The Christmas Gift

What are you like when you get gifts ? Do you just place them under the tree, after all it  isn't Christmas day yet . Do you feel them and try to guess what it is ? Are you one of those people who just has to see now and opens to see because Christmas day is to long to wait. My dad used to feel every gift and try to guess what it was,  he was like that as a kid, so I was told. One year I took my nephews out to get gifts  for their Granny and Grandad (my parents). They clubbed they pocket money together to get them both slippers. It was a huge gift for little kids to afford. When we got home we all ran right up to my room so no one could see what was in the bags. The kids laughed with excitement as I started to wrap these slippers and made them look like giant Christmas crackers. Down the stairs they walked all proud and placed the gifts under the tree. Later, when we sat in the kitchen eating dinner we heard a ruffling noise coming from the living room. As we peeked around the corner, there was my dad feeling these gifts. It was the first time anyone ever gave him something and he had no idea what it was. From that year on I had to up my game to hide gifts in fancy wrapping. I made things like  a dolls house out of a box and inside was the gifts. It went on and on, until the last year I did this, I made a racing car out of cardboard to hide the gift inside. I miss doing silly things like that. 

top - SuperChic by Vinyl @ FaMESHed

catwa head applier - Rose by Session @ eBento

maitreya body applier - Tone 00 @ Session

jeans - DWL @ Blueberry

hair - Garden @ Lamb

open parcels  - Presents by Junk Food @ SaNaRae

tree, wreaths at windows, wrapped parcels, soft toy - Christmas Spirit gacha @ Bee Designs 

Work Party - A Hunting Ground

I have been to a few work parties in my time. Some better than others and a few totally crap. There was one job I had when I was 18 that comes to mind  when I think of work parties. I worked in a high end shoe store, when a cheapie' shoe was 30 pounds ( this was coming 30 years ago). The owners  had always been well respected people on the area, second generation owners of  this family business. If only people could see the  work party when they started to get drunk along with some staff members.  She was groping male staff, many young enough to be her son. He had his shirt unbuttoned and the tie swinging around his neck, with mistletoe in hand he  tried to grab as many female staff as he could get his hands on. I had lived a sheltered life up to that point and the horror of it all  freaked me out. How on earth could I look these people in the eye again after seeing the all snog the face off each other. Still, the next work day, there they all where going about their business as if nothing happened. I always wondered if they even remembered what did happen. Well at least I wondered about it until I heard about him getting thrown out of the church they attended for groping  one of the leaders wives, or so the rumour goes.

pose & prop - Masked @ Foxcity
dress - Ziomin by Kaithleen's @ FaMESHed
hair - Batty (group gift) @ Truth

catwa head applier - Rose by Session @ eBento

maitreya body applier - Tone 00 @ Session

Crazy for You

Listening to Madonna this morning seemed to inspire 

I see you through the smokey air

Can't you feel the weight of my stare

You're so close but still a world away

What I'm dying to say, is that

I'm crazy for you

Touch me once and you'll know it's true

I never wanted anyone like this

It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss

I'm crazy for you, crazy for you

                                            

bodysuit - Ruby by Lybra @ Christmas Around the World

hair - Daphne by  Exile  @ Epiphany

catwa head applier - Rose by Session @ eBento

maitreya body applier - Tone 01 @ Session

pose  Neon Burn @ Gingerfish

backdrop - Borda Room - The Bearded Guy

Waddling Home

 Walking home I seems to have found a few friends. If they keep following me I will have to bring them in and look after them. Wonder how the are with walking on a lead  and playing with dogs !

jacket -  Short Down with Fur Collar gacha by Amiable @ TLC
hat with hair - Cara @ C' est La Vie
leggings - Eventide @ White River Co. 
booties -  Eventide @ White River Co. 
pose & props - Starry Night -Penguin Crossing by Le Poppycock  @ TLC

Joyful Christmas

Somehow, not only for Christmas,

But all the long year through, 

The joy that you give to others, 

Is the joy that comes back to you.

And the more you spend in blessing, 

The poor and lonely and sad, 

The more of your heart's possessing, 

Returns to you glad.

