I had a completely different blog planned for today. I hope Kyra Camel of Baboom will forgive me one more day. I fell in love with one of her dresses a few weeks ago and she so kindly gave it to me, so as a friend, today I am sucking on empty. I can’t help it. At times the words and thoughts in my head create a deep dark moodiness that I have a difficult time rising above. And it seems all I can do is write to get them pushed away from me. Remember? You can’t cure crazy. So if you don’t like dark, perhaps today’s blog isn’t a good bet for you and I don’t blame you for leaving. Yesterday, a 200 mile per hour 2 mile wide tornado wiped out an entire city and more specifically (to me) 2 schools, such catastrophes always makes me wonder if there even is a God.

Don’t get me wrong, I know there is a grand plan to the universe, with or without a deity. Also I know, tragic circumstances will occur, and they have some meaning or purpose. We are humans, so we will always suffer, because we are tied to “earthly things.” But it just goes to prove, the more we lessen our desire to possess others or control our fate the less we suffer (at the hands of fate). Happiness is achieved by a detachment from that which is earthly. Those who choose to live moment to moment, and love in a detached and non-possessive manner minimize the tragedies they face. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. Cold? Yes, perhaps it is a little. Is this pessimistic, or realistic? Well that’s for you to decide. After all, in the end, life is a solitary journey, don’t you want it to be defined by you?

But honestly, how in the world could this tragedy make me a better person? Perhaps if I am more open to noticing how life’s course may have changed in a positive direction, or just allowing my mind to question the purpose of the tragedy in its aftermath, well that may be the best I can do, especially at first. The statement that hindsight is 20/20 seems to be the first step to be applied to attempting to construct meaning from horrible circumstances. As life continues, your hindsight allows you to find your own patterns and realize that even though these circumstances were never what you wanted, or could even have controlled, they still may have positive consequences. If it is not so right now, at least possibly it can be in the future.

Take from? Actually no, not really. I’m just trying to make sense in my own head a terrible tragedy. Do I feel better? Naw, not a single bit, other than I got all this pollution of words out of my head. I just hope I can make something positive grow from this negative event. Even if its just to change my own outlook a little. To remind myself to carry softly those I love, to always be gentle with those I do not love because everyone’s life leaves footprints on the hearts of others. It’s up to us whether our footprints will be seen as a blessing or a curse. Just a little high-gravity today, probably not worth the time it took to read it. But don’t worry, the Second Life Cao will be back tomorrow. I promise.

Short blog today! Playing a get caught up Monday! Yikes! So I just decided to enact an “extend-a-weekend” program for the day. So today is still officially Sunday for me. I’ll start my high gravity Monday tomorrow. But who can blame me anyway? Did you see the new Tee’s and bikini’s from Drift? LOVE em! I wish Kallisto Destiny would send me some for my real life. Kalli? And just for us, the outfits color change, so there is a color perfect for every occasion. Nothing says summer quite as nicely as a low maintenance, cool hair cut. This hairs from Chiaki Xue of Dura, is a perfect no fuss adorable look for even the hottest of days, so don’t miss out! Between the two of them they will have your summer kicked in perfectly. Now if I can just figure out where I put the tequila and lime.

But, don’t take my word for it, follow the links and check them out yourself!

Dura: Taxi:
Drift: Taxi:

Outfit:
Hairs: Dura, girl16
Bikini: Drift, Tini Kini Plaid **New**
T-shirt: Drift, Sunday tee **new**
Glasses: Redgrave, Holly
Earring/ Bracelet: Mandala, Senjyu and Sitennoah
Bag: Ison, Scout Boho
Poses: Behavior Body, Handbag

I spent another selfish weekend. What can I say, sometimes it just feels so good! I DID do something I rarely ever do in Second Life, I wandered out into public. YIKES! Naw it wasn’t so bad, my besty love Skip Staheli, photographer extraordinaire had a 6th rezz day party. So not only did I attend, I was even in SL in the evening! Boy, I hope he knows what a journey that was for me. But seriously, it was a lot of fun. I saw a lot of people I don’t see very often, Frolic Mills, BlackBarbie Bravin, Cottoncandy Teardrop, Fina Ethaniel and even my bestest of all bestestesses, my little dragon Draakje Daily. There just so many people I can’t possibly name them all! I even inworld met a FB friend, Wheelerwood Oppewall. So all in all I would say it was an amazing fun way to spend a Saturday!

