Give.Your.Imagination.Wings.

Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Photo by Skip Staheli

I am still pulled away into a real world, and as I said to my blogfriend Nightlake, Nightlake’s blog: the most astonishing thing I have found is that more than being in a Second Life, I have missed reading all of your blogs, seeing your pictures and commenting on all the wonderful things you all share. Friday is my major ” blog read” day, over 90 of you,and I felt a little bereft not checking in to see how your day is going. In the mean time, I apologize in advance, but I wanted to reblog one of my fave Second Life blogs, because it is why I love the virtuality of the Internet, the endless possibilities it gives to us all. So please be patient and wait for this litte Cao, only a few more days. I hope you will come back to see me.

My friend and fellow blogger, Harper Ganesvoort recently put a challenge up on her blog Harper’s blog: that sounded really fun! She challenged fellow bloggers to create and style their favorite fictional character. Those who know me, know that is something I do on a regular basis. It seems my head has been stuck in a book since I was three years old. Oh, the places I have been and seen, without even leaving my home! But on this week I have been a bit selfish and only dedicated time to my real world self, so, in keeping with her blog I am going to handle this challenge with a two prong approach. I am going to show a recent picture I had done by Negatif Studio Negatif Flickr: as well as some of the fictional character’s I have done in the past. I hope you enjoy! ❤

The picture above is not a fictional character. In a recent copy of Vogue I was reading an article about Emma Stone, the actress, and I just fell in love with the outfits she was wearing. Vogue always seems to get the clothes perfectly matched to the interviewee’s personality, the Olsen twins were equally perfect. But when I saw this outfit, or rather, something similar to this outfit, I just knew, that outfit is Cao. I never claimed to be elegant, I am more gawky than graceful and this Emma masterpiece defined me. The credit’s for clothes will be at the end of the blog.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Photo by Skip Staheli

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Photograph by Pam Astonia

Cleopatra, Historical figure of Epic proportions. photo: Shifty Ricantaur

Cendrillon ou La petite Pantoufle de Verre (Cinderella). Photo by Cherie Parker

Edgar Allen Poe’s “Annabelle Lee” by Cherie Parker

Vogue replica Outfit
Hat/Hair: Wasabi Pills, “Magician”
Tie: [Mandala] “Smexy tie”
Jacket: Gizza, “Velvet jacket”
Scarf: Maitreya
Shirt: Hoorenbeek, (men’s line)

Chains.And.Things.

I’ve always wanted to be cool enough to pull off a really groovy hat. L’Accessoire’s . Hat: Lode, Magnoli . Necklace: E-Clipse, LaSchiaca

I don’t know, the day didn’t start out this way. Sometimes it’s there when you wake up, oft your day progresses normally but then at some point, some memory hidden deep in your soul, some key phrase or word from a friend or co-worker and it drops about you like a massive smothering cloak. Today I blame it on this BB King, Dave Matthews Band auditory concoction I’ve been imbibing on all morning. They always tend to bring out my more sensitive sensibilities. They make me feel, they make me think. Chains. We all have them. Responsibilites, addictions, all the pieces of flotsam and jetsam that leaves litter about the journey of our life. I suppose if we didn’t, we’d all float away into the sky. But honestly, what are we afraid of? Is floating away such a bad thing?

L’Accessoires . Hat: Baoba, Lluvia . Necklace: MiWardrobe, Indigo . Earrings: Cherry, Larisa . Purse: Handverk, Flamingo .

Take from? yes. Short blog today, I am having focus problems. And since I’ve switched to Incubus’s “Morning View” I’ve already started to break some chains, that’s my breakup album. Life is so short, and honestly it can end with the quickness of an intake of breath. Do you suppose singer songwriter Jason Molina knew he would be dead at 39? Why do we choose to suffer with all these chains? If something is making you miserable, do you really owe a continued allegiance to it? Live a life that is fulfilling, it starts with one step. A purpose driven life is more about balance. Balance the chains that must adorn you, but unlink the chains that are just weighting you down. And while your floating about, check out L’accessoires. Lots of great finds this month! I’ve lost enough dead weight today, I can even afford the taxi for you: Taxi:

Outfit One:
Hat: Baoba, Lluvia . **L’Accessoire**
Necklace: MiWardrobe, Indigo . **L’Accessoire**
Earrings: Cherry. Larisa . **L’Accessoire**
Purse: Handverk, Flamingo . **L’Accessoire**
Shoos: BSD, Angel Hair . **L’Accessoire**
Dress: Leezu!, Oxford **New**
Knickers: Maitreya, Allure Girdle
Hairs: Boon, KBO906
Hosery: Angel Dessous, Rike

Time.To.Roll.up.The.Sleeves.

