Life is a journey

As I have been discussing lately, life is an incredible gift that truly should be lived to it's fullest, no matter the circumstances people must choose to live.  I often describe life as a journey and over the last five years, though painful, my journey has taught me many valuable lessons.  Along the way, I made a choice to shed my fears and to leap head first into whatever comes my way knowing full well that things may not turn out like I planned, but at least it will be another chapter in my adventure.  I have been preparing my articles for you all about dressing styles, and the act of writing has me feeling very complete at the moment.  Educating, writing, drawing people in and entertaining them with my words or information is something I have always loved to do, and when I find myself writing more than normal I tend to read more as well, especially a well loved book, or collection of poetry.  As I was preparing this post tonight, and with my thoughts drifting to the journey I have been on for the past few years I was reminded of a poem that has inspired me for a long time, maybe the one that pushed me to shed my skin, hibernate for a bit and emerge from my chrysalis with beautiful, strong wings ready to fly.

The Journey

Mary Oliver

  

One day you finally knew

what you had to do, and began,

though the voices around you

kept shouting

their bad advice—

though the whole house

began to tremble

and you felt the old tug

at your ankles.

“Mend my life!”

each voice cried.

But you didn’t stop.

You knew what you had to do,

though the wind pried

with its stiff fingers

at the very foundations,

though their melancholy

was terrible.

It was already late

enough, and a wild night,

and the road full of fallen

branches and stones.

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,

the stars began to burn

through the sheets of clouds,

and there was a new voice

which you slowly

recognized as your own,

that kept you company

as you strode deeper and deeper

into the world,

determined to do

the only that you could do—

determined to save

the only life you could save.

 “Poetry is a life-cherishing force. For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in the pockets of the hungry.” Mary Oliver

 April of last year is when I embarked on my journey of blogging in SL, and over this time I have grown so much in my personal life and I have to admit it comes from having pride in something I do and having those who appreciate it.  I was a creator on IMVU for years and I have great pride in the work I did there, but the lack of appreciation in that sea of sharks made me question everything I did.  I no longer do that and I have begun a new chapter in my adventure as I learn to create for SL.  As I told you all in a recent post, I always want to learn new things and create myself all over again.  A year and a half ago I started over, with a new life, with clear goals and a new sense of purpose and direction.  The friends I have made and the supportive community I have found myself in, continue to push me to strive for what I want from this life and I cherish them for every nudge, or kick, depending on the person.  But isn't that what true friends really are?  To lift you up when you need a hand and to knock you down a level when you get a bit too high and mighty!  Keeps friendships real, after all, who wants a sugar coated friendship based on coddling?!  Bring them on your journey with you and you will be amazed at where life takes you!

The Details

Body - Maitreya - Lara

Hair - Little Bones - Cameo Lover

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Max

Eyes- IKON - Hope - Moor

Lashes - Gaeline Creations

Shadow - Alaskametro - Matte Smoke - Charcoal

Choker and Bracelets - Zaara - Banjara

Dress - Kaithleen's - Linda Linen @ Designer Showcase 149L (LM wasn't working today :/)

Pose - KaTink - Andrea Editorial

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your night or day, depending on where you are, and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~   

Somewhere down the rabbit hole

If you are an Alice in Wonderland fan then you REALLY need to make your way over to the Alice in Sexyland currently happening on the grid.  An event tailored for the adults with a love of the story that features all kinds of "sexy" takes on the traditional tale, including this adorably sexy outfit from Kaithleen's.  The top and skirt come in a variety of colors for you to choose from and each is at a discounted price for the duration of the event.  Once I wiggled into this fit I took a chance and headed on over to Dysphoria and paid my 200L to join the group and took my adventure down the rabbit hole.

