#25 ~ The Rebel's Woman...

The Paradise
Under the weighted boot of El Generale, those within Cassava need an ear and hope. They look to those who are young and strong. Ones that would stand up to the cruelty that the he has brought into the city and country, in hopes that they will have a chance to regain somewhat of their livelihood back.

They are The Uprising. A young group of individuals, locals of the isle striving for a purpose. Some are thieves, others hold respectable jobs, some are fathers, mothers - your sister...

The Fashion
Taken at the Rebel's base on Cassava Island, home of Paradise Lost Roleplay

Skin: - DAMNED - MHO1 Hunt Gift
Shape: My Own
Make-Up: [Misc. Inc.] I Love Liner - Diligence 1
Hair: "LoQ Hair" Cobbler - Hypnotic Red *Group Gift*
Eyes: :[Plastik]: - Aleria Collection/Seelie - Blu
Eyelashes: Mynerva
Tattoo: You + Me = Fuck

Top: [ SAKIDE ] Ribbed Tee-shirt Dress Wine
Tape: :[Plastik]: Bandaids <3 U-Darkest
Skirt: [ Cynful ] Poskskirt - 2012 Special Outfit
Stockings: *League* Side-Gartered Stockings - Bramble
Boots: drd lazyheel *Zombie Popcorn*
Bag: DECO - Slingback (Skulls) *MESH* (Group Gift)
Earrings: [Aura] Phosphorus - Club Hoops - Coral
Rings: PIDIDDLE - Gawdy Ring - Citrine (Season's Gatcha - Winter)

Pose: Olive Juice
Location: Cassava Island
Listening: Don Henley "Boys of Summer"

#18 ~ Socially acceptable...

The Real
I've always been addicted to social media. Been in the know. Been into computers and the whatnot. I MySpaced, I Twittered, I telneted, I AOLed, I chatroomed, I have done it all. I still like to do it. Sometimes it does it get overwhelming and now and then it does stop me in my tracks and I have to take a step back and say....WHOA.

But then I jump back in like a kid in the bouncy ball room. Weeeeeeeee!

The Paradise
"Get together...right now...over me"... "hot time..summer in the city..."

The body count is rising. The Peacekeepers are making trouble by burning the clinic down, while the Rebels are shouting for blood. The locals are caught in the middle. Isa...is caught standing in the square, not knowing what to do..or where to precede.

The Fashion
You can connect with me here:
About Me: Simply Dou
Twitter: @Simplydou
Klout: Simply Dou
Plurk: Douleur

#17 ~ KISS...

The Real
Now I can sit here and feel sorry for myself and be like...blah blah blah..or I can actually do something about it. So the idea is for me to do something about my life.
But really...where are you to start?

If I knew where the starting line was, I think I could do this.

I am procrastinating on my dream.

The Paradise
We've been one week in now. So it's been going slow. And I get that. It's hard for people, especially in the roleplay community to leave areas that they are comfortable in, even if they sit there and complain that they are bored and that they want a new place to rp in.

So, you start and idea, and you bring it to life. People are excited. Your groups are filling up. Opening day arrives...and you have five dedicated people rping on the sim! Great! But where are the rest...you can only last for so long with those five..or ten. You need more in order to thrive and survive.

In Second Life, especially in the roleplay community, sims come and go every other month. Those that do make it, make it because they push the envelope and they have people there that can be online all the time running. I worry on our sim. We don't have that. We have five of us that can only do so much and we're all on at different times.

I do believe we have a good niche. We have a great story that Paradise Lost has and once people can get their groove on and actually start to write, they'll see how much they'll love the way it flows. The rules are simply, not constrictive. It's one thing we take pride on, the simple things. KISS. Too many rules kill a sim. Drama kills a sim. Lack of encouragement kills a sim.

You start somewhere.

#14 ~ She only comes out at night...

The Real
A while ago - that is, a few years back, I used to write a lot. When I would write, it would be mostly poetry. Maybe a few words of prose, a couple short stories, and now and then a keepsake of memories laid out on a notebook to which words would tumble out in such a way that they would sound like whimsical music to the ears.

