Life is but a Dream

http://Life is but a Dream

So I’ve been a busy, busy girl the last several days, working on all the promises I’ve made myself for things I want to learn.  First up, I’m finally teaching myself how to use the Black Dragon viewer. I will say that the new version made it much easier to move around than the last time I tried, and I was much MUCH more careful about increasing too many sliders since last time I not only ended up being unable to take photographs, I started crashing upon logging in and eventually just gave up.  This time, I’m sticking to it!  In fact, this is my very first blog post made with the Black Dragon viewer.  I’ll admit that I ALSO have a Firestorm pic that came out really really well (at least IMHO; it seems that whenever I really like a pic, relatively few other people do lol), but the quality and depth of colors you get with this viewer are incomparable. I can only surmise that my pix will improve as I learn how to manipulate all the settings, since many that I’m used to using are gone, and there are lots of new ones to learn.  On top of it, many of my favorite windlights are not included, but I now have the power to adjust light in ways I never even imagined.  So much fun!!!!  As for what else I’m working on, well, it’s still got quite a ways to go, so I think I’ll just keep it to myself for now as I continue to work on making my dreams come true…  😉

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Apricot Outfit.  A delightful denim skirt with floral applique that comes with two alternate criss-cross cropped tops (one with sheer sleeves, one without) & matching heels w/ anklets!  A summery delight, sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 14/19 July 7th – 27th. Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, one of the new deluxe bento heads from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie, at Equal10
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Tattoo: Juna Artistic Tattoo – Karin
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes, HD6 Eyeshadow, Grazi Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Lingerie (not seen) MOZ Designs – Tangas Thong Satin
  • Jewelry: Earthtones Boutique – Dragonfly Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Garden of Dreams

A moment of bliss in the desolation

http://A moment of bliss in the loneliness

Throughout life, I’ve learned that even when feeling at my most alone, my most abandoned, there can be moments of pure bliss.  Sometimes they can be easy to find, like the warmth of the sun on a lonely beach, or the rays of sun streaking through dark clouds.  Other times, they require a little — or even a lot of — work to uncover, which means digging deep for motivation rather than just sinking into that feeling of desolation.  If you’re lucky, nature provides that lift and throws something out there for you to just stumble over and lift you up, even if only for a moment or two.  But that breath of fresh air, of feeling at one with the world, can be enough to give you that boost and keep you going, almost like an instant recharge of your batteries.  If only we could swap them out for a fresh set!!!  But we can’t, so we do what we must, pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, keep moving onwards and upwards, for one more day… wow, I really do need that vacation… 😉

  • Top:  Tonic – Breezy Silk Top.  Soft & light, just like a summer breeze.  With 24 delightful colors in the HUD, this beautifully delicate floral silk top is a perfect mix & match addition to your summer wardrobe.  Sized EXCLUSIVELY for the Tonic mesh bodies (curvy, fine & fine mini), & EXCLUSIVE at the July eBENTO  July 10 – 30th. 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aquilla, worn in Cashew Browless.  Geez, another gorgeous Omega skin (this time based on LAQ), Aquilla has a serene inner beauty that radiates through to the skin. I always love the cashew tone (the lightest of the darks) which has just that perfect hint of summer. Fatpacks of dark or light tones are EXCLUSIVE at the July eBENTO July 10 – 30th.  Demos & Shape also available.
  • Skirt:  PiZazz Couture – Monica
  • Head: Tonic – Coco, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her look all your own
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Palma
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega);  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Harmony Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  North Brother Island

Taking the Helm

http://Taking the Helm

So I’m a bit ashamed to say that despite the fact that I bought my Bandit IF a few months ago — and was so excited that I rushed to buy it even though I was somewhat torn between it and another boat, only to have a veritable hybrid between the two be launched less than two weeks later — I still haven’t learned to sail. It’s a commitment I’m putting down on paper right here, right now… I will at least learn the basics this summer, though I doubt I’ll achieve the mastery I need in order to start racing her (which WAS the plan). But Step 1 is done… I’ve got the boat.  And so is Step 2… I’ve found where to take some self-directed lessons (private lessons available if I want them). I’ve taken her out a few times, and LOVE LOVE LOVE the feel when she’s running with the wind… I’m just not very good (translation: I’m absolutely dreadful) at getting where I want to go, like home when I’m done lol.  But the only way to learn is by doing, so here I am, sitting in the captain’s seat, tiller in my hand… time to hoist the sails and start cruising! Just one thing… If I’m not back in a reasonable amount of time, please send the SL Coast Guard to bring us home!!! 😉

  • Top:  Graffitiwear – Fickle Fatpack – Top & Hoodie Set.  Two options available — one with a HUD of 8 graphics, one with 8 “attitudes” for the top (definitely more my style lol, the one I’m wearing is absolutely PERFECT not just for me, but probably for any fashion blogger… the fact that it’s “my” color, makes it that much better!), awesome matching solids for the hoodie…  And the fabrics!  The airy lightness of the top next to the luxurious softness of the hoodie… Sized for Tonic, Belleza F/I/V, Slink H/P, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 14/19 July 7th – 27th.  Demo available.
  • Shorts:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Riley” Belted Hi-Waisted Shorts.  When a top is really really short like this one, I prefer a higher waist bottom to balance it out.  Riley is a high waisted, belted denim short in six denim fabrics. Original Fitmesh for Maitreya, Slink, Belleza, Tonic, eBody & EVE mesh bodies.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid!
  • Hair:  Rama Salon – Lindsay
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL –  HD14 Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Aurealis Jewelry – Haro Earrings in Rose Gold (a previous Cosmopolitan Anniversary gift); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Antago
  • Nails:  Black Butterflii – Minoo
  • Location:  my home on Blake Passage

