Families in SL
I found an interesting blogger yesterday through another blog. Kitten Kurka posted an interesting entry today and asked the question, “For those that read this post, let me know what family and relationships mean to you iSL. I would love to hear feedback from folks on this topic.” I felt my answer good enough to post here, so here it is:
I found your journal just yesterday when I saw a comment you made in Marissa Racecourse’s blog on fatvatars. I skimmed through your posts and even stole the quiz that you stole…then added you to my Google Reader list.
My AV is new, but I am not new to SL. I left SL completely a few months ago to take care of things in RL and returned a month ago TODAY! I wasn’t gone nearly as long as I expected, otherwise I wouldn’t have deleted my accounts, but it is what it is.
I have been in SL almost 2 years now, and I have had a variety of families….some long-lived, others not so much. I had both an adult AV and a child AV and experienced families from both sides. Mostly, I admit, my families did not meet up to my expectations. I guess I had this mental picture in my head from viewing families much like you have mentioned in this post, and I didn’t get that bond with them like some families appear to have. Maybe appearances aren’t everything or maybe they’re not always what they seem. I just know that overall I was left slightly empty in the relationships that I had with most family members….not all, but most.
I still hope to have that family that I have pictured in my head. To me, families are there for you through thick and thin…and they get to know the REAL person behind the AV, not just play make believe. Families work things out when problems arise and stand behind one another during trying times. They make regular contact with one another and not just there for appearances.
If there’s one thing I have learned from SL, it’s that I don’t easily trust other women. I can make friends with guys 10 times more often than I can with women. In fact, my current Friends List consists of about a 1:7 ratio of women to men….(ETA: so I guess that’s only 7 times more often
) I’d like to change that, but I really don’t know how. I always feel that women are judging me, and they intimidate the heck out me. I’m on guard and never my true self most of the time. Gosh, it sounds like I hate women, but really I don’t. It just takes a special woman, I guess! I’ve tried to analyze why I don’t make friends with women so easily, and I think it pretty much comes down to self esteem….I always think other women are better than me in some way or another. I can’t seem to get past that.
Anyway, this ended up being MUCH longer than I expected. I think I’m going to post my reply to you in my own journal, tweaking it just a little bit. There’s a woman out there right now whom someone special wants me to get to know, and I just don’t know how. Maybe she’ll find my post and read about my issues to help understand just how insane I am!
So I ended up not tweaking it much. If you’re reading this and don’t make the connection on some of my thoughts, then read Khitten’s post. If you STILL don’t understand, then JUST ASK!
Shopping Cart Disco Quiz
This quiz was taken from Shopping Cart Disco.
1. When you hear about a new release, which are you most likely to run out and buy: hair, shoes, or clothes?
Clothes, maybe shoes….or hair?!?!
2. Skin choice: pale, tan, coloured (like green), or dark? Blond, brown, red, or black hair?
I like the lighter skins, but not extremely pale. I usually find the pale, then the tan and look at the one or ones in between those. I like brown or dark auburn hair. I prefer freckled skins.
3. Which event do you most likely put on your calendar: fashion show, live concert, store sale, sim opening, club contest, or a class?
Store Sales!
4. What’s your ideal SL™ job?
I’m still trying to find out what my niche in SL is.
5. Sexy clothing preference: silks, lingerie, or revealing clothing(mini skirts, super tight dresses, etc)?
Mini Skirts
6. Facial hair on male avies (or yourself, if you are male): yea or nay?
Heck yes! Nice body hair is definitely a plus, too!
7. Land home or skybox?
Land home
8. Decorating your walls: SL™ photos, objects, RL photos, or RL art?
I have RL art right now, but I plan to take a picture to frame and put on my fireplace mantle.
9. Do you prefer to own land or rent?
Isn’t all really just renting from the Lindens in one way or another? I guess technically I own.
10. Small boutiques or large stores?
They all work for me!
11. Photo-realistic skins and clothing or hand-drawn?
Either, as long as they look realistic.
12. For your one-on-one conversations, do you prefer voice or typed chat?
I’m getting use to voice, but I am a long-time chatter.
13. Prim objects or sculpties?
Sculpties sure are prettier.
14. Bling, effect sounds, and particle effects: on or off?
Mostly off, though I have taken to a few pairs of shoes that I have that make sound effects.
15. (If you use one) What photostudio do you like best?
