Memories are fresh.

Pose : FOXCITY. Mens - The Journey-6 (Fatpack exclusive)

Backdrop :  FOXCITY. Photo Booth - Destination:London

I love this Foxcity set, and the moment I saw the colours, I knew it had to be done. It's not new, and I know i'm late to the game, but just go with it okay?

I live about 40 miles or so from Central London, and as with most big cities, it's really difficult to get into the middle of the Capital by car. I've had a few experiences with London Transport, and for a while it was a very regular experience when I would need to travel into London to head north to Scotland. Everything about this Photo Booth is familiar to me, from the fabric on the chairs to the vents under the seat and the no-smoking signs. It's been a while since I have traveled into London via Train/Underground now, but looking at this picture I can still hear the automated voice of the announcer stating the name of the next station, and the loud echo of footsteps along the platforms.

The one thing that does seem to be missing that I'm not at all mad about is the worn-out feel of the seats, the scuffing of the floors, the graffiti and chiseled in initials and words along the windows of the train, this is definitely a new carriage, and that's pretty darn rare!

I'm feeling oddly nostalgic now, and I can't help feeling like Man-Pickle is doing the same thing. He might be off to meet the boys for a casual night out (most nightclubs around London have a dress-code, he'd definitely not be allowed in with sneakers and a cap) at a regular pub hangout. He's just chillin' out, getting comfortable, watching the world go by. I only hope that as the carriage becomes busier he's not too much of a dick to stand up and offer his seat to somebody who needs it. Be a freakin' Gentleman, Man-Pickle!

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : Go&See * Liam * (Summer Tone) @ Mens Only Monthly (more info below)

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Rox Ears

Hair base : Stealthic - Male Hairbase 

Hair : Modulus  - Matt Hair @ The Mens Dept.

Cap : Beusame //  Zaddy & Wasted Hat

Necklace : amias - ONUR @ The Mens Dept.

Outfit : :PARKER: KEVIN Outfit @ The Mens Dept.

Sneakers : not so bad . mesh . BOJAN sneakers . red @ The Mens Dept.

Hold on to your hats, here's a little extra information about the  Go&See * Liam * Skin at Mens Only Monthly 

Shown in the Summer tone, you can clearly see the eyebrow options here. I've chosen not to show the freckles version, as they're in the main picture.

One thing I want to bring to light is that just because a skin looks a certain way in an ad, doesn't mean it's going to look the same on YOUR SHAPE, on YOUR HEAD. I feel that with guy-things, it's easy to look at a product and nope it out without giving it enough attention. Many skins, many products will work for you, if you just give them a chance. It's also important to go into demo-ing with an open mind, try things out, expand your horizons, guypeoples! Be a more fashionable you!

OO will ya just look at that package! (Not really. it's stuffed.)

I wanted to show you the hair and no-hair options on the Liam body. On the hair option (Left) you can also see that there's fine hairs along the lower arms too - and if I remember rightly, there's some hair on the legs too.

That's all, folks!

P.S, Adam, this song and WHOLE POST made me think of you. I hope you're homesick! ♥

Trading places.

Pose : <K&S> ~Leonard~ Pose 3 1

Location : Brand New Colony

I'm having immense troubles using my brain today, so this will be quick!

Santi and I were exploring yesterday, after many, many days of me saying "TAKE ME SOMEWHERE NEW!" he stumbled across this sim. Let's be honest, SL has and is becoming a place where we tend to introvert more, standing alone or with friends on platforms has taken over and finding pretty places to hang out, even for photography is more and more difficult because the pretty places are generally kinda private, or involve a heavy fee to get into. This sim... THIS SIM... is someone's home. They have clearly lovingly created a place with exceptional taste, with nooks for cuddles for intimate moments, and areas where you can invite friends and sit and chat. I am beyond flawed by the quality of this sim, and this photograph of the delicious Man-Pickle does not do it any justice. I implore you to visit, the only thing the sim owners request is that you are nice, so don't be a dick, k?

Also worth mentioning, rezzing is open, with a timer... so you can throw a pose down but it WILL get returned to you promptly, unless you're sitting on it. ♥

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG -  SHIRO @ TMD 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Eyes :   LOTUS. Blossom Eyes @ Chapter Four

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Gauged Ears

Hair : [INK] Hair__ AIFC @ TMD 

Sunglasses : [Z O O M] Kaion Glasses @ TMD 

Sweater : COMPLEX / OLAF HOODIE @ TMD 

Bag : ExalteD - Bag @ The Men Jail

Pants : <Kalback> Original Jeans M4 @ TMD 

Sneakers : Bleich - Mesh Musa @ TMD 

Play me for a while.

