So the Back to Black Fair is almost over...

I did promise not too long ago that I would at least explain a bit more about the two items I made for it. The two tattoos were not only made with the particular section I've been in, in mind... but also with thoughts about a very special lady who provided a great deal of inspiration.

.:CoLLisions:. I am Strong

Most of the time when you run into Nawti Goodnight in Second Life, she's often dancing on her special table at Sanctuary Rock in some semi-scantilly clad outfit. With a name like "Nawti", you'd actually find it strange if her Av suddenly walked around in some jeans and a long t-shirt.

Yes she's saucy... yes she's sexy... and yes she's flirtatious. But there's also another side to her that many do not see.

.:CoLLisions:. Courage, Strength, Wisdom

Over the past couple of years I've had the privilege to learn more about the woman behind the leather bras, booty shorts & thigh-high boots. I've found that the person behind the Avatar is an extraordinary individual with a huge amount of inner strength.

Over many years she has dealt with some of the most heartbreaking and maddening situations possible. From shocking family deaths to domestic violence... she's seen it all. You would think that after experiencing so many of these life changing events, someone would go completely delirious from all of it.

Somehow, Nawti's managed to instead break forth from all that negative energy and used her inner courage to get past it. I don't know that I will ever have quite as much confidence and sheer willpower that she has, but I will say that I feel so privileged to call her a friend, confidant and even family.
52 Colours II: Dandelion

I was cringing a bit about this week's colour. Yellow is difficult to find already... and finding the specific shade for Dandelion is an even more daunting task. Then I suddenly remembered the cutest little set I picked up from Evie's Closet last year. Seems like the perfect match. :-)

All the Schtuff Guen's Wearing

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Hair: Truth ~ Hazel in Blood
Skin: Grixdale/Aura ~ Teagan Spirited in Cream
Eyes: Damned ~ Millenium Eyes in Gold
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Silks, Anklets, Wings & Circlet: Evie's Closet ~ Ariel in Yellow
Feet: Slink ~ Jolie Pied Mid Height Bare Feet

Pose: Lauria

This kid is 9! :-o

And he apparently loves Star Wars too. Bonus! ;-)
Mayala always seems to catch all the awesome moments at Sanctuary Rock. ;-)


The big dolt singing at the beginning? Yeah now ya know part of why I can't seem to let him go completely. Also you can blame the "Tie My Pecker to My Leg" song on me. I admit it. :-P
Nearly 25 million women and 7 million men worldwide are raped and/or physically assaulted by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Sin

If there's any case where sexual assault is often not reported or spoken about... it's when the attacker is someone in your own home. The person you share a bed with almost all the time. The same individual whom you see, converse and have meals with on a regular basis. The one who said he or she loves you with all his or her heart.

For many of us, it seems so irrational and furthermore impossible for a life partner to even attempt something like this... but the statistics above say otherwise. What's worse is that unlike many others who are sexually abused, these victims still see the face of their attackers every day. They live in fear in their own home that it could happen again, and more often than not it doesn't stop.

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This topic is very close to me as once upon a time I was not only physically abused but also sexually abused by someone I was intimately involved with at the time. It took me over 3 years to realize just how damaging it was to not only my body but also my mind & spirit. It wasn't until I got pregnant that I had the strength and will to escape. I knew that I could not let my child become yet another victim. I packed up what little items I could fit in my car and even at 8 months pregnant I drove myself almost 2000 miles away so that my daughter could have a better life.

To this day... I think I made the right decision not only for her but for myself.

Please don't ever think that the abuse is your fault. Don't ever think that your partner did this out of love. There's someone out there in this world who will love you so much more, and without all the pain that you've had to suffer through.

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~♥~ This Public Service Announcement was brought to you by the Concerned Bloggers Association. ~♥~

~♥~ If you would like to become involved, please contact Marleen Vaughan for more information. ~♥~
52 Colours II: Dark Raspberry

I thought I would have to buy something for this week... until I remembered some tops that Tyr Rozenblum gave me about a year ago. This Frayed top is casual with just a sprinkle of sexy which I absolutely love.

