The Golden Dawn

It has arrived again, the change of number, the resolutions and promises, decisions and devotions. For a moment everything seems new and fresh, full of possibilities. The new golden dawn of unknown.

There’s no knowing what it’ll be filled with, what it’ll entail, what joys or sorrows. No knowing, just plenty of wishes, hopes and plans. For this one moment everything seems possible. This year we’ll climb over all the obstacles to plant our flags on that One Achievement we all dream of: happiness. The decision makes us feel good, makes us stronger, the realization everything is possible, always, still possible.

The one thing we miss in this grand scene is the simple truth that every dawn is a new one. Every day ready to be a font of happiness, rich of joy and fulfillment. Once we manage that, once the delight of decisions fills us every day, then our dawns will truly be golden and covered with genuine riches of the heart.

Happy New Year, may it be full of fun, delight and happiness!

The gown by Nylon Outfitters, collar by [The Forge] and the headdress by Eudora 3d are all from the current round of Uber.

Scene: HPMD* Christmas Tree (2014 GG)

Body: Skin: Essences – Clover 01 Pale Dust Brunette | Hair: D!va – Chika4 Type B Onyx | Eyes: IKON – Hope Eyes Leonine | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Liner: Beautiful Freak – Odetta Eye Makeup Gold* | Blush: Zibska – YesNo Two 

Outfit: Gown: (NO) Nylon Outfitters – Russian Princess Antique Gold & Black | Collar: [The Forge] – Pearl Collar Gold | Headdress: Eudora 3d – Isabella HeadPiece Red Gold

Poses: !bang – carefree 1 | Poise – GA 2

Much Ado About Apples

The next person who mentions apples to me will end up as one! In a pie. The worst PR fiasco of millennium, I tell you. And I should know, seen a few. Millennia, I mean. Why no, I do not look that old, thank you. I am quite aware. Oh, just healthy lifestyle, no secrets. …I said no secrets, you unraise that eyebrow right this moment.

So the little brat ran away to live with seven men in the woods, right? I can relate, we all make these decisions in our youths: momentary whims, rebelling against the silver spoon in your mouth, defying the castle and its treasury, be your own woman and imagine cooking for yourself is somehow cool and edgy instead of ridiculously tedious.

What was I to do? I was supposed to look after her or something. The least I could do was to check up on her and let me tell you just two words: dwarf. kitchens. Rats and rats and dwarf bread that can be used as a murder weapon, occasional mushroom and more rats! I just wanted her to eat healthy, how could I possibly remember she was allergic?

So, enough about apples. Fancy a pear?

A new event called Enchantment opened today. It focuses on fairy tales, this round on the story of Snow White. You can find the gown by The Muses and the jewelry by House of Rain there and only there: the items are event exclusives.

Scene: Enchantment

Body: Skin: Essences – Noodles Light Rose 02 Brunette | Eyes: Adoness – Bestia Eyes Lion* | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: D!va – Ana Type B Onyx | Hands: Slink – Avatar Enhancement Hands Elegant1

Outfit: Gown: The Muses – Mirror, Mirror Red* | Jewelry: House of Rain – Poison Takes Hold choker/diadem/tiara amethyst/pearl/gold* | Pear: Teawood – Autumn Snack Pear Yellow

Poses: HopScotch – Short Tempered 4 | Kirin – Florence Pose 2 | D.Luxx – Vogue 04

Miss Crinoline’s Concern

“Miss Crinoline, do you feel it is safe within A Clockwork Spiral?”

“Of course it is safe! We might have an occasional unsavory increase in population for being the county’s only port in the skies — you know, airship crews and such — but that does not mean we could not upkeep the standards of a perfectly respectable little community.”

“So you would feel perfectly safe to walk the streets at night?”

“Are you implying I would walk the streets at night? I have half a mind to forget I am a lady and give you a few choice words right about now. Besides, why would I want to walk the streets at night anyway? The shops are not even open! …they are? Hm.”

“Back to the airship crews, Miss Crinoline: they do not break the peace of A Clockwork Spiral at all?”

“Naturally there is some more… noise involved, but they are not stupid, only rowdy. We are in the sky, their ship is docked and there is nowhere to run unless they fancy growing wings. Although I must say that the late afternoon walks can get terribly troublesome with all the… unwashed ruggedness everywhere. Most distracting. Disturbing! Most disturbing.”