white trunk under window with books - Celestial Nook Cabinet & Access Set @ unKindess

crest moons on fireplace - Celestial Nook Cabinet & Access Set @ unKindess

rug - Celestial Nook Cabinet & Access Set @ unKindess

wall art - Calm & Bright Wall Collage @ What Next

stockings & holder - Christmas Stockings & Deer Stocking Holder  @ What Next

table near window - Paperwhite ( comes with items on it , not shown) @ Granola group gift

items on coffee table - Candy Apple Station @ Junk Food

 bar cabinet with items in - Harper Avenue @    Salacity

fireplace & garland shown on it - Caranbourne by Raindale @ TLC

candles  - Caranbourne by Raindale @ TLC gift

tealight at window - Canal House by MudHoney  @ Christmas Around the World

shoes wreath inside  (placed inside garland wreath over fire and colour changed) Wooden Shoe Wreath  by MudHoney  @ Christmas Around the World

tree - Xmas Tree with Ornaments by Dechita  @ Christmas Around the World

 coffee table/carved - Colonel Peake's @  [noctis]

sofa - Suede @ Lisp

garland around walls and wreath over fire - Holiday Set @ Hive

***** Old Town

I got to get out of this ***** old town

My blood's in a fever 

My loves in the ground 

My heart is on fire 

My brains in the pan 

My time is an hourglass... sifting like sand 

And all I can do 

Is pace up and down 

Like a dog on a chain 

That can't get around 

My mind is confused 

My nerves are a wreck 

You put me out like a smoked cigarette 

You laughed in my face... made me feel like a clown 

I got to get out of this ***** old town 

The girl down the street 

Got shot in the back 

Her babies are crying 

She's not coming back 

Her mother weeps at a hole in the ground 

I got to get out of this ***** old town 

The man on the news 

Shows a kid with a gun 

Caught in the alley 

With no place to run 

Will an answer ever be found? 

I got to get out of this ***** old town 

I got to get out of this ***** old town 

My blood's in fever 

My loves in the ground 

My heart is on fire 

My brains in the pan 

My time is an hourglass...sifting like sand

                                                  Willadean Wright

This poem was written for a girl down the alley from me that was murdered in cold blood and the ****** has gone unsolved to this day. They did find a 16-year-old with a gun in that alley days later, but could not definitively pin the ****** on him.

earrings - Nadira @ Ilaya

stockings - Kade @ Avanti

hair - Grande @ Ade

dress - Kate by Sukikita @ Designer Showcase

tattoo - Wish Owl @ Carol G

Genus head applier - Dayana @ DeeTaleZ

Maitreya body applier - Mixed  @ DeeTaleZ

pose - Lean on Me @ Juxtapose

 backdrop - Apartment Fire Escape - blue+aqua @ Paparazzi

scattered items - Trailer Park gacha @ DRD

Appreciate

Appreciate everything.

Appreciate it when you go out on the street and the light is green.

Appreciate it when someone gives you a small candy.

Appreciate every compliment you receive.

Appreciate the love that people give you.

Appreciate every breath that someone takes before they tell you something 

because they took that for you.

Appreciate - even the bad things

because there's no better think than

 balance and balance doesn't exist without bad things.

Appreciate your balance.

Appreciate your life

Appreciate yourself

DECOR
sideboard I am leaning on - Advent Calendar by Generation  @ Christmas Around the World
tree - Plastic with Ornaments by Dechita  @ Christmas Around the World
wall calendar - Advent by KraftWork @ TLC
parcels under tree - Wrapped Gacha by Sway's  @ TLC
picture - Dear Santa by 22769  @ TLC
garland - Holiday @ Hive
inflatable - Reindeer ~ Serenity Style

ME
pose & prop - Stay in Bed by Foxcity @ C88
jeans - DWL @ Blueberry
hair - Frankie @ Mina
jumper with undershirt - Georgia @ Vinyl
Genus head applier - Brianna @ DeeTaleZ
Maitreya body applier - Nordic  @ DeeTaleZ

The World is Celebrating Christmas

An event just opened that I got so excited about as soon as I heard about it. Christmas Around the World is open right now and worth going to have a peek and shop at. To see things from other countries and how  the season looks to them is just fantastic. Funny thing is, I had been begging others to do an event like this as  it is something new for SL but their RL was so busy they just couldn't get it done. Anyway, enough of my rambling - just get yourself over to the event and have a look around. 

gown - Christmas Eve by InsomniaStore @ Christmas Around the World
hair - Adrena @ Exile
lelutka head applier - Shannyn @ DeeTaleZ
maitreya body applier - Mixed @ DeeTaleZ
pose - Doll Face @ Gingerfish

Winter Wonderland

There are strange and mysterious sounds

When the winds of winter blow, 

The long nights are crystal clear and cold, 

And the fields and meadows are covered with snow.

The stars are frosty against the sky, 

And the wind's whistle is shrill, 

As the snow blows against the house

And drifts against the hill.

Yet, I like to see during the winter

A white carpet on the ground, 

To plod aimlessly in the deep snow, 

where deer tracks abound.

I like to feel the stillness

Of a crisp winter's night, 

Watching a full moon rise over the horizon, 

Exposing a winter wonderland beautiful and bright. 

