~Catching fireflies in Wisteria Starlite~

One of my few cherished childhood memories is catching fireflies, at twilight, in the field across from my grandparents farm in Maine.  I recall using a mason jar, that we’d poked holes in the lid, and leaping through the tall grass trying to capture what we called lightning bugs and  tinkerbells.  It was heartbreaking to see them die so we always made sure to release them shortly after capture; ensuring they’d grant our wishes and return another night.

I had not thought about the magic of catching firelfies in many years…then I saw the Moonlite and Starlite gowns from ~ghee~…and those enchanting evenings came flooding back.  The ~ghee~ Moonlite and Starlite gowns are actually a two piece ensemble…the Moonlite gowns come in deep rich jewel tones with an off-the-shoulder top and the Starlite gowns feature a racer back top and muted tones.  The moment I slipped into the Starlite Wisteria gown, I knew I had to capture its shimmering beauty surrounded by the quiet elegance of  the Angel Manor Gardens; while chasing firelflies at dusk.  I spent several wonderful hours in the Angel Manor Gardens…shooting the photos for this piece…and reveling in the childhood memories of evenings filled with moonlite, starlite and fireflies.

It’s a great big crazy world out there and life is fleeting…stay captivated! ❤

~X~

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Xiu is also wearing:

Hair:  Analog Dog – b – honey (Coral)

Skin:  Glam Affair  Aria – Asia (previous gacha item)

Hands:  Slink – AVEnhance – Elegant1

Ring:  Lazuri – Celseste Heirloom

Poses:  I used a Manifeste the Art of Posing (on hiatus) pose as my base and altered it using my Animare Hud…so that I could “hold” the firefly jar, from Outdoor Store & Osmosis; which is meant as a table top decor item.

Shot on location at Angel Manor Gardens  

**I used DOF and Phototools Hospital Light windlight….using the sun position slider I was able to capture the shimmer of the materials “satin” feel of the skirt and to pick up the highlights in the hair.  I also used a wearable projector and three point light from the LUMIPro system and adjusted them to create a soft key and fill lighting on the avatar…to prevent loss of detail from uneven windlight shadowing.

***PLEASE NOTE that I am not a mainstream fashion blogger.  My focus is telling a story through a photo…so I DO manipulate my photos.  TRY before you buy. ***

~Change~

It is always around this time of year that I become more reflective.  I start shifting things around the homestead, organizing my desktop, and assessing my avatar for updates.  Usually these updates are minor, but I will admit I look drastically different from my rez day on October 5, 2008.

Yes..this is me…fresh off Welcome Island.  Well, actually, it is about a week out…by this time I had switched out my eyes to these neon aqua ones and attempted my first “editing” project by lengthening the back of my hair. Of course, I thought I looked pretty good, but it didn’t take long to notice that there were better options to change my look.  There have obviously been a multitude of changes in skin and tweaking my shape over the years…but I have always wanted to keep a “Eurasian” look for her.  It hasn’t been easy, and there have definitely been some mis-steps with skins, but I think I’ve finally found a skin that compliments the look I have been working toward.  The Belleza Aiko (Pale) skin looks just stunning on me!

I have absolutely adored Belleza skin for ages…but kinda gave up on it as an option because it never really fit the look I was trying to achieve.  Having said this, the ONLY place I took my husband for skin was Belleza; it is simply flawless on him.

I know Aiko was released a while ago, but, as I said, I had given up on Belleza as a skin option; I don’t think Aiko was around when I stopped trying on the Belleza demos. I am so thrilled that I decided to take a random trip back to see what Tricky Boucher had created lately!  The moment I tried the Aiko demo on…I knew I had finally found THE skin for me…THE skin that took over four years to find!  It is simply the perfect Asian skin…rendered with a deft and talented hand; crafted with an eye for the true nuances that mark the subtle beauty of ethnic skin.  Thank you Mr. Boucher…my husband and I both adore our Belleza skins! <3<3

My outfit today starts with the Amy top and Zoey pants from /erratic/.  I can’t effuse enough about how fabulous this shirt and these pants are!  The shirt has gorgeous draping…with the front loosely tucked in…the back is untucked but lies wonderfully against the pant. It isn’t easy to wear separate mesh pieces and have them “layer” over each other without issues….but this shirt works!  The pants fit like a glove and have a buttery soft texture to them…with attention to even the smallest detail; such as the pull tab and slider on the zippers.