The Golden Dandelion colour for next week, though... yeah, I'm already a bit terrified about that one.


All the Schtuff Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: elikatira ~ Again in Red 10
Skin: Grixdale/Aura ~ Teagan Melon in Cream
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Teeth: Tuli ~ {arted Lips 3
Nails: Schadenfreude ~ Candy Apple Manicure
Necklace: Lauria ~ Simple Boheme Necklace
Shirt: Aura ~ A Little Frayed Jersey Top in Plum
Pants: SAKIDE ~ Unbuttoned Leather Pants in Black

Pose: evolve

12 Days of Lingerie - Day #12

Even though I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, I just had to sneak in some kissy kissy underwear to finish this challenge off.


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

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Hair: elikatira ~ Abbey in Red 10 *MESH*
Skin: Frick ~ Tango in Blush
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Nails: Schadenfreude ~ Ghost Apple Manicure
Lingerie: SAKIDE ~ Kissable Lingerie Bra & Panties

Pose: Long Awkward Pose
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #11

I have mentioned that I love corsets, right? ;-)


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: elikatira ~ Early in Red 10
Skin: Grixdale ~ Teagan Melon in Cream
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Andromeda Fey Ears
Nails: Schadenfreude ~ Candy Apple Manicure
Hat: Schadenfreude ~ DA The Seven Top Hat
Corset: Arsenic Lace ~ Lace Underbust Corset in Arsenic

Pose: Glitterati
52 Colours II: Folly

Folly

noun, plural -lies for 2–6.

1.
the state or quality of being foolish; lack of understanding or sense.
2.
a foolish action, practice, idea, etc.; absurdity: the folly of performing without a rehearsal.
3.
a costly and foolish undertaking; unwise investment or expenditure.
4.
Architecture . a whimsical or extravagant structure built to serve as a conversation piece, lend interest to a view, commemorate a person or event, etc.: found especially in England in the 18th century.
5.
follies, a theatrical revue.

-----------------------------

The colour & photo for me this week has a great deal of significance in terms of what some things I've been dealing with in SL recently.

Let me explain...

First and probably the most obvious is that I'm generally not a fan of Pink but am a -huge- fan of Red (duh). This shade struck me as quite fascinating since it's basically a rich red with just a slight dab of ruby pink. To many it could go one way or the other as far as your personal choice of palette. This shade grew on me a bit... It's flirtatious and fabulous while also making you think a little bit about the person who's wearing it.

Secondly, yes I've been dealing with a bit of Drama which was partially due to me being an idiot. Folks told me to just drop things and move on... and nope I kept doing it because I wanted to smooth some things over and possibly gain a little closure. Yeah that didn't work out so well. Lesson learned. So that was a bit of folly behaviour, so to speak, which I am willing to get away from now. I've lost a long-time friend & love in the process... but sometimes sacrifices have to be made for your own happiness. The relationship was like a roller coaster on acid, and I needed a little sobering up.

The above two things on my mind are how this photo came into being. While going through the tedious process of picking -just- the right pose for the photo, I came upon this old gift pose from TorridWear. Aptly named Drama, the pose has this "Fuck you, I'm outta here" feel to it which was absolutely perfect for my mood.

Time to stride right into Valentine's Day and the rest of February with my head held high. Time for a Brand New Start...



All the Schtuff Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Truth ~ Tatum in Blood (Wool Hat set to Pink)
Skin: Illusory ~ Paige Vintage Doll in Chai
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Cig: Hello Dave ~ Sculpted Smokes ~ Bored, Medium
Sweater: Boom ~ Oslo Baggy Sweater Dress in Kornor Hot Pink *MESH* (At Collabor88!)
Stockings: League ~ Side Garterd Stockings in Black

Pose: TorridWear
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #10

Geez it's already Day 10 on this whole, "throw on some sexy undies and snap a few pics" thing. Going by fast.