And get down to business. Yes, its time for Fashion for Life 2013: It’s not just about fashion…

Starting Monday I will begin to blog this event in earnest, afterall it is my favorite charity of all charitable events in Second Life. It hits me right in the heart because of my real life experiences with the ravages of cancer. But for now, me and my family at *SoliDea FoliEs* and Salimar will have a moments quiet for one of our own. Please respect us our privacy, and I look forward to sharing with you our Fashion For Life items and the many incredible items of other SL designers during this week long event. I’ve seen many of the products that will be given with your donation, (100% of the cost of the item goes to Relay for Life) and they are simply amazing!

I hope you will find it in your heart to join me here on the blog and in Second Life at the “Fashion For Life” venues and shows. This year, along with the vendors, shows and raffles, there is a gacha event as well. So literally something for everyone! Over five and a half million was raised last year, lets make this our best year ever. And to make it easier for you, I’ve created a page of the Fashion For Life SLURL’s by designer. Please feel free to use them throughout the week for easy transport within the SIMs.

Every year, hundreds of people in Second Life ™ give their time, creativity and money to help raise funds and awareness on behalf of the ‘American Cancer Society’ at FASHION FOR LIFE.

This year from March 9th – 17th, an incredible 9 sims built by some of the grids best artists and builders will open to the public based on the theme of ‘The Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.’

But it’s not only the very best fashion you can expect to see this year but also dazzling art, beautiful buildings and a schedule of live events and fashion shows produced by SL’s top fashion agencies!

SIM BUILDERS & SPONSORS:

▪ Great Pyramid of Giza – Built by Thoth Jantzen – Sponsored by LAZURI
▪ Hanging Gardens of Babylon – Built by Patch Thibaud – Sponsored by Tres Beau
▪ Statue of Zeus at Olympia – Built by KarlinJames Zepp – Sponsored by Leri Miles Designs, Quality mesh fashion for men and women.
▪ Temple of Artemis at Ephesus – Built by nexuno Thespian – Sponsored by .:EMO-tions:.
▪ Mausoleum at Halicarnassus – Built by Kaya Angel – Sponsored by Sonatta Morales *8* Vintage Couture
▪ Colossus of Rhodes – Built by Rebeca Bashly – Sponsored by Chop Zuey Couture and Jewellery
▪ Lighthouse of Alexandria – Built by Bryn Oh – Sponsored by [sYs] Design
▪ Event Sim Center – Built by Eshi Otawara – sponsored by Miss Mundo Virtual Organization
▪ Event Sim North – Built by Eshi Otawara – Sponsored by Christianraven Resident

VIP SPONSORS:

▪ Tjake Kearny
▪ Giz Seorn

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS SCHEDULE:
The week will also host a schedule of live entertainment, music and catwalk events and each scheduled fashion show will reveal different outfits from the all new ‘Fashion for Life 2013’ collection.

SATURDAY MARCH 9TH ▪12:00 PM SLT: GRAND OPENING OF FASHION FOR LIFE 2013!

SUNDAY MARCH 10TH
▪10:00 AM SLT – FASHION SHOW – Produced by: KV Dream Agency

MONDAY MARCH 11TH
▪4:00 PM SLT – FASHION SHOW – Produced by SOLO EVANE

TUESDAY MARCH 12TH
▪4:00 PM SLT – FASHION SHOW – Produced by AVENUE

WEDNESDAY MARCH 13TH ▪4:00 PM SLT- FASHION SHOW – Produced by Elegance Agency
▪6:00 PM SLT – ANTONIO GALLOWAY IN CONCERT!

