Elphinstone's

Young Love

2011-04-06T23:04:00.009-04:00

A few days agos the theme for the Funky Feats synchronized dance group was "Young Love". DJ Letzo provided the tunes and Funkie's Leader Jeni led our feet in the steps for dancing. I think we all had a great time, I know I did.

I had decided I would log on and split the two hour gig time between the belly dance at the medieval/fantasy land of Sylvhara and the Funkies. But when I did log on, I realized I was in the mood for casual apparel; in particular crops. While I was checking notices etc and trying to find the white crops I wanted (maybe they exist only in my imagination), the group chat popped up

Hevy Malibu: Young Love Dance..............at Rock Land........ DJ LetzGo Parkin and Leader Jeni Luik!
Hevy Malibu: you may get to "hold hands"!
Letzgo Parkin: I will take your requests and dedications that bring you back to your first love!
Hevy Malibu: remembers his arm falling asleep at the movies......
Jeni Luik: Ladies.....we need you!
Hevy Malibu: 4 blonds here 3 of them men!
Jeni Luik: This is the first dance where I was the only gal
Casandra: oh my! and you are complaining Jeni? It sounds like a dream come true!
Casandra grins
Hevy Malibu: Cassy!
Hevy Malibu: waves*
Casandra waves and smiles
Casandra hi Hevy!!
Hevy Malibu crashes his bike into a tree waving back.....

That little interchange began a fun exchange between my friend Hevy and myself, which I don't think he will mind my sharing here. I'm going to leave out everyones comments that don't fit in with the "role play" to keep this post shorter and less confusing. We all had a great time chatting and telling stories about things that happened to us when we were young.

Casandra "oh dear!!!"
Hevy Malibu pops up quickly to show he is not hurt.
Casandra runs over and helps Hevy up
Casandra "oh whew!"
Hevy Malibu * turns red taking her hand *
Casandra smiles and blushes
Casandra can't think of anything to say (the cat has her tongue)
Hevy Malibu: realizes he has been staring and well says........ Great new top Cassy.*
Casandra manages to collect herself and says "oooh, thank you Hevy!"

At this point I managed to find something I enjoy wearing and arrived at the dance:

Jeni: Hi Cas!
Bryan Hey Cassandra
Hevy Malibu: hooo Cassy!
Casandra: hi!!!
Janelle: Hey there Cas
Casandra grins
Letzgo Hi Cas
Hevy runs and trips right before trying to give a hug!
Hevy squeeks out "darn growth spurt"
Casandra stiffles a giggle and is amazed to see such a nice tall man tripping all over himself to get to her!!
Janelle *Giggles insanely*
Casandra looks up at him "you are so tall now!"
Hevy smiles to himself......... "she said man"
Hevy swallows hoping his new lower voice comes back...
Hevy Thank you Cassy......
Casandra wonders if heels would make her tall enough to look into his eyes
and can she walk in them???
Janelle Parkin (janelle.korobase): Wear boxers and let em all hang out Hevy
Janelle Parkin (janelle.korobase): that'll help
Casandra shakes her head "oooh no! That is not attractive at all!"
Hevy thinks to him self *well she is getting quite top heavy*
Casandra smiles
Hevy Malibu: wwonders if she can read his (thoughts*eyes) her expression said she did *
Crayola Camel: you are little.. casandra
Casandra decides she has to practice walking in her pretty new heels
Later ~~
Hevy Malibu: anyone got good first date stories!
Hevy Malibu: going to the movies?
Hevy Malibu: a sock hop?
Jeni Luik: how long have you got, Hevy?

I don't have permission, so I'll just share one of my memories:
Casandra: I remember on my birthday my dad saying "sweet sixteen, and never been kissed" and then his head did a sharp swivel "HAVE you been kissed??? I didn't want to be chaperoned on movie dates. Dad said he would sit behind us. At that point I couldn't imagine anything worse.

Hevy Malibu: whispers into Cassy ear.
Casandra leans closer to hear what Hevy says

Snow!!!

2011-02-10T07:27:00.004-05:00

Snow!! I've never gotten over my fascination with the fluffy white stuff. I remember staring out the window in class during high school when the first snow of the season was expected "is that snow I see? I think so. noooo.............Oh, now it is!"

When I was growing up, the best spot to get the full effect of a wintry evening was the back porch where the yard light shown through the tree branches and you could see the snow in all of it's glory and judge how much was on the branches. If there was any ice coating the branches, the scene glistened.

Now we live at sea level half way down the east coast of the United States, which means we get very little snow with the low elevation. The best location to see how much it is snowing and the size of the flakes is the breezeway...burrr. The next best would be the windows over the couch. So last evening when the fourth snow of the season began, there were a few times I could be seen kneeling on the couch with the drapes and sheers thrust to the side, looking out at the snow and smiling.

This morning we have about three inches and it is forecast to snow until noon.

My poor mother, it's been a stormy winter for her. The past week has been the worst with two blizzards (she couldn't see her neighbor's house) dumping two feet on her, and two more days of snow on top of that. Plus horrendous lows, - 18, 8, -2, -20 this morning.

Fae Fashion no. 3

2010-10-23T21:27:00.000-04:00

This Fae Fashion post shows off a new gown by Angelwing entitled Fall Fairy.

The design is loaded with pieces! The russet dress with three skirt variations, a corset in gold, a green bolero, leg ribbons, arm wraps of vines, a hair wreath and two wing variations (with and without falling leaves)

Wear it without the jacket in the warm autumn sun, and add the bolero jacket on those cool autumn nights....

Cas smiles as she sees Emy attired elegantly in the long dress version but wonders if the behavior will follow suit and what she is thinking.

Emy thinks to herself "how does Lady Casandra ever walk in something as massive as these skirts" She kicks at the material and can't wait to get back into her short skirts again...

Emy taking a much deserved break from the photo session

The ivy hair wreath can be seen in more detail by clicking the picture for a close-up

Emy dancing with fellow fae, Jordon. Emy and I love to dance, and the lush skirt moves beautifully.

Did you notice the leaves printed on the gold of the long skirt? there is really a lot of detail in this skirt. and the ruffle on the velvet jacket is edged with gold embroidery.

My thanks to Emy for all of the help with this post, pictures and captions. She posted the dance she enjoyed with Jordon after we completed the photo session!

Emy~~
Wings ~ Ragged Fairy Wings ~ Seven's Selections (tinted: green upper, gold lower)
Skin ~ Elle BR Fair Group Gift ~ Belleza
Hair ~ Bright Bloom n Butterfly ~ Nikita Fride Design

Casandra ~~
Wings ~~ Bloodvine Burning Wings (Burning Man special) ~ Fancy Fairy
Skin ~ Embrace in Cameo ~ Cupcakes
Hair ~ Nur in Cherry ~ Ava-Tare
Poses ~ ImpEle (formerly Imperial Elegance)

Both ~~
Outfit ~ Fall Fair ~ Angelwing
Jewelry ~ Leaf ~ G Field
Location ~ Elven area at Everwind

I Do Believe in Fairies! Jewelry Fair, Fae Fashion no. 2

2010-10-18T00:02:00.001-04:00

'I do believe in fairies' That is proclaimed to all who read this delightful little star around my neck. And I do. I grew up reading my grandparents set of storybooks for children. Each book had a collection of fairytales, tall tales, or folktales. I think they were called Trailways. You've seen circles of toadstools haven't you? I have! Did you ever wonder if it was a faery circle where the wee ones dance?

I flipped through my wardrobe and chose this sheer chiffon design from Staged. Then donned my faery wings! The necklace is extra perfect for me, since I role play a fae queen on the Isle of Arran.
If you click on the picture you will discover falling leaves on an optional over layer.

Both the kini and the bust area are made of opaque layered leaves.The gown itself is sheer and comes in additional colors.

I was very taken with Miao's ribbon bracelet called Kate. It is unusual, feminine, and whimsical. Both the ribbon and the pearls are color change! I'm sure I will wear it often.

The Jewelry Fair ended today. Both worlds have been busy for me, so I am late, late with my post. However I did want to spotlight these two items in particular. If you didn't make it to the fair, you will be able to find them at the Miao store.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Outfit ~ Mother Nature ~ Staged
Jewelry ~ both pieces ~ MIAO
Wings ~ first set ~ Portobella ~ Fancy Fairy
Wings ~ second set ~ Woodland Fairy ~ Seven's Selections
Skin ~ Embrace, Cameo, Miracle ~ Cupcakes
Hair ~ NUR in Cherry ~ Ava-Tare
Poses ~ [ImpEle] Imperial Elegance ~ closed until further notice
Location ~ Isle of Arran ~ House Waves sim

SteamPunk/Victorian Fashion

2010-09-15T23:02:00.000-04:00

Several months ago I learned that Stani seriously likes SteamPunk. He even has two SteamPunk tie clips in RL! Majorly cool!!

We love to dance together, so I went in search of a ballgown. It was easy to find imaginative SteamPunk dresses.I did not see anything I thought of as SteamPunk that I would wear to a ball, so I went strictly Victorian without the SteamPunk influence. After a couple of disappointments with textures, I found this vision in satin and embroidered tulle by M'Lady Fashions. I feel like a princess in it, especially after I put on my jewelry and have my hair done.

;

Gorgeous it may be, but it was also fly-away! Many times the layers of netting covered both of our faces. And the gloves must be replaced, they are the same texture as the skirt, which translates to streaky in satin gloves.

I didn't manage a good picture of Stani. He is wearing the new gift from BlakOpal (bottom of the stairs) as seen here. It really does need good boots, shoes won't work.

This soft skin by Tuli is and the pearl choker by Rhiamon's Realm are perfect for my Victorian clothing, helping complete the look.

You can also find appropriate footwear at Lassitude & Ennui, BlakOpal and Arundul.

Outfit ~ Princess Sissi ~ M'Lady Fashions
Jewelry ~ Victorian Ivory Cameo Choker ~ Rhiamon's Realm
Skin ~ Hope (pale/br) ~ Tuli
Hair ~ Hikaru Updo ~ Pocket Mirrors
Poses ~ n/a
Location ~ Baby and Jim's palace

Emy's Birthday Party

2010-09-06T13:06:00.004-04:00

Last weekend was my good friend Emy's RL birthday. I treated her to brunch at Ruby Tuesdays. We try to get together in real life every few weeks to catch up. We had fun sampling the crab omelet and apple cranberry crepe (we split and I took a box home).

She has a regular Sunday night dance event from 6-8 pm SLT that she choreographs. Last Sunday she invited everyone to her birthday party. Jim and Baby decorated their palace for the event complete with balloons and a huge chocolate cake.

She wanted to do a couples dance, which is difficult to pull off in SL. Many of us have a special person in our lives, but a specific time to meet for an event frequently doesn't work out. Jim encouraged everyone to make a special effort for her birthday and the turn out was really good. The only way the sim didn't overload was that everyone wasn't there at the same time.

Almost all of the ladies dressed in a soft light neutral shade and the gentlemen worn evening suits and tuxes.

Winston, who DJ'ed and Emy. Doesn't she look lovely?

Stani and I dressed in Victorian/SteamPunk, and Tulsa and his date worn modern evening attire.

Fazzled in RL

2010-09-04T20:37:00.005-04:00

My work day is over thank goodness. My energy level was somewhere below sea level by the time I took lunch at 3:35. I multi-task with customers (work with two or three at a time). That is frequently the only way I can help everyone who wants to work with me. I felt as though I had a few steps left in me, but I had walked my last mile. I told the two customers waiting for me that I just had to go eat. Surprisingly I didn't feel as though the ground were coming up to meet me, which meant my blood sugar wasn't hitting rock bottom. I had a multi-grain bagel with low fat cream cheese for breakfast and took half with me to keep me going until lunch. I had a chance to take a couple of bites around 1:00.

We were busy and everyone working was worn out. I called the owner's son up to my department to cut fabric for my break. He didn't show. I went in search of him and his mom said he wasn't there, so I asked her to take over for me. She can't run the register, but she can cut fabric. That's better than the owner, who can cut fabric but can't run the register or put the phone on hold and page someone. I'm not criticizing either of them; she runs the stock room, he has had several small strokes.

All I wanted to do was go home and crash. I felt frazzled and stretched. Every time my name was called, I could feel myself square my shoulders and turn around to assess who it was and how badly they needed me; not good. One of my customers told me she could tell I needed a break as in a serious vacation. I had mentioned that the owner suggested I work Sunday or Monday this Labor Day weekend and get caught up. As though that would be sufficient!

But eight or nine uninterrupted hours would be a god send. I could get my fall table with displays finished, rehang one end of a quilt that managed to unhook itself, hang the new patriotic quilt from Kathy, whose husband came in today to let me know how his job search was going, And take down an oriental display and put up the Christmas displays, and coordinate the jelly rolls (forty 2-1/2" x 44" strips of fabric that are rolled together) that has literally been waiting weeks for my color sense (I've managed to roll five). Today my assistant asked if I was ever going to get the kits she cut out for sale? And I was able to tell her two days ago the IT guy finally got the shared printer working with the four computers running Vista, XP & Windows 97 so now I will be able to print the instructions I wrote for the project as few weeks ago as soon as I can discover why the printer says it needs ink, when it has ink. I just wish I had a good way to hold the quilt flat for pictures, mine doesn't look professional. Besides the two shipments I got out, three more came in for me the last of the week. September has hardly begun; I will probably have a good 600-700 bolts come in this month. Can I escape to a tropical island somewhere?

This is the quilt. It's "Nana's Garden" with a few changes to fabric choices. The yellows and greens are softer in person. The tan is bunnies: leaping in the stripes and sitting with their backs to you in the border. Hopefully Tuesday I'll be able to print the instructions, which I tweaked to comply with the fabrics and added some clarification.

It's cute, and I have a buyer for it when I am finished with the display! Yay!

Lunch always revives me. I exercised this evening. It's lovely here, 80 degrees and 31% humidity.

Some People - RL

2010-08-26T08:14:00.000-04:00

I'm very fond of the owner's wife where I work. Sometimes she talks about her frustrations. Today she said she "You know how long it's been since I got my new washer." (not really, but recently). She had later driven to the store and paid for it. "I got a bill today that they were charging me a $35 late fee." Her husband went to the store to find out about it and they told him it wasn't paid for, so he paid for the washer and the late fee. (I played ring-around-the-rosy to find out this much). "I don't understand him. Why didn't they know it was paid for? It should have been in their computer." (She doesn't trust computers)

I said "Did you write a check?" She didn't remember. "You surely didn't pay cash. Go look in your checkbook for proof you paid it. The bank can give you a copy of the cancelled check." Here it comes, the unbelieveable response "I don't care about proof." By now she is very agitated. My response "You will need proof you paid for it, so you can get your money back. Go look in your checkbook."

She came back in a few minutes waving her checkbook "I found it!"

Penguin Parade!

2010-08-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

My friend Emy's regular Sunday night dance gig turned into a big send off for our friend Kathy. She is a marine scientist specializing in penguins in Antarctica. She spends most of her time with flippers on her feet, in submersibles and analyzing data. So the farewell party was a penguin theme.

Kathy

Emy, quite possibly the best picture I have ever taken of her, and I am snap-happy.

Our good friend Xavia found all of Kathy's fav music for the event.

Babycakes and her husband Jim generously open their place each week for Emy's gig.

Some of the regulars

and yours truly with a Baby Tux on my shoulder

We will all miss Kathy, she is a friendly, cheerful person. I enjoy talking with her and looking at all of the pictures she has given me.