“What is your opinion on the planned party on September 20th?”

“I had my reservations at first since it will surely be brimming with all kind of scoundrely sorts that come out when the sun sets, but then the Daguerreotype Daily declared it as the social event of the season and I always trust their word. It is apparently the Place To Be, especially if one wishes to be Seen.”

A Clockwork Spiral is open: you can read more about it here and catch the airship to the event here. The outfit by :{MV}:, parasol by Squeek!, choker by Chaos, Panic & Disorder and the purse by Bliensen + MaiTai are all from there. The hairdo by D!va can be won in the Arcade.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Hearts Desire Makeover Daytime | Hair: D!va – Hair Giz Type B Onyx | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1

Outfit: Dress: :{MV}: – Victoria Top & Skirt Vitae* | Purse: Bliensen + MaiTai – Diesel Purse Bordeaux* | Parasol: Squeek! – Red Lacey Parasol* | Choker: Chaos, Panic, & Disorder – A Clockwork Spiral Choker* 

The Courtier Game

The life of a courtier can be surprisingly challenging. Instead of having to worry about food, shelter or material concerns you’re stuck as a pawn on a chessboard that no one really even truly plays, although many hold the delusion they do. The game simply happens.

When it comes to the women of any historically traditional court — or even the majority of the imagined ones — there are several approaches to the game one can take. One can be fully a pawn, but make sure one’s value is high enough for the others to keep protecting you. One can also use it as a cover while actually having more in-depth plans under the oblivious-but-valuable cover.

One can be openly pragmatic, sharp and widely acknowledged as a player in the game, as someone you want on your side or someone to be concerned about. The power and reputation can form alliances and gain one respect, but it can also drive one very very down if anyone with more perceived power should become annoyed.

For most of the time it is very good to be the queen, indeed. The most power on the board, the most control and yet also the most wanted position and therefore the most luring target. Once in the position one cannot afford one single lapse of judgment or the game is over. For that particular piece.

The new dresses by The Muses spoke to me in so many voices that I had to sneak in several of them in one post.

Scene: Building: Garden of Dreams – The Roman Bath* | Furniture: ~Libertine~ Marquis Set*

Pawn: Skin: Essences –  Cancer Light Rose Brunette | Eyes: IKON – Lucid Eyes Optimism | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hairdo: D!va – Chiharu Cat’s Eye Forelock | Dress: The Muses – Cecily White* | Necklace: lassitude & ennui – Dewdrop gold/white* | Pose: Exposeur – Advent Gift 6 F

Player: Skin: Essences – Gemini 02 Light Rose Brunette | Eyes: IKON – Horizon Eyes v2 Dark Turquoise | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hairdo: D!va – Naomi Garnet | Dress: The Muses – Margaret Autumn* | Necklace: House of Rain – Bring on the Dancing Horses ruby/gold* | Pose:  !bang – Intuition 5

Queen: Skin: Essences – Whisper *Forgive me* 02 Light Rose Brunette | Eyes: IKON – Sunrise Eyes Deep Violet | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Liner: Pin Me Down – Liner 7 | Hairdo: D!va – Ruri Type B Onyx | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 | Dress: The Muses – Regina Purple* | Necklace & Earrings: *~*Illusions*~* Curiata Collar & Earrings | Tiara: lassitude & ennui – Dreamer Tiara silver/purple | Pose: A part of the furniture.

The Butterfly Dance

It is what they do: dance. They flitter in the air, carried by the tiniest breezes, practically weightless, just a shape of bright colours in the corner of your eye.

Once in more solid humanoid form, they still dance. They still feel drawn to colours, flowers and growth. They still greet the sun like it was the main source of nourishment instead of the sweet nectar.

They still live in the now of the current ray of light, the warmth, the sights, the tastes, the movement. Every dance could be the last, so they never cease embracing the sun.

The rainbow wings by Deviance are a part of the Taste the Rainbow Hunt, the fairy outfit by Evie’s Closet can be won in the Fantasy Gacha Carnival, the hairdo with roses by D!va and the poses by Exposeur can be purchased in the current round of Collabor88, the skin by Essences from the Dressing Room Fusion and the lipstick by Pin Me Down from the Thrift Shop.

