Twenty Questions

The latest Strawberry Singh meme is a lot of questions! I'm taking a deep breath and jumping in.

Meme instructions: Answer the following 20 personal questions about your Second Life. Don’t forget to share a link to your post in the comments!

1. When and how did you discover Second Life? – I read an article in the New York Times about Second Life in early August 2007.
2. Did you know about virtual worlds before or was this your first experience with them? – I had no clue. I'd played the Sims a bit, but that was all.
3. Has Second Life met your expectations? – I don't recall what my expectations were. I do recall that SL was very complicated and I'm amazed I stuck to it. Thank you newbie mentors! When I attached a box of household goods to my body and asked how to remove them, the poor mentor had to deal with a newbie on a Mac who didn't even know how to right click.
4. If you could teleport back to the first ten minutes of your avatar’s slife, what would you tell yourself? – Hmm....I'd probably tell myself to forget most of the freebies and to invest in a decent skin. Oh, and to take off the dumb freebie nipple tattoos.
5. How long did it take you to master avatar flying and driving vehicles inworld? – Wait, we can FLY??? I'm still not good at it. And I can't drive in SL worth a darn.
6. Do you have a mystery alt? – No. I'm quick to tell my friends who I am on an alt. I get lonely otherwise!
7. Is your SL avatar a reflection of you, or someone you wished you could be? –Physically Dolly is a younger me with a better ass. Personality wise, it's just me unless I'm roleplaying, and even then it's an exploration of sides of myself.
8. Is there an individual you met in SL that inspired you in your RL? How? – Probably, though I can't think of anything specifically.
9. Do you feel it is easier to create stronger bonds/relationships with people you meet inworld as opposed to the real world? – Not stronger bonds, but I was surprised at how attached I became to my Second Life friends.
10. Did you ever imagine or believe people could fall in love with someone they never met before Second Life? – I never imagined it.
11. How has your perspective of dating changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – I don't really think my perspective has changed. But my dating life in Second Life has been wilder, because for the most part it's a safe place to explore sides of my sexuality that I wouldn't feel comfortable doing in RL.
12. How has your perspective of employment changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – I've always admired entrepreneurs, so not really.
13. Name three things in both your lives that overlap each other significantly. – I'm not sure I understand this question.
14. If you could live your life more immersively in a virtual world, would you? (Kind of like the Matrix) – No, SL is the wild west. It's a great place to visit, but I have to be able to turn off the computer.
15. How do you think behavior changes for people if they’re inworld vs in real world? Why do you think that is? – Not many people in my real life have looked me in the eye and acted like a troll, so I agree common courtesy suffers from anonymity. On the plus side anonymity can be freeing when respect for fellow residents is observed.
16. How has second life consumerism changed your perception of spending habits, the value of money, the need to be “bleeding edge” with fashion? – I do spend money in Second Life, but I can indulge myself for a lot less than it costs in real life, so I don't begrudge my shoes and hair. In real life I practically live in jeans.
17. Do you think virtual worlds like SL drive and redefine human interaction or do they narrow and limit it? – Human interaction is changing with or without SL. I text instead of talk on the phone these days just like everyone else.
18. If technology progressed tomorrow to allow you to send emotions to people the way you’d send text or voice messages, would it enrich your SL experience or infringe on it? – If you can write or speak you can send emotions. You just have to be willing to talk about them.
19. Name three skills you attribute to having learned or honed in second life alone. – Interior design and talking photos are skills I've honed in SL.
20. If your grand kids googled your Second Life Avatar’s name, would they be intrigued, disgusted, proud or something else? – The good news is that it seems grandchildren accept their grandparents more than those kids' parents do. At least that's my observation. They'd be curious, probably.

Credits:

Pure Poison - Pin - It Girl Wedges (at My Attic)
Tee*fy Laura Unbuttoned Knotted Shirt Check (at Collabor88)
Zaara Elina shorts navy (at FaMeshed)
LeLutka - AMANDA'S hair - StrawberryShortcake (New Release)

Purple Moon Coco Sunglasses in Cherry

Zenith Butterfly Ring (Silver)
Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
IKON Promise Eyes - Green (M) 

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower 

 

Friends List

I was lucky enough to catch Ayla Barzane online before she went to bed. She was kind enough to pose with me for Strawberry Singh's Friends List Meme. It's like old times! Which is why we went vintage - well, that and the fact that Collabor88 is so deliciously vintage this month.

Meme instructions: Grab a friend from your second life friends list (optional) pose with them and/or answer the following questions. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. What is the number of contacts on your Second Life Friends List? (visible in firestorm viewer or your web profile) Seeing Berry's friends list makes me feel totally antisocial. My list is only 126.
2. Are you picky about who you add to your list or do you usually add most people? Apparently more picky than Berry. I never thought I was! One dirty little secret is that I have almost never turned down a friend request, but I've deleted a few the minute they've logged.
3. Who is your oldest contact? (check your calling cards) I couldn't figure out how to sort them by date. I'm guessing Malloc Rau. I've tried to delete my calling cards to reduce inventory because I never use them (it doesn't work, they always show back up).
4. Who is your newest contact? (check your calling cards) That one is easier. Winter Sorex.
5. Do you know every single person on your list? Almost all of them.
6. How many do you speak to on a daily (weekly) basis? Daily one or two. Weekly maybe three or four. I'm not nearly as social in SL as I used to be.
7. How many do you see/get together with in-world on a daily (weekly) basis? Two or three.
8. Who on your list do you have the closest relationship with? Clay Cowen, Ayla Barzane, and Aprilmae Devin.
9. Who do you wish you knew better? Berry, because I just adore her from a distance. She is so incredibly sweet and talented. And Cajsa Lilliehook because she is knowledgeable about progressive politics. I really admire her.
10. Who on your list is the funniest/most entertaining? The winner of the funniest person on my list is Friar Tyles.
11. How did you meet most of the people on your list? (work, parties, etc…) I used to meet loads of people through role play. Now it's mostly bloggers, creators and random folks I chat with when wandering the grid.
12. Do you ever clean out your list? Not often. I've done a couple of purges.
13. Do you have a crush on someone in your list? Clay Cowan and I have hung out together for years. Can that still be a crush? 
14. Is there anyone on your list that you would trust with your password? Yes, but it hasn't ever come up.