Join this group (http://www.flickr.com/groups/truthmodels)to be in the running to win a $L2500 Truth Gift Card and have your picture featured in the store!

10 lucky winners will be selected initially and when it’s time to rotate the posters I’ll continue to select pictures from the pool and they will receive a $1000 gift card to spend at Truth.

Competition opens 14 May 2013 SLT and closes 1 June 2013. (Feel free to continue adding after this closing date)

Terms:

* Must be wearing hair from the new Truth Hair store. Hair should be purchased on or after 13 May 2013.

* Minimum 2048 x 2048 pixels in size.

* Focus of the photo should be on the hair. Waist upwards is encouraged.

* Be artistic! processing is allowed. Be sure to turn on your anti-aliasing etc, high quality pictures are needed.

* Currently I only stock female hair (sorry guys ).

* Entries must be submitted to the Flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/truthmodels. Any entries submitted to me personally will be disregarded.

Look forward to seeing your pics!

<3 Truth Hawks

Outfit I wore to Skips beach party:
Hairs: Truth, Lotus **New**
Hair piece: LaGyo, Angelie
Shirt: Tulip., Halter top
Skirt: Drift, Hangover Maxi
Handbag: Ison, Scout Boho
Necklace: Indy & Co., Peony Necklace
Bracelet: Mandala, Sitennoah
Tattoo: .::K::.
Pose: Behavior Body (BeBo) Handbag poses
SIM: L2 studio

I know most of you don’t really believe me when I say I am undateable. Only those closest to me really know what a mishap waiting to happen I truly am. But by my usual standards of measure, this week has been epic. I met his family, he met my family, both could be recipes for disaster for any relationship. But I have to be honest, I loved his family, maybe even a little more than I like him! The first time I met his grandmother, she walked into the room in her coordinated polyster “jogging” suit, giant glasses and sparkly, colorful earrings and waved her cigarette at me while exclaiming in a voice raspy enough it acknowledges her years of smoking, “What a pretty girl!” How could I not fall in love? In fact I am thinking about trading my mom in for his grandmom. The day after my birthday we had lunch with my mom. I figured since it was a work day and we only had 45 minutes tops, how much trouble could my mum get into, right? Everything was going along nicely, I saw my mom looking at me but thought nothing of it. Just about the time I put a rather large piece of lettuce and tomato in my mouth, she turns to my new beau, smiles at him and asks him if he will be in our yearly Olan Mills family photo next week! I actually couldn’t speak the rest of the lunch. I still can’t figure out whats worse, the fact that she asked him to be a part or the fact that our family does something so bizarre in this day and age.

He is amazing though. He met Katy the Jack Russell Terriorist the other day and she hates everyone. She was flopping all over him, couldn’t get enough attention from him. When I remarked how amazed I was he said he wasn’t surprised really because kids, dogs and gay guys all love him. I’m just hoping that’s not an omen. But today was the worst. I’m supposed to have a date tonight to meet with some of his friends. My cell phone has T-9 on it. You know, the thing where your phone tries to figure out what you are texting to finish it for you? It’s possessed. I’ve watched it kill relationships before. I once texted “I’m taking anap” (forgot to hit the spacebar between the two words) and it came out anal. Thank God I was chatting with a girlfriend who knows me well and knows these conversations are normal for me. Well, today Jay texted me to ask when I wanted him to pick me up. I texted back “after work I have to get a vaccine and groceries.” Well he’s pretty quick on the take, I am sure he knows what happened. I hope. He texted back, “Lol a Vaccine huh? You have something you need to tell me?” Embarrassed for the umpteenth time this week, I just texted back “I meant a sucking machine for the floor.” Mess that one up T-9!