I know my picture yesterday was uber depressing. In fact, the last 3 weeks for me have been uber depressing. Part of it has been me being stupid and emotional. The other part I won't go into on here, but those who've been watching my Plurks know a bit more of the story. I know I've made a few mistakes, but hey we all do. All I can say is that I tried to make some things as painless & peaceful as possible, and instead ended up only making it worse. Shit happens, I guess.

All I can do now is move on and find some of my own peace in SL and maybe a little happiness to go with it.


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: elikatira ~ Charmed in Red 08
Skin: Tuli ~ Eva Shimmer in Fair
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Andromeda Fey Ears
Lingerie: Kyoot ~ Soft Words Lingerie in Soft Blue
Necklace: Collisions ~ Winter Bliss

Pose: Tuli
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #9

Yeah... it's kind of like that right now.


I'd post fashion credits but I just can't today...
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #8

Not much to say today... just lovin' this new mesh hair from elikatira.


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: elikatira ~ Abbey in Red 10 *MESH*
Skin: Tuli ~ Eva, Tone 4 ~ 10 (no longer available)
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Lingerie: Wishbox ~ Crush in Chocolate Raspberry
Heels: Nardcotix ~ Edna Platform Heels in Black

Pose: Long Awkward Pose
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #7


The Dance

I walk down this long path
Watching the harsh breeze
Making the soft grass around me
Move in some macabre dance

I want to dance with the grass
Its beauty so seductive as it
Beckons me slowly... patiently
And yet I know I cannot follow

Yet also linked in synchronicity
With this beguiling pasture
Is a roaring bonfire
With swirling tendrils of flame

The flames and blades of grass
Contort and wave back and forth
In a precarious promenade
With one slowly consuming the other

All I can do is watch
Observe this dangerous ballet
In acquiesce and longing
As this destruction gradually descends

The dancing breeze needs only
To gain enough momentum
So that the grass can be saved
From total destruction

And so I besiege this gust of wind
Please come forth and create
A new dance, which will save
Both the grass and myself...


~ An original poem


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing (Sorry that you can't see the colour for some of these)

-----------------------------

Hair: Truth ~ Bonnie in Blood
Skin: Aura ~ Briar Copper in Cream
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Sauce ~ Winter is Coming
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Wings: Favole ~ Heaven's a Lie
Piercings & Face Tattoo: Haus of Darcy & Nuuna ~ Om Shanti in Razor
Lingerie: SAKIDE ~ Sassy Nightie in Black

Pose: Long Awkward Pose
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #6

I'm a day behind so you all get 2 undies images for the price of one today. ;-)

-----------------------------

I posted not too long ago about the differences in being a Social Chameleon or a Xerox Machine in response to a post Sundevildaddy did explaining why he is also a Social Chameleon.

Seems ironic that Mirari posted just yesterday about the dangers of becoming a Xerox Machine. I have met people like this in both lives. To those who are outside this chosen lifestyle, it seems so strange that someone would want to give up absolutely every part of his or her own self in order to please another person. The result generally ends up like this...


Yeah, Eddie Murphy wasn't too impressed either. :-P


Anyways, it may seem alien to do this, but it does happen. What's even more interesting is the person who enjoys when someone does this for him or her. It becomes a symbiotic master/slave relationship where the master feeds off just how much the slave is willing to sacrifice of him or herself.

As much as I tend to blend and move from one conversation and situation to the next as a Social Chameleon, I can't give up who I am as a person. I will always be Guen underneath and that, my friends, will not change. Besides... one of me is enough for the world to handle to begin with. ;-)


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Wasabi Pills ~ Kiki in Rogue
Skin: Tuli ~ Aubrey, Tone 2 ~ 06
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Horns: Illusions ~ Nivicola Mystica Horns
Faun Bits: Epic ~ Basic Faun Legs in Auburn w/ Black Hooves
Panties: Hoot ~ Pair o' Lace Panties in Floral White

Pose: Glitterati
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #5

I got this idea after speaking with a close friend, Nawti Goodnight. I made a couple of tattoos in her honor this week (they'll be posted later, I promise) and after she mentioned what I'd done to my wifey, Kinu.... Kinu asked if I'd made pinup tats, LOL. As sexy as Nawti is, I wasn't quite thinking "pinup" when I did them.

