GEORGIE GIRL

Well the hair makes me think of Boy George.

(Indulge me while I think about the eighties. Not exactly Pat Benatar or Heart, not exactly John Cougar Mellencamp before he quietly abandoned his Cougar, more of a flashy Boy George or Stray-Cat-Strut kinda eighties. Fun!)

Admiring my Pony Earrings?

This guitar includes a HUD that lets you control several strums and stances to let you get your Rock on. This version was a gift in the Hunting9 hunt, but Kumaki is rapidly turning into a rockers' dream with guitars and gorgeous drum kits.

Guitar: Kumaki Glasses Style “K_gs MTG/hunting9 version” (guitar/animations/HUD)
Tattoo Sleeves: KatatOnik “(light) Sakura Storm Tattoo Sleeve 2”
Jacket: Touche “Ski Bunny Parka”
Shirt: Tyranny Designs “Find Me in the Rain”
Leggings: Ducknipple “Foul Purple” (on underwear layer)
Socks: Zenith “Star Socks” (gift)
Shoes: Creativ Design “Free Graffiti Sneakers” (free on XStreet)
Earrings: Mauve’s “MB’s Punk Pony Earrings” (DSN sample)
Hair: Posh “Zombielicious” (Zombie Popcorn Hunt gift)
Hair Braids: Exile “Laya Braid Attachment/ violetdawn”
Skin: Garage “Cyber Punk skin ton-3 mk-2”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Photo Studio: N30

Love,
Serene

WITCHIONISTA

Forget what you think you know.

A successful enchantress does not sit at home over a pot of herbs.

She has a image to create. When it is time to commit sorcery, her reputation and charisma have already done most of the work.

Hair: Lamb “Witch”
Mask: Illusions “Goblin Mask” (Halloween Ball exclusive, unavailable)
Ring: Elate! “Square Stone Ring – Jade”
Shoes: Kookie “Nudes”
Jacket/Necklace: Baiastice “Bigbolero & Waspie Necklace” (gift)
Bodysuit: Baiastice “Macrame body suit”
Skirt: LeeZu “Nell Skirt” and “Monokini” (mixed sculpted attachments)
Pants: silentsparrow “(serene) grimly skirt shorties”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Moonbeam [Light] Elf” (gift)
Poses: ImpEle, Long Awkward Pose, Lost Angel Poses
Photo Studio: N30

Love,
Serene

THE LIBRARIAN

I have to say, the basic avatars have come a long way since I started in Second Life. Do you remember the female avatar with the purple shirt and jeans? Yeah, she is what you started with before today's intro avatar. But I heard that today's Library folder actually contains some nicer things, so I went poking around. The usual Noob avatar today wears a basic pink polka dot dress, but once you log into Second Life there are several other starter avatars and outfits. Most of the starter avatars are pretty basic, though interestingly they have added a non-human one from Grendel's Children. But there are some outfits and accesssories in there that are more promising ...

I found some very respectable skins and clothes in the Library. There are still a couple of pretty ugly skins in there, but a few nicer ones too. I found three nice pairs of boots like this one, and I found the leather jacket in red as well as in black. I ran across a decent purse too. The hair was not what I would call top rack, but still a cut above what you typically find at a freebie place, and infinitely better that system hair. Remember system hair? Yeesh.

I think that whoever made the decision what to include in the Library did a pretty good job of balancing the needs of the Noobs against those of the Designers (who ultimately pay the rent around here). Looking back I think I might have been more willing to spend money on nicer clothing if I had even been aware of the higher quality of goods available. I was not aware of the existence of fashion blogs or feeds and I didn't know where to go for the good stuff. The Library contains enough nice things to whet your appetite for something better, but mostly does not give such nice things that people don't need to spend money anymore. For example, there are a few fairly nice skins, but they have a built-in body suit that will show under midriff-baring or lowcut fashions, and rule out "romantic" activities. There are decent jeans included, but they are only on the Underwear Layer, not the Pants Layer. The nicest purse I found does not contain a holding animation. Still, a good place to start.