Your magic white rabbit
Has left it's writing on the wall
We follow like Alice
And just keep diving down the hole

I wandered into Rabbit's house shortly after my arrival, tiptoeing up the stairs and into his private sanctuary.  I know he could come back at any time, and I am sure he will as the still warm body under the rug in here probably needs dealt with soon.  But the fire drew me in and my eyes started to get heavy in the warm room and the little couch was far too inviting so I paused for a moment to rest my eyes in the late afternoon.  To my surprise I opened my eyes again to find the fire stoked with stars dotting the sky.  How long had I been asleep you ask?  I still don't know, and not sure I ever will.  In the corner he sat, quietly, almost invisible to the naked eye in the darkness of the room.  His cane in hand, whiskers twitching as he eyed me up and down.  I know I gasped a little as I strained to look at him, but the paw to his lips made me silent myself immediately.  The paw moved to motion out the door and I did not need to be told twice.  Away I ran, as fast as my little feet could carry me from the Rabbit with the lecherous grin.  I guess I shouldn't be angry with him for looking at me that way, for I was asleep on his sofa with barely a thing to cover me.  Pausing a moment outside his door, I realized my heart was beating a little too fast as I thought about the Rabbit and his intentions towards me, so on I ran, back to the door hoping this time I could return home!

Style Card

 Body, Hands and Feet - Slink

Skin - DeeTaleZ

Eyes - IKON - Charm

Hair - RunAway - Momo

Necklace - Maxi Gossamer - Little Memory Locket - Short

Top and Skirt - Kaithleen's - Alice Kinky @ Alice in Sexyland

Shoes - Reign - Mixer Pumps

Pose - *EverGlow* - Sweet

I hope you dance

My soul is awakened, my spirit is soaring, 
And carried aloft on the wings of the breeze; 
For, above, and around me, the wild wind is roaring 
Arousing to rapture the earth and the seas.

The long withered grass in the sunshine is glancing, 
The bare trees are tossing their branches on high; 
The dead leaves beneath them are merrily dancing, 
The white clouds are scudding across the blue sky.

My Soul is Awakened

Anne Bronte

If you have been following my blog for awhile, or if you happen to follow me on Google+ then the nickname "Melancholy Baby" is one you are familiar with, at least it should ring a bell for you!  For years, that has been my nickname.  I feel everything intensely, including other people's emotions and states of mind.  And for some, when they get blue or sad, or perhaps melancholy, they constantly are searching for a way out of the funk, and never truly embrace the fact that these are needed emotions, not ones to be tucked under the rug and hidden away.  When the melancholia surrounds me, almost like a heavy wool blanket, I do not feel afraid; and I don't cry.  I simply let it caress me for as long as it needs to before it moves on again.  Listening to old jazz and blues, lost love songs and thinking about things is what gets me through.  I love being the melancholy baby, to be honest.  I am always "on", and people expect me to be happy and bubbly and always ready to make people laugh so the fact my body gives me natural down time is AWESOME!  The past couple of days I have been languishing in my melancholia and enjoying listening to songs I haven't heard in a bit and getting to work out my vocal chords.  So many years spent on the stage have made me relish the down times and my isolation.  I know this can make me a bit harder to get to know, and that my reactions to people may be a bit too emotional as far as they are concerned, but this is just who I am, and at 43 I am content with the lady who looks back at me in the mirror every day.  The critics and the haters will always have something to say, but remember this is your life, not theirs and the only thing that should matter is that you get through it with over 80% spent smiling! 

Quite a few years ago now there was a song released that really made me stop and think about like, and being a Mom etc. and it offered one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard....."I hope you dance!"  Let those words tumble around in your brain and enjoy every moment of today!  

Style Card

 Body, Hands and Feet - Slink

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Max

Hair - D!va - Daisy - TypeA - CatEye - Gacha at the store

Eyes - IKON - Sovereign - Oxidation

Earrings - Maxi Gossamer - MG - Esmeralda Gypsy Queen @ FaMeshed

Necklace - Maxi Gossamer - MG - Little Memory Locket

Top - D R O P. - Back Ribbon Setup - Beige

Skirt - Kaithleen's - Dolly Skirt @ TFASL - The Dream Fair 1st - 20th

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~  

 

The Simple Things

Grab a Tennis Racket, or toss on your golf shoes and head on over to the Country Club in this adorable new release from Kaithleen's for FamouStation!

