Hmmm, where should THIS carrot go?

http://Hmmm, where should THIS carrot go?

So yes, I love all these wintry pix, and all the snowy accessories here in Second Life. But I have to say, when it comes to Real Life, I’m so done with it.  It’s sooooooo cold and icy, and rather than feeling even the smallest spark of joy if it starts to snow, instead the attitude that rises is one of “Oh great, more snow.”  And winter hasn’t even officially begun!!  All I keep telling myself is one more winter to go, and then I AM DONE.  I won’t have to live through this and freeze and ache to my bones.  I’ll be able to visit and ooh and aaahhh, and then I’ll be able to go home to a nice warm sunny clime where I never have to worry about slipping on the ice or shoveling out the driveway or having to drag the dog out in subfreezing weather (she’s smart enough to not want to go out either).  And then I’ll enjoy wonderful outfits like this even more than I do now, where all I can see is the fun and beauty, and not the bitter cold that goes with them.  What can I say? I need more hot coffee, just to warm up after having been out in the frigid air.   Brrrrrr…… happppppy shoppppppinggggg!

  • Outfit:  Hawker’s House – Alpine Hooded Cardigan Aspen, which comes with the Skinny Jeans & Snow Boots.  Such a warm toasty outfit for a snow-filled winter’s day of fun! Love the pattern & mixed fabrics on this thick heavy cardigan, which is sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, & Classic XS-L.  The comfy mesh blue denim skinny jeans & Larken red snow boots are classic sized only, but easily fit mesh bodies with use of body alphas.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • 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!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Besom – Aidia
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Snowman
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Tell it to the mountain

http://Tell it To the Mountain

OK, so this is my second time writing this post.  My lovely computer lost the entire thing WHILE I WAS SAVING IT.  My frustration level has been rising day by day.  I’ve known my hard drive was failing, which is why I ordered a new computer back on Black Friday. The day it was to arrive I received an email saying it was delayed… possibly till Jan 10th.  After two days with no further word, I went shopping online.  Configured my own, got something even better for a bit less money, and then went into customer service h*ll trying to cancel computer #1.  Bottom line… it can’t be cancelled but it can be returned no charge.  So two computers are now on the way. In the meantime, this one has gotten so bad that I lost my entire post.  EVERYTHING.  Not just this bit, which is the easy part, but all the details and all the slurls.  Then on top of it, it took multiple tries and loads of time to get the shot below to upload.  Geez, it shouldn’t be this hard! Screams out my frustration at the mountain, trying to let the peace and calm of the scene wash over me… taking deep breaths… remembering to breathe… and oh yeah, happy shopping…

  • Outfit:  Jezzixa Cazalet for Prism Designs – Prism Inez Pant Set.  I just love the gleam of the satin & the way the sleeves are pushed up on this deceptively simple, loose cropped top, plus the little matching splashes of color on the tight pants with the zippers at the top of the thighs & then the open ankle zippers.  Available in 6 color options or as a fatpack, sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  See below for a full standing pic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Designer Circle 25/19, open Dec 15th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Scene:  TM Creation – “Hug Me Tender Bear” Winter Scene. Winter scene placed on pile of snow with snowy rocks (walkable on top), brushes, ferns, sled, blanket, little bears & literally hundreds of singles & couples anims (including bento). No Poseball – No static poses – Scene Sequence play up to 8 mins of scene (looping x each).  EXCLUSIVELY available in both PG & Adult versions at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • 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!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Moon – Bedshaped
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ariel Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet

 

 

 

A moment by the fire

http://A moment by the fire

In these last few weeks before the holidays when stress starts to build over finding last minute gifts, dealing with parties, or — for me — delayed orders, dying computers, and a nagging sore throat/cough, one of the more calming visions is just relaxing by the fire, doing nothing at all but being.  Sighs… if only it was possible in real life as easily as it is here.  But at least I can have it here, whenever I need it (and boy, am I needing it!!!!)  Just need to recharge my batteries, as it were, to finish up that holiday/birthday shopping and end the year on a high note… happy shopping to all!