THURSDAY MARCH 14TH
▪4:00 PM SLT – FASHION SHOW – Produced by UEMA AGENCY

FRIDAY MARCH 15TH
▪12:00 PM SLT – CHANGHIGH SISTERS FIRESHOW of Light, Life and Love
▪4:00 PM SLT – FASHION SHOW – Produced by OPIUM EVOLUTION

SATURDAY MARCH 16TH ▪10:00 AM SLT – GALLIANO COUTURE INSPIRED COLLECTION – Produced by BLVD AGENCY

SUNDAY MARCH 17TH ▪9:00 AM SLT – GRAND FINALE – SL TOP MODEL COMPETITION
▪11:00 AM SLT – CLOSING PARTY – RAFFLE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

*BOSL Radio will also stream across all 9 sims in partnership with SL club ‘The Velvet’.

* There will be a public ‘BEST FFL PHOTO CONTEST’ for the duration of this event. The winner will receive items from participating FFL designers.

PRESS & MEDIA NOTES:

“When I saw the amount of new and beautiful creations being made for FASHION FOR LIFE 2013, my head spin like Linda Blair’s in her best moment. How could we possibly showcase all this new fashion in one week while organizing the event at the same time? Thank God for SL FASHION AGENCIES! They all graciously jumped in to give us a hand. I am forever grateful.” Frolic Mills, BOSL & Co, CEO

Fashion for Life Flickr: Taxi:

Fairies.and.other.Flights.of.Fancy.

“Playful Faery on a Soft Spring Day” photo Skip Staheli

Ok, you guys have some ‘splaining to do.. Out of curiosity, yesterday I blogged something I wouldn’t normally. Nawty Cao! –.– Heck, a ton of it was just to see if I could get a laugh out of anyone, but a part, the thinking part, wanted to do a little market research.. Forty more hits than usual. You all have something to tell me?

“Starry Night for the Seaman’s Wife” photo Magissa Denver

One of my FB/SL friends made the comment she was at a crossroads deciding if she would quit modeling or hang in there a little longer. Second Life modeling is a very tough “occupation,” a total flight of fancy for the most part. There are so many models and so little work available. You would think me of all people, the hopeless optimist, would tell her to hang in there. But to be an honest friend, I could not do so. First because no one knows whether it will get better or if the doors will continue to, in her words, “slam in her face and the people choose to toss her in the trash.” I thought on it a few days and this is what I say for what its worth. Probably not worth much. First the obvious, models in SL do not “get rich.” That said, your desire to model must be driven by some other inner need in you. Mine was/is to create art. I love fashion, I have a silly little blog so I take pics and write. I, myself had a lot of doors shut in my face but I chose to ignore this and create my name, the face of my brand, on my own. It can be done, to this day I am more Internet model than inworld.

“Dare to Dance the Tides” by Magissa Denver

So if you find something about SL modeling that you enjoy, perfect it. With this perfection, you WILL be noticed. If you are not noticed how you wish to be, at least you participated to your own enjoyment, not at the whim of someone else. I want to leave you with this. Why these particular photos? Most older models, but perhaps few of the new set of models, know I was in the Angel of Angel Dessous contest two years in a row. I put a lot of my heart into the contest because I love the design line. But most of all, every month I had the chance to create a new piece of art for my portfolio. link to AD flickr set: I suppose from one point of view, two years in a row “the door was slammed in my face,” but I’d be a liar to say that. Because what I earned was so much more. I earned two grand heart friends in Nando Korobase and Gina Beaumont, the designers of Angel Dessous. I earned a plush, robust, art filled portfolio, pictures I am singularly proud of. The fantasy pic’s I am even considering using in a childrens book. So, my dear friend, you do have a choice to make. You need to look into your heart and decide what motivates you, because this decision, no matter how much friends will “guide” you, needs to come from within. Taxi to Angel Dessous:

“Needful Things” by Magissa Denver

As an aside, Angel Dessous has turned their calendar over to a new Angel of Angel Dessous contest. I hope you will give it a try!

