location: Prehistorica: The Dawn Kingdoms

Thank Your Weatherman Today

Dear Diary:

Doesn't it seem strange to be having a day for weathermen when this winter has been horrible??  I think so too but when I was checking out what was important about February 5th, this odd acknowledgement popped up so I considered following it up. 

It's not an official holiday or celebration anywhere but I thought it very appropriate to recognize it, especially today.  The Midwest and Eastern U.S. is being pummeled with snow while England is experiencing major flooding.  In my part of Canada, it's still below the normal temp for this time of year, but I can't compare my situation to a city in Russia that reached -50C (-58F) this morning.  No, I'm not that bad off.

Yesterday, I persuaded my friend Sam to be weatherman of the day, although he was very reluctant to play the part.  He told me, "Oh sure! Everybody will hate me!"  I told him that they wouldn't since weather in our second world is perfect anytime you want it.

I guess it's not really the weatherman's fault.  This weather is not his doing.  I'm sure weathermen are always blamed for the treacherous driving; the rainy wedding day; or the chilly family picnic.  So today let's forget the blame game and watch the weather, appreciating what the weatherman does to bring us the forecast. 

That will make Sam feel better.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Skin: Clef de Peau (Joshua)
Hair: Redgrave Chris
Jacket and pants: [W] Sports jacket brown & blue plaid (SL Marketplace)
Tie: [W] Bowtie (abstract patterns) (SL Marketplace)
Boots: theosophy Lewiston boots (tan)
 Camera: BN studio camera (SL Marketplace)

A Challenge in Black and White

Dear Diary:

I always look forward to Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme and always find it thought provoking and challenging.  This one served up both.  What to wear!  How to pose!  Whew!  That took most of my time!  Even then, it seems I doubt myself.

I like black and white photos and in my RL I have several decorating a wall.  When you have to take one of yourself and turn it to monotone, it really is a challenge.

Here is my black and white portrait.

 

And the colour version.

 

If I had to do again, I probably would have worn something different and taken a little more time.  But it was certainly fun doing it.

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: Izzie's dark vibrant lipstick (dark red)

Teeth: Yuki Teeth tattoo

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity shadow with lashes (soft brown)

Hands: SLink AvEnhanced hands (casual)

Hair: Miamai Sakura Teal Party

 

Blouse: SAS Catherine top (black)

Earrings and necklace: Maxi Gossamer Serena white pearls

Ring: Shi Luxe Gift

 

Pose: Glitterati (SL Marketplace)



有一个快乐的中国新年

Dear Diary:

Today is the beginning of the new year in the Asian calendar with celebrations lasting 15 days.  It's the year of the Horse.  This is an important holiday in China where people are aware of how important it is to bring good luck for the coming year.  One of the ways is through colour.

There is a legend to how Chinese New Year came to be.  A mythical beast, Nian, who caused much destruction, was believed to have been the cause for Chinese New Year.  Villagers discovered that one thing Nian was afraid of was the colour red so they considered this a favourable colour.  Since this is the year of the Wooden Horse, other colours are considered lucky.

Water and Earth colours will bring luck since these elements support Wood.  So any shades of green and brown would be excellent to wear during this year.  Blue and black from the water element, are also suitable colours.  This is not only for clothing but for any accessories such as scarves, belts or jewelry.  Jade jewelry is a good choice in jewelry selection.

 

Gong Hey Fat Choy.

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: HeadTurners Matt Lipstick (scarlet)

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity with lashes (hickory brown)

Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (casual)

Nailpolish: Izzie's Classic nails

Hair: Plume Asia (no longer available)

 

Dress: TuTy's Short Qipao (embroidered bouquet)

Shoes: Gos Boutique Lauren d'Orsay (chocolate)

 

Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Zaadori (jade and gold)

Bracelet: Second Wave Apparel Asian Bangle (jade)

 

Lantern: Botanica Year of the Horse Chinese Lantern

 

Pose: InPose

 

My Interview--err--Her Interview--ok Our Interview Meme

Dear Diary:

Yesterday, for the Monday Meme,  Berry was interviewed by her new fake hubby.  The instructions were:
Get someone else to interview you and then post the question and answers on your own blog. You can ask a friend, lover, another blogger (you can interview each other) or a fake husband like I did. 
I decided I would ask my friend Chloe, since she was the one that hooked me on to this second world.  I knew it would be difficult as we know each other well so what would be left to ask?  We thought it best to interview each other since it might get nasty if it was just one sided.