Photosphere
16. Face light: necessary or blinding?
I only use them for photos…or if I forget to take it off after taking photos…oops!
17. Do you pick up all the freebies you find or only pick the ones from designers you know?
I read a lot of fashion blogs and will pick up the ones that I think fit my style. It doesn’t matter who created it.
18. Pre-fab buildings: do you own one? Do you like them?
I don’t have the patience to build my own house. I’ve thought about it and even started a couple of times, but meh…
19. Would you rather be a Furry or Tiny?
Tiny
20. Graphic settings: Short draw distance or long? Release Candidate or standard viewer? Avatar imposters (yes/no)?
Short draw. Standard viewer. I don’t even know what Avatar imposters are….?
21. Sim design: tropical island, residential neighborhood, urban streets, or themed fantasy (or another type I didn’t think of)?
Residential neighborhood….I live in Caledon.
22. When not in a club or concert, do you stream music or turn it off?
I turn it on when I remember.
23. Flickr: Woot? Ick? (add me as a contact so I can see your stuff!)
http://flickr.com/photos/ashlenh/
24. What’s your favorite place to explore or hang out (that isn’t a shopping area)?
There are other places besides shopping?
25. Animation Overriders: Do you prefer to make your own or buy a set? And where’s the best place to go for them? (I’m actually shopping around for another, so this is a selfish question
I have two combined into one with poses that I got free from decent creators….not random freebies you get out of free boxes.
Faces of Zanphoria
Zanphoria is having a modeling contest called Faces of Zanphoria. The prizes aren’t huge, but the exposure will be well worth it. I submitted the profile picture that Velter made for me, and included 5 other portfolio pictures in a notecard. The first round of voting is done by the general public, and everyone can vote once a day. Go click on me! I’m on the top row, toward the center. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, because the contest has been going on for awhile. The top model currently has 84 votes….and I have 1! These are the pictures that I submitted:
Wearing
Photo 1:
Photography and Editing by Velter Whitfield of Whitfield Photography
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Phoebe – Mahogany
Outfit: Short & Sweet Popular School Girl
Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
Photo 2:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Frangipani Kylie – Teak
Outfit: Nyte’N'Day – Intertwine Blue
Photo 3:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Gurl 6 Beauty Mark – Dark Brown
Outfit: Frangipani – Rose Print Mini Dress
Shoes: Pixel Mode – Black Leather Sandals
Jewelry: Talisman – Jupiter (Black Onyx & Glass) Choker
Photo 4:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Melinda – Espresso
Outfit: Short & Sweet – Salt n Pepper
Photo 5:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Solaera – Espresso
Photo 6:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Diversity Hair Brat – Velvet
Outfit: Digit Darkes – Aegina Swim in Silver
Jewelry: Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
Visit Zanphoria to vote at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aloha%20Reef/109/79/22.
Ellie’s Model Contest
I discovered Ellie’s Model Contest by searching for ‘MODEL’ in Event Search. The outfits are very reasonably priced with several colors for variety. The rules were to submit 3 pictures with at least two wearing Ellie’s products. Since the prices were so good, I wore their product in all 3. The notecard said to only use 1 from their current Bottle Cap Hunt, and wouldn’t you know that the outfit that I bought was one of the hunt items. I bought the Fat Pack of Charlotte, and even modeled the same color as the item in the hunt. Oops!
The contest has 3 parts to it, so this is just the first part. Next there will be a voting phase to the Top 10, then the third phase will be narrowed down to the Top 3. I chose the middle picture as my preferred picture for voting.
By the way, I’m currently on vacation from my RL job, so once I am back to work, these blog posts shouldn’t occur this frequently.
Ellie’s can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Galactica/51/96/23. They even use Subscribe-O-Matic, so you don’t have to worry about taking up one of your groups!
Marinoco Fashions Customer Wall
It’s not exactly a contest, but you can currently see one of my portfolio pictures at Marinoco Fashions. Marinoco Oceanlane makes beautiful clothing, especially formals, and she is exceptionally giving to her customers and group members. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to her a couple of times and offered to model for her, if she ever needs someone. I passed along one of my portfolio pictures in which I am wearing one of her formal gowns, and she posted it on her customer wall. Any publicity is good publicity!
Wearing
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Gurl 6 Felicity – Dark Brown
Outfit: Marinoco Fashion – Formal001 (Black gown with silver borders)
Jewelry: Muse – Simple Drop Necklace in Silver/Obsidian
Marinoco Fashions can be found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sun%20Prestige/28/184/22, and her blog is at http://marinocofashion.blogspot.com/.
