Background : FOXCITY. #MOOD Gacha - 5 - Staged (Common) @ Backdrop City
As I was editing this last night I was talking to two of my friends in SL that I consider family.
For me, family in SL has always been a difficult label to achieve. I've had families in the past and it's caused nothing but trouble - in fact, I'm still healing from one of my SL families, and that sounds insane to say for something that is supposed to be a game. However, these two friends of mine are my Glam-ma (Memaw) and Grandpa (Pepaw). I had a bit of a mental health revelation last night and just needed to talk, and luckily, these two beautiful souls were right there and listened.
Not only did they listen to me, but they also shared their own journeys, and they made me feel like I wasn't alone, as though I truly belonged around them, and like I could turn to them, no matter what.
I jokingly said that the photo above got all those feels edited into it, and the more I think about it, the better I feel like there couldn't be a more true statement. I feel like the Pickle shown in the picture is confident, loves and accepts herself, and those are feels that my 'family' confirmed. My grandpa actually asked me "What is your worth, Pickle?" and I answered "Well, I'm getting there, but I'm still working that out." and he said "No. You're priceless. That's how I see you, and that's how I want you to see yourself."
And now I'm gratefully sobbing into my keyboard at the unselfish show of love both of these beautiful humans managed to share with me last night and every time we speak.
I hope you find your tribe, Spoonies. They're out there, sometimes it just takes a minute to find them.
Hey, have you seen how interactive the Evani Skirt is? Ok, so it's also a reason to stare at my butt, but hello! How cool is this? It comes with a hud so you can black/whitelist the avatars you actually want to be able to use your skirt, or you can keep it public and let anyone lift the skirt. Kinda love it!
I have a big ol' project starting soon, so please excuse me if I don't write as much as usual in the interim! There's still a bunch of information for you to find here, and I hope to pick up my nonsense narrative shortly!
Bag : [VALE KOER] KEEPALL BAG @ N21 (Note : This bag comes with an animation, but is MODIFY. I took the animation out and re-edited the bag to fit with this pose)
Hi! I'm making this quick because I've probably baffled you recently with a bunch of skin stuffs and things, but this skybox and set from Bueno is LIFE. Seriously. Big love.
Ima is my Memaw! She's a super cute neko lady with a big heart. I only met her recently and I already feel a genuine kinship with her! She's kinda loud, but not (remind you of anyone?) and she dances to the beat of her own drum. I adore her muchly and I'm excited to find out where our newfound friendship will lead.
Nana is my SL MamaBear, which is kind of odd, because in RL I could actually be HER Mama. Still, despite the age gap, she really does provide some of the best advice I've ever had. She's definitely wise beyond her years, with a self awareness that makes me envious - how dare you be so smart and savvy when it's taken me this long, woman! Nana and I have been family for almost a whole year, but it's really only been recent that we've actually become friends, and I legit could not be happier that she is in my life. Her sunny disposition is without doubt catching, and she inspires me to be a better version of myself. Love you both, you crazy, wonderful, amazing ladies!
You can find Ima as Imajica Vemo in world, on Flickr and at her Blog.
And Nana as iNaomiBubbles in world, on Flickr and her Blog.
We're having a bit of a tropical Christmas in this picture, which was a bit of a challenge! I literally had so much fun taking this, with Nana's afking and a long talk with Ima, getting to know her more. This is one of my favourite pictures because of the memories that have been forged and the strength in the relationships that is coming my way with these beautiful women.
Peaches - A Raven's Feast Hot Chocolate Bar @ FaMESHed (Note - this is part of a Collaboration between Moss&Mink & Peaches, and I've currently only included the Peaches collection. Keep your eyes peeled for the Moss&Mink part in the future!)
