Hideaway

My mother used to need to get away at times for a few days and just be by herself. (Well, if you had eight kids you would too!) Thank goodness I have a dad who understood completely and gave her the time she needed. I have nothing like her excuse, but I have inherited the desire to go away sometimes where there is no one around but me so that I can deal with my own thoughts. Usually this urge occurs in the fall and heading towards winter. Although with this winter storm that hit the East Coast this weekend, it seems like we have skipped autumn and jumped straight to winter. Maybe it is a hibernation instinct. And I never actually get to go away and be by myself, but I can imagine, right?

Well today I was wandering around looking for empty autumny places and found the perfect retreat at Totem Flow’s Autumn Hideaway. Totem has combined some gorgeous landscaping with charming decorative detail. I wanted to move in immediately—or at least curl up and stay awhile!

The adorable cottage is from the talented Winter Thorn and I have to confess I went out and bought it immediately. I may have to create my own little hidey-hole somewhere. For the past few days I have been wearing the beautiful new Tekla skin from LAQ and it is becoming one of my favorites. My vibrantly colored sweater is a recent mesh release from Jada Humby.

Hair: ::Exile:: Cady:Roots-Swiss by Kavar Cleanslate

Eyes: Shine Monet Terra by Brandy Rasmuson

Skin: LAQ ~ Tekla [Peach] 04 by Mallory Cowen

Earrings: BC Gold Dangle Earrings by JaneDark Miles

Scarf: JANE - loop de loop scarf.yw gold by Janie Marlowe

Sweater: J.H. Couture *Maja* Zipper Sweater MESH (STRIPES RED/BROWN) by Jada Humby

Jeans: Zaara : Jeans *moss* (jewelled) by Zaara Kohime

Boots: [BUKKA}knit boots by Yano Hyun

Cottage: {what next} Pineknot Cabin by Winter Thorn

Location: Autumn Hideaway by Totem Flow

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Orange

Here we are at the final week of the challenge. It’s impossible for me to condense how much this challenge has meant to me into a few words. Let’s just say I am in turns relieved and heart-broken. At the beginning of this challenge I didn’t even know how to take a snapshot, let alone do any kind of photo-editing. I have learned so much from all of you and offer my heart-felt gratitude for all of your encouraging comments and your friendship.

Thanks to all you wonderful challenge bloggers, and most of all to Luna, who is a very special lady indeed.

If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever.

 If it doesn’t, then it was never meant to be.

Let’s come back to each other soon!

Hair: MINA Hair - Shara – DBR06 by Mina Nakamura

Skin: LAQ ~ Tekla [Peach] 02 by Mallory Cowen

Earrings: Beauty Code Orange Glow Earrings by JaneDark Miles

Necklace: Kiel necklace orange by Ruchica Enimo

Top: Purple Moon Tess Shirt in Sienna by Poulet Koenkamp

Pants: Acid&Maia  I <3 my jeans - Dark Blue by Maia Oh

Boots: Opium Western ShortBoots by Leinad Constantine

Location: Hayden’s Haven

The Autumn I Wanted

Fall is my favorite season. I love the cooler temperatures, the ability to wear jackets and sweaters and scarves. I love how the natural world bursts into color for one last hurrah before the killing temperatures of winter send it into hibernation. This year it sort of passed us by. We have had unseasonably warm temperatures. Hurricane Irene layered all our trees with salt so they just turned brown instead of changing color. And then it got cold and rainy. Where is my autumn!?

Since I couldn’t find it in real life, I found it at the magnificent Aquitaine sims, that have been decked out for fall. I am snug and warm in my tights, scarf and handwarmers, and can still enjoy the sunshine. And my gorgeous boots from Opium are just made for leaf-crunching! Today my skin is a relatively new one from Mallory Cowen that is very flattering with my tousled hairstyle from Kik.

May your autumn be just what you wanted—I will keep my fingers crossed for mine!

