And yet another one.

So today was my birthday. I wasn’t really looking forward to it. I know. Me, the girl who loves birthdays to the point of needing to celebrate twice in a month. But when you lose someone close to you, you always think random, little thoughts. “She would have been this old this year. I just turned this age and when she was this age…” Etc, etc.

I turned older than my sister this year. I mean, technically, I reached that milestone last November. But our numbers were the same and I could just NOT think about it. Now I’m older than she ever will be. In some ways, it feels like I reached a goal. I don’t know why, but it does. In other ways, it just makes me sad. She’d probably laugh. Finally the baby sister is old. That gives me a minor amount of comfort. But the whole thing has felt very weird to me and I’ve been extremely off kilter the past week or so. Sad. Angry. I’ve cried a lot. I’ve snapped at people who have done nothing to me. In a big way, it’s a relief that the day is almost over because I can move on from it.

My online friends, though… God, what would I do without them? What would I do without these people that call me family? They have been amazing. I’ve been surprised with all kinds of things, AND they are throwing me a party on Saturday night!! I’m so lucky and blessed to have them.

So I was going to show you guys pictures of the decorations in my house that the family put up. And I was going to show you pictures of our Bumblebee meeting tonight. But I actually got inspired! This is a picture I’ve been wanting to do FOREVER. Almost 3 years, which is like forever in SL! *laughs* But I couldn’t find all the pieces and of course my skills aren’t awesome. But I’m really happy that I was able to finally do it because I love this song and I find myself humming it a lot when I’m in SL.

Smiling out loud
Sailing through clouds
Life is so new
And all I know is that I’m drifting towards you

So don’t get in the way
I want this feeling to stay
Just let me keep falling, falling

So don’t catch me now
I just wanna keep on falling somehow
So don’t stop me now
I just wanna keep this going somehow
Keep on falling

Day 273 – Fotografia

I’ve been trying to learn more with Photoshop lately. Berry had a really awesome tutorial in her blog using the dodge & burn tools, and so I sat around today playing with those tools. Of course, then I was unhappy with everything and ended up putting an “antique photo” filter over the whole deal. But it’s not terrible.

Ugh. I’m suddenly really sleepy. So much for writing in my other blog tonight. But here’s a song I really like. It’s in Spanish, and I don’t feel like translating, but it’s pretty. 🙂

Day 268 – Line of beauty…and a green thing

I was invited tonight to go hear some live music. You all know that I’m not really into live music in SL [although I adore going to see live bands locally], but it was different than what I’m normally used to, so I had a lot of fun. And I got to dance with some of the prettiest girls in SL! 🙂

I hit the gym earlier today for the first time in almost 2 months, so I’m sore sore sore. I think it’s bedtime.

Day 186 – Sometimes live music makes me cranky

I have to admit, I’ve never been a HUGE fan of live music in SL. Oh, I have a few artists that I enjoy, but I can count them on one hand. It’s not usually the music that gets me. It’s the people who attend the shows. So really, it’s rare that I venture out to concerts and I’ve been like that for a while. Now that I’m with someone who does enjoy live music in SL, we’ve gone to a few concerts in the past few days. [Wait till all the fashion shows start up again. Payback shall be sweet.] Tonight we hit up a country place where a guy was actually a pretty terrific singer. His followers, however…

Every person back there was muted. I could not enjoy the music AT ALL until I muted the entire crowd because there were SO. MANY. DAMN. GESTURES. Is it simply impossible to enjoy a show without blasting a 20 line gesture 5 times in a row? Am I missing something in that I want to just dance and listen to the music without hearing “HOOOOO!” and “ROAARRRRR” and “I LOVE THIS TUNNNNEEEE” 137 times in less than 10 minutes?

Of course, once I had them all muted, I started looking around.

Hola, skankola.

I don’t care how much I love someone, I would NEVER agree to wear a matching tragedy.

These folks look like they’re lost.

The music itself? Excellent. He was a pretty great singer, awesome voice. But the people. Oh, the people.

We attempted another show for someone else later, but I kept hearing a “ding! ding! ding!” in my ears. I thought I was going nuts [shut up], but nope.