Pose : ARISE Be Mine Pose 2 @ Romp

Bed : -DRD- Evening Romance -  White Clouds 

I'm not the greatest when it comes to keeping up with people in world. I can be distant and very introverted, hiding away on my platform or my farm (maybe I'll explain that one day, but for now I'm just going to drop that there) and doing my own thing. I tend to stick to a very small circle of friends who have proven over time that they are reliable and personable and I think that's the case with a lot of SL users now.
However, I'm also of the belief that if you make a commitment to someone, or a cause, or event, you should 100% follow through with that commitment, or vocalize the fact that you no longer want to be a part of that, yet sometimes it seems that communication can be an issue for people, and that is what starts to become frustrating.
In terms of blogging, there have been a couple of instances where if I hadn't spoken up, I would have lost some amazingly creative "sponsors" (I kinda hate that term and I'm noting this down to speak about at another date too), and there's also been at least one notable moment where I have 'lost' sponsorship over a misunderstanding, and upon attempting to find out more information have come up against a brick wall.
I suppose it's important to learn when it's a good time to back away, to rethink, rebrand and reboot part of your life, be that SL or RL and though it is always nice to receive a reason as to why someone has 'let you go' or moved on, it's not a pre-requisite, and sometimes you will not get the response you hope for.
Other times, you'll get just enough to learn from and improve on, and it'll give you the boost you need to grow, so I guess it all evens out in the end. ♥

All of the things, Santi :

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : Skin (& Beard) : [theSkinnery] Javier (Catwa Applier)

Body Skin : Clef de Peau.Body 

Eyes : -SU!- Ophelia Eyes Fatpack /ULTRARARE/(Gacha)

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Hair : Dura - B77

Undies :  Mossu - Kevin.Underwear

All of the things, Pickle :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Glam Affair - Deiene ( LeLutka Applier ) @ Collabor88 

Head : LeLutka Bento Head-CHLOE

Eyes : LOTUS. Blossom Eyes 01 @ Chapter Four

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Hair : [RA] Andrea Hair (Purchased @ The Fetish Fair)

Tattoo : *Queen oF Ink - Marins B&W Tattoo @ Bodyfy 

Panties : Luder! Miyu Microkini

Graduate.

Pose :  <K&S> Bloom Male pose 4
Location : [WoS] Woodcrest University Campus in Wormwood City - Urban RPG
(Please be courteous to RP'ers while visiting this sim & wear the appropriate tag!)

I've often been tempted to start attending a roleplay area. Usually, I get all the shopping done, create a backstory for my character and then completely wimp out about actually interacting with anyone or creating story-lines. It's not because I'm uncertain about my roleplay abilities... in fact i'm probably disgustingly over-confident in that respect. Again, it comes down to being afraid to actually dip my toe in and get started.
I give full props to Santi for finding the location for this post today. There I was.. all Man-Pickled up and whining mercilessly to him; "I'm so stinkin' cute but I don't know where.." I knew I wanted a fraternity house but I'm so terrible with the search button and so easily distracted!
This sim is set up beautifully. If you're looking to roleplay in a university theme, I would recommend this on looks alone, who knows, maybe you'll even find a Man-Pickle wandering around :P

All of the things! :

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : Clef de Peau.Oscar  @ TMD 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Eyes :  LOTUS. Lovely Eyes

Hairbase & Hair : Modulus - Scott Hair @ TMD 
Ears : [theSkinnery] Human Ears
Glasses : [Z O O M] Luccs Kioto Glasses @ TMD 
Jacket & Shirt : not so bad . mesh . MARCO suit jacket @ TMD 
Pants : <Kalback> Original Chino @ TMD 
Boots : [MSN Design] - Nubuck Boot 

Bring me a dream.

Pose :   Sari-Sari - Sleep (bento) @ The Seasons Story

On facebook today & yesterday someone on my feed was asking whether it's usual for people in SL to just go "ghost" without warning. Apparently, they had been in a relationship with someone, and everything seemed happy... when they just didn't return.

This has happened to me more than once, as I expressed in her thread. But honestly, is it that much different from going on a few dates with someone for real, and having them ignore your texts and calls and never seeing them again? 

I'm not legitimizing this kind of behaviour... in fact, it's utterly contemptible in my book. I am however, surprised that it surprises people.

SL is used by many for a fantasy outlet. Then there are a few people who believe SL & RL correlate in some way, but aren't directly connected and finally, there's the Secondlife equates to me in RL group. I believe it's important when engaging in any type of relationship to find out which group your new friend belongs to.