Hair: [kik]hair-Vanessa II(coffee) by as001 Littlething

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Brown (S) by Ikon Innovia

Skin: LAQ ~ Olivia [Peach] 01 by Mallory Cowen

Top: Nyte'N'Day - Laconic Long Sleeve Beige by Nyte Calgari

Scarf: Purple Moon Wool Scarf in Brown by Poulet Koenkamp

Handwarmers & Belt: Opium Winter Explorer Indian Brown by Leinad Constantine

Skirt: JANE - pencil skirt.eliza.tan by Janie Marlowe (no longer available)

Tights:  Twosome Cozy Tights Beige by Visa Volare

Boots: Opium Western ShortBoots by Leinad Constantine

Location: Aquitaine, near the Hacienda del Sol

Bebe

This adorable dress from Vero Modero’s fall collection was a perfect choice for walking around the plaza at Terra Dei Matti. And it didn’t fly away when it got windy! The plaid pattern flows beautifully from bodice to skirt, and the belt is supple and smooth. What better to wear with such a dress than these flirty black pumps from Purple Moon?

Now if I can just get my hair out of my mouth…

Hair: ^;^CaTwA^;^ Marina/Chocolate by Catwa Clip

Skin: al vulo- eliza *  natural clear bronze by Hlin Bluebird

Dress: VERO MODERO / Bebe Plaid by Bouquet Babii

Necklace & Earrings: WERTINA Pearl Drop Set by Eli Millet

Shoes: Purple Moon Haru Stilettos in Black by Poulet Koencamp

Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Eyes Pale Brown ( S ) by Ikon Innovia

Poses: Juxtapose

Location: Terra Dei Matti

Feeling Corny

There are plenty of fall-themed regions to visit this year, but if you are in the mood for a good old cornfield complete with ghosts then check it out, it makes for some fun wandering about.

For my cornfield wandering I chose this adorable tie-dress by Gocha Merlin. I love the details and the cute floral accents. And the sentiment written across the back is a good one to remember at any time! Walking in a cornfield also requires good footwear and these adorable boots fit the bill exactly with their subtle summer-to-fall coloring.

My skin is from a new-to-me designer, Gianni Broda. This beautiful skin named Godiva was only 30L and once I put it on I did a double take. Here’s how it went in my mind:
-30L? Well, at least the G of the Alphabet Challenge won’t break the bank…
-Wait. Only 30L? For a skin??? Let’s have a look….
-Holy heck!!! 30L??? It’s gorgeous!

This is more a mature looking skin, but still retains a healthful smoothness.  I particularly love the bone structure across the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.







Hair: >TRUTH< Magenta – java by Truth Hawks
Skin: *CASHMERE*Godiva (Caramel) VENOM by Gianni Broda
Earrings: Finesmith jasper Hoops by Yula Finesmith
Necklace: *** Just You *** Necklace Seductive Wood by Clyde Avon
Dress: !gO! Laugh every day by Gocha Merlin
Pants: Nyte'N'Day - Transpose II Pants – Khaki by Nyte Caligari
Boots: Purple Moon My Comfy Boots in Brown -leather & wool by Poulet Koenkamp (the color I am wearing was a Tropicalia Bazaar edition, other colors available at the Main Store)
Bracelet: -PlasticAcid-Love Notes Bracelet by Mystical Trefoil
Ring: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Huet%20Paradise/244/187/22 by Natem Andel
Eyes: Fashism Sunrise Eyes Clover Green (S) by Ikon Innovia
Poses: Everglow
Location: Cornfield 1

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Cream

My mother grew up on a dairy farm and actually really liked milking cows.  One of my sisters had a passionate wish to be a farmer, and so my mother dutifully took her down to the dairy farm so she could get to know the animals that she would be working with one day. Having lived on a farm for most of her life, she definitely knew the cure for a farming passion!

So as you can imagine, my sister got a whiff of what farm animals smell like. And the dream of being a farmer died a swift and ignominious death.

I am sure these adorable SL cows are as sweet-smelling as the field of flowers around them. And what would we do without cream? Ice cream, whipped cream, chowder, sour cream, the world just wouldn’t be as pleasurable without them. So thank you dear cows, even if you don’t smell like roses we are still glad you are around!

Hair: [ 69 ] OLIVIA 03 - Chestnut -

Sweater: Baku cream knitted cardi

Pants: fri.day – Trouser (cream)

Necklace: salt. vintage mixed pearls

Boots: LOORDES OF LONDON-DESERT SANDS BOOT-NATURAL&CREAM

Location: Dimrill Dale

Alphabet Challenge: G

Whew! Now I am all caught up! Back to our regularly scheduled programming….er, till next week!