Body: Skin: Essences – Whisper *Forgive me* 02 Light Rose Brunette | Eyes: NoirOptix – Pale Violet Eyes | Hair with Roses: D!va – Layla Type A Onyx | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipstick: Pin Me Down – Tiken* | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Elegant 1 | Feet: Slink – Mesh Feet Medium | Nails: Orc Inc – Fruit Fatpack* | Wings: Deviance – Titania Fairy Wings Rainbow & Fairy Dust Particles

Outfit: Top & Skirt: Evie’s Closet – Minuet Yellow & Orange | Necklace: Maxi Gossamer – Jewelled Butterfly Necklace Short 2 Gold | Butterfly Swarm: Balderdash – Flutterbye Swarm | Butterfly Crown: Evie’s Closet – Butterfly Crown

Poses: Exposeur – Back to Black 5 & 1

Easter Mystery

“So, if nobunny lays eggs and the birdies swear they’re innocent, where DO the eggs come from? Especially the chocolate ones.”

Of course I couldn’t resist, had to make a picture with a bun-tail for Easter. For someone who goes by that name all year long I indulge in too few excuses to wear the ears and tail. This is bunny-look-excuse prime time right now, so I simply had to. Just no pastels. Absolutely no pastels.

Scene: Forest: Studio Skye – Enchanted Forest | Ottoman: ~Libertine~ Marquis Ottoman, Adult Ed. [v.1.1] (update soon out) | Bunny & Birdies: Happy Mood – HPMD* Standing Rabbit L & Little Birds Yellow | Eggs: Schadenfreude – Easter Breakfast

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Hair: D!va – Chika4 Type B Onyx | Feet: Slink – Mesh Feet | Ears & Tail: Eat Rice! – Usagi Plain (old, probably not available anymore)

Outfit: Body Suit: Pale Empress – Elyria White* 

Pose: Part of the ottoman.

F is for Flamingos

Why not? Life is so strange and often challenging that we all could use some random things that make us smile as often as possible. It’s an important skill, being able to smile, laugh, enjoy the little oddities and quirks that the world offers us.

There’s something thoroughly appealing in pixel food. I am not certain if it’s the sense of making the world more real, more alive or if it ties more closely to that lure of unnecessary oddities. They’re perfect, delicious-looking and completely futile things, but yet they call to us. They apparently also call to pandas, so make sure to guard yours!

The quirky flamingo clutch by HANDverk and the adorable pearl collar by lassitude & ennui are both available in the current round of L’Accessoires. The romantic Flora hair by D!va can be found in Collabor88 and the Chibi Bunny skirt by The Sea Hole, Luria skin by Glam Affair and all the things on the table can be won from The Arcade.

Scene: Surroundings: Garden of Dreams – The Village* | Table: Tee*fy – Outdoor Party Table | All the Things on the Table: Schadenfreude – Tako Cake Stand | +Half-Deer+ The Sugar Battalion (Noir) | Intrigue Co. – Plushie Pals: Squee the Panda | Tee*fy – Cake Pop Maker, Cotton Candy Set, Popsicle Maker | Tres Blah – Tea Time Stacked Cups & Tea Cup

Body: Skin: Glam Affair – Luria Skin 02 & Eyebrow 01 | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: D!va – Flora Type A Onyx 

Outfit: Top: Pale Empress – Elyria White* | Skirt: The Sea Hole – Lorette Skirt Chibi Bunny | Collar: lassitude & ennui – Viola lace collar rose/white* | Clutch: [HANDverk] Flamingo Clutch.flamingo*

Poses: PoseMonster – Stand 46 & 39

Curiata Curliques

There’s something irresistibly alluring about masks: temptation of the unknown, promise of adventure, theatrical illusion, the base premise of being something or someone else than you are.

Perhaps it’s that combination of unknown and adventure that also makes them so sensual. Especially when so intricate and covered in decadent curliques as this Curiata mask by Illusions. The equally sensual lingerie set by SAKIDE can be found in Perfect Wardrobe until February 9th.

There had to be gold in the look: rich, luxurious hues of it. Like in these Bali earrings by Bilo, for example. Or in the Timea ankle boots by lassitude & ennui, both new releases. Something about the way the closures of the shoes twisted made them a natural companion for the mask.

