This is good tidings for the ACS, the creators, for us as individuals, and for us as a community as well. Not only will the annual tradition continue, but this will give us as a community the opportunity to socialize and relax from the stress we are currently under. Remember to be patient this year, as the Faireland sims will probably be under a lot of strain for the first days. Keep your costume as gentle on the regions as you can, and don’t grouse if you find yourself walking around like in a cooled vat of treacle fudge.
It’s a scary time. Let’s just get that out of the way. I have been following the news more in the past two weeks than I have in the past two years. I worry about what is happening around the world. How it is going to affect all of you. How it is going to affect the Faire. I have asked myself is having the Faire even a priority right now; however, my heart left no room for doubt on that question. Now is definitely the time for the Fairelands to reappear. Perhaps now, more than ever in their twelve year history, they are needed. They provide a home for us to return to from our scattered corners of the world. We will gather with friends and family in a way that is shut off for so many of us now in our physical lives. I find the…
ROCK YOUR RACK 2019
October 5, 2019 – October 19, 2019
7th Annual Rock Your Rack Event is on the way!
Breast cancer is one of the leading health crises for women. 1 in 8 women, and an every increasing percentage of men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There is currently no known cure for breast cancer, and its early diagnosis is critical to survival.
Models Giving Back is pleased to present Rock Your Rack, an annual fundraising event combining the best of SL Music, Art and Fashion to support the work of breast cancer charities and raise awareness for early detection which is critical to a positive outcome for this devastating disease.
This Year’s Sim Sponsor is Digital Farm Systems. Other sponsors include Awesome Breed Creations, Dark Betty, Emerald Couture, MOZ Fashion Designs, and Yasum Fashionart.
This year’s event will support the National Breast Cancer…
I’ve been getting back into Plurk over the recent months, and Cajsa Lilliehook put up a wonderful piece of information on her timeline tonight, shared by Skye Donardson — the jewelry collection of the late Giulia Pelos, better known in world as Squinternet Larnia of Donna Flora, has returned for sale.
Budgetary reasons forced the closure for a time of the store that was being maintained as a memorial to one of the finest maestras of virtual Italian design, as well as a friend to many Residents in world. We lost her close to six years ago to cancer, and the Grid became a touch less colorful and delicious as a result. Her then-current store was maintained in her honor, but had to be closed, as I have noted.
However, Skye Donardson has found some fresh land and opened it back up, with all proceeds after rentals going to Relay for Life to support the fight against cancer. The store is smaller, as Skye is focusing on Squinternet’s jewelry (most of which is sculpted). She looks to have a substantial slice of the collection up for sale, if not the whole thing.
For you younger Residents, who never knew the beauty of a Donna Flora design, this will be your chance to pick up some of the fashion history of Second Life, as well as do good in fighting the disease that took a fine woman from us. Teleport in, and enjoy!
I was checking out possible sets for a new fashion shoot the other day; I’d already changed my dress, and was thinking of doing it at my own leisure temple ….
Well there won’t be no stars
Coming out in the sky
Tonight when my baby walks by
Oh they know that they can’t hold a
Candle to the look in his eyes
— “French Waltz,” performed by Nicolette Larson; written by Adam Mitchell; from the album Nicolette
I haven’t been to Heth Haute Couture for a while, but I’m glad I stopped in recently for the current collection. Hethwen Collinwood has put forth several fantastic pieces; both myself and Jem stocked up while we were there, in part for a storyboard series I’m working on. There was also a men’s formal suit, so I sweet-talked Conan into posing with me when I learned of an upcoming event, and how I could put the gown to a second, better use.
I learned of this event while flipping through Facebook. Blue Heart supports autism awareness, and seeks money to help fund work with the autistic. Having known two young men on the spectrum for several years, and their needs, I can encourage you to support this group and its goals. The Event itself will be held from May 17-22; there is also a party on Sunday, April 20, and a fashion show on Saturday, May 19, both at noon SLT.