 

Tropical Dreams

http://Tropical Dreams

It’s absolutely suffocating outside today, so incredibly humid I can barely breathe.  I find this kind of stifling weather totally unbearable… UNLESS I’m in the tropics, with waving palm trees, ocean breezes, frozen drinks, music, and beautiful sunsets… Unfortunately, I’m at home here in the northeast, but at least I have my air conditioning!!!  We are scheduled to attend an outdoor concert tonight for a local philharmonic at an historic site, but they’re predicting torrential downpours with lightning and thunder, so the odds are I’ll be inworld instead… either way, I’ll be dreaming of my tropical isle…  😉

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Gabby Bra Top & Micro Mini Skirt.  Incredibly sexy, a beautifully structured lingerie-inspired look that still manages to stay classy.  Perfect for my tropical isle or anywhere you want to get noticed because this is one of those dresses that just makes you feel like you could conquer the world! Includes a 32-color HUD, so no matter what your sexy feels like, there’s a color to fit! Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya & Classic XXS-L.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid!
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie, at Equal10
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes, HD6 Eyeshadow, Grazi Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Lingerie: Tonic – Corazon Thong
  • Nails: Encore – Shades of Green Nail Appliers
  • Jewelry:  Accolade – Japanese Tensha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band.
  • Location:  Saltwater

End of a Long Day

http://End of a Long Day

Maybe it’s the heat, but the days are feeling very long and I’m feeling a little lost. I also have been feeling “off”, which certainly doesn’t help.  I seem to be spending a lot of time just wandering, both in my RL home and here at my SL home, which I love more and more every day.  Admittedly the beauty of SL is that when you have an idea, you can easily make it reality (“reality” in virtual terms, that is), unlike RL where so very much more is involved (don’t let me get started on how long it’s taken us to get our driveway fixed… and then the guy we hired didn’t even show up… sighs…)  Now, where’s a good spot for me to watch this glorious sky and daydream, and wonder if it’s called daydreaming if it’s not during the day… and keep an eye out for fireworks for the 4th, knowing I could always fly over or take the boat… I love this life, but I’m just soooo tired…  😉

  • Outfit:  WellMade – Magda Oufit wraps around your body & drapes in a way that totally shows off your curves — with just enough of the bra & panties showing for that contrast of a 2nd color — without getting too in your face about it.  Looks incredible from the back too (see below)!  Includes a 35-color HUD of the most luscious colors that lets you set colors separately for the wrap around dress, the bra, & the panties.  Wear everything together, or wear the pieces separately.  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Curvy, Jomo D/F/W & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid!
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes, HD10 Eyeshadow, HD11 Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Hair:  BESOM – Dasha
  • Tattoo: Juna Artistic Tattoo – Moon
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Jewelry Set (Earrings & Necklace) in Burning Embers; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Katia Sandals
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura – Mood Bento Pose
  • Location:  my home on Blake Passage

Saluting the Sunshine

http://Soaking In the SunshineJuly 4th is coming. If you’re not in the US, that may be meaningless to you, but in this country it holds all kinds of meaning… some deep, and some more along the lines of sunshine, barbecue, beach, and water.  I may not be able to have ANY of those things this year (except for the sunshine, the weatherman is promising sunny, though with tons of heat and humidity), but that doesn’t mean I won’t be enjoying all those things virtually… without all the traffic, without all the crowds, without the sunburn… and I’ll look so much better doing it too!  Here’s to YOUR 4th of July, whether or not you celebrate it!!!  😉

  • Swim Suit:  Prism – Ariel Swim Suit by Jezzixa Cazalet has such a beautiful variegated texture, almost like glistening mermaid scales!  Available in 5 options — Green (worn), Blue, Mauve, & Pink for just 99L each — or a fatpack .  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V & Maitreya.  An EXCLUSIVE only at the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair: TRUTH – Cerys
  • Nails: Encore – Shades of Green Nail Appliers
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Antago
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Thinking about you

http://Thinking of you

I just received a wonderful summer surprise! Seems my new part-time job — which already had flexible hours — has reduced SUMMER hours, where everyone leaves around noon or 1P.  Since I often don’t go in until 11A or noon, it immediately reminded me of The Merry Old Land of Oz — “We get up at twelve and start to work at one, Take an hour for lunch and then at two we’re done, Jolly good fun”.  It won’t quite be like that obviously; I’ll have to go in earlier, but it means I’ll have more spare time to work on some of the things on my to-do list.  First up has been experimenting with some of the photo settings in Firestorm, to try to create more depth… this shot is the result of my first effort.  For a first go, I’m pretty satisfied because I had some tough choices to make, and to me that’s always a good sign!!!!  Here’s to more great things to come (even if I’m the only one who ends up thinking they’re great lol!!!!)…. 😉

  • Dress:  Wang– Sophie SWEET SIN, this slip of a nightdress — that if you’re a more daring soul than me could be worn out on the town — includes a 10-color HUD of the most fabulous netted textures that I found look especially enchanting in candlelight because of how they reflect the light.  Sinfully beautiful, sexy, & elegant, all at the same time.  Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th. 
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Hair:  Ayashi – Mokka
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Lingerie:  MOZ Designs – “Babi” Brazilian Cut Panty
  • Pose:  LoVeLy – Gift Pose 3 (Marketplace Only)