I finished off my look with the gorgeous Sound hair from [e].  Elikatira is having a HUGE retirement sale (HURRY back with your gorgeous newness soon!!).  It isn’t easy trying to get into the store right now…but WELL worth it…so RUN!!!  My necklace is part of the latest release set, **Attar**, from +:+WTG+:+; found at the new round of Limited Bazaar.  My Bracelet is part of the Harvest set from CHOP ZUEY COUTURE JEWELLRY, the Agam ring (no longer available), on my right hand, is from *TWISHEE*, and my adorable Beagle, named Bagel, is part of the Z Bag from ZOOBY’S.

Other Ephemera

Eyes:      Ikon

Eyeliner:     LpD

Prim Eyelashes:  *REDGRAVE* 

Mesh Eyelashes:  ::BB::

Beauty Marks:  [:T:]

Curved Wedges (Black):     [RA] RunAway

Hands:     Slink

Poses:     aDORKable Poses

Shot at my private studio using Scarlet Creative For William Weaver Art Gallery build using Lumipro lighting.

*Please also note that I am NOT a mainstream fashion blogger and I DO edit my pictures…please try demos before purchasing items.

~Zenshi puts the zen back into your SL~

“Welcome to Zenshi Heights! The first and only residential community centered around high fashion, style and design. Conceptualized by
Zzoie Zee, CEO of Zanze Enterprises, and Rusch Raymaker, CEO of Avenue, and custom designed by esteemed architect Colpo Wexler, the
unique modern architecture and minimalist zen influenced interior design of Zenshi Towers and its neighboring Townhouses, Homes, and
Private Estates hold a unique appeal to those involved with and interested in the fashion community. Ideally located next to the
luxury Zenshi Shopping District and top modeling agency Avenue, Zenshi Heights is second to none in quality, comfort, convenience,
and, most importantly, style.”  (*excerpt from the rental information notecard for Zenshi Heights)

If you’ve never been to Avenue or haven’t visited lately…you are in for a wonderful experience.  The six sims, that collectively comprise Zenshi, feature the breathtaking designs of Colpo Wexler from Digital Cult Lifestyle.  His eye for a clean aesthetic, highlighted with arresting symmetry, truly reflects the zen feel the Zenshi founders were looking for.
If you are a die hard fashionista, model, fashion blogger or just live to shop…you won’t be disappointed.  In addition to Zenshi being the home of the preeminent fashion magazine, Avenue, there are stores from SL’s cutting edge designers; to cater to your every fashion desire.

Even if you you are not fashion oriented, there are many other amenities to enjoy at Zenshi.  The architectural design and minimalist zen landscaping are a treat for those who love to explore, sit for a quiet chat with a friend or capture beautiful photographs.  It truly is a place that invites one to slow down and enjoy your visit.

You will find yourself returning to Zenshi so often that you just want to stay.  You are in luck.   Head on over to the ZanzE Estates~HQ to pick up the information packet and tenant application; to become a resident.  ZanzE offers several different types of accommodations for eclectic tastes.  Choose an apartment in the Towers with stunning views, a Townhouse, individual Home or your own private Estate.  Bring your prims…Zenshi will provide the privacy.
Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that you are living in a premier location, surrounded by stunning visual beauty…with upscale shopping just steps away.  Attention to detail is the hallmark of Zenshi and ZenzE Estates.  Forget the hassle of teleporting to each of your favorite stores and then back home again.  Invite a friend, go shopping, wander the peaceful landscape, enjoy a relaxed afternoon and then stroll back home.

