Quick As A Snail

Vivid Vivacity

That’s how I feel, having been up since 5am. While I’m normally an early riser, that is extra early for me. Even my cat was wondering why the lights were on at that hour. So I need to get moving on this post before I succumb to a nana nap at mid-morning!

I have seen a lot of photos of The Sleepy Snail at Metales on Flickr and other blogs and decided to venture over for a look-see. I really never thought snails could be beautiful, but this location is lovely, serene and haunting. I found myself playing with WindLight to discover the brilliance of the sim, especially the reflections from the bejeweled snails and the ethereal play of light on the filament and filigree surrounding them. I hopped on the back of this mid-sized fellow to show off this new dress from .::Vivid::. for the current round at Designer Circle. Being able to use the HUD to adjust the colour of the dress and the stones and studs embellishing it came in very handy; I finally chose the teal jewels against the white dress to complement the bright tones found in these creatures. I never would have imagined I would be standing astride a giant snail for a photograph! Therein lies the wonder of Second Life – where we can joyfully partake in others’ imagination.

Be sure to visit both destinations – Metales for the stunning snail experience and Designer Circle for this cute frock.

Pretty stuff I’m wearing:

Dress: .::VIVID::. Vivacity Dress by Honey Bernandes (available at Designer Circle)
Jewelry: EarthStones Love Always Necklace & Earrings – Diamond/Platinum by Abraxxa Anatine
Shoes: [Gos] Bordello – Rock Chic by Gospel Voom
Hair: /Wasabi Pills/ Anais Mesh Hair – Cinnamon by MissAllSunday Lemon
Skin: [PXL] Creations – [PXL] JADE SK Peach Lips MEB C2 by Hart Larsson
Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual by Siddean Munro
Hand appliers:[PXL] Creations – [ PXL ] Slink Hand Appliers SK by Hart Larsson
Eyes: Amacci Gaze Eyes – Ocean Blue by Carina Larsen
Lashes: Mon Cheri *MC* “Falsies” Eyelash by Freya Oliveri

Pose: GLITTERATI – Backed up – 7 by Katey Coppola (NLA)

The Year That Was

1 Tylar Profile 8a

It is New Year’s Eve and a day to reflect on the year that has passed. For me, it has been a tumultuous year with lots of lows interspersed with a few highs. In terms of my real life I have seen so many changes that I am still attempting to process and come to terms with them. As for Second Life, it has been a better year, largely because of this blog.

And the person most responsible for it is My Cherished, Tylar. I chose to lead this post with this photo because it was largely her encouragement that led me to opening my photography business, which in turn led to this little publication that has become not just a showcase for my photographs, but also an exploration of my life in and out of Second Life. My Cherished, thank you for believing in me, standing behind me and for sharing so many of your wonderful qualities with me.

The rest of this story will be a taste of some of my favourite photos and posts. Some of them may not make a lot of sense to you; you won’t necessarily see only the best photos in terms of composition and technique. But each one of these holds a special place in my heart for one reason or another. This is going to be a long one, so if you aren’t inclined to spend a large portion of your day reminiscing with me, I wish you a happy and healthy New Year and I’ll see you on the other side.

If you are willing to stick with me, just click this link to take the plunge. Continue reading

The Princess & The Pea Meets Goldilocks

1 Akane_018

At last, my Christmas/birthday present to myself is arriving today – a new bed! Not in Second Life; tonight I will be sleeping in the comfort of a brand new bed at home.

I’m excited about it. My back has been crying out for a new mattress for a while now. The old one is definitely due for the tip. But even though it is lumpy and uncomfortable, it is the bed I have slept in since I first arrived in Oz. My ex bought it in anticipation of my arrival from the US over 13 years ago and it is one of the items I received in the division of property when we divorced. When I moved out of our shared home it was one thing I wanted to replace. However, there were things that he got in the settlement that I had no choice but to buy so the bed was removed from the list. I could manage sleeping like the Princess and the Pea for a while but I couldn’t manage without a new fridge and dryer.

It’s strange, though, how we grow attached to objects. Honestly, the main thing that was holding me back from buying a new one was the bed frame. It is exactly the type I love: wrought iron and wood with a footboard high enough that I can toss a soft, fluffy throw over for not just decoration, but to snuggle into during a rare winter’s nap or when the temperature dipped in the night and I needed a bit of extra warmth. I love the rosy oak wood from which the bed posts are crafted and the delicate arch of the iron work. Sadly, though, after 13-plus years and three moves, it has seen better days. It was time. Not just to replace the bed but to sever that last link to a life that has been over for five years.

I have no doubt I will sleep in more comfort with the new bed. I did feel a bit like Goldilocks when I was choosing a new one; this one is too soft, that one is too hard until finally, I found the one that was just right.

Once again I am using a hairstyle and pose from *ARGRACE*. This time it is Akane. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect style to show how this princess will sleep sweetly without fear of being tormented by that pesky pea and I am certain I will have no fear of being awakened by a family of angry bears come morning.

Pretty stuff I’m wearing:

Corset: Baiastice_Lingerie Corset-gold by Sissy Pessoa
Jewelry: EarthStones Precious Moments Locket & Earrings -Mother of Pearl by Abraxxa Anatine
Hair/Poses: *ARGRACE* Akane – Red by rika Oyen
Skin: [PXL] Creations – [PXL] JADE SK Peach Lips MEB C2 by Hart Larsson
Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual by Siddean Munro
Feet: Slink Avatar Enhancement Medium Feet by Siddean Munro
Hand & Feet appliers:[PXL] Creations – [ PXL ] Slink Hand & Feet Appliers SK by Hart Larsson
Eyes: Amacci Gaze Eyes – Ocean Blue by Carina Larsen
Lashes: Mon Cheri *MC* “Falsies” Eyelash by Freya Oliveri