What we’re wearing:

  • Outfits:   {-sonder-} – Holiday Pajamas.  The most adorable Christmas onesies, made for men, women, & children.  I don’t have kids in SL (unless you count the kittycat version lol), so I was sooooo happy that there were adult sizes of these! I’m wearing “Santa Pets”, made in sizes for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya; Crichton is wearing the “Santa Onesie”, made for Slink, Jake, & Signature Gianni.  (“Icy Deer” style also available.)   At the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Sedona, worn in Caramel browless, BOM version.  A real beauty of a lightly freckled Omega skin,  two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at Shiny Shabby till Dec 15th.  Shape & demos also available.  (Crichton is wearing the skin included with his AK head.)
  • Heads:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM) for me; Clay for Crichton
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet, Male & Female versions
  • Hair:  Tameless – Candy (for me); Vango – Jared (for Crichton)
  • Freckles/Eyebrows:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); Curved Eyebrows
  • Nails:  Iconic Designs – Christmas Time Nails

The scene:

  • Fireplace:  Tylar’s Treasures – Christmas Pointsettia Fireplace, includes the fireplace with crackling fire (touch on/off), log holder, two potted pointsettia plants, & the hanging garland.  What a beauty! To make it even more special, it’s a 100% EXCLUSIVE DONATION ITEM to the fight against children’s cancer through Relay for Life at the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, open through Dec 15th.  Sharing a booth with Home Whimsy; your taxi is waiting for you HERE.
  • Rug:  Simple Reflections – Christmas Blanket & Christmas Tree Gnome.  The perfect rug for stretching out in front of the fireplace, the cat pillows add just the right touch of whimsy.  Includes a texture changer, plus loads of both single & cuddle animations (44 single sits, 28 cuddles, 18 massage).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  (The Gnome is sold separately.)

How can I have nothing to wear?

http://How can I have nothing to wear?

Even before I became a blogger, I had a pretty full clothing inventory because I love to shop.  In fact, that’s why I was tempted into blogging in the first place!  Now my virtual closets are overflowing, and definitely not nearly as well organized as they could or should be.  And yet I have to admit that there are plenty of times when I’m stumped, staring at my closet and feeling that I have absolutely nothing to wear  when going dancing or somewhere special.  I don’t even know how that’s possible, and it’s somewhat embarrassing to admit, and yet, it is often the case.  Tons of outfits, and nothing to wear.  Figures. Well, just one thing for a girl to do in that kind of situation… GO SHOPPING!!!!

  • Outfit:  WellMade – Maddox Outfit.  Love this lingerie outfit!  It’s just so different than the itty-bitty, overly sexual lingerie sets you generally see in here.  This set is just so much more what us fuller-bodied girls wear in RL, & yet the way it shows off my curves (especially from the back!) still makes it plenty seductive!  And the little mini-sweater just to keep you warm enough while trying to decide what else (if anything!) to wear… perfect! The HUD provides 10 color choices for bra, panties, & sweater.  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Altamura, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • 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!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Imani
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace, Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Wear This, #8
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – My Christmas Closet

Christmastime in the City

http://Christmastime in the City

As beautiful as snow is in the country and suburban areas, to my city-bred heart there really is nothing quite as glorious as the peace and beauty of softly falling snow in the city.  The contrast of the big flakes with the lights of the city — especially at Christmastime with all the sparkling decorations — and the hush that descends with the newly fallen snow is indescribable, but it is definitely something that once experienced, it stays with you forever.  Unfortunately, as any NYC resident knows, snow doesn’t stay that way very long in the city… it very quickly turns to black, grey, yellow, and other colors I won’t even mention, the ice and sludge mount at corners and crosswalks, and the peace disappears into the jarring noise of traffic sounds as the city reawakens and resumes its interrupted pace.  But for those first few hours, when the snow is still steadily falling, the wind is still, and all is peace and quiet, it’s a most beautiful sight…

  • Outfit:  (BYRNE) – StarGrunge Dress & Boots.  Simply glorious wool turtleneck sweater with star patterned leatherette minidress & over the knee boots.  Comes in black/white & white/black versions; sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. 
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  eXxEsS– Xmas Gift 2018
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow; Dina Matte Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Dec ’17 GIFT
  • Jewelry:  Snowflakes Necklace (unknown creator); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: LW: Bento PosesThe Simple Things, available at The Winter Pose Fair
  • Location:  A NYC Christmas

 