Even now, those words tremble like tiny notes in the breeze.

Then I stopped writing.

I'm not sure why I did. But when I stopped, I had no outlet. For a while I couldn't decide what to do with myself. Then while I was thinking and doing my own thing I came upon role-playing in Second Life. Within role-playing I was able to story tell. I was able to capture a story and tell it through my eyes.

But it also went beyond. I could create a character.

Those characters...could be anyone...and because they could be anyone, it allowed me to be open with myself and do things that would be unspeakable. To get down and dirty: sex, drugs, and rock & roll. That's what role-play is about - story telling. Whether you are doing it within a post apoc sim, a gorean sim, a steampunk sim, or a dirty urban city sim - it's story telling.

It keeps my fingers nimble and my mind creative.

The Paradise
We are moving along. Slowly but surely, Paradise Lost is gradually getting people and stories. It's taking it's time but we're getting people.

The Fashion
The Season's Gatcha - Winter has opened up. I themed some of my things around an idea of what someone in my sim would wear...a girl caught on her way back to the flophouse in the early morning after a night of work...

Skin: al vulo - frida *passion tan *Group Gift*

Shape: My own

Make-Up: [mock] Darkened  Mood Garnets Makeover

Hair: Tiny Bird - Love You More - Deep Warm Black (FLF)

Eyes: .ID. December Group Gift / Brown

Eyelashes: Mynerva

Shirt: Lark - Enten Shirt - Pirouzeh (Seasons Gatcha Winter)

Skirt: R.icielli - ANTO II highwaisted skirt / cherry *Winter Hunt*

Shoes: Ingenue ::Abrial Boot:: French Vanilla (Seasons Gatcha Winter)

Earrings: [ glow ] studio - Huge pearl Drop earrings (russet silver) (Seasons Gatcha Winter)

Ring: PIDIDDLE - Gawdy Ring - Citrine (Seasons Gatcha Winter)

Bag: Tee*fy Mini Crossbody Bag (Used Leather Red) (Seasons Gatcha Winter)

Pose: GLITERRATI

Location: Cassava Island

Listening: Hall and Oates "Maneater"

#8 ~ Isabella Maria Radcliff

The Fashion


For this little challenge: Coral.

Skin: -Glam Affair- Monica Tan TRD 28
Shape: My own
Make-Up: cheLLe (eyeliner) EyePop Lime
Make-Up: *BOOM* Hard Candy - Pink Sugar
Hair: Raspberry Aristocrat - Dulciana - Brown Bittersweet
Eyes: .ID. December Gift / BlueGreen
Eyelashes: Mynerva

Top: JANE - Femme.lace Cami - Pink Blush
Skirt: JANE - Maxi Skirt - Lillith - Blush (fair) *MESH*
Shoes: Maitreya Gold * YaXkin Cocoa Sandals
Earrings: [Aura] Down Pour - Melon *VIP Group Gift*
Necklace: MIEL - UVA - Coral *Group Gift*

Pose: GLITTERATI
Location: The Dreamer's Islands
Listening: Silence (It's Sunday Morning)

The Paradise

Maybe what should be noticed about Isabella Maria Radcliff is the intensity of her eyes. Her mother always said that her eyes could bring down the most worthiest of opponents if ever in a cat fight. Maybe it was true, but the woman that would step onto the island not even a few months after her thirty-second birthday hadn’t even thought of those words in years.

Isa was born to Paula Ora Carlona, a Cassava native and John Michael Radcliff, a British Navy Captain,  on June 7^th, 1979. Life on Cassava was a child’s playground – the beach, the sun and the wild. War, chaos and hunger lingered in the air but for a child, she would ignore as much as she could, or as much as her mother would hide it from her. Even when those in the cantina would shout and argue about the El Generale and his men, the dissatisfaction of the people. No money. No food. Where was her father?

