[#648] It’s Been A Long Day

 

Reach down your hand in your pocket
Pull out some hope for me
It’s been a long day, always ain’t that right

Matchbox Twenty, ♫Long Day♫

 

Inspiration came to me a bit late on this one because I didn’t manage to blog something that was at The Men’s Department while the June round was open. With that in mind I’ve figured out that blogging items such as shoes can be done in other ways than they are intended (wearing them obviously). Putting them in the scene beside me to depict what it is like for someone to have a super long day and then come home to relaxing them in the pool is what I decided to do.

Maybe this will help me come up with scenes in the future that have footwear in them if I don’t have the perfect idea for as part of an outfit. Also consider this more outside of the box thinking because this is probably only the second time I’ve ever done that with footwear (it was in a photo I did where they flew off of me as I was in an out of control shopping cart).

This is certainly the right time to be thinking about wading around in a pool (probably more than just dipping your legs in) because in most places that I’ve seen on the weather have been hit with a bit of sizzle.

The “LANGDON Boots” from Cold-Ash are much like work boots and the HUD from the FATPACK has a lot of different earth tones to choose from (lots of different browns and of course grayscale colors). I enjoy this style but the one thing that I was personally hoping it would have was a way to change the sole colors as each tone has a white sole (which makes it seem out of sorts for me as I tend to enjoy footwear that you can match a similar sole color to the base of whatever style it might be). It’s not entirely a deal breaker but it may limit the ability to match it with a lot of things but still there are plenty that they could be paired with.

Here’s some of the features that are a part of the boot:

• Original Mesh
• HUD contains 9 shoe leather colors (9 lace colorways also)
• Regular and Short Versions (For pants)
• Add-On socks for regular version
• HUD to change sock colors also included

These boots can be picked up at the Cold-Ash flagship store but if they have not been added, they should be in the next day or so as the June round of TMD has come to an end and a new round will be starting in a few days.

I‘m also putting together the next post soon that will be a female item feature (the idea came to me when I saw a hair that my son Eli made). This should be a fun one and I don’t want to give up too many details in case I end up getting sidetracked and photo something different plus I’m not really that much of a sharer though but that really isn’t news to most that know me.

 

People inspire you or they drain you — pick them wisely.
Hans F. Hansen

 

BOOTS: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – LANGDON Boots – FATPACK

POSE: Animosity – Joey

HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Tom (Tone 02)

HAT: Ascend – Josh Baseball Cap
SHIRT: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – JONAS Muscle Shirt
SHORTS: Kalback – Sweat Shorts M4 Pattern 05

 

[#622] First Date

In the car I just can’t wait,
to pick you up on our very first date
Is it cool if I hold your hand?
Is it wrong if I think it’s lame to dance?

Blink-182, ♫First Date♫

 

I took a few days over the long weekend (for those of you who celebrated Easter I hope it was an enjoyable for you) to evaluate a few things concerning this site and the last entry I wasn’t overly thrilled with my lighting and angles. There’s only one true way to erase the negative thoughts you have about something (other than deleting it) and that’s getting back at it and making the next thing you do better in your mind. If you do not like it then there’s no reason anyone else should either because it probably shows.

Over the weekend I had a function that I got all fancy for but unfortunately it wasn’t what I had expected it to be (which is why I’m not going to mention it by name). I am happy that I had the opportunity to spend time with some great people afterward while looking super sharp. After the evening ended and I started to unwind for the night the idea came to me to take the opportunity of dressing up for a photo.

It also happened that Foxcity put their “Meet You There” backdrop up for the Saturday Sale as it was an item I’ve wanted for a while and not being able to beat the price it helped cement an idea I had in place for a while. It’s quite a romantic gesture to arrive to pick up a date with a flower (of course my choice is a rose as it is my personal favorite and one in which you cannot go wrong). The “Julian” pose set from Animosity comes with 6 different poses and two different rose props to distribute between the poses. Combining these two items together brought my idea to near completion.

Even though it’s not a new event or store release, I wanted to properly give credit to the tuxedo I have on. For years Lapointe & Bastchild have been innovators in formalwear (even before such creators as Deadwool) and the “Marc Bowtie Tuxdeo Premium Edition” really gave me this feeling that I looked really handsome and well put together which is something I needed so I’m glad I took the opportunity to put this on and go out into the (virtual) world.

L&B Marc Bowtie Tuxedo Premium Edition

• Original Mesh
• HUD allows customization to Jacket, Shirt and Pocket Square
• Separate HUD for Pants and Belt
• Many colors included (including black lapel and stripes down pants)
• Open and Closed Jacket Types also included.
• Fitted for Belleza (Jake 1.0), Signature (Gianni), SLink Physique mesh avatars and Classic Sizes

Over the last few days I also contemplated on the best way to write the exits to my blogs as I’ve always considered it to be my weakest point (and I am fairly sure I mentioned it before as well). Saying things like catching people on the flip is probably a tad dated and honestly doesn’t feel like a good fit for me anyway so I think that trying to work out catchy phrases and sayings will be out for the time being.

I am also considering making some cosmetic changes to the old place as well but I haven’t decided what I want to do with it yet. I’ve had similar themes since I began blogging and possibly exploring other options may be an idea to tinker with to see if it works out better while making sure it is as easy to navigate as this version is because one thing I know for a fact is if people find it hard to get the information they are looking for they close out and don’t bother coming back in most cases.

The joy of taking photos and blogging is not something I’ve lost completely but it’s dimmed a little bit but now it’s time to return back to those days. I know that I can and while it may take some time and effort, I know that this place can exist again.