Includes : A Raven's Feast - Chalk Board
A Raven's Feast - Chocolate Chips
A Raven's Feast - Cinnamon Sugar
A Raven's Feast - Cup Stand
A Raven's Feast - Side Table (Includes variations with draped blankets)
A Raven's Feast - Straws
A Raven's Feast - Syrups
A Raven's Feast - Whipped Cream
A Raven's Feast - Hot Chocolate Dispenser (Includes colour variations)
A Raven's Feast - Marshmellows
I'm a pretty proud person, and sometimes in the past, my pride has definitely gotten in the way of me making progress both in SL & RL.
Today I questioned myself, and whether my pride was a reason I haven't excelled as far as I would have liked in terms of blogging and/or Photography.
My main reason for beginning this journey was to prove to someone else I could do it MY way. I feel like I've done that, but honestly, it's unlikely that they even notice, let alone care, that I am still blogging three years later.
However, along the way I discovered a passion for photography (still in progress!), and when I finally felt like I could maybe write occasionally in my blog, I discovered it to be a fabulous form of therapy and far better to help me find myself than the professionals I've seen (shh, I'm broken!).
There are a few things I get frustrated at when I speak about "SL Bloggers", and those are assumptions made. I've seen a lot of it, and in certain circles these assumptions are most definitely prevalent, read on for my feelings on the nonsense!
a. Bloggers only want free shit.
* In my world, I love free shit. However, I don't want free shit I feel I am undeserving of, or free shit that I don't absolutely adore. It took me three months of (almost) daily blogging to even consider reaching out to creators for sponsorship, because I wanted to be taken seriously and even now, I only apply to stores that I genuinely love. I have been asked to blog for a couple of stores and events too, and that's always ALWAYS incredibly flattering. I'm lucky enough to feel like I'm at a point where I can decide whether that particular store or event has the quality I want to showcase in my 'work'.
b. Bloggers only make friends with creators they want free shit from.
* I have never made friends with someone purely to become a someone in their life to forward my blog, myself, or for any reason other than friendship. Three years into my blog, and I feel like I'm only genuine friends with maybe three creators. I have respect and admiration for the others, and while I won't throw away a future friendship with anyone, I will never approach someone for personal gain. It IS something I witness often though, but it works both ways, and when you're in any type of community it makes sense that you would hang out more with people that are inside that community with you, and that's cool... but I think sometimes it gets forgotten that there are people outside of these groups that still have a pull or an audience just as important as the 'clique'.
c. All bloggers are snobs.
* Let's be honest, I have my moments! I will however be polite and respectful so long as I feel that is being reciprocated. I am only human and I have no doubt I have a reputation of being a bit stand-offish, but that's not a reflection of anyone else but far more because like almost everyone who has been in SL for an extended period of time, I have been bitten more times than I can count. I am far more introverted than I have ever been, and getting me to open up or to be comfortable in anyone's company is a challenge, especially when I feed off energies and again, people have perceptions of who you should be based on what they have heard.
There's probably many more assumptions I haven't addressed, but this was getting a bit long!
Anyway.
Back to my original point of being prideful... I don't think I am -currently- being proud, if constructive criticism was ever offered, I would most definitely be up for a discussion and I much prefer that to mindlessly blowing smoke up my ass!
I would rather progress frustratingly slow, than throw myself at people to be a fake version of myself simply for a broader audience and "better" content. The current sponsors I have are fantastic - and trust me, there's been a couple of nightmares, but mostly I feel like I have been extremely lucky!
I hope that I have found my moral compass in regards to the way I want to behave, be seen, and the presence I want to have in other people's lives.
I am legit. Effing. Dying... at the complete levels of petty of some people.
Every time I think I may do something daft, and restrain myself... I notice people doing the same thing I stopped myself from doing BECAUSE I AM TRYING TO GROW.
Lawwddd. HOLD ME BACKKKKK.
I think I've been watching too many Jeffree Star Youtube videos, and I may be somewhat channeling my inner Alien, but holy fudge!
Ok I'm over it.