Skin: Female Party Skin
Hair: Female Rocker Hair
Jacket: Female Rocker Jacket
Shirt: Female Rocker Tank
Pants: Female Designer Capri Pants
Boots: Female Goth Boots
Glasses: Sunglasses 1
Noob Photo: makeuseof.com (the only decent one I could find!)

Love,
Serene

E.L.F. RECRUITER

You might think she is a wannabe except for her ears. Rough notches look like they have been taken out of each ear, with a tool that wasn't very sharp. They're still healing.

Still, no weapons. At least not that you can see. Unless you count lace as a weapon.

She strolls the street talking to herself a little.

"They call me a radical, an anarchist, a whack job. The E.L.F.s cannot accept this way of living. ... Can you believe it? Here is all that is left of my woods!!"

(About the Hair! I cannot recommend enough that you go try on a demo of this hairpiece. Two of my hair wishes found a solution in this one hairpiece. ...

First, I wanted hair that is wearable under hats. This hair does not cover the top of your head but it's not intended to be worn without a hat. In the past I have enlarged hats to fit over various hairdos, but that never really looks right. I have also worn short men's hair under hats but wished for something more feminine. This style is actually much cuter in three dimensions than I could easily show in a snapshot.

Second, I wanted hair that is designed around my pointed fae-elf ears. Typically hair is designed to lay flat over human ears. This hair parts around each ear, with most of the hair behind and a couple of bits of hair curving appropriately around the front of each ear. Often I have to do lots of editing to fit hair so that it does not poke through my ears. Again, you really will see what I mean better if you go try on a demo. I also like having some hair in front of each ear to cover the juncture between the ear and the face, which never blends perfectly no matter how good a job you do matching the color.)

Hat: End “corduroy castro hat”
Neckscarf: Tonktastic“Shemagh Scarf 2”
Shirt: The Plastik “Tomboy Tee Reverb”
Belt: WinkL “Belt Chain”
Shorts: Ducknipple “Shorts.jeans blue dirteh”
Undies: Angel Dessous “Provocateur”
Boots: Miel “Hai Boots”
Ears: Scribble “Pointy Ears Notched”
Hairpiece: booN “COC073”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Skin: PXL Creations “Luthien Blue”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Location: Primitive City

Love,
Serene

PICK-A-NICK

I ran across this sweet little picnic basket and stopped to think what a great idea that was. So I put down my book and hung my glasses on my necklace.

Hmm today is Saturday maybe I should dig the picnic basket out of my garage. The basket got me back in the mood for floaty spring clothes and a dose of cuteness.


Shirt: Atomic “Frilled – Dirt” (hmm wouldn’t this color sell better if they called it chocolate?)
Skirt: MNK*Shop Nikukyu “Chiffon_dotskirt(beige)”
Necklace/Glasses: SiSSi “Where are my Glasses” (colorchange everything)
Bag: Picnic “Picnic Basket”
Earrings: Donna Flora “Poison Drops” (old gift)
Shoes: Scribble “Candy Flats Butterscotch”
Hair: booN “BIC128” (L$80 on sale)
Skin: TikTok “Lola Tan Blush”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Photo Studio: by N30

About this hair: it's fabulous for photos but the long bits cut into my shoulders in a lot of poses. But hey I am a can-do kind of girl, so I made another copy of the hair and modified it to make all those long bits on the shoulders shorter, for everyday wear. Love it. <3

Love,
Serene

MASTER OF UNDERDARK

The raving crowd pushes me through the doors of the church but I am relieved and grateful that I might find help ... I should have known better. Staring at the strange idol I begin to feel peculiar. My stomach clenches and I feel cold and sweaty.

I don't know how much time has passed. I don't remember feeling sick but just waking on the rough floor. I still feel ... outside of myself. Someone is whispering?