Alphabet Challenge: F

Getting a little better, but still, my most time consuming posts are for this challenge! Perhaps one of those inventory organizers is in order….

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Mulberry

My husband grew up in the Canary Islands. On his island, there is still a tradition of raising and harvesting silkworms, and weaving the silk. When my husband was a small boy, he would raise silkworms to help his mother earn some extra money. And the favorite food of silkworms is the leaves of the mulberry tree. My husband has told me the stories several times of how the silkworm’s voracious appetite kept him running all day cutting and collecting mulberry branches. Even now he just can’t believe how much they eat.

So the next time you pull on a silk garment, take a moment to respect the worms. It’s an arduous process. You can read more about it here.

I was able to find one single mulberry tree with silkworms on it in SL, and here it is!

Tree: Mulberry Tree with silkworms season changing by Herb Abrahams (Marketplace)

Dress: *Bliss Couture* Alethia Magenta by Amutey Decuir

Hair: *Plume* - Rockeuse/Soil by Fauve Beaumont & Lulu Jameson

Poses by Fanny Willis for Everglow

Awareness

This month there is so much information flying around about breast cancer awareness that it can be hard to sort out. If you type in “Breast Cancer Awareness” in the SL search window you will be inundated with pages of events going on to raise money for breast cancer research. When I tried to think of someone I knew that had battled this disease, I didn’t have to look far—more than one of my friends have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer just in the last few years. It is a disease that affects many.

I am not usually one to promote donations to organizations. My feeling is that individuals should investigate reputable organizations on their own and donate where they feel their contribution will do the most good. And there are a lot of them out there.

So during this month, do your research. Should you feel inclined, attend an event. Visit a breast cancer awareness location in SL. Make a donation to an organization that you feel will put your contribution to the best use. And hope for the day when there is a cure. 

 

 

Underwear: Bloomers " Cil Lingerie pink 'Moon' Cilian'gel 1920's by Cilia Shepherd

Skin: (Apple May Designs) Catalina - Deep Tan by Apple May

Necklace: *N@N@*Lotus back necklace by Natem Andel

Ring: Exquisite Lotus Blossom Cocktail Ring – Pink by  Mericatherine Quinnell

Hair: >TRUTH< Isla – espresso by Truth Hawks

Wall Art and Chaise: Pink Love Room (from TWOLHA event 2010) by Chaotic Monday

House: Thistle Sweet Pea Cottage Valentine's Edition by Liz Gealach (this edition is no longer available but the Spring Edition is and pink is one color option!)

 

My school does a lot of fund raising for different research foundations and last year some students took it into their heads to make this video promoting breast cancer awareness. You’ll see why I love what I do. The students got the whole school involved, but I have to say my favorite is the math teacher.  

Enjoy!

Want to see more? Type in “Pink Glove Dance” on Youtube and you will see a ton of these.

As You Wish

That line is never so poignant as it is spoken just after “You can die too, for all I care!” and just  before “Oh, my sweet Wesley, what have I done?”  Then again, how many lines are out there that can induce a girl to throw herself down a mountain after her captor? Why are those three words so romantic when our current vernacular is as likely as not to be irritating? Some examples:
“Whatever you want”
“Up to you…”
“Just as you like”
“If you say so”
and my favorite:
“Yes ma’am” (gosh I miss the south sometimes)
Somehow it just doesn’t have the same ring.
All this came to mind after receiving Guinevere Decuir’s new “As YouWish” tattoo. There is a slew of new stuff out there so I kind of did a mash-up of whatever I could get to look good together. My sweater and top are new from Janie Marlowe. The cropped sweater is a new mesh item—this color is a customer appreciation gift, but the other available colors are great as well. The yellow undershirt is an addition to Janie’s Needful Things line…and for me Janie’s designs definitely tend to be needful! My shoes are a new design for autumn from Vero Modero.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Marchesato di Sant’Elia, make some time to visit. It looks appropriately fall-like in these photos but really it could be any season depending on the area you are in and the angle. And check out the Palazzo Donna Emilia—it’s really quite beautiful.

