The Artist At Work

I have been an artsy person for as long back as I can remember, and the minute I spied the / XIAJ / Sunday Morning Artist Studio set at this past The Season's Story - Summer Event, I had to have it all. Always a visual thinker and dreamer, as soon as I could hold a crayon I was drawing on everything. My mother saved some of my early art, and it seems I was always drawing people. Not real people, people from my imagination. All through my school years, the class that kept me motivated was Art Class. Formal or not, and I have many teachers who can attest to the fact that often I was caught doodling in other classes too. Friends would always asks for doodles and caricatures of themselves, and I was happy to oblige, even in Math or Social Studies.

I was once thrown out of my High-School art class for screaming at a teacher, true story. He was a pretentious ass who wore a toupee and often would just pick up a pencil or a paint brush and alter a students work in progress as they sat there and let him. I was incensed, to me art and creation is sacred, how dare he just assume that he could 'perfect' their classwork by doing it for them. Needless to say I was all full of righteous indignation as I stood in the hallway waiting for the class to end. I still get a little riled up at the thought.  

I continue to 'Art' to this day, I have an office full of paints, brushes, scraps of fabric, wood, a sewing machine, heaps of tiny cute odds and ends, beads, and just about every kind of pencil and marker an artist could ever want. But it takes inspiration now for me to push through and create. I need to be in a certain mood, and when I am, I can be up for days and night on end, just puttering around and creating things. My nieces and nephew have all gained heaps of new 'Stuffed' friends from my sewing work, they clamor for them, and want to give them to their friends too. I can't say no. My Etsy store dreams may never happen, but it is about the process after all.

Credits: 
Hair - little bones. Two Weeks no. 3 . HUDv.4\\B&W. [Gacha Item] **New@The Chapter Four**
Hair Base - [sYs] YIU Hairbase - black
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (1.Spring) Black
Make-Up - NEO** face tattoos - Heart to the Party - Girl4 [Gacha Item] **New@Okinawa Summer Festival**
Freckles - .Pekka. Light freckles + heart upper cheek
Eyes - {S0NG} :: Prisma~ Aqua Eye
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle,  *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - [Fetch] Rainbow Nail Applier HUD - Fingernails/Toenails **New Group Gift**

Top - (Milk Motion) embroidered tee -nicewords - yellow **New@The Dreamer's Factory**
Jeans - !APHORISM! Slim Jeans (Female) Faded **New@The Chapter Four**
Necklace - Lark - Dreamers Necklace - Lavender **New@The Dreamer's Factory**
Bracelets - *BOOM* Plastic Candy Bangles - Wood [Gacha Item] 
Ring - Zombie Suicide :Z.S: Brains ring Left - Grey
Pencil - R(S)W Pencil - Blue Foil (Included In Pencil Pot) [Gacha Item] 

Decor:
R(S)W - Pencil Pot - Foil Pencils  [Gacha Item] 
R(S)W - Ruler Pencil Set  [Gacha Item] 
R(S)W - Coloring Book (Open)  [Gacha Item] 
R(S)W - Crayon Box - 48 Colors!  [Gacha Item] 
R(S)W - Crayon Group - 5  [Gacha Item] 
/ XIAJ / Sunday Morning Set (Almost Complete Set)  [Gacha Items] 
Includes Desks, Chair, Stools, Rugs, Art Supplies, Easels, Cabinet, Corner Couch, TV Table, Lamp, Ladder, Tables, and RARE Skybox. From **The Season's Story - Summer**, May No Longer Be Available.

Poses - 
Le Poppycock, Hot Air *A* - Fading Light **New@The Chapter Four**
Other Poses In Furniture/Props
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]

How I Live Now

I am feeling rather lost lately, not in the sense of not knowing where I am, but rather in not knowing where I am going. I feel disconnected and isolated so much of the time, and find myself withdrawing farther from others all the time. It isn't what I ever planned for myself, not where I saw my life going, but it is what it is.  I know things can get better, I know they might, but not without effort.  When I am in Second Life I can pretend to be someone else, I can dress up like I have somewhere to go, but most of the time even I know it is an act. My true self is hidden behind costumes and cutesy looks that I would never pull off anywhere else. This look is different, it somehow echoes deeper in my heart and soul. It resonates with who I have been and who I am still. This is how I live now.

