It's the Fuzzy Little Things ... (Yhishie's PM ADVENT-ure Part 2)

 I had one cat a very long time ago that always used to knock the ornaments off the tree.  It was a mine field walking across the floor at night because there were always a few that would be right there ready to step on.   Another cat I had when I was a young girl used to climb up the trunk of the tree... and one of the most precious pictures of a cat I have ever seen was of her as a kitten looking up in reverent awe at the holiday ornaments.  

The holidays just wouldn't be the same for me without fuzzy friends to share it with.  In Second Life we are blessed with designers that can create realistic looking pets for those that may not be able to have them.  

It always makes me a bit sad though.  There are so many animals that don't have a safe and warm place with people that love them.  My hope for 2022 is that all of those abandoned and orphaned pets will find a home that will give them joyful and peaceful lives. This is also the wish of the Central Alberta SPCA who make sure that animals have every chance at finding that kind of forever home.  https://www.albertaspca.org/ 

Tank Top – PM – Plaid Tank Top (Advent Gift Day 10) (Freya, Kupra, Legacy, Maitreya)

Skirt – PM – Red Mini Skirt (Advent Gift Day 12) (Freya, Kupra, Legacy, and Maitreya)

Necklace – PM – Sage #1 – String Choker AC2021 (Advent Gift Day 7)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sky%20Castle/184/19/3006

 

Headpiece – Tentacio - Nausica

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cies%20Island/170/230/24

 

Hair – Stealthic – Endless

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rapture/132/126/103

 

Blush – Alaska Metro – Chill Blush 01

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Imogen/205/74/21

 

Eyeshadow and Lipstick  – Alaska Metro – Glitz (At Uber until Dec 22)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Uber/157/155/23

Nails – Boss Gloss – Paisley Fingernails – Maitreya

Marketplace Link:

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/166492/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&search%5Bcategory_id%5D=&search%5Bmaturity_level%5D=GMA&search%5Bkeywords%5D=paisley

 

 Head – Catwa – HD Pro Queen

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Catwa%20Clip/230/40/22

Body – Maitreya

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/125/130/23

Eyes – IKON – Hope Eyes – Industrial

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/79/140/501

 Skin (Head) – Mila – Lotte – Sugar

Skin (Body) – Mila – Sugar

Both can be found at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peace%20Oasis/159/138/28

 

 Cat Tree – Dust Bunny – Santa Paws Clutter

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dust%20Bunny/142/149/16

 Sleeping Puppy – Dust Bunny & OMEN – Puppy Basket Bed

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dust%20Bunny/142/149/16

 Bench – ARIA – Elah Tuffed Soft Bench

No longer available – Part of  the “Frozen Elegance” Deco(c)rate

 Structure – 8f8 Storyteller’s Burrow Garden House (Gacha set)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Kite/138/109/21

 Dog in Santa Hat – Giz Seorn – XMAS French Bulldog

No longer available.

 Kitten – KittyCats! – Peace on Earth 2012 Kitten Shoulder Pet

No longer available.

 Christmas Tree – BamPu Legacies – Jacqualicious Christmas Tree

No longer available.

 

Pose – Custom

Taken on location at a private sim

Yhishie's PM ADVENT-ure (Part 1)

 

When growing up, advent calendars were never part of my family's holiday traditions. I had seen them of course, usually they were chocolates or some other confections sold in grocery or drug stores as part of their holiday offerings.  I think one of the very first ones I actually took part in were in Second Life.  I think it's a neat concept.  The prizes aren't usually very big - just some little treat but the delivery is the draw - it's always a mystery of what you are going to get but you know it's going to be good. 

Purplemoon's was one calendar I looked forward to every year.  Some of the prizes were familiar but there were always a few new items specific to that calendar.   This year it is the XMAS DAY DRESS and the LADY CLAUS HEELS pictured above.  One of the great surprises Poulet included in the past was at least one decor item - and I am very happy to see her including one this year with the delightful  XMAS FRONT PORCH DECOR in two versions (one with snow and one without).  

With such great prizes so far, I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us! 