As for the furniture, going for the Marquis set by ~Libertine~ was an obvious choice. If you’re going to be draped in decadent curliques, might as well lounge in an area to match the mood.

Scene: Furniture: ~Libertine~ Marquis Full Set*

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Summer Wheat | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Eyeshadow: Beautiful Freak – Flamina Sunset* | Lipstick: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Crema Lipcolor Sanguine | Hair: D!va – Asami Type A | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands Casual

Outfit: Mask: *~*Illusions*~* Curiata Mask | Lingerie: SAKIDE – Glitter Love Lingerie Black* | Shoes: lassitude & ennui – Timea ankle boots black/gold* | Earrings: Bilo – Bali Earrings Warm Reds*

Poses: D.Luxx – Secrets 03 | Part of the furniture.

52 Colours: Madder Lake Deep

The name of the colour piqued my interest so I did some poking around the net to find out that madder is a plant whose roots have been used to produce red dye for millennia and lake in this context does not refer to water, but is derived from lac. We’re speaking of the bright, strong red in the old masterworks. If it weren’t December, I might have gone to that direction, but since it is I admit I took the easy route and interpreted it as ‘santa red’. Shame on me. The hair by D!va, skin by Izzie’s and the house by Trompe Loeil can all be found in the current Collabor88. A lot of the decor is my old favourites of the season, but the noms and champagne by Poche in the foreground are available in RMK Gothic Frost Fair. The Ashraya dress by Geometry was just the right red and with all the gold it turned the whole look into a decoration, just need to find a big enough tree. I liked how the skin looks both fresh and blushed, either straight out of snow or perhaps after a tad too much mulled wine. I added a makeover by M.O.C.K. Cosmetics to take the skin even more to a holiday-at-home direction and crowned it with the As Darkness Falls necklace by House of Rain.

Scene: House: Trompe Loeil – Frostbite Cottage White | Tree: Sanu – Just Another Christmas Tree | Couch: LISP – Santa Candy Sofa Red | Stocking: LISP – Stocking Robin Red | Penguin: D-LAB – Sit-Penguin-B&W | Rug & Pillows: ~Libertine~ Green brocade rug & Red cushions | Noms & Champagne: Poche – xmas minicake, champagne, latte, stollen

Body: Skin: Izzie’s – Geanna Frostbite Skin fair DB | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Rumour Has It Makeover | Hair: D!va – Asami Onyx

Outfit: Dress: Geometry – Ashraya Red* | Shoes: G Field – Flower Pumps Red Eve | Stockings: Blacklace – Black Sheer Stockings | Necklace: House of Rain – As Darkness Falls Ruby/Gold* | Bracelet & Ring: Mandala – Milky Way Hawthorn 

Pose: BENT! – ONE. Simply Febrile Insomnia

Anarkali

The Anarkali of stories was a dancer in the court of Akbar, one of the Mughal emperors. According to legend, she was so beautiful that Prince Saleem fell in love with her, which of course did not please his father. The Pomegranate Blossom — which is what her name means — was buried alive between two walls.

Anarkali’s story has taken the form of books, art and movies and even left her name on this particular piece of clothing. You can get yourself an Anarkali kameez (dress-length shirt) at Cinema in Bilo’s booth. It comes with dupatta (veil) and chooridor (pants with mesh parts showing underneath the kameez).

Speaking of Bilo, this Genevive skin is her latest group gift. I added an eyeliner she hasn’t released yet, henna for hands that you can find in a gacha in the mainstore and used her Bollywood and sari poses for the pictures. The poses are available both in Cinema and at the mainstore. I even took the pictures at Bilo, because when attempting to go Bollywood, in Bilo we trust. At least I do!

I didn’t wish to take just happy-smiling pictures for such a sad story, so ending this with a melancholic glance, hoping at least this particular Anarkali manages to escape her fate.

Scene: Bilo

Body: Skin: Bilo – Genevive Gift Skin | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Moroccan Night Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Liner: Bilo – Eye Tattoo | Hair: D!va – Manon Type B Onyx | Hand Henna: Bilo – Gacha

Outfit: Bilo – Anarkali Kameez, Chooridar & Dupatta* | Earrings: Zaara – Anjami Chandelier Earrings Gold

Poses: Bilo – Sari Pose Kathak 4, Bollywood 5, Kathak 3