At the age of ten, she was shipped off to London to live with her father and stepmother for each school year, as stated in the divorce papers signed by both parents during the joint custody hearings. Her summers would be spent upon the Cassava Island during the first couple years, but as she grew older, she came home less often, opting to spend her summers in the English countryside, or to travel off to France or to America. She had the advantages she knew others did not have, so she was bound to take them – why not. Who wanted to go back to a place that was so distraught and torn?

Upon graduating from high school, Isa decided to stay on, attending the London College of Fashion. Each and every semester, her excuses would get more elaborate on not wanting to return to the island, much to her mother’s dismay – and even to her own father’s. It was like she shunned the overall entity that was her culture. By the age of twenty-four, Isa finally returned to Cassava, only because her grandfather – her mother’s father – had passed away, and her mother had now been handed the reigns of the family business.

Many years would pass by that time. Isa’s life would be what she deemed she wanted, buying textiles and fabrics for the fashion houses in London. The world she knew in Cassava would only exist in letters she would receive from her mother, which she would now and then respond to around the holidays, sending money and gifts in exchange for her absences. It wasn’t until the day her father showed up at her flat that rainy Sunday afternoon to tell her…

…which landed her back at the door of the cantina, her mother – all but gone.

#7 ~ The Blue Lotus

The Paradise

The Blue Lotus officially opened it’s doors on September 13^th, 1957. On this day, Santos Jose Carlona and his wife, Regina Fae, tossed aside their worries and arms to embrace those they considered friends and foes – and let them into their home, plying them with the best they could offer in rums and local fare. From this the Lotus would become the staple of Cassava’s simple cuisine, giving way to many of those who came ashore to sample the islands fare and drinks.

As the years went by, the Lotus would gain notoriety on it’s own as the dwelling of those who rambled in the making of rebellion. They loitered in the corners of the bar, in the booths, behind the kitchen build. Talking with Papi, as Santos would become called (by his granddaughter Isa), along with his long-time friend Pao – they would rise up the ranks of the locals, yet keep the dogs at bay. Each time the Peacekeepers came to the door, sniffing to see what they would find, Papi would take the brunt, showing he would not throw his fellow Cassavian under foot.

Upon his passing, the Lotus would be handed to his daughter Paula, who – divorced from John Radcliff in the early 1980s, would continue the tradition that her father had done so well. Keeping the locals and tourists alike, happy with fare and spirits. Even during times of strife, when the island would seem to want to cave in on itself, and those that had fought to defend it’s freedom seem to have lost hope, the cantina’s doors remained opened, keeping a dim light burning – a glass filled to drink one’s sorrow.

Pao still remained with Paula during this time, never leaving her side. He was like a steady rock, keeping the cantina running while she raised and nurtured her daughter when Isa was at home. As the years went on and civil war loomed, everything seemed to start to fall apart. El Generale had seized control of the city-state in a military coup, running Bepe (Cassava’s President-cum-protectorate) out of the country. People were dying, disappearing – talks of rebellion began again through the walls of the cantina, this time louder – then to only…go silent.

Life seemed a bit dismal. But it continued. The Blue Lotus still kept it’s doors open. People walked into them and left through them. Paula and Pao saw to that each and everyday, even as her daughter Isa stayed in London, going to school, growing up – then working. It wasn’t until May of 2011 that Isa finally returned to Cassava, to the Lotus.

Paula Ora Carlona had passed away.

The Blue Lotus was officially Isabella Maria Radcliff’s. 

#6 ~ Hotel Blanca

The Hotel Blanca - Paradise Lost Roleplay - Opening Monday, January 9th, 2012

#4 ~ Vacation can't last forever...

The Real
... The desire to write tonight is not there. Maybe I should try to write in the morning. Or afternoon. I think I'm just too frustrated.

The Paradise
Five more days. So much to do.

The Fashion
Christmas gift from Kris. About time I get to wear some swimwear...

