Have you noticed how February, and not January, is often the cruellest month? It’s all about love and happy and quite often the reality is a complete contrast to that.I’ve just had some really sad news that i need to share with you dear reader, and that is that Prad Prathivi has announced that at the end of the month ‘The Crown And Pearl’ will be no more unless a buyer can be found.
This is heartbreaking news to a LOT of people, and not just because in many ways The Crown And Pearl picked up where The Three Lions finished. The same crowd were there, the same vibe, but eventually C&P developed into a unique identity of it’s own all housed in the plushest surroundings and with some of the best DJ’s on the grid to boot.
I cannot tell you the myriad of fun times I have had there. The place is full of some of the most charismatic, intelligent and plain blinking mental avatars the grid has ever seen. I have so many memories that still make me laugh; Bonfire Night 2008 when myself and many others followed Hellspawned’s lead and decided to sit ON the fireworks that were being let off in the bar. We were flown high up into the air before joining the exploding shards and plummetting back down to earth. It was totally surreal and so much fun. The Crown And Pearl was also amazingly supportive of Dee, and raised funds in her honour for Breast Cancer charities ( It’s always been such a generous venue, time to pay some of that back methinks) Fortunately I have photos of Dee and I dancing there together on the many times that we visited. She loved it.
Let’s not forget Rrishanna’s music nights, which are the stuff of legend. I’ve never known a more eclectic DJ in my entire life, nor a lady with such an extensive record collection covering every single musical style you can imagine. Christmases were often chaotic but great fun too..the madness, the laughs and the drama to boot. Finally, another special memory, my first ever rez-day.. a surprise party was held there for me and the place was covered with ( flattering) photographsof yours truly..I was moved, exhilirated and very,very happy by the effort that went in to that.
I confess,I feel guilty because I haven’t been there as much recently as I should. But here’s the thing, in the back of my mind I *knew* that it was there. I knew that the same faces would be causing a rumpus should I decide to pop by. I guess like many others who were once VERY regulars I became complacent and forgot that these places do not fund themselves, nor do they go on forever if neglected…
I know that it’s the people that make a venue, but I also know that the regulars and new visitors LOVE C&P it with all their hearts and it will be a HUGE blow to the virtual community if it does succumb and close its doors for good at the end of February. Yes, I know that there are other clubs and bars to visit in-world; I visit Republik often enough, but the vibe is different there, and I love it for different reasons. But something that is very different for me between the two venues are the amount of frineds that I have there. For starters, I only really know Amanda and Sable at Republik, whereas at The Crown And Pearl I have friends like Prad, Rrish, The Two Baileys(Longcloth and Dazy),Mowgli, Hellspawned, Marisa, Jacomo, Aribeth, Dellik, Wilds, Bonni, Mysti and many, many more… Some of these people I haven’t seen for an age, but I can tell you that the connections I made with them at 3L and then at C&P have meant a lot to me, and still do. Perhaps C&P was born of the zeitgheist, and now that time has faded, perhaps it should close down? I don’t know..there could be a case to answer there I guess. All I know for sure is that I hope it can be saved. We have until the end of February to see..Here’s hoping.
Ok, final shape-show off from me. Here’s ‘Rose’ worn with the stunning ‘Mooie Vogel’ gown by Nicky Ree, some new hair from Analog Dog, called ‘Bella’ and a freebie skin from ‘Symphony Skins’ ( Lovely isn’t it?)
This is a gorgeously romantic look, which is precisely what Valentines Day is all about. I hope you’ve enjoyed my previews of the three new shapes…they’ll be released VERY soon!
I just decided to try an Asian-inspired look using some FREE ( yes, FREE!) hair from Curious Kitties..I’ve teamed it with a Belleza gift skin and a dollarbie kimono.
ていない彼女は美しく見えます？
..Sometimes all you need is the right combination to look good, nothing fussy or dramatic just quality items that make heads turn.
So here’s an example that demonstrates that principle perfectly; Belleza skin, Truth hair and the top is the very latest release from Lark. The previous two labels are legendary already in Second Life, and Lark I’m sure will be counted amongst their number very soon. This top is a slight departure in that there are no fuss or frills, just hand dran and shaded goodness. Ths simplicity means that its easy to wear, but my money is on a classical look: I’m talking jacket and skirt with killer heels and pearls. Of course, it would look just as cool with tailored trousers or quality jeans..it’s that kind of item.
