Tag: Avatars

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

A Poet’s Heart

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Poet's Heart

I get so excited when I have the opportunity to blog something that falls under “fantasy,” although I guess some would argue that EVERYTHING in Second Life fits under that headline.  But for me, there is a very obvious difference… the world of fantasy is one that doesn’t reflect modern life, so it includes all the fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, furries, and more), as well as medieval, steampunk, and futuristic genres. I’m sure there are more that aren’t coming to mind, but the point is that they all represent things that just don’t fit into our everyday existence.  As I’ve said previously, many years ago I had created an alt to play in SL as a fae, rather than “dress up” my regular avatar.  Doing fantasy as Ceja felt like wearing a costume; dressing in my fantasy clothes as Thea felt more “real” and part of every day because it’s just who she was.   Back when the Fantasy Faire was happening, I was excited to revive and update my fae existence, and now really yearn to blog more fantasy.  I’m SOOO thrilled to have a new fantasy sponsor, Poet’s Heart, that will truly help me spread my wings and fly!  Just the first post of what I promise to be many more!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Jane.  A simple but beautiful gown, with optional sleeves & a HUD that offers total ability to customize the look, by changing the not just the color of the gown, nut also your choice of solid & patterned textures for the corset, colors for the laces on the corset, the lace edging, & even the metallic details.  See the pic below for a full-length shot of this stunning outfit.  It’s sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available in a Floral Pack, a Goth Pack, a Happy Pack, a Virginal Pack, a Lively Pack, or a full Fatpack.  So many looks from one outfit, it truly is a fantasy!
  • Accessories:  Melt – Peony Necklace in Plum; Fae Headdress in Purple (gacha items)
  • Shoes:  Rogue Echo – Vita Light Heels
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin, in the FF20 tone
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Nightmare Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose (full-length shot):  Stardust – Aurelia #5
  • Location:  Farhaven

Show-off

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)

Down the Rabbit Hole

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Down the Rabbit Hole

I’ve always had a special affinity for Alice in Wonderland.  In elementary school, I was often called Alison Wonderland (meant derogatively, of course), but it never bothered me because I secretly liked it.  (I didn’t like it as much when they called my best friend and I Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, but hey, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as what some other kids got). I loved the story and its drug-fueled imagination (of course, I didn’t understand the drug angle until much later), falling through a hole into a new world, kind of like Dorothy landing in Oz.  Alice was never my favorite character though; I always loved the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat.  So when I saw this outfit for the Down the Rabbit Hole event — which is a really fun theme, and no, you don’t have to drink anything or shrink small to go! — I knew it was mine to blog.  And I do mean MINE, not my alt who does the fantasy blogging, but MINE.  I mean come on… the provided hair is RED, and that means it’s MINE.  What a relief knowing that I definitely have the perfect outfit all set for Halloween!!!

  • Outfit:  BWC – Mad Hatter.  A totally unique, adorably sexy creation, that includes absolutely everything you need for a complete outfit — the jacket, the corset, panties, thigh high stockings, leg garters, heels, hat, choker, even the hair!  Lots of great little touches, like the card in the hatband & the pocket watch sticking out. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Tonic, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, Maitreya, & Fitmesh. You should note that not all items come in all sizes, but by using my alpha & the fitmesh for the corset (there’s no HG for that), it fit perfectly! But since all bodies are different, be sure to try the demo first.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Down the Rabbit Hole, an Evil Bunny production, open from July 11th – 21st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Diversion – Urban Girl
  • Location:  Enchanted Fantasy (awesome store for Fairytale Landscapes & Decorations)

Bye Bye Birdie

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Bye Bird Birdie

Ok, so I had my outpatient surgery on Tuesday. I have to say, surgery has never been a fun experience but in this new reality? It’s even worse.  Don’t get me wrong… I’m THRILLED that I finally had this procedure done… I’ve been having difficulties with my knee since last year and the surgery was originally supposed to be in late March, so the delay created its own issues.  But as someone who gets very very nervous with anticipation, going in and having surgery all by yourself, with no family to sit with you or comfort you or be there when you wake up, just makes it that much harder.  And my surgery (which was thankfully a very short and relatively minor one in the scheme of things) was delayed by 2 hours, so I just lay there in pre-op for almost 3 hours alone, with no company, no TV, no book, nothing to do but lie there with my own worrisome thoughts about having anesthesia and all that can wrong, despite previous successful surgeries.  I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be for someone facing a major operation or their very first one, how completely terrifying to go through that alone.  When my husband had open-heart surgery last year, I was there all day every day, keeping him company and both of us calm. I would have been desperate without being able to be there and see for myself and help take care of him. Yes, I know it’s for everyone’s safety which is definitely crucial, but it does make an already difficult process even more so. Well I’m home now, gimping around, dealing with the after effects, looking forward to the day when I can walk again without pain, looking forward to a future time when these restrictions can be eased, and loved ones can once again support each other through the bad times.  Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.  Until then, we do what we must…  and when the going gets tough, the tough can put their feet up and still get shopping!