The "Gina Casual Dress" is $249 for each color and there are 8 fantastic colors to choose from, which means you are sure to find just the one for you.  I happened to run by D!va today to check out the designs and I was pleasantly surprised to find a SALE going on!  Now, there aren't very many styles on sale, but it will be well worth the trip!  I fell in love with this hair, and I just might have picked it up in a whole bunch of colors and you will most assuredly find me out and about on the grid in my new locks!  Now, I think I am going to grab a Martini and toss on my golf shoes and go play a little golf.  It's amazing the things you discover when you get off the platform!  

Style Card

 Body, Hands and Feet - Slink

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Calla

Hair - D!va - Rosa - 50% OFF right now

Eyes - IKON - Charm - Nymph

Earrings - MG - Maxi Gossamer - Skylla Immortal Horse

Dress - Kaithleen's - Gina Casual Dress @ FamouStation

Watch - Loordes of London - Killing Time #1 

Bracelet - Izzie's - Eternity - Blue and Red

Shoes - E.C.R.U. - Verve Wedges

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your night, or day for those of you on the other side of the world from me and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~  

Just a casual, casual, easy thing

If you haven't been by The Thrift Shop yet then you are missing out on of the hottest events on the grid bringing to you exclusive and regular releases all brought to you at a discount as long as the event is open.  Kaithleen's is making waves at lots of events on the grid right now and The Thrift Shop is no exception!

The "Indah Kamani" dress is available in 6 fabulous colors and is ONLY 124L while the event lasts, and I know you will fall in love with this easy, flowing boho styled dress so make sure to stop by The Thrift Shop before it ends!  If you are a lover of the sun, moon and stars theme then you should stop by Glint and grab the hint for the Birds and Bees Hunt and pick up this wonderful bracelet set.  The bracelets come in Male and Female versions with built in resizers, ensuring a perfect fit every time.  

From Head to Toe

Body - Slink

Hair - Tableau Vivant - Wicca

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Eva @ We Love Roleplay

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Apex

Lashes - Gaeline - Felicia

Necklace - Kunglers - Guarani - Nandeva

Dress - Kaithleen's - Indah Kamani - Blue @ The Thrift Shop

Bracelet - Glint - Sun, Moon & Star Leather and Chains Set - Birds and Bees Hunt

Shoes - Zenith - Bohemian String Platforms

I hope you are having a wonderfully wicked day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~

Sweet Surrender

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a great weekend and are ready for the upcoming week.  Just in case you have missed it, the Gansta Fair has been up and running for a couple of weeks now and will be shutting it's doors May 15th so you don't have very long to head on over and get your hands on some fantastic creations from some of the hottest designers on the grid, including this adorable new dress from Kaithleen's!

The "Gansta Lingerie Dress" is exclusively available at the event in 4 colors that come in both solid and sheer versions in each pack and is only 299L.  I love the flirty, delicate feel of this dress and the soft gather on the side is a wonderful detail.  The mesh didn't break or stretch as I was posing and the dress fit perfectly with my Slink Physique with just a few alphas turned on, which of course makes me a very happy lady.  If you are looking for the perfect dress for a night in with that special someone then look no further than Kaithleen's at the Gansta Fair!

Head to Toe

Hair - D!va - Kelly

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Eva @ We Love Roleplay

Body - Slink Physique

Necklace - Ginchi - Spring Sakura (Spring 2014)

Dress - Kaithleen's - Gansta Lingerie Dress @ The Gansta Fair

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~ 

 

 

Little Black Dress with a Twist

I am an avid fan of the classic looks of the golden age of Hollywood especially when revisited with a few modern touches here and there.  For well over fifty years now, every woman has been searching for the perfect "little black dress," and often we toss our hands up in the air and settle for the one in the back of the closet we picked up years ago.  Maybe the definition of the "little black dress" is what needs to change to give us all a bit more latitude when shopping.  Kaithleen's newest release for The Black Fashion Fair may be just what you are looking for to solve the black dress dilemma for this Spring and Summer.  The "Geometry" dress comes in two different versions and is an exclusive to the event so hurry on over before it's too late!  The classic 60's style sheath dress fits perfectly and moved well when I was out and about on the grid last night.  I felt a bit like Goldie Hawn or Twiggy as I chewed on the end of my long cigarette staring out into the night sky, and I have to say I LOVED it!  Suddenly I was transported to my artsy loft in Soho in the 60's and I could swear I spotted Andy Warhol over in the corner.