However it did get me thinking that I could try a Pinup shot for the Lingerie challenge. :-) I think it turned out pretty well.


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: ETD ~ Flapper in Scarlet Red (no longer available)
Skin: Illusory ~ Eva, Tone 04 ~ 05 (older skin before she added lipstick layers)
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Outfit: Icing ~ Anchors Aweigh
Heels: Nardcotix ~ Edna Platform Pumps in White

Pose: Glitterati
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #4

Since I had mentioned Corsets before, I felt it was only right to wear one for the next Lingerie photo. :-)


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Truth ~ Samantha in Blood
Skin: Tuli ~ Eva, Tone 04 ~ 05 (older skin before she added lipstick layers)
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Ears: Schadenfreude ~ Fey Ears
Necklace: Ducknipple ~ Grief Necklace in Red
Corset: Schadenfreude ~ Red Elephant Corset
Pants: SAKIDE ~ Unbuttoned Leather Pants in Black

Pose: Long Awkward Pose
52 Colours II: Alice Blue 1

This week is a colour I actually enjoyed. For starters I had everything in my inventory already for this round which made it a lot easier (and less frustrating). It also gave me a chance to experiment a bit more with the Exodus Viewer and shadowing that I can't get on any other Viewer. The shadow in the top photo is not Photoshopped which I'm actually very proud of. ;-)

The soft blue top I got from Grixdale during one of Tyr's sales a while back but after that I hadn't worn it very often. A real shame since the colour is very soft and subtle... and I'm always a sucker for Bohemian styles like this.

52 Colours II: Alice Blue 2

My general mood is slowly getting better, btw. Had a few moments last night that made me both smile and cry. It's going to be a slow healing process, I think... but as always it'll be worth it.


All the Schtuff Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------
Hair: Exile ~ Josie in Rust (tinted slightly more red)
Skin: Ploom ~ Lea Smoke in Honey
Eyes: A.D.D. Andel ~ Aurora Eyes in Peacock
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Earrings: Collisions ~ Gillian's Anguish
Blouse: Grixdale ~ My Vintage Frock in Sparrow
Jeans: Nomine ~ Rusted Pants in Light Rose
Heels: SAKIDE ~ Croc Pumps in White

Pose: Long Awkward Pose
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #3

Today I was feeling a bit more dark and sultry for the lingerie photo...

I was planning to run by Sn@tch already since Ivey's having another awesome storewide sale on her items this weekend. I saw a set of lace bodysuits on one of the New Release walls (the New Release stuff is not for sale, btw) and knew it would be perfect for a Lingerie pic.

-----------------------------

Luna also offered up a mini Love Challenge to kind of help boost everyone's spirits lately. I think it's a really cute idea and so I'll toss in my own list of what I love in Second Life.


* My wonderful SL family: Some I've met already in RL and others I will definitely meet soon. Each one of these people has enriched both my SL & RL and I cherish every moment.

* With a few exceptions, most of the people I've met in SL have been extremely open minded, loving and absolutely marvelous to hang out with.

* Music: I have learned so much more about different types of music by listening and talking with fellow DJs.

* Corsets: Due to the surgery I had on my ribs, I cannot wear most corsets in RL. So instead I cherish the beauty of corsets and corset making in SL.

* My Store: Simply put, I wouldn't keep creating things in SL if I didn't love it.

* A slow dance with someone special.