Credits:

(Left on Dolly)

Lamb Hair Cry Baby - Butterfinger (at Collabor88)
Tee*fy Laura Unbuttoned Knotted Shirt Tropical (at Collabor88)
Tee*fy Leah High-Waisted Skinny Jeans Used (at Collabor88)

Glam Affair - Vera - America 08 F

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

(Right on Ayla)

TRUTH HAIR Thelma (at Collabor88)

e! Odette Top - (Floral Pink)
Tulip  Vintage Cut-Offs Abyss

MAGIC NOOK Lasso Hoop Earrings (Gold)
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - 06 D
 

flowey's original Shake My Milkshake / breakfast (at Collabor88)

 Standby Inc. - Jukebox (OakBlue) (at Collabor88)

The Loft - Gerzzo Chair and Table (at Collabor88)

floorplan. soda crate stack (at Collabor88)

What Next Cafe Clock

Color and coldLogic

The new release from coldLogic and Strawberry Singh's color meme are a terrific combination for today's post. In Second Life and in real life I always get a lift from reds. Anything from rusty orange reds to deep cherry reds make me smile. Pair red with black and I'm ready to swoon. The coldLogic release of shirts, shorts and skirts have plenty of great color combos for this fashionista besides cherry and black. The detailing on this blouse is adorable in any color!

Meme instructions: Blog a picture of your favorite color or a variety of colors that you like. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group. 

Credits:

coldLogic shirt - sisney.cherry sheer (New Release)
coldLogic shorts - davar.black&cherry (New Release)
Maxi Gossamer - Earrings - Nova Dream Moon
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Elyse
Pink Fuel Sora <Alabaster> - No Eyebrows
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue (M)
Mynerva Eyebrow Style 2~Brown Light
Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

My Blogging Journey Makes My Feet Hurt Sometimes

It's time for the Strawberry Singh blogger challenge of the week. This time we're talking about our blogging journey. I hung out in my new gazebo from Digs while I thought about my answers to the questions.

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers to your post, delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments so others can come by and read your answers as well!

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? I only use my laptop to blog. I'll occasionally comment on my iPhone, but I'd never use it to write a blog post.
2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it? My mission statement is pretty broad - "a Second Life blog about whatever takes our fancy." By that I mean that I'll blog things I like - fashion and home and garden, primarily.
3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? I don't get them. I'm mystified that anyone would take the time to spew ugliness on a regular basis. A big line needs to be drawn, however, between a blog whose sole purpose is to stir up drama and a blog that does an occasional negative review.
4. Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors? I care about grammar and spelling. That said, I make mistakes too, so I'm not terribly judgy unless a blog post is incomprehensible. I do prefer clear posts, though. If a blogger takes great pictures but isn't really a writer, I'm perfectly satisfied to peruse a list of credits.
5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? I'm too fickle to want to switch with just one blogger! Neva Crystall takes photos I just want to crawl into and live in. Strawberry Singh's blog, which I obviously love, shares so much fun along with useful information, stunning photos and teaching moments. Who wouldn't want to trade places with Berry every once in awhile?
6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How? Maybe it's evolved. It has changed. I started blogging with my friend Ayla, but she didn't enjoy blogging as much as I did, so now it's just me. Doing these challenges has helped me to relax and open up a little more when I blog.
7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging? What is extraordinary to me is that there are people who read my blog. Who would have thought?
8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in? My blog fits best into the fashion category, but I like all kinds of Second Life blogs. If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog you'll see the blogs I read most often. I have a lot of respect for information blogs like Nalates Things & Stuff, Jo Yardley's Second Life, and Living In a Modem World. They often explain to me the more technical side of Second Life and give me new perspectives to think about.
9. What has blogging taught you? Oddly enough, this question is the one that I'm stuck on. Obviously I've learned things about blogging, about promotion for events and products, about photos and post-processing tips. But I want to answer this with some insight about personal growth through blogging, but have I grown? Have I opened up? Does anyone care whether I have or not? Maybe I just like taking pictures. Maybe the journey makes my feet hurt sometimes.
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. 1) Don't start a blog to get freebies. Blogging is an expensive hobby if you're doing it right. It's fine to be on a few blogging lists, but make sure they're designers you love, or your personal style will suffer. 2) Involve yourself in the blogger community through blog challenges, inworld groups, charity events, and/or Plurk. You'll make new friends involved in the same hobby and your blog will be richer for it. 3) Be yourself and your style will shine through. 

Credits:

coldLogic belt - zois.sunny (New Release)
coldLogic dress - zois.sunny (New Release)
Kunglers Yara necklace - Golden
Maitreya Hair Siobhan (Mesh) - Ginger
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) S - Mid

Beetlebones SUNANTHA SANDALS

Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Pose from Le Poppycock

Flat Ebbe and Me

I've been waiting for Strawberry Singh to do this meme ever since she plurked about stalking meeting Linden Lab's new CEO a week or so ago. I had such fun with Flat Rodvik and I figured Flat Ebbe Linden would be a fun date. However, Berry thinks we should just lecture poor Ebbe about how to be a good CEO. Sorry, Ebbe, our date will have to wait.