Take from? Of course! And yes, much of this is written in gest. I love to laugh at myself! Heck some of my friends make a hobby out of laughing at me. But the point is, never take yourself too seriously. Let a person see the bad just as much as the good. When you do, you will know for sure whether they are a fair weather friend or an all weather friend. Time will tell on this one, but with the way the week shaped up, it’s looking pretty sunny in Florida. Now, I just have to find him and Katy matching outfits for the picture.

Outfit:
Hair: Tuty’s Adorable
Jacket: Purple Moon, Hana *Couturier’s Dock*
Knicker shorts: Leezu!, Glitter pants
Shoos: {{BDS}} Toiles de Joury, disco cyan **L’Accessoires**
Handbag: {Cherry}, Sage snake skin **L’Accessoires**
Necklace: NYU, Outrage! **L’Accessoires**
Pose: **Manifeste**

My friend the “Nocturnal Poet” that he is sent me a poem last night and it gave me a little chuckle. (See Below) But as a watcher and a thinker, it also made me think. So often in life we have activities or experience moments where we are left with the feeling that postage is due. I’m sure you know how it is, the experience you are promised is never quite as good as the hype that led up to it? For example, you work real hard for a promotion and it is given to someone else. Boy that stinks, doesn’t it? The trick though, is how you deal with it. I think once the sting of the rejection wears off a little, it’s a great time to sit back and take stock. Figure out why this goal/event was so important to you. In this example you might just find the raise in money was the motivation and not the promotion itself. Once you’ve figured out why something is so important to you, it’s a lot easier to keep going. I once read the quote,”The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground” and somehow it fits me, so I keep it near on tough days.

We all fall flat at some point, it’s a fact of life. There is no magic number of times to try and get something right but you should keep trying until it either works, or to the point where you can look at yourself and think, “I may not have gotten what I wanted, but no one can say I didn’t give it my all.” The point is, don’t dwell on the “disasters” in your life. Heck, if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed in the morning. Draw strength and focus on the positive in your life and allow yourself to enjoy that instead. Typically what we do have is usually enough, though we never quite want to believe it. Hear that mom? I’m happy with my friends and accept my lack of love life, so there! I said it! (sooo glad she doesn’t have a computer) I think most of all though, remember to find a way to laugh. So many times I think back to little “tragedies” in my life and I wonder how in the world I thought that event held any significant meaning is beyond me. The thing is, we live in the moment, not in the big picture. It’s not rocket science, it’s normal. If we were able to live in the big picture we’d probably find a way to fast forward past the bad parts and pause at the triumphs and this would not make a well rounded Cao a’tall.

I think once your facing forward again, you will find that things typically do happen for the best. I know this is very generalized, I am speaking of little setbacks in life, not major health/life issues, so please don’t think I’d ever trivialize something like that. Just remember, only in struggling to emerge from the cocoon does a butterfly form wings strong enough to fly.

Here’s a Kiss For You My Lady
Please Hold It Close To Heart
Its wrapped within a Teardrop
Freshly Shed from when we are apart
I’ve also added a Hug for you for when
you feel alone.

Here’s another Kiss For Luck
for when we are talking on the phone
I would have sent all of me so you know my Heart is True
But I Thought You Would be Angry
When I came Postage Due!