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Julia Jumpsuit with Julia Heels. Very stylish, & to me seems to invite touching, the stroking of the satiny fabric.  The jumpsuit & matching heels have 16 textures to choose from; the sheer panels have 4.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My BANUS in Green.  An adorable pouch bag, with both an arm & a hand hold.  Available in 7 colors, each for just 99L at Sail into Summer sales & hunt event.  There is also a hunt for 1L that you have to look for in the store. (All items are in the store!)
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Maybeline, worn in Butter browless.  Another glorious skin, this time with some of my all-time favorites tones like Butter.  And the best part?  It’s FREE as the June Group Gift to members, with 7 tones in both omega & BOM, regular & browless.  See the closeup below (my own freckles & GENUS makeup added)…
  • Head, Brows, Makeup:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Marcela
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Aurora Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Violet #3 Curve; Kokoro Poses  – Bird Holding
  • Props:  Evolving Images – Bird Cage V; B. Labs – Wine Tray
  • Backdrop:  K&S – Kitchen Daylight Photo booth (rare)

Communing with Nature

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Communing with Nature

Ahhhh spring/early summer! So delightful… warm but not hot, sunny but not burning, cool breezes that don’t chill.  My home is still in a “Phase 1 Recovery Zone,” so there’s nowhere to go and no reason to go there, which means I’m spending a great deal of time in my backyard or on my back porch.  I’m very lucky to have them; I think of all those people who are “trapped” like me, but without the ready availability of beautiful outdoor space, filled with birds, butterflies, and more.  I’m also paying more attention to it because it’s my last summer here at the home where I’ve lived for decades and raised my kids.  Our home isn’t on the market yet (still waiting for that permit!!), but hopefully it should be soon.  It’s exciting, it’s momentous, and yes, it’s bittersweet.  Part of me doesn’t want to leave… I love it here. It’s beautiful and it’s filled with memories.  But it’s an expensive area with limited activities unless you have the means and the willingness to spend a great deal of money (not to mention those long cold winters), so it’s the right time of my life to make a drastic move to sunnier climes.  And yes, when I’m there I’ll still spend a lot of time in my beautiful outdoor space, watching different birds, butterflies, and more… And I’ve found it interesting that I do the same thing at my home(s) here on the grid — I fill them with floral and fauna, and spend a great deal of time just sitting and watching them.  It’s not shopping therapy, but the color, the movement, the life itself, is definitely therapeutic!

  • Outfit:  Swank & Co.:  Snazzy Florals Top & Pants.  Adorably sexy, fresh as a spring day!  The top is sublime, & is included in two versions… either with floral edge trim only (like it is on the top edge) or with the fuller pattern as shown here.  Available in 4 colors (it’s the floral that changes; the base stays white); sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, opening TODAY June 7th.  
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Bloodline
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – Good Day

Blue in Paradise

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Blue in Paradise

Just because you’re in paradise physically doesn’t mean you’re happy.  These days especially, no matter where you are the pressures & stress & worries & inequities in the world can impact even the most resilient of us.  But whether you’re stressing over racial inequality, COVID19, personal issues, or even a lost shaker of salt, don’t let people tell you that YOU have no right to be upset or blue considering what you have or where you are.  Yes, some are lucky enough to be more privileged than others, while others struggle every day, but we ALL have the basic human right to feel upset or scared or just plain blue.  Of course, it’s true the other way around as well.  Those around you have the same right; it’s not necessarily bad to remind people of what they DO have, as long as you don’t belittle their emotions in the process.  Well, time to get off my soapbox and find that missing salt shaker, don’t you think?  Then off for more shopping therapy, which ALWAYS lifts spirits!!!