Skin: -Glam Affair- Layla Light - tropicana BL *TDR*

Make-UP: =[Pom.Pon]= Beauty-Spot-Lip-Tattoo

Make-Up: cheLLe - (eyeliner) EyePop Tangerine

Make-Up: Grixdale - Body Shoppe - Powder - Blush (20%)

Make-Up: -Glam Affair- Tattoo Layer 01

Hair: >TRUTH< Kalia Streaked - Swedish

Bikini: LeeZu~ - Boho Bikini - Yellow

Shoes: [Gos] Espadrilles - In Bloom

Bag: Tres Blah Group Gift

Sunglasses: Apple May Designs - Big Shades (With Love Hunt)

Pose: Olive Juice & GLITTERATI

Location: Cassava Island

Listening: Pasty Cline "Crazy"

#3 ~ Heading...

The Real
Studied. One job post. Headache.
Had a doctors appointment to remove the skin blemish that has been dogging me for a few weeks now, so no more pain and bleeding. Just going to have a scar to deal with now. I just feel so tired.

The Paradise
Arguments.

The Fashion
Why can I never find good sims to take pictures in?

Skin: .ILLUSORY. Skin Paige Warmth Group Gift

Shap: My own

Make-Up: [Misc. Inc.] I Love Liner - Lust 1

Make-Up: Cheap Makeup - Miss Priss Lipgloss 1 (clear)

Eyes: Poetic Colors - Summer Wheat 

Hair: [Shag] Falling Slowly (bangs) - Autumn (Seasons Hunt)

Eyelashes: Mynerva

Jacket: {SMS} Fur Shrug

Shirt: -paper.doll- Sydney Black dress (With Love Hunt)

Pants: =Zenith= 3/4 Black Leggings

Boots: [GOS] Curvaceous Boots

Necklace: [ glow ] studio - Crosses Necklace - Gold

Earrings: Osakki // Flat Disks - Copper

Bracelets: Osakki // HAMUR. MetalCuff Copper

Bag: .:vive9:. Evonne Fringed Bag in Brunt Orange (With Love Hunt)

Pose: Olive Juice

Location: Missing Mile - Soap

Listening: Tori Amos "Girl"

#2 ~ You don't know jack...

The Real
As the day begun, I could only think that my to do list was something I needed to start doing. The first being was to actually get up. Second, I was to actually get on the ball and do SOMETHING. It's strange being without work. Being without a job. I haven't been jobless for a very long time, and to be without one, especially for the type of person I am, gives me a feeling that my self worth isn't fulfilled.

Now I did have a job. But when I finally decided to go back to school (grad school that is) there was many things that I needed to do and one of those things was actually leaving the job I was currently at. I was going to be moving out of state, moving back in with the rents, de-cluttering my life, basically tossing my whole world into a massive upheaval of ...well a whirl wind.

So now I play the job hunting game.

I wish I could say that the feeling was easy, or at least - exciting, but in a way, it's not. It's nerve racking. You don't want to settle for less, but you're dismayed due to the extensive amount of qualifications 'needed' for a job. You must have this, or this much experience, or this much schooling. I know it's part of the reason why I'm going back to school. Even if I'm now eight months off my schedule. But, hey - it will save me $20,000. I will take it. Still, it's a bit heartbreaking, knowing you have so much knowledge sitting inside, and years of experience, yet there might be a few things you lack. Should that be tossed out? I'm not sure...

The Paradise
We are a week out from the grand opening of the sim. As Kris is finishing the build, the rest of us are putting on the finishing touches, well trying.

Working on a sim is not easy. It's a collaboration of people's ideas and thoughts. It's our dreams brought to fruition. Of course, we have our bumps and grinds, but what sim doesn't?

I've been itching to role-play for a little over two months now. Ever since Perdition closed, I haven't really been able to find a sim that has made me feel as comfortable to actually story-tell again, and because I now have this vision in my head of who my character is for Paradise Lost and Isa is ready to come out and play.

As for the next week: recruitment, building, NPC stories, more stories for the archives. I have to still write up the story for the Blue Lotus. We need a staff meeting. That will be done through Skype. All five of us are scattered throughout the world: me in Memphis, one in Canada, another on the west coast, one in England, and on in UAE. We are amazing.

The Fashion
It's a burning desire, but since the sim will open my shopping will have to slow...