Flickr group — take your photos of you in blue fashion and add them to this group
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The details:
Harper (as “Keiko”) wears:
Head: Akeruka Nami
Body and feet: Maitreya Lara V4.1
Eyes: IKON Sovereign eyes (Emerald)
Hair: Letituier Tamara
Gown: Heth Haute Couture Tryska
Shoes: KC Couture Faith
Pantyhose: Bebe Risque applier (Nude)
Accessories: Zenith Vintage Leather Clutch (Black); L’Emporio long bento gloves; Heth Haute Couture Galaxy crown; Chop Zuey The Girl from Mekong suite (bracelets, earrings, necklace and brooch)
I’d finished the posing for my last article — well, I had to get myself into the stadium somehow in Second Life as well as real life, and that takes some photographic tricks — and was taking the time to meet with Jem, to discuss the next piece she was planning on. (You’re seeing a sneak peek here.) We were talking about where might be a good place to pose, when there was an almighty whoosh of air, coming out of the cavern entrance I use as a teleport point for the temple platform we were at.
Taking a peek inside the cavern, we found something what didn’t belong there — a big glowing ball of blue radiance. A little scary looking; but, being reckless, uh, curious women, we walked carefully forward into the blue mist.
Last year, during my “rookie” period (lol), Harper introduced me to Fantasy Faire. Beyond the good work that will be done for the American Cancer Society, this event, maybe the biggest in Second Life each year, is just plain fun. I loved roaming around in costume last year, from full kimono to barbarian princess. In fact, the barbarian princess mode I was in was my inspiration for some of the costumes I’ve shot myself in since.
As of today (March 31), there’s 20 days until the gates between worlds open once more. Start saving your money, put together your most fantastic costume, and drop in beginning on April 20. Harper, Conan and I’ll be doing our usual photo work, as well as coming up with fresh costumes from what we pick up in the fifteen regions of the Faire. And, when you can, be generous in your giving to the Relay for Live vendors or kiosks. Cancer is something that’s touched almost all of us in one way or another, both in RL and in lost SL friendships.
Ham Au at New World Notes passes on a Facebook post from Seth Regan, seeking donations for the family of Brandy Maltas. Brandy is another Resident who has recently died of cancer (why is it that cancer has such a high rate of incidence among Second Lifers?), and her children are in straitened means. You will find a link to Seth’s PayPal account at both links above, if you wish to add to the fund; I’ve put in a contribution just before publishing this.
Jem and I modeling outfits from the fundraising event
I just picked up the news from Jamee Sandalwood on Facebook — the donation has been sent from Models Giving Back to the Canadian Red Cross, on behalf of their benefit for the victims of the Alberta wildfire. The final tally was some L$375,000, which works out to CAN$1,870. The government in Ottawa chose to match (at a percentage) all contributions to the CRC, so the final contribution is CAN$3,100. Well done, people! The money goes in at just the right time, as well; people are beginning to move back into Fort McMurray, according to the CBC News.
Calas Galadhon Park is one of the popular places to visit, wander and take photos in. With a little imagination, you can see a fragment of the landscape of Canada compressed into this photo — though it’s missing the central plains of the provinces of Saskatchewan and eastern Alberta, as well as the colder reaches of Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. But why is the sky so red? Is it the End of the World?
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For some in Real Life, it is. My photo was inspired by events taking place now in northeastern Alberta, around the town of Fort McMurray. It’s a tinder-dry wildfire season, and this area has been burning for over two weeks as of this writing, forcing evacuations of the entire town and surrounding areas. The destruction, and the disruption of life, is massive; and a small army of firefighters is working to contain the blazes, including additional forces from Saskatchewan to keep the fire from spreading into the neighboring province.
Second Life’s Models Giving Back has quickly organized a benefit sale to help Albertans, with all donation funds going to the Canadian Red Cross. Being a Michigan native, with something of an affinity for our northern neighbors, I’m glad to give the event a helping hand here. I hope you’ll drop in and purchase some of the yummies available. (Landmark is below)
These two outfits are among the many available for purchase. I’d show more closeups here to give you a look at the makeup, but the WindLight I chose for the red sky doesn’t allow for a good look. You’ll get the full list below in the credits.
I’m wearing this lovely sundress from AlaFolie, appropriately in the Albertan colors of blue and gold…
…while Jem chose an even more casual look in a top and capris (the pants again in blue and gold by HUD choice) from Prism. Once again, the WindLight setting doesn’t help the cause on the pale pink of her top, but you’ll see better in more natural light when you’re standing in front of the actual vendor.
Please stop by and shop, or contribute via the several donation kiosks scattered about the area. If you prefer, you may also donate by credit or debit card directly to the Canadian Red Cross.
Second Life® with Harper, Conan, Jem, Diana and Morgan
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