OUTFIT

Earrings / Necklace – Purplemoon – Imani – Fresh  

Shoes – Purplemoon – Lady Claus Heels (Maitreya) (Advent 2021 Gift Day 2)

Dress – Purplemoon – Xmas Day Dress (Maitreya) (Advent 2021 Gift Day 5)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sky%20Castle/194/63/3002

 

MAKEUP

Eye Makeup – Izzie’s – Candy Cane Liner  – Catwa HDPro   BOM (Christmas Group Gift)

Lipstick – Izzie’s – Bonfire Lipstick 02 – Red BOM

(Both items available at the Izzie’s Mainstore)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Izzies/77/94/32

 

BODY

Hair – Truth – Gaea

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth/131/133/28

 

Head – Catwa – HDPro Queen

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Catwa%20Clip/232/38/22

 

Eyes – IKON – Industrial

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/77/139/501

 

Nails (Manicure / Pedicure) – Encore – Maitreya Nail Appliers – Shades Fatpack (Marketplace only)

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Encore-Nail-Appliers-Shades-Fat-Pack-SlinkOmegaBellezaMaitreya/10558661

 

Skin (Head) – MILA – Lotte – Sugar – Catwa BOM

Skin (Body) – MILA

(Both items available at the Mila Mainstore)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peace%20Oasis/160/138/28

 

 

SETTING

Trees and Foreground – Skye Scots Pine Forest set

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Skye-Scots-Pine-Forest-Building-Set-4-Season-Trees/7523035

 

Fabric Trees – PM Xmas Front Porch Décor (With and Without Snow Versions) (Advent 2021 Gift Day 8)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sky%20Castle/194/63/3002

 

Step Ladder – Dust Bunny & Tenshii – Mixed (from the Autumn Harvest gacha) (Sold as FATPACK ONLY)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dust%20Bunny/105/91/16

 

Lantern – 8f8 (from the Storyteller’s Burrow gacha)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Kite/92/85/21

 

Lamp in Background – Circa – “Northern Forest” Snow Lantern Pole – Red/Copper

No longer available

 

 

Photo Taken at a private sim

Pose – Custom Pose created by Yhishara Cerise

Purplemoon: The Maria Gown

 

It has been so very long since I wrote a blog post about anything but this is a very special occasion.  One of my favourite designers,  Poulet Koenkamp, has returned to SL to put on a special holiday event.  No one,  with the exception of maybe one or two people, did/does Second Life events like Poulet.  I have to admit to being somewhat mystified though at how much this act on her part means to me. 

She makes beautiful clothes.  Many people make beautiful clothes.  She did advent calendars and arranged hunts and group gifts.  Many designers in Second Life do these things.  Does she appreciate her group members?  Yes, but many people appreciate those that shop in their stores.  But none ever brought tears to my eyes because they were going to do those things.  Poulet did though when I read she was coming back to do her Holiday Extravaganza. My quest the past few days is to figure out why... 

I remember spending hours walking around her store.  Being there - in that environment inspired me in ways I simply can't capture fully in words.  It was the creativity of the fashion and all the styling potential.  As an SL model, we thrive on that creativity.  Seeing the people that went before me in that industry made me dream.  That dream came true when  Belladonna Wexhome, the manager for Purplemoon offered me the chance to join the Purplemoon Dream Team and become a live model for them.

And perhaps that's why her coming back to do this means so much.  Before she closed, she did tributes to those that supported her along the way.  But she supported me along my own way.  She gave me the chance to model - when I had very little training and was completely unknown to pretty much everyone except a small few.  

In a  virtual world where people only seem to want to talk to you if you can do something for them or you are a 'somebody' that kind of thing is nearly unheard of.  She showed me much kindness in doing that.  And perhaps that's why her coming back means so much.  Because it's kindness - genuine kindness.  It's not a marketing gimmick.  She hardly needs that as she was on the top of her game when she left to take care of her family in real life.  No,  this type of kindness comes from the heart, from a place of truly wanting to give back to the people that gave so much to her.   That made me love and respect her as a person and I hope that she gets a hundred times that measure back again in her reality. 

The world in general can be very dark sometimes, and it sometimes seems like no one wants to be kind anymore.  So when someone is, well there are two responses:  either it's met with distrust or it makes you cry because you are so moved that someone would do that.  I know that she didn't come back for anything to do with me, but because she wanted to.  But she has blessed me more than she will ever know by coming back this December and it just means that I will forever be a PM fangirl. 

As I said - it's hard to put into words, and a simple, "Thank you"  just seem too little... 

 Gown – Purplemoon – Maria Gown – Legacy

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sky%20Castle/194/63/3002

 

 

Necklace – Cae – Blizzard

Marketplace Only: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Cae-Blizzard-Collection-bagged/6691060

Rings – Yummy – Heirloom Ring Set – Legacy

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tableau/174/103/23

 

Head – Catwa – HDPro Queen

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Catwa%20Clip/222/51/22

Eyes – Ikon – Hope – Industrial

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/96/128/501

Body – Legacy Feminine Edition

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Shops/124/121/25

Skin (Head) - Mila – Catwa BOM – Lotte – Sugar

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peace%20Oasis/160/138/29

Skin (Body) - Mila  – Legacy – Sugar / Normal Fit

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Peace%20Oasis/160/138/29

Hair – Truth – Polly

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth/124/185/28

Nail Color – Default Legacy colour

 

 

 

Cliff – Skye – EPIC Cliff Type 2 Oversize

Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Skye-EPIC-Cliff-Collection-Faces-and-Privacy-Screen/19632783

 

Trees, Throne, White Tigers – Purplemoon – Ice Queen Throne – (Retextured and Reconfigured)

No Longer Avaliable

Cool Steam

I had this idea for a steampunk inspired photo and started thinking of what I like about the style.  I was also thinking of writing a tribute to the models that came before me.  I didn't think the two were something that could be linked.  And then it occurred to me what they have in common and the catalyst was Second Life shopping events.