Angel of Angel Dessous™ Fashion Photo Contest 2013

Rules :
* each participant of the Angel Dessous Fashion Photo Contest has to be a member of the Angel Dessous in Second Life inworld group
* to set up your pic you must be a member of the Angel of Angel Dessous Fashion Photo Contest Group at flickr (www.flickr.com/groups/angelofthemonth/ )
* each participant can upload one pic each month
* all contest pics must be uploaded at this flickr group
* the pic must be in 1024 x 1024 or 2048 x 2048
* the pic can be shot by yourself or somebody else, take care that you are the owner of all rights
of this pic
* the primarily design you show at the pic has to be a Angel Dessous Design,
its allowed to wear fashion and accessoriess of other designers as stylistic elements.
* you give us the right to show, promote or advertise placed pics public at the Angel Dessous Mainstore , Angel Dessous Website (angeldessous.wordpress.com/ ) and / or SL Magazins
* winners will be chosen by a panel of judges to be announced

Prizes :

* each month we place the 5 best fashion art shots of all submitted shots
* the first placed shot will be shown next month at a prominent double page at BeStyle Magazin
includet with a modell resumee of the current winner.
* all 5 placed shots will gain a 1000 L$ Angel Dessous Store Card
* the pics will be exhibited at the Angel Dessous Mainstore and diverse SL fashion blogs
* also the winner will be the model at the next advertisement pic of Angel Dessous,
excl. shot by one of Seconde Lifes best photographers.
* the * Angel of Angel Dessous 2014 * ( elected in December 2013 ) will be shown at a outstanding 6 double page fashion spread at BeStyle Magazine, shooting of this Photo Story will also be done by one of the best SL Fashion Photographers
…. and the winner will also be shown at this BeStyle Magazin cover page
* the winner will represent Angel Dessous in 2014 at advertisements, shows and events
* there will be also additional prizes for Winner, 1st and 2nd runner up of the final contest
provided by Angel Dessous and friendly sponsors

Timetable :
* the Angel Dessous Fashion Photo Contest 2013 will run from January to November 2013.
In December 2013 we will elect the Winner of 2013 , the Angel of Angel Dessous 2014,
chosen of the 11 monthly winners in 2013
* each monthly contest will start at the 10th and end at the last day of this month
* the monthly placements will be elect at the first days of the following month

http://www.flickr.com/groups/angelofthemonth/

Breathe.Out.So.I.Can.Breathe.You.In.

Kind of quiet today. I have a busy weekend this weekend. Lots of real life to attend to. Not bad stuff, two parties actually, one on a dinner boat, one for the Nascar races. I live alone, so I like going to parties every once in a while. It lets me mingle and meet people. Do I feel I have to have a man in my life?. No, not really. Not now anyway. I often wonder if I waited to long to ever have a someone. But I think thats okay, I’m kinda in love with the person I live with (me). Many people ask me if I am lonely. I do get that way sometimes, but to be honest, I am so quiet I hardly even notice I am there. (thats a joke) Being single is beneficial in a lot of ways, I am not defined by a relationship, I am me. I can go to a Nascar race and not know a single driver. I also don’t have to put up with someone’s annoying habits, we all have them. I take that back, I do have to put up with it, KT snores like a lumberjack, a lot of noise for something that weighs 19 pounds. I oft get scared the neighbors in the condo next to mine will assume its me snoring.

Another great thing about being single? I can date. No, I don’t go to those dating sites, Lawdy knows the way the Internet scares me, I’d be comatose by the time someone tried to hook up with me. But more importantly, I half suspect those sites are used more by married people than singles. Whats up with that anyway? Sheesh! If the grass is so much greener on my side, get a divorce first. Well, hmm, maybe that was a little closed minded. I better stop here. As you can tell, I am mellowing into the weekend, in a feisty kind of way. I might even go out tonight. So you guys hold down the fort, the Cao is going to wander away. I’m going to breathe.

And when I do, you can bet I am going to wear something like these two outfits from Kallisto Destiny of Drift. I just love the dress, it’s roomy and gorgeous with a sneaky little peek of a lot of lower back. I like that, makes him ache to touch me. The dress has a HUD that allows you to change the colors, so one dress equals a lot of different uses. YAY! I’m going to wear the “Morning Tank” to the Nascar party. The weather this weekend will be in the 80’s and its an outdoor party, so I’ll want to keep it cool, no? Take from? Yep. It’s amazing to have someone to share your life with, it truly is. It’s like when you take a breath they are entrenched deeply in to your soul. Some say, the person “completes” you. But while this type of relationship is all encompassing, the person doesn’t “complete you.” You are whole when you are born, your life experience creates the complete you. This lover is an added quality to life, they “enhance” you. I hope you all have an equally enhanced weekend! Drift: Taxi: (all the other SLURLS, “last known page…)

