Zodiac: Gemini

Gemini — the Twins — is one of the duality signs for a good reason. Like the other such signs, it often feels like there’s two people at the price of one. Best (or worst, depending on your point of view) part is that both of them are smart, witty, communicative air signs, whose need to know and find out will keep them talking to accommodate their sharp intellect.

Gemini mind is always on the move and requires challenges. It might get distracted by another challenge before completely finishing the first task, though. Focus, especially when it requires monotonous, patient tasks is not Gemini’s strong suit. She wants to find out new things, investigate, talk about them, ask questions, let her mind dance around the refreshing influences.

Although also one of the mutable signs, Gemini tends to find balance between seeing both sides of the coin and compromising and finding a way not to give in too much. She’s great at understanding problems, situations and people: at least intellectually, when not too much emotions are involved. Like all air signs, she flitters away from the darker, deeper seas, preferring the lightness of air.

Gemini might often feel like a modern version of Jekyll and Hyde, with their proper and extremely wild sides wrapped in one person. The unpredictability shows in their looks where they prefer one thing one day, another the next, like their wardrobe was put together by several people. In a way it is, for The Twins do love to shop.

The skin by Essences and the Gemini necklace by *Perception* can be found in the current round of Zodiac. The dress by Valentina E. and the bracelets by Maxi Gossamer are available in FaMESHed and the purse by [HAND]verk and the furniture by Apple Fall can be won in The Arcade.

Scene: Furniture: Apple Fall – Tiffany Dining Table & Chair, Lustful Lilacs, Toast & Butter, 1st Day of Christmas Coffee Cup

Body: Skin: Essences – Gemini 02 Light Rose Brunette | Eyes: IKON – Lucid Eyes Optimism | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Exile – Bad Reputation Natural Fusion 2 | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Elegant | Feet: Slink – Mesh Feet (Av Enhance) Medium | Nails: Orc Inc – Glitter Pack*

Outfit: Dress: Valentina E. – Angie Dress Seabreeze | Shoes: Belgravia – Paradise Sandals Sky Blue | Bracelets: Maxi Gossamer – Tarantella Gypsy Large | Necklace: *Perception* – Gemini Necklace Gold | Purse: [HAND]verk – Mermaid’s Purse Clam Teal* 

Poses & Phone: aDORKable Poses – Call Me 5 | 7 | 1

Black and White

Sometimes they are both red. Every story has at least two sides to it and often one is painted black, the other white. Fairytales do this, many books and movies do this, presenting the side that the main character is not on in simplistic unlikeable hues. One can always recognize a more realistic story from having more than two sides, none of them truly evil or good, but with more developed agendas of their own.

Despite all this we all enjoy a story with clear cut division. We were raised on fairytales, with heroes and villains, with arch-enemies worth an epic struggle. There are many such pairings in fantasy, but one of the more popular ones in recent years has been vampires and werewolves. Both traditionally evil, simply different viewpoints to their supernatural existences. Vampires tend to at least pretend to be urban, civilized, cultured and decadent. Werewolves are seen to represent nature, uncontrolled passions, rage and brutality.  Maybe that is why they have been so popular lately: a step away from black and white, both dancing in their own shades of grey, always ready to be covered in red.

No matter which side of the red you favor, both skins by Fallen Gods Inc. are currently available in the We Love Role-play event and you can locate the werewolf’s scale pauldrons by [HANDverk] in there as well. Both outfits are new releases by [ SAKIDE ] and both hairdos are by Alice Project, the vampire’s curls can be found in the current round of FaMESHed.

Vampire: Skin: Fallen Gods Inc. – Ghost xx War SB* | Hair: Alice Project – Serena* | Eyes: Repulse – Mystic Eyes Red | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipstick: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Sarah Jane’s Bloody Lipcolor | Blood: A Netherworld – Mmmm Blood! | Outfit: [ SAKIDE ] – Prima Outfit & Voulez-vous Corset* | Necklace: [HANDverk] Pearl Necklace Black/Silver*

Werewolf: Skin: Fallen Gods Inc. – Fur xx Red/beast runner* | Hair: Alice Project – Sari* | Eyes: Repulse – Lacerated v2 Green | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Outfit: [ SAKIDE ] – Lush Top Black, Lush Leather Shorts & Appeal Boots Black* | Pauldrons: [HANDverk] Scale Pauldrons Black Small*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – Melancholy 4&4M | Exposeur – Call the Shots 3&3M

Conquering the Grid

Roleplay. It’s about time it gets a bigger spotlight on it in Second Life. To me it is what the grid should be about, with all the means to make impossible possible, to turn any vision in your head into reality, to share any flight of fancy you might entertain with others. No definitions but your own.