Meme instructions: Pick up a copy of Flat Ebbe Linden from Berry's marketplace store for free and take him to one of your favorite places on the grid. Also, share at least three things that you’d like to tell Ebbe. Please remember to leave a link to your post in Berry's comments and share your Flat Ebbe picture in the Blog memes flickr group.

So Ebbe, as we pose for a pretty picture standing in the courtyard of Cory Edo's beautiful creation newly released at Collabor88, the Cortona Villas, here are my thoughts:

1. I really like what you have said about Second Life so far. You have inherited a passionate and creative user base who created everything interesting to see and do in SL, so we don't really see ourselves as customers of a product. We are creators and supporters of a surreal visionary world. We built it, we feel connected to it. I think you get that and I really appreciate that you do.
2. You're in a honeymoon phase, but eventually you will tick off one group or another in SL. While this ire will probably be a by-product of some benefit you want to introduce, it will happen and you will be tempted to withdraw from your current accessibility so you don't have to listen to a lot of - well - let's call it counterproductive trash talk. As a communications professional in another life, I can tell you that once you have opened the conversation with your customers as you have done, closing that conversation when things get challenging is a mistake that leads to bad feelings and loss of trust for the entire community - not just the ones who were ticked off in the first place. Have a communications strategy to deal with these issues as they arise. Appoint other Lindens to speak on the issues and keep the messages consistent and honest.
3. Advice for retaining new users - here's one little thing that seems to have been overlooked for years - the waddle-walk of a newbie. I'm not suggesting you need to fix the dorky stands (you're using one of them in the picture), but couldn't that waddle-walk be turned into something more graceful? A script in the shoe with a nice smooth female or male walk? Anything? The new starter avatars with mesh outfits and hair are a good beginning, but give a poor newbie a decent walk.

Credits:

Argrace Hair HARUKA - Cinnamon (Unrigged / resize)
Mutresse Guzla Shorts (at FaMeshed)
Tee*fy Sophie Cut-Out Ruffle Top Bloom (at Collabor88)
Ingenue Pandora Flats (Slink Feet Add-On) Sepia (Gacha item)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Flat

Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Bicycle and pose from What Next

 Trompe Loeil - Cortona Villas (at Collabor88)

Potted plants from Apple Fall and XED Designs

Dear Dolly's Advice for SL Newbies - A Strawberry Singh Challenge

Hi Newbies! I don't know how you found my blog but you are so lucky that you did! I'm going to give you a little advice on a successful beginning to your Second Life. The fabulous Strawberry Singh has a blog too and challenged other bloggers to offer tips to you newbies out there.

I'm going to give you five new tips based on my exhaustive SL experience and knowledge. Then go back to Berry's blog post and read her tips and check out her comments section for other bloggers offering helpful tips as well.

1. Second Life can be a fabulous platform for creativity. Everything you see as you look around you was made by someone who was once new and confused just like you. What should you do first? I did a blog post awhile ago about updating a starter female avatar on a budget of $10 USD or $2,500 Lindens (not freebies). The style tips are still relevant and there are SLurls to the shops, so check it out HERE. 
2. You'll need to buy Lindens to shop, and if you're not ready to commit to that, just throw on an outfit out of your library and head out to explore. Where to go? Check out Ziki Questi's Blog for art installations and pretty sims that welcome visitors. Or try browsing through this Flickr group, The SL Tourist Board, where every photo has a SLurl to the sim where the the photo is taken.
3. Meet people. There are clubs and cafes all over Second Life. Open Search and teleport around the grid until you find somewhere you like. Listen to music and dance, chat with other patrons. If you ask nicely you can get some answers to things that still confuse you.
4. Learn SL etiquette. If you've heard about SL sexy times and you want to experience it, go to one of the many adult themed places where your advances might be welcomed. Don't proposition random strangers around the grid. Don't think you can hide behind an avatar to be rude. Word gets around about obnoxious avatars quickly. Don't beg for money or walk into someone's private home making a nuisance of yourself. Do speak in full sentences when you type. Do read avatars' profiles and take the time to fill yours out with relevant information about yourself. If you see an avatar whose style you admire, DO compliment them and ask for shopping tips and/or landmarks to their favorite stores. 
5. Don't expect SL to be easy to use, because it takes awhile to figure out even some basics. Stick it out. Make friends, learn together. Share You Tube tutorials and blog tutorials, take in-world classes. Before long you'll be giggling at newbie questions and mistakes and waxing nostalgic for the days when everything in SL was new and thrilling just like we do!

Credits:

COCO JacketOverShoulders (AppleGreen) (at FaMeshed event)
COCO Shirt&Shorts(SmallFlowers) (at FaMeshed event)
COCO Shirt&Shorts_Hands(Tone-3) (at FaMeshed event)
Pure Poison - Magda Sandals - Lime (New Release)
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
TRUTH HAIR Harriet
Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare

IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue
Desk and chair from Digs
 

Spring Season Challenge and Fitted Mesh

March, they say, comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb. Strawberry Singh has challenged us to think Spring for this Monday challenge, and Spring is windy here. It's just as well, because I found this gorgeous wind blown hair at Argrace this morning!

Meme Instructions: Share a spring-themed picture and/or answer the following questions about the season. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. What is the spring season like where you live? – Spring in my area is a lovely rebirth, and the flowers begin to bloom a week or two earlier than just an hour's drive north or south for some reason. Maybe it's because of the river valley, but I don't really know why for sure. Maybe we're magic.
2. What’s the first thing that pops into your head when you think of spring? – Yellow flowers like daffodils and forsythia. They're the first flowers that bloom in my garden. Today I noticed my daffodils have poked through the soil, though there are no blooms yet.
3. Which spring-themed sim in Second Life is your favorite at the moment? – It All Starts With a Smile is lovely right now in all its spring glory.

