Flying

Sometimes when lag takes you flying across the grid, you see the most amazing sights.

(For other Photoshop addicts out there: I ran this through the Impasto filter, put out by Alien Skin. I love the results, don't you?)

Voice

One of the biggest features that LL touts as a plus in Second Life is the ability to speak over voice. However, since its addition to the viewer, it has been somewhat problematic, and it doesn't appear that the powers-that-be are interested in fixing it. Voice in Second Life is intermittent, unclear, and a pain to get started; it can ruin a great moment if you rely on it. This week proved such an occasion, as the boyfriend was whispering sweet nothings in my ear, and all I heard were partial words and electronic static. Needless to say, it was a disappointing experience. Thank goodness for the good sense the universe bestowed upon my love, who had the idea of opening GoogleTalk for our voice connection. I've never used GTalk before, but he talked me through it, and we were soon enjoying the romance once again without the interference and cutting out of SL voice. Thank you, Google (and my sweetie!). You saved the night and improved my Second Life experience!

Shopping Spree (or Boy, Is My BF Glad He Wasn't In-World Today!)

Lazy Saturdays are rare in my life, so when I happen to experience one, the first thought on my mind is to log in and play! This Saturday was such an occasion, and not too long after arriving in-world, Cova -- my partner in crime -- logged, as well. So, of course, we had to spend the day shopping. We hit the grid, and soon were loaded up with folders of shoes, clothes, and skin demos galore.

I finally discovered what all the buzz was about concerning one of the more popular (but unknown to me) skin stores in-world. I tried skin after skin, and though most didn't fit my personality, I found elements to love about almost every line. From freckles to pores to interesting makeups, these skins really put the "awe" in awesome.

After visiting a couple of clothing stores, we then hit a few lingerie shops in preparation for those -- ahem! -- tender moments we all look forward to. What a variety we found! In SL, you can be anything from sexy siren to sweet seductress, depending upon your personality and pocketbook, and the great thing about lingerie in-world is you'll never see your much beloved lacy treasures in a pile of dirty clothes at the bottom of the bed. I bought a few key pieces that I'd been wanting for ages, just in case the necessity arises. 'Nuff said.

Finally, my favorite items to buy in either world are, most definitely, shoes. I don't know what it is about shoe shopping that really gets the blood flowing, but for me, shoes are the best part of any shopping spree. Like a kid who wants to eat the dessert first, I took off for one of my favorite shoe shops first thing. Trying on demos was exhilarating, almost akin to worship for me! I especially loved all the choices in boots. There's nothing better than a creator who can make a pair of boots leap off the screen, and my new Western short boots did just that. They're kicky, flirty, and fun, and, as an added bonus, they come with a menu for a 10-color change option. Woot! I also picked up a pair of dressy black boots -- a staple I'd been missing in my wardrobe. As a nice little surprise, I later saw a pair of cute-cute-cute pink tennis shoe style boots while wandering through a clothing store. I happily added them to my growing collection of shoes. If I could rezz all the shoes in my inventory, I'd most likely be able to fill my entire bedroom with them. Do I feel guilty about this??? Hell, no! I am a girl, and girls NEED shoes!

In any case, I consider the afternoon well spent (along with most of my lindens!) and chalked up a few more stores that will stay in my landmarks folder. The best part of the day, however, was having my best girl at my side, chatting and laughing and generally annoying all of those around us. We came, we shopped, we collapsed, exhausted, into a giggling heap on the floor. In my book, that's the mark of a perfect day.

Coolness in Boots!

Love These Gorgeous Skins

Highlights of My Clothing Acquisitions

A Quick Introduction

Regardless the long extravagant nails and the see through clothes, keep in mind Sav is the brain here. When I detect a problem, I usually just cry for help. And she unravels the mystery. And fixes everything, including her friend's heart. (If you haven't realized it yet, SL is no fun if you don't play with your heart). Just wanted to say hello to all of you who want to share experiences about this amazing place. And check the blog from time to time... it will be worth it!

Not Without My Fingernails!!!

For about a month or so, I've been struggling with TPs, no matter where I'm trying to go. The situation was a small hassle at first, but when friends were waiting expectantly for my arrival, it escalated to major annoyance status. Fortunately, I found a little blurb on a website somewhere that talked about scripted prims interfering with the ability to TP. I tried to remember what I had started wearing about the time my TP problems began, but, like any REAL SL shopper, there were enough new attachments (hair, AO, shoes, etc.) to require a little experimentation. I detached my accessories one piece at a time and tried to TP...and finally came upon the culprit: my beautiful color change nails! I took them off, and SwoooSH, I was off to another sim.

You'd think this would be a good discovery, knowing which of the offending items was keeping me from leaving my home sim. But...it wasn't. The nails were a real find, something I'd been waiting for in SL for a couple of years. Not only are they beautiful and scripted to change colors, but they also can be resized to fit my hands AND come with an AO that keeps them on the tips of my fingers, even when I move my hands -- the best selling point of all. They're perfect, and I was loathe to go anywhere without them because they're a great attraction for other female avatars I see out and about on the grid.

So, now that I know where the problem lies, I've had to start removing the nails before every TP and reattaching them afterwards. This isn't an ideal solution, but I'm not willing to give up my beautiful nails just yet. I waited too long for them to come around. I am hoping, however, that I'll soon have a better solution for the problem -- a script update or improvement to the TP system in SL. Meanwhile, if you're trying to TP me to your party, please tell me how beautiful my hands look when I get there. I've gone through a lot of trouble to wear them. ;)