To me roleplay is more than just swords and spells, to me all the models, children, pageants, even the majority of the people who claim not to roleplay at all still do: it does not have to be an elf or a dragon to count as roleplay. Please do not take this as an accusation of being insincere, take it as an inclusion, a praise of being able to weave around your personality and expand on it, to enjoy parts of yourself that might not get focus in the life behind the screen. We all do this. We all enjoy this. Let’s respect each other for it.

In some ways, the masks we wear might be more true to ourselves, to our spirits, than the mundane details. Where better to let them shine than in the world where anything is possible? I say it’s time to conquer the grid back for roleplay, one prim, pixel and avatar at a time.

If you recognize any of this in yourself, if you feel like taking a step to more traditionally defined roleplay, there is a completely new monthly event called We Love Role-play that has just opened its doors. The shop list is impressive, so I encourage all of you to go and have a look!

The Fire and Blood outfit by The Muses, the Jaw Breaker sword by [EZ] Weaponry and the Unseelie mask by *~*Illusions*~* can all be found in the We Love Role-play event. The Disna hair by Alice Project is available in the current round of FaMESHed.

Scene: Surroundings: *~by Nacht – The Cloisters* | Fountain: Trident – “Crimson Fields” Fountain (KoH hunt, not available anymore)

Body: Skin: Glam Affair – Mia Fairy Tales 2012 03 A | Eyes: IKON – Utopia Eyes Dark Red | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Liner: Pin Me Down – Liner 6* | Hair: Alice Project – Disna*

Outfit: Armored Dress: The Muses – Rainha* | Mask: *~*Illusions*~* Unseelie Mask & Headpiece | Sword: [EZ] Weaponry – Jaw Breaker*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – 19 of 25 2012 | Poise – GA 3*

Faire Jackalope

Fantasy Faire closes its portals today at midnight. With 8.4 million lindens gathered for Relay For Life (and still going), it has been a record breaking Faire in many ways. It was also the first time I was in the backstage and got to run around and multitask things like I was a professional juggler and repeat the caf-fei-nate mantra to myself as the general cure to everything. It’s a contagious kind of insanity, I must say. Extremely delightful one, too.

Most of the time I ran around the Faire as a jackalope. Gowns so bad for running, after all. Since this is how a lot of people got to meet me the first time, I decided I would blog the official Faire Jackalope look as my last one. After this it’ll be a year again before the Fairelands rise like world-versions of phoenix, every year brighter. Until then the Faire Jackalope offers her thanks and an extra nose wiggle as a farewell.

The jackalope outfit is really designed for fauns, it’s Dyisi by Evie’s Closet, available in Magnificat. The horns with roses are by ::{Elysium}:: and can be found in Lumenaria and the makeup by Beautiful Freak is located in Crimson Fields.

Scene: Magnificat

Body: Skin: Essences – Clover 01 *pale dust* brunette | Hair: Analog Dog - schnapp natural black | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: Beautiful Freak – Odetta Blood Red* | Ears & Tail: [D]oki – Fawn Ears & Tail | Horns: ::{Elysium}:: Maenad Red Rose Crown (with Antlers)

Outfit: Outfit & Boots: Evie’s Closet – Dyisi 

Poses: Pose Plastique – By the Water 1 | aDORKable Poses – 3 of 25 2012

Growth

Once upon a time I roleplayed a dryad called Halava. She was a lithe little thing, recently re-emerged from her sanctuary tree, fully recovered from the catastrophic wounds of the past but still young as dryads go. She wore a skin from Fallen Gods Inc. and very little else, so when the new tone of Crystals appeared in Skin Fair, I knew Halava would grow up.

More magic-infused than her younger self, she glows of the regenerative powers coursing ever so slowly through the veins that would bleed sap instead of blood. Her resemblance has turned more human due to spending more time with these brief-lived, rushing, nonsensical  creatures.

Experience comes slow to tree dryads as they take their time to observe and consider, not unlike the ents of other myths. Her younger self was oblivious to humanoid cultures beyond ancient mythical Greek ones and considered everything she witnessed with non-judgmental eyes, accepting everything as equally strange and normal part of the human behaviour. Given enough years she would have matured and formed opinions on what is good for growth and what unnaturally detrimental.

I would like to think that despite gaining more experience, more maturity, she would have kept her simple view on life, innocence and acceptance. Nurturing growth and avoiding the rot, as trees do.

The musk tone of Crystal line is currently available in the Skin Fair and they come in both female and male versions, as usual. The only decoration a dryad needs is actually a fascinator by Zibska, a part of the set available in L’Accessoires. The Victoria hairstyle by Alice Project is one of her new releases and it is tinted with the new anime hair colour HUD that is available in the Anime Hunt 2.