It All Starts With a Smile

Another thing Berry talked about was fitted mesh that adjusts to our shapes instead of us adjusting to standard sizes. Cracked Mirror has two new fitted mesh releases for FaMeshed including the jumpsuit I'm wearing in the top photo. Standard sizes are also included. Alpha layers still need to be worn, but I did notice a sleeker fit when I compared it to my usual size small. Thank you Cracked!

Credits:

Cracked Mirror Roxanne Jumpsuit (mauve) (at FaMeshed)

Argrace Hair HARUKA - Cinnamon (New Release)
Cae Timeless Earring
Erratic Clarice - mesh sandals / gold
Maxi Gossamer - Bangles - Sparkly Pearl Cuff
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

DeeTaleZ for Slink Visage "Face Viola" MU MIXEDTYPE
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

 

My First SL Video - The Dance Meme

I am so excited! Because Strawberry Singh decided on a dance challenge for her blog meme this week I have actually made my first SL video! Yeah, it's not great, but I figured out some basics. I used Berry's recommended video capture software, Camtasia. There's a 30 day free trial, so I'm able to play with it a bit before committing to buying. Thanks Berry for prompting me to try something I've wanted to learn for a long time!

Meme Instructions: Share a photo and/or video of your avatar dancing in Second Life. Also answer the following questions and share your favorite dances and animation stores with us. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your pictures in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. Which dance are you sharing in the image/video and where is it from? I have HUDs filled with dances. The dance HUD I used in the video is filled with Vista Animations pop dances.
2. Which is your favorite dance in Second Life? – The old Bits and Bobs couples dances. They are awesome to watch.
3. What are your favorite dance animation stores in Second Life? – I haven't shopped for dances in quite awhile. Unlike clothes and skins, well made animations don't get too dated in SL, so oldies can still be goodies.
4. Are you a frequent dancer in Second Life? – Not so much lately, but Ayla, April and I like to get together and dance sometimes.
5. Are you a frequent dancer in the real world? – LOL. I used to dance for exercise, then I broke my ankle (not while dancing), and my dancing days seem to be over.

Credits:

Hucci Glynco Pumps - Corner Red
Baiastice Mjrie top-black-size
Maitreya Leather Skinny Pants - Black
TRUTH HAIR Anessa

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) S - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
Adam N Eve Amy Genesis Tone C Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam n Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C
IKON Promise Eyes - Green (M)
Pose for still picture from Diesel Works

Crimes of Fashion - A Second Life Book Cover Meme

I can't stop giggling. When I saw Strawberry Singh's book cover challenge, I immediately thought of old pulp novel covers as my inspiration. Sam Spade had better watch out. Dolly Baroque is coming to town!

Meme instructions: Create a book cover to show your avatar in fiction. It does not have to be based on a real book, it can be one that you make up. Don’t forget to leave a link to your cover in the comments and share it in the Blog Memes flickr group.

Credits:

D!va Hair "Layla" (Type A)(Red amber)
Mandala Polly Necklace
Valentina E. Dita Belted Pencil Skirt Black
Valentina E. Dita Tucked Chemise Black
Valentina E. Dita Vintage Fur Bomber Silver
IKON Promise Eyes - Green
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
DeeTaleZ HUD for Slink Visage "Face Viola" 

DeeTaleZ BODY MIXEDTYPE

Diesel Works Pose

SLex Life Meme

It's meme time again, and we've got some deep thrusting - ah - questions this week from Strawberry Singh of a sexual nature. I think I'll stick to answers about Second Life here, though some answers will apply to both lives. I'm more adventurous in Second Life than in real life. One of the things that first intrigued me about Second Life was the ability to explore fantasies in a safe virtual environment.

Meme instructions: Answer the following sexual questions because Berry is a perv and wants to know all about our sex lives. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in her comments so we can perv all over your answers, multiple times.

Sexual Questions:

1. What is your sexual orientation or do you not like to label yourself? – I'm straight, only vaguely bi-curious.
2. Name a physical attribute that you find attractive or sexy. – In SL we can all be beautiful, so the first thing I find attractive is someone with charm, wit and who expresses themselves well. After that, an avatar that looks human is a must, and one that has at least a little sense of style.
3. Are you promiscuous, a prude or in between? – Dolly went through a slutty experimental stage but she has toned it down a lot in the past few years. Definitely not a prude though.
4. What turns you on? – Words, slow kisses, blindfolds.
5. Are you dominant or submissive? – In the bedroom I prefer a submissive role, but that pretty much stays in the bedroom. Out of the bedroom I'm downright bossy.
6. Are you into sexual roleplay? – Oh yes!
7. Which sexual position is your favorite? – I don't know what it's called. I love it when my partner is standing and I'm perched on the edge of a counter that's just the right height with my legs wrapped around him.... Oh my!
8. Do you have any fetishes? – Blindfolds and four poster beds and silk rope.
9. Have you or would you do porn, amateur or professional? – There are a few raunchy pictures of me possibly floating around in SL. I must say though, that visual porn doesn't really do it for me the way a hot roleplay story does.
10. Do you consider yourself sexy? – I'm sexual but I prefer to be subtle about it. I think whether that comes across as sexy is for others to decide. Deliberately trying to be sexy just fails for me.