Credits: 
Hair - little bones. Poser w/ Hat (Browns) **New@The KUSTOM 9**
Hair Base - *League* Erin Hairbase Tattoo Brunette -Pale
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (6.Spring) Black
Freckles - .Pekka. Light freckles + heart upper cheek **New@Cosmetics Fair Beach Party**
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer
Eyes -  [Buzz] Arcane Eyes - Poison **New@The Season's Story**
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle,  *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - {Wicked} Peach - Nails - Neon Fades **New@Cosmetics Fair Beach Party**
Body Tattoo - Letis Tattoo :: Saiph :: 100% :: MM13013

Shoes - * .:: deeR ::. * MESH sharon boots [Multi-Texture]
Top - {SMS} Sleeveless Crop Top Cassettes S **New@The Dressing Room FUSION**

Skirt - -Pixicat- TheDark.Skirt

Bag - VCO - Art eco Bag _ pizza [Gacha Prize] **New@The Season's Story**
Camera - :::LP::: Le Primitif Fooli Film_Camera - Black (21) RARE [Gacha Prize] **New@The Season's Story**
Bracelets - :Fusion: Bangles Mix & Match **New@Project Limited**
Earring - [Fetch] Sigrun Earring - Left (Pale Wood)

Poses - 
{Imeka}, Charmy - Pose 5, Pose 7, Amelie - Pose 3,  Pose 4, Pose 7
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
Laviere & Tee*fy, MishMish,The Secret Store, Kirin, Pizza's, Inspiration Point (141, 185, 27) - General

Wild Kingdom

One thing has become abundantly clear to me since my return to Second Life many months ago. I am a sucker for Gacha anything. It would be sad if it wasn't for all the wonderful items I am now happily hording in my inventory. Today, I took a visit to a new event, the Wild Things Summer Gacha Event. Oh there is so much wonderful at this event, I can hardly handle it. Too much to show off in one post, so to start, here is my adorable new friend from FRESH, the Pogi.  Isn't it just "Squee" worthy! While he surfed the trees and came back to my arms, I got a chance to play with another great item from the event, this sweet Anachron (Redux!) Wild Thing Gacha Phone. It's a little different from most phones I have, as it has a heap of cute built in animations, and all you have to do is wear it and click away. 

In this "I work at the local Zoo" look, I am also showing off a new favorite wig from TRUTH HAIR, one of the most recent releases called Xantheanne.  Look closely, because I am giving you an awesome sneak peak of one of the most amazing necklaces, coming soon, to the Tales of Fantasy Event on August 10th/2014. The [Fetch] Birna Necklace is a stunning huge wooden and metal statement necklace, perfect for both high fashion and role-play, or in a Safari Chic look, like this one. I will show it off again when the event rolls around, for now you can just drool and mark your calendars.

Credits: 
Hair - TRUTH HAIR Xantheanne (Reds) **New Release**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (6.Spring) Black
Freckles - .Pekka. Light freckles + heart upper cheek **New@Cosmetics Fair Beach Party**
Make-Up - [KOOQLA]  Glassy Shadow - Turquoise **New@Cosmetics Fair Beach Party**
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer
Eyes - #adored - siren eyes - open water **New@Cosmetics Fair Beach Party**
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle 
Nails - OSITO Fingernail Hud - Steampunk Chocolate [Gacha Prize]