If you’re in the nostalgic mood, here’s a clip of the classic scene:

Hair: Analog Dog Madison 2 1b by Queue Marlowe
Tattoo: .:Collisions:. As You Wish Tattoo by Guenevere Decuir
Sweater: JANE - cropped sweater..greens [fair] (Customer appreciation gift) by Janie Marlowe
Undershirt: JANE - needful things.romper.yw pale gold by Janie Marlowe
Pants: aDIVA Couture DeeDee Brown Jeans BootCut by AnneJoy Paine
Boots: [VeroModero] Autumn Rise Boots by Cuba Avedon
Hip scarf: !gO! *Crazy Colors Apple* hip scarf by Gocha Merlin
Location: Marchesato di Sant’Elia

Wandering

Fall is my favorite time and there are some lovely and festively decorated sims right now and they are making me wonder why it is still eighty degrees in my part of the world. One of those great places is Truth District, and I found this great sweater and boots at the Ducknipple store. Check out the fall event there and don’t forget to notice the fall décor! Fall also brings scarf weather, at least in theory, so it seemed like a good occasion for this colorful but subdued design from Zeery.

If you haven’t visited the Aquitaine sims then you have really missed out on one of the masterpieces of SL. The whole place is decked out for fall. Make sure you have some time though, because the place is huge. I recommend the carriage tours, since the possibilities for getting lost are insane.

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Brown (M) by Ikon Innovia

Belt: [MANDALA] Kookai Belt /Dark Brown by kikunosuke eel

Scarf: Zeerys Silk Sun Scarf Royal Plum by Zeerya Pyrithea

Boots: Ducknipple Motoko – Red by beanster Potato(@Truth District)

Sweater: Ducknipple Cardigan – Pink by beanster Potato (@Truth District)

Earrings: EarthStones Envision Earrings - Gold/Fire Opal by Abraxxa Anatine

Purse: LOORDES OF LONDON-ROSEMARY HANDBAG by Coleen Macarthur

You Lie

You lie

You don’t want to hurt me

So you lie, buy a little time

And I go along, what else can I do

Maybe it’s wrong

But you know how much I love you

So you lie

Till you can find a way to say goodbye,

You lie

-Reba McEntire

 

That’s the first thing I thought of when I saw the new Wendy avatar available at Synergy—particularly the hairstyle. Have a look:

http://www.countryhound.com/sites/countryhound.com/files/u6/reba-mcentire.jpg

Totally Reba, right??? Reba has always been a favorite of mine. And if you check out the video, it hails back to a time before her current, more trendy look. She is, though, a quintessentially classy lady who knows about life, love and pain and knows how to communicate it to her audience. She definitely speaks to me.

Hair: ChiChickie! Wendy – Espresso (part of the Wendy avatar at Synergy) by Chiana Meredith

Earrings: Beauty Code Brown Glow Earrings by JaneDark Miles

Jacket: Izzie's -Long Knit Cardigan brown by Izzie Button

Pants: Mischief Workman’s Pant Cocoa by Ed Papp

Boots: MIEL FAR BOOTS – SOLID by Miel Nirvana

Decking: Panache Windbrooke Clamshell by Zyrra Falcone

52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Wenge (aka the WORST CHALLENGE WEEK EVER)

So wenge is a type of tropical wood that is popular with guitar and bow makers. Hm. So I delved into a heretofore unexplored area of SL, that of weaponry—namely, the bow and arrow. Not a pleasant experience, my friends. Oh, and the bow and arrows don’t work like you THINK they will. Oh, no. The bow and arrows think you are going to shoot them, and nothing else. So if you want a picture of yourself shooting, why, you have to have someone ELSE log in and take your picture while YOU are in mouselook on a SEPARATE computer shooting! Yep, that’s the only way it works.

If you have ever read Robin McKinley’s superb novel The Blue Sword, then possibly this look will ring a bell with you. It’s quite a bit like I imagine Kentarre of the filanon looked like. At any rate, if I ever consider picking up a bow and arrow again, please just stop me!

Outfit: . !RFyre Bytterwynds II Tan Leather by Raven Pennyfeather

Hair: Analog Dog eq braid dirty blonde by Queue Marlowe

Bow and Arrows: Crimson Sun Nimbrethil Quiver and Long Bow by Pin Deluca

Bracers: [knickknack] Ella huntress bracer L (forearm) BROWN by Levia Larsson

Boots: Dragansvarg Chumana sculpted boots by Karigan Ducatillon

Skin: LAQ Malin Peach by Mallory Cowen

Earrings: (scarnacks) leopard feather earrings by Scarlet Seubert (Marketplace)

Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Steel Blue (M)

Allie

One of my AP Spanish students inspired me for today’s ensemble. Allie is petite, casual, and is one of those girls who just looks stunning in whatever she puts on. (It is startling and sometimes depressing how many of these students I have!) She also happens to be someone who struggles mightily in my class but who works her heart out and has gained an incredible amount of skill. An extremely smart and hardworking girl. Add kind and responsible to the mix and what you have is someone pretty special. It’s kids like her that make me love what I do.