 

All things are difficult before they are easy.
Thomas Fuller

 

POSE: Animosity – Julian

BACKDROP: FOXCITY – Meet You There

HAIR: Vango – Bradley
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.2
SKIN: Clef de Peau – Bruno (Tone 01) @ equal10 ✦ NEW
BEARD: Magnificent – Guy Bento Stache & Beard – Night

TUXEDO: Lapointe & Bastchild (Store / MP) – Marc Bowtie Tuxedo Premium Edition

 

 

[#603] Talk Tonight

 

“I wanna talk tonight
Until the mornin’ light
‘Bout how you saved my life
You and me see how we are
You and me see how we are”

Oasis, ♫Talk Tonight♫

 

When it comes to creativity and putting together scenes that turn into photos and then lastly become what you see and read here, I tend to be very protective of what I do. One of the processes I have is that I keep a notebook with songs that I want to use as the soundtrack to an eventual post. When I finish a blog with one of the song choices I’ve written down I highlight it (I have a lot of different colored highlighters). I’ve filled complete pages over the years and there are some that have not yet been called upon and highlighted. Many of the ones that I have not used are songs I am protective of and want to make sure that when I create a visual portrait of it that it is the best treatment I can give it.

“Talk Tonight” is a song that is very close to my heart as it originated as a B-Side (music industry term for when a song doesn’t get chosen to make the final cut for an album) on the single for “Wonderwall”. Over the years I’ve collected many of the singles for these unreleased songs and the moment I heard this one it resonated with me on a deep level; it’s taken me almost 5 years to finally decide to use it for a blog.

The vision I had for doing a scene was from the beginning always going to be somewhere with playground equipment as it signifies one of the verses in the song about wanting to go to a place where the opposite of the writer’s view played as a child. I didn’t think it would be easy to find such a place but something told me to check the Missing Melody sim and I walked around for maybe a minute or so before I found a bunch of playground equipment. I cannot say for sure that the idea of going here was planted by some unknown force but regardless of that, it is where magic happened for me when taking this photo.

For the style of outfit on this particular outing, I thought that something very basic such as a sweatshirt and track pants would be great for chilling out at a playground. I had the Gabriel “Line Pants” for a while and knew they would go well with the latest release by Native Urban, the “Wallbri Sweatshirt”. My love of hooded sweatshirts is widely known so it made me extra happy that Native Urban provided me with a new one to play with.

I honestly can’t stress enough how valuable the All Colors pack is. To have a multitude of colors at my disposal added to the fact that there are nine different areas that are able to be given whatever color I want. With clothing sometimes having the ability to color coordinate with other articles of clothing I’m wearing is a big help and also makes it a “go to” sweatshirt.

Native Urban – Wallbri Sweatshirt

• Original mesh
• Single color sweatshirts available
• All Colors pack also available (best value)
• 17 colors with 9 color changeable faces
• Fitted for the Signature Gianni body only
• Exclusive to Uber until 03/22/19

Club Taketomi has three new releases for men from the Burley side of the multi-branded outfit. The best part of this latest news is that if you are a member of the club, you can get “Heria” for absolutely nothing! No kidding a full fatpack of hair is yours just for being a member and if you are not a member you can still purchase the hair for a cheaper rate then most hair brands FATPACKs go for.

It’s a shorter style with hair resting just about the eyebrows and a slight part that with the included multi-styler HUD you can switch to either the left or the right so that whatever your best side is you can take a great photo. I went through a lot of different color styles when I was deciding what tone I wanted which ended up being an ombre tone of blonde and brown with black as well.

It’s worth noting that the other two male styles are just as good and for group members are a steal too so taking a trip to the Taketomi West sim and checking out the club along with the other well known stores located on it as well. It’s a nice place to take a stroll and maybe find something you weren’t looking for (which is a feeling I love having when going to new shopping events or places).

Burley – Heria

• Original mesh
• Club Taketomi release (Need to be member of the group)
• FATPACK (all colors included)
• Free for the first two weeks of availablity
• Available now at Taketomi West shopping center

Normally I wouldn’t admit to a blunder but originally this blog was to feature items from The Men Jail event but I had taken several snaps without the items I wanted involved so I ended up deciding that the picture was great as it was and will be adding those items to a different photo and blog post. Even the best of us sometimes have moments of CRS (can’t remember shit).

Maybe it is for the best that I had my momentary lapse because I’m really happy with how this photo turned out and that it fit the criteria I set when it was time to use this song. I feel like I did it justice and I’m proud of it and that’s what matters in the long run right? It also made this post a little shorter so I can get back to brainstorming the next outfit and accessories for my next adventure (they usually are adventures in some form or another).

On that note I am going to hand this blog over to the credits just like the movies but at least you don’t have to sit there and wait for an extended scene and can see them in all their glory. My wishes for your next shopping trip to be productive and full of great new items that will be excellent additions to your closet. It’s been a blast so until the next time…later on!

 

I landed, stranded
Hardly even knew your name

 

LOCATION: Missing Melody

POSE: Animosity – Joey

HAIR: Burley – Heria @ Club Taketomi ✦ NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy ✦ NEW
SKIN: Stray Dog – Mario (Tone 2) ✦ NEW

SWEATSHIRT: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Wallbri Sweatshirt @ Uber ✦ NEW
PANTS: Gabriel – Line Pants
SHOES: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Sobek Sneakers

 

[#602] Signs

“Listen to me
I’m not saying it’s impossible
Maybe I just need a little sympathy
Though I’m guessing it would help
If I opened my heart to somebody”

Captives, ♫Signs♫

 

The third month of the year is already here and somehow I felt as though I blinked and the first two months just happened to slip away from me. It’s been a few days since my last post but I’ve been kind of dealing with some issues outside of the virtual world and a few inside of it as well. It’s nothing major in the larger scope of things but enough to where it’s thrown me off kilter just slightly.

Sadly it was a parting of ways with one of the brands I’ve been blogging for the longest since I started my journey and in some ways trying to get passed it was a harder hurdle than I imagined but after a lot of reflection, I truly feel like I was blessed to be a part of it and moving on is healthy and a part of the life cycle. I’ll be the first to admit though that change is not something I enjoy but dwelling on things isn’t a great idea either so I am looking at it as opening up a new opportunity with another brand who will utilize what I have to offer.

Right now my main focus is on being a part of an event that I’ve enjoyed as a consumer and am now getting the chance to be a part of as a blogger. Skin Fair will be open in just over 3 days (at the time this gets posted it will be at least 3). While the majority of the event is geared towards females, I can tell you that I will make sure that the male equivalent of the event is featured and spotlight shown on the excellent skins, shapes, and add-ons (such as tattoos).