Credits:

Baiastice Orly Lingerie-Silk pink
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
AE Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare and AE Carolyn 2 Applier for Mesh Head
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
TRUTH HAIR Rowan

Chaise by Cheeky Pea

Pose from Chanimations
 

New to Me - An Angel

It's time for Strawberry Singh's latest blog challenge. This week we're challenged to find something new to blog, something out of our comfort zone. A new creator, perhaps, or a new style. I approached the challenge thinking of high fashion photography - the really wild stuff you'd never wear out to dinner, if you know what I mean. I tend to blog clothing in Second Life that I would be happy to wear in my real life. I love fashion, but I've never been an edgy fashion sort of girl.

But, since that was my goal, I headed off to GizzA. I'd never been there, and all I have in my inventory from GizzA is a handbag. Shame on me! There are amazing things at GizzA, and I bought another to blog later in the week. But for today, I'm an angel - a pink, feathery winged angel. *sigh of happiness* I might have missed the mark on high fashion. I feel a little more Victoria's Secret than Coco Chanel, but I don't care. I'm pink and white with a corset and feathery wings!

Meme instructions: Blog something you’ve never blogged before and/or something you normally wouldn’t blog. This is more of a photography themed meme, with a focus on visuals of the item(s) you’ve never blogged before, however, if you prefer to make it a written meme and just write about something you normally wouldn’t write about, that’ll work as well. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your images in the blog memes flickr group.

Credits:

GizzA - Cotton Candy Costume
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Gaia - Black and White HUD

Glam Affair - Vera - America 09 E

The Book Meme

Strawberry Singh's meme for the week is on one of my favorite topics, books and our reading habits.
I'm primarily a fiction reader, though the occasional memoir, biography or collection of letters captures my interest.  On to the questions!

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers into your post, delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments so we can all come and see. If you create an image for this meme, feel free to share it in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. Are you a bookworm? – I am. There is not a day where I don't sit down in my favorite leather chair, put my feet on the ottoman and read while I sip my coffee.
2. Which do you prefer: hardcover, paperback or electronic? – I bought a Kindle about five years ago and put a pretty red leather cover on it. I use it all the time. When I learned that I could store 2,500 books on my Kindle, I knew I had to have it since my bookcases are all overflowing. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks in the car or while I'm cleaning house.
3. Which book is your favorite? – My favorite anything is a matter of my mood. I have a difficult time with any "what is your favorite -" question. I'm fickle. My favorite book one week will be something else the next. I can tell you my favorite Jane Austen novel - Mansfield Park, my favorite Dickens - Bleak House. I prefer Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre to Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. I can't decide between my favorite Edith Wharton novels, but House of Mirth makes me sob aloud. Or what about something a little more modern like Joseph Heller's Catch 22? David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day for a giggle? Maybe I should go with the book I've recommended the most to friends since I've read it - Giliad by Marilyn Robinson.
4. Which children’s book is your favorite? – From my own childhood probably Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. My children taught me to love everything by Roald Dahl, all the Harry Potter books, and the Philip Pullman trilogy His Dark Materials. Both of the last two series are awesome audiobooks. The boys and I listened to them in the car during every vacation until they went to college!
5. What’s the last book you’ve read? – The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy.
6. Name your top five favorite writers: – There's that favorite question again. In no particular order: Vladamir Nabokov, Jane Austen, Toni Morrison, Paul Bowles, and Barbara Kingsolver all come to mind.
7. Name a book that had a strong impact on you: – Beloved by Toni Morrison devastated me. I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio and the story is based on a heinous local history about an enslaved woman named Margaret Garner. Nothing has ever driven home to me the shame and horror of our history of slavery in the United States the way that book did.
8. Favorite & least favorite book genres? – I adore a good mystery novel and I really can't bear to read horror novels.
9. Favorite & least favorite book-to-movie adaptions? – Hard question! The Lord of the Rings trilogy was great in the extended versions of the movies. I found the Harry Potter movies quite disappointing, though.
10. Have you ever bought a book based on the cover alone? – Yes, especially art books!
11. Where do you usually buy your books? – From the comfort of my leather armchair on my Kindle.
12. Do you go to the library? – Only when I'm in the mood to pay fines. I'm terrible about returning books. Never loan me a book. You won't see it again. Ever.
13. How many books do you own? – I have no idea, but I have six large bookcases that are overflowing with books, and I have hundreds of books on my Kindle.
14. If you were to write a book about Second Life, which topic would you focus on? The people I've met in this crazy virtual world. Lucky for you all that I don't know your real names!

Credits:

Fashionably Dead Hand Drawn Skinny Jeans - Dark Gray
coldLogic shirt - marley.rose (w/ short undershirt)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Candy - Gingers02

Pink Fuel Sora <Alabaster> - No Eyebrows
Mynerva Eyebrow Style 2~Brown Dark

Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)

Got Hope?

Winter Jefferson posted a challenge on Strawberry Singh's blog. It's about sharing how we overcame big disappointments in life - the ones where it seemed everything was broken and superglue would just not fix it.

I'm not going to share the details of my most shattering moment. There are worse things that can happen in life, but it was traumatic for me. What I will talk about is what helped me put my life back together afterwards - time, the loving support of friends and family, and giving my time and support to people who needed me.

First I grieved, listened to sad music, went through days and weeks like a robot, cried at the drop of a hat. Grieving is different for everyone, and the timeline for grief is individual. It takes however long it takes.

Also helpful was having people to talk to. Family and friends can pull a smile out of you if you let them, and feed you tissues and tea when you can't manage the smile.

Being needed pulled me away from grief though at first I didn't realize it. I just put one foot in front of the other. I had children who needed me to be Mom, no matter how I was feeling. These needs kept me on a schedule and moving daily, even when I didn't want to get out of bed. Tending to others helped me heal myself.