                                        Joseph T. Renaldi

mesh head - Noelle (comes with this shape) @ LAQ

omega head & body applier - Dollie (light) @ Spicy

glasses - Nova @ Fetch

coat - Mine by Neve @ TLC

hat with hair - Cara @ C'est La Vie

Heading In The Right Direction

This Laq head is only 300L on marketplace for December. It doesn't come with a hud but if you own the Laq hud already then you are good to go. Even if you don't have the hud , it is still worth buying. The head is still wearable without the hud, just means you cant change the face to smiling and stuff like that. So go test this out, its a good way to see if you like this brand before investing more into it.
Also Designer showcase is up a running on the new location and it is so much better. It is one of those events that some forget at times but carries brands that are rarely seen in other events. Nice to see new names around. SL is such a massive place yet many of us tend to go tot he same places and shop in the same stores all the time. Its like living on this massive planet yet never leaving the tiny village you live in.. So why not try some different places today.

necklace - Anete @ Kunglers
hair - Beatrix @ Truth
outfit (with boots not shown) - Sadistika by zOOm @ Designer Showcase
mesh head - Noelle (comes with this shape)  @ LAQ
mesh head applier  - Noelle @ LAQ
maitreya body applier - 1.5 @ LAQ

pose - old item from An Lar, some things listed on MP

backdrop - Comfy Place @ Joplino 

Christmas at Home

I have been having fun decorating rooms for Christmas  but I still haven't bothered with my RL home. With just the two of us here it is hard to feel like there is a point to it. If you have family around you, don't take it for granted, make the most of it while you can. You will wish with all your heart that you could when they are no longer around

fireplace, large tree, picture over fire - Gnome on Patrol by Beyond Majestic @ SL Christmas Expo RFL
sofa - Bjorn @ Newchurch
table -  by Magnum Opus  @ SL Christmas Expo RFL
side table, all items on table,wall art tree, 2 frames with sayings - Black & White Christmas @ Bee Designs
cookies on table - Holli Platter @ Plastik
candle tree, corner tree  by Llama Inc  @ SL Christmas Expo RFL

Protect Your Heart

Some people will like you for no reason,

some people will not like you for no reason.

Who you choose to spend time most time,

thoughts, and effort on,

depends on exactly how much you like yourself.

By Just staying near to people

who treat you poorly,

 you are telling them its ok to do so.

Only keep people close to you who treat you well

genus head applier - Rafaela @ DeeTaleZ
maitreya body applier - Mixed @ DeeTaleZ
dress - Trapt Leather by Vinyl @ The Level
boots - Frenchie by Gos @ FaMESHed
hair - Tina by Runaway @ TLC
leg tattoo - Lutea @ Carol G
backdrop - Red @ Po^Z

Getting Ready

Why am I decorating my SL house while my RL house still needs done. Guess it is easier to pull things from my inventory than from my loft. Now I am so loaded with a cold I feel like doing nothing.So this write up will be short, no rambling on like I do at other times. 

dress - Jetta @ C'est La Vie
sneakers - Adrienne by Pure Poison @ Uber
hair - Sanna @ KoKoLoReS
lelutka head applier - Jill @ Session
maitreya body applier - Tone 1 @ Session
pose & prop - My Gift Box by Amitie  @ Uber
lantern, vases candle shelf, branch vase, cupboard, brand curtain, stool - Autumn @ MOoH! 
sofa, chair, coffee table, console, rug, lamp - Omelia @ NewChurch
tree - Christmas by TM @ SL Christmas Expo RFL
piano - Player by Dekute Dekore @ SL Christmas Expo RFL
guitar - Christmas by Dekute Dekore @ SL Christmas Expo RFL

Take Time

Are you off work tomorrow ? If the answer is yes then here is an idea for you. Take some time for yourself. Should it be a hot bath  with candles and glass of wine. Reading a book, watching an old movie or going for a walk. Sit and take in the beauty of this world around you, there is always something good to see. Do something that you keep wanting to do but never seem to get around to it. Start this busy season off in a great way by feeding the soul and pampering yourself. 
You are more use to your family when you are feeling at your best. You an handle your work better, deal with the kids better, even be a better room mate if you look after you first. 
I need to practise what I preach here, so I will give it a go tomorrow, will you ?

pose - Take a Seat @ Image Essentials
hair with hat  - Sira by Mina @ FaMESHed
dress - Red Hot Sweater Dress by Vinyl @ Uber
boots - Pale September @ White River
lelutka head applier - Jill @ Session
maitreya body applier - Tone 1 @ Session

Thanks for Nothing

For nothing taught me more 

about my strength

than when I hide shattered, 

alone in the dark.

Nothing prepared me before...

And the after is a journey

filled with the unknown,

But nothing is more precious

than the gift of freedom.

So thanks,

for nothing.....

hair - Aislin @ Truth
boots - Camille @ 1313 Mockingbird Lane
skirt & blouse - Paula by Meva @ Tres Chic
lelutka head applier - Jill @ Session
maitreya body applier - Tone 1 @ Session

December Thoughts

December has a way of softening hearts.