Oh, and it’s only L$185 for the fat pack!!! BARGAINALICIOUS!!
(Finally, see that face? Lovely ain’t she..yip, that’s my Valentine shape:)
Demos and all the other gubbins will be in the stores VERY SOON!
Watch this space….
..and this is ‘Valentine’, she’s a very-well proportioned, tall lassie with an angular, haute couture face and an attitude to match. I’d say this is a high-maintenance chick, make no mistake about that! It took me an age to work out how to do pouty chops, but now I have you’ll be seeing lots more pout in future releases. Of course, all Kittylicious! shapes are MOD, so if you want a little less pout and a bit more cheekbone you can do that yourself, just make sure your copy the original first.
As with all Kittylicious! skins I’ve tested her out with a number of various skins, although sadly since my mahoosive inventory loss not as many as I used to have.. Luckily I still have some quality skins left though, all my releases have been tested with Tuli, Le Lutka, Belleza..yep, some of the biggest and brightest designers just to make sure that they work. But for super safety, I’ll be putting demos out in stores just for you, so you can try before you buy:)
.
Here’s another shot of ‘Cupid’ to wet your appetite; this time using the dark Rockberry skin. I’m wearing eyes by SLink, hair by Truth and the dress is by Sn@tch in this shot. I’m wearing this in world at the moment so if you want to see what she’s like in the flesh then feel free to bump into me, LOL:)
I’m going to be releasing the demo pack later to subscribers, as well as including demos of all 3 releases there will also be some shots using different skins so you can get a real feel for this shape, and her companions ‘Rose’ and ‘Valentine’..I’m really excited about my latest releases, I hope you are too!
**EACH SHAPE WILL COST L$100, L$250 FOR FATPACK**
I’m just putting the finishing touches to my latest Kittylicious! Shapes releases, and even if I say so myself, I think they are the best yet.
I’m really working hard on my faces, trying out different lip styles and face shapes…it’s actually quite a challenge at times to find the perfect combination, but I’m delighted with my efforts so far!
As you would expect, I’m continuing to experiment with larger than average sizes; all the ladies are curvy and occasionally voluptuous but each shape will of course have modify rights enabled, so if you want a little less butt or booby you can tweak away to your hearts content. Over the coming months the entire range at Malt will be revamped. You’ll also find new ranges of discounted shapes at Harlow too. My plan is to have a completely fresh new range well before my store’s first anniversary. So, let me introduce you to…
“Cupid” ( I was up all night thinking of that name, huh?)
In this shot you can just get a glimpse of her style..I was kind of inspired by a young Diana Dors, hence the pout and the curves. She will be available at Malt with TWO other shapes VERY soon, and each one will retail at L$100, OR you can fatpack for a mere L$275. As I’ve said before, the aim is to provide cracking shapes at realistic prices, so you can save your dosh for stunning skins. The little beauty that completes this look is from Rockberry, is called ‘Farrah’ and when compined twith my shape provides an avatar who is simply divine.
I really hope you like Cupid..stay tuned for release dates!
As if you didn’t already know, Valentine’s Day is just ten days away.
This means that the grid is festooned in an orgy of pink and red and all things heart-shaped, which if I was a complete cynic would be pretty annoying, but I enjoy it. It’s another opportunity for people to create themed nicies for the shopping addicted fashionista’s to swoon over, and this year is proving to be especially good fun so far.
However, I’m on a very limited budget after my mahoosive inventory loss and I’m reluctant to accrue so much valuable stuff again without a guarantee it won’t disappear off the face of the grid. BUT because there are no guarantees then, for now I’m being canny about my purchases; so I’m especially pleased to have discovered the Valentine’s Bazaar that is currently taking place. Every item on sale is a mere FIFTY LINDENS OR LESS, and there are some utterly gorgeous things. I’m especially enamoured with the Pink Fuel skins that are available there, the one that I’m wearing in the shot is called ‘Oopsies’, and it’s somewhat appropriate as I had a corker of a nosebleed in real life last night! I’m also wearing a beautiful frock from A-Bomb called ‘Swing Time’, which has a 1940’s vibe to it, and I teamed it with some freebie socks from Miel ( the boots are from there too). I’m also sporting my ever faithful Panjen fingerless gloves, and the necklace is also from the bazaar, by Worn, it’s the ‘Tough Love Necklace’ . Topped off with hair by Magika, I thought the finished look had a touch of street urchin about it…
If you’d like to see some alternative shots of the skins that are available check out the ever fragrant Whisper Swansong’s post over on Fabfree for a great listing. (Grab a loo roll on the way over mind, they’re a bit fapworthy 
Today February 2nd sees the celebration of Imbolc and fittingly enough, the weather is absolutely pants. No, the sun isn’t shining, but the rain is teeming down instead…thank goodness for Second Life then, allowing Pagans from all across the world to meet and celebrate the festival from the confines of their warm and dry homes.
