Lost Traditions

Its been about eight years since my mom’s best friend died. Her name was Brenda and she was Aunt Brenda to me, my entire life. She and my mom had been friends since they were kids. They were even pregnant at the same time and “my cousin” was born only a few months before me. Funny thing about Brenda was very friendly and outgoing. Her daughter was very quiet, shy, and reserved. My mother is more like my cousin and I am much more like Aunt Brenda. If we didn’t look so much like our mothers, people would have sworn we were switched at birth. I miss my Aunt Brenda so very much and even more so at this time of year. You see, every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my aunt and her sister would throw this huge party. They all lived out in the country in Tennessee and there was a huge barn, a bonfire, food, live music, and tons of people. Most of them were Brenda’s blood family, but they considered us family, too. After-all, they’d known my mom since she was “knee high to a grasshopper.”

It was always such a great time. Sadly, the tradition seems to have died along with my aunt. There were a lot of things that happened in the year before my aunt died and her death left a bit of division in that family. And, well, it kind of left us on the sidelines. I’m not sad that she’s gone, because her last days will pain filled and I know that she was ready to go. Her death was unexpected, but for her and her failing health…I know she welcomed it. I miss her like crazy, because she seemed to understand me so much better than any of my blood relatives. I’ll always remember the best of her. ♥

So, why have I told you all this seemingly sad story? Because once again, the incredibly talented designers involved with Tannenbaum have restored my Christmas spirit and flood me with beautiful memories. Although, unKindness built and named it a bridge, it reminded me so much of the garage/barn that we was central to those annual parties.  So, I’ve taken creative license here and brought my memories to life. (I think I’ll showcase it as a bridge in another post, though.) I was even able to share my vision with my mom…she cried. We both did as we remembered a great lady during some of our happiest shared moments. I hope that you can find joy in your holiday memories as the season settles over us. ♥

wearing:
Tableau Vivant \\ Baum (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
CATWA HEAD Gwen
[theSkinnery] Opal (Catwa Applier) (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
~ChicModa~ Ada Argyle Dress
PHEDORA / Drusila Boots / 30 C

scene:
build: uK – Old Winter Bridge Natural (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
22769 ~ [bauwerk] Landhaus Kitchen Table Brown (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
22769 ~ [bauwerk] Babble Game (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / GLASS COCOA / CANDYCANE (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
{what next} Floor Jar Lantern (stars)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / GLASS COCOA / PEPPERMINT (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
22769 ~ [bauwerk] Landhaus Chair Brown (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MudHoney Fabric Heart Ornaments box (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MudHoney Wood Reindeer Ornament box (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MudHoney Wood Santa Stand (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
7mad;Ravens Rustic Nativity Boards (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
{what next} Tivona Tree Lantern 1 (antique)
7mad;Ravens Rustic Candle Logs (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DIGS – Tromso Bench [MESH]
RO – Crappy Xmas Tree
7mad;Ravens Rustic Christmas Tree Board (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / COCOA / PEPPERMINT (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / COCOA / GINGERBREAD (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / MINT MOCHA CAKE / RARE (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / COCOA / PLAIN (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
[we’re CLOSED] kerosine lantern 1 metal
DISORDERLY. / XMAS TREATS / MINT MOCHA CHRISTMAS ROLL / RARE (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MudHoney Wood Snowman Stand (*new* @ Tannenbaum)

tree & decor: (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
Botanical – Douglas Fir Christmas Tree for Tannenbaum
ornaments are a variety from the following tree decor gachas
DRD
Kalopsia
[Fetch]

poses by oOo Studios

Dark & Merry Christmas?

I’m a tad different from everyone else in my family, which should come as no shock to anyone that knows me or where I live. Most of my close friends in SL know that my RL bedroom has dark burgundy walls and all of my decor is black & white, with an abundance of skulls on the walls, shelves, and even the bed. Its a pillow, calm down, I don’t sleep with skeletons. My favorite holiday is Halloween and I love all the clearance sales after Halloween, because its a great time to pick  up new and interesting decor.