Outfit
Jewelry: Zibska, Gwen **L’Accessoires** Taxi:
Hairs: Boon, YNO421
Glasses: Redgrave, Holly
Pants: LaGyo, Sparro
Belt: =DeLa*=, Elba
Rings: Mandala, Annutra and Motsumame
Makeups, Mons <3
Pose: Diesel Works

I can’t wait for real life work to be done. Tonight is another “girls night out.” I can have them any time I want, but my friends, being married, some even with a rugrat or two, the orchestrating becomes a bit more complex. We basically sit there hunched over our Iphones, crackberry’s or androids pecking away at our calendars until we find one night that is empty for us all. I love girls night out, it always reminds me of our carefree college days but more importantly, it reminds me I need to stop every once in a while and treasure the many gifts I’ve been given. The wonderful friends and their growing families, the state I live in, my job, all the beauty that surrounds me, and my education. I do think college is a gift, not all are lucky enough to be able to go but I believe education is the greatest gift of all. I know, how does that make sense, right? We all have the ability to expand our knowledge, to study, to learn from others, opportunity is all around us, everywhere we look. All we have to do is listen, ask, share. I plan to be a life long learner. I think Mark Twain said it just right when he was quoted,”Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.” Real learning comes from what we learn when our nose isn’t mashed in some book.

Why this topic, why today? Some of my best education has come from this group of friends. They never cease to amaze me. Surround yourself with intelligence, sincerity and kindness and how can you not learn? But. I think it behooves us to have a broad spectrum of friends to learn from, to minimize the occurence of groupthink. Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in which the desire for conformity leads to decisions based to minimize conflict. Think about it, I’m sure most of us have “that” group of friends. That is how my virtual group broadens my education widely. (You guys rock!) As for the sunsets and sunshells? I always think fondly of both when I am meeting these girlfriends. Between the four of us, we’ve spent countless hours over the years searching for both. Some were gorgeous, others forgettable but for the most part the goods outweigh the bads. I kinda figure thats a life well spent, don’t you? I hope you have the chance to spend time with cherished friends too this week! Don’t forget! L’Accessoires started today! I’m such a happy Cao, I even included the links here: Link:

Outfit:
Hair: Tram, A418
Necklace/Ring: MiWardrobe, Little Prince **L’Accessoires**
Watch: Eclipse, Carpe Diem **L’Accessoires**
Purse: Pure Poison, Persia blk&slvr **L’Accessoires**
Top: Baiastice, Maua Bikini top
Shorts: .Shi, Beehive highwaist short **NEW**

I can’t say I like golf all that much, especially watching it. But I do listen to news, well, nope that’s not true. I hate the news. But I watch sports news, doesn’t seem like there would be too much angst there, right? And if you listen close enough, every once in a while, tucked within the story is a life lesson. Having no particular alliance with any golfer, I found it a bit funny that there is an ongoing “tif” between Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods. I always thought, for the most part, professionals of any sport, even online modeling, at least pretended to act, um, professional. Well apparently in golf, all decorum of propriety need not apply. Over the years these two have done more hissy-fitting than any manly man should do. But in the end, the only two people who suffer are the two participants. The rest of us spectators sit back and enjoy the show with a laugh and chalk up their losses to their own bad karma, there is no superior prowess betwixt one or the other. Perhaps they should sit down and look at this feud, resolve to be indifferent and move on.

Take from? Yes, of course! When you find a person in life you just can’t possibly get along with, and sometimes YOU just might be the one who is toxic, remaining engaged in a feud with them creates nothing but emotional bondage. For one thing, people around you may take sides, but it’s as silly as a playground argument honestly. Because when you think people are taking your side, more than likely they are just hollow words. They may offer support but in reality they are just watching the show. Free yourself from this bondage by accepting you and this person won’t see eye to eye and move on. You may lose a battle, but in the end the person who practices to leave only an air of good karma, should reap the rewards of taking the higher road. It may not be instantaneous, but somewhere, sometime I whole-heartedly believe it is repaid in spades. But really, if I am wrong, whats the harm in growing up and acting like the mature one every once in a while?

This *SoliDea FoliEs* headpiece is one of the incredible offerings of the newest L’Accessoire’s event which starts May 15,2013. I checked out the inventory today, it’s a dont miss event, so make sure you stop by! SLURL’s are here, “Last Known SLURL’s” page Link:. See? Just a Lil Cao passing around some good karma.