Zenshi 2 on Vimeo

~What are you waiting for…if you were there…you’d be home by now~

~Reflection~

Because I am in a reflective mood…

Evening

This evening

of solitude

sand softly relents

to my thought filled tread

recalling

one soul yielding to another

High moon cradled

in the trailing vapor

of a warm summer day

soft mist

caressing my skin

memories of fingertips

tracing lazy love patterns

distant sound of ships

calling to one another

voices in the dark

leaning in

whispering

catching the breath

the calm

surface

of the vast expanse

inviting

reflection

one gaze mirroring the other

air laden with

the brine of

life

evocative
of

the salt

of skin

a solitary shadow

ahead

familiar form

still quickens

the pulse

an invitation

to another

evening

Details

Skin:     Glam Affair -Jadis- Natural Clean(a)

Eyes:  [Curio] Tragic Eyes – Fatpack (Purples and Blues) Watercolor Shine Large

Prim Eyelashes:  *REDGRAVE* Eyelashes- 11-Showgirl

Mesh Eyelashes:  ::BB:: (Beetlebones) Mesh Lashes V.01 (SLEB Black)

Beauty Marks:  [:T:] Beauty Marks tattoo layers (layer option 2) [:Tuli:]

Pose:  *Marxi* Pose Sphere (a personal gift from a cherished friend…many many moons ago…thank you Bunneh <3)

Shot on location at a previous home

~Snowy Evening~

I was born and raised in New England, I love lobster, chowder, the beauty of the changing seasons and the small towns of coastal Maine.  My residence of the past four years is in a city situated in the northwest corner of South Carolina.  Not only am I terribly homesick for the coast of Maine…I am also very much missing the snow.  As I sit by the open window, with the temperature nearly 70,  all I can think about is taking a lovely walk in the evening; with snow softly falling around me.

Come September, I shall be moving even further from my beloved Maine.  My husband and I will be traveling back to Tennessee; to be closer to our family.  So, for now, my longing to take a walk through the snow at twilight is only a click away…on the many beautifully landscaped sims of SL.  Tonight, I strolled around the gorgeous sims of Winterfell.  An enchanting place to wander and enjoy quiet reflection.

I leave you with the words of the inimitable Robert Frost.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

The Details

Clothing:

Black Fur Bolero and Hat:    Eshi Otawara

Poet Shirt II (Black:)     ~Sassy!~

Memoire’ Pencil Skirt (Pearl/Black):     Indyra Originals

Curved Wedges (Black):     [RA] RunAway

Midnight Sheer back seam Stockings:  -CG- ChronoSlap Galaxy

Accessories:

Tabula Rasa Necklace and Earrings:    CHOP ZUEY COUTURE JEWELLERY

Kismet Wedding Set:     CHOP ZUEY COUTURE JEWELLERY

Hapa Bangles (Bronze):     Indyra Originals

Avatar:

Skin:     Glam Affair -Jadis- Natural 09(a)

Eyes:     Ikon Eternal Eyes (Black/Large)

Hair:     booN DES423 Hair Black with booN Black Hairbase

Hands:     Slink Mesh rigged hands Elegant.

Eyeliner:     LpD  Prim Eyeliner (black)

Prim Eyelashes:  *REDGRAVE* Eyelashes- 11-Showgirl

Mesh Eyelashes:  ::BB:: (Beetlebones) Mesh Lashes V.01 (SLEB Black)

Beauty Marks:  [:T:] Beauty Marks tattoo layers (layer option 2) [:Tuli:]

Poses:     aDORKable Poses Sleek Dork Pack

Shot on location at Winterfell, Anodyne using LumiPro V3.2 and edited using PicMonkey (Royal Pack Edition).