  • Outfit:  Virtue – Felicia.  Love this style, which to me has a definite vintage vibe while still being right on target for today’s style.  The high waist & skinny belt really shows off your shape; the extra layer at the neckline & on the sleeves adds that designer detail to set the outfit apart. Since each piece is separate, you can wear the arms or go sleeveless. Choose from 6 colors including this fabulous shade of red, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aloha, worn in Cashew browless.  I run out of superlatives for these 7DS skins, each one a beauty in its own indescribable way! Aloha is another stunner, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  See the closeup below, EXCLUSIVELY available at DUBAI Event until June 10th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.   Yesterday I showed the offsim island/bar & the rowboat (HERE); today it’s the land version of the bar.  Chairs have bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances); texture change for the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions.
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Tyrisha
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Sandra Sandals
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Lyra Enchantress Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Surf, sand, & THAT little talk

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Surf, sand & THAT little talk

The temperature is finally warm enough for shorts where I live, so now of course my thoughts are turning to the beach.  Not quite sure if I’ll get to a real live beach this summer, but I’m certainly hitting the sand in SL!  The nice thing about the beach in SL is that you don’t end up with sand stuck in uncomfortable places, you don’t track it EVERYWHERE, and since I have a beach home, I can easily dress in any way I want to go for a stroll, have a drink, sit and read, whatever.  Sighs… if only it were so easy in real life, but I think it will take a bit longer for those carefree days of surf and sand to return… (Not to mention most of us look WAY better on the beach in our SL clothes than we do IRL lol)… Happy shopping!

  • Head & Body: Tonic – Tempest bento head worn with Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt. The Tonic Five Year Anniversary Sale started May 11th, with both the Tonic Curvy Beauty & The Tonic Fine Beauty bodies on sale for 50% OFF!  Sale prices are EXCLUSIVELY at the May eBENTO, May 12th – 31st. 
  • Outfit:  MOZ Designs –  “Alicia” Ruffle Hem Crop Top & “Ella” Ruffle Hem Shorts Set.  A perfect all-around crop top — not too short, too tight, too little — with crossed straps on the back & the loveliest all-around slightly flared ruffle, sold with matching shorts.  Set is sold as 6 individual denim/ruffle combos or as a SuperPack with 5 denims/13 ruffles for both the top & bottom so you can make your own combinations. Top is also available on its own in 3 individual denim/ruffle combos or in a fatpack with 5 denims/13 ruffles. Original fitmesh sized for Tonic, Slink, Belleza I/F, eBody, Eve, & Maitreya.  Demo available.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Eugene, worn in Almond browless
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose (for Ceja):  Secret Poses – Wine & Chat, #3
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Crichton is wearing:

  • Beachwear:  Allure Couture – NEW!  Shen.  Beach shorts & sandals, with awesome fish decor on the front of the shorts. All textures are ORIGINAL.  Sized for Slink, Aesthetic, Belleza Jake, Davide, David, Signature, & Classic. Available in both a fatpack of 10 colors for the beach shorts/8 for the sandals & a slimpack of 5 colors for the beach shorts/4 for the sandals, EXCLUSIVELY at Look Event, May 24th – June 24th. A We Love to Blog Designer.

Time for a Tom Collins

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Time for a Tom Collins

One of the many, many side effects of stay-at-home has been that on social drinking.  First off, there’s just no “social”.  Now, I’m not much of a drinker to begin with, but I have enjoyed the ritual of gathering at cocktail hour for a drink or two, especially to watch the sunset in a tropical clime.   Once not so long ago, there was a bit of a stigma of drinking before the appointed hour… that certainly seems to have gone by the wayside.  Yes, we must guard against the all-day drinking out of boredom or frustration or whatever, or you can end up with a much bigger problem, but if you’re stuck at home, and occasionally want a cocktail, why not?  It’s like the old joke — it’s 5:00 somewhere!  Join me?

  • Dress:  MV Apparel – Fleur Dress.  The styling of this long dress is quite a bit more than a simple sundress because of how shapely it is through the bodice, & yet it still says “sun” to me.  It also says “cocktails” (but then a great many things say that these days lol), & with a 42 pattern HUD — 42! — this dress is perfect for cocktails in a great many locales.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Boho Chic Swank Event, open until May 31st.  Worn with High Heel Sandals, also available at the event, with a 40-solid-color HUD, so no matter which pattern you pick for the dress, the shoes match!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Somber
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Taupe browless
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Nails:  Plastik – Meore
  • Jewelry:  Earthtones Boutique (extinct vendor) – CloverClouds Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  NANTRA – Sea Breeze (includes hat)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)