This is my first post for the event so pardon me a bit if I’m a bit nervous doing this. Once I get in a post or so the nerves will wear off and it’ll be just like all the other stores that I promote as well as events (to which at the moment there is only one monthly one).

Usually my look when it comes to shapes is normally something that’s been custom made for me or I tweak some that I’ve purchased. Skin Fair is a medium where I have the ability to test out shapes and show them in action (so to speak) as they were intended without any tweaking. Take for instance the shape I am wearing by West End named “Bradley”. It’s for the new LeLutka “Guy” bento head and I think it looks very charming with lean and chiseled body features that along with the “Mario” skin by Stray Dog really sizzle.

The second of my two Skin Fair featured releases is the “Bubo” tattoo from INKer. There are a lot of intricate things detailed throughout this skin such as the mandala type shapes as well as Native American influences. The back piece has a pretty awesome looking skeleton which really calls attention to it. Users of the Signature mesh bodies will be happy to have this ink in their aresenal but for those of you with other mesh bodies it will sadly not work for you as it is exclusive to Gianni and Geralt.

West End – Bradley Shape

• For use with LeLutka Guy bento mesh head
• Can be modified to suit individual needs
• Coming to Skin Fair 03/08/19

INKer – Bubo Tattoo

• Signature Body Applier Only
• Dark, Medium or Light Opacity
• Coming to Skin Fair 03/08/19

I‘ve recently become a new blogger for the lock&tuft hairstore and this is my second official blog for the store. It’s truly an honor to be able to blog these hairs and also have had some input into recent ideas and names of them such as the “Stay Down” side swept hair that I am wearing for this look. There are a lot of fun color choices for you hair fanatics. The full packs are a great value and worth every single dollar spent on it (of course I mean lindens for those who might have wondered).

To put it the best way I can, I feel the look I’ve put together has a combination of edge along with sensitivity which meets up with the song of choice for this entry. Captives is a fairly recent band that I’ve discovered who only have two single songs out one of them being “Signs” which speaks to me loud and clear as I have felt quite a bit of what the lyrics are talking about.

Some days I feel the weight of anxiety as if it were a ton weighed upon my chest and a lot of times I don’t feel like I should burden anyone with it which is not a great idea but that’s one of the reasons that I have this blog. I can take pictures and write about things if I want to so that I don’t have to drag anyone else down with me on the days that I’m not my best.

Getting back to lock&tuft, it is a brand I’ve followed for some time and believe it will continue to grow and prosper and I look forward to seeing this first hand. This hair is badass and you can find it at Men Only Monthly which is only about halfway through their current February/March round.

lock&tuft – Stay Down

• Original Mesh
• 5 color packs available
• FATPACK option also available
• Exclusively at Men Only Monthly until 03/15/19

Now that I’ve just about finished my first entry for Skin Fair I feel a little bit more relieved which I was hoping to feel by the time I got to the end. From some of the items I’ve looked through I can definitely say that I’m going to really enjoy sharing them with everyone and if any of my posts help even one person to take a trip to Skin Fair then I’ll have succeeded in my mission.

On that note it is time for me to hand the baton over to the style credits and let them do their job. You know where I got the items now you can go grab them yourselves (except in the case of Skin Fair as it doesn’t open until the 08th). Get your shopping on and I’ll see you all back here soon for more cool swag and news.

 

“We’re all waiting for an answer
But we don’t see the signs
I’m hiding in the background while
They all live their lives”

POSE: Animosity – Joey

BACKDROP: Isuka – In My Head Backdrop

HAIR: lock&tuft (Store / MP) – Stay Down @ M.O.M. ✦ NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy ✦ NEW
SKIN: Stray Dog – Mario (Tone 2) ✦ NEW
SHAPE: West End – Bradley (LeLutka Guy Shape) @ Skin Fair ✦ NEW
TATTOO: Inker – Bubo Tattoo @ Skin Fair ✦ NEW

PANTS: Gabriel – Cotton Pants (Black)

 

[#600] You Live And You Burn

Intending to burn, pretending to fight it
Everyone learns faster on fire
Things took a turn, lost all desire
You live and you burn
You live and…

Alkaline Trio, ♫Burn♫

Here it is…the 600th post of my blogging career. It’s not an anniversary post as that is nearly an entire month away from now but for me to have been able to do this in that short of time still kind of blows my mind. To be honest when I was asked what I was going to do for this particular blog (at the time) I didn’t know but I feel what I did put together is pretty cool and hope those who see it enjoy it like I did making it.

This isn’t going to be too long of a post as it isn’t as much a feature post as it is me allowing my creative outlet to do the talking for me; I’m also going to play around with the format a little compared to previous posts just to see if what I do fits a little better.

If you aren’t progressing then you’re regressing right?

I’ve loved the song “Burn” by Alkaline Trio for as long as I can remember and a lot longer then I’ve ever been a resident in Second Life and to be able to come up with a pretty cool idea to support it is really cool. It took the help of Animosity Poses “Yusuke” pose pack and props to bring this all together with the lighter and fire.

I feel kinda bad for the Kebab stand at Midnight Glory that essentially was burned down to the ground but I’m sure that they have coverage to build a new one…in fact I’m betting it’s already been replaced by now.

While this pose pack is not a featured item per say it is definitely worth being given a spotlight to as it is a vital part of helping me put together this photo. The pack contains 5 poses with a bonus pose included that you can only get by buying the full pack (the rest of the poses can be purchased singly) with a cigarette prop for your mouth, several different lighter props (because I enjoy cards I used the ace version), a gas can and a trail of fire which you can see in part within my photo.

There’s something about this set that tells me that I’m going to be using it again down the road for future projects; it is just that cool not to.

My main feature for this blog is the “Immortal Envy” tattoo from MooLoo Body Art. It has a lot of great detail in it and has various elements of mythological lore such as Medusa and Zeus along with clouds and reapers holding a very long and scary snake. I thought it was fitting that if I was going to portray an unhinged arsonist that this would be the perfect way to go.