Shoes - -Tres Blah- Riding Boots - Chocolate **New@COLLABOR88**
Bag - B.C.C lullaby coin purse Bag kingyo hanabi RARE [Gacha Prize] **New@The Dreamer's Factory**
Shorts - -Tres Blah- Khaki Shorts - Navy **New@COLLABOR88**
Top - -Tres Blah- Khaki Blouse - Navy **New@COLLABOR88**
Necklace - [Fetch] Birna Necklace **New, Available August 10/2014@Tales of Fantasy Event**
Watch Set - ~Sassy!~ Just in Time bracelet (right) (trans) - blue & Just in Time watch set (left) (trans) - blue [Gacha Prize]
Ring - =Zenith= Geometry Stone Ring (Golden) L
Facial Piercings - .random.Matter. - Sanza Nose Chain - Gold {L}
Phone - Anachron (Redux!) - Wild Thing Gacha Phone - Brown Bear [Gacha Prize] **New@Wild Things Summer Gacha Event**
Animal - FRESH: Pogi (hold)  [Gacha Prize] **New@Wild Things Summer Gacha Event**

Poses - 
Sari-Sari,  fp-e3 - fp-e4 - fp-e5 - fp-e6 - fp-e7 - fp-e9 - fp-e10 - fp-g1 - fp-g3
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
Wild Things Summer Gacha Event, AKUMAL MEX (181, 198, 43) - Moderate

Genre - Sweet Marie

I adore history, and historical fiction, and since I am a complete book worm and movie geek, I was thrilled to find that this month's theme for Genre is Baroque. I jumped at the chance to play out my pre-revolutionary France costumed dreams. With strong leanings towards everything gilded and over the top, the offerings at this Genre round are positively Marie Antoinette-esque on the decadence scale. With wigs, like this fabulous Alli &Ali Designs Adelaide Hair and gowns the likes of ~The Library~'s Marie, you will want to find yourself a Versailles SIM tout de suite. That means "Right Away" for the linguistically impaired, but fear not, one need not know how to speak French to kiss like it. 

**Note: The Images Above Have Been Lightly Texturized For Artistic Effect.

See Below For A Non-Photo-Shopped Image.

Credits: 
Hair - Alli & Ali Designs Adelaide Hair Silver Moon **New@Genre**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (7 .Spring) Black
Extras -  Swallow Freckles Alice
Make-Up - .la petite morte. marie antoinette full makeup BONUS **New@Genre**

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes -  [Buzz] Crystal Eye - Sapphire **New@The KUSTOM 9**
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - PUMBY* Golden Collection - Slink Fingernail Applier

Shoes - .: ZcZ :. Antoinette Slipper - Bartholomew Blue **New@Genre**
Dress - ~The Library~ Marie -Blue **New@Genre**
Necklace - [Lost Junction] Marie Necklace - Therese - Gold/White **New@Genre**
Hose - *LACUNA* Sheer Heartseam Pantyhose - White 1
Bracelets - Kunglers TDRF #039 - Bracelets - Copper
Earrings - LaGyo_Mary earring Flower Gold
Rings - =Zenith= Geometry Ring (Golden) R & Geometry Stone Ring (Golden) L 

Poses -  
.mien. poses, {frivolity} 6 Pose Set **New@Genre**
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]

Decor -
[Fetch] Roque Set, Includes Ottoman, Chair, Table, Wall Art **New@Genre**
22769 ~ [Bauwerk] Baroque Armchair Gold/BW **New@Genre**
Rug - ~TTT~ A Grand Affair Carpet 2  
Wall Textures - ~TTT~ Nighty's Palazzo-An Elegant Mix of Periods & Styles (1)  

Someone's In The Kitchen

Well, back to the day to day of my Second Life, and my Kitchen has been installed and I have set everything up. I have already made a heap of Jams and Jellies, taking advantage of the early summer fruits and berries.  I love all the little details I was able to pack into my new kitchen, with a decidedly retro feel, it is homey and warm.  It looks like someone, likely my kitten, has already been into the milk this morning. Oh well, something to clean up is never a bad thing when it means spending more time in my lovely bright kitchen.  Come on over and share some Raspberry Cake with me, I can't possibly eat it all myself, and I will put the coffee (or tea) on for us.