ME: ok...we know each other in RL so maybe I know you too much and I don't need to ask you anything.
CHLOE: HA, my non-perceptive friend!!  You don't know me at all.
ME: Alright I think all the readers know that we're shopping buddies and that you help me out with pics etc. So let's talk about something we haven't discussed.
CHLOE: *laughing*  All of a sudden I'm feeling...ummm....squirmy!
ME: Not to worry.  I'll be kind.  I know awhile back you had a partner here...well you weren't "partnered" but you were...shall we say...very close.  I know it ended badly.  Any thoughts of doing it again?
CHLOE: Well, not in the near future.  I was hanging out with a super guy and we had a lot of fun together but he chose to leave SL.  That made me sad and I realized that in SL it's really hard to hold on to friends.  But never say never! 
ME: Did you become very attached to this guy?
CHLOE: Of course.  I'm a real person and whether this world is virtual or not, emotions can be real.  I became attached to friends too.  We did a lot of things together, almost every night, however, most of my original friends have left.  My work groups seem to have some "oldies" but a lot of them are new to the group too.
**NOTE": Chloe came to SL because her RL job was opening a sim here.  She kept talking about this "game" and she convinced me to join.
CHLOE: My turn for questions.  How come you don't have a husband, like Berry, fake or otherwise in SL?
ME:  That's a stupid question but I have a sensible answer.  #1. I don't want anybody telling me how to spend my Lindens.  #2. I don't want anybody complaining because I buy a new house or want to change up the furniture; and #3. I'm way too independent to have to be fluffing egos, unless it's mine...or maybe yours.
CHLOE: AHA!!  So...nobody can put up with you!  You're too much of a ball buster!  I get it.  But I have to admit you are a very loyal friend in any world, even though when it comes to having their ego fluffed, you...oh, never mind.
ME: Gee, thanks, I guess.  And now me.  Has being in SL changed you at all?
CHLOE: Changed me?  In what way?
ME: Well, are you getting bored? discouraged? insensitive? You know.
CHLOE: On the contrary.  I still participate in all of my work groups and it helps with my job in RL.  I think I'm more tolerant of a lot of the idiots out there, in both worlds.  And I love the things created in Second Life.  I still have a lot of fun going out to clubs and I'm still friends with you, in and out of this world.  THAT is being very tolerant!
ME: **snort**  Guess it's time to end this interview.  [Note to self: Start looking for a fake husband for the next time]
Thanks Chloe for helping out with this post.  I appreciate it.
CHLOE: My pleasure.  This has been fun.  This is the first time you let me talk on this blog.  Usually you call me at the last minute cuz you need a pic.  Not often we talk seriously...this was serious, wasn't it?

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Skin: Izzie's Harlow (pale)
Lipstick: Izzie's Dark Vibrant Lipstick (fuschia)
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (elegant)
Hair: Analog Dog Schnapp
Dress: PurpleMoon Dita (black)
Shoes: GF Ribbon Slingback (black)
Earrings and necklace: Mandala Sinra (wolf silver)
Clipboard and pen: SL Marketplace

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Lipstick (berry smoothie)
Hands: SLink AvEnhancement (casual)
Hair: W&Y #148 (no longer available)
Dress: Riddle Sweater dress (clover)
Shoes: LaRoo Spencer pumps (green)
Earrings: NHA Yara
Clipboard and pen: (old gift)

Background: Abranimations ProPhoto Studio

It's Time To Spend

Dear Diary:

Sometimes I shop alone but most often, when I feel the need to contribute to the economy of Second Life, I send my friend Chloe a text that it's time for us to get going.  That's exactly what we did last weekend.  For my part I spent a LOT where Chloe is a little more selective with her spending...usually...but not when we got to COLLABOR88.  We both loved everything that was there. 

Both of us bought the same dress, in different colours but I also bought another one so when we went out we didn't look exactly the same.  We ended up buying the same hair too but she bought another style.  I guess we shop too much together and it seems we both have the same taste.

We hit the town that night and I must admit we looked FABULOUS!  We both agreed that this COLLABOR88 had to be one of the best.

Good Night for now.

From January COLLABOR88:
Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Diva Hair Averil (garnet)
Gown: Junbug Instant Crush (lavender)

I'm wearing:
Hair: Diva Hair Astralia (onyx)
Gown: Maitreya Vintage lace gown (delicate) 

Tools That Are Good For Me

Dear Diary:

I'm a minimalist, or maybe a novice when it comes to using tools available in second life.  You'd think after my years in this life I would have experimented with more.  On my screen, in addition to the usual toolbars [chat, people, snapshot etc.], I usually have only a couple of tools all the time.  The others come on for a reason or when I need them. 