Fae Fashion #1

2010-08-13T16:26:00.008-04:00

I brought up the idea to my friend Emy of showing my version of fae fashion on a continuing basis! She was excited. I believe it is a nitch no one is filling, so here goes.

Unless designers start dropping stuff on me, none of it is review copies. I'm going to show you outfits I wear. I probably won't indicate which are designer gifts, unless I just picked it up and it's a limited time offer. However I will do my best to let you know what is available and what is not out for sale. Just because it's no longer in the designers shop, doesn't mean you don't have it or something similar in your wardrobe. When I check to see if it is still offered, if I think it might be a little difficult to locate I'll add a note.

I do have favorite shops, however most of the time I am a blog shopper = if something on a blog catches my attention, I'll check it out. I look around the shop while I'm there and see if I'm interested in other items also. I shop all over the grid not only in role play/fantasy shops, sometimes finding one or two offerings in modern shop that fit in with what I like to wear as a fae. This outfit is a case in point for shopping outside the RP shops.

For a larger view, click on the images.

The scalloped hem of the skirt is diagonally cut with with layers of what could be a soft cotton batiste in lavender. A pink cloth flower accents the waist. The embroidered and appliqued lace lays over both the fabric and your skin.

Fae do not get cold so there is no need for capes and boots, but I have noticed that I tend towards cooler pieces of clothing during the warm months and usually cover up more during the cold months. This was the first outfit I purchased when spring came this year.

Green and purple are good foils for each other when neither are overly strong. I really like the little touch of lavender in the green wings, it picks up the lavender of the skirt and top.I honestly think the depth of shading in this set of wings makes it the most dimensional Violaine Villota has created.

The whimsical trumpet vine necklace and earrings seemed the perfect light-hearted touch.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Outfit ~ Catrina in Lavender by aDIVA Couture (last "room" on left before bridal)
Jewelry ~ Melancholy in Violet by Violet Voltaire
Wings ~ Teasel Mint by Fancy Fairy (flexi, not scripted) ~ Free (on wall in discounts room)
Skin ~ Embrace in Cameo by Cupcakes
Hair ~ Nur in Cherry by Ava-Tare
Poses ~ ImpEle (formerly Imperial Elegance)
Location ~ floating mountain over the Isle of Arran (House Waves sim)

I really appreciate it when bloggers provide LMs. I do apologize, I started to and realized the extra effort it takes, would mean I would not do a Fae Fashion post as often as I hope to since I am not a dedicated blogger.

Food, Such a Big Deal ! ~ RL

2010-08-10T09:37:00.000-04:00

Why does food have to be such a big deal? I mean, it's something you eat, it's not life and death, it's f-o-o-d! If it tastes okay, I'm good. If I didn't have to cook it, that's even better.

I do get hungry, and I'm not good about waiting until it's the official time to eat. I am hypoglycemic (basically the opposite of diabetic), which means I'm supposed to eat 4-6 times a day to keep my blood sugar under control and keep the ground down there where it is supposed to be, rather than face planting myself or walking around disoriented (I knew someone that happened to). So being the happy nibbler I am, works well.

Sundays around our place are nice and relaxing for me. I get to see Stani (SL bf) in chat in the morning, followed by laundry, working on projects, and cleaning. I always think I'll have time to log on during the afternoon and role play in Arran (was Erebos), but I'm normally too busy. I log onto SL in the evenings, usually get to see Stani in world, sometimes make it to the Funky Feats dance, and frequently attend my friend Emy's gig.

For Rob (RL husband) and roomie, Sundays mean prep work for teaching the following week; and any admin stuff Rob needs to do during the weekend. They are both late risers; Rob eats breakfast at brunch time or later. Neither one of them normally wants to discuss the menu for dinner until mid-afternoon at the earliest. I am usually the one who goes to the store and cooks. Who cooks is decided by the choice of menu, which is kind of nice except that Rob rarely cooks and seems to prefer my cooking over roomie's. The person who does the dish best cooks it, so sometimes all three of us rotate through our small pullman style kitchen for one meal. Sunday dinners are our one nice sit down meal each week with the table attractively set. Holiday dinners are excellent; terrific food with both the dinner table and the small buffet set with holiday linens, silver, crystal and centerpieces.

This post came about simply by wishing we could pre-plan Sunday dinner, so I could get the grocery shopping out of the way on Sunday morning. We pre-plan holiday dinners days in advance, what's the big deal about waiting until our tummy tells us what we are in the mood for on Sunday afternoon? There speaks a person who doesn't like grocery shopping, especially when it interrupts work on projects or fun, and is happy to eat almost anything she doesn't prepare herself.

Barrels of Fun !

2010-08-07T08:46:00.000-04:00

My SL has been very quiet the past few weeks. I've had RL deadlines which I just completed, so I haven't been online much at all, mostly just to clear notices.

I had fun lately trying out a series of barrel poses from Olive Juice.

mmm...flexi hair falling through body. Although I seek out flexi styles, this is one of the of the down sides.

Balancing act! A little unsteady ...

ooops! I slipped. That hurt!

Now for sexy!

Shopping from Bed

2010-07-29T09:29:00.000-04:00

One of the amusing sights I've seen in SL happened last night at the Car Wash sale. This lady was zooming around the streets lying in a hospital bed!

No hospital gown for her, she has on her jammies. She was clicking like crazy and appeared to be having a fine time shopping. I didn't notice any new jammie styles available, so she must be expecting a full recovery.

Flying high ..... over the merchandise carts.

Ballet

2010-07-24T19:44:00.003-04:00

I saw a live performance of modern ballet put on by the Ballet Pixelle company. The backdrops and floor coverings were light watercolors; a very nice effect.

It takes a great deal of patience to rehearse and perform with a group in SL. Because of the problems inherit in SL - lag, round the world cast, lag - probably twice as much patience is needed. This troupe obviously has the patience it takes; everything flowed smoothly.

The cast assembled for curtain call.

Pandora Moon

2010-07-19T22:50:00.002-04:00

My friend Xavia issued an invitation for a dance at Pandora Moon a little while ago.

I was the only one with wings and bright red hair. Talk about sticking out!

That is a plant in back of an avatar, not a headdress. My mother and grandfather would remind me to use better composition.

As soon as Ayesha of Skin Within introduced her Droe Exotica skin, I knew that it would be my choice if I played there. Click on the picture for a better view of her great makeup.

This is the hair in her poster for the skin. I have the hair for my role play as a fae! It's from Nikita Fride Design.

Busy, Busy

2010-07-19T09:40:00.000-04:00

I've been caught up in RL with deadlines. Still am, but I am working on blog posts and should have one up this evening.

Dancing with Native Americans

2010-07-14T08:06:00.002-04:00

Looking through my pictures this morning, I realized I hadn't shown you the ones from the Funkie Feats dance group celebrating Independence Day!

Usually we have a dance or two wearing fun Fourth of July costumes in patriot colors and bright stripes and stars. Anticipating this I did some grid hopping to pick up a few of the offerings from our generous designers to mix with my purchases from previous years.

This year we were in for a surprise. One of our Native American members had arranged for the Native Americans from the Sekulu sim lead by Chief Redtail to make a grand entrance for us to "celebrate the spirit of being independent."

Later when the notice came out it requested colonial clothing. My friend Emy and I had fun rummaging through our wardrobes trying on what we had. I even put on white pancake makeup to scare her with! Sooooo un-natural and appropriate for a ball at a palace in Europe, rather than the more relaxed colonies. However I did use pale make-up; they carried parasols to keep the sun's rays off of their delicate skin so to avoid tanning. I put my hair up and powdered it, while she wore hers down in charming ringlets. She found a gown she liked, loaned me one along with matching shoes, and we were all set.

Rob grilled yummy burgers and hot dogs and we relaxed and enjoyed talking with each other. I logged on too late to see the grand entrance.

I didn't remember to take pictures until after Emy left for another event. It seemed as though the circle was tighter than usual, I had a very hard time getting good ones of the regalia. I regretted forgetting to IM Xavia about it until almost the end of the dance, when it was too late.

Islands in the Sky

2010-07-10T07:48:00.004-04:00

My friend Emy and I explored the floating islands at the Isle of Arran last night.

We had a lovely goblet of ???...mmmm....??? I'm unsure, but there was a floral taste to the liquid. Emy polished off the last of the bottle, and became quite giggly.

Then we found a pool. I waded in it, getting my wings wet.

On the top most tier, was a platform with trees growing at funny angles. Emy is a choreographer in SL and we joined in a dance high above the land. We had fun; I enjoyed seeing my friend as a fae again.

Note: the Kingdom of House Erebos has been renamed to the Isle of Arran, an island off the coast of Scotland.

Lumpy Viking

2010-07-05T13:48:00.001-04:00

Rob's cat Cwnn is lying on top of my fold-out cutting board, under the gray wool that is the next, and final pair of Viking trousers for a friend (seven pair). She is taking exception at moving out of the way.

mmm....she's not bigger than I am, but she is one big solid lump of cat and determined to remain.

My cat Boots would just reluctantly move out of the way and then when my back is turned would hop right back up and sit in the middle of the fabric and look adorable (he is very lovable). Cwnn lets me know immediately she's not budging by reaching out and sounding an obviously irritated don't-mess-with-me protest "meaaaaooow"

me: I'm sorry your pants are a bit distorted, but I couldn't help it.
friend: well, that's okay, I can make do.
me: breathes a sigh of relief!
friend: But do you think the next pair could be made by the pattern?

Japanese Folded Bag - Three Knot

2010-07-04T10:51:00.006-04:00

Furoshiki Bag

The beauty of the two bags I will show you is they can be folded and carried in a larger bag, purse, or pocket. Then pulled out and shaped into a carry bag in seconds!

Three Knot Bag –
Materials: one square of fabric, suggested sizes 30”, 36”, 45”

1. Lay fabric square with printed side up. Keeping right sides together, fold in half to form a triangle.

2. Gather both layers of fabric between 1/3 to 1/2 way between point A and point B. Pick up corner point, flip it over and pull it through itself to form a knot. Repeat between point A and point C. Keep knotted tails the same length.

The picture shows a 45" square (1-1/4 yds) with corners knotted 1/2 way, which creates a smaller top opening for the bag. It easily slips over the shoulder, and is also short enough to carry by your side. The first thing I could think of for it to hold for display purposes was a pillow form. That is what gives it a flattish bottom. If you had a mish mash of things in it, it would look lumpy.

3. Turn bag right side out, push the knots into the corners to form the body of the bag.

4. Twist each remaining corner to form a handle. The more it is twisted, the smaller the bag will become. Tie the two corners into a square knot.

For further information, check out this website.

Working Together

2010-07-01T09:39:00.003-04:00

I was killing time late last night waiting for Rob to get home from work. TP'ed into Kabuki, an animations shop I have tons of sweet animations from that languish in my inventory because I don't know how to set up an XPOSE. He has a back massage available in the midnight mania board. Another lady and I hit the board and with less than ten slaps to go, we both started working on recruiting others to help us reach the goal of 150.

She started TP'ing in friends, while I asked everyone who was walking around the shop. We locked it down. People who appear so different in SL frequently would like to have similar things, just proving we all have common interests regardless of our skins/clothing/AOs.

I didn't bother turning around for the picture, but that's me.

mmm.... sunbeams over my face give me an odd look. It's a fun and flattering dress, but how conservative next to her laced leather bodice and fluffy tail!

Japanese Folded Bags

2010-06-29T00:23:00.000-04:00

I spent the latter portion of the evening working on instructions for one of two Japanese folded bags for work. It would be so much easier for me to simply sketch each step of the bag, rather than laboriously create line drawings on the computer for them. However I did that once and the customers who wanted to make the project hesitated because of the sketches; they didn't consider the handout professional.

Like my handouts become professional simply because the line drawings are more semetrical and the lines are uniform. Hah!

I believe I will need to type it into a text file and find a way to transform the graphics to jpeg format to share them with you. Someone might be interested, so I'll give it a shot.

Party Bubbles

2010-06-23T06:56:00.002-04:00

I have an acquaintance I accepted a friends invite from about 3 years ago. We talked from time to time then, but like many other friends we seldom make contact now. I receive TP invites from her for one of two reasons. She is either stalking a lucky board and my letter has come up, or she is attending a wedding and doesn't (never) wants to go alone. The last time I attended one with her, I was surprised when giant bubbles started rezzing at the reception and people hopped inside.

The bride passed me a bubble and I joined them bouncing around as we danced.

Lilac Dragon

2010-06-21T21:15:00.003-04:00

This is one of the more unusual creatures I've seen in SL

A small mottled dragon with reindeer horns, bright green wings and a matching plaid muffler!!
Location? U&R Dogs

I can imagine a small child tugging on mom's hand and pointing "Hey mom, look at that!"

Challenge Review - BBBC # 6

2010-06-18T23:27:00.002-04:00

Ali's Big Bad Blogger Challenge topic for today:
If you're a veteran.... Did you find this year to be harder or easier than previous years? Did you have fun? What did you get out of it this time around? Do you think you'd do it again?

Both I think. I asked Ali to add the other blog I post to, the Chronicles of Erebos, so I had a double dose. I've been a little late sometimes. I decided to make it easy and just post a picture and maybe a little text on the other, rather than include a large amount of edited role play every day. With this one, I've gone in depth with the question Ali put up for us to ponder each day.

Hopefully I've gotten the required kick in the tush I needed, and will blog more consistently. My RL is draining my energy level, so I'm not sure.

I'm sorry it is ending. I'm not sure I could make it through two straight weeks, but a new topic once a week, or the challenge on a semi-annual basis? Of course I will do it again, I'm glad Ali came up with the idea. This is the first year I haven't read all of the participating blogs. Oh my - almost 100 !!!

Dancing - BBBC # 5

2010-06-18T11:07:00.004-04:00

A couple of nights ago shortly after I logged on, my friend Hevy IM'ed me out of the blue! We chatted and he asked if I had time to help him test a new product he is working on. I said yes, and he TP'ed me. We spent the evening dancing. One of my absolute favorite things to do. I also like to be able to help people, and helping a friend is even better. Now what lady could resist that request? Never me! *smiles*

Since I am snap-happy, here are pictures of us, testing his latest brain child. I think it's a great idea, but I don't feel at liberty to tell you about it until it's ready for market. Here is his xstreet listing and his in world booth, if you are curious and would like to keep an eye out.

Hey mom, look no hands! No trampoline under us either

Hevy is the main stay and a trainer for the Funky Feats dance group that I am in. It's choreographed dance. This picture would be typical of dancing with the group. It's lots of fun.

I had a blast! Thanks for thinking of me Hevy!

Age? a Number, an Attitude - BBBC # 4

2010-06-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

Ali's Big Bad Blogger Challenge topic for today:
SL Bloggers - Is your avatar more or less your current biological age? Do you portray a younger avatar, or older? Why is this?

Less - It's not that I lie about my age, however I don't tell my RL age to anyone who has no need to know such as an employer. I never have, not even at 21; it's just a quirk of mine.

When I first came into SL, I wanted my avatar to reflect everything about me including age. The person who introduced me to SL quickly convinced me that there were no skins out there that were anything but young. She was right, and I think for the most part it is still true. Here is a 2008 blogger challenge look-a-like with an RL portrait that shows my the result. I'm not young, but I don't look a thing like one of the stereotypical "old" skins. Consequently a percentage of residents unintentionally or not, portray younger simply by choosing to be a human in SL, rather than a creature of some sort.

I chose my skin before I ever logged onto SL the first time, a Celestial Studios Vogue skin with availability limited to three months. I wore it for over two years until the lighting changes in SL caused it to gray out too much. I then spent another 10 months attempting to locate a new perfect "me" skin.

When I saw Belleza's Jesse, I was soooo excited, however it is too dark a skin tone. I really, really wanted Tricky to release it in a lighter version without freckles. It would have been perfect .....Nope. I had 178 demos of different skins (not including different tones of the same skin) from a multitude of designers by the time Tricky released Elle. My reaction to that number is GOOD GRIEF! How ridiculous! I had no idea until I counted.

I actually bought a fat pack so I could get a different lip gloss and shadow for some outfits! I'm a conservative shopper, that is unheard of for me!

If you read the above link you will realize my AV is very much me - height, build, hair color and style, custom eyes (gift). Someone I care for thought I went overboard in trying to match my AV to me. It was nice to realize both from Cen's comment to that post and others I have read yesterday, that several bloggers have done the same thing. I simply wanted to see myself having fun.

Style? Younger, but similar. For instance - I wouldn't wear a bikini in RL, but will in SL. However the style, color, and print are what I would chose in RL if I did.

I borrowed this from Ali's blog:
Aging is not 'lost youth' but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
-Betty Friedan

I also particularly like her title from yesterday: The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. We could all take that and run with it for a post. Maybe another day.

Relationships - BBBC # 3

2010-06-15T22:33:00.017-04:00

Ali's Big Bad Blogger Challenge topic for today:
SL Bloggers - How hard do you think it is to find a relationship in SL? If you have an SL relationship, have you met in the physical world? Would you meet them? Do you think it would change your SL relationship if you met?

I feel that finding someone in SL is very similar to finding them in RL. It's opportunity and chance. Were you in the right place at the right time? If a lady, where you approachable and friendly? If a gentleman, were you friendly and polite without expecting her to be a pushover who tumbled into bed with you in five minutes?

I've never tried to find someone in SL.

I met Korbin, my first boyfriend, when I had been in for six months. I plopped on a lounger on the beach, he was stretched out on the next one and struck up a conversation. We were together about a year and a half.

I met Stani, my second one, after I'd been in a little over a year. He asked a question in a shop and typically I pipped up with an answer. We went sailing, toured a museum, chatted. We were friends for a year before we began concentrating on each other a little over a year ago.

If you want to meet someone, just live your life (hop around the grid doing stuff and junk), but get out of your pretty home (and be open to chat).

The one thing my husband asked of me before I entered SL was to not tell anyone who I am. Of course. No big deal. Right? I had never participated in online chat rooms or games with a group. I had no comprehension that people you have never seen in person could come to mean so much to you.

I have one friend who was not pleased that I have not agreed to meet him in person.

Korbin lives about 3-1/2 hours away. There was, and still is a chance that we will bump into each other. We exchanged first names and snapshots and talked about how we thought we would react if it ever happened. Basically tongue-tied and then talkative.

Stani lives about 5-1/2 hours away. It is highly unlikely we will accidentally see each other and don't have snapshots to recognize each other by even if fate played that hand.

I think it's natural that meeting anyone you know online would change your relationship in some manner. Would it be awkward, absurd, friendly, disappointing, blah? Would we get past my "OMG!!! It's really him! What do I say? Do I look Okay (my best)? Will he be disappointed?" Hopefully I wouldn't blurt out something stupid and then stand there tongue-tied floundering for words. But I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't exactly how I reacted. Getting past the initial reaction and focusing on what draws you together in SL would be vital.

I feel that if Stani and I knew each other in person through a social or work context, and did not realize we knew each other in SL, that we would be friends. Enough contact and we would be good friends.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

RL Bloggers - Would you start a relationship with someone you met online? Would you have a problem telling people that's where you met? Do you think it's easier to meet someone online rather than at work or at a club?

I have met a few couples in person who began their relationships by meeting online, and talked with a few in SL. Yes, I would be open to getting to know someone online and letting it develop into a relationship through SL or something similar where the beginnings would be friendship.

Whether or not I would have a problem telling someone that is how we met would depend upon who it was - yes and no.

I tried going to a bar with the idea of meeting someone exactly once, I was very uncomfortable with that goal. Meeting at college and at work have both happened in my life. I don't think it is any easier or any harder to meet someone online.

Socialized - BBBC # 2

2010-06-15T00:24:00.002-04:00

Ali's Big Bad Blogger Challenge topic for today:
Write about three positive things going on in your Second Life.

I am a very social person. My RL job brings me into contact with people constantly. I am a department manager and buyer for one of largest fabric shops in the U.S. I give to customers, fellow employees, employers a wide variety of things - time, knowledge, encouragement, occasionally friendship. Some of the customers give back to me - enthusiasm, occasionally knowledge or a little gift. And compliments, must not forget the kind words. We share in their excitement in the wonder of a new world of sewing/quilting/smocking opening up to them and sometimes they bring in their show and tell. There are amazingly talented people in our world.

Don't get me wrong, I love to give, I am oriented toward helping others. My life is stressful, my job is stressful - not what I have mentioned here, but there are aspects of my job that are highly stressful.

Exercise, reading and SL are my relaxation. A neighbor asked me yesterday, what my day consisted of. I reeled off my typical Sunday list and he said, when do you rest? You have to rest. I told him I start relaxing about 9pm. To SL'ers that would be 6pm when I usually log on.

While my job is a draining social contact, SL gives me a positive social outlet. My three SL Positives: are social, social and social. I did say I was a social person, right?

1) The social aspects are important to me. The people of SL are hugely talented, widely diverse scattered all around the world. SL has introduced me to some amazing people.

Most importantly for me, I can log on and say hi in open chat or friends group chat, go to events, role play, or just relax and let SL flow around me with no demands.

2) Growing closer to my RL/SL friend Emy. I introduced her to SL. Okay she scoffed at me, but a few weeks later told me she was in! Our friendship has deepened because we see each other in SL. We role played together as fae for three years through three kingdoms! She is a highly talented choreographer, who has weekly events and is the member of a modern ballet dance troupe.

3) I start almost every morning in gmail chat with Stani, my SL boyfriend. It's a great way to start the day. He is a wonderful person with a warm and generous personality, whom I would never have met if not for SL.We've known each other for two years and been together for a year now. He enriches my life.

Why oh Why??? BBBC # 1

2010-06-14T00:32:00.019-04:00

Greetings my readers,

I signed up for Ali's Big Bad Blogger Challenge again this year. I must be crazy, because I asked her to include both of the blogs. But I desperately need a kick start into blogging again, I've been remiss.

Sooo.....the first suggested topic is....drum roll please....

Why did you become a blogger? How has it enriched your life?

I had the silliest reason ever for opening a account. I started reading Second Life blogs before I joined SL. It didn't take me long to add my two cents via comments. Many of the commenters had thumbnails. I wanted one too. Yes, that's right, I created Elphinstone's blog simply to have a thumbnail for commenting! I picked blogger.com simply because I liked the way Ana's blog looked and functioned and she was using it

That was in August 2007 I wrote my first post, one whole paragraph! In September came my second one, all of one line and a picture! Whoot! Another in September and then nothing until June 2008! By that time I was role playing, and in a post Creag linked to my blog. I thought, oh my, I'd better write something. So I did, and started blogging.

Although I am not a consistent blogger and do many happenings never make it to a post, my blog is my SL (and sometimes RL) easy reference to fun times and pictures that make me smile.

One of the reasons I enjoy reading blogs is because I learn a bit more about the people I know in SL. Some of the friends who read mine, have probably learned a bit more about me through mine. The rare comments are great - look someone wrote something!! lol

Blogging myself even the small amount I do, has given me an appreciation for the amount of time and effort that goes into each post I read. It has also encouraged me to look at things in a slightly different light. I feel anything I write about, post pictures of, has been focused upon. Posting it keeps it from quietly slipping away.

Aglarond's Carnival and Craft Fair

2010-05-31T10:21:00.012-04:00

I started role playing in Gamilia, a little land that no longer exists. When it crashed and went boom, a few of us moved to the fantastic kingdom of Aglarond. It had major problems, the expectations that were placed on their leaders wore me out and used up all of my creative juices. I hung on and hung on and eventually left for the Kingdom of Erebos. The owners are friendly and easy going, the dos and don't are simple and don't fill volumes upon volumes of reading material.

Since then Aglarond has been moved into the middle of Tirion lands. A very smart decision. Because of a personal request, I have retained my general membership and visit upon occasion. Last week they held a Craft Fair with carnival rides!! It seems really odd to see a spider, a ferris wheel, and a cotton candy machine in a medieval land.

Stani and I visited the other day. One thing about SL, I'm not scared of heights or being held upside down at...Let's ride that !

mmm...I'm not hanging on! I'm not that brave! We started out nearer each other; Stani is testing to see if sitting on opposite sides makes any difference. nope

The spider, I knew it as an octopus

Ignore the fuzzy pink, it's a reflection.Through the ferris wheel you can see the carousel and a nomad tent is peeking through the trees on the left.

More reflections. grrr. This is an interesting sitting position for the one in front! The fuzzy yellow green is the pod-like seat! The person in back should sit first.

We finished with the tame carousel horses.

The carnival is located in front of the fortress in Aglarond. If you would like to visit, TP to the village and walk through the forest.

Live Ballet! Back to Black

2010-05-02T21:02:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to a La Performance (SP) presentation of a modern ballet - Back to Black. My good friend Emy is a brand new troupe member.

For at least half of it I couldn't see into the connecting sim where the stage was. I tried everything I could think of, several suggestions from a kindly audience member and a few from Emy's friend Tori. I regretted distracting them from the performance, but I was grateful for the assistance. I believe what helped was clearing cache and relogging. Thank you gentlemen.

I have been to Shakespeare and to traditional ballet in SL. I had not attended interpretive modern ballet in SL before, although I have seen all three in RL. My taste is for traditional ballet, I do not enjoy modern ballet. I went to support and encourage my friend.

When I think of how many more dances and movements are available in SL now than were almost three years ago when I saw my first ballet, I am impressed at how well the first one I saw came off. Animation is much more fluid now with "capture motion" technology and the transitions are much smoother. The performance by the La Performance members was definitely worth seeing, they changed my mind about modern ballet. I went the next week to see the entire show. In short I am very glad I went and will be quite pleased to attend future efforts of the troupe.

Do click on the pictures for a larger view. I apologize that they are not up to my usual standard, I felt fortunate to get any and the dancers didn't exactly hold still and pose for the camera. *smiles*

I believe next Sunday at 3pm SLT is the performance of this production. I don't seem to have the surl. Emy wouldn't mind if you IM her for it. I would recommend getting there early.

Bad SL

2010-04-29T00:27:00.004-04:00

This qualifies as a really BAD night in SL

First, I log on to see myself as this hideous creature! To top it off a male friend was standing across from me (probably in shock) and informed me I was naakked!

uuuh....yup! My fair skin with rosy cheeks is a flat medium tone that looks like the base layer for a dark skinned person before the details come into play in PhotoShop. The pale spots are light coming in a window. Plus my lips and nipples have no color. My eyes have a thick white film over them; they are not totally opaque in appearance.

Then, later when I was logged out, I attempted to back in. The top and bottom bars appeared normal, between the two is a flat white with this:

500 Internal Server Error

An internal server error occurred. Please try again later.

I've never seen this in connection with SL before! There have been plenty of times when I couldn't log back in and it gets upset and says "your account will be available at ___ (5 minutes later). They must be hoping something will distract you and you won't come back.

A Dragon I Love to Be Around

2010-04-10T09:40:00.006-04:00

My boyfriend really surprised me a few days ago by saying he thought we should work on a project together or just role play!

I am the queen of the fae in a medieval/fantasy kingdom, so of course I was all for the opportunity to role play with him. As I was wondering "what does he want to be? an elf?" Stani pops up and says he would like to be a dragon! Oh cool! I immediately thought of Grendel's with three floors of creatures. He chose one from their newest line of Avarian dragons. They even come with building supplies for their own cave dwelling and a treasure horde of gold and other items!!

I did not realize that a dragon looks like a huge bunch of gray balloons as it rezzes. This was taken after they became less all encompassing and you could tell it was going to be an animal.

He appears to be a medium-sized dragon, but still I'm amazed he can fit in a house! The black looks velvety to the touch.

This picture is the first time he TP'ed into the central HUB at Erebos in dragon form. Two of my friends hurried over. Galina remarked it was the first time she seen a teal dragon.

Isn't he the cutest thing? He looks like a giant winged puppy wanting to be petted or waiting to be walked (admittedly I am prejudiced).

Trying to stand still while he takes a picture. My stance reminds me of having my picture taken in my new dress when I was in grade school. I hope his turned out better than mine.

RL - Happy Easter!!

2010-04-04T13:55:00.007-04:00

I'd like to wish everyone who celebrates it a Warm and Wonderful Easter.

My Easter memories growing up center around my family and the small country church our neighbors went to. It was as much fun as Christmas until we got to church. There I had to participate in a kids program where I would be nervous, would I remember where to move and when and remember my lines or the words to the song? Stage fright.

The best memories involve Easter Egg Hunts. Mom and then my brother and I, always decorated eggs. She hid them for us, outdoors over our side lawn amongst the grass and flowers, nooks of low branches and in the clothesline pole. On rainy days, indoors. Brave mom with the good nose, always had to find a few later from the odor. She got smart and switched to plastic eggs for indoor hiding.

I always had a new Easter dress for church. I remember a fluffy yellow organza one the year all of the other girls had pink or blue ones. I was the odd chick out and hated it. Now I could handle that with ease. An absolutely beautiful dress was a raspberry cotton sateen bodice and a printed skirt in a rich floral pattern. Very unusual and in excellent taste, it also showed up like a beacon among the other girls. She remembers these two episodes.

The Easter baskets were always so pretty with bright grasses and eggs and candy and goodies. There was the Easter I ate so much of candy, particularly the flat bottomed eggs with hard shells and soft white insides that I was sick to my stomach. I begged mom to make stew for Easter dinner. She looked at me like I had lost my mind and informed me that she wasn't about to make stew after she had gone to all of the trouble to prepare for a nice Easter dinner. I still won't touch those candies. Wayne at work, assures me he will share from the two bags he buys every year!

Mom still provides a large solid chocolate Easter bunny apiece for us each year! I love them, really I do. She wouldn't believe me if she realized I have a stash of them. mmmm....I forget to eat them. I remember them as Easter draws neigh each year. I am eating one right now...is it last years? The year before?

Work - RL

2010-03-19T23:05:00.007-04:00

wow! It's been over a month since I posted! It's been quite a month, good and bad and VERY STRESSFUL. I wanted to share with you a little something from my RL job.

I had a customer yesterday. She came in saying that she had been told by name in California to get coral. (coral what? thread, hemming tape, trim, fabric) I guessed fabric.
me: What kind? cotton, wool, polyester, linen, silk, spandex - a knit, a satin? her: I don't care.
me: Is the color more important or the fabric (thinking which department is the most likely to have coral? that would be mine - name a color and I probably have it in a solid colored cotton - over 200 choices) her: the color
I did not discover that was the wrong answer until after I lead her on a sweep of the shop. She approached me in the quilt department, so we looked at cotton, linen, silk, polyester. I had discovered it was for a dress; they can all be used for dresses. She was one of the least informative customers I have encountered. It is amazing how many of them expect you to know what they want when they give you almost nothing to base that knowledge upon. Finally I dug out of her that it was for a wedding.
me: for you? her: no, I'm the bride. (looking at me like I wasn't paying attention)
me: for your bridesmaids? her: yes (other options: flower girls, mothers, sponsors, junior bridesmaids)

It would have helped if she walked up to me and simply said I am getting married and my maid of honor wants the bridesmaids to wear coral.

Then like many other people, she told me she wanted a particular fabric that she has seen. No content, no swatch, no name, no picture. I asked for a description. hmmm....If she had told me immediately that she wanted a coral fabric with another color running through it (gold), I could have lead her to the bridal/special occasion department and shown her the two bolts that fit that description. No, this was at least 15 minutes later. I called Wayne to the department, and turned her over to him. He really doesn't have as much patience as I give him credit for, however it was someone else's turn, mine had run out.

Posing for the Community Challenge

2010-02-14T09:59:00.003-05:00

A request went out on the Ch'Know friends group for bloggers to gather for a picture. I responded and it turned out to be my long time friend Rose Farina working on her community challenge of a nice tribute to the blogger community.

I agree with what she said. I have learned much of what I know in SL by reading blogs. My would like to add my thanks to those who spend their time taking the photos and writing posts, and especially the ones that go to the effort of preparing tutorials.

Of course I took pictures too. With a switch to a new extremely landscaped monitor, I am having problems framing pictures in world --- it seems to shift the photo much lower than I aim (not just the recent forced crop LL added). I only had one usable picture. Rose hadn't taken her position yet, and it doesn't show Ali.

Me, Crap, Rylan, Emerald, Kanomi, Isabeau, Gabby, Tym and Holli
(click for a larger view)

Here's an example of bloggers affecting my SL: Tym and I are wearing the sneakers that she listed as one of her "5 Things You Can't Live Without in SL" in response to another challenge. Reading the post led to meeting Tym, Ali and Cen and becoming a Ch'Know group member. Yay! My SL would be much quieter without them in it. Cas boos the idea.

Did Someone Say "TRIVIA" ???

2010-02-10T20:36:00.003-05:00

Ali hosted a trivia party last night! She ran the game. My fingers were soo not fast enough. Show up in your pajamas, listen to music and rack your brain for answers. It was good fun and she's promised to repeat it.

Ali our DJ swinging her pillow around and dancing to the beat of the tunes she was playing.

We are sitting around the trivia ball like we are mesmerized!

I absolutely love this one.

A toasty warm Aisuru, looking adorable.

Fae Fest - Imbolic

2010-02-01T20:25:00.001-05:00

Fae Fest dance event was held at the Kingdom of Erebos yesterday. Humans, elves, vampires and drow were all represented. They put aside their differences for a short time to join in dance inside the enchanted faerie circle. For more pictures follow this link.

Hawk, Tina, Tori, Red, Emy, Casandra. Emy sprinkled faerie dust over those who could not fly to aid in soaring dances.

Emy, who choreographs the dance, and Tori

TinaMarie Beck, our DJ for the event

Long time friend of ours, Red dons wings to join in the fun!

Faerie Circle Magic

2010-01-30T15:45:00.000-05:00

Myself and Emy dancing triumphantly after Hawk's departure from a scene where the faerie circle protected us from any foul intent he might have.

Please do join us at this same faerie circle tomorrow, Sunday, for dancing led by Emy at 11am SLT.

Role Play: Lots of Links to My Posts

2010-01-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

I've been better at posting on the Chronicles of Erebos for the medieval/role play kingdom, than I have here. So for those readers who enjoy a bit more fantasy in their lives, I have links to my posts below.

There is a Fae Fest this Sunday, 11am-1pm SLT. This is a choreographed dance event for individuals, no partner necessary. My friend Emy guides our steps and it's lots of fun. Everyone is invited. You too! I only ask that you make an attempt at appropriate clothing. Just ask if you aren't sure, and IM me for a TP. I'd love to have you come. *smiles and beckons*

One post on a minstrel and a tournament - sword, joust and fishing. I surprised myself by doing quite well in the fishing tournament.

"Six Little Indians sitting in a row......" waiting for the sword tourney to begin.

One post on the aftermath of a tavern fire (it seems to get it frequently by arson or playful dragons), a drow "questioning" an elf, a haunting, and ending with a picture of myself enjoying the company of a tame wolf.

Justine, one of the tavern wenches, becomes a druid ~ and ~ a haunt in the tavern!

The Christmas Ball for the kingdom.

Jousting comes to the kingdom!

Twelfth Night Celebration

2010-01-24T13:05:00.002-05:00

Lady Emy and I went to a Twelfth Night Celebration yesterday. We had a delightful time renewing old friendships and making new ones. And over the course of two hours became totally stuffed on a fine five remove feast.

Emy has done a wonderful job of transforming this RL re-enactment event into an SL role play occurrence for her fae. The Twelfth Night Celebration and The Twelfth Night Feast

She lamented that there was nothing that attracted her on the merchants tables. I, on the other hand, was quite delighted to see Lady Marion with her vast array of silk threads and fine linen spools. I purchased a gold silk for couching and a red and dark blue linen for tablet weaving. Immediately upon strolling up, Marion mentioned that she has been requested to be head cook for an upcoming event and solicited me to aid her.

The Power of Attraction

2010-01-22T16:35:00.002-05:00

"You just have to see her to know that she'll break you in two."
This quote is from the YouTube video The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight. Essie Radford has a hotlink to it on her blog

It's not that I have any desire to break someone in two, I don't wish for that kind of power over anyone. I am not made that way. But I think perhaps I would like to believe that someone would be swept off their feet simply because I entered the same room and something about me affected them that deeply. It's a bit fairytale princess of me, isn't it?

Work Today.........I Feel Lousy - - RL

2010-01-14T08:38:00.012-05:00

I wrote this yesterday morning and meant to post it, but didn't:

Ooohhhh.....I ate something that didn't agree with me yesterday. It was a bad night and a worse morning. Going back to sleep would be impossible, but heavenly. I want to crawl into a hole with my ginger ale and curl up. Instead I'm getting dressed and going to work, ginger ale in hand. I have a fabric rep today. Thank goodness he isn't set up for all day, I don't think I could handle it. That basically means he is a minor rep = represents fabric manufacturers that are not major players in the market.

Otherwise it would be nine straight hours (with a business lunch) of purchasing decision time for yours truly while I view thousands of fabric samples for hundreds of groups from four to six manufacturers. With him I'll look at about one thousand samples for a few dozen groups and it won't take more than a couple of hours. It would be a piece of cake if I felt good.

I have received about 375 bolts of fabric in the last few days. The manufacturers packing slip had dups on it, determining which took about six man hours each for two people. Getting it checked in, the error handled, dated, coded, priced, space made for it, and put out on the floor is almost finished - the bulk of it probably will be by Monday. Some of it was scanned etc for the website.

Update:
It was a hell of a day (sorry). 'm not usually micro-managed; we (dept mgrs & owners) are really stressed. It started with pressure from my boss's mom (in charge of the stock room) regarding the rep (for one thing the person who handles scheduling didn't bring in anyone extra to cover for me), concluding with my boss's brother telling a co-worker and myself something that we do not want to hear and shouldn't at this point, which may or may not be factual. The hours between, working with customers and dealing with the new fabric, were mostly okay. Along with questions from other people, it was peppered with questions from boss's mom, who then ran my answers past her daughter, and come back and reported that she agreed with me. She didn't ask her everything, so I pulled out the folder with my calculations three more times to supply answers. I am very fond of this lady.

I was a wreck last night. Quick to tear up (I'm normally even-keeled for myself, soft-hearted for others). I needed a really good cuddle. Fortunately for me, when I checked email, Stani had the window open while he was working, hoping to catch me. We were able to spend almost two hours together in live chat. It helped.

Then and Now Blogger Challenge

2010-01-09T19:31:00.005-05:00

Sophia came up with a simple but popular idea for a blogger challenge -- show yourself as you looked when you started SL and how you look now! Fun!

I rezzed as a human in Feb 2007, and I am still human part of the time. I am also fae (fairy), so just because it's different than most of the bloggers, I decided to show my start as a fae. It was hmm.....late spring 2008. I didn't have a wardrobe or a skin, so it was almost like being a newbie.

Even so I was very pleased with my look. The dress and wings are from my freind Rose Farina's shop RPC/Rose Petal Creations. Here is my first post Fae? Who Me?

I was thrilled with the skin - a sim opening gift from Tulli, you can just barely see pale stars over my eyebrows. The Maiden hair is from Bewitched (now Hairy Situations).

Fast forward to today. I usually wear long gowns, this one is from my favorite shop for role play, Caverna Obscura. It also has a short skirt option. My wings are almost always from Fancy Fairy; Violaine Villota is very talented.

The skin is Bella II from Pulse. and Hair is Helen from Calico Creations and the wonderful rose wreath is from MandyMandy McMillan.

I am thinking of changing to Cupcakes new Embrace skin, but I do want to keep Casandra the fae queen a little otherworldly, rather than like a beautiful human. Sidhe traditionally have unusual eyes, but I keep my own (one-of-a-kind Christmas gift from ex-bf).

Hover pose by fellow Ch'Knower Sai Pennell - ImpEle (was Imperial Elegance).
Photos were taken at the medieval role play kingdom of Erebos.

Christmas Ball

2010-01-03T16:23:00.002-05:00

I finally put up pictures of the Christmas Ball held in Kingdom on the Chronicles of Erebos blog. My friend and outstanding choreographer, Emy lead the couple dances for the event.

I think I am behind in everything I need or want to do in both worlds. My goal this year to to get myself organized and manage time more effectively.

Ch'Know & Friends Ring In 2010

2010-01-02T09:35:00.004-05:00

**NOTE** If you can't see all of the pictures, please try hitting refresh a few times. ******

A couple of days before the new year someone wished for a something to do for new years in the Ch'Know group chat. I think it was Tym. Ali worked her magic and threw together a celebration! She was smart and scheduled it for Dec 30th, knowing almost everyone would be ringing in the new year in RL rather than SL.

Ali, DJ and hostess and Gahum

Melanie, GoGo and Fricker dancing the night away

Dazz and Shelly

Natasha

Nikki and Eva, two very attractive ladies

Jerremy and Tym bouncing to the beat

Cas and Stani - we were so out of synch. He looks like he is sprinkling me with sparkles!

Aisuru as graceful and delightful as always.

I thought I would pop into SL and wish my friends a "Happy New Year" after celebrating in in RL. Nope, I didn't make it into SL. I hope you all had someone to share the entrance of the new year with in one of your worlds. And that it will be a joyous and satisfying twelve months for you!

Water Water Everywhere - RL

2009-11-15T14:22:00.008-05:00

It's never a good sign when The Weather Channel sends a reporter to do stand up in your area. The remnants of Hurricane Ida crept through our area last week. Days of WIND and rain. What is "Heavy Rain Mist" anyway?

By Thursday the ground was already saturated, by Thursday evening sewers were full so rain water backed up onto streets, into driveways and parking lots. White caps in some streets. The underpasses were full (say 15' of standing water). Downtown was closed Thursday afternoon and Friday. Some felt Friday was just as bad. The rain started tapering off Friday and quit on Saturday. Sunday lovely blue skies.

During Hurricane Isabel (the only other really bad storm since I moved here) we lost power for 42 hours. We lost power Thursday as it was getting dark. Rob saw a BIG blue arc that filled the sky and we both heard the transformer POP several blocks away. It came back on Saturday 45 hours later. 155,0000 without electricity. We had one of the top five highest tides in recorded history for this region - 8' high tides (usual high storm tide is 3-1/2') with 52 mph winds and gust of 78 mph the waves were topping out at 15' !! Waves were breaking over the causeway deck leading up to the I-64 bridge between South Hampton Roads and North Hampton Roads. This is what I saw reported, it may have been worse. Trees, lines down, flooding of cars, businesses, homes.

Wind whipped the rain everywhere, our neighbors lost the siding under their eaves and there is a gaping hole a man could walk through to get into their attic from the outside! Our windows (all big) are two panes that slide side to side mounted in tracks similar to those for a shower door. Rain hit the windows on the east side, ran down into and under the tracks onto the sill and down the wall - all Thursday evening and well into the night. We went through every towel, hand towel and washcloth we have - rolling them into the tracks, catching the water moving onto the sill and mopping up the carpet when we weren't quick enough, ringing them out sometimes, putting in dry ones. It finally slacked off enough that Rob felt it could be left unattended and went to bed at 5am.

It was 50 something outdoors the temperature had dropped to 68 inside by the time the electricity came back on. That doesn't sound bad, but I get chilly easily, so I was wearing a kind-of-robe over my clothes with a big triangular angora shawl. My cat Boots, was cool, he spent every night beside my pillow, partly covered with a blanket!

We really did pretty well. We had candles, flashlights, lanterns. Rob went to the grocery early Thursday pm (no work for us - colleges and shop closed) and I made chili immediately, and put it in a crock pot to keep warm. We reheated it Friday in a chafing dish.

By Friday night my best view of the rain was lighted from the back by the street lights (they were on again). Blowing almost horizontal, it looked like clouds of heavy mist blowing over the roofs.

We read, wrote (sitting at computer desk next to a bowl with tea lights), and played monopoly - roomie folded first, I had the railroads, Rob had hotels on the expensive corner and won. Rob worked Friday. By Friday I was b o r e d. I'm not good at sitting around doing not much. It was a dull gray day, poor visibility even with the blinds and curtains open so I couldn't do any handwork (embroidery). I worked Saturday.

Now it's clean up time: everything in the fridge went into the trash. Besides the meat, so many good condiments and cheeses...sigh. And veggies, some had rotted. The freezer was cold but everything was defrosted....ouch. Now laundry and more laundry including an extra large load of towels, run the dishwasher, clean the carpet (tracked in mud), consulting on what everyone feels is important for the fridge, a long trip to the grocery later today.

My first pleasure was a lovely long shower, head to toe clean and body lotion..mmmm....heavenly warmth.

Update: One well thought out shopping list and $245 later, the fridge looks really really bare. But do we really need seven bottles of salad dressing? nooo?? and three different mustards?...yes.

My First Modeling/Posing? Gig !!

2009-11-11T09:38:00.001-05:00

I am in a couple of general Role Play groups that were created by a friend for the purpose of letting the role play community at large know what is going on. Last night a request went out for a fae to pose with a new fae house.

I do like helping people out when I can. I responded and found myself standing on the platform...mmmm...deck of a little one room house

in a really HUGE tree!

Here I am asleep in the leaf bed. The tan is the roof below me. He requested something faeish - like TinkerBell but not her. I have Nicky Ree's fairy costume in green, with my Seven Selection's wings, he pronounced it perfect.

It was my first pose/modeling gig for someone I didn't know. He offered a copy of the house or lindens for payment. I received 100 L.

Fae Fest - Samhain

2009-11-05T22:22:00.009-05:00

The fae and druids joined together to bring the Druidic Celebration for Samhain to the Kingdom of Erebos.

The announcement read thusly:
Come to the high meadow for two hours of dancing to rejoice in a bountiful harvest. Fae Fst will be followed by a Samhain Ritual to ensure that we will survive the harsh winter to come. The choreography and music throughout will be provided by Lady Emy and DJ Taliesin Silverstar. If fertility and wickerman pagan customs offend you, please plan to leave by 1pm SLT. Otherwise, plese join us at the bonfire.

Dancing during the Fae Fest portion of the event

Foxie beguiling Hawk with her long silky hair

Talie, Nicole, Emy, Alk, Casandra dance near the bonfire

Roberta and Casandra near the cornstalks from this year's harvest

Faun and Justine in the symbolic dance

The stag is placed atop the burning bier. Linwe handled the symbolic druidic ritual for Samhain very smoothly.

More pictures can be seen on the Chronicles of Erebos blog.

2009-10-25T15:04:00.002-04:00

Essie invited me to post on the Chonicles of Erebos blog. So when I post there, I will note it here for anyone who is interested. I will still post role play here also. Sometimes the same event with a different slant.

The was a horse tourney on a calm evening in the medieval/fantasy kingdom of Erebos.

Linwe and Foxy are clashing in the foreground upon the high meadow. I was an airborne observer (it seemed safest)

A Little Retro - RL

2009-10-23T09:17:00.001-04:00

This is a cute little owl fabric that I had to have for no good reason except it is unique and it appeals to me.

Normally I buy full groups that are new, replenish certain groups by buying the bolts that have sold out, or pick and chose from large groups. I buy single bolts that don't go with a themed group, only if they are novelty prints (cars, horses, ducks etc) that meet a need. Novelty fabrics are one of our specialties.

I just threw this one in willy nilly. My boss would have looked at me in alarm if she had been there and asked if I really needed/wanted that? She hasn't joined me for a buying session for ten months. I regret that; we work really well together. I have the next fabric rep scheduled for next Monday during a time she sometimes comes in...so if she wishes, she could be there. Debi is fun and I think they would be excellent friends if she lived locally.

Because it is not part of a group, when the bolt arrived at the shop I knew it would sit on the shelf virtually untouched unless I came up with a display. It is in the retro section so I found a pattern from that era. I am surprised the style appealed to me. It's very feminine. I am feminine, but I don't think I'm this feminine.

It is Butterick 4945 (bottom right) If the link doesn't work immediately, give it a few seconds. I believe it is from the 1950s. I modified it by placing a pipping between the two fabrics and shortening the bottom piece (twice) to 2-1/2" with hem to give it better balance between the two fabrics.

Me, being me, I didn't read the instructions. I almost never do. But then I usually draft my own patterns, so I am not used to having instructions to rely on. And this is super easy.

Extra long apron strings to tie your special male friend up with - hehe!

Happy Thursday - Musical Friends

2009-10-16T08:46:00.006-04:00

Dance is my first love in SL. Dance and Friends are why I was still hanging around by the time I slipped into Role Play. I am often somewhere wearing the leather thin on the bottom of my dance shoes.

Emy is a good friend in RL and my best friend in SL. She is the only person I have introduced to SL. We are there for each other. A very talented choreographer for singles and couples dance events with an RL dance background. In my role as Queen of the Fae for the Kingdom of House Erebos, she holds the position of Court Choreographer. She really is my Lady-in-Waiting. She makes my life easier in many ways and has my best interests at heart. My SL would be much lonelier without her.

Tulsa I happened to meet at a Funky Feats dance. He has become a friend, Emy's little brother and a talented DJ. Above are before and after make-over pics. He had been in SL for two years when I gave him good pair of black shoes from Shiny Things for a Christmas gift earlier this year. The world should watch out! What this man can accomplish when he gets motivated is amazing! Extremely sauve and attractive...be still my heart! *smiles* Click on picture for a better view of his new look on the opening night of his weekly Party Funk gig at Linri's Palace.

Emy drug me to a Funky Feats dance well over two years ago and I am sooo glad she did! This choreographed dance group became my first home base in SL. A welcoming group that loves music, and loves to dance. They are an important part of my SL. LuLu, Hevy and myself amid a good turnout of Funkies surrounding us.

Hevy is the mainstay and heart of the Funky Feats. He was one of the original Funkies and kept the group going after the others lost interest. He is a gentle and considerate man, who is delighted to see each group member TP in to join a dance. I always thought a chorus line would have camaraderie and be fun and I was right! SL blissfully takes the long hours of rehearsal away.

However long hours are spent prior to choreographed events by the dance leaders in searching for new dances that fit different music styles, organizing them, and warming them up prior to the event.

Xavia is a bright spot in my day! She is enthusiastic and bubbly. I met her through Starting Point newcomers housing run and sponsored by my friend Tym and her husband Jerremy, two wonderful people. I invited her to a Funky Feats dance one evening when she was bored. She was immediately hooked on music and dancing in SL. She is a host for Bailers and is now DJ'ing for them on Friday nights. She is occasionally fae, hence this choice of pictures.

LuLu (gray globe over head) was the driving force that kept the Funkies going while Hevy was away from second life. It takes a lot of keyboard dancing to choreograph a two hour event and she lead dance after dance, undoubtedly wearing her dancing toes and fingers into numbness.

The way my blog operates, I can only upload five pictures. There are music friends that are not shown here that I also enjoy.

Changing Seasons - RL

2009-10-14T17:29:00.007-04:00

I love living where the seasons change...the air is crisp or soft and warm, trees burst into new leaf or drop brightly colored crunchy leaves underfoot to shuffle through and kick into piles, even the sky is different with each new season.

The thing I dread about the change of seasons is changing out my closet....major bummer. There are clothes that cause me to automatically smile when I see them for the first time in several months. That's the up side.

Like most people, my closet is not large enough. This time of year I pull out everything I know I won't be wearing til spring - the camis, shorts, thin silk blouses, swim suits and cover ups.

Then I open the two big totes that hold seasonal clothing and place everything in the closet I know I will want to wear. Next comes paring down the transitional items (I always leave some in the closet) so that the bulkier winter sweaters fit. A must is the incredibly warm wool cable sweater in natural Lancastershire wool mom gave me. I probably won't wear it, but last year when the shop lost heat for several days it was a blessing.

I donate everything I haven't worn that I have no really good reason to keep. Nostalgia enters....how did I end up with a dress I wore in high school? My mom never tosses anything. It's an unusual eyelet in a pretty shade of blue. I think I'll offer it to a local theatre company. There's the green boxy tunic length top with bright yellow-gold embroidery (eeah) from India a friend gave me three years ago. mmm... And a soft yellow wool pencil skirt that fits like a dream, but yellow? I don't remember it at all..away it goes. And a longer bittersweet one. Pencil skirts that long and my job just don't cohabit comfortably; I've never worn straight skirts that weren't above the knee. Another mom one.

I love my mother, but we dont' really have the same taste and she's only happy if my tops are loose and my pants are almost falling off.

And an authentic U.S. Air Force flight suit! I don't why Rob (husband) thought I needed one. I only get to go up in private aircraft once or twice on a good year and I haven't been up in any military aircraft that has been used since WWII. I'm keeping it. I even look kind of sexy in it!!

All done. :D

Cas isn't here - RL

2009-10-10T08:54:00.004-04:00

The only time my Friday off at work changes (we are closed on Sundays), is when two other people need/want that day off.

The end of the twelve foot shelf used for displaying quilt kits and a few fat quarter bundles

I was asked a couple of days ago if I would switch my day off for next week. I agreed and then we haggled as to which day I will take.

Now I feel like I need to post a notice on the front door - big and bold and hope everyone who cares will actually read it. What is it about people that the ones that could benefit rarely read signs?

Cas will be off on Wednesday, October 14
She will be available on Friday, October 16

This public service announcement would upset my co-workers who feel "my customers" place too much importance upon my assistance. They seem to forget they all have customers that prefer them. I just have more, or else more projects are done by "Cas's groupies" - one of the men started calling them that and it stuck :(

For a little reference check out this post paragraphs 4-7

A corner of my 7'x10' cutting table used for displays and quilt kits. Yes there is clutter behind the display rack....well I'm a bit cluttered. Artistic types aren't usually all that tidy are they? ?

Because I know there will be people who come in on Wednesday and say, "Where is Cas? I know she's off on Fridays" and the next time I see them it will be "Where were you last week? I came in and you weren't here." The next sentence will be:
(a) I had to get something and so someone else helped me (they may describe them, but rarely know their name)
(b) I left again
(c) I was afraid you had quit

Yes, there really are people who will drive I don't know how many miles in metropolitan traffic expecting my help to pull their project together and if I am not there, will turn around and walk out the door!!

The ethnic table is behind the rack on the left, 400+ batiks on the wall, 2-1/2 tables of Civil War prints starting with the table on the right. A tiny portion of the floor space I have for 6,000 bolts of fabric (my department takes up one third of the floor space dedicated to fabric in a shop that used to be a grocery store!)

Erebos - Grand Re-Opening Celebration 2

2009-10-06T08:26:00.001-04:00

A part of House Erebos' grand re-opening celebration was an archery competition.

The winner was Essie Radford

And lastly Saia during the fishing competition being circled by a flying dolphin!!
The fishing competiton winner was Fauntimes Inkpen. Congratulations to the winners of the many and varied contests throughout the weekend!

Erebos - Grand Re-Opening Celebration 1

2009-10-06T08:07:00.002-04:00

The role play kingdom of House Erebos had their grand re-opening celebration last weekend. I managed to get a few pictures.

Linwe and Slader taking a rare opportunity to dance together

Foxbriar in the middle and Mandelynn ? (I always think I will remember - ha!)

Saia and 2ks, our illustrious leaders in the foreground wrapped up in each other

Casandra; Nicole visiting

Meehaul, visiting (as an elf!) and Swith dancing together

Happy Thursday - Role Play Friends

2009-10-02T11:36:00.004-04:00

This week's Happy Thursday post (late as usual) is about role play friends. I was a human for over a year before I donned wings and became a fae in my first Role Play medieval/fantasy kingdom. It was a happy accident told here.

These pictures are all from the kingdom of House Erebos. A huge thank you to Essie for discovering it and major kudos to Saia and 2ks for welcoming refugees from Aglarond with open arms! Here are the chronicles for Erebos.

All of my role play friends are important to me, they care about each other, their varied personalities round out the experience. I am really a theatre techie type - one of my majors in college was Theatrical Costuming. I have been told I'm good at role play, but I am not really comfortable with it.

However, I have friends who are awesome at role play!

Galina was accused of poisoning Mandelynn. Her trial revealed that she was threatened...

With the drow Hawk quelled for the moment, we enjoy a relaxing evening in the village.

Emy, Linwe as a friendly wolf, and myself on one of Emy's favorite sitting spots.

I still am human much of the time. Each is a nice break for the other. Some of us use role play as a get away from being human and others switch from one role play persona to another, sometimes shedding skin for scales or fur to relax.

It's funny but even if I don't have a great deal of interaction with someone, if we talk personally every once in a while, I develop a fondness and care about them. I miss Joyful... she is a warm and wonderful person.

Happy Thursday - Ch'Know Friends

2009-09-25T12:13:00.003-04:00

Friends...probably the main reason I am still in SL after 2-1/2 years. I am planing several Happy Thursdays posts on this topic. *smiles* I'm going to start with the friends group I'm in.

Slumber Party

The Ch'Know group is a talkative bunch mostly ladies, but there are also some gentlemen that stir up things and entertain us. Our group chat is lively; humming along with the craziest topics at times. Joyous, someone may burst out with "I just did such and such!!" Followed by Yays! Congratulations!

Camping

Summer - The Unintentionally-Invisible Man (SL does it again) "ringed"

It can also be "Where can I find ____?" or "Has everyone/anyone got?" which sometimes results in a mad dash by some/many of us to check out/pick up the topic of conversation. Word of mouth in this group definitely increases sales for quite a few designers; they should love us.

Trailer Park

Most Wednesdays there is a themed group party that Ali usually hosts and always DJ's. We get together, dance, talk and have a great time acting silly.

Rave

Most of the time, it's just plain fun. At other times, it can be seen that this group is there for it's members. Someone may share a problem. Especially if is a RL problem, expressions of concern, caring, and love for that member come out through group chat, personal IM's, and notecards.

Many members are also highly talented. Designers of clothing, home decor, builders - plus photographers, shop managers and bloggers.

My Second Life would be a much quieter place without my Ch'Know friends. I'm so glad I'm in it.

Skins & Static SL Style

2009-09-23T09:22:00.002-04:00

The hunt is on...The Goal? A good skin for my boyfriend.

I TP'd to a shop and landed outside the entrance in the middle of STATIC! The inside of the shop was fine, quite normal, but the outside was .... see for yourself!

That is not a marble floor, it is static filled space! The off placed halo effect didn't show up when I was there, only in the pictures. The next shot is taken from inside the entrance looking out through the door into vast nothingness.

Can anyone recommend a good male skin?

UFO piloted by Sheep!

2009-09-19T21:08:00.000-04:00

Thirteen of my group slots are directly or indirectly associated with role play!! I have touched quite a few (read that as too many) subscribe/unsubscribe signs in shops. It would be discouraging to designers, but I look at all of the design names, then maybe glance at a third of the notices that greet me as I log on.

Occasionally I'll decide I need something to complete an outfit, or I need a particular sort of outfit and start mentally running down shops I am familiar with to decide where to go shopping.

I also read blogs when I get a chance. I'll read friends blogs first, then a few, very few, fashion blogs. Almost all of the time I shop via notices and blogs. If something strikes me, I will go check out the shop.

Yesterday I TP'd into a shop to pick up an item I had seen on a blog that is constantly updated. The lady who blogged it has her own blog and contributes to another. She is dedicated to bringing us a loads of wonderful shopping opportunities. Before I left, she happened to TP in. I said "Hi" and thanked her for her efforts.

Let's face it neither designers (unless they have a dedicated fan base and an active chat group) nor bloggers are thanked often enough compared to the hours of work they put in.

We chatted for a few minutes and said goodbye. Then much to my surprise I received an IM and an inventory offer from her! It was so little when it started rezzing, that I was afraid I had buried it in the sand.

Then what to my wondering eyes should appear but this cute little toy sheep in a space ship! What a delightful surprise!! It scoots around on it's own. I laughed and laughed. Totally unexpected and was sooo sweet of her!

This is gacya-ufo-sheep by dazai Voomf of D-LAB a talented toy maker. I don't see this one available for sale in his shop, but there are other cute toys and plants.

RL Wedding Gown - Finally Pics !!

2009-09-11T09:53:00.002-04:00

Not short at all :(

Back in January, a mother and her best friend came into the fabric shop I work at to look at satin, chiffon, organza, lace in all of it's forms: appliques, fabric and trims for a bridal gown. I worked with them. After the third trip, this time with the bride-to-be who lives out of state, they purchased yards and yards of heavy duchesse satin, chiffon and a light-weight lining from someone else who works there. Mother intended to make the gown, which is a knock off of an Anne Barge gown. Go to this URL and flip the page four times. It's the wide V neck gown on the left page. I think she said $3,500.

In February mom broke her foot. It didn't heal and it didn't heal and she had an operation on it and it took it's sweet time healing. She was on crutches, going up and down stairs both at home and at work on her tush, scooting around the garden planting flowers for the church decorations the same way. But she couldn't handle moving around a table, pulling yards of fabric with her, laying out a pattern etc. She is still in pain daily.

So in June her best friend (I knew her first) comes in and whispers to me "would you even consider making the gown????" I listened to her, took a look at her woebegone face, and said "yes". When she realized she heard me correctly, I thought she was going to cry.

My mother's reaction...."You said WHAT???!? Did you tell them you have never made a wedding gown???" My mother is not one to raise her voice in that manner.

The bride has an unusual figure. Long torso, tiny ribcage and waist, not much bust, wide shoulders and 39" hips! She looks good in wrap dresses and A-line skirts. period. They had purchased a Vogue pattern to base the gown on. It would need to be modified - neck, cut of armholes, shape of train, perhaps width of skirt and add a full lining. Plus the decoration under the bust, but that was something mom could do for her daughter.

The photo session for the portraits was in a few weeks. It was postponed.

Fitting #1: Fitted muslin mock-up based upon the Vogue pattern on bride. eeeah. She's even smaller in the bust. Ripped out empire waist seam across the front, Reshaped bodice, pinned and marked.

Cut out gown, sewed it together - the duchesse satin is a lovely heavy, stable fabric. Did I mention heavy? The seams that should fold over and lay down, don't - they roll. So the neckline and armholes are stay stitched by hand catching the lining and satin and avoiding the full chiffon overlay. eeeah yet again. The lining is too light weight for the satin. It's one I only recommend if they want a light weight slinky gown with a lot of drape. Trouble in River City. All three fabrics begin shredding as soon as a pair of scissors slices into them. Fray check is my friend, but makes them stiff and harder to work with...what to do, what to do....

Fitting #2: The shoulders aren't quite narrow enough, the armholes are typical and don't have quite the right line at the top (nit picky little detail here, but it matters). I later rip out the stitching for the top part of the armholes and re-cut them a bit straighter, which gives the shoulders the correct shape and still covers the bra straps (thank goodness). The bride, who really is a lovely person, wants the neckline an inch lower and the whole bodice tighter. eeeeaah! I tell her that A-line cuts are supposed to skim the body and the fabric will pull around the ribcage if I make it that tight. "But...can you do it?" I roll my eyes and say of course and mark the bodice. More ripping - well no, I cut off the cloth covered bridal buttons and a little bit of fabric on each side of the back opening shaping the cut so that it flows into the original seam at the hip.

I decided to cut off every other button loop on the new piece of loop trim for the center back leaving a little space between each button (O O O O) so they don't look like an 18" line of white m&m's (OOOO). The design is simple enough that I feel that would look like overkill and both mom and daughter like the look. A touch of glue at each cut, two lines of tight stitching to ensure the loops won't pull out and into the bodice it goes.

Bridal buttons have to be the hardest ever to sew on. There are no holes; you sew through a tiny mound of cloth on the back of the button - I use tiny little needles and it's still tough to push them through. I chain stitch them on - in that I attach one and tie a knot and run the double strand of thread under the satin to the next spot and repeat. To make it very unlikely one will be able to pop off.

I have seen the light at the end of the tunnel for a while, but it's a very long tunnel and I have stumbled a couple of times.

Fitting #3: Checked the fit of the bodice, cut of the neckline, width of the shoulders, cut of the armhole - perfect! whew! Then she said "Do you think the neckline is low enough? Another 1/2?" I didn't hear her. Okay, I looked at her and didn't' respond. Marked the hem for the final length.

I cut the train. When asked the bride decided on a 6" train. Mom said okay; I nodded. The gown really called for more. I shaped it to 24-28" and finished the seams on all three layers except for the few inches close to the hems. Sewed the hem tape on the satin layer, pinned all three hems.

Fitting #4: The next evening - just to check and tweak the hem before I finalize it.

Hemmed all three skirts using three different methods, the satin by hand and finished the seams near the hems.

Discovered a tiny hole in the chiffon on the bodice a little above the bust. Major EEeeAH :(( I debated, I deliberated, I went over pros and cons of different ways of handling it. Honest to god I cut off the front bodice, laid a piece of chiffon over the bodice of the gown, cut it for the side seams and stitched them on the sewing machine so they are done in the usual method, finished those seams. Then I shaped and appliqued the chiffon piece over the rest of the bodice by hand - armholes, shoulder seams, neckline!!! Yes really! I do a LOT of handwork and it looks totally normal. I don't believe anyone would realize unless they turned it to the back and studied it.

It bugged the bride that the darts in the chiffon were so pointy. They looked like a pin up doll from a old war time movie! I explained that 3-1/2" of chiffon along the bottom of the bodice, folded into a dart only 4" long equals pointy. And that the only way I could rectify it was to elongate (and curve the end) of the dart so that it went over the tip of her bust. She understood. While I was doing the overlay of chiffon, I modified the front darts as requested. It doesn't look funky or unprofessional as I feared it would.

I gratefully turned over the gown two weeks before the photo session so that mom could do the layered decoration under the bust. I was soooo very vastly relieved to be done with my portion.

I never wanted to see it again.

That wedding gown came back to haunt me.

The Monday before the photo session, I get a call. "Hi, it's...." My heart sinks. Mom is almost in tears and I can hear her best friend in the background. They can't get the stabilizer shaped correctly to use as the foundation for the decoration. I say fine, how about tomorrow? I then realize she needs all the time she can get and agree to go over after I get off at 7:00pm that day. I spend an hour cutting it to shape for her and we have dinner. I tell her if she can't do it call me by Thursday afternoon, not Friday morning.

I get the call I am expecting. I start on it Thursday night and cancel my Friday get together with my best friend.

I can't get a really good look at the details for the decoration. The top layer might be one piece of fabric twisted and ruched; it might be two. I can't quite tell and I don't have the time to experiment.

I covered the foundation with the strange lace they chose. It has a sheen to it and looks like fibers laid over each other randomly and pressed into place. Reminds me of a "modern" Formica kitchen counter from the 50s/60s?. Cut a wide piece of chiffon, tucked the top of it under the top of the foundation piece and stitched it so that it doesn't show on the outside. Hung the gown on my display stand (I used to compete in clothing for the re-enactment group I am in, and still exhibit)Then I stuffed the bodice with fiber fill to give it a bit of shape to work against as I poked and prodded (not what I did, but what it felt like).

I threaded 7 needles at the same time to work on the overlay decoration. Ran basting stitches vertically down the chiffon for 3 1/4" at each spot the little medallions were to be fastened. Then drew up the thread to gather it under the decorative bits. Knotted those off and proceeded to gather/stitch more loosely for an inch below each of those. Sewed on the top seven sets of tiny medallions (8). Then moved to the bottom of the band half way between each of the top gathers and draped the fabric, which I had cut wider than needed to achieve the lower part of the oval on the chiffon. I cut off the excess, anchored the bottom edge and began taking small stitches to ruche the remaining fabric, tugging it up or down toward the edge of the medallion to achieve the desired effect. The stabilizer for the foundation can't handle the ruched chiffon, it starts drawing up, so I fight that. geeeessh! Thankfully I am persuasive. Sewed on the bottom six sets of medallions. It's not perfect, but it's close (horseshoes et al comes to mind). At this point I am absolutely exhausted.

Pic is a bit fuzzy, but it is the only one I have of the back. And it's obvious the fabric pulls in the bodice just the way I told her it would. They don't care. I take a good look at the full page ad they have for the gown. What do you know, it doesn't lay down prettily on the model either.

I worked until 3:30am Saturday morning to finish it, at which time I email her mom to let her know, set my alarm for 7:00am and go to bed...ahhh...blessed sleep...3 hours of it. The lady who is making the veil is due at 8:00am to shape it based upon the train. I wake up before the alarm, shower, bag it up, take it out in a downpour and drive through the main street we both live off of through two flooded sections. The bride is buttoned into the gown and has glowingly given it her stamp of approval by the time the lady shows up.

She had been walking back and forth and bending and twisting so we could see how it moved and I'd call "stop" to take a picture. I didn' smooth it down or tug on it so that it laid prettily for them; I was far too wiped out to care. My little perfectionist's soul is not happy with it.

Mom says "I'm so glad we talked her into a train" I laughed and said "You talked her into a 6" train; I simply cut what I felt it needed" So it helps when they consider you a friend, and it doesn't hurt if you have a good eye for proportions. It is gorgeous, just the right length and an elegant shape; absolutely perfect, everyone loves it. I am assuming that the designer gown has a train; I have no idea what it looks like.

Mom described me as her guardian angel!

I hurry home to have breakfast and go to work for my usual eight hour Saturday stint, thankful it's a short day. I'm a zombie all day.

Its' fairly typical to gain a few pounds while you are engaged. I don't think she will, but she doesn't have any leeway. If she gains two pounds I don't want to hear from her.

My mother's reaction...."I'm so glad we went to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City to purchase your gown. Do you remember asking the clerk if she had it in tall? (I'm 5'8") And when she did, you said "This is IT!!"?" I disappointed her by saying no. My mom and her cousin picked out my gown. It is wonderful, looks like an 1800's frontier school marm getting married! Ivory (which upset dad who felt it wasn't white enough) with a lace yoke, modified leg of mutton sleeves with a lace overlay, 12" wide lace on the hem of the gown, 10" wide lace on the edges of the long veil. Quite unusual and not as fussy as it sounds. We went on to talk about how the plaza flooded before we picked up the gown, but it came through just fine. The fountains on the plaza are lovely. It is a really old shopping area set on the river. Mom shopped there as a teen and young bride with her mother.

I know, I know, way more detail than you ever wanted to read and I've lost almost everyone already. There are friends who have asked how it went, friends I groused to as I struggled, friends I would love to show what I do. Plus I wanted to document this to remind myself never ever to agree to a wedding gown again.

Ch'Know School Dance & Flying Noob!

2009-09-10T08:49:00.001-04:00

Last night Tym and Jerremy hosted the Ch'Know Hump Day party in their High School gym. It's not a decorated skybox, they really do have a gym on their land! Ali spun the records and we all danced like crazy, stayed up too late, and had to make excuses to our folks for breaking curfew!

It was fun comparing what we participated in in high school. A lot of talent in this room - swim team, track, debate, many deep into the arts - music, drama, painting.

Look at the cafeteria lady (Tym) and the stuffy old principal (Jerremy) get down with us kids!

Haley and I in cheerleading mode.

Then this morning when I logged on, I found a Flying Noob from Ali. Of course I rezzed it, hopped on and sped around. I hadn't yet changed from my school uniform and I was still holding the pom poms Haley gave me. She had a cheerleaders dance that was a lot of fun.

RL Fug

2009-09-09T19:46:00.003-04:00

This is so much an RL fug that I couldn't believe I was seeing it; and I'm not sure I can describe it well enough for you to picture it.

Older lady wearing short shorts and a stretch (form fitting) short cami without the figure to pull it off. Four inches of bare skin in back and at least twelve inches in front. The truly bad part is that her profile shows a mis-shapened abdomen - not toned that then sagged or simply older gained weight without muscle tone. Her profile juts out at 60 degree angle under her breasts for several inches and then sharply juts back to the waist band of her shorts at a 45 degree angle. It is very unusual. And graced by an easily seen long vertical scar from surgery a few months ago. A top that went past her waistband would have been a more pleasing choice.

She came in for a band of stretch sequins to repair her belly dance costume.

A Pet Peeve

2009-08-09T08:52:00.002-04:00

I have a friend who IM'd me yesterday morning and sent along a folder with an invitation and an LM to a party she gave last night. I told her I would come. During the short time I was at the party before RL claimed me, I received two TP offers for other parties with no explanation - no IM saying I'm hosting a party, here's an LM.

It has happened four or five times in the last two days! I find it presumptuous. Why would anyone expect someone they don't hang with regularly to drop everything and TP to a random place or activity without saying "hi!" first? My good friends don't even do it, they'll ask me if I have time to come.

Fae/Elven Wedding in Aglarond

2009-07-30T08:13:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday Persia and Henry, a fae/elf couple new to the Kingdom of Aglarond, were wed at the tavern in the village.

Wedding guests: Debi, Klara, Slader, Swith and Roberta.

I was asked to speak on behalf of the fae -
We are here today to celebrate the beginning of a new life together for Persia and Henry.
They are embarking on a wonderful journey filled with love and happiness. Everyone who has witnessed this ceremony realizes how special you are to each other.
Persia and Henry, you will do well to look to your love, to your partner - for love, kindness and compassion. These are the things that will give you a positive, loving relationship and a successful and long life together.
Everyone please join me in congratulating the bride and groom and wishing them all of the best for joyous union.

Fae and Elven attendants - Xavia, Kareen and Emy with Persia and Henry

Linwe, Elven Elder, told a tale of love through a poem
A flighty fae didst chance to greet
A noble elf so fair and mete
She led him to a bridal suite
And with her lovve she didst him ?
treat.
He smiled and watched her wings to ?
beat
A breeze of love so soft and swet
And in that bower their lips didst ?
meet
A lovely feast, a fulsome treat.
Into his eyes she didst entreat
To stay wuth her in her retreat
He gazed at her and took a seat
"Ne'er will I leave, you are too ?
sweet!"

Henry, Persia, Galina, Swith, Destiny.

Galina acted as wedding planner. Swith played her lute at the reception, providing music for dancing.
Avril provided the decorations which include a special seat for the bride and groom.

Zelda preformed a beautiful ceremony and led the couples in their vows.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone.
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping, I may now pronounce you, Henry and Persia, as Husband and Wife.

Festivities broke out after the ceremony. Lady Emy led the dancing and almost everyone joined in.

Another RL Funny (at least to me)

2009-07-28T23:54:00.005-04:00

I have mentioned that I work in retail and have a regional reputation.

Today Wayne answered the phone and a lady said "Earlier today I was talking to someone at your shop about templates, and it wasn't Cas. Do any other women work there?"

He kept a straight face and handed the phone off to one of the seven other women that work there the lady had obviously never noticed. Then told me. I laughed and laughed until my stomach hurt. Some people just are not observant!

RL small funny

2009-07-10T10:16:00.002-04:00

I was just following a late model Toyota Camry with this license plate:
"BUY GEO"
Too funny!

Blogging & Dancing

2009-07-07T08:29:00.000-04:00

I hardly ever post any more. I still take a gazillion pictures and have the desire, but I am Oh So Busy in SL.

I "think" I have finally learned. DO NOT log in until exercising, answering emails, uploading a blog post or anything else I wish to accomplish that morning, day, evening has been accomplished.

I "might" be able to dance on a beach or with my friend Stani and accomplish something else, but that's still a mighty big maybe.

He will be writing memos, or working on a proposal or a book and making headway while all the time flirting with me. I will be responding to questions, talking with someone who has a problem in one of our worlds, in chat with a friend whose IM window popped up and working on a notice or my weekly Role Play report or doing a little PhotoShop work. I do love it when people IM me. :D But posting while in world has become practically impossible for me.

You know ladies, we really have it made when it comes to couple dances. We are the ones that are lifted and twirled, while the gentleman is the one who strains their muscles doing the work -- and don't I love it! Dances have improved so much!

Happy Fourth!!

2009-07-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July to all of my friends who are Americans!

My husband will be grilling later. I did the grocery store run yesterday. The deviled eggs are ready and the watermelon is cold.

I'm hoping to see fireworks this year. We always used to go, one year even lying in a cemetary under where the wind drifted them to as they went off! That was awesome. I've seen them from grandstands, yards, parking lots, the drive-in back home that closed a few years ago, and from a motor boat on Grand Lake of the Cherokee's. Since we moved here, we haven't been. Getting through aleady congested city streets to reach the viewing dock for the fireworks display becomes simply impossible on Independence Day. Last year when it was too late, someone told us that the roof of the medical school parking garage where our roomie just received her PhD is a good viewing stand.

Another display is on Mount Trashmore. I kid you not. It is an old landfill that has been turned into a city park! This is loooowwww country. It's the highest thing for miles around. People attempting to reach that one told me that the traffic on the streets (including a state highway) around it simply stops during the display! If you don't make it, you can watch from your car.

Friendly Robot !! - Thank Goodness!!

2009-07-04T14:52:00.004-04:00

I've been really busy both in RL and SL for several weeks - and - obviously not posting. Here's a little starter.

Right after I logged in today, Laleeta dropped a "Friendly Robot" on the Ch'Know friends group. Merrick said something and I intended to set the cute little friendly fella down in the bedroom next to me to keep me company while I was deciding what to wear for the Fourth of July. Well, it didn't quite work out as planned. He didn't materialize in the bedroom. I saw the corner of a box (!! ? !) jutting through my ceiling! My aim was that far off? I panned outdoors and took a look. Amazingly enough, I saw this!!!!

Thank goodness he's friendly. Still I'm surprised he didn't crush my roof!

BBBC - Ch'Know Rave!!

2009-06-18T00:46:00.003-04:00

The Ch'Know group had a Rave tonight! The chatter leading up to the event was lively and constant! Many of us were ready in advance and people started decending on the party ball early!

Yes, I know, this isn't a challenge topic, but I'm so busy it's a challenge just for me to get a post up.

Here I am - the only bit of the outfit that was in my inventory was the razie's from Reaction. No "!" there - I'm pretty conservative, and much more likely to have a flapper outfit for a theme party, than plastic accessories that glow. Many thanks to Ulaa Coronet who guided me through every step, TP'ing me from shop to shop after I ran into her at Rave Nation (arm bands & wings). Bracelets are from Concrete Flowers with added glow. Ulaa loaned me the sneakers and socks (Lonemake).

And my thanks to Aniya Karu who loaned me Sn@tch fish net and kini tops. And yes, I do laundry regularly and everything will be clean when I return it. :D

I then took off to shock my good friend Stani who was at Junkyard in a rare steam punk mood! He just laughed; guess I can't shock anyone!

Perfect Day?? Dancing & Role Play

2009-06-16T00:28:00.008-04:00

BBBC Topic - Describe what your perfect Second Life day would be like.

My perfect day in SL?.....I thought about that while I exercised tonight after work. What would it be like? Would it be nothing but dancing, dancing, dancing? no, too much of a good thing can be boring too!

I was human for a year and a half before I donned wings for the first time. My perfect day would be a balance of the two, and time with good friends.

It would be a Sunday with Fae Fest, a kingdom wide dance in Aglarond choreographed by, and sponsored by fae (my friend Emy and myself). Everything would go smoothly for the event. Emy and the DJ's are always pros, but last time the stream went down when LL moved the sim to a different computer! None of that you hear? Everyone would have a splendid time. I wouldn't be buried under IM's during the event and it wouldn't take me an hour to wrap up afterward.

Fun role play later in the afternoon.

I was invited to participate today in my role as the Banrion na Fae (Queen of the Fae). The race of Wild Elves have been abducting and attempting to abduct someone. The last reported incident was two weeks ago and the main concern has shifted to an evil being trying to take over the kingdom. Here is the notice I posted after the role play (remember space for notices is only so big)

Wild Elves serve Fae Queen tip to gods

I am proven over trusting this day. I was approached by wild elves met before & felt no harm in. A being transformed into a dragon close to us & we hid together, went down a cliff to boats, & journeyed to Drakonis.
After lulling me with fish & fine drink, they led me further to a stone circle. The male restrained me, the female cut off the tip of my wing! They had the audacity to try and sooth me & doctor my wounds! I was released.
Through my anguish my impression was they were appeasing their gods.

Just one tiny shopping excursion to instantly (haha) find the perfect little something to complete an outfit. Actually I usually blog and notice shop. I either spot something in a blog (I don't read the fashion feed) or see something in one of the few notices I read. I have way more clothing than I need. What I really need to concentrate on is a new skin that looks like me. The only one I've found is the one I bought when I joined - a limited edition from Celestial Studios.

Lively chatter on the Ch'Know friends group scattered throughout the day and evening.

That evening dancing with the Funky Feats. This is my "time to relax" clue. Not that I always do. I sometimes write blog posts, my weekly report on the fae, and notices while dancing. The only time I'm guaranteed to not be attempting to multi-task is when I am couple dancing.

And later a dreamy wrap-up to the day as I do just that! Hop on a dance ball with one of my four favorite men in SL.

Absolute perfection? A day that includes time with the people that matter the most to me in this world.

Okay, yes I enjoy dancing. I either sit around, or dance on the chim Meara gave me (thx Meara!) while doing other stuff.

Big Bad Blogger - me??

2009-06-14T17:33:00.000-04:00

I started blogging on LiveJournal about five years ago. It is a partial record of my doings in the Society for Creative Anachronism (the SCA), with a few posts concerning work. I still have the LJ account, although rarely update it. My hours have changed at work, I no longer can attend either the barony's month business meetings or their activities nights. I am self-motivating for a few years and after that I peter out. Enough frustrations (research results, money, material availability) will also affect how often I start a new project. I miss the meetings and make it to few events (department manger job description includes working Saturdays); and in part I compensate for that lost of social outlet with SL.

In Second Life I opened an account with blogger just for the AV pic that goes up next to comments!

I really started blogging in June 2008. It's now 130 posts later and I'm still put something up here occasionally. I always have posts waiting in the wings so to speak. I don't have enough time to get them all up. I joined the SL Bloggers group this week on Noel's recommendation - does that make me an official blogger??

I really enjoyed the reading the entries for the bloggers challenge last year. I started right after that, when Creag put a link in one of his posts to my blog and it only had three posts.

Has blogging enriched my SL? I'm not really sure. I know other bloggers efforts have though. I stumbled across a response to Ali's "5 Things I Couldn't Live Without". That one post set my life in SL on a new path!

Ali's blog has definitely had the most influence on my SL. She is directly responsible for my becoming a card-carrying role-playing fae which brought me in touch with one of my best friends - Creag. Dyami's post nudged me to my first Hump Day party and Cen invited me to join the Ch'Know friends group. I've rolled with laughter over posts from Ali, Tym and other Ch'Know friends. Tym and Jerremy's generosity to newbies through Starting Point housing has put me in touch with other people and brought me another friend, Xavia. I have shed tears over posts by these amazing people, laughed with their silliness, felt for their heartache.

SL has enriched my life because of the people I would have never known without it. My hat's off to each and every one of you!

Laleeta's Rez Day Party

2009-06-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

The Ch'Know friends group conspired to pull off a birthday party for Laleeta last Sunday! The b'day girl turned the big One!

Lala, looking cute, surrounded by friends.The gentlemen were obliging and pulled off their shirts so we ladies could enjoy their toned muscles.

Beach party central on Bluebonnet

Ali DJ'd for her friend. Here she is dancing with Noel, who is showing off his great legs :D
This is the best picture I have of the Laleeta dolls everyone was given as a party favor. We all cuddled them while we danced.

Looking off to the dunes with pictures and portraits of Laleeta in the background

One of the things Ch'Know friends do for you - send cutouts or posters of themselves if they can't be there for you! Although Bone couldn't make it, Sehra helped celebrate

Mer Dance in Aglarond

2009-06-09T08:42:00.001-04:00

There was a Dance of the Merfolk in Aglarond Sunday! This was a dream of Klara's, the mer race leader for the kingdom.

Aglarond has some beautiful spots for the mer. There was some thought the occupancy caps might be too small so Klara created this setting in the depths near the fortress with coral, kelp, treasure chests and a large turtle.

Klara, in the striking red tail. Two of the five fae that attended are Deodar and Lolli. They didn't have a chance to don a mer tail, however fae won't drown and their wings will enable them to move underwater.

Ysera, who is a cute little dragon, joined in. Click on pictures for a larger image.

Emy, Tori, a lady I don't recogize, Tulsa and myself

Emy's choreography makes it all happen. TinaMarie Beck was the DJ engaged for the event. Her stream had problems before it started. Tulsa came to the rescue by streaming her play list for the dance.

Zelda and Destiny traded in their white angel wings for a time.

The one with the golden tail on the far left is BB Bailey! She was an angel in Aglarond and visited for the dance; it was great to see her.

The dance is joined by Khy, the really large dragon, who considerately asked if he was too big. Happily the area was large enough for him to join in.

There were at least eighteen in attendance representing five races. I was really excited to see such a wonderful turnout and delighted for Klara at the success of her first mer dance. Emy did a good job working with the small number of dances she could locate for the mer. Around fifty seems very limiting when she is used to over 300.

Eeech What a Sunday!

2009-06-08T09:38:00.000-04:00

Weeh! What a day in SL yesterday was! with a little RL thrown in..

PhotoShop for Emy to provide her with tights on the underpants layer to give her coverage for her mermaid tail. I didn't get my own done. I'm modest, and so I was a little surprised that no one commented on my particularly sexy tail!!

Aglarond's Mer Dance - a wonderful turnout with a mixture of races.

Laundry

Laleeta's Rez Day Party - a popular member of the Ch'Know group - she turned the big One! Happy Rez Day Lala!

I left before the end to make it to a store before it closed - and groceries for dinner were necessary. Then of course putting them away and cooking. Some of those mundane chores that cut into our fun.

Alli (former AG fae) and Dooby's housewarming party. I'll be visiting again to look at the house itself.

Funky Feats dance event - Broadway show tunes. I became Maria from West Side Story. "you are Maria!!!" "the most beautiflul sound in a single word" "Maria!" *smile* I gotta love that man

Laundry

In late night (for me) Ch'K chat one of the members said that he is having surgery today. There ensued a flurry revolving around picture taking to give him something he would enjoy looking at during recovery. Not posting that one.

The only one I made it to for the entire event (went early and stayed) was the Mer Dance. I wanted it to go really well for Klara, the Mer Leader - and it did. Those will be the first pictures I'm going to post.

There were two events I didn't make it to. Thankfully my days in SL are never that busy! If yesterday was typical, I'd reverse the clock a year and only do the activities I enjoyed then. I'll let you in on a little secret - in SL you can do that at least to a certain extent. Pictures to follow!

All of this was liberally interlaced with talking with friends and other role players including Lolli, my race leader #2. I am very pleased to say that we stay in close touch. We brainstorm frequently and things are in the works!

Ch'Know Party

2009-05-29T13:06:00.001-04:00

This week's Ch'Know party (I'm soo glad they are regular again - thank you Ali !) was Costume of Your Choice. It was fun to see what everyone came up with rummaging through their chests and closets.

Aisuru and Pumpkin were both sweetly feminine fae!

Natasha a pretty soccer official, Rylan and Al - the egg and the chicken trying to settle the which came first question.

Noel dipping Ali during a dance. He had strategic bubble placement and she was TinkerBell

Don't mess with Meara! Believe it when I say she and Kal can handle those weapons easily.

Sarra, myself alone without dwarf in sight, and Sophia who has totally wasted away.

My mother does much better picture captions, I'm afraid you are stuck with me in a silly mood!

Happy Post

2009-05-17T14:54:00.005-04:00

No I haven't forgotten my blog.

The past few days I have been focusing on one happy thing in RL and something upsetting in SL, but it cuts too deeply right now. I need a some time to pass before I can talk about it.

The happy RL thingy: A few of you know that my husband and I have a roomie. This weekend was her graduation ceremony for her doctorate! I think I may be excused for saying "Finally!"

Now don't get me wrong. I went to college, four years for a bachelor's, taught a year, back for graduate work, finished - 1 year for this particular program. Started on a master's course for art and couldn't pick the exact medium I wanted to work in (no decision? they didn't want me), back for an accounting class, tried art again (same thing), tried to locate a college/university in the region that would design a Masters of Fine Art for me for hands on historical fiber (forget the exact wording - nope), 2 years part time for a paralegal certificate. So yeah, I believe in schooling, learning, hitting those books and studio time.

She's been in college for a solid thirteen years! Wow! Determination and will power were very much in evidence. My applause at the ceremonies yesterday was loud and long - only eleven getting their doctorate in Biomedical Sciences. She is in cancer research, slightly different area of study than anyone else as far as she knows. She has been published three times and has had her work cited in other peoples' papers!!

YAY!! Cas jumps up and down and claps wildly!

So this weekend in RL is almost totally about her - the ceremony, gifts, cards and then what she wants to do: a nice dinner out, a couple of movies that she wants us to see too and then me running out in the cool wind and rain to pick up food from a place that doesn't deliver. She deserves it. She wanted to quit several times when the administration in both the college and the medical school (two different institutions joint program) had a major lack of communication and failed to do whatever was scheduled that particular time - usually affecting finances or credit hours or scheduling.

Happy Thursday - RL into SL

2009-05-09T00:41:00.003-04:00

Happy Thursday late again. If you don't like to read about RL, stop right here.

What makes me happy? Second Life makes me happy.

In many ways really, but this post is about the break from real life, the relaxation and autoimmunity it offers.

One of my co-workers looked at me yesterday and said "I'm not under the stress you are" It surprised me to hear that from a man with a young child, a not great heart, and a wife with that brings home more money than he does and pressures him to go to college so he can get out of what he enjoys and make more money. However he was talking about our responsibilities at work. He's the buyer for the home decor department and consults on fashion fabric purchases.

I'm the manager and buyer for the largest, most active department. I control about 1/3 of the shop which contains oh, 6 or 7 departments, most of which have sub-categories. As buyer I work with ten fabric reps handling 40 manufacturers.

What attracted his attention? I was involved in my detailed analytical approach to buying which is accompanied by some gut reactions. Trying to decide which pieces of fabric from which lines from a particular manufacturer to buy for the shop. Which would my customers want? which were groups likely to be featured in magazines or regional classes/workshops, and if they were, which prints would be used in the project? And if they weren't, which groups or prints in the group would sell/be in demand regardless?

I have a regional reputation in a small vertical market. my guess is about 3,000-4,000 people in the immediate area; not that all of them know me or know of me. But enough walk in the door with my name on their lips. He calls them Cas's Groupies. During the one of the big national shows each year, I hear a little song "It's Casie's time, it's Casie's time" and believe me when I say the other managers get burnt out with it being "all about Cas". I am always deep down grateful when it's over and work settles down again.

I could go on in this vein for a while such as a round of applause just because I went to a birthday bash for an instructor last week. Weeoou what did I do?? I'm just me, nothing special. I'm so glad I'm in a nitch market. I don't know how regional TV personalities handle it.

This is one post I probably should delete, because I don't want to give the wrong impression. This really isn't a swelled head trying for attention even though it may sound that way. This is RL background to show you why when I get home I enjoy escaping into a world where no one knows my name. No one looks me up and down and says "So you're the famous Cas".

Maybe that's why I've never managed to do anything worthwhile in SL. No designing, no art, nothing creative, not even a fashion blog. Time away from work is not all time in SL - I do projects, I visit friends weekly, I exercise almost every day. However SL is my escape, my freedom, my social outlet when my work schedule prohibits me from attending activities with the RL groups I'm in.

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us — don't tell!
They'd banish us, you know.

How dreary to be somebody!
How public, like a frog
To tell your name the livelong day
To an admiring bog

- Emily Dickinson

I've had this poem memorized since high school.