At home, I always go for a casual look, and jeans and a loose top are pretty much my standard go-to uniform.  It doesn't mean I have given up entirely on my love for fashion and shoes, and this pair of lovely Debbi Wedges from [LVLE] is the perfect pop of color. You can get your own pair now for 50% OFF the regular price at The Family Flea Market, they come in a slew of pretty colors too. I am loving my new nail polishes from Ama., and have now declared myself to be officially addicted to SLink nail polish appliers. I have more then I can even count at this point.

Credits: 
Hair -  .ploom. Inge - Reds **New@Oh My Gacha**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (8.Spring) Black

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes - [Buzz] Ardent Eyes - Angel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow ]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Ama. : SLink Polish : Glitter Dragon
Tattoo - Letis Tattoo :: Libitina :: 100% :: FULL14004

Shoes - [LVLE] Debbi Wedge - Red **New@The Family Flea Market**
Jeans - Rebel Gal :: Lee 3 Year Fade Jeans/Smoke Metallic. [No Location Found]
Shirt - *Fishy Strawberry* Relaxed Sweater - Dark Grey
Glasses -  [ bubble ] Retro Glasses V2
Earrings - [Fetch] Mush Earring  - Red
Bracelet - tapi :: cashmere wrap (brat) (R)
Bracelet & Ring Set - -FAUN- Geo Bangle -Gunmetal & Geo Ring -Gunmetal- L
Facial Piercings - :Diamante: Lust Facial Piercing

Poses - 
. Infiniti . - F. Basics 008 Mirror, 009 Mirror, 010, 011 Mirror, 012, 013
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Decor -
Trompe Loeil - The Karin Cottage Sky
Trompe Loeil- Retro Kitchen - Standalone Pieces (White) PG
The Loft - Gerzzo Kettle Black
The Loft - Gerzzo Tin Cannisters Blue
The Loft - Gerzzo Microwave Oven Blue
The Loft - Gerzzo Cart Red
The Loft - Gerzzo Chair Red
The Loft - Gerzzo Dining Table White
The Loft - Gerzzo Place Setting Pink
The Loft - Gerzzo Place Setting Blue
-tb- Pastry Mania - Raspberry Cake [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Coffee Pot [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Scale (Red) [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Misc [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Preserves [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Bowls [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Bakeware [Gacha Prize]
floorplan. recipe tin
floorplan. vintage milk caddy
floorplan. soda crate stack
*Second Spaces* Ready to Bake - baking pans 2 [Gacha Prize]
Second Spaces - Well-stocked Pantry - complete set [Gacha Prizes]
{what next} Spring Clean Bucket (green) [Gacha Prize]
{what next} Mop Decor (rez) [Gacha Prize]
oyasumi / toaster v2 / RARE [Gacha Prize]
oyasumi / oyasumi milk (with cereal) [Gacha Prize]
***Note: Gacha Prize Items May No Longer Be Available

Rhapsody - Lust For Life

I have been under the weather and haven't been able to get much blogging done, but today I pushed myself hard to get some done because I was dying to show off more Rhapsody goodies. While the initial riot around the opening may have passed, don't let this event get by you unseen, it runs until the 12th of July, so there is lots of time to get your rock-on!

This look is put together in the mode of PUNK ROCK, whatever that means to you. To me it has always meant a lot of attitude, a lot of angst, and a whole lot of bad behavior. This MINA Hair wicked Mohawk look, called Sid, is the perfect Unisex style. Similarly, the tied shirt from +A&A+ is also a Unisex winner, it comes in a heap of awesome version to choose from. The Amerie jacket with tank or t-shirt combo from [R3VOLT] is another Punk perfect look. It had a heap of was to customize it and make it your own.  Some tats and piercings, why the heck not! I am so ready to rock. Get on down to and check out all the Punk goodness at Rhapsody today!