There's a final step necessary to overcoming major life crises, and that is forgiveness. I think some people mistake forgiveness for putting ourselves back in the same situation that caused the problem in the first place, but that's not what I mean. I mean forgiving the person who caused the hurt whether that person is oneself or someone else. It took me awhile (years), but when I forgave, I became lighter just by letting go of anger. Finally, I could truly move on with my life.

When I write it down like this it doesn't show how messy and hard and awful things were, or how many mistakes I made in trying to put my life back on track. But at the core those were the things that worked for me. They still do. Here's hoping something I wrote resonates for a certain someone who feels a little broken right now.

On to happier topics! I was seeing the specialty Pink Fuel skin on Plurk and Flickr. Because I was drooling over it, I went to the Futurewave 2014 event to try it for myself. It comes with all the appliers I could think of! I also found this gorgeous Zibska dress at the event. Oh and Future Dolly dyes her hair blue just for fun.

Credits:

Pink Fuel - Sora Alabaster - Blue

Pink Fuel - Sora Alabaster - Face Glow
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue

Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
Zibska Dagmar ~ Vapour [3]
Maxi Gossamer - Bracelet - Nova Dream Moon
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Renata
 

Black and White - a Meme

I love it when Strawberry Singh's meme for the week is a photography challenge. This week she has challenged us to take a headshot with black and white processing in mind. I like the drama of black and white photography, and find the studies in contrasts fascinating. There are lots of gorgeous submissions to the Blog Meme flickr group and I highly recommend looking through them. Thanks, Berry, for the challenge!

Meme Instructions: Share a black & white portrait (headshot) of your Second Life avatar. You can post a raw shot or process the image as much as you like. Don’t forget to leave a link to your image in [Berry's] comments and also share it in the Blog Memes flickr group.

Credits:

TRUTH HAIR Gaia 2 

Glam Affair - Vera - America 03 C

IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Miamai Catwalk Lashes Glitter 01
ISON - asymmetric tank dress (sand)
Lazuri Maysoon Ring

MANDALA Necklace 777 jewelry set Yellow
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

The Interview Challenge

The Strawberry Singh meme of the week involved finding someone to interview me, so I threw Clay Cowen to the wolves (;-P) and asked him to interview me. I crashed three or four times trying to take a photo, and ended up with a less than optimal photo, but oh well. My computer and SL are not getting along that well lately. Here's our interview:

Me: I didn't get the pic I want but I got something, so let's start the interview. Can you interview me upside down?

Clay: hehe, sure. So, how long, do you think, before those wolves lose interest in us and we can get down?
Me: I think they're too smart for that. We'll have to teleport away. But maybe they're nice. I like dogs.

Clay: Like dogs, she says! Cute little store she says!  This woodland path is not scary she says! Seriously, what can I do to keep you from taking me shopping?
Me: There's nothing you can do to stop me. And that staying naked trick of yours doesn't work. It just makes me think you have nothing to wear.

Clay: Maybe I just like being naked around you, ever thought of that?
Me: It has occurred to me, yes. However, the urge to take you shopping is probably not the urge you're looking for. Besides, it's January 30th and I haven't taken you shopping in AGES! Do you remember the last time I made you go shopping?

Clay: Last time wasn't so bad, I guess. Is it very frustrating to be with a guy who changes his clothes about as often as a Simpsons character and hates shopping?
Me: grin It can be. I really don't understand how Second Life guys can wear the same clothes and skin and hair day in and day out. It's part of the fun for me in SL.

Clay: I guess for a lot of guys the fun of SL is just not having to worry about every day things like changes of clothes.  Is that how you got into doing the blog, enjoying the experience?
Me: You couldn't answer my question on when we last shopped together, could you?

Clay grumbles and looks at the wolves, considering trying his luck with them and looks back at her. "I guess not, no."
Me: I got into blogging because I like to put together looks and decorate my environment, and I like taking pictures, though sometimes with the computer crashes pictures are frustrating. I didn't think you'd remember...It was the Nerds and Geeks Fair! You got two Dr Who outfits and a sonic screwdriver!

Clay grins and nods "Now I remember it, yeah.  That was a while ago.  Do you enjoy finding new things like that?"
Me: I love the shared fantasy of Second Life, not just making my avi pretty (and yours). Everything we see on a sim is a creation of someone, not a background provided by Linden Labs. I love the designers who made the wolves, the trees, the poses, the clothes - and how I can put them together in my own way.

Clay grumbles about whoever made these menaces then looks back at Dolly. "You know, there are dangers in SL other than wolves.  Tell me the truth, you'd sell me to a travelling sideshow if it meant you could log on to Collabor88 first try every time, wouldn't you?"
Dolly Baroque grimaces for a moment, thinking hard. "Think that would work?"

Clay: How much hair is in your inventory and can we use it to fashion a rope and escape the wolves?
Me: Oh lord, I have no idea how many hairs I have, but I think we could make a rope to tie around the whole sim with the hair in my inventory. However, I'd rather feed you to the wolves than give them up.

Credits:

Studio Skye Enchanted Woods
Eclyps 3D Standing Wolf 1
Poses by Del May

On Clay

Dura-Boy 31(Mocha)
Colossus Boots Black
FATEwear Pants - John - London
FATEwear Shirt - Chung Blazer - Void
FATEwear Shirt - Chung TuckedShirt - London
Belleza- Ashton Medium GG Bald (chest hair)
 
On Dolly

Fashionably Dead Bossy Boots - Wingtip White
Fashionably Dead Bossy Boots Socks - White
Fashionably Dead Skin Tight Jeans - Sky Blue
coldLogic shirt - berry.paloma
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Donna Flora SQUARE ring topaz
TRUTH HAIR Bryn
Glam Affair - Vera - America - Clean E
  

Tools of the Second Life Photo Trade - A Meme

 I took this photo Sunday night before i saw Strawberry Singh's meme for this week. Honestly I wasn't trying to copy your look Berry! But I do love the memes, so even though I'm not showing any tools in the photo, I'll tell you about them.