I find it really interesting that above the waist line written in a form of calligraphy “Gods Envy Us” which is something that could provoke conversation or philosophical debate of some sort. Other than the fact I think it is a really cool looking tattoo I don’t really have any kind of hidden meaning behind it as I sometimes do in my photos if people pick up on them.

This is also the second time with a tattoo that I’ve worn it with a fresh ink appeal as I am usually a fan of worn tattoos and showing that they’ve been there for a span of time. In this blog though to have the ink seem bolder as the imagery itself is bold works well in my eyes.

MooLoo Body Art – Immortal Envy Tattoo

• Faded and Fresh versions included
• Applier HUD contains appliers for Belleza, Omega, SLink and Signature mesh bodies
• Available at the MooLoo Body Art in-world and Marketplace locations

For my last bit of news, I am proud to announce that very soon I will be blogging for PGP (Pale Girl Productions) for three events this year that include: Skin Fair, Vintage Fair and new to this year, Ark. I am super excited to be able to ply my trade for these events and be able to cover them for These Conversations Kill. It is a distinct honor and when more information is available I’ll be sure to pass it on to all of you.

I have also been given a chance as a blogger to represent Lock&Tuft which most of you know is a hair store that is potentially expanding their brand to other things or so I have heard. I am actually wearing one of their hairs in this blog’s photo but as it is not as defined due to lighting and shadow, I will be making sure I wear it in another photograph.

There are also several other brands that I have applied to be a spokesperson for but as of now until I know for sure if I’ve been added to their team I will not say by name but I will say that if I do get the chance to work with them I will be very excited and will give them the very best that I can as I do with each store that I represent.

On that note I think it is time to turn you all over to the very abbreviated credits and part for now. Be sure to check out Midnight Glory if you are a blogger or photographer as it is a great urban place that is just right for gritty type photos. That’s all I got for now so be well until next time!

Like hell we are anxiously waiting
Like hell burning silently strong
Somehow we fell down by the wayside
And somehow this hell is home

LOCATION: Midnight Glory

POSE: Animosity – Yusuke

HEAD: LeLutka – Guy ✦ NEW
SKIN: Stray Dog – Mario (Tone 2) ✦ NEW
BEARD: Purfect – Mesh Beard A012 ✦ Not Available
TATTOO: MooLoo Body Art (Store / MP) – Immortal Envy Tattoo

 

[#556] O’ Christmas Tree

O’ christmas tree
O’ christmas tree
How lovely are your branches

Billy Idol, ♫O Christmas Tree♫

Ideas tend to lead us places that we may not intend to go and that’s where I am finding myself with this blog entry. I was hoping to stray away from the winter scenery for a little longer but it just so happened that the “Lance Pose Set w/Props” from Animosity just came out at the Access event. I couldn’t help it but roam the wonderland known as Mesmeric Cove once again and depict myself getting a Christmas Tree instead of putting up one of those fake ones (gonna regret the needles though I bet).

I like that this pose set comes with the mesh tree and saw props which along with the bento poses make this a really nice set even if I’m not the biggest champion of holiday stuff this surely put a smile upon my face and helped me take a creative photo as well as a closeup.

Animosity Lance Pose Set w/Props features:

• Bento enable poses (Bento capable viewer needed to use properly)
• Mesh Tree and Saw props included for each applicable pose
• 5 poses included (3 with alternate versions)
• Exclusively @ Access until January 7th

Staying with the Access event, the really neat hat and hair I have on is from Modulus and is the “Lewis Hat & Hair”. I am very much a hat wearing person a lot of the time in the real world and have been for most of my teen years and adult life and the one thing about this product is that I tend to wear my caps backwards which is how this is styled. One thing I can tell you is that when I was growing up it was almost sort of frowned upon to wear it that way as it was inferred that you were a gang member but gladly that type of thinking went away because it’s hard for me to wear it the normal way now.

Modulus has quality products and I’ve said this many times but the truth is that the brand just keeps getting better and I think that the mesh cap for this hair is even better then the last cap that was created which truly shows that care is put into making these and just like with anyone in a chosen profession when you keep striving for excellence there’s nothing stopping you.

Modulus Lewis Hat & Hair features:

• 100% Nex-Gen Alpha Mesh Hair and Hat
• Hat texture HUD is included
• 5 color packs + integrated color tinting
• 40 color FATPACK option also available
• Exclusively @ Access until January 7th

My wardrobe consists of the “Route 66” jacket/sweatshirt/flannel combination (aka the Canadian Tuxedo as I’ve been told) along with the “Distressed Jeans B” from HEVO. I figured these were a great look for someone cutting down a tree in a Paul Bunyon modern day scenario. Of course I don’t have a blue ox named Babe or any of that cool stuff but I think my overall look is good and hope others agree that it fits.

Now that I’ve done another outdoors pic, if I end up doing another one soon it probably won’t be as bad as I’ve made it out to be. Once ideas start to filter through I figure why let them go to waste and if I’m feeling creative then it will make for hopefully something magical. There are a lot of winter sims out there that I’ve likely not even found yet that have photographic spots that are a sight to behold and that I will want to capture.

Perhaps though it is time for me to put this entry to rest and consider what to do with the next one as this month is likely going to pick up very, very, soon with the events that I am part of and something new that’s on the horizon. I feel like 2018 has been the start of something fantastic for this website and blog and for my creativity and skills. It’s truly a great thing to be able to do this at the level I can do it at and for those that follow either out in the open or off in the distance a ways it is that appreciation that keeps me passionate.