No matter how many you go to there is always going to be something new next month that will replace some of the things in your inventory, making the old things obsolete.  The same thing can't be said about Steampunk.   It exists in a class by itself and never goes out of style or fashion.  It just is.

With the closing of PurpleMoon I began looking through old photos at the beautiful clothing and over time my focus went from the clothing to the models wearing them.  They are familiar names to anyone who follows Second Life fashion as much as I do.  While the outfits may not have been new, anyone new to the brand could see the names of the models wearing the gown or outfit.  I am sure I am not the only one that seen those lovely images and thought "Wow.. that would be amazing."

They served to inspire new models and every year new models put their hat into the ring in pageants all across Second Life.  Those "old" models serve as the inspiration.  But on a more thoughtful note... I wonder if they know that? I wonder if they know how inspiring they were and still are even if their title is years old and they may not be as involved as they once were.  I had the thought last night that "once a Virtual Miss, always a Virtual Miss".  The pageants may be over but their legacy will last for as long as Second Life does.

The Miss Virtual World pageant for 2020 has gotten underway recently.  There are a few names I recognize and there are more that I didn't recognize at all running in it for the title.    All of them by entering are becoming part of a legacy - whether or not they win.   They, like Steampunk style, will exist in a class by themselves that will never go out of style or fashion.  Competing is both a challenge and an honor and will allow them to make their mark on SL in a unique way.

Credits

The Engine Room (Shopping Event on until October 20)

Hat - Insomnia Angel - Steampunk Top Hat - Noir
Mechanical Arms - Wicca's Originals - Eagleden Arm - Maitreya

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HILTED/18/47/1202


Salem (Shopping Event on until October 31)

Dress and Thong  - Belle Epoque - Rohana - Black

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prism%20Events/128/113/21


Head - Catwa - Catya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/CATWA%20Store/163/221/22


Skin - Glam Affair - Catwa - Asia
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Pea/91/61/22


Eyes - Ikon - Denim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501


Ears - L'etre - Basic Mesh Ears
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Secrets/195/158/1361

Hair - Truth - Surrender
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth/116/128/24

Lipstick - Izzies - Catwa - Applier Aiko Lipstick Hud
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Izzies/115/125/32


Eyeshadow - Tone 2 - Autumn Spice Eye Shadow Collection Omega B
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ever%20Ever%20Land/135/63/3524


Body - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/130/24

Pose - PosESioN - Lady 9
(no longer available)

Background Image - Metal Shirts Heaven - Steampunk serie a-6
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Steampunk-serie-a-6/2686462

Ghee at the 2019 Vintage Fair

Ghee goes 60’s themed retro with their newest releases at this years Vintage Fair.  You can find them all here from June 7 – 16, 2019.  The Ghee store is located on the South sim.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Selvage%20Island/128/238/26

CLOTHING –

*VINTAGE FAIR* Dress – Ghee – Dusty Mini – Maitreya Lara - Apple

ACCESSORIES –

*VINTAGE FAIR* Sunglasses – Ghee Sixties Shades

Jewelry – Ghee – Original Enamelled Rondo Earring – Silver

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Qeestein/141/91/1501

*VINTAGE FAIR* Tights – Ghee – 60’s Tights

*VINTAGE FAIR* Shoes – Ghee Originals – Alice T-bar Shoes

OTHER –

Hair – Adoness – Doris – Grayscale

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Morabulus/68/188/1799

Makeup – Izzie’s – Spring Colors Lip Gloss – Catwa

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Izzies/65/115/32

Nails – Alaskametro – Color Trend – Lilac Maitreya – Gacha

*Discontinued Gacha prize*

Taken on Location at:

Cruisin 50’s Diner & StarDust Lounge, Nashville Music Row

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nashville%20Music%20Row/145/147/26 

Photography and Editing – Yhishara Cerise

Humboldt

Many years ago I lost my brother in a car accident.  It devastated me and robbed me of hope as he was estranged from me and the rest of my family and with him died the potential for so many things.  I think that is what strikes me so much about the crash in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.  I have so many memories in my life – some good, some bad, and they all came from my LIVING as long as I have.  If God was to take me home, as a Christian, I’m ready to go.  But these were young men – and so much potential was there that will now never be. 

