Road Trip, Stop One: San Diego Comic Con

 I had planned to start my road trip in New England, Susan's stomping grounds, in honor of her help in choosing the next theme.

When I get a call from Mei Lin, it turns out to be a good thing I didn't make my travel arrangements yet.

"Tarra, I need help! I wanted to do a C-Drama cosplay at San Diego Comic Con, but the friend who was going with me got sick and had to cancel at the last minute!" she says.

"That's awful, I'm so sorry," I tell her. "But how can I help? I'm no doctor - don't even play one on TV."

"Noooo, but you are almost exactly the same size as Valerie, who was going to wear the other costume. Any chance I can talk you into coming out to model it?" Mei wheedles. "You won't even need to wear a wig!"

...which is how I find myself in California, dressed as a nine-tailed fox spirit and loyal companion to Mei's young goddess going through her tribulation.

 "Are you sure it's okay to wear this here?" I ask. "It's not really comics related."

"Neither are Forrest Gump or the Phantom of the Opera, and they've both made appearances," she says with a laugh. "Anyway, if anybody complains, just tell them we're from a Shang Chi AU." 

I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I guess I'll just have to trust my young goddess!

The Idea

"I don't know, it's just staring to feel... stagnant?" I said. "Put together an outfit, snap the picture, post, then lather, rinse repeat. I'm just afraid if I don't find a way to shake things up, I'll lose interest and dip out of the grid again."

 

"Hmm." Perched beside me on the picnic table, Susan stared across the yard in thought. "What kind of things are you thinking of to shake it up?"

 

"Well, I don't want to just give up again. I've considered doing portraits for other people?" I offered hesitantly.

 

She tilted her head. "Okay, and what are the downsides of that?"

 

"Logistics, for one thing." I shrugged. "You know how long it took just for the two of us to meet up in-world. Also, having to advertise to get people interested - I'm not great at promotion."

 

Susan nodded. "And working with an agent or manager would run into the same logistics problems. Okay. What else?" 

 

"Add in some scenery shots?"

 

Her eyebrows went up. "That could work, especially if you come up with a 'fit that goes with the location, instead of finding a location or making a backdrop that goes with the clothes."

 

"Or at least vaguely goes with," I admitted. "So basically... SL Road Trip? Around the Grid in Eighty Days?"

 

"Like that! But don't limit yourself to a specific number, in time or number of locations."

 

I thought about it. "Yeah, and there are some areas of the Grid I'll probably skip rather than trying to get everywhere. This could help, though."

 

It would take more research than the stufved been doing, and probably more Lindens since I'd have to dress appropriately for the location instead of just working with whatever was on the weekend sales at any given time. But - this just might work.

 

"Okay, Road Trip it is!"

When Inspiration Strikes

 I stumbled across a painting class set-up while touring an in-world winery, and decided to give it a go. 

While I can't say I'll ever become a skilled (or even mediocre) painter, some inspiration did strike while I was there. After talking it over with a friend, I'll probably start setting up and posting the results of that inspiration soon!

Head: LOGO "Christina"
Eyes: .:|Profect|:. "BOM Cati Eyes_blue"
Skin: Not Found "Vaelis" L007 B
Hair: Monso "Gara" Black & Red
Makeup: Cazimi "Fae Eyeshadow 11 Pink to Gold"; Alba "Essential Eyeliner - 5"; Miamai "Donna Lips Evox_02"
Manicure: e.marie // "Gia Nails" Pinks
Clothes: Carol's "Gemma" Top & Pants, Light Blue

Location: Pour Up Winery & Vineyard

 

First of Her Name

 

When you find a gown that makes you feel like a queen, you might as well run with the theme!

Head: LOGO "Christina"
Eyes: .:|Profect|:. "BOM Cati Eyes_blue"
Skin: Not Found "Vaelis" L007 B
Hair: Ade "Isla" (on Mirja "Hairbase 3.0")
Makeup: Cazimi "Fae Eyeshadow 11 Pink to Gold"; Alba "Essential Eyeliner - 5"; 
              Miamai "Donna Lips Evox_02"; Sera "She Basic" Undereye Glitter
Clothes: :Dernier: "Carmen" Gown and Cloak; :DBL: "Aphrodite Gloves"
Jewelry: Earthstones "Lora" Earrings; Zibska "Vionica" Headpiece

Backdrop: EVHAH "Eternal Flame" set (on private land)

(I had this photo taken ages ago, but that darn first life has a nasty habit of interfering with my time...)

Happy Half-Price Chocolates' Eve!

 Hey, a gal has to have her priorities, right? 😉

(This shot does use a few more items from the February Shop & Hop; the delicious box of chocolates was part of last weekend's sales.)

February Shop & Hop Goodies

 I have a different idea in mind for the 14th, but did want to show off some fun gift items from the February Shop & Hop. (Not everything in the image is from there, but most of it is!)

Dance the Night

When the night's here, I don't do tears
Baby, no chance
I could dance, I could dance, I could dance

 (Thank you to friends P, X, M & D for helping out with the dance party vibes!)