The Perfect Touch

http://The Perfect Touch

One of the many many things I love about Second Life is how easy it is to continually change things up.  The seasons change where I live here — winter to spring/summer, and then I add fall as well — and with each seasonal shift, I find that I’m changing much of the landscaping.  Not just from a green version to a white one, but entire re-envisioning of parts of the landscape.  The same now holds true of my holiday decorating.  For years, I had a Holiday Box (literally), with everything that I used to decorate the house.  I’d of course add a few new things each year, tossing away high prim objects that were available with better technology and replacing them with newer versions.  But this year I’ve noticed a marked difference.  To begin with, it’s my first year in my new home.  And although we had moved quite frequently before, it was generally within the same estate system or two, so the look and feel of the property was always generally the same, because that was what we liked.  Where we live now is completely different from anything I’ve done on the grid before, and therefore a lot of the old ideas just don’t work. I haven’t even lugged the box out of inventory, although a few stand-alone favorites have definitely found their way into new places.  But mostly I’ve been picking up gorgeous items at events and, of course as a blogger, I’m fortunate enough to receive many wonderful items to “play” with.  The result is that I’m creating a whole new space, and wow, is it ever fun!  To try to find the perfect space for everything, and the perfect something for every space!  I’ll be sharing lots of little glimpses here… some may not even last the season, who knows? In the meantime, though, happy shopping!

What I’m wearing:

  • Outfit:  Ashmoot – A/W CoLL Jumpsuit shown with A/W CoLL Mid Tip Toe.  Jumpsuit is available in 6 different earth shades. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, in single item packs or FULL Outfit pack at promo price.   EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Shoes in separate pack.  Demos available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Billy, worn in Caramel browless.  A real beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows) available at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Shape & demos also available.  
  • Hair:  Firelight – Phoebe Hair/Fatpack (Thick Edition).  Multi-shade full bodied wavy style…  Available in 6 color packs or as a fatpack, each with rigged & unrigged versions, in two different effects.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
  • 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!
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Fall Eyeshadows; DS’Elles – Series 8 Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Sintiklia – Snowflakes Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Eternal Dream – It’s A Snowy Day
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage
The scene:

Evolving Images – Everything you need to create the perfect holiday setting is available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  I’ve only used a fraction of what they offer, so you can style the scene your way. To see these items & more, here’s a taxi direct to their Swank Event booth:

  • Retro Christmas Tree Rev2 – lights blink with alternating colors; revolves with an on/off touch
  • Evo’s Snowflake Wreath
  • Toy Elephant
  • White Bear
  • Bull Dog (Copyable)

Happy Winter at the Christmas Expo

http://Happy Winter at the Christmas Expo

So if you read my blog at all regularly, you know I’m a city girl, born and bred.  In RL, I’ve never lived on a farm, I’ve never even gone out to get a Christmas tree (that’s another story lol), and I’ve worn a cowboy hat.  But here on the grid, I can do all that, and what better time and place than at the SL Christmas Expo where it’s all about the magic and experience of the season? Not only that, it’s about the true spirit of the holidays as well, because talented designers from across the grid have taken their collective energies to create some incredibly beautiful sims (8 of them!) and donated items whose purchase goes directly to Relay for Life to support the fight againt childhood cancer.  And what is more in the Christmas spirit than that?  You can find out more about the SL Christmas Expo, now in its 9th year, and all the shopping and all the special events that are happening HERE now until Dec 15th (you’ll find a shopping directory with slurls direct to all stores there as well); your taxi to the main welcome area is waiting for you HERE.  Please join us, and happy shopping!

  • Hat:  Stone’s Works –  Black Suede Ribbon CowBoy Hat. Unisex cowboy hat with a beautiful ribbon of stones AND a resizer built in, so it easily fits whatever size head you have or to adjust over many hairstyles.  Don’t want to be a black hat? It’s also available in pink or purple.  All three are a 100% donation to the fight against children’s cancer through Relay for Life at the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, open Dec 5th through the 15th.  You can TP direct to the Stone’s Work booth at the Expo HERE.
  • Outfit:  DarkBetty – Happy Winter.  Just the cutest little outfit, though honestly, with shorts I at least could only wear it in SL lol! Includes the sweater, jeans (which are an applier), an adjustable belt, & the cutest socks/shoes… happy winter indeed! One of several 100% donation items from this designer which you can find at Expo HERE.
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Snowman Earrings.  A touch of whimsy is perfect at this time of year, not just for this outfit but for so many more besides throughout this entire wintry season.  These adorable vintage snowman earrings are available both at the SL Christmas Expo & at the main store for the amazing price of just 99L (other great sets available too).
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Sultry
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Location:  SL Christmas Expo, Christmas Cards sim