---

LOCATION: Mesmeric Cove

POSE: Animosity – Lance Pose Pack w/Props @ Access Event ✦ NEW

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Lewis Hat & Hair @ Access Event ✦ NEW
HEAD: CATWA – Daniel v3.2 ✦ Previously Blogged
EYES: Hermony – Eyes of The Beholder #19 ✦ NEW / UPDATED
FACE: Session Skins – Ian Tone 02 ✦ Previously Blogged
BEARD: f u o e y (MP) – Ricardo Beard ✦ NEW
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

JACKET: Aitui – Route 66 – Fatpack
JEANS: HEVO – Distressed Jeans B [Blue]

[#519] Over And Over Again

This is madness, madness
And you know that this is madness, madness
And you know that this is
Never changing, it’s always been this way
Consuming madness, madness

All That Remains, ♫Madness♫

Today I’m channeling my favorite villain from the DC Universe once again. I couldn’t resist revisiting this kind of photo with both the backdrop I used and also the pose set as well because it fit so well; I have to admit that I feel these photographs turned out well and fit the mood that I was looking to achieve.

Starting out with the pose set, Animosity previously released a set of poses at the Fetish Fair and I got them right away but getting caught up in other things I completely forgot that I had picked them up. It wasn’t until I was looking through some of my unopened items that I remembered they were there (that’s the life of a blogger in a virtual world isn’t it?).

This set depicts the person who is posing holding a knife in various positions. I chose the pose that most closely resembled how my version of the Joker (which is not a cannon imagination of him, more of self thought version would be combining different looks) would give himself his trademark smile. I combined it with a gacha item from CUREMORE which is a carved in smile.

With the way the lighting worked with the backdrop it certainly makes for one of the top five creepiest photos that I’ve done but I am very proud of it.

Animosity Poses Jack Pose Pack features:

• Bento enabled poses (Bento capable viewer required)
• Mesh knife included to work with poses (two different versions)
• 5 different poses to choose from
• Pose stand included also

There is about a day and a half (give or take) left of the August round of The Men’s Department and the hair I am wearing from Burley is a part of it. “Peep” is a limited edition hairstyle that comes in only the FATPACK for a value price which made it a legit bargain for me. It’s patterned after deceased rap artist Lil Peep and is a medium/long length hair that is parted in the middle. After doing some research I feel that Burley did justice in honoring his memory with this hair even though I personally have never heard any of his music.

For fans of his and anyone who just likes this type of hair style you cannot go wrong taking a trip to TMD if you haven’t already because I feel with it being limited edition you may not find this style in their main store once the event ends. Head over there asap (you can even pause reading this if you want and I won’t be offended) because after tomorrow it’s likely to be retired.

Burley Peep Hair FATPACK Limited Edition features:

• 100% original mesh
• Full FATPACK includes 15 different color HUDs)
• Regular and materials versions included
• Classic hairbases and HUDs for Omega, Signature and TMP hairbases included
• Exclusively @ TMD until Aug. 31st (will not be offered after)

Paparazzi’s “Moody Sewer” backdrop is what really pieced this all together; if it had not been for this then I may not have found myself inspired enough to pull everything in and probably would have never taken these photos which were really fun for me and gave me such a creative charge. I think what really triggered my ideas the most is that one of the backdrops is purple colored which obviously is a trademark for my favorite man who laughs.

This backdrop is highly detailed with the lower tunnel and upper railings down to the floodlights that actually illuminate the set (they can also be modified if the light is too bright for the type of mood you are aiming for). It’s the perfect place for a nefarious criminal to be hiding out from the authorities and or carving smiles into their face (whatever works right?)

Paparazzi Moody Sewer Backdrop features:

• 100% original mesh
• Resizable upon click
• Purple or blue available
• Built in lighting (modifiable via edit)
• Exclusively (but not limited) @ Limit8 until 09/13

My wardrobe is fairly simple for this entry and one that I picked up during the Giz Seorn store sale a little while back. I couldn’t pass up the “Owen” blazer outfit that comes in Purple and Green. I knew from the second I saw it that I could find a way to use to for a look where I’d be inspired by the Joker somehow. This is probably more of a trendy current version of the psycho clown. It was just what I needed to bring my idea more to life.

I am also wearing bento gloves from Ignition, I picked these up because it has a color changing HUD that included a light and dark version of purple and thought that fit in with my idea as well. It was a good deal and helped keep this scene on a good budget as I try not to have pricey sets or scenes unless it absolutely warrants the it to capture the mood of what I have in my head.

That about does it for this blog entry and the next time I blog it will be September as this weekend brings in the changing of the months and I’ve enjoyed August and even though my number of posts was not as plentiful as they have been, I feel that I did create some really good photos with the different locations and backdrops that I used.

Quality over quantity right?

Until our paths cross again be well and treat those around you with respect as for me, onto the next conversation…

---

HAIR: Burley – Peep – FATPACK ✦ NEW @ TMD (08/05 – 08/31)
HEAD: CATWA – Victor ✦ Previously Blogged
FACE: Not Found – James (Tone 2)
EYEBAGS: VileCult – Putrid Eyebags FatPack ✦ Previously Blogged
WOUND: CUREMORE – Scar Tissue / Smile ✦ Gacha
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

OUTFIT: Giz Seorn – Owen Blazer [Green-Purple]
GLOVES: Ignition – Bento Gloves

BACKDROP: Paparazzi – Moody Sewer (Purple) ✦ NEW @ Limit8 (08/18 – 09/13)

POSE: Animosity – Jack Pose Pack

[#514] Sunglasses At Night

Don’t switch the blade on the guy in shades; oh no
Don’t masquerade with the guy in shades;
(oh no) (I can’t believe it)
You got it made with the guy in shades; oh no

Corey Hart, ♫Sunglasses At Night♫

There are times after I see several product ads in a short span that inspire me to put a look/scene together and that’s what brought out this blog post. My music knowledge stretches a long time and my mental catalogue helps me put together themes for some of the photos that I take (whether the music is good, bad or even cheesy).

Paparazzi just released a pair of nerdy sunglasses at Equal10 and that was enough to get me out to the event on the first day so that I could grab them to use for this shot. I had an 80’s type vibe in my head for it with the Animosity pose pack which is a bicycle prop/pose set. It had me itching to find a location to bring my idea to life. Ideally I wanted a location that was city like with streets and buildings and such and while I was going over some of my resources for locations I came across [SL] Amsterdam and I thought I’d take a look around.