Outfit One:
Dress: Drift, Flirtini *NEW*
Hairs: Exile, Faded Style *NEW*
Handbag: Eclipse, La Petite **L’Accessoires
Necklace: MiWardrobe, The Vintage Landscape **L’Accessoires
Boots: Miamai, Tamara **L’Accessoires
Glasses: Mons, Round Glasses **L’Accessoires

Outfit Two:
Shirt: Drift, Morning Tank (also with color HUD) *New*
Hairs: Exile, Crazy in Love *New*
Shorts: Mon Tissu, Dotted cuffed denim
Jewelry: Mandala, Earring, Ohoshisama. Bracelet, Sitennoah. Necklace, Osenbei *All New*
Boots: Maitreya, Stagioni
Handbag: Handverk, Tetrahedron **L’Accessoire’s

Girls spend hours deciding what to wear, and all guys do is try to picture us naked.

All business today. I am without a home for the moment, so the picture quality may decline a little bit. I shot and styled all of these in just an hour (incuding cropping). I hope the style stands on it’s own though. I’ll be the first to admit, I am not a model. A tiny fishing village does not equate to high fashion on any playing field. But, I am a thinker. And, a studier. As an aside, when I grew up I was taught to never start a sentence with “and” or “but.” When I went to college they said that particular rule of English structure has been thrown out the window. Ah well, so here I am, even I picked up some of those radical liberal viewpoints whilst being brainwashed in college. I’m glad my mom doesn’t read my blog, though, my common memory of her as I was growing up were comments like “don’t dangle your participle!” I’d imagine using and and but to lead a sentence would pretty much spell the end of her sanity. But… I digress, as I said. I am a studier and thinker.

Today I was following up on the current Trends for Spring 2013 as presented by Style.com. Thinking it over, I decided to try to throw my interpretation on them. I had one set back, Second Life’s Spring lines aren’t out yet. But I think I did okay, well okay for a Cao. Who’s not a model. I’ll start with the 2013 styles will include modern plays on the kimono. See above? I am starting here, because what can I say, I love kimono’s. But also, because this picture is about a year old. See you guys think I dress funny, sometimes I am just a year ahead of the trend. 😉

The second trend we should be seeing is a continuation of contrasting colors. Not just black and white, like seen here. Also, Blue and orange, red and green. It is typically what you would think is a cool color, like blue and team it with a warm color, like red. These are brought down to singular, basic colors, but with so many colors on a spectrum, the sky is truly the limit.

The next trend mentioned is collage. I earned a collage degree in 2008, oh wait. nevermind. I earned a college degree. The collage look is the use of sewing together different patterns to create a new look. They always seem to look a bit ethnic, or eclectic to me. Perhaps a bit Boho chic. Zaara is already in the game for this look since this is a last years sundress.

The next trend for Spring will be what is called “veiled” styling. There were a lot of sheer see-thru materials out this year during the RL fashion weeks.This one just hasn’t really come about much in Second Life yet, but it will be fun to see it if any designer’s decide to play with it. I’m wearing the sheer blouse from Gizza included in the Blazer suit outfit. (found by way of Chloe, kudos girl!). The rest of the look should be layered elements, but I stalled here due to time constraints and threw on a pair of quasi-layered pants.

The next fashion trend you should be seeing this Spring is the flounce. I really like this look there are a lot of romantic and elegant things you can create with a flounce. Without the adorable layers of this dress, it would lose a lot of its depth and would be too plain to wear for anything other than everyday wear. I particularly love this look for Second Life because it adds a 3 dimensional effect in a basically two dimensional world.

And last, but certainly not least, and this is afterall, a look I wear more than others is the alpha female trend. Fuller eyebrows on women are back in (think Brooke Shields in the 70’s), as well as man cut jackets and pants. I like the look, but tend to like to soften it up some with things like wearing a bra as a shirt, or feminine jewelry.

Take from? Well of course, Second Life modeling isn’t really about playing dressup with your Barbie doll. You need to keep up with current styles, learn new styles or create a new trend in styles. It’s fun to throw on clothes, but to be the best at something you need to lead others by introducing those looks other avatars will crave to wear and own. I hope this was enough to get you excited about the coming Spring Fashions. Heck, I am just a lil Cao, a non-model. Just imagine what YOU could do! SLURLS are under the “Last known SLURLS page.