Scene: Studio Skye – Enchanted Tree Tunnel

Body: Skin: Fallen Gods Inc. – Crystal Musk OpalFae Gloss* | Eyes: IKON – Eternal Eyes Green XL | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Alice Project - Victoria * 

Outfit: Leaves in Hair: Zibska – Leigh Fascinator*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – 25 of 25 2012 | PoseMonster – Stand 58 & Stand 54

White Tea

I doubt the tea itself is white, but the look demanded the title. As much as a coffee addict I might be it was very clear that this character would be drinking tea and speaking in a British accent.

Villains in white has always been an enchanting twist on the stereotypical colour-role-division. Even though these days we don’t take anything for granted, the base stereotype still lives in our minds: black for evil, white for good. Switching them around on purpose has always been a classic intrigue.

If she did not have the gothic makeup and the tiny skulls in the earrings, you would probably take her as a benevolent character: possibly a sophisticated ice queen, perhaps neutral third party with the power both struggling sides want to obtain, but not the villain. As soon as you add the makeup you know she’s going to be the calmly speaking villain on a throne with a pet cat and a knowing smile.

Regardless of this, I’m sure you would not decline a cup of tea if she such offered. Even when the tea is poured into a tentacle cup.

The full length of slinky glamour is Pearl River Gown by SAKIDE, available in Fashion For Life. The villain-defining gothic makeup by Pin Me Down can also be purchased there. The tentacle dishware by Schadenfreude hide inside a gacha machine in The Arcade. The appropriately pale Clover-skin by Essences can be purchased in the Skin Fair.

Scene: Skybox: Garden of Dreams – Piano Bar* | Tentacle Dishware: Schadenfreude – Tako Cake Stand, Teacup (tea), Teapot, Plate-Petits Fours&Orange

Body: Skin: Essences – Clover 01 Pale Dust Brunette* | Hair: Exile – Crazy in Love Frost | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: Pin Me Down – Tili (lips & eyes)*

Outfit: Gown: SAKIDE – Pearl River Gown* | Earring: House of Rain – Horror Holiday Earring moonstone/jet/silver*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – 19 of 25 2012 | PoseMonster – Stand 43 & Stand 13

Nothing But Skin

It is a vulnerable state, wearing nothing but your skin. Leaving the cultural taboos and sexuality aside, nudity exposes us. There is nothing between us and the surrounding world, us and the other people. No layers of cloth to form an armor, no distractions, no pretension.

We’re not used to such openness anymore, we’re used to being able to select what kind of mask of implications we present for the world to see. When we are robbed of our covers, the timidness easily settles in.

Underneath the protection of all the masks and armor there is sensitivity bruised by the lightest of touches, spirits wishing to be understood and accepted, hiding in the darkness under the layers of shields out of fear, out of tiredness.

Perhaps, just perhaps, if we dared to look in the mirror without wearing a mask, if we dared to leave the armor aside for just a moment, we could learn to understand and accept ourselves. Whether the others do or do not depends on who we meet, but if we do not accept ourselves first, how could they?

Skin Fair has opened its doors and Essences is releasing a new Clover skin line there. I have adored their soft shading and strong eyebrows for a long while now, but what really delights me is the pale skin tone options. Most skins on the grid are way too tan for my taste and so every skin designer who makes truly pale tones is a triumph to find.

Scene: Studio Skye – Enchanted Tree Tunnel

Body: Skin: Essences – Clover 01 Pale Dust Brunette* | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Alice Project – Sunny*

Poses: Poise – Vogue 10 | Exposeur – When You’re Smiling 3 | aDORKable Poses – 3 of 25 2012

The Collector

It’s grand being a collector of the arcane. Gathering relics and artifacts from various worlds and planes of existence, painstakingly hunting them down one by one until the collection is finally complete.

One should be careful though for the arcane objects are hardly governed by the same rules as the normal ones and tend to have a mind of their own. A rewarding tea time might turn into puzzlement as there is suddenly a storm in the teacup. Especially since it comes with a tiny house.

At the point when magical critters hijack your miniature hot air balloon and begin floating into the sunset — alright, toward the closest window — it’s time to consider changing your profession.

The Arcade has opened its doors once more, catering to all the collectors and gacha-holists of the grid. HANDverk has two separate gachas at the event, both themed around Oz. The items can be placed in the display case that is one of the prizes, but most of them also come with wearable versions: the silver slippers, golden cap, green spectacles, Woodman’s hat, Dorothy’s basket, wicked witch’s whistle and Woodman’s new heart. The throne comes in both display and furniture size.