I grew up in a country where hockey – even if you aren’t a fan - touches you.  We are bound together by that sport.  You should see us when a Canadian team is in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup – we all cheer and wave flags even if they are for a rival team we don’t normally cheer for.  A piece of us rejoices with that team. But the reverse is also true when a tragedy like this happens.  So many lost their lives and we have yet again pulled together to support the families that lost a loved one or had a loved one injured in this accident as if they were our own.  In a way they are. 

They represent the young men on the hockey team in my hometown, the players I went to school with, the ones from rival communities, the professionals in the NHL, the support organizations and the fans who have invested time and energy to promote this sport and not just in Canada.   This could have happened in any community in Canada or anywhere else in the world.  We can relate to these people that are central to this story.  They are our neighbors and they are our friends and therefore we will mourn with them.

Here are two links I would like to share:

They have far exceeded their goal but donations are still coming in:

https://ca.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos

This one is for the main vigil held and aired on Sportsnet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuT2q3ZHZfc

A Learning Experience

The other day while at The Trunk Show shopping event, someone complimented me on my avatar.  Not knowing what to say I said "Thank you, I went to school for it" and told them about my time with Miss Virtual World and how they helped me put my avatar together.  They then asked me if I modeled in Second Life and I said yes and that I modeled for Ghee and PurpleMoon Creations. Their response to that was along the lines of "Wow, it's like I'm talking to a celebrity!"  At which point I laughed and said "I'm not".

I have worked for and with people that I consider to be SL celebrities.  I even still get a "yay!" moment when I see who I will be working for and with.  Anyone in SL that has made any sort of name for themselves has worked hard to be where they are and that is worthy of anyone's respect.

But I think it is important, right at the beginning, to make the decision that you won't let any accolades go to your head.  I may joke about being a diva but I know that at any given moment there are at least 15 professional models in Second Life that can do what I do, with more skill, are far more well known, and have been at it far longer.  So what sets people apart in this industry where everyone is replaceable?

Like one of my instructors at MVW Modeling Academy taught me:  it all comes down to attitude.  My favourite Second Life "celebrities" are the ones that have taken the time to speak to me as a person.  They have spoken to me with respect and as an equal.  They have not been arrogant or rude, acted like I as an annoyance or that I was in some way beneath their notice.  For someone relatively new to the SL modeling scene it was (and still is) encouraging to me that most of the models I have met have treated me kindly and that the ones that haven't have been rare.

For me it isn't just about attitude.  It's about being a good person.  It's about being the type of person that is an encouragement because this industry has a tendency to crush people. It's about being helpful to others because other people helped us along the way to get where we are.  It's about choosing to be nice when you can just as easily be nasty (little secret: both take the same amount of effort). It's about not being out for yourself and what this industry can give you but what you can contribute to others.

The success of anything in SL or even in the real world so often depends on the support of the people outside your industry as well as in it. The success of any endeavour in SL comes down to the people buying your product, subscribing to your magazine or blog, viewing your pictures, attending your event, etc. Which leads  me to my last point - it's about being just as friendly to people you don't know as it is to people you DO know because those people could be your biggest fans behind the scenes and making you the success you are.  

On the Left:
Mesh Body - Maitreya
Mesh Hands - Vista Pro Hands
Nails - DP - Koffin Nails - Maitreya - Shades of Pink v2

Knotted Top - Petite Mort - Fchsia - knotted tank S
Leather Skirt - Petite Mort - Black Hand-painted leather skirt (Maitreya v1)
Shoes/Socks - PurpleMoon - Gretel Pumps w/socks - Maitreya


Necklace - Kunglers - Lakshmi necklace - Black
Bracelets - EarthStones - Dragonfly Cuff Bracelets


Hair - Wasabi Pills - Berry
Lipstick - La Boheme - LB Kissable Cream Lips Set 5 Boysenberry
Eyeshadow - R.icielli - Hot Colors Makeup - Smokey Eyes


On the Right:
Mesh Body - Maitreya
Nail Color - DP - Koffin Nails - Maitreya - Shades of Pink v2

Blouse - Coco - Off Shoulder Shirt (White) Maitreya
Wrap - !Go! - Gretel Knit  Wrap - L
Jeans - Essential Bootcut Jeans (Flats) - Maitreya
Mules - GField - Ashley - Scalloped Mule - Texture change hud

Pose - XXY - School Day 2

Eyeshadow - Elymode makeup - e's mix: pink and blurple w/liner
Lipstick - Amacci - Shiny Lips - Tatoo - Pink 7


Hair - Amacci - Candy Rose