So, what does this have to do with Christmas? Well, for a while we would put up a tree in every room of our house, smaller table top trees, of course. My favorite tree of all time was an artificial black tree that I decorated with black, silver, and red ornaments. So, when I discovered that there were actually some goth themed ornaments and decor at Tannenbaum I was elated! It really doesn’t matter what kind of tree you want to have…the proper decor will be at Tannenbaum! So, if traditional or candy colored Christmas isn’t your style? Then to you I wish a Dark & Merry Christmas!♥

Tis the season for shopping, Tannenbaum AND Uber just opened! Trust me, there are finds at every turn just waiting for you so mix them up and create a festive winter look all you own. As always, keep smiling and happy shopping! ♥

wearing:
hair: #Foxy – Candy Clouds. (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
CATWA HEAD Gwen
[theSkinnery] Opal (Catwa Applier) (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
::SG:: Lets Go Eyeshadow – JESSICA HEAD Catwa
::SG:: Clara Lips for CATWA Heads only!
**RE** Lux Krista Earrings
Amala – The Sibley Spider Choker
[ kunst ] – Cigarette & holder
Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara
BUENO – Open Cardigan (*new* @ Uber)

scene:
.aisling. Candles
Corvus : Black Mesh Rug
DRD burtonesque gothic chair
[BDKX] -//- Merry Krampus  (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MadPea – The Witching Hour – Wall Sconce
[BDKX] -//- Dressed Table 03  (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
Can’t Even – Bauble Xmas Tree (Silver and Black)  (*new* @ Tannenbaum)

tree & decor: (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
Botanical – Douglas Fir Christmas Tree for Tannenbaum
ornaments are a variety from the following tree decor gachas
Fancy Decor
The Horror!
[Fetch]
Garbaggio

poses by Bauhaus Movement

Winter Dreams

Thanksgiving in the U.S. seems to set the the tone for the holidays, for me, at least. That is the day that the Holiday season truly begins. As we transition from Halloween to a few weeks of Autumn, its the day after the turkey is carved that my family has always set up our Christmas tree and began decorating. It is also on that day that I begin the annual prayer for snow. I realize that a lot of you are rolling your eyes, perhaps even groaning a bit, because you dread the snow or perhaps you already have it. However, where I live, we rarely get any snow and when we do, its a very light dusting and you can usually still see the grass. About once a year we get a solid inch or two that actually covers the lawn and the entire city shuts down. People laugh at us for shutting down, but given how often we have snow, why would our cities invest millions of dollars into equipment for clearing roadways when we all know it’ll be gone by noon tomorrow? Once in a great while, we get enough snow to keep the city still for a few days and THAT is the snow I pray for. I want enough snow to watch my dog delightfully hop around like a goat on crack! I want my kittens to see snow for the first time (read that sentence out loud if you can, now try it three times fast). I can not wait to watch them shake their little wet paws as they look at up me with accusing eyes.

I don’t pray for long snow filled winters that require shovels and all of that, just a few days of WOW! You see, when that kind of snow happens here…well, my inner child shouts with glee and quickly layers up regardless of how much pain the cold wet fluff might cause my bones. My inner child is bursting at the seams to throw a snowball and if I’m really lucky? I’ll get to make a snowman! So, as the day of thanks is upon me and the turkey roasts deliciously in my oven, my eyes are already on the sky and my winter dreams have begun.

By the way, get you lindens ready, because the ultimate Christmas event begins on November 25th and it is astounding. C’mon, sing with me!
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind deine Blatter!
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind deine Blatter!
Du grunst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein, auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum
Wie treu sind deine Blatter!

wearing:
!Oleander ~ Izzie (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
MINIMAL – Elsa Headband *Silver* (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
CATWA HEAD Gwen
Glam Affair – Barbara Applier ( Catwa  ) America 02 (*new* @ Kustom9)
Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara
[White~Widow] Loving – White
Cae :: Dasher :: Collection-earrings & necklace (*new* @ Tannenbaum)
*The Mystic* Gothic Flower Corset (*new* @ Tannenbaum)

 

In the Wind

“I close my eyes only for a moment, and the moment’s gone
All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind

Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea
All we do crumbles to the ground, though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Now, don’t hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky
It slips away, and all your money won’t another minute buy

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind (all we are is dust in the wind)
Dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind), everything is dust in the wind (the wind)”
Kansas-Dust in the Wind

I’m just going to hope the words of this song sink in and you’ll all appreciate the love, laughter, and life going on around you before it, too, is gone like dust in the wind.

Cynful released these Anyday Skinny jeans in the mainstore and they deserve a post all their own. Of course, there are a few more details listed below, but honestly…I’m in love with these jeans! I’m actually encouraging you to grab the fat pack, because you’ll be set for jeans! Sizes for the big three mesh bodies: Maitreya, Slink, and Belleza. Oh just go try them on, you’ll see for yourself and how can you resist that ribbon stitch on the pockets? You can’t…so go get some. ♥

wearing:
*ARGRACE* KOHAKU
CATWA HEAD Gwen
Glam Affair – Barbara Applier ( Catwa  ) America 02 (*new* @ Kustom9)
Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara
[Cynful] Anyday Skinny Jeans

poses by Bauhaus Movement

the scene is on private property, so I’m sorry for the lack of details, but I know the beach is from Skye Studios ♥

Dust in the Wind by Kansas

What if…(Arranmore)

Yep, I’m up to the ole “What if…” scenario again. Let me explain how this one happened. I put together the outfit, loved it, wore it out a few places, came home to take pics, decided to go out into the world to take pics, landed at Arranmore, saw the crow, giggled at how closely Arranmore is to Nevermore, and I was off to the races! See? Tha’ts all perfectly logical, right? (Just nod, humor me here.)