Outfit One:
Hair: Boon, BNG331
Makeup: Blackliquid, Winehouse
Earrings: Zaara, Hiral Wood
Necklace: ChopZuey, La Cascadeuse
Shirt: .Shi, Wrap Blouse
Skirt: Mon Tissu, Westberry
Shoes: Diktator, Dare Horseshoe

Outfit Two: Contrast
Jacket: Gizza, Blazer suit (female)
Pants: LWL, Harem IKat
Makeup: *LpD* Gia, eyes
Hair: Madesigns, Aria
Hairbase: 99 elephants, shaved
Jewelry: Mandala, Senjyu

Outfit Three: Collage
Dress: Zaara, Kitika Maxi dress
Hairs: Boon, PKJ371
Jewelry: Zaara, Hiral earrings, Parnini necklace

Outfit Four: Veiled
Shirt: Gizza, included in the Blazer suit (female)
Pants: Glam Affair, July
Hairs: Boon, PKJ371
Jewelry: A la folie

Outfit Five: Flounced
Dress: Tee*fy, Orelle
Necklace: LaGyo, Triumph
Earrings: Indy and Co, Maelle
Hairs: Boon, KBO906

Outfit Six: Alpha Female
Jacket: Gizza, Blazer suit (male)
Bra: Sea Hole, Catalina lingerie
Pants: Maitreya, Leggins
Hairs: Dura, boy/girl03
Jewelry: Mandala, ceekeeey earrings, Amida necklace

Living.Post.Mary.Tyler.Moore.

If you ask “Who Can Turn the World on With her Smile?” nine out of ten TV watchers, especially those who flip to TVLand channel, would know the answer is Mary Tyler Moore. Hard to believe the iconic show is 43 years old. Talk about limited thinkers, did you know when the show aired in 1970 the producers felt they needed to provide an excuse why a 30 year old single, working woman would live alone? That’s how perverse our world was back then. I can’t imagine what would have happened if she had decided to have a live-in boyfriend, who wasn’t employed because she was the sole bread winner. This probably would have caused a world war! Not really any other thoughts here, for some reason, this new outfit from Maitreya just reminded me of the iconic actress.

But there is a take from, and here it is. If you are a female, there are many things we can be thankful for and we should be. Because we have freedom of choice. Did you know the producer’s were going to make MTM a divorcee to explain her solitary dwelling preference? Hmphf, being divorced was seen as more appropriate than being single..Can you imagine a world where the only excuse for being thirty and unmarried is because some guy left you? I think tonight when I get home from work, walk into my condo, shut the door and say “hallo lonely” I’ll say it with just a little more happiness.

Outfit One:
Hairs: Wasabi Pills, Valerie Taxi:
Jacket: Maitreya, Magan *NEW* Taxi:
Skirt: Maitreta, Mini-vivid Lust Leather *NEW*
Bag: Maitreya, Satchel
Shoos: Maitreya, Radical boots

Friends.Are.Like.Boobs.

A best friend feels free enough to walk into your house and borrow your shoos, even when you are still wearing them. (Logo pic for “What’s in the Bag” column found in Trend Magazine by Julie Hastings)

some are big, some are small, some are real, while some are fake. ~Unknown

Dag Hammarksjöld once said,”Every deed and every relationship is surrounded by an atmosphere of silence. Friendship needs no words – it is solitude delivered from the anguish of loneliness.” Friendship is a very simple word, very commonly used these days. I believe for most, friend is used on a daily basis thanks to social media. Yet, the depth and meaning of friendship certainly goes beyond the simple and the common. We “friend” someone in Second Life, for easier future contact, though we may never even speak to them again. We friend them but are they really a friend? Other’s we friend inworld, on Facebook, or through blogs and the friendship is more business relationship, not exactly a friend, no? Acquaintance, I think.

Friends do crazy things, and instead of telling them not to do it, you say “can I steer?”