1. Abranimations AO:  This is always on my screen and I use it most often.  I have another Abranimations AO called "Happy" that I picked up for free.  I use that one only occasionally.  

2. AnyPose Expressions HUD:  I like this HUD.  It's great when you take a photo and want a perfect facial expression for a pose or if you want your eyes turned toward an area.  I use it all the time. It's also FREE.

3. Improved Camera Placement HUD:  I got this years ago and don't use it often but for certain pictures it gives the right perspective.  It's simple to use.  It was FREE but I'm not sure where I got it.

4. Abranimations EmoGadget:  I use this HUD primarily when I'm working.  There's a good variety of animations accompanied by facial expressions, as well as some audio.

5. Sgeo Editing Appearance HUD:  I have this running all the time.  I found it very handy when I go to try on a demo when there are no stands around or if I want to adjust something when I'm not at home.    It's simplistic and I got it back in 2007 but I find it very handy.  I just saw it on Marketplace and it's FREE.

6. Zhao-II AO:  I picked this up as an empty case at Outrider Animations [now here]and added animations to it.  I use it when I'm at a concert or shopping since there's not as much "action" to it as #1.  Sometimes I find a lot of movement distracting when I'm trying to watch something.

So these are my tools that I use.  Not that sophisticated compared to some but they work for me.

Look at Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme for other suggestions on tools.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Sweater: PurpleMoon Dresha top (green striped)
Pants: Casual cords (brown) (very old...not sure where they came from)
Shoes: GField Shoetopia 2013 Gift (flower deck shoes)

"Let's Get Rid of That Word" for Good!

Dear Diary:

At this time of year, Lake Superior State University publishes a list of words that should be banned from the English language because of overuse or misuse.  I look forward to seeing what words [and some of my pet peeves] are present.  This year I've picked a couple that irritate me...drive me crazy...make me scream!

1. SELFIE:  This received the most votes this year and came top of the list.  I detest seeing people snapping pics of themselves anywhere, at anytime with their phone.  Once I saw a man snap a pic of himself outside a funeral home.  I think they should not only ban the word, but ban the cell phone for that use.

2. TWERK / TWERKING: I don't even need to comment on this word.  Can you believe it made the Oxford Dictionary? 

3. ____ ON STEROIDS:  This phrase is SOOO annoying to me.  I realize that whoever is using it, is trying to make a point but it's usually missing the point completely..."That steak I ate was meat on steroids".  That thought is enough to make me squirm.

So those are my top three irritants for this year.  To see previous words that have been like nails on the blackboard to me, you can check 2012 and 2013. 

To see all of the words put out on the official list this year, go here or to add your  comment or submit a word for the upcoming list next year, look here.  My list is starting soon.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Kik Hair Katie
Hands: SLink AvEnhanced Hands (casual)
Sweater and Skirt: ur favorite one Lullaby (warmy)
 Pose in cell phone: RC stellar cell phone (no longer available)

Practical Joke Meme

Dear Diary:

When I read Berry's meme, I had to really think about the topic.  I don't think I'm a very good joke player.  I don't think I've played a joke on any of my friends in SL...maybe I don't have a very good sense of humour...or maybe I'm afraid it will come back to me.  I had to search the old grey matter to try and remember any practical jokes I've been the recipient of.  Finally one came to mind from years ago.

I had been only a few weeks in this world when I went out dancing to Blackhearts'.  I wasn't even sure how to dance.  Everyone in the crowd seemed very friendly and helpful.  One person had one of those "kick me" signs that attach to you and follow you around and of course I was the target.  I wish I had taken a picture but at that point I was just trying to dance. [*note to self* - You didn't know how to take a pic at that point] so I recreated the event the other day:

All I can remember is the embarrassment.  I flew out the place pretty quickly.  I didn't think it was funny at the time and now I just think it's a bit lame.

In my first world, I did play one joke that I thought was funny.  A friend of mine turned forty and I asked a senior's home if they could send her a blank form for admittance.  They did and included a pamphlet outlining how the home's facilities could help her cope in her life due to her advanced age.  I thought it was hilarious...hmmmm...just thought maybe she didn't agree that it was quite that amusing and had the same embarrassing feelings I did.  Just saying.

Good Night for now.

Location: Blackhearts' Cafe