When I arrived at [SL] Amsterdam I didn’t know what to expect really because in my mind I’d be thinking it would be a quick walk and I’d see brothels and all sorts of things that wouldn’t be productive to a photo shoot but this place is definitely not quite what I thought it was. It’s a very quiet type setting with buildings and brick roads with a lot of bicycles all over and that told me this definitely was the place.

Not to get to sidetracked I’m going to get back to Paparazzi. I am really excited that Drew is branching out to do more things because the backdrops he makes are just stellar and I really like trying to find creative ways to use them when the time is right and the fact that through a few of the conversations I’ve had with him he is a cool guy and supporting his brand is important to me. If you are a fan of classic sunglasses then I encourage you to go check these out but first here’s some details about them.

Paparazzi RetroNerd Sunglasses FATPACK features:

• 100% Mesh
• Resizeable upon click
• 14 lens colors (changeable via HUD)
• 13 frame colors (changeable via HUD)
• 16 arm colors (changeable via HUD)
• 7 different lens transparency settings (via HUD)
• Exclusively @ Equal10 until the 5th of September

My hair is also coincidentally from the Equal10 event and is from Modulus. The Cooper hair is a short hairstyle that you can choose to have regular or faded sides with and it will still look great. While it is a short style it is a little bit longer in the front than it is in the back so you have a few wisps of hair just lightly resting against your forehead. Cooper is a style that I consider would be very trendy and can work for all seasons (even though virtually there are none).

I like the fact that Modulus releases new styles so frequently (even if it seems a bit hard to catch up as a blogger) because they all have different qualities about them that allow a blogger such as myself to be able to dress and style myself in different ways and can have a hair that I personally feel works with that outfit choice. During my process of choosing how I want to style myself I tend to base the rest off of what hairstyle I have first and work with that and I have a variety to work with.

Modulus Cooper Hair FATPACK features:

• 100% Alpha Mesh
• Resizeable by clicking hair
• 40 colors overall (5 different HUDS)
• Single packs available
• Color HUDs include integrated color picker to enhance style
• Exclusively @ Equal10

One thing I know that I can likely expect when it comes to digging into all the fun things that come with being a blogger for The Men Jail is that the Purfect brand is going to release a beard each round and 4 out of 5 times I truly want to wear it (like in an every day type of capacity). The style of these beards seem to really fit my style and they look good and are made well.

Mesh Beard A 016 which is the designation it has been given can best be described as a style where you’ve had your beard shaped to look like several claws or even sharp teeth would be a good way to describe it if I wasn’t providing a better visual of it in the photos. It reminds me of several styles I have seen worn by real life people some of them are known as entertainers. I remember before mesh beards were actually achievable and once they were and also bento arriving and getting things to fit right there, I had a legacy tattoo beard of almost this exact style so it is nice to be able to kind of go back to a style that I’ve worn before.

Purfect Mesh Beard A 016 FATPACK features:

• 100% mesh and resizeable
• Applier HUDs for Catwa, LeLutka and Omega
• Color HUD for mesh beard
• 6 different hair colors (over 2 beard and 2 mustache options)
• Exclusively @ The Men Jail

With the type of scene that I was photographing I thought that it would be best if I wore sneakers go to along with the bike pose from Animosity. Riding a bike with anything other than shoes (barefoot or with boots are counter productive and not fun for anyone who has ever tried). I was in luck that my people at Native Urban just released the “Tomorrow” sneakers at The Men’s Department.

One of the praises I can sing about footwear made by this brand besides the attention to detail that is taken is the amount of customization that can be achieved with these sneakers. Just about any color combination that you could think of that you might want is at your fingertips with the FATPACK HUD. You might think well I might only want one or two pairs but if you think about savings you’d be making by getting the whole thing (and you really do save money if you were even thinking about purchasing two different basic colorways).

If you haven’t been to The Men’s Dept. for the August round yet then now would be the time to go swing by there, tons of great items to choose from that I know you fellas would be happy adding to your closet/wardrobe.

Native Urban Tomorrow Sneakers features:

• 100% original mesh
• 6 basic colorways (sold singly)
• 22 colors in HUD (FATPACK only)
• 11 shoe parts are colorable via HUD (FATPACK only)
• Fitted sizes for Belleza (Jake), Signature (Gianni) and SLink Physique
• Female fitted sizes included as well (Maitreya, Belleza and SLink)
• Exclusively @ TMD until August 31st

Two things truly inspired me more for this blog post than anything and I’ve already talked about the Papazzi RetroNerd Shades but I was quite pleased when I saw an ad for the Animosity pose set that is a part of the yearly Men Only Hunt now going in it’s 11th iteration. The “Billy” Pose pack consists of a mesh bicycle with poses that have the user riding or just chilling with the bike.

I really love the creativity behind this pose set but if there’s on thing that I might have done differently is I would have made the bike have an option to change the color. I love black but having different options would help in certain lighting to be able to capture it better but take it for what it is, my opinion and nothing more. As I said I love the set but that is what I would have done differently.

Animosity Billy Pose Pack features:

• 100% mesh bike prop (one with poses and one regular)
• 6 different poses (poses 2 and 4 have alternate versions)
• Poses are also included individually as well
• Part of Men Only Hunt 11 until August 18th

Wow that was quite a bit to go through but if anyone is still here after all of that I’m very grateful but if you’ve just perused the information you wanted or just skipped down to the credits that is quite alright too. I know that not everyone likes to do a lot of reading (I enjoy reading as others do to so this is done for that crowd I’d say). This was very packed with things and I think it is about time for me to go into my thought process for my next post.

Enjoy the credits and until our paths cross again, onto the next conversation….