Ho Ho Ho and Time to Go

http://Ho Ho Ho & Time to Go

So now I’ve survived my first official snowstorm of the year, and most of my holiday shopping is done, I’m feeling a bit more comfortable with the rapidly approaching year-end.  Still quite a few birthday presents to do however.  My birthday present is bought (a new computer, yay, because the hard drive on this one seems to be on its last legs!), but several still to go since a lot of us are clumped right around Christmas and New Year’s. Just makes the pile of presents that much bigger lol!  Well time’s a-wasting… losing good shopping time!  Happy shopping, in both worlds!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Tila Check Outfit.  Denim never looked so good! Includes the top & jeans in 6 denims, the CUTEST black ankle boots, & a drop ribbon choker.  Sized for Hourglass, Freya/Isis, Tonic Fine, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya.  Available at the Designer Circle 24/19, open December 1st – 14th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  RunAway Hair – Ary (with beanie)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Ho Ho Ho Xmas Car
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Remembering Our Four-Legged Friends in Winter’s Chill

http://Remembering Our Four-Legged Friends in Winter's Chill

I don’t care what the calendar says, it’s winter. Thanksgiving is over, the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it’s snowed at both my home in RL and in SL.  In fact, the weather here in RL is so bad I couldn’t even get my dog to go outside… her ears went way back and she started to shake, that’s how badly she wanted to stay inside and out of the snow and sleet. It really made me think about all the animals that don’t have that option… not just the wild animals in the forest like my little friends here, but all the dogs and cats who for whatever reason find themselves literally out in the cold.  I do what I can year-round to help homeless pets; I hope that you at least spare a thought for them in this kind of weather, and if you see a chance to help, please please take it.  I know that a few years ago we found a cat part-frozen in the snow, and brought her inside.  Turned out she had frostbite — which went away — but was also deaf.  Since she wouldn’t use a litter box we eventually had to move her out of the main part of the house but at least for the rest of her life (which sadly wasn’t all that long), she was warm and fed and safe and I like to think content, if not happy. In the spirit of the season, it’s definitely important to remember our fellow man, especially all those less fortunate whether it be economically, healthwise, or however, but let’s also remember the 4-legged creatures who rely on us as well.  Sorry if I got a little sermon-y, but this is very near and dear to my heart, especially as I look out at the bitter weather, and worry…

  • Outfit:  MOoH! – Esmee Outfit.  The textures are pretty simple on this full outfit that includes both the sweaterdress & the thigh high boots, simply wonderful! The HUD offers 8 options, all with matching textures in a Heel HUD that changes leather, heel, sole & zipper on the boots.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic, all DISCOUNTED 50% in the main store, Nov 29th – Dec 12th.  Be sure to wear your group tag!
  • Rug:  Salacity – Lizzy Christmas Rug.   FREE gift for the Peace on Earth Hunt, “the most anticipated grid-wide hunt of the Holiday season,” beginning Dec 1st.  Hint: Pie is your happy place! Maybe peace on earth comes through the baking of good pies… mmmm pie. You’ll be safe if you can find a peace of this pie.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Christmas Friends (includes raccoons)
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Oh deer!

http://Oh deer

Oh dear, it’s really been quite the week..  For those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope it was wonderful! Mine was certainly memorable, some of it for the reasons it should be — spending time with loved ones — some of it for reasons that should NEVER be… our oven decided to die on Wednesday.  Could the timing be worse?  (Actually, I guess Thursday would have been worse lol.)  Thankfully, the stovetop still worked which literally saved the day, but still I had to borrow use of an oven to do my baking Wednesday night rather than on Thursday, the dressing was done stovetop (which actually proved to be fabulous), and the turkey went in the smoker.  It all worked out, though it certainly added some twists and turns that we all could have lived without.  And then here we are today, waiting for the repairman who will hopefully tell us that it CAN be repaired and that we don’t need to replace our whole stove.  Not really what you want to be doing when you plan on moving in a year, but you do what you gotta do.   So much going on!  Also waiting for the onslaught of a winter storm bringing us up to a foot of snow tomorrow… AND I log into SL to find that it snowed there too, and my property is covered.  So beautiful, no shoveling required!  Packing away all the autumn landscaping, pulling out all wintry items… last pic like this for a while! But no matter where you are on the grid or in the world, enjoy the season…  and of course, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  !!smesh – NEW! Frankie.   Includes this super-comfy pullover, capri-length jeans, & ankle boots.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Curvy, Legacy, & Maitreya, a perfect outfit for “the-day-after”! Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Exile – Gina
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Oh Love Pose Set (includes dog
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage