Happy New year!

It's been just over a year since I started this blog and so much has changed since then. I'm hoping in 2018 I can get back into writing more about my experiences in addition to blogging for my favorite stores. For this picture I collaborated with my friend and fellow Truthie, Fionne Burleigh-Vixen. She's just getting started blogging and currently shares a blog with a friend. Check it out here.

what Fionne is wearing (left)
[hair] Truth - Posy
[dress] ZAHiRA -ice- Blue
[rings] Amala - The Lumi Stacking Rings
[headband] Cosmic Dust - Happy New Year Headband (FLF 12-29-17)
[ears] Mandala - Simple
[body] Maitreya
[head] AK - Lulu
[skin] 7 Deadly Skins - Key in Cloud
[shape] Enchanted Auras Custom
[pose] WetCat- Emanuel no. 5

what I'm wearing (right)
[hair] Truth - Halona (NEW @ Uber)
[dress] Rebel Hope  - Francesca
[headband] Cosmic Dust - Happy New Year Headband (FLF 12-29-17)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly
[skin] League - Sadie
[shape] my own
[pose] an lar - the Annette Series - Four

decor
peaches Stack of Magical Books
peaches Vintage Phone Seat & Phone
Jian Christmas Tree 2017 Decorated
keke 2018 silver . high lod (NEW @ Uber)
hive // celebration balloons set (NEW @ Uber)
Ison - folded leather clutch (black)


VARONIS - Noir Background (NEW @ Shiny Shabby)

it runs on natural gas

Recently I put my name in for a gag gift swap and silly photo collab contest and was paired with Melly, who I collaborated with just two weeks ago. When she told me she just got me a box of crap, I assured her that crap would go perfectly with what I got her...

Once again, she was an excellent sport and very patient with my constant scene-tweaking. Click over to her blog to check out her take on the situation.

what I'm wearing (left)
[hair] Truth - Astra
[top] Cosmic Dust - Holiday Sweater (gift from Melly)
[pants] Addams - real Worn Jeans
[glasses] TBF Aviator Sunglasses With Windscreen Wipers (gift from Melly)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly

[pose] Poserz - Photobomb 001

what Melly is wearing (right)
[hair] DOUX - Daphne (Blondes)
[top] Cosmic Dust - Holiday Sweater (Polar) RARE
[pants] Blueberry - Gracie
[shoes] REIGN - 12 days of Reignmas Day 7
[antlers] Blueberry - Jolly Holidays Unisex Antlers
[beverage] Brocante - Koozie (Bottle Sip) RARE
[sunglasses] Energie - Aviator Glasses

Toilet: Lewd Pooper Patrol (Gift from Ellen)


DECOR
.peaches. Rock On Wall Art - Smol 2
REIGN.- Arianna Sneakers 12 Days of Reignmas (DAY 7)
.peaches. Anarchists Records Scattered
Peaches 'N Cream - CESP - Video Games (gift from Melly)
FIRE BARREL NO SMOKE
Peaches 'N Cream - 'Tits Out' Sorority Banner (gift from Melly)
.peaches. Rock On Wall Art - Smol 1
Candy Crunchers - Cement Blocks - Decor
.peaches. Rock On Wall Art - Smol 1


VARONIS - Coven Background Skybox Scene [RARE]

it's Reigning gifts

On the twelve days of Reignmas

my Reign Clause gave to me 

a whole bunch of awesome for free!

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 5

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 4

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 1

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 3

7mad;Ravens Pillow/Crate Christmas

[DDD] Holiday Gift Boxes - Decorative

REIGN.- UKULELE - #3

Astralia - Wrapping gifts decor (pink/red)

Astralia - Wrapping gifts decor (green/red)

.peaches. Virgin No More (decor only)

.peaches. Stand By You Papasan Chair (NEW @ N°21)

Sway's [Ice Skate] Throw Pillow 

*katat0nik* (PP snow baby) Flying Doll

{RW} Holiday Gift Box Assortment 

-tb- Rotary Phone - Cream

dust bunny . cocoa & cookies tray

dust bunny . gingerbread ornaments 

dust bunny . homemade gingerbread hearts

JIAN Fallow Fawn Companion 

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Gift Pile (pastel)

7mad;Ravens Pillow/Crate Magic

Serenity Style- Loly  GIFTS BAG

{what next} Holiday Nutcracker  - Drummer (SMALL)

Scarlet Creative The Arcade Sep 15 - Greenwich Trunk Dark

.peaches. Stack of Magical Books

Sintiklia - Snow frame rectangular snow

--ANHELO-T04BL-17CGA :: christmas 2017 (blue) ( in the window)

REIGN.- 12 Days of Reignmas (JUST A BAG OF COAL) (day 5)

REIGN.- MARSHMALLOW LOVER COCOA- TIS THE SEASON (day 3)

REIGN.- MARSHMALLOW LOVER COCOA- COZY (day 3)

REIGN.- MARSHMALLOW LOVER COCOA- FA LA LA (day 3)

REIGN. - Glitter Holiday Heels (day 1)

REIGN.- PATTERN PUMPS (day 8)

REIGN.- MARSHMALLOW LOVER COCOA- SWEATER WEATHER (day 3)

REIGN.- DRINK AND BE MERRY MUG (CHOCOLATE MILK) (day 6)

REIGN.- Arianna Sneakers (Maitreya-Flat) Regular (day 7)

wearing:

[hair] Truth - Imani

[dress] Reign - Robichaux Uniform

[socks n slippers] Reign - Reigndeer Slippers and Socks (day 2)

[antlers] Blueberry - Jolly Holiday Unisex Antlers

[body] Maitreya

[head] Catwa - Lilly

[pose] the owl - Don't Call Me #1

Taken in the Scarlet Creative Nikolai Dacha (@ C88 until Jan 7) 

Happy holidays

What an interesting year this has been, in both worlds. In real life, a promotion at work made me rethink my assertion that I'm just an outsider in this industry, that I slipped in through the back door somehow and it would be found out any moment that I belong back in the retail hell from which I came. In Second Life I spent the year learning and exploring, both the virtual world and my creative interests. I've made some great connections with people I would never have met otherwise. As anyone who reads this blog knows, the bulk of those connections come from the Truth VIP group, which has been my home in Second Life since the beginning. I'm really enjoying watching Truth grow with every new release, which after 10 years in the business is pretty amazing. I can't wait to see what Second Life has in store for us all in 2018. Happy holidays everyone!

[hair] Truth - Halona (NEW @ Uber) ::main sim:: | ::cam sim:: (Also as usual, Amber is VIP shopping for the hair for VIPs)
[dress] Reign - Robichaux Uniform
[hair lights] ZMD ~ Zoya Twinkle Lights (not for sale - gift made by a Truthie)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly
[skin] League - Sadie
[shape] my own
[pose] EvolvePoses - BabyIt'sCold 1.5

taken @ Oh Deer

Join the TRUTH VIP Group to receive a monthly Exclusive Hairstyle, early access to sales & news:

paste the following link into local chat:

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Zuzu

[hair] Truth - Gaea (January 2017 VIP group gift)**
[top] Blueberry - Zuzu Knotted Top (NEW @ the main store) alt location
[dress] Blueberry - Zuzu Mini Dress (NEW @ the main store) alt location
[shoes] Blueberry - Zuzu Boots (NEW @ the main store) alt location
[pose] the Owl - Single Pose Pack #4.1
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly
[skin] League - Sadie
[shape] my own

Studio Skye - Skye Alligator Apple Bush (small leaf)

The Zuzu outfit came with a staggering number of options. See more details here.

**Retired Truth VIP gifts are still available for VIPs to purchase in the main store. They come in fatpack only and are 500L

Join the TRUTH VIP Group to receive exclusive monthly hairstyles, early access to sales & news:
paste the following link into local chat:
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happy little winter shed

This is my happy little winter shed.

NEW @ Shiny Shabby:
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood Shed
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowMan 1
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowMan 2
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowMan 3
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowMan 4
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowMan 5
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowBird  1
Serenity Style- Andres Happy Mood SnowBird  2

NEW @ Lootbox:
Serenity Style- Danna Fairy Dancer Green x4
Serenity Style- Danna Fairy Dancer Brown x3
Serenity Style- Danna Dancer Fairy Pink
Serenity Style- Danna Fairy Sit Lilac
Serenity Style- Danna Fairy Sit Pink
Serenity Style- Danna Fairy RARE x2

Serenity Style- LadyEllen's Rocking Toy Horse x2 (Exclusive prize for Mad Pea's Magical Christmas Hunt)
Serenity Style- Fish my cheese (Exclusive prize for Holiday Hunt)
Serenity Style- Loving Snowflakes
Serenity Style-Bri Wedding Lamp
Serenity Style- Rick Forest Rocking Chair
Serenity Style- Jules Fall Shelf
Serenity Style-Aegeas Country Fence
{what next} Pine Tree Wall Decal
{what next} Winter Bird Feeder (snowy) - VIP Group Gift - December 2017
+Half Deer+ Metal Leaf Vines - Gold - Horizontal B x2
hive // fir trees B . snowy (@ Tannenbaum until Dec. 25)
hive // fir tree C . snowy (@ Tannenbaum until Dec. 25)
Studio Skye Snow Formations 5 Wind Sculpt
Studio Skye Snowy Rock Cliff 2
dust bunny . string lights . white . type d (@ Tannenbaum until Dec. 25)
dust bunny . string lights . white . type a (@ Tannenbaum until Dec. 25)
{what next}  Bellevie Chair 3 (Bento)

What Next
marketplace
main store
flickr

Serenity Style
marketplace
main store
flickr

man makeover

A few months ago, a friend of mine got a new mesh body and head for the first time. Because it was me who pointed him in the direction of which ones to get and helped him understand roughly how to use them, I felt driven to help him complete the look. All he did was ask if I could help him adjust the shape of his head a bit and before I knew it I was volunteering to give him a complete makeover. It sounded fun at the time, until I realized how different it is for men and women. I didn't know the first thing about men's clothes or where to get them. It took me 20 minutes to understand the body hud and even more time to figure out why, when I turned my graphics up to ultra his skin looked like he'd been in a mud fight - and it wasn't lag. I also realized it's taken me almost a year to get comfortable editing my own shape and that included looking back at pictures as time went on and constantly tweaking the sliders.

Luckily, I got a notecard from a very helpful guy filled with landmarks and info on clothes, skins, hair and more. So here it is, my first attempt at a man makeover. I still have some tweaking to do on his shape but overall I'm actually pretty satisfied with the way it turned out.

Before and after

Before - the biggest shoes in Second Life 

[hair] Exile Alternate Ideas
[coat] Deadwool Admiral Pea Coat
[pants] Deadwool Broberry Jeans Washed gray

[shoes] Deadwool Mancessities Chelsea Boots Black + all colors RARE

[body] Belleza Jake

[head] Catwa Daniel

[skin] Stray Dog Levi Tone 04

[pose] Expressive Poses Free For Men (1L on the marketplace)

Taken @ Arranmore

more than a hobby

I've been writing in blogs and online journals since around 2001 and have always enjoyed contributing to online discussions about a variety of topics so it was only natural that I would take to Second Life. This particular platform combines all my previous digital hobbies and supplements it with a visual element possessing a sort of hyperrealism - something missing from the other platforms. At the core of it however, is the humans who make up the virtual world. Because of a vast array of options at our disposal, most wind up exploring some form of artistic expression or another and that's what I love about Second Life almost more than the people themselves. It's also allowed me to discover creative passions I didn't even know I possessed and some of the challenges I've accepted have made me dig deeper into myself to explore the inner workings of my mind. Maybe that's the purpose of a creative hobby and I just didn't get the memo. Either way, I'm digging it.

The artistic expression of one of the residents of Second Life - Truth Hawks - has made him incredibly successful and well known and I'm glad he hired such an amazing person to look after his customers. She's built a community which has provided me with a homebase for much of my social interaction in world and I'm so happy to be a part of it, first as a blogger and now as the chat mod for the VIP group as well.

wearing:
[hair] Truth - Ginevra (November VIP group gift with new updated holiday headband textures)
[dress] *COCO*_NordicSweaterDress(Green)
[pants] Addams// Real Worn Out Jeans // Ocean
[shoes] *COCO* _SnowBoots+Socks(DarkBrown)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa- Lilly
[shape] my own
[skin] League- Sadie
[eyes] Amara Beauty - Justine (April Powder Pack)


[pose] Double Take - Wanderlust

decor:
{what next} Alpine Igloo
Studio Skye Four Season Oak Tree
Studio Skye Snowy Cliffs and Rocks
Studio Sky Snow Formations Building Set

Join the TRUTH VIP Group to receive a monthly exclusive hairstyle, early access to sales & news:

paste the following link into local chat:

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Blues For Christmas

To be honest, I just wanted an excuse to post this song.

I've always loved Christmas  - the lights, the excuse to dress up and especially the music but usually I spare people my playlists (although I can't imagine anyone not loving the blues). Anyhoo, here is my second collab which I did with the fabulous Nickie Rose, another kind and patient fellow blogger who agreed to work with me. I can't get enough of being among such talented supportive people. I'm amazed pretty much every time I log in and still can't believe they treat me like one of their own. That might be part of why I'm not as afraid to accept creative challenges as I am in the physical world. Check out Nickie's blog and flickr.

on me (left)
[hair] Truth - Ophelia
[dress] Lybra - Ara Dress Baby Blue (NEW @ FaMESHed)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly
[skin] League - Sadie
[lips] S.E Catwa Balada Lipstick VERS.003 (November Powder Pack)
[eyes] Amara Beauty - Justine (April Powder Pack)
[nails] (AMD) Nail Essentials - Holiday Nails
[shape] my own


on Nickie (right)
[hair] Magika Seven Days HUD 01
[dress] Lybra - Ara Dress Blue (NEW @ FaMESHed)
[necklace] Just Beacuse Abby Necklace (NEW @ Pay It Forward)
[rings] Kibitz Carlotte Rings Onyx for Maitreya - (NEW @ Kustom9)
[body] Maitreya
[head] LAQ - Scarlet
[nails] Dark Passions - Koffin Nails Stars of the Zodiac Gacha (NEW @ Imaginarium)
[eyes] Mesange Natsu
[makeup] SlackGirl Lucia Eyeshadow Omega
[skin] Glam Affair Lola for LAQ America (NEW @ Kustom9)
[shape] Quenby Scarlet Shape

[pose] FOXCITY. Infinity Bento Pose

[tree] JIAN Christmas Tree 2017 Decorated (NEW @ FaMESHed)

Taken @ the Looking Glass

blogger bearings

Over the years I've struggled off and on to make friends with other women but since I joined Second Life, I've found myself connecting with them like never before. I'm not sure if there's just a higher concentration of awesome women in Second Life or if it's where I've been spending my time or the groups I've been chatting in or even the platform itself that does it. I tend be overprotective of my heart and stay on the periphery of social groups but I'm working on it. Lately I've been seeing all the collaborations and really wanted to be a part of it.

So the other day, as uncomfortable as it made me, I finally posted on Facebook that I wanted to collaborate with some of my fellow bloggers and several volunteered. Yay for Facebook! I was worried however, because I'm still getting my bearings and it can sometimes take me a while to get my pictures the way I want them. Lucky for me, the first couple were very easy going and patient and it wound up taking me far less time than I expected. Here's the one I did with Melly - my first collab! I feel so grateful to be accepted into this amazing community of talented people. Check out her blog and flickr.

on me: (left)
[hair] Truth - Fenella
[dress] ChicModa - Olivia (Available Dec 17th @ Tres Chic)
[scarf] ChicModa - Olivia (Available Dec 17th @ Tres Chic)
[shoes] Just BECAUSE - Anna Boots
[earrings and bracelets] Maxi Gossamer - Hampton Boho
[necklace] Real Evil - Noelle
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly


on Melly: (right)
[hair] Runaway - Skadi (the Winter Trend, til Dec 22)
[dress] ChicModa - Olivia (Available Dec 17th @ Tres Chic)
[scarf] ChicModa - Olivia (Available Dec 17th @ Tres Chic)
[shoes] REIGN - Mojave Moccasin
[head] Catwa - Catya

pose - Glamrus . Our Winter

Scene:
unKindness - Victorian Village Shop Red
Tree Sled Rezzer CHEZ MOI (December Deco(c)rate)
GOOSE - snow covered garden table & chairs (@ Tannebaum)
hive // fir trees . snowy (@ Tannebaum)
Apple Fall Farrow Garden Wall
{what next} Medium Twinkly Cone Tree (silver) x2 (NEW in the main store)
BackBone Garlands - Faded with Silver Snowflake (December Deco(c)rate)
BackBone Streetlamp with Double Snowflakes - Gold (December Deco(c)rate)
Studio Skye Snow Formations 1 Grassy Bumps
Studio Skye Falling Snow System

ChicModa
marketplace
main store
flickr

baby it's cold outside

{what next} Christmas Wall Collage (size 1)
{what next} December Potted Poinsettia x3
[Atomic] Christmas Crown - Color Lights x3 (Dec 2016 Arcade gift)
Apple Fall Books Occasional Table w/ Blanket
PLAAKA HangingBlowGlassVase A (@ the Arcade)
ARIA - Eirwen Sofa (December Deco(c)rate)
Serenity Style- Nani Cat  Sit (@ TLC)
{what next} Holiday Eggnog Latte
hive // pinecone display (@ the Arcade)
22769 - Library Table - COMMON
Cheeky Pea - Charlie Boxes
white string lights - unlinked from the Cheeky Pea - Winter Snowy Greenhouse (December Deco(c)rate)
JIAN '15 Holiday Decor :: Wreath (Swag) x2 (@ Tannanebaum)
tarte. star marquee
Apple Fall Willow Plates
ARIA - Eirwen decorative Stool x2 (December Deco(c)rate)
{what next} Holiday Nutcracker  - Drummer (SMALL)
{what next} December Welcome Mat
hive // cozy slippers (@ the Arcade)
Trompe Loeil - Holiday Animated Floor PIllows (@ the Arcade)
Astralia - Wrapping gifts decor (green/red) (@ Paying It Forward)
-RC- New Home Moving Box - Blank 2 x2
[DDD] Holiday Giftbox - Copy - Tiny Cube
[ zerkalo ] Autumn Warmth - Rug
[DDD] Crate Shelf 01
[DDD] Crate Shelf 02
JIAN Christmas Tree 2017 Decorated (NEW @ FaMESHed)
{RW} Holiday Gift Box Assortment
Serenity Style- Johanna Wooden Reindeer Lying Down (W.A.N.T group gift)
Serenity Style- Johanna Wooden Reindeer BOW (W.A.N.T group gift)
Serenity Style- Johanna Wooden Reindeer Liying Down (W.A.N.T group gift)
{what next} 'It's Cold Outside' Neon Light (cool blue)
{what next} Winter Picture Shelf 1

Serenity Style- Rick Forest Cabin

Dancer

If I were a reindeer, my name would be Dancer. That is all.

Flawless Collection Holiday Photo Contest [EDIT] Winner! Best show of holiday spirit.

[hair] Truth - Irena (November 2016 VIP group gift - available for purchase for VIPs in the main store)
[top] ChicModa - Josie Sweater
[skirt] ChicModa - Lynn Skirt
[tights] Izzie's - Cozy Tights
[shoes] Entice - Brown Eyed Girl Boots
[pose] Evolove - BabyItsCold 1(NEW @ TLC)

taken @ Entice on the Flawless sim

Snow by Studio Skye (attached to my avatar)

Join the TRUTH VIP Group to receive monthly exclusive hairstyles, early access to sales & news:

paste the following link into local chat:

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winter friends

I think these winter friends are my favorite things ever. Just looking at them makes me smile. I'll have to rez a couple at my house and leave them all year round despite the fact that I live on the beach.

Exclusive for the Winter Garden Gacha by The Liaison Collaborative:

Serenity Style- Nani Mouse RARE

Serenity Style- Nani Puppie Stand

Serenity Style- Nani Bunnie  Stand

Serenity Style- Nani Mouse Stand

Serenity Style- Nani  Cat Stand

Serenity Style- Nani Bunnie Sit x2

Serenity Style- Nani Puppie Sit x2

Exclusive for the new round of The LiaisonCollaborative:

Serenity Style-Taleah Winter Cabin

Serenity Style- Hopathia Winter Tree Bench (NEW @ the main store)

Serenity Style- Loly Xmas Wall Tree (NEW @ Whimsical)

Serenity Style- Loly  GIFTS BAG (NEW @ Whimsical)

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 5 (NEW @ Tannenbaum)

7mad;Ravens Xmas Art 6 (NEW @ Tannenbaum)

Trompe Loeil - Hammered Silver Snowflake (2015 Advent Calendar)

{what next} Bellevie Fire Pit

hive // fir trees . snowy (NEW @ Tannenbaum)

Studio Skye - Snow Formations 

Trompe Loeil - Good Tidings Lamp Post (2017 Advent Calendar - currently @ the Arcade)

Serenity Style- Hopathia Autumn Scrabble

dust bunny . string lights . white . type d x2 (NEW @ Tannenbaum)

sleigh ride

I'm loving putting together all these winter scenes and definitely getting into the holiday spirit in Second Life. It seems everywhere I go, sim owners are taking the time to add at least a little holiday cheer. Most of all, I'm digging the winter/holiday themed designs coming out by my favorite creators.

hive // fir trees . snowy (NEW @ Tannenbaum)
Serenity Style- Johanna Wooden Reindeers (W.A.N.T group gift)
Serenity Style- Loly Xmas Gacha Collection wrapped gifts (NEW @ Whimsical)
JIAN Santa's Samoyeds 7. Reindeer Pup Companion
Trompe Loeil - Hammered Silver Sleigh (NEW @ FaMESHed)
Snow Formations  from Studio Skye .
Falling Snow System :: from Studio Skye 1.1
+Half-Deer+ White Baby Bird - Single - Stand x2

Zaza voom!

Okay so I'm pretty sure most stores would frown upon me doing my Christmas shopping in this outfit but I have plenty of cute sweaters for that! This is what Rebel Hope released for the latest round of FaMESHed and her lace work is gorgeous. I did find a top that would be more acceptable for G-rated sims and it fits the pants perfectly.

[hair] Truth - Ari

[top: pic 1] !Rebel Hope - Zaza Mesh Lingerie Top (NEW @ FaMESHed)
[top: pic 2] !Rebel Hope - Janelle Mesh Top 

[pants] !Rebel Hope - Jayda Mesh Lingerie Pants (NEW @ FaMESHed)

[body] Maitreya

[head] Catwa - Lilly (NEW @ the main store)
[pose] FOXCITY - Fixated no. 1

[trees] Studio Skye - Four Seasons Oak Trees

Truth Hair & Apparel
marketplace
main store
flickr

Rebel Hope Designs
marketplace
main store
flickr

leaving the scene

[hair] Truth - Ginevra (November VIP group gift)
[dress] Blueberry - Bree (NEW @ the main store)
[boots] Blueberry - Bree (NEW @ the main store)
[body] Maitreya
[head] Catwa - Lilly (NEW @ the main store)
[necklace] Maxi Gossamer - Falling Starflakes
[pose] Imitation - Autumn no. 8

backdrop - anxiety - integer2 (group gift)
DISORDERLY. / The Boutique / Concert Posters


Join the TRUTH VIP Group to receive a monthly Exclusive Hairstyle, early access to sales & news:

paste the following link into local chat:

secondlife:///app/group/7ebc6331-a002-2735-2597-c7badaae368a/about