While I was away…

I know it has been over a month since I last posted and I could give at least a dozen reasons why…a few of them valid…others just excuses.  My primary reason for taking a break was that my brand new graphics card decided not to play nice with SL and it was becoming frustrating to take high rez shots.  I allowed this, and a few personal health issues, to serve as a reason to take a break from SL, photography and my blog. I enjoyed my Holiday month with my new husband (he took a break from SL with me); while we relaxed and rejuvenated.

While I was away, I thought a lot about the direction of my blog.  I never wanted a “fashion” blog and yet I was starting to blur the lines between focusing on the photography and pressuring myself to do more fashion oriented pieces.  I absolutely adore SL fashion as well as all the fashion feeds and blogs I follow. I just don’t feel I can add anymore than what these other wonderful blogs already contribute to the SL fashion scene.  So, I have decided to come back and focus on my original reason for establishing this blog….to work on photography, ramble on about life (SL & FL) and post about the amazing art, builds and work coming from the incredible pool of talented, hardworking creators in SL.

The pic I am posting today reflects some of the things I am intensely interested in studying further through my photographic journey in SL…dance, movement and line.  It is an old pic that I shot months ago when I first started to seriously learn more about taking and manipulating photographs in SL.  I have studied many forms of dance, from ballet to flamenco, throughout my life and now I want to try to capture more of it through the SL lens.  I’ll let this be the first step on that journey…

I’ll still give credit to the incredibly talented creators whose clothing, accessories, furniture and builds I choose for each shot; after all I can’t be naked in EVERY photograph!

Happy New Year to each of you…may your choices bring you laughter, love and joy.  Life is fleeting…stay captivated!

The Details

Skin:  Glam Affair -Jadis- Natural

Feet:  SLink Ashia Pointe Ballet Pewter (Includes ballet pose used in shot)

Shot on location at Pravda

Me and my Zibska shadow…

I just scored this fabulous Plaisance dress from Zibska~Jewelry, Roots & Couture!  It was really tough to decide which outfit to purchase, because Zibska has some really creative…or, as she aptly describes it, punk nouveau designs.

I absolutely love the geometric, three dimensional, hollow boxes with their gray scale harlequin design.  It makes me think…art and fashion meet science…just brilliant!  (click through the pics to see the detail of the dress)

I chose to accessorize the dress with the ethereal Glam Affair Roza Unamed skin, the fashion forward Just Design Mesh Creations Deviant Shoes, Tuty’s LIMBO Short Wet Hairstyle, and Mime Eyes from Dirty Cute-Ugly Duck (store is empty and eyes not currently available).

William Weaver’s build 002 served as a perfect backdrop for the shoot and The Apple Spice Fighting Gravity Poses from Apple Spice, cStar Limited and AnTi-Social highlight the fabulous quirkiness of this dress.
I’ve been visiting the Lumipro blogspot to learn more about how to get the best usage out of my Lumipro HUD from Stefan Buscaylet.  So, on this shoot, I kept fiddling with the lights and found a way to make the shadows pop and become part of the focal point of the pics.

I know they aren’t perfect and I broke the rules…but I had a blast composing and taking the pics. My biggest disappointment with them is knowing how much I really need to learn more about using layering/masks so that I can get a better color balance to the pics.  The skin is wayyyy to bright here…despite adjusting the intensity, fall off, radius and color of the Lumipro lamp.

It’s all part of the journey and staying captivated.

The Other Details

Hands:     Slink Mesh rigged hands Elegant.

Eyeliner:     LpD  Prim Eyeliner (black)

Prim Eyelashes:  *REDGRAVE* Eyelashes- 11-Showgirl

Mesh Eyelashes:  ::BB:: (Beetlebones) Mesh Lashes V.01 (SLEB Black)

Beauty Marks:  [:T:] Beauty Marks tattoo layers (layer option 2) [:Tuli:]

Teeth:     PXL creations [ PXL ] OpenMouth PRO with HUD

Lips:     .:Glamorize:. Rival Black Combo Makeup