He was NOT part of the band.

We decided going home was our best course of action.

I might just be cranky because I’m tired, but goodness. What a night.

Day 185 – Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys

I’m writing this blogpost while on location. We’re out listening to Colt Arun, a live singer in SL who does country music. I’m a Texas girl, and I used to hit the country bars a LOT in my 20s, and he sounds a lot like the house band singers I used to listen to. Not bad at all.

Of course, Eva almost got in a fight with some girl who had toilet paper stuck to her behind. But it’s just not a complete country evening until someone gets smacked.

Day 147 – Inspired

I’ve been pretty blessed to get to know so many wonderful artists [that’s what I think of most of my creator friends are] in Second Life. What always amazes me is where they find their inspiration from. One finds it from nature, another from films, another from music, so on and so forth.

Most of my inspiration for SL photos comes from others, either because of a mood they have put me in, or in items they have created. When my friend Gauge gave me this mirror, an image popped into my head. I knew the outfit and the hair and skybox I wanted to use. And as I was beginning to prepare for the photo, I had my music on shuffle and “I Am Ready For Love” by India.Arie came on. [Yes, I totally had to get the song after hearing it on American Idol. Don’t hate.] After that…the photo came easily.

If you give me half a chance
I’ll prove this to you
I will be patient, kind, faithful and true
To a man who loves music
A man who loves art
Respects the spirit world
And thinks with his heart

I am ready for love
If you’ll take me in your hands
I will learn what you teach
And do the best that I can

I am ready for love
Here with an offering of
My voice
My eyes
My soul
My mind

Tell me what is enough
To prove I am ready for love

And no no, I’m not emo or heartbroken or in love or anything of the sort. 🙂 Well, I am a little sad. I had to clean off a parcel today and….well, you know. But mostly this photo is just one that kind of formed in my head.

Is the photo too big? lol See, I’ve been having issues with this lately. My blog isn’t on any feeds, so I don’t feel like I need to conform to prescribed widths like I do over in the style blog. But I don’t want it to be all crazy either.

I really hate that I don’t start fully waking up until this time. [It’s just about 7 in my neck of the woods]. I seriously think I’m living in my own time zone. But, hey, that’s ok. That is OH-KAY.

Hm. I think I’ll go find someone to bother now.

Day 137 – Only Hope

Not too much to talk about today. Well, that’s not true. There’s probably tons I could say! But I’m choosing to keep my thoughts and opinions to myself for the moment. Not for any other reason than the fact that I can. 🙂 Oh, and because some people are whiny and if I said what I thought, they’d get more whiny, and Dios mio, who wants to see that?

Sometimes songs get in my head while I’m doing photos [No, not The Jeffersons theme song this time!!!] and today I was doing this picture and the song “Only Hope” by Switchfoot popped into my head. I haven’t heard it in ages, but it’s always been one of my favorites. 🙂

Sing to me the song of the stars.
Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again.
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.

I suppose it’s time to tuck my pretty black & white skybox away and go to bed. Saturdays are my busy days during the daytime, and I need my sleep.

Sehra’s Rezday Party

We did a rezday party [a day late] for our own little Sehra tonight. It was held at Sacred and Sophia & Sky DJed 80s hair bands. The music was awesome and everyone had a load of fun!! I laughed so hard, I got hiccups and that hasn’t happened in ages. 🙂 Of course I took a LOTTTTT of pics. If I didn’t get your picture, I’m so sorry! I tried to get everyone but I know I missed a few. 😦 And forgive me for not linking up everyone’s blogs and stuff. It’s late. LOL

Rezday Girl

Aisuru striking a pose.

We weren’t supposed to make fun of Pumpkin…so…I’m not. :-p

I think I’m doing the robot, with Nikki behind me.

Ok yeah, I’m making fun of Pumpkin a little bit now.

Aisu, me and Sophia on some bouncy things.

Sophia before she got barefoot.

Bone went AFK. Mistake!

Gogo & Laleeta came too!

Elora and Merrick dancing away.

The gorgeous Nikki in her new shape. She looks amazing! Not that she didn’t always before, but she’s an updated Nikki!