* This pic :-)

Burton Sunset


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing Above

-----------------------------

Hair: Truth ~ Evelyn in Blood
Skin: Ploom ~ Lea Smoke in Honey
Eyes: Schadenfreude ~ Merflake Eyes
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Necklace: Rebel Xtravaganza ~ OniGirl Necklace (Free at main store)
Lingerie: Sn@tch ~ Boudouir Lace Bodysuit in Pink

Pose: Diesel Works
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #2

No you're not seeing things. This is my Male Avatar that I sometimes pull out of the mothballs for Promo Shots & Vendor Ads.

I remembered that a while back I bought some boxer shorts for him and thought it would be a nice change to toss those on for this challenge. Why should girls have all the fun? ;-)

I will say that I love, love, LOVE Tableau Vivant's skins for men. They all have absolutely beautiful shading in a wide range of tones. There's also a nice array of facial hair options available separately if prefer. I'm always a sucker for chin curtains, goatees and soul patches myself. ;-)

All the Handsomeness that Boy Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Tiny Bird ~ Winter in Pepper (no longer available)
Skin: Tableau Vivant ~ Vincent in December (bronze tone)
Facial Hair: Tableau Vivant ~ Vincent Beards ~ Chin Curtain
Shades: Freebie
Tattoo: Collisions ~ Lolth's Blessing
Necklace & Bracelet: Sable Rose ~ Men's Coexist Necklace & Leather Wrist Wrap
Boxers: Red Mint ~ Boxers No.07 ~ Side Drop

Pose: Olive Juice
12 Days of Lingerie - Day #1

Okay, okay I got sucked into another Blogger Challenge... but at least this one has a short term commitment to it.

Gogo from JuicyBomb has offered up a new Challenge to wear 12 different pieces of Lingerie from now until Valentine's Day. I figured what the heck since I've actually got a plethora of sexy undies in my Inventory that aren't doing anything except collecting dust.

So anyways above is the first pic... with me wearing one of the first fancy lingerie sets I ever bought. It's a lacy number from Attitudes with probably one of the best pairs of seamed stockings I've ever found. There's just something so seductive about that seam running all the way up the back and over every single curve of a woman's leg.

I've also promised some semi-nekkid pics to someone who stalks my Flickr. ;-) So I guess he'll have a bit of eye candy for the next few days.


All the Pretties Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Wasabi Pills ~ Bambi in Dark Flame *Mesh*
Skin: Grixdale ~ Teagan Cozy in Cream
Eyes: Schadenfreude ~ Merflake Eyes
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Tattoo: Collisions ~ Rapture
Lingerie & Stockings: Attitudes ~ Madeleine in Black & Red (no longer available)

Pose: Glitterati
52 Colours II: Patina

I know I'm super late with this week's shade, and I'm also behind on responding on everyone else's beautiful posts. I also know that my pic is a little more yellowish than the original colour swatch that Luna provided.

I've been in a bit of desolate state since last week, and it's effected just about everything I do. I was actually planning to do a much more upbeat pose with this look, but I just couldn't do it. Looking at how the pic did turn out, I think it expresses a much more honest view of me right now.


All the Schtuff Guen's Wearing

-----------------------------

Hair: Truth ~ Raquel in Blood
Skin: Ploom ~ Lea Smoke in Honey
Freckles: Tuli ~ Freckles (light)
Eyes: Schadenfreude ~ Merflake Eyes
Eyelashes: Ploom ~ Lashes 6
Shirt: The Sea Hole ~ Sequin Sweatshirt in Melon Bar
Necklace: Collisions ~ The Neverending Story

Pose: PDA
Folks who've followed some of products at my store have know me to name the occasional item after a close friend of mine or even dedicate special edition items to someone whom I feel deeply deserves it.

Most recently I named a pair of earrings after a dear friend, Clicquot Oh.

.:CoLLisions:. Clicquot's Peace Earrings

I've known her for a while now, though not as well I probably would like. I'm slowly trying to work on that... but I do appreciate the talks that she and I do have. She's a very sweet person, and yet is still willing to tell ya to STFU when you're acting stupid. LOL

Do check out her Fashion Blog as she blogs everything from Hunts to Clothes to Furniture. She does a really good job with it! :-)