So, what if it was the crow that sat upon a tombstone outside his favorite church on a Friday night, ya know, just minding his business…what if he was the one visited by this mysterious blonde woman? Perhaps her size is intiimidating to him so he freezes in place. She comes very close and looks him in the eyes. He’s so petrified his fight or flight responses shut down and he’s frozen in place, unable to move. What if he’s so moved by the visit he enlists the help of a woodpecker to record the event?

  Ah, distinctly I remember it was a Friday night in November;

And I rest upon a tombstone, encouring its ghost to appear.

    Eagerly I wished the morsel or a meal;—vainly I had the ground for worms to steal

    From the garden entrance came a lady—blonde, wearing black..her name was Sady—

For the rare and radiant love of the cemetay floor—

            Nameless here for Arranmore.

Ok, I should never mess with anything by Edgar Allan Poe and I am somewhat ashamed of myself, but I’m equally amused. And given how his mind worked, I somehow think that ole Edgar and I would’ve gotten along just fine. So, I’m just going to rape his poem for my blog and hope he’s okay with it. If not, perhaps he can come and let me know, afterall…ghosts can travel, right?

So, the most important thing for you all to know about the stuff I’m wearing is this! The name of the skirt is Sady!!! That’s right! Why yes! It is named after me! Coincidence? NOPE! It really is named after me! Can you believe it? And its gorgeous!! So, go to the mainstore and get it so that you can say, “Sady is on my ass!” Plus, c’mon, its super freaking cute, right??? (Just nod and go get the skirt, you can stare at my butt later! Gaw!)

wearing:
[RA] Corinne Hair (*new* @ Hairology)
CATWA HEAD Gwen
-SU!- Sytpal Eyes SILVER
Glam Affair – Milu Applier ( Catwa / Bibi ) America 02
.aisling. Simple Nosechain / Black
EF: Communique Necklace
Izzie’s – Celestial Midi Rings
Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara
[White~Widow] Loving – White
Meva Harness Black
**RE** Cora Harness
[CX] Soul Grips ( Black ) Female * Maitreya *
~ChicModa~ Sady Skirt
#EMPIRE – Xylobium – (October Luxe Box)

location: Arranmore

Unbreakable

Due to recent events in my life and a few of the things I’ve shared here on my blog, I’ve received a lot of messages from people concerned about me.  I appreciate that so much. One thing I’ve found really interesting is how many people are determined to make sure I do not give up on love. It amuses me a bit, but also makes me kinda sad. I know I am loved. I’m loved by some of the most amazing friends and SL family that I’ve ever known over my ten year virtual journey. I’ve experienced some of the greatest love affairs throughout my life both rl and sl. I’m grateful. I’m not saying I’m not going to enjoy my life or date or have some flings. All I’ve meant is that I’m not likely to give what’s left of my heart to another lover, because I’ll never fully trust that type of situation or relationship again…and that’s okay. Not every woman wants kids. Not every woman wants a husband/wife. Some of us are quite happy and content being single. That is what I mean when I say I’m done with the whole love thing. I know there’s love out there for everyone and believe me when I say, “I’ve known great love in my life and I wish that for everyone.”

One thing is for sure, I might get beat down from time to time, but my spirit is unbreakable. I’ve survived far worse than a broken heart and I’ll be damned if this heartache is the thing that breaks me! Plus, c’mon, I’m a woman…it is my prerogative to change my mind. I really don’t foresee me allowing another person that deeply into the remains of my heart, but I’ve been fooled before. Who knows? For now, my unbreakable spirit and I are moving on to better things. Life is an adventure and I fully intend to enjoy it!