There's only one HUD that I always wear for photos and that is the very handy (and very free) AnyPose Expression. I use it mostly to focus eyes and occasionally change my expression. I have several other tools, but I only wear them when I need them.

I haven't updated my Pose Anywhere HUD in a long time because I prefer using pose balls or stands. When I use my HUD and need to touch something to bring it into focus, my camera view changes because my avi turns around. I save this tool for places where I can't rez a pose ball.

I love my Animare Pose and Animation System. It's perfect for those small adjustments I sometimes need to make to a pose. Sometimes a different tilt to the head or a small hand adjustment can make a big difference to a look.

Non-photo tools are my Vista Animation Overrider that I've worn for years and my wonderful texture organizer from my building days, the Skidz Partz - TMat. It's a great way to keep those textures organized and to reduce the size of my inventory. You can even store poses in it, although I haven't tried that. It may seem pricey, but I've had mine for years and it still works perfectly.

In other news, I've been feeding my hair addiction with this latest Truth Hair release called Bryn. I feel fabulous - at least until my next fix.

Credits:

TRUTH HAIR Bryn

Maitreya Vintage Lace Gown - Antique Part1

Maitreya Vintage Pearl Necklace

Glam Affair - Cleo - America - Clean F

  IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Mandala Simple Ears HUTUU

Beetlebone Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)

Practical Jokester, Moi?

Strawberry Singh has started her blog memes again. Hooray! Last week was a "what did you do for New Year's Eve" meme. Mine was too uneventful to blog about. My friend who was going to spend the evening with me came down with a cold, my sons had friends over and I spent New Year's Eve staying out of their way. YAWN!

This week's meme is about practical jokes - jokes I'd played or had played on me.

Meme Instructions: Share one or more practical jokes that either you have played on others or others have played on you inworld. If you have pictures or videos to share of it, even better. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in [Berry's] comments.

I hung my head and sighed. I couldn't think of a single practical joke! I asked Ayla for help and she couldn't think of anything either. I threw a surprise SL party for her and her RL husband to celebrate their real life wedding, but other than getting them to the party under false pretenses it wasn't a joke.

We decided we were awfully, awfully boring, or forgetful or both. She logged for the night and at that minute I gave my forehead a slap. I remembered the day we decorated our friend Friar's home with grafitti. I still had my grafitti, so I recreated the scene of the crime, maid outfit and all. Here's the original picture! Ayla's was a god awful rendering of body parts. Maybe she'll share it. I got caught (go figure, how'd he guess it was me?). Here's a bit of our conversation about the matter:

Friar Tyles stands tapping his medieval foot on the floor as the lass begins to clear the wall of the strange symbols know as 'words'. With a devilish grin he tilts his head to the side to catch a glimpse of the lovely thighs on display and says...'I'm not sure who Ayla was but her friend has a good grasp of anatomy'

Dolly Baroque squints at the crude drawing above the fireplace and says, "Anatomy? Like the stars and such? I suppose it does kinda look like a rocketship, but what's that other thing? Twin moons?"

Friar Tyles bursts into peels of laughter at the misunderstanding. Pointing at the "W" with two dots at the centre hs tries to keep a straight face as he says...'I believe that is the constellation 'breastus major' also know as the funbag constellation'

Dolly Baroque turns to look at him, bowing to his superior wisdom. She was not likely to tell the gentleman what SHE thought the picture looked like.. not a rocketship and stars, that's for sure. "Well you'd know best Sir..." she says sweetly and turns back to the wall scrubbing.

Credits:

Belleza - Ria Med 1 R

Belleza - Ria Med Freckles 1

MANDALA Simple Ears HUTUU
BeetleBones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
IKON Spectral Eyes  - Amber
Maxi Gossamer - Ring - Royal Khadijah Estate - Large
Paint brush
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Luella

Provocation Maid costume

Provocation Maid rim

  

Winter Is Coming

The point of today's post is Strawberry Singh's weekly meme. This week we're going to talk about the winter season. I just turned our home sim to winter (surprise April and Ayla!) with the help of Alex Bader's gorgeous Studio Skye textures and landscaping so taking a photo was easy. On to the challenge.

Meme Instructions: Take a wintery picture and/or answer the following questions about the season. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in Berry's comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. What is the December/Winter season like where you live? – I live in Ohio bordering Kentucky. We get snow most years, but not like they do further north. People transplanted from snowier climates snicker at how panicked we get when we're expecting a snowstorm. They all claim we don't know how to drive in the snow which may be true. But those superior northern snow drivers are used to driving on snow where roads lie flat. We're a city of hills, some quite steep. Go ahead Chicagoans! Stop at that red light at the bottom of Ravine Street and hope the bus behind you manages to stop, too!
2. When you think of winter, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? – When I think about it it's romantic. Soft sweaters, cuddling under down comforters, hot chocolate with marshmallows, that sort of thing. Reality is different. Scraping car windows, shoveling sidewalks, hoping the ice storm doesn't break limbs off of trees and knock down power lines.
3. Have you ever played any extreme winter sports? – When my two sons were little I decided we would all learn how to ski. We needed some outdoor activity for the winter. I'm glad I made that decision. The boys are pretty good skiers - one has also taken up snowboarding - while I have always been happy making my way slowly down the green slopes. So to answer the question - no. My biggest goal in skiing was to make sure I knew how to slow down and stop.
4. What do you like most about this season? – After December I must admit I'm kind of ready for Spring. I like the holidays and I like wearing the cozy sweaters. Hot chocolate is pretty cool, too.
5. Do you celebrate Christmas, Hannukkah, Kwanzaa or another holiday during this time of year? – We're a multicultural family through marriage so we celebrate Christmas and Hannukkah with love and respect for both traditions.