Credits: 
Hair -  MINA Hair - Sid (Materials) (Dark Browns) **New@Rhapsody**
Skin - *League* Jen Sunkiss Lush (Cleavage D) Hairbase
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer
Eyes - IKON Ascension Eyes - Blue (L)
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League* ]
Lashes - MMS-Thora Lashes w/ SG Eyelash Alpha
Nails - Action Nails Reckless HUD V1
Tattoos - Letis Tattoo :: Rigel Combination :: 100% :: FULL13004

Shoes - Leverocci - Peeptoe Ankle Boots_Pony_Black 
Jacket/Tank - [R3VOLT] - Amerie Jacket w/Tank [V2] **New@Rhapsody**
Jeans - Ricielli - Spiked Jeans /Extra Light Blue
Tied Shirt - +A&A+ Punk Waist-Tied Shirt - Punk Plaid Red **New@Rhapsody**
Earrings - [Fetch] Liv Earrings

Facial Piercings -  :Diamante: Gluttony Facial Piercing

Poses - 
Verocity - Vanessa ROCK Poses Set (6 Poses With Mic Prop) **New@Manga Fair**
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Decor -
BattleZone-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
CosmicPrincess-PinBall-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
Arkanoid-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
AsteroidsDelux-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
BurgerTime-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
Centipede-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
DrWho-PinBall-ArcadeGame-UrbanGrunged
- Part of the FREE Opensource Urban Blight Project by Arcadia Asylum 
(Full Perms, I Can Send You The Folder If You Can't Find Them)

A Stroll Through Tableau

While my SL Kitchen is getting installed, I decided to head out for a little shopping on one of my favorite SIMs of all time, Tableau. I love the color and the design of this SIM, it always seems to perk up my mood, which is much needed lately. My RL twin sister, known in SL as Anessa Stine has been quite ill and in hospital, and I am worried about her, and her little guy, my nephew who is being shuttled about quite a bit. When I get stressed, I usually need a little escape, and SL is a great one.  I'd like to think this is one of my better head to toe looks, I rather love the over-sized denim shirt from Overhigh, and this great new hair from ~Tableau Vivant~ is just lovely. I finally got a chance to put on this darling Atomic Necklace and Earrings set from [Fetch]. I adore that it is scripted so that you can mix and match your metals to get the set just right for your look. Tomorrow I will be setting up my Kitchen, so wish me luck and hand me the fridge magnets!

Credits: 
Hair -  ~Tableau Vivant~ Learner Hair (F) - Fall **New@Creation.JP**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (2.Spring) Black
Add-Ons - Swallow Freckles Alice, Anja Eye Make-Up 5

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes - IKON, Ascension Eyes - Hazel (L)
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) XS - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow ]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Hello Dave, Slink AvEnhance - Chevron (F)

Shoes - Ingenue :: Pickford Heels :: Cherry
Shirt - OVH Overhigh - Jeans Big Shirt - D.Blue **New@The Dressing Room FUSION**
Jeans - [sugar Marmite] Galatic Skinnyz - Circinus
Clutch - AMERIE - Clear Clutch(Black)_no script **New@Creation.JP**
Necklace/Earrings -  [Fetch] Atomic Necklace & Atomic Earrings [HUD Control Metals]
Ring - ::Tabou Irresistible:: Ring square- Galaxy
Ring -  (Yummy) Fortune Cookie Ring (L) [Previous Arcade Gacha Item]
Bangle/Watch Set - [ glow ] studio Watch-ing me (rainbow) **New@The Dressing Room FUSION**
Facial Piercing - :Diamante: Lust Facial Piercing
Drink - O.M.E.N  - Summer in Japan - Summer Drink - Green Apple [Gacha Prize] **New@SUMMERFEST 2014**

Poses -
Purple Poses, Sandra 06 - Sierra 04, 06 -  Tricia 06  - Piper 06
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD

Avatar Eye Control - 

AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Location -
Nylon Outfitters & Yummy Accessories, Tableau (199, 100, 22) - General