I accept you ...

you are my slave ...

serve me and live ...

With a mad laugh I salute my new master. The sun is going down.

For the next couple of days the second Black Bacchanal is visiting at the Hollow Earth sim, hosted by Tekeli-li, and its theme is H.P. Lovecraft and the World of Cthulthu. *shivers* I hope you like the dark. :P Tekeli-li Tantalus has crafted a creepy and beautiful little city hidden beneath the store. Enjoy!

Weaponry: Tekeli-li “Cultist’s Ritual Painblades”, (Bacchanal exclusive, L$31)
Jacket: Blue Blood “Cosa Ocre” (part of Bacchanal exclusive outfit, L$113)
Skirt and Armwarmers: Blue Blood “Call Gold” (part of Bacchanal exclusive gacha, L$13)
Boots: House of Curios “Noir Boots”
Hair: booN “KUM236” (L$80 on sale)
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Skin: YS & YS “Emma Milk”
Poses: by Dorcas Poses, ImpEle and Long Awkward Pose
Location: Hollow Earth Barony

Love,
Serene

BLACKBIRD

The willow it weeps today
A breeze from the distance is calling your name
Unfurl your black wings and wait ...

Blackbird fly away
May you never be broken again

I hope you find your way.

When I saw this jacket, the jeweled eyes on the bodice made me think of birds and Max Ernst. I like this outfit better in motion because the skirt is flowy and floaty.

Jacket: LeeZu “Noir Van Elisabeta Jacket”
Shirt: Vita’s Boudoir “Lace Jumpsuit” (shirt layer)
Undershirt: homemade (a pink layer I tinted to match the jacket)
Skirt: Bare Rose “Allura Black” (tinted part of outfit)
Collar: Hat Mechanic “Pitch Black” (comes with goggles not shown)
Wings: Scribble “Nevermore Wings”
Stockings: Vita’s Boudoir “Lace Jumpsuit” (socks and underwear layers)
Shoes: Coco “Ankle Wrap Wedges” (Summer 2009 CSR, unavailable)
Hair: booN “HNB582” (L$80 sale through May 17)
Skin: YS&YS “Barbara TDR SummerTime” with hairbase (at the Dressing Room)
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Photo Studio: by N30
Lyrics: Alter Bridge

Love,
Serene

PUNKY IN PURPLE

Pretty in pink? No ... But how about Punky in Purple?

The hemline on this gown reminded me of the 80's, Molly Ringwald, and Boy George, and so you have this outfit that is a little bit punky. I considered hightop sneakers and legwarmers, but found these pumps instead ...

I wish I'd worn THIS to prom. *grins*

Jacket: R.icelli “Misseiling Jacket Violet” (this week at the Dressing Room)
Gown: Phoenix Rising Willamina’s Tease”
Bodice: Boudoir “Lace Bodice” (from Lace Jumpsuit)
Scarf: Ibizarre “Lace Scarf”
Shoes: Maitreya “SoHo Boots”
Hair: Exile “Laya” (with separate braid attachment)
Skin: Garage “Cyber Punk skin ton-3 mk-5”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Photostudio: by N30

Love,
Serene

I LOVE SATURDAY MORNING

If you aren't familiar with booN, they make aMAZing top quality hair. Some cute, some trendy, some edgy, and some really great "ethnic" hair like dreads. Don't miss!

Love,
Serene

p.s. I bought several hairs, you might be seeing them over the next week or so. *cough*

BACK AT THE SUBWAY

That boy is late again. I feel like I spend my life waiting.

Maybe ... he isn't coming.

Glasses: Glow Studio “Shutter Shades” (unavailable)
Skin: Glam Affair “Sofia Tan Skin” (at The Dressing Room 70L)
Jewelry: Garage “Coins”
Jacket: DeLa “Short Jacket Bette”
Shirt: Cupcakes “Lacy Tank Top”
Pants: Coco “Shiny Leggings” (group gift in store)
Boots: J’s “Ankle Boots Square”
Hair: Cake “Dakota”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Poses: Long Awkward Pose
Location: Trilogy at Combeynot

Love,
Serene

BEACHBUMMIN

Nothing schmancy, just this year's beachwear. I love this suit. The bum ruffles remind me of the ruffle underpants I had when I was little. You remember those?