May Day Celebration - Fae Fest, part I

2009-05-06T09:29:00.001-04:00

Linwe, the Aglarond elf leader, came to Maralee (kingdom activities scheduler) and I with the suggestion of using the monthly Fae Fest event as the opportunity for an official May Day celebration for the Kingdom of Aglarond. We thought it was an excellent idea, so Mara and I chose last Sunday, May 3rd as the best date.

Linwe, Emy (fae choreographer) and I worked together to pull it off. Linwe set out a wonderful buffet in the small pavilion.

Essie and Alli

The gist of a notice:
Aglarond's May Day celebration in conjunction with Fae Fest brings you dancing around the maypole choreographed by Emyly Beaumont with DJ Otawan Fouquet.

A suckling pig and drinks, chairs to relax in, couple dances, cuddles behind the bushes! We have it all for you!

It is for everyone! Come join us, and don't forget your potion!!

Zee was kind enough to provide us with an anti-pregancy potion to ensure there would be no small surprises in a few months! I sent it out kingdom-wide with the invitations.

Destiny and Avrilleona dancing

Moss, Shawwn, and magically the picture captured what we couldn't see - High Queen Hispa in ghostly form haunting the party

Emy and Legend

There was a wonderful turnout for the event; thirty-four all together with a few over 20 at the peak.

May Day Celebration - Fae Fest, part II

2009-05-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

More pictures - deciding on which pictures to include delayed the post, so here's Part II
Clicking on the maypole pictures will show a larger size.

Linwe dancing while Quanishia looks on

Pali, myself and Roberta dancing around the maypole

Usually almost everyone joins the choreographed dancing and we have a few standing or sitting looking on. More than any of the outdoor dance events in Aglarond, this celebration seemed very natural.

It was a true hodgepodge of activities as would be at many events in real life. There were maypole dancers, couples dancing, those standing by themselves or with others watching and perhaps a few kisses behind the bushes.

Boots talking with Nos

I thought of a huge bonfire, and then it slipped my mind. Someone took care of that by setting fire to a grassy area; it was extinguished quickly. Mischief makers would frequently invade Beltane celebrations in earlier times to disrupt the festivities.

Thanks to Emy who designed the maypole, and Tori who helped her get the movement the way she wanted it, the maypole had both an inner and outer ring of dancers moving in opposite directions which would allow the traditional intertwining of the ribbons in real life!

My thanks to everyone who helped, and everyone who came. I hope you enjoyed yourself!

Happy Thursday

2009-04-30T09:50:00.002-04:00

One of the things I love about SL is the happy surprises. Someone asks you to blog something, gives you a gift, bestows upon you wonderful words that make you feel warm inside, the new build/view/person around the corner that you didn't expect.

A few days ago, I had one of those surprises.

I met Stanislav (named for a "widely read" Polish Science Fiction/philosophical writer - Stanislav/Stanislaw Lem) in May 2008 at an animation shop! He asked a question, I was the one who answered. We started talking and he took me sailing in SL (my first time). We hung around some (I remember a tour of a museum), IM'd a fair amount and then in August real life took over. He was offered a new position that involved a change of employers, a move to a new city, different responsibilities. My friend disappeared off the face of Second Life.

Fast forward to Christmas. I sent him Greetings via an IM in SL. He replied via email.

Low and behold a few days ago, I was totally surprised to see a chat window pop open with his name on it!!!!! Stani !!!! One of the best surprises - an old friend that pops up again unexpectedly!

He joined me for a while. We began to get caught up on what has been happening in our lives. I'm sure I surprised him when I told him that I consider him a friend, we just don't know each other in Real Life.

I'm keeping an eye on him, so he can't disappear again immediately!

I was at a themed night dancing with the Funky Feats....our attentive audience! No not really, they are far too busy chatting and dancing to pay any attention to us.

Post Script ~ ~ ~
A year has pasted since this post. We are a couple in SL and spend quite a bit of time together in live chat talking about stuff and junk and getting to know each other that much better. We have a very solid relationship, and a true friendship that goes beyond SL.

Happy Thursday on a Friday

2009-04-24T23:45:00.004-04:00

It's Friday again? And I haven't posted my Happy Thursday; how did that happen? Oh yes, role play class last night. As it happens RP pertains to my post this week.

/me stands and sweeps her hand in an arc to encompass all she sees "Greetings, I am Casandra, Banrion na Fae for the Kingdom of Aglarond."

One of the things that I like about Aglarond is that it is home to many races. It still amazes me that I am the queen of fae for the top ranked role play environment in SL! (b-places)

I enjoy role playing a sidhe, or fairy. One of the advantages of being fae is that I do not need to trudge the paths and climb the rocky slopes. I can flit and fly wherever I like, which brings me to my topic - Wings!

Wings are a necessity. Although I don't show any in this post, I have a pack of Seven Selection wings that are pretty. I wear them to match certain garments or when I want bright, simple wings that express my femininity.

One of my constants is my top choice for wings. My absolute favorite wing creator is Violaine Villota. I don't have a fat pack. Oh no, but I have eight, count them eight pairs of wings (I believe it's six designs) from Fancy Fairy.

The shading is complex; good highlights and shadows that create much more depth than most wings.

Read the poster carefully before purchasing - available are both flexi wings, and script based animated wings that open, drop, close, and different speeds of flutter.

The poses are by my friend Sai of Imperial Elegance. The gown in the second photo is an example of the clothing at Fancy Fairy. Info for other apparel, jewelry and hair happily supplied upon request.

Fashion Disaster Deluxe!

2009-04-23T09:25:00.002-04:00

A Fashion Disaster party was held last yesterday. Behold the results!

I am disappointed that I didn't get a really good one of the demo outfit. She was wearing seven demos from the skin (horizontal faint lines - can't see what you look like) to silks over her jeans - signs waving as she danced. It was brilliant!

Somehow many of our friends are still beautiful even dressed in ways they normally would never be seen outside the privacy of their homes within seconds of trying on an item!

And then others I would never recognize in a million years!!

Elven Forest

2009-04-22T09:26:00.003-04:00

Oak Core, a wild elf in the kingdom of Aglarond, invited me to visit Elven Forest with him!

As you can see, it is an attractive, restful land. I recognized the stone ruins off to the right as I walked down the path. I visited this lovely spot in my search of fae of other lands to speak with. The last picture in this post is of an impulsive fae child hugging me at the ruins.

Oak asked me if I liked to eat mushrooms. A harmless question? No, not at all, one bite and we were immediately transported to......

Wheee! Look at the pretty lights!

Happy Thursday - Ch'Know

2009-04-16T08:49:00.003-04:00

Hey, it's Thursday and I'm on time, will wonders never cease..!

I am so thankful for the friends group I'm in that I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate them. If any of you Ch'Know members wonder why you have me hanging around - Cen invited me to join...I really miss her.

I'm not one of the really active members. But I do pop up with comments in group chat most days and make it to almost all of the Hump Day events and occasionally another dance during the week or an inventory sorting party. We hop onto pose stands and wonder how in the world we ended up with _____!! What were we thinking?? I usually turn into Cinderella and flee out the door around midnight (9pm SLT) when Rob gets home from work so we can have some time together.

The Hump Day parties are almost always themed. This one was what we wear to bed. Ali decorated with a giant bed, side table and lamp and completed the theme with a doll house in the corner causing us to appear doll-sized! Did you ever wonder if your dolls and stuffed toys played together when after you fell asleep? Now you know for certain...YES!

Jerremy, Tym, Sophia, Bon, Nikki and ___ (can't recognize her with pink hair). Had to show Bon's Easter costume. He never completely rezzed for me before he changed into great Monopoly PJ's.

There was a good turn out for last night's theme of leather. Ali gave us two days notice to dig through our closets and put together an outfit. It was interesting to me (I am a buyer for a fabric shop) that everyone who paired their black leather with a color chose hot pink!

I was really unhappy with the way my leather skirt and boots behaved. The knees looked like I had two athletic knee pads that were shifting around and a leather skirt that split open in front ;(

Going afk around this group has consequences...Noel was ringed!

Sophia and Skyhawke host 80's rock parties each week at their photography studio. Sky is a very talented photographer.

I don't have any pictures on the borrowed computer I'm on, but Noelyci hosts a dance Tuesdays at Conatus that Tristan DJ's. We have lots of good music, good friends opportunities each week.

Cas stretches out her arms and gives a BIG hug to the whole wonderful group!

Fae Fest

2009-04-12T13:56:00.007-04:00

The Kingdom of Aglarond was hit with a devastating flood a couple of weeks ago. A few were lost to the waters or injuries contributed to the flooding and rescue operations. That weekend after the flood waters had barely begun to recede, individuals from all, or almost all, of the races that live in the kingdom, got together for a celebration of life!

Our choreographer Emy, and DJ Otawan, selected dance steps and music nicely suited to our first Fae Fest in Aglarond, and they did a superb job handling the change of location on short notice (my thanks to Essie and Maralee for their help with this).

Click on the pictures for easier viewing.

Crista, Temperance, myself and another lady join in dance

Swee sitting in the middle of the circle with us dancing around her. She later joined in.

Freddy, a centaur and a ghostly elf, Linwe, who haunted the event!

Onlookers watching the festivities

Dancing near the small pavilion with the flooded plains of Aglarond in the background; rejoicing that we survived.

Around thirty attended! It was a wonderful turnout! Thank you to everyone who came and supported the event. Casandra gives a big smile and hugs you back!

Happy Thursday on a Friday

2009-04-10T20:19:00.011-04:00

Here it is again - Friday, and I'm just now doing my Happy Thursday post. Thursdays are just way busy for me.

I want to talk about friends, casual male friends in particular. I really appreciate them. I am so glad that they think of me, and stay in touch.

Yesterday I dressed up and went to the Funky Feats couples dance that Hevy choreographs. There are a few couples, and singles that pair up for the evening.

A frog dancing along with the music next to Emalee and Hevy.

There were no available men when I arrived, so I started swaying to the music and enjoying the silly conversation. A few minutes later, Hevy rezzed a dance ball in front of me, stepped on it and held out his hand to me while RedRider "Red" was typing "cas would you like to dance" I managed to tap my chim (on the third try) and stop dancing. As I hopped on the ball, Hevy stood up (he saw Red's invitation). Red stepped on the ball and Hevy asked another lady. All within seconds! It looked like a sitcom!

Then Red joined me for Emy's Romantic Couples dance at Swoon. Being Red, he did not remove his trademark hat or cigar. That's Skippy on his shoulder, he's a great pet.

I'm obviously kicking my up my heels and having a great time. I majorly LOVE ballroom dancing, the music and the opportunity to dress in a gown and be twirled around the floor creates an enjoyable evening.

Another friend is Falasslond. A couple of days ago Fal invited me over to his home to see his new baby girl! Her name is Celeste.

A very light fae looks very much out of place in a dark role play land complete with vampires. Daddy gave his sweet girl a pacifier so she couldn't accidentally bite me.

You really have to trust someone in SL to let them hold your baby! They are no copy, and you absolutely must give them back, or the proud parents will lose their precious little one.

This post "Dancing the Night Away" features Hevy and another of my friends, Tulsa.

If I weren't on a borrowed computer so that my folders of photos are unavailable, I would spotlight several male friends that enrich my SL by thinking of me from time to time and including me in their world. A big thank you to each and every one of them!

How Big is It Quiz

2009-04-06T07:25:00.000-04:00

The latest silly thing going around is this fast little quiz. Ali said she would like to see blogger results

Your Ego is Small

You are quite humble. You try not to spend too much time congratulating yourself.
You're proud of who you are, but you're also secure. You don't need to brag.

You see yourself and others in a pretty realistic way. You appreciate strengths and faults.
You respect people and believe that you can learn from them

I also took the 10 minute mind quiz you see above it when you navigate to the test page. I made it all of the way through the ten questions, but balked when it wanted me to enter my cell phone number to receive my IQ !!

Aglarond Flooded!!

2009-04-04T21:47:00.003-04:00

As King Creag reported on his blog, the Kingdom of Aglarond flooded last week! There were sights that we never thought we would see.

The new village damaged by flood waters and invaded by sea serpents.

The castle fortress and environs amid the swirling waters.

Captain Marcc sailing his ship across the walkways next to the fortress. Just to the right is a large platform built due to the high waters.

The fortress ballroom was converted to a make-shift hospital to care for the weary and injured.

Sweecahcahche on dragonback, myself, and Marcc searching for our High Queen Hispa. She went in search of her love King Yian, and disappeared. She has since been found, and restored to her people.

Time Travelers!!

2009-03-27T20:51:00.000-04:00

Ali and Sophia came up with a fun new blogger challenge! Time Travelers. Go to a place or era that you would like to visit, take pics to post and embed a YouTube video.

I used to teach Art History, and fell in love with the stark, clean lines of architecture in Greece and Rome. I also really like the red-figure and black-figure vases. I've read a fair amount of the histories, a couple of Greek tragedies and watched several programs.

Cassandra, the daughter of the Trojan King Priam, is famous for foreseeing the fall of Troy. Somehow I ended up role playing a fae, rather than a citizen of the ancient world. And if you are a long time reader, you may have read the post - it's all Ali's fault! *Cas hugs and thanks Ali*

The first two pictures are from Greece.

The texture on the columns is excellent.

I feel puny.

The last two pics are from Sparta. The artwork on the vase isn't correct, but the shape is good and it is attractive.

And of course where there are citizens with needs, there are merchants. Here is the marketplace at Sparta. I like that the paved road with the stone shops, degrades into a graveled road with merchants under canopies.

Sorry, I don't know how to embed a video, so here is the link to the original trailer for "Something Funny Happened on the Way to the Forum"

Armoire Jewelry Showcase - Part II

2009-03-19T19:54:00.000-04:00

On with the exploration of the Armoire Jewelry Showcase.

Candy Cerveau introduces us to heavy yellow-gold Egyptian collars and a goddess diadem (headpiece) set with stones such as lapis. Quite unique!

She also provides us with wide Etruscan bands for our fingers, and necklace and cuff sets in three metals set with stones such as carnelian and turquoise!

Around to the other side and you'll find Violet Voltaire's charming Melancholy which reminds me of the trumpet vine flower. The BlackHeart collection which includes the Screwed Doll wind-up key, is balanced by her fun pastel CuppyCake offerings for light-hearted ladies.

Next is Saiyge's delicate jewelry to delight your eyes. There are several full collections available. The stones have rich coloration and a definite sparkle.

Her Charmed, I'm Sure - Fairy Hoard has a variety of small whimsical charms on dainty chain. A little star hangs from the bottom of each small metal twirl in the Starlight, Starbright collection. And don't miss Saiyne's dioramas in her corner pavilion; they are definitely worth seeing.

I am never without earrings either in SL or at work in RL. It is quite unusual to see me in SL without a necklace and earrings. When I am fae I usually wear a circlet, and occasionally a tiara or crown. I look at jewelry very carefully, frequently, and with great appreciation. I am continually impressed by the twist of metal, the soft sheen of a pearl, the imagination displayed by the intrigue tortured prims of fine jewelry.

One of these designers was not familiar to me. I will be going back to the show again and will come home with a full collection from that designer, along with sets from others that I have not picked up yet. I surrender to the temptation you offer ladies.

The showcase runs through 10pm SLT this Sunday, March 22nd.

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Platinum/128/128/13