Outfit One:
Headpiece: *SoliDea FoliEs*, Pris **L’Accessoire’s**
Hair: Miamai, Roe
Top of outfit: *SoliDea FoliEs*, Noir Waves
Bottom of outfit: Eshi, Aria Pompadour
Boots: Belgravia, Electra
Makeup: Mons <3
Pose: Del May

I know. I know. I’ve been a terrible blog friend since Friday. I’ve been taking a “breather.” No excuse really, but today, well, it’s my birthday. Where do these things come from so suddenly? And the older I get, the faster they fly. Heck, wasn’t it just Christmas for crying out loud? This is the new “Blue” outfit from Mila Tatham of *SoliDea FoliEs* It was created for Second Life model, Blue Porchers. But I think I’ll just borrow it for today. Somehow black and me acting all Emo or gothic seem to fit on this birthday.

Anyway, take from? Please know I miss you all so much, I love catching up with the glimpses of your days that you always give me. I will get up to speed tomorrow though, God willing and the creek don’t rise, that is. See Draakje Daily? I don’t always have to be all Word and Peace. SLURL’s on the “Last Known SLURL’s” page Link:.

Outfit:
Pantsuit: *SoliDea FoliEs* Blue *NEW**
Makeup: Mons, Amazon and Dominant
Hairs: Boudoir, Baroque Powder
Necklace: Finesmith, Feather Story
Poses: Diesel Works

I told my blog friend Arjun Bagga, that I was going to steal some of his titles. Almost every time I see one of his blog titles, just the title sends my brain to creating. Short blog today, it is mothers day in the US and I happen to have a mother, well, as many of you know since I blog about her. A lot. So I need to take her to lunch, or something. You know, that hour long period in which food is consumed and lack of grandchildren is bemoaned. I’m sure some of you know what I mean.

Arjun blogged with a title of “Kiosked” once. I thought what genius this fellow is. It made me think of Disney World with it’s endless kiosking lines. I don’t go to Disney just for this reason, the cattle call feel of this practice is enough to make me, erm, moo. In Second Life modeling, when you style to a theme, don’t take it at face value, that’s just boring. So break free from being kiosked. Let your building blocks be something in the chosen theme, we’ll use Baroque, like the Finesmith necklace or the ChicZafari dress, but let your wow factor pieces be the parts that highlight the theme like the wild hair from Boudoir, or the definitely not baroque, put perfectly shaded Boots from Pure Poison. This style took a little longer than usual, a few hours, but overall, I’m kind of happy with it. I hope you like it too! SLURL’s on the “Last Known SLURL’s” page Link:.

Outfit:

Hairs: Boudoir, Baroque Hair
Headpiece: Finesmith, Dola Tiara
Necklace: Finesmith, Edina Baroque
Gloves: Mimikri, Cuffed Gloves
Shoos: Pure Poison, Red Ashaki Boots
Dress: Chic Zafari, Embellished silk dress
Leggings: [Plastik] Militia Skinny Pants, gold leaf
Pose: DelMay

One style that always seems to “hang around” is Boho chic. Not complaining, I love it. In a real life and a second life. Boho is truly a style made for Florida. It’s airy and cool on the hottest of days, when the others are melting like a popsicle, you’ll look cool as a cucumber. This gorgeous Maxi-dress is from my very good heart friend Poulet Koenkamp of Purple Moon.

As you can see, I am wandering away for a bit, I’ve some real life to enjoy. But I hope you will wait for me, I’ll be back soon. Heck, I’m already dreaming up blogs for next week. Enjoy your weekend! You will love the Spring line at Purple Moon so much, I even included the taxi for you! I’m kinda nice like that. Taxi:

Outfit One:
Dress: Purple Moon, Meadow Maxi *NEW**
Hat: Baiastice, Estella
Hair: Boon, KBO906
Handbag: Baiastice, Claudia