Does celebrating a festival in world make it any less important? Nope, I don’t think so. Isn’t it the point that you are gathering with like-minded individuals, and that by making the effort you’re making it extra special? In fact, you could go as far as saying that such gatherings are all the more potent for the partcipants converge from all over the globe , all focused on the same intent…
How best to celebrate it then? Well I do know that ‘The Sacred Cauldron’ has prepared a sacred space and are holding an Imbolc ritual at 7pm SLT tonight. Be prompt! If you’re late you will NOT be allowed into the circle. ( You will be allowed to stand outside and watch) All are welcome, regardless of chosen path, and participants are asked to have prepared a notecard bearing a negative trait for banishment within the cauldron during the rite. Unfortunately, I’m working tonight so I cannot participate, but I’m sure that HPS Lillith Tammas will do a wonderful job.
If, like me, you cannot attend then why not do something by yourself in-world? If you have your own land this is easy to do, and making it even easier is this splendid altar from ‘The Picky Pagan‘ by Dixie Berliner, located at Witches Island. If you look a little further down this page you’ll note that I mentioned her work in my post about The Artemis Tavern, but since then she’s had a change around at her stores and the COMPLETE altar set that you see in this picture is just L$175! ( Previously she was offering the altar on it’s own at L$100, you had to buy the extras) Even better; you just rez and it’s ready..it’s about 44 prims but if you are prim-limited do what I do, de-rez a few items until after you’ve finished using the altar.I love the fact that she’s used the traditional colours of yellow and white for the candles, with white flowers and holly leaves in a bowl to be burned ( representing the passing of the Holly King) You’ll also see bread on the altar, and a Bridie Doll ( After Brigid,the virgin goddess who brings new life to the earth. She is known as Bride in Scotland) She is laid in her bed of woven wheat, ready to awaken..just like the Earth in the Northern hemisphere, which is on the brink of bursting into life. Once you’ve got your altar and if you’re stuck for ideas what to do, why not try this? ( Note, I’ve just discovered that if you click the altar it presents you with a beautiful Imbolc ritual poem, discovered that during my own working and it added a really lovely element to the proceedings)
Stand before your altar and consider what you want to achieve in 2010. Imbolc is a time for fertile thoughts and because it is associated with sacred fire, it’s a time to let the flame of inspiration lick your chops and stimulate new ideas. New beginnings peeps!
On your desk, beside your PC at dusk, light a tea light and dedicate it to the Celtic fire Goddess. This is going to represent new light penetrating the wintry darkness…If you want to burn some incense, some Sage would be good (this is a great t ime for smudging and cleansing, but that’s a tad more involved) . You can use this chant, taken from ‘The Cyber Spellbook’ By Sirona Knight and Patricia Telesco, as you light the flame (It’s a nice easy one)
“Bridget, Bridget, Brightest Flame, Bridget, Bridget, Sacred Name”.
Moving in-world I’ll have a cauldron beside my altar, where I will deposit a notecard with all the negative traits that I want to get rid of. I’ll also place a white candle upon the altar (I’m going to use one of the scripted L$99 candles from ‘Bell & Broom’ that I blogged yesterday for this) By the time my short ritual is over I’ll be starting my real life night-shift, but I’ll be mindful that my wee virtual candle is still alight…a reassuring thought. It was traditional to leave candles burning overnight buit that’s not really safe for me in a house of five cats and a naughty dog. However you celebrate it, enjoy the celebration!
(If you’re feeling inspired and need some further ideas, why not check out the amazing virtual resource that is the ‘Internet Book Of Shadows’ for further information? It’s a fabulous resource!)