Photo taken @ [SL] Amstedam

---

HAIR: Modulus (Store / MP) – Cooper Hair ✦ NEW @ Equal10 (08/10 – 09/05)
HEAD: Vista Animations – Gerard ✦ NEW
FACE: Clef de Peau – Wouter (Tone 1) ✦ NEW @ Vista Animations Mainstore
BEARD: Purfect – Mesh Beard A 016 ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)
BODY: Signature – Gianni v4.6 ✦ Previously Blogged

GLASSES: Paparazzi – RetroNerd Shades ✦ NEW @ Equal10 (08/10 – 09/05)
SHIRT: SCYTHIRE – Irvine Shirt ✦ NEW @ Hipster Men’s Event (07/23 – 08/16)
JEANS: Manson – Kenn Jeans FATPACK ✦ NEW @ The Men Jail (08/08 – 08/28)
SHOES: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Tomorrow Sneakers – All Colors ✦ NEW @ TMD (08/05 – 08/31)

POSE: Animosity – Billy Pose Pack ✦ Mens Only Hunt 11 Gift

[#447] Sick Of Me

What a pointless mistake
Such a slap in the face
Gotta turn this thing around again
No more holding it back
No more bending the facts
I’ll push myself, push myself
‘Till I understand

♫Sick Of Me♫ – Beartooth

After the fun I had with the last blog I’m back to a more serious tone for these scene. Many people suffer from depression and it can come in all shapes and sizes and degrees; it doesn’t discriminate based on gender or nationality or if you are young or aged. The people that fall under this category may go UN-diagnosed or lack the ability to pay for any kind of treatment due to lack of insurance or their insurance not covering what is needed to get better.

Getting help is not an easy thing but if anyone that might be reading this is either suffering from or know someone who is….there are people to talk to and are willing to listen. It’s easier said than done but getting things off your chest or your mind could really make a huge difference in fighting some of the demons that might be pulling you down.

After hearing the song I chose as the soundtrack for this blog post and doing a little research on it I felt compelled to kind of build upon the feeling of being isolated and that everything seems to be falling apart at all the wrong times. The feeling of wanting to get away from everyone and everything seems to be one of the many parts associated with this disease.

Loss of interest in things that are normally enjoyed, not wanting to leave the home (or apartment), it takes a toll not only physically but mentally. I feel like I may be going on like a broken record because most of this is commonly known but not everyone including myself knows everything about how the brain functions and bringing awareness with the reason of wanting to help people is one of my goals being that anyone could stumble upon this at any given time.

Long hair is something of a personal preference when it comes to my avatar. It’s one thing that I’ve wanted to retain from my real life younger adult years and in the virtual world it is maintenance free. I don’t have to worry about it growing or getting stuck in the shower drain and I can choose to color it just about any tone I like.

“Harper” is one of the first long hair unisex version from Modulus and their M-Cuts division (which is also considered Alpha Hair as a part of the brands new era of products). I’ll say more about this below otherwise I’ll get way too wordy in this space and have nothing to write about in the style credits. However, I can tell you that I really enjoy this style and could easily be one I go back to plenty of times in the future.

The Man Cave event has been one that I have been bringing home a lot of products from in this current round. Once more I’ve found myself wearing the “Neil” sneakers from EQUAL because they seemingly go with just about any look I’ve put together lately and with owning the FATPACK and being able to change colors and parts the combinations are nearly endless.

As I wait for the next new product release from {COLD-ASH}, I came back to an old friend as the “RILEY Straight Jeans” have been updated to fit the Belleza body. One thing I can say is that I really love when creators see items that stand the test of time and get and updated treatment to new mesh bodies and such. Jeans are one of those things that just about everyone wears but when your favorite ones fail to match the current body you are wearing they tend to get pushed to the back of your closet (and your mind).

I know this blog entry was a little heavy in tone and I hope my next one isn’t as much. Hopefully I can put together something fun and there are a few things that I have in mind but we shall see how easy they are to pull off.

Maybe it is cliche but personally I don’t care, I hope that everyone takes care and is kind to others.

Onto the next conversation…

HAIR: Modulus – Harper Hair – BROWNS ✦ NEW @ Shiny Shabby

A great unisex long hairstyle that has me super excited that a brand I’ve stood behind from their inception has made a style that I feel represents me and the style I like to portray in-world. Available in 5 different color packs or get all 25 colors in the FATPACK for the best value. Each HUD includes a color tinter so that you can add a little extra color to your locks.

HEAD: CATWA – Daniel ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡
EYES: AG. Reverie Eyes ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡
FACE: ::LV:. Brennan ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡
BODY:: Belleza – Jake ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡

SWEATER: -BTRYL- BRIDGES Graphic Sweatshirt ✦ NEW @ Man Cave

Being true to real life and basing my setting on the city of New York, right now is definitely sweatshirt weather (and likely more). BETRAYAL has a collection of graphic printed sweatshirts available. The particular one I’m wearing I found a bit humorous even though it could be very truthful in certain situations as it reads, “May The Bridges I Burn Light The Way”. Some may live the motto and not care what relationships they sever ties with but I just got a bit of a chuckle out of it for being clever.

ℭ𝔬𝔪𝔭𝔞𝔱𝔦𝔟𝔩𝔢 𝔚𝔦𝔱𝔥: Belleza, Signature and SLink mesh bodies types.

JEANS: {COLD-ASH} RILEY STRAIGHT JEANS ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡
SHOES: EQUAL – Neil Sneakers FATPACK ✦ NEW @ Man Cave ✦ 𝔓𝔯𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔬𝔲𝔰𝔩𝔶 𝔅𝔩𝔬𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔡

BACKDROP: MINIMAL – NY Backround #4

This Gacha set of New York related backdrops has been out for a good while but still well worth looking into for photography/blogging purposes. MINIMAL prides itself on making some of the highest quality backdrops for photogs and bloggers like myself to give us scenery to set a mood. Please note that the payphones and subway map are not a part of the product.

Animosity – Nigo Pose Pack (3)

[#438] Winter Wonderland

In the meadow, we can build a snowman
And pretend that he’s a circus clown
We’ll have lots of fun with Mr. Snowman
Until the other kids knock him down

♫Winter Wonderland♫ – Harry Connick Jr.