But no man is an island, we all have one friend we can rely on. At least, I hope we do, even if the friend is a family member. Don’t discount family members as friends, they’ve truly seen us at our worst and tend to like us anyway, even if its only because they see their genetic fingerprints written on our face. I am such a virtual recluse, for this I am sorry. I think it’s not a snobbery on my part, please don’t take it as such, 5 years “in” I just grow tired at times and prefer to ground myself more solidly in the real world. It’s not that I find the real world so much better than my Second Life, I just prefer sunlight, oxygen, salty air and my Jack Russell Terrior-ist at times. Only one other person knows this, but Sunday during the Avenue tryouts? It was the typical lagfest and crashing unmoving sims, my brain wandered away to the outdoors and soon, my body did as well. Right in the middle of my two runway walks, I grabbed my sunglasses, leashed KT (her spelling, not mine) and took a mile walk along the beach. The point of confessing this now? To talk about the one friend, the only one I told. (until right now)

When you break something, like a leg, a friend doesn’t let you feel sorry for yourself, they bean you with a snowball to get your attention.

I have quite a few inworld friends and adore them all. Some of you are scary smart, some creative geniuses, some humorous, but all are always so generous to the quiet moods of a Cao. I thank you all. Mila is a heart friend, the one I would wish to bring to my real world with me because I think we’d be scads of trouble, so this could very well be written about her. But this time, this one person has been with me through thick and thin. And in a virtual world where minutes are measured in years, she has been with me for years, which I assume is decades. She carries me way more than I carry her (good thing she’s bigger than me by about a foot) and I am sure you know it’s Draakje Dailey, my little dragon. Take from? Yeah, you know it. It’s Friday, quit working all the time, it’s a Second Life not a first. But in the real world too, stop a second and just breathe. Have a chat with a best friend, life’s best moments are those we share with others in meaningful ways. Love, laugh, live. That’s my motto this weekend.

Snow Sled Outfits:
Draakje
Shoulderwrap: MOLiCHiNO Foxtail Poncho – White
Pants: Maitreya Mesh Leggings – Black
Tunic: MOLiCHiNO Relaxed Tunic – White
Sweater: [celoe.gea.top.cod]
Boots: *GF*[Mesh] Fur Cuff Boots “Sasha” -black-
Glasses: .:SUITE17:. NEW JETSETTER
Hair:::Exile:: Collide: Light Blondes
Gloves: [celoe.mery.gloves.mine]

Caoimhe:
Hairs: Maitreya, Evi w. Scarf
Jacket: Gizza, Padded Jacket
Pants: Gizza, skinny pant
Mittens: Izzie’s
Boots: Maitreya, Stagioni

Cao pic 2
Hat: La Penderie de Nicole, My rainy day hat
Hair: Vanity Hair, Tubular bells
Jacket: Celoe, Maru
Pants: Dee Talez, Boyfriend short
Crutches: [HT+] crutches and boot
Boot: L and B, Elise

Oh.And.Pass.Me.Those.Doritos.

Okay, I don’t know. I got nothing. I’ve been feeling this way all week. I think it’s one of the reasons I hesitate to blog events. Events are no brainers, you just repost what was already posted, so easy I reckon even a Cao can do it. But it makes your creatively lazy. I do want to say, to all those who made the next round of Avenue, I send out a huge congrats! I tried out, did you know that? Yeah. I did. Didn’t get far though, one round. I guess me walking down the runway isn’t on their agenda. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not broken up about it a single bit, heck, on the notecard where they asked why do you want to be an Avenue model, I wrote, I only walk runway for charitable events these days, I’m retired. So I suppose since I wasn’t willing to waste time on them, they weren’t going to waste time on me either.

The take from for all this? Of course there is one! Don’t try out for things unless you are willing to fight 110% to win it. Because if you aren’t completely invested, it’s not worth your time, but its’s a waste of their time too. So just say no. However, for those who made it, again, congrats! I hope you enjoy the next round and if it’s really what you want, I hope your dream is fulfilled! Oh, and since your not going to be eating those, could you pass me your Dorito’s?

Outfit One:
Pose: Manifeste
Hairs: Maitreya, Aisha
Face Jewelry (Bindi): Eshi, Shakti **NEW**
Dress: GIZZA, Hankie Dress **NEW**
Necklace: Zaara, Atiriya **NEW**
Shoos: Zaara, Ilaida Mojri