The other items won from The Arcade include the skin by Pink Fuel, hair by Curio Obscura, the tako tea cup by Schadenfreude and the little sheep critter by D-LAB. The makeup by Adore&Abhor is from the Lavender Hill Hunt.

Scene: House: Z-Boutique – The Wizard House | Critter in the Balloon: D-LAB – d-lab-Residents Sheep FF | Tea Cup: Schadenfreude – Tako Teacup (Tea) | Display Case & Items: HANDverk – The Relics of Oz: Display Case, Jar of Brains, Lion’s New Courage, The Throne of Oz, The Wizard’s Balloon, Wicked Witch’s Whistle, Woodman’s Hat and Oil, Green Spectacles, Dorothy’s Basket, Golden Cap, Silver Slippers, Wicked Witch’s Umbrella, Woodman’s New Heart*

Body: Skin: Pink Fuel – Gacha 02 Cyber Grey | Eyes: IKON – Sunrise Eyes Deep Violet | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: Adore&Abhor – Sparks Dark Purple* | Hair: Curio Obscura – Stackable Hairstyle Rococo Rolls

Outfit: Dress: The Muses – Shield Maiden Violet*

Poses: HopScotch – For the Beads 4 | Part of the furniture. | aDORKable Poses – Melancholy 1m

Zodiac: Pisces

Pisces is the dreamer of the Zodiac, the one with a thousand worlds in her head, swimming from one to another with ease. Her inner worlds form such an essential part of her that without learning to know them, you’ll catch only glimpses on the surface of the sea.

She’s said to have a piece of every other zodiac sign in her, being the last one of the cycle. This is why she’s able to understand others, set herself in their shoes, see through surfaces and not only comprehend, but genuinely sympathize with others. If you manage to catch her attention enough to pull her gaze away from those worlds of her own, she will see right through you.

There are two downfalls for the Pisces: escapism and being caught in situations where she keeps helping others and draining herself in a vicious cycle. When the real world is not to their liking, it is too easy for them to escape to those other worlds instead of dealing with the unpleasantries of reality. Their genuine need to help others can land them in unhealthy situations as well and learning to set boundaries and walking away is not easy for them.

Often quiet she is sometimes perceived as shy when she simply is not paying attention or caring about the more normal things in life. Amiable, easy to get along with, but challenging to get to truly know, she drifts with the currents of her imagination, welcoming any odd soul to come swim with her.

The new round of Zodiac is all about Pisces. The dress by lassitude & ennui was beyond perfect for the relaxed, natural and romantic Pisces. The fish-necklace by Perception was quirky-cute enough to work for her and there was a multitude of Pisces-fitting poses from melancholy to fluidity, susceptibility to being underwater.

Scene: Ely’s Home Beach

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: IKON – Eternal Eyes Peak XL | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Exile – Lost in Wonderland | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands Casual | Feet: Slink – Mesh Feet

Outfit: Dress: lassitude & ennui – Naiad Sundress Cream* | Necklace: Perception – Fishy Necklace Silver/Sapphire* | Bracelet: Zaara – Sadaf paua bracelet silver | Ring: Zaara – Raga oyster ring paua silver

Poses: aDORKable Poses – Melancholy 1 | !bang – Stand 324 |  | !bang – Stand 320

Silver Lining

It’s always there if you know how to look. The very least there’s the experience you’ve gained, but usually it’s much more than that. It’s difficult to see when in the middle of the events that make us wish for one: it tends to require stepping back, taking a deep breath and observing for a while from the distance.

It’s especially difficult to see if you’re dragged down by the weight of worries, kept too close to the problems by a collar of thorns that limits your sight and forces your gaze to be fixed and unmoving. Raising your head to look into the horizon can feel like an overwhelming task, but if you just dare to lift your gaze, it will be there to greet you: the silver lining.

The whole look was inspired by the Moriko collar and hat set by Zibska. They felt like they had a story to tell with their intricate sharp twists and turns. After I set them to silver I knew I wanted to play with whites and greys. The pictures are not desaturated, the look just consists purely of monochromes. I don’t usually credit windlights, but in this case I had to since it pretty much crowned the shoot.

Windlight: Strawberry Singh Silver

Body: Skin: Nuuna’s Skins – White Skin | Eyes: Fallen Gods Inc. – Glowing Eyes v.2 | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Liner: Nomine – Megaliner Tattoo Swirlique* | Lipstick: Zibska – Anya Nine* | Hair: Analog Dog – schnapp winter | Body tattoo: Fallen Gods Inc. – Children of Void Intense Silver

Outfit: Pants: LeeZu – Lea Vivendi Silver | Collar & Hat: Zibska – Moriko Set* | Brow attachment: Zibska – Zed*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – 3 of 25 2012 | PoseMonster – Behind 1*