Is it any wonder 

that so many miraculous things

happen when so many are inspired

to pay it forward and gift joy?

Kindness can break barriers and

offer comfort where pain dwells.

And as you're doing your best 

to help others this season...

do not forget that your soul 

needs a big hug from you too.

 boots, bodysuit, jacket - Winter Girls by Lybra @  Imaginarium Event
hair - H1116 by Tram @ Uber
omega applier - Chloe @ Spicy (wearing genus/maitreya)

Do You Wanna Build A Snowman ?

Every year I always screamed for snow. Drove people nuts with it. If I heard people got some and I didn't I was miffed. When friends in other countries got snow I begged for pictures. We don't get snow that often in my part of the UK. Well as those who knows me for a few years  knows the details about my mum living beside me. All those years I kept saying about snow and we never got it. I always said as soon as it happens, I am getting all the old folk from  the fold she lived in, and we are building a snowman in the garden below mums window. Sadly we never got that chance. Then, on the last day of September last year, mum passed away. A few weeks later we got snow. So much snow it stuck around for a long time - at least long for us. The grand kids of the lady who moved into mums flat built a snowman under the window. I think that was the first time I truly cried as the loss hit me.  I avoided Christmas last year. This year I promised myself that I would throw myself into it. I am going to put my tree up this weekend and everything is getting put out. What has hit me this week was that in all my 47 years, last year was the first time ever I didn't spend the time with my mum. The penny didn't drop  at the time because I was so numb. SO this year I will face another 'first'. I will do all the Christmas markets, gift shopping and all those other things without her. If we get snow I will build a snowman and I will make myself  find that joy again. I have to.

outfit - Lady Claus @ 1313 Mockingbird Land
boots - Lady Claus @ 1313 Mockingbird Land
hair - Panny @ Truth
bodysuit  under outfit Knit @ Sn@tch (this is an applier, perfect for under mesh coats)
catwa head applier - Celine @ DeeTaleZ
maitreya body applier - Mixed @ @ DeeTaleZ

paving stones  - Icy @ What Next

shurbs  - Frozen @HPMD

trees -   @ Little Branch

snow piles  from house add-ons (meant for roof)

pose & prop - Snowman by Fashiowl @ SL Christmas Expo RFL

A Christmas To Remember

I know it's true

Time doesn't stand still

Many things can change

But we know some things never will

The memories we share

The songs we always sing

The mystery of life

The hopefulness this season brings

And I have a dream or two

Maybe they will come true

sleigh - The Frostline @ Granola
trees - Fir @ Hive
shurbs  - Frozen @HPMD
cabin - Wishful by Serenity Style @ Boardwalk
table and everything on it - Winter Harvest Picnic @ What Next
firepit - Winter Harvest   @ What Next
garland, small christmas trees by Kaerri  @ Boardwalk
fence - Snowy @ The Looking Glass
rocking chair - Estwards @ Raindale
stove in cabin - Wood With Vent @ Bondi

Making Memories

I need to think about getting my Christmas decs  down from the loft this week. I have so much stuff and hundreds of little wooden toys to put on my tree. I am also going to use my mums decorations and mix it up with mine. Each of her items holds a memory for me, I can remember the place we bought it and the giggle we had that day. That is what this season is all about, memories and making new ones. So many get into debt  trying to buy everything they think they need to make it perfect. I wish I could teach them that perfect cant be bought and it isn't even real. The important part is, in our imperfection, we still can spend time with those we love and enjoy the moment. When all is said and done, we look back and remember the moment not the items bought.

stool, chair, sofa, table, wall art, ladder Lilyana Collection by Sahi Designs @ Boardwalk
stove  - Salinger Woodstove Black @ Trompe Loeil
tree - old group  gift

Dinner Time

Oops! You caught me out trying to get dinner. Though if this was how I had to get my food  I think I would starve. Maybe sticking me out on the arse end of no where and telling me to get my own food would be the best way to get me to diet. I keep thinking I need to lose weight (and I really do need to lose it), then I get fed up and start eating. Pasta and nuts are something I struggle to cut back on, I could never give them up. So I guess I will potter into the kitchen and  start cooking  Sunday Lunch, was never a fan of seafood anyway. 

jacket with jumper - by MOoH! @ Black Friday bazaar Nov 17 - 27. Gift for members of the Evil bunny hunts group. 
boots - Piper @ Fri.day
hair with hat - Full Circle @ Exile
jeans - Classic Skinny @ Blueberry
trees, barrel table, pond, hut, fish with knife, fish in bucket, crates - Great North by Circa @ The Boardwalk Event
winter setting with foxes - The Arctic Winter by TM Creations @ The Boardwalk Event
mailbox, covered pots, table   - Snow Covered by Llama Inc.  @ Whimsical