This ensemble begged for the perfect hair with a classic feel and lucky for us all Virtual Diva released the "Charm" hair this week!  This vintage bob with a bit of a modern flair fits fantastically and is available in a wide variety of colors making it a MUST have addition to your hair collection this Spring!   I hope you too find your answer to the "little black dress" dilemma at The Black Fashion Fair with Kaithleen's!

Body, Hands and Feet - Slink

Hair - Virtual Diva - Charm NEW!!!

Dress - Kaithleen's - Geometry One @ The Black Fashion Fair

Shoes - Reign - Alexxis - Group Gift

Earrings - Kunglers - TDRF #53 - Silver

Bracelets - Glam Affair - Bangles Set - Black

Cigarette and Holder - NikotiN

I hope you have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to YOUR style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~

Dream a Little Dream

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you have all had a great week and are ready for a weekend full of relaxation and hopefully a little debauchery!  A new round of Designer Circle started just a few days ago and Heydra once again brings you an amazing set of shoes for the event.  The "Victoria" heels come in 3 colors and are only 100L each until the event ends, so hurry on over and get your hands on these fantastic heels today!  Kaithleen's is taking part in the latest round of Genre, which happens to be Rockabilly themed, and has created this adorable "Cross" backed dress in classic rockabilly styling.  The dress is available in a wide variety of colors and each one is only 99L for the duration of the event.  

Dress - Kaithleen's - Cross Dress @ Genre - Rockabilly

Shoes - Heydra - Victoria - Blue @ Designer Circle

Necklace - Yummy - Celestial - Burst and Star

Earrings - Yummy - Twinkling Star - Silver

Ring - Yummy - Twinkling Star - Silver

Bracelets - Izzie's - Aarya

Hair - Lamb - Birdy

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Neele

Eyes - IKON - Hope - Silverleaf

Shadow - Alaskametro - SmokeShow - Big Sky

Body, Hands and Feet - Slink

This ensemble got me in a bit of a dreamy mood, and then as always, the beautiful surroundings at Templemore deepened these feelings and a song started dancing its way through my head and I just had to share it with you!

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~

The WOW Factor!

If you are looking for that perfect dress to just WOW that special someone then hurry on over and pick up this sultry dress from Kaithleen's at the 50 Shades of Lust Fair that ends TODAY, 4-12-15!

The daring slit on both sides and high curve above the butt makes this dress beyond sexy!  I wiggled my curves into this hot little number and tossed on my favorite shoes and went out looking to misbehave!  I will let you all use your imaginations to decide whether or not I did!  The cut on this dress is fantastic and the mesh didn't break or bend as I posed or walked, which of course is always a plus.  The "Satin Mini" comes in a wide variety of colors so you are sure to find just what you are looking for today!

Dress - Kaithleen's - Satin Mini for 50 Shades of Lust Fair - ENDS TODAY!

Shoes - Just Design - Anastasia - Lacq. Black

Earrings - Glint - Plugs and Rings Ear Piercing - The White Rabbit Hunt

 

Poudre's newest release "Debbie" comes in a gorgeous variety of makeups for you to choose from and of course you can find them with all the latest appliers in the store.  And if you are like me and always looking for earrings and plugs then hurry on over to Glint! and check out the corkboard for your hint in the The White Rabbit Hunt and get your hands on these fantastic earrings and plugs!

Hair - Catwa - Flora without the Bangs for Biker's Choice Fair (If you miss it check out the store)

Skin - Poudre - Debbie - Fairy

Eyes - IKON - Sovereign - Oxidation

Body, Hands, Feet - Slink

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your weekend and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~