It looks like I am going to get in at least one more post in 2017 (just a few hours now until the clock strikes midnight where I’m at). I thought I’d go out with something light and refreshing. A fun little shoot that I did with fellow blogger and sister-in-law, Lucie Bluebird-Lexington (of the Bluebird’s Song blog which you should totally check out) and my wife also joined in on the shoot. So thank you to both of you ladies for helping me round out another exciting year of blogging.

I‘m featuring the pose you see the girls on which is by Image Essentials (a TCK brand partner). As you can see the two ladies are having fun coming down from a snow hill but they seem to be heading a bit auspiciously towards me and the snowman I built. I don’t see anything good coming from that but maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll manage to steer away from me at the last minute!

I wanted to give you guys a better view of the “Snow Day” pose and prop from Image Essentials. While I could have gotten on the saucer (or sled) or whatever you wish to call it, it is built more for females so I figured I’d let them have the fun on this one, as I’ve got just about the entire year to photograph myself. I’m still in the main shot and a few of the alternate takes so it comes full circle in a way.

I had not planned my outfit to be the same brand but when I saw the Parka from Lenox at The Men’s Department, I decided to venture to their store and found the pants and boots which felt perfect for my cold weather outdoors weather look. I really liked these products so much that I did purchase the FATPACKS for all of them so that I could wear this combination in other color options when the mood strikes me.

I wanted to keep this short and sweet because I know most people won’t probably be seeing this until tomorrow or maybe sometime way later depending on when they recover from their New Years celebration. Once again I would like to thank you the readers for your continued support and also to those who have given me advice and support throughout the whole year and also through this entire blogging process. You are more valuable then I could ever truly say. Join me in 2018 for more adventures and I’ll be seeing you out there in the shops and events!

Onto the next conversation…

⊰HAIR⊱ Vango. Vince – Naturals @ M.O.M ⚜ NEW

For the past several rounds of Men Only Monthly, I’ve seen this newer brand called Vango release hair. I liked the hair but I just had similar styles from other brands in what they were releasing so I did not bite at the time. At this current round they have a hair out with a version that includes a beanie and one without it. I chose to purchase the style with the beanie as it fit the look I was going for. With that I also picked up the Naturals pack so that I’d have the basic colors of hair you usually see around. It’s a nicely made product and definitely steers me in their direction for the future.

⊰HEAD⊱ CATWA – Victor ⚜ NEW
⊰EYES⊱ AG. Hope Eyes (Ocean)
⊰FACE⊱ Stray Dog – Nate T2
⊰BEARD⊱ -Nivaro- Rugged
⊰BODY⊱ Belleza – Jake

⊰JACKET⊱ Lenox Parka @ TMD ⚜ NEW (Last Day!)

Parka jackets are very well one of your best friends if you live in a cold weather climate. I personally have one myself and that is why I decided to pick this item up at TMD. With the FATPACKS being so affordable I couldn’t help myself but to get all of the colors so that I can change it up if I use it in more than one wintery shoot (which is very possible). This item goes well with other Lenox products such as the wool sweater that I am wearing as well as the flannel shirts they sell. The coat itself does not have a shirt option included so you will have to find an appropriate add-on (unless you prefer to wear it bare chested).

Compatible With: Aesthetic, Belleza, Signature and TMP male bodies.

⊰SWEATER⊱ Lenox Wool Sweater

I previously blogged this item twice (once by itself and another with the Lenox “Adept” Coat). It has a version that is cut specifically in the front to accommodate the Parka.

⊰PANTS⊱ Lenox Chino Pants

Staying within the Lenox brand as I did a little shopping after buying the Parka, I found these really great Chinos. You can purchase 9 different colorways or pick them all up in a convenient FATPACK (which will cut you a deal by making it less than it would if you bought just a few single colors). These are definitely a great pair of pants to own and can be useful for a variety of social gatherings or if you’re just going out to the store.

Compatible With: Aesthetic, Belleza, Signature and TMP male bodies.

⊰BOOTS⊱ Lenox Irish Setter Boots

These boots are something I would liken to not only winter boots but also something you would find someone wearing if they were hunters or ice fisherman so they certainly are working out well for the winter in-world as well. With 8 different color styles to choose from (or do like I did and grab the FATPACK to have them all) you are sure to be able to look your best out there in the frigid temperatures.

Compatible With: Aesthetic, Belleza, Signature and TMP male bodies. (Each version comes in rigged and un-rigged)

⊰SNOWMAN⊱ .LollyGag. Mesh Snowman – 3 Shades – Red ⚜ Marketplace

There’s really not much to say about this fun guy but he makes for good yard decor for your wintery locale. This version comes with three different shades of red scarf and hat band. Definitely worth the price (as it is super affordable) so check out the Marketplace link above and take one for yourself!!!

⊰HAIR⊱ Truth: Farryn Hair – Multitone 1
⊰HEAD⊱ LAQ – Scarlet
⊰EYES⊱ Izzie’s Winter Eyes Green/Brown
⊰FACE⊱ LAQ – Luna (1.0)
⊰BODY⊱ Maitreya – Lara v4.1

⊰VEST/DRESS⊱ Coco – Nordic Sweater Dress/Puffer Vest Navy/Grape
⊰LEGGINGS⊱ Coco – Comfy Leggings – Navy
⊰BOOTS⊱ Maitreya – Jazz boots – Faded Maroon (Christmas Gift)

⊰HAIR⊱ Truth – Delaney
⊰HEAD⊱ LAQ – Scarlet
⊰EYES⊱ Buzzeri – Ocean
⊰FACE⊱ LAQ – Luna (1.5)
⊰BODY⊱ Maitreya – Lara v4.1

⊰COAT⊱ Rebel Hope – Charlize Coat (Plum)
⊰LEGGINGS⊱ Neve – Zeezee Leggings
⊰BOOTS⊱ Maitreya – Stagioni Boots

IE – Snow Day v1 (b)

A very cool sled (or saucer) with pose prop included that will make for some winter fun photographs. This item is not a part of any events but you can find it at the Image Essentials main location or you can search their items on the Marketplace storefront. You can also try going out of the box and have the fellas take the handles or passenger seat.

Animosity – Quan (3)