Now about the stuff! New hair from Argrace with so many options and available in the mainstore. This is photography hair at its best! So, if you love taking pictures…this hair is a must have. I’m also back with more goodies from FaMESHed! This dress from Reverie is too perfect for this time of year. Regardless of what season you’re experiencing in your part of the world, its got the long skirt with an adorable attached tee-shirt. I recommend the fatpack, because…well…OPTIONS! Oh, and could it pair better with the Communique set from Empyrean Forge?  We gotta have options! Happy shopping! ❤

wearing:
*ARGRACE* KOHAKU
CATWA HEAD Gwen
Glam Affair – Milu Applier ( Catwa / Bibi ) America 01 (*new* @ The  Gacha Garden)
Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara
EF: Communique Bracelets (*new* @ FaMESHed)
{Reverie} ‘Autumn Heat’ (*new* @ FaMESHed)

Unsteady

Let’s face it, not everyday is going to be a good day. Sometimes bad days are lumped together in such a way that it almost seems unbearable. We just have to drudge forward and hope for the best. Trying to keep some sort of balance while doing so and when we’re a bit overwhelmed? Well, that’s when we reach out to our friends and family. We’d do it for them, they’ll do it for us. I’m saying that as much for myself as anyone else, because I have a tendency to shut people out. I don’t like bringing people down and I feel like that’s about all I have to offer at the moment. Sometimes holding it together is easier when I isolate. Other times I need as many distractions as I can get. Its really up to me to let my friends and family know which one I need and when.

I apologize to my readers for the rather sad and mopey posts this week. I’m going through a lot and I am a bit unsteady. I am trying to get past it and hopefully I’ll find my way back to my silly self soon. I hope that you’re all finding lots of love and laughter in your days. That’s really all I’ve got for today.  ❤

wearing:
hair: *ARGRACE* IROHA
CATWA HEAD Gwen
Glam Affair – Milu Applier ( Catwa / Bibi ) America 01 (*new* @ The  Gacha Garden)
TETRA – Open Back Jacket (*new* @ Uber)
TETRA – Silk Track Trousers (*new* @ Uber)
PHEDORA / Kayla Platforms / 30.C (*new* @ Shiny Shabby)

poses: oOo Studio

Broken

It’s impossible to get through this life without some heartache and heartbreak. I’ve been going through more than my fair share of both lately and quite frankly I’m getting a little tired of it. I feel so very broken to the core of my soul. I’m quite sure my quota has been met for a good long while and to make sure I protect the few remaining pieces of my shattered heart, I shall lock them away behind some very tall, strong walls. Yes, I know I’m not supposed to give up, blah blah blah. I do what I want and right now, as I lick my wounds, the plan is to not get sucked into another situation where I fall and get hurt. I’ve loved and I’ve lost and while yes, the ride was worth the fall. I can’t take too many more falls and retain the shred of humanity that remains.

 

In the meantime, I plan to be surrounded by some of the most wonderful friends a girl could ever hope for and to pour myself into productive projects that will hopefully distract me and push me forward. I’m not writing all of this for sympathy, because in the end that doesn’t do much for me. I have a few ears that let me rant and cry as needed. That’s more than I could hope for when feeling this low. I’m not giving up on life, just giving up on the idea that romantic love is going to play any part in my future. I’m not sad about that. In fact, it feels quite liberating. I’ve had plenty of romance in my life, more than my fair share. I have nothing to complain about there. I merely don’t feel like going through this pain again, just like I don’t go placing my hand on a hot stove or my finger in a light socket…anymore. (Oh shush, you probably did it to.) So, if you see me getting all giddy or excited about someone, feel free to slap me with this post and remind me just how bad this crap hurts.

In the meantime, FaMESHed opened and well, lets just say there’s plenty of retail therapy to be had out there. So, if you or someone you love is going through hard times, I highly recommend grabbing your wallet and going straight to the nearest event for some good old fashioned retail therapy. Let’s face it, new jewelry like the Communique Set from Empyrean Forge can make even the coldest heart feel divine! Bring on the shopping and the wine!

 

wearing:
[monso] My Hair – Momo /Blonde (*new* @ FaMESHed)
CATWA HEAD Gwen
Glam Affair – Milu Applier ( Catwa / Bibi ) Artic 01 (*new* @ The  Gacha Garden)
[NikotiN]    Rainbow_Silver  RARE
EF: Communique Full Jewelry Set (*new* @ FaMESHed)
Vinyl – Yui Panties Lara (*new* @ FaMESHed)
[CX] Tempest Garters (Torn+Fades) – Maitreya (*new* @ FaMESHed)

scene:
Fancy Decor: French Landscape (*new* @ FaMESHed)
Fancy Decor: Bouillotte Lamp (*new* @ FaMESHed)
Fancy Decor: Carriage Clock (silver) (*new* @ FaMESHed)
Fancy Decor: Classic Console (black) (*new* @ FaMESHed)
(Yummy) Dying Roses
!gO! SteamTeddy +Giddy+
!gO! SteamTeddy +Mad+
Soy. Potted Traveler’s Palm Tree [Gray]
BUENO-Bonita Bag-Black
Fancy Decor: Take Heart Frame
BAZAR: Paris – Wine set & Paris – Wine bottle spilled
Second Spaces – snow day books

poses by Klubwerk.poses (some edited with AnyPose)