I know I'm potentially shady. I know I've done some seriously effed up things in the past. I know I keep doing things that make people question me... and that's life. For the first time in a really, really long time, I'm mostly at peace with who I am, and have a clear view of the person I want to become in the future. I'm not perfect. I'm not trying to BE perfect, but I am trying to be better - which is all I hope for everyone, every day.
I'm at a point now where I can reflect, and be like... "Hey, this person is not good for where I'm going, or wasn't good for who I was then, but they deserve to be happy, healthy and live their life their way." Will I always hold resentment towards those people who I feel have wronged me? I don't honestly know, because I'm still learning how to forgive... but one thing I will not do (anymore!) is deny that someone once important in my life had an impact on me.
Neither will I deny the memories I had with that person, unless I feel like for whatever reason, they used me as a stepping stone, or as confirmation of their amazing deeds that really only suit their personal agenda.
ANYWAY.
This is such a sub blog, and I'm cringing while typing it, but let's face it, it could be 98% of SL.
It could be my ex best friend or lover, or someone I spoke to twice over a FB chat.
It could also be anyone YOU know, because people, regardless of where you met them, can be dumb as fuck and petty as shit!
Today I wanted to make a valiant effort to show off some of the fantastic tattoo's Dappa is producing. I feel like I blink, and he's gotten a brand new product at another premium event, so trying to keep up with him is insane - but Pickle loves a challenge!
I'm showcasing two today, one on Pickle and one on Durex, and although Durex's may not be entirely christmas themed, I felt like the colours fit in perfectly for a scene.
I woke up today with intentions of getting stuff done.
What actually happened was incessant zoning out, ridiculous videos watched on youtube and a whole heap of Ark, Survival Evolved. Welp. There's always tomorrow!
The Fantasy Gacha Carnival opened it's doors today, and there's a plethora of amazing creations just ready to tempt you into parting with your pennies!
The theme of this round is "Wild West, Cowboys and Native Americans, West world & Firefly inspired." You can find more information on the website >Here< which includes designer & blogger information, along with event staff and other relevant thingies!
xoxo
Edit, 22nd Dec 2018.
Hi! I'm coming to you from the future... or is it the past now you're reading it? I'm not even sure. Whatever!
Today I've done a little bit of soul searching with regards to what is cultural appropriation, and what is cultural appreciation. Firstly, I want to make 100% clear that this post was made with love and good intentions, in response to a sponsor (Big up the FGC!) and their Wild West theme.
Immediately, I felt like this was erring on the side of awkward because of the potential for "appropriation". However, I plodded forwards due to the fact that I absolutely adore and have the utmost respect for all cultures... however, I can still be ignorant to those cultures, and that is NOT okay.
Today I found out why the Native American theme could potentially have blown up big time, and why I needed to come and explain things here and it's mostly to do with the headdress.
From what I have gathered in my small amount of investigations, is that the Native American Headdress is reserved for Elders, it is not just a cultural "costume" but it also has heavy spiritual connotations attached to it. By wearing a headdress when you are NOT an Elder, and using it as a costume, it's considered offensive because you are belittling the garb that the deserving person has worked an entire lifetime to achieve.
I am leaving this post up as a reminder to do my effin' research, and to lightly educate if anyone ever reads this far back into my bloggity blog. I sincerely apologize for my ignorance. That said, please enjoy the credits!
xoxo
I guess this isn't a particularly spooky post, but I did want to make it slightly creepy.. I don't think there's nearly enough blood and gore, but hey, I'm cute af!
On another note, I did manage to slay the lazy, and I updated a bunch of LMs yesterday on the Locations page of this blog. If you're looking for pretty places to take photographs, or just to explore, there are some lovely sims included (And no doubt a bunch more I've yet to find!).
If I can continue along the lines of not being a lazy Pickle, you might even find some pictures included at some point, too... although many of the spots are seasonal or subject to change.
I hope you stay safe this Halloween, and don't eat TOO much candy (is there such a thing??)