Credits:

FATEplay Scarf - Evans
ISON - oversized wool coat (green)
LeeZu! Yukatan Pants and boots /olive
Tee*fy Turtle Neck Basic Sweater Grey 
TRUTH HAIR Dylan

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Belleza - Leila Med 4 R

Cowboy Hats and Bowties

If I think cowboy hats and bow ties are cool, what does that make me? Strawberry Singh made geeks, nerds, and dorks her challenge this week. It ties in nicely to my over the top excitement over the release of the Matt and David outfits from FATEplay introduced at the just opened Geeks'n'Nerds fair.

Clay really liked the David outfit best but since I liked the Karen outfit (also at the FATEplay booth) and his cowboy hat, I got bossy and we took this picture (as an aside, I switched the denim skirt in the Karen outfit with a leather one from Maitreya just for fun). Clay is back in the David outfit and I'll never get him out of it unless I can find a Spider Man costume somewhere.

My computer got overheated and I kept crashing or we'd have a decent picture of the 10th Doctor and Amy fighting zombies His pose and sonic screwdriver is from Hopscotch, the door and my pose is Tea.s  &  elephante poses  Dead Door. Both are available at Geeks'n'Nerds. I'm not sure that makes us nerds or geeks or maybe dorks, but it makes us something weird. OK, here's my not quite perfect Doctor-fights-zombies picture before I crashed.

Meme Instructions: Create an image depicting what you consider to be geeky/nerdy/dorky and/or answer the following questions! Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in Berry's comments and if you do a picture for this meme, feel free to share it in the blog memes flickr group.

1. What do you consider yourself to be? Geek? Nerd? Dork? None of the above? All of the above? –I have a little of all three. I can get my geek on just by logging into Second Life!
2. What was the first computer you ever owned? – The first one I ever owned was a Gateway. Horrid machine.
3. When and how did you first get on the internet? – It was work related. I had to get up to speed very quickly when I was put in charge of my company's investor relations department. The finance people were early adopters because we could check stock prices in (almost) real time.
4. Which geek fandom do you subscribe to? – Harry Potter. Fabulous books. And I recently caught up in Doctor Who. I still can't decide which is my favorite Doctor, but for companion it's Donna. Don't watch the video if you're not past Donna in the Doctor Who series. Spoilers!
5. Star Trek or Star Wars? – Star Trek because it made splitting infinitives cool.
6. How Geeky Are You? – I got 16%. Apparently geeks know another meaning for Ajax than a cleanser for the bathroom or a Trojan War hero in the Iliad.

Credits:

On Clay First Picture

HopScotch It doesn't do wood -Sonic Screwdriver (at Geeks'n'Nerds)
FATEplay - Matt Blazer, Pants - Original (at Geeks'n'Nerds)
TRUTH HAIR Jack - LightBrowns01

Belleza Ashton Medium GG Bald (chest hair)
  

On Clay Second Picture

  

Dura Boy 31(Mocha)
DECO - MESH Classic Sneaks medium (red)
FATEplay - David Blazer, Coat and Pants - Original (at Geeks'n'Nerds)

On Dolly

JANE - lil piggies tights.fuzzy.bk charcoal

Belleza Leila Freckles 2 MED

Yummy Faceted Solitaire Ring - Diamond
::BB:: Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)
FATEplay - Karen Jacket, Shirt - Crimson
Maitreya Mini Skirt * Dark Leather Eternity
Mayfly - Luminous - Mesh Eye (Deep Honey Hazel, w3)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Vanity Boot Black
[LeLutka]-POCAHONTAS hair - IrishRed
Belleza- Leila Med R 3

Introspection

This week for her meme, Strawberry Singh has challenged us to look inward. I'm kind of pouty about it because with Shoetopia going on right now I really want to look at my feet not my soul. Nevertheless, it's a good challenge and I'll give it a go.

Meme instructions: Answer the following questions and don’t forget to leave a link to your post in (Berry's) comments.

1. Regardless of your current number, how old do you actually feel? – Without telling my actual age, I'd say I feel mid-thirties. I don't think we truly hit our strides until then.
2. Which is worse, failing or never trying? – Never trying, definitely. Unless it's parachuting out of an airplane.
3. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? – I'd sing more.
4. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? – I guess I try to do the right thing though sometimes it's difficult to know what that is.
5. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? – I can't imagine being joyful as a simpleton, so I guess I'll stick with worried slightly above average.
6. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? –You'd have to ask my friends about that. I try to be.
7. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now? – Uh...yeah.
8. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive? – Anytime I laugh with a friend.
9. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job? – I never thought I would, but if you give me the money we'll test that theory.
10. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today? – I'd gather my family together and feed them all their favorite foods.
11. What do you feel is the difference between being alive and truly living? – Being alive is getting through the tough times by putting one foot in front of another. Truly living is jumping off the cliff and trusting yourself to find your footing.
12. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake? – I don't think I'm afraid to make small mistakes. But mistakes aren't all equal. Some are damn hard to come back from.
13. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? – I'd sing and dance a lot more.
14. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be? – A newborn? That seems to be a little soon to start offering advice. Maybe "Sleeping through the night is a GOOD thing."

Credits:

22769 ~ [femme] Forest Elves Queensdress Green (at The Fantasy Collective)

Clawtooth: Windswept - Strawberry cream

Mayfly - Luminous - Mesh Eye (Deep Honey Hazel, w3)

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

-Belleza- Leila Med R 3