Calabaza and her date, Lola. LOL ❤

Nikki, me, and Sophia dancing like 80s groupies.

Sophia & Sky were trying to have a romantic dance. I wouldn’t let them. LMAO

Big thanks to Sky & Sophia for hosting & DJing the party. I hope you had a great party, Sehra!!!

She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy

I was procrastinating on finishing up my laundry and I was looking on one of the billion networking sites I’m on when a friend of mine posted this meme thing. I thought it looked fun. So do it if you want it – and don’t judge my music library!! LMAO!

_____________________________________________

What does your music library say about you?

*Put Your iTunes, winamp, mp3 player or whatever on SHUFFLE
*For each question, press the next button to get your answer (no cheating!!)
*You must write down song/artist even if it doesn’t make sense
*Include any comments in parenthesis
*Post into a NOTE with #25 as your Title

1. What do your friends say about you?
Landslide – Dixie Chicks

2. How would your coworkers describe you?
Hurts So Good – John Cougar Mellencamp [Um, that doesn’t sound right.]

3. How would you describe yourself?
Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon – Neil Diamond [Oh for pete’s sake.]

4. What do you like in a romantic partner?
Where Are You Now – Britney Spears [I’m dying laughing at this point.]

5. How do you feel today?
The Girl Gets Around – Sammy Hagar [Sigh.]

6. What is your life’s purpose?
Kiss The Rain – Billie Myers

7. What is your motto?
Lose Control – Missy Elliott [LMAO]

8. What do you think about the most?
God Is A DJ – Pink

9. What are you going to do on your next vacation?
Trip Like I Do – The Crystal Method

10. What do you think of your first love/date?
Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye – Charlie Daniels [I need new music.]

11. What is your life story?
Lately – Stevie Wonder

12. What did you do yesterday?
Jump Jump – Criss Cross [I did jump jump a little…]

13. What do you think of when you see the person you like/love?
I’ve Done Everything For You – Rick Springfield [still laughing!]

14. What describes your wedding?
Champagne High – Sister Hazel [if i ever get married, you better believe I’ll be on a champagne high.]

15. What will they play at your funeral?
I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones [Haaaaa!!!]

16. What is your obsession?
Baby Got Back – Sir Mix A Lot [Oh my god, I should just stop here.]

17. What is your biggest fear?
Ticks – Brad Paisley [But I’m glad I didn’t stop, because I’m rolling now!!]

18. What is your biggest secret?
Gotta Go My Own Way – High School Musical 2 [The fact this song is in my music library should be my biggest secret!! Good grief.]

19. What is your biggest turn-on?
I Want You To Want Me – Cheap Trick

20. How do you describe your friends?
Gettin’ Jiggy With It – Will Smith [Some of them…yes. LOL]

21. What would you do with a million dollars?
I’m Sticking With You – The Velvet Underground

22. What is your opinion of sex?
Don’t Speak – No Doubt [*snickers*]

23. What is your biggest regret?
Hey Jealousy – Candlebox [Jealousy is a horrible thing to have, for sure!]

24. What would you rather be doing right now?
The Edge of the Ocean – Ivy

25. What will you post this list as?
She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy – Kenny Chesney [Oh geez.]

Rio Salado

I had the chance yesterday to DJ for a bit for the opening of the virtual campus of the Rio Salado College. It was totally a lot of fun!

It was really great to meet some of the people who are joining us in SL through their school. They were exceptionally nice people and I really enjoyed myself.

I was the opening act for SL live performer Cylindrian Rutabega. I’d never had the chance to hear her before [I don’t get out to a lot of live shows in SL, I’m sorry to say], but it was awesome!

Her voice is amazing. She sounds a little like Tori Amos. If you have a chance to go hear one of her shows, I’d recommend it. I know I’m going to try to go listen again sometime!

I think the best part for me was getting to dance with Brody during one of my favorite songs in the world, “At Last.”

Big thanks to Terri for asking me to DJ, and to the staff at Rio Learn Gardens for letting me entertain for a bit! It was a great time, and I hope you all enjoy your Second Life!!