Today I am wearing one the newer skins from Apple May. This one gives my face a soft, youthful look to match my outfit and my abundant, humidity crinkled yet beautiful hair, a recent release from Truth Hawks.

 

Hair: >TRUTH< Luana – mocha by Truth Hawks

Skin: (AMD) Vixen – Carmel by Apple May

Shirt: Alloro - RTW Wrap Neck Sweater – Coffee by Laurel Carlucci

Jacket: [Pink Outfitters] Sera Military Jacket- army green by London Dailey

Skirt: JANE - mini skirt.lil patches.greens [fair] by Janie Marlow (MESH)

Socks: Twosome Cozy Socks Crochet Black by Visa Volare (no longer available)

Boots: [Gos] GTFO Boot in Black by Gospel Voom

Afternoon Stroll

I was so excited to receive one of Agnes Finney’s latest designs. This gown, aptly named Darling (isn’t it just though?) reminds me of being young and carefree, wearing white dresses and running around with flowers…before age and real life, responsibilities and grey hairs set in. So completely beautiful with it’s embroidered skirt detail and lace sleeves. There are some long skirt options as well with this dress so it’s really like getting three dresses in one. Always a good thing.

This hair, I must say, is most definitely not grey, and is one of Alice Demonia’s new mesh designs. It cascades fantastically down the back of my dress and stays outside my body, where it belongs. And it’s only 44L at the 4.44.444 event.

Dress: Agnes Finney Darling White by Agnes Finney

Hair: Alice Project Mandi (@ 4.44.444) by Alice Demonia

Shoes: [e] Move Pumps – Clover by Elikapeka Tiramisu

Poses: Olive Juice In Bloom by Isabella Grace Baroque

Skin: Beauty Code Vanity Natural by CrusHer Mills

Alphabet Challenge: E

I have to say, this challenge is really giving me a hard time! I think I need a serious course in inventory search. But here’s E!

San Fernando

It has been a continuous treat to experience the creative designs released at Meiling. The new Last Train To San Fernando collection is based on a real life collection (gosh, would I love to see this stuff in RL!)  and combines turn-of-the-century style with modern flair and sexiness. I love the fit and fabric texture of the For Ladies Who Brunch gown—the drape of the fabric in the chest prim in particular is lovely. Since the top of the dress is a prim, a bit of adjustment may be necessary depending on your pose.


This gorgeous wicker jewelry set from Coleen Macarthur looks like it was made for this dress! It is available at the Tropicalia Bazaar for only 75L.

Hair: [LeLutka]-KNOTTED hair – AlmostGoth by Thora Charron
Jewelry: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Reale/94/105/59
Dress: Meiling Couture, Ladies Who Brunch by Meiling Couturier
Shoes: Kittie’s Lair Sandals03g Nadia Fallow01 by Babette Ultsch
Eyes: FASHISM 'Sunrise' Eyes - Pale Clover Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia
Location: The Curious Prim, Mythopoeia

Sunday Morning Brunch

I received this lovely top from Vespah Wasp the other day and it was the perfect garment for the transition from summer to fall. Light and airy enough for warm weather but still protective enough for cool evening breezes. My hair is a recent release from Queue Marlowe, and finishing it all off are the divine Boho Boots from Nevery Lorakeet.



Top: XANADU Ambrosia lavender shirt by Vespah Wasp
Boots: *LpD* - *Boho* Boots Gray
Necklace 1 & Earrings: Beauty Code grey Rose Necklace by JaneDark Miles
Necklace 2: MIEL ECHO NECKLACE by Miel Nirvana
Jeans: Argyle Anonymous Jeans Grey by Swan Ling
Hair: Analog dog .b bound house wine by Queue Marlowe
Bistro set: Remember by Natasha Shoteka
Location: Morgan Apts., Muhongo