ETD Store Posters
ETD has an ongoing Flickr contest for entries in ETD products. ETD is by far my favorite hairstylist, and I absolutely love her colors. They’re so much more natural than others. I usually wear Espresso for modeling and Mahogany for everyday. I’m submitting any pictures that I take with ETD products to the pool, and so far 3 have been accepted.
Wearing
Photo 1:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Solaera – Espresso
Photo 2:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Melinda – Espresso
Outfit: Short & Sweet – Salt n Pepper
Photo 3:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Phoebe – Mahogany
Outfit: Retro Print Dress by Icey
Shoes: My bare feet!
Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
YAY for ETD! http://slurl.com/secondlife/ETD%20Isle/194/192/31 and http://blog.elikatiramisudesigns.com/.
JCNY Model’Fest, May 2008
JCNY is sponsoring a HUGE modeling event with some very appealing prizes. Every woman LOVES jewelry, so I just knew I needed to enter this one. Also, the JCNY group gets a free gift for every 100 members. I was lucky enough to sign up just before their 2800th member joined and received a beautiful pearl necklace and earrings set, which can be seen in one of the photos below.
JCNY’s photo requirements is to have one close-up, one full body and one in front of the JCNY logo wall. Here are my entries (since there are 3, I’m shrinking them down a bit to fit better on the page. To see the full-size picture, just click on it.):
Wearing
Photo 1:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Solaera – Espresso
Photo 2:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Gurl 6 Beauty Mark – Dark Brown
Outfit: Frangipani – Rose Print Mini Dress
Shoes: Pixel Mode – Black Leather Sandals
Jewelry: Talisman – Jupiter (Black Onyx & Glass) Choker
Photo 3:
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Carmina – Espresso
Outfit: <3 Cupcakes – Leila in Pink
Shoes: Hucci – Freakum Pump in Pink/Brown
Jewelry: JCNY Pearl Necklace – Double Strand, JCNY Virginia Gardens – Pearl Drop Earrings
JCNY is located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Farrah%20Island/197/64/25, and more details about Model’Fest can be found near the landing point. The blog is at http://jcnycollection.blogspot.com/.
Szentasha Fashions
Szentasha Salome runs a lingerie and fetish costume shop. I found her store because she has a voucher for new residents. When I arrived at her store, I saw that she has a model search. So I entered! I already had a few other modeling contests in mind, but her application process was fairly simple, so it ended up being my first submission. I dropped the inventory on her, but I haven’t heard back yet. I submitted this picture as part of the application:
Wearing
Skin: LF CHAI Skin -Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: Diversity Hair Brat – Velvet
Outfit: Digit Darkes – Aegina Swim in Silver
Jewelry: Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
If I hear anything, I’ll post the feedback. Details can be found at her store at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Glow%20Estates/72/65/45.
Whitfield Photo Studios and Gallery
Velter Whitfield, is an awesome photographer and an even more awesome friend. He did this profile picture for me. His Rez Day is coming up in a few days, and I think he got into the photography business shortly after that. In his studio are MANY of the pictures that he has taken in his career and represents a wide range of his abilities. I didn’t even tell him what I wanted for a profile picture, but as he was snapping away, several topics of conversation were touched. One of those was my interest in Black & White pictures with touches of color. He was obviously paying attention and surprised me with my favorite style.
Wearing
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Phoebe – Mahogany
Outfit: Short & Sweet Popular School Girl
Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
Stop by his studio to see his work and set up an appointment. http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sede%20di%20Marte/49/129/38
Ashlen at Sunset
I love taking pictures, especially with beautiful landscape as the backdrop. There are some very scenic places in Second Life, which means a photo opportunity is around every corner. While waiting on a friend, I found this spot nestled on a hill at SkyBeam Deep Brine. I found the Sailor’s Delight Environment Setting to be just perfect. The only editing done here is cloning out some poseballs in the background, along with adding the border and words.
Wearing
Skin: LF CHAI Skin – Nutmeg- Indigo Freckle
Eyes: Sin Skins – Intense Sage/Gold Eyes
Lashes: Portia Sin
Hair: ETD Phoebe – Mahogany
Outfit: Retro Print Dress by Icey
Shoes: My bare feet!
Jewelry: Talisman – Angel II Silver