Skin: :Plastik: Aleksandra - Ginger
Shape: My own
Make-Up: Cheap Makeup - Tableau Lashes *FREE Gift*
Make-Up: Cheap Makeup - Miss Priss Lipgloss 1 (clear)
Hair: ::Exile:: Veronique - Autumn/Fawn *Group Gift*
Eyes: Poetic Colors - Summer Wheat - Special Hunt Freebie
Tattoo: :Plastik: Feathers - worn

Sweater: [ SAKIDE ] Posh Winter White *With Love Hunt*
Skirt: [Aura] Bullet Proof - Ruffled Pencil Skirt - Skull - Small (MESH)
Boots: FIR & MNA The Orann Boots - Brown *Last FLF*
Bag: PRISS - Lang Suede Satchel - Dark Brown *Group Gift*

Pose: GLITTERATI
Location: Great Eagle
Listening: Alice in Chains " Man in the Box"

#1 ~ The next morning...

...after all the champagne has been consumed, we begin our new year. It's time for a new beginning, a new chance, a time to shake the old and grab a new glass. Within this moment we all take a mental break and think what would make us better:

- lose weight
- don't drink too much
- stop smoking
- be better people
- get that job!
- fall in love

... and so much more.

I think after many failures of past resolutions that for once, I need the smaller day to day ones. For this - this will be a 365.

Real life. Second Life. Media. Social. All the in between.

Luna Jubilee's 52 Weeks of Color Challenge: Champagne

Skin: -Glam Affair- Jadis - Natural B - TDR # 24
Shape: My own
Make-Up: [mock] Darkened Mood Garnets
Hair: [Shag] Pretty Please - Scarlet *Group Gift 2011*
Eyes: .ID. December Gift / BlueGreen
Eyelashes: Mynerva

Top: Tee*fy Cutout Dress Nude 5 *Last FLF*
Skirt: R.icielli - BEATRIZ Sequined miniskirt / gold - TDR
Heels: R.icielli - CARMELIA Pumps / Crema - TDR
Jewelry: [ glow ] studio - Glossy Heart Set *With Love Hunt*

Pose: GLITTERATI & K** Stand Poses
Location: Cassava Island
Listening: Imogen Heap "Goodnight and Go"

What I have become

We're a week from Christmas. It's the first time in four years for me. I'm home. Technically in the flesh with family - home. I guess it's a bit strange. I'm older, to say the least that being with family is a good thing for the holidays, but I find myself an introvert when it comes to these types of things. I am not the "blood is thicker than water" type of person. My family usually consists of those not of my blood, but of those I've gained along my journey of life.

Moving "home" has had it's ups and downs. I'm horribly missing the independence of my life, my existence of play in which I could do as I please. Seventy-five percent of my life tossed in ways that are gone, and the other twenty-five held down to continue on as I try to make sense of what the hell I'm going. At one time there was a method to the madness, now I'm not so sure. Maybe soon...

SL still holds a release during the madness though, with it's escape. I still cradle it in my arms and delve deep. Mesh finally reared it's head. It's all over the blog-sphere. I, for one, have jumped along...and yes..I too have taken that picture of the dress. How can I not?

Paradise opens in a couple of weeks. We are about ready. The story is set. Beauty is ready. I wonder if I will freeze upon the first week, if my writer's block will happen - that the story I want to tell will not come from my fingers. Will I hate that those that I want to tell will hate her story? I never know...It's always anxiety with me in these regards.

Skin: .::Mother Goose's::. HENA(2)B00
Make-Up: =[Pom.Pon]= Beauty-Spot-Lip
Make-Up: -Glam Affair- Tattoo Layer 01
Hair: [e] Comfort - Brown 11

Dress: Maitreya Nolia Indigo MESH *New*
Shoes: [e] Move Pumps - Antique
Bag: LaGyo - The Desperado Bag
Hair Piece: PIDIDDLE - Netted Flower
Necklace: *League* Vintage Double Stranded Soft Pearl Necklace
Earrings: *League* Vintage Heart Earrings

Pose: Olive Juice
Location: Cassava Island *Coming Soon!*