This happily sloppy man's shirt is comfy and will keep me from getting too much sunburn.

Have you seen my book?

Shirt: Mr. Poet “Off Shoulder Shirt” (also includes tanktop not shown)
Swimsuit: Surf Couture “Seaside One Piece – Purple”
Glasses: Deco “Soviet Sleeper Glasses Green” (at Trilogy on Combeynot)
Shoes: YS & YS Raimbow Shoes Bianca (texture change, from the Dressing Room)
Skin: PXL Creations “Luthien Blue”
Hair: booN “ZGO223”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Poses: by Dismorph, Long Awkward Pose, Penny Dreadful Arcade (unavailable)
Photostudio: by N30

Love,
Serene

p.s. I did need to modify the prims on the shirt a good bit, because it was shaped to fit men, but it wasn't too hard. Apart from just the size, I tilted the bottom edges of the shirt-tails outward a little to keep them from cutting into my hips. Not too difficult.

MY LADY AT DUSK

"Dreams in the dusk,
Only dreams closing the day ...

... And with the day’s close going back
To the gray things, the dark things,
The far, deep things of dreamland. ...

... Dreams, only dreams in the dusk,
Only the old remembered pictures
Of lost days when the day’s loss
Wrote in tears the heart’s loss. ...

... Tears and loss and broken dreams
May find your heart at dusk."

Come dance with me!
Dance and forget!
She whispered inviting.

And after night dancing,
in the cold dawning,
away she went silent
to sleep.

Outfit: Bare Rose “Forest Elf” and Pants from “Forest Elf Boy” (more pieces in three colors, an unscripted staff, and elfy ears not shown)
Hairstick: Tekeli-li “Crystalled Hairsticks” (with color change HUD)
Hair: lamb “Ambrosia – Obsidian”
Ears/Earrings: Schadenfreude “Fey Ears” (with texture change HUD)
Skin: PXL “Luthien Blue Tattoo” (each makeup includes tattoo and no tattoo versions)
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Animazoo and Long Awkward Pose
Location: Oubliette
Poetry: Dreams in the Dusk by Carl Sandburg

Love,
Serene

A SPRING MORNING WALK

It's still pretty nippy even if it's supposed to be spring. Better wear a scarf and thick socks.

Always remember, no matter how hard the climb, it's worth it if you get to the top. Great view! (I mean the sea, but yes my butt looks nice in these shorts too.)

But if it's gonna be a hard climb, wear some tough shoes.

(Wearing this belt again to show you another color option.)

On a whim, I decided to go back to my roots a little and show you some sweet ears I bought recently. I have several sets I love already, but I fell in love with these 'cause they came with the earrings built in. The gems look like little berries, but up close they are faceted and the metal settings are more interesting than simple rings. And I love this hair but prefer it with a hairbase skin to soften the edges around my face.

Scarf: Mr. Poet “Wide Scarf” (gift, texture change)
Sweater: Ibizarre Cardigan (unavailable)
Shorts: Ducknipple “Hobbs”
Belt: Blitzed “Plugged Belt” (texture change with HUD)
Boots: Hoorenbeek “Military Boots – Loose”
Socks: Acid and Mala “Urban Tube Socks” (gacha)
Ears/Earrings: Plastik “Animalistic Elven Ears Frozen”
Hair: booN “TOM245”
Skin: Your Skin & Your Shape “Stella Cute Skin” (the Dressing Room, unavailable)
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Poses: Animazoo and Long Awkward Pose
Location: Empress and Hierophant

Love,
Serene

p.s. Yes I was playing with Torley's Windlight settings.