Of course, it's far more complicated than just the three groups I have listed. There's no reason why you can't dip your toes contentedly into all three at the same time, or have friendships and relationships with people within all of those sectors. I do think that those you connect with -usually- tend to be those who think in similar terms as you do, but of course, there are going to be those who want to 'play games'. Some people are playing the game because it gives them some odd sense of power and others are playing the game unwittingly, usually because they're insecure and are pretending to know what they want, while not having a clue as to who they really are.

Ultimately, it's like everything. If you don't take a chance, you'll never know what might be.

And if you do take a chance, you need to be prepared to get hurt and learn to move on from it.

My details today are very brief, but I hope you manage to find some treasures from them! This Miss Chelsea set is fuggin' amazing, and i'm not even sorry I've blogged it twice in two days and worn it out already - and Epiphany hasn't even begun yet!

All the things, Santi : 

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG - Caleb

Eyelids : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Hair : Lock & Tuft, Denver @ Man cave 

Beard : DOUX - Mesh beard 

Tattoo : Dappa - No Love

All the things, Pickle :

Body, Hands & Feet :  Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : CATWA Uma

Skin : [theSkinnery] Laura @ Collabor88

Eyelids : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Moles & Freckles :  Go&See  * Bae * Moles - Pallete @ The Seasons Story

Hair : *ARGRACE* Akane 

Tattoo : DAPPA - Vandal Tattoo @ Kinky Event

Shirt & Shorts : .miss chelsea. Day to Slay Gacha @ The Epiphany (Opens 15th Jan)

Nothing else matters.

Pose : Sari-Sari - Follow (bento)

Location : It's one of the Baja Beaches, but I forget which one. 

When this gorgeous dress popped up, I immediately had thoughts of instagram hand-holding pictures, with flowing everything, and all I could think about was a beach. I know it's not necessarily the season for beaches, but balls to it. It's pretty, ok?

I've been using the Black-Dragon viewer for a while to take pictures. I don't really have an understanding yet, but I feel like with each photograph I take I learn something new, which is amazing! I would use it constantly, but it's a WASD movement thing and that still hurts my head, despite my recent foray into Ark, so generally, I pop on for a picture fiddle with the graphics stuffs and then pop it off before I throw things at my computer.

I'm still trying to edit a little more things every day too, while keeping the photograph "SL" quality. Part of me would love to do ALL the fancy things, and I'll possibly fiddle with those things at some point, but I figure that 75% of SL peoples would like to see items as they appear in world. 

I'd like to also point out that it's very rare that I cover up clipping issues in pictures. I much prefer to edit my shape or wear items that genuinely work together in world... However, if I ever take the time to learn how to draw hair, I think I might explode with happy there'll be 12 million pictures with all the fake hair, everywhere!

Here are some things, especially for you.

All of the Santi things :

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG - Caleb

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Hair : DOUX - Armand Hairstyle 

Beard : DOUX - Mesh beard 

Necklace :  **RE** Sniper Tags

Tattoo : DAPPA - Akina Tattoo.

Shirt : :::BREATH:::BLOWED SHIRT1

Pants : [Deadwool] Broberry jeans

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet: -Belleza- Freya 

Head : CATWA Uma

Skin : ItGirls - Catwa Skin Applier - Lore Pale

Eyes :  CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Appliers :  LOTUS. Charmant Eyes (Gacha) @ Chapter 4 

Freckles1 : Bossie. freckles & star stickers

Freckles2 : IGOTIT - Ginger Freckles FACE & BODY

Ears :   ^^Swallow^^  Gauged Ears

Hair : Besom~ Debrossi

Necklace : Kibitz -- Pharah 

Dress : BUENO-Night Dress @ Collabor88

Hands : Slink Hands - Dynamic

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Rings : (Yummy) Winter Solstice Ring Set @ N21

Be that Guy.

Pose (Man-Pickle), Includes basketball : Animosity - Jordan 2 @ TMD

(Santi) : <K&S> ~Ragnar~ pose 2

Skybox : [Bad Unicorn] Basketball Gym Skybox

Bleachers : WarBug Bleacher

Santi is wearing : 

Body & Hands : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG - Caleb

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Hair : Stealthic - Rebellion 

Hoodie : SEUL HOMME - Extended Seam Hoodie @ TMD

Jeans : Legal Insanity - Lynch black jeans w/bandana

Sneakers : [VALE KOER] PLAYOFF DUNKS

Hi!

I don't know anything about Basketball, except that you throw a ball in a hoop.

Enjoy this pretty picture of Man-Pickle being awesome at playing basketball, and Santi looking up at him in awe of his skillz & shiz. (Also, please note the familiarity of Man-Pickle's face. Kinda got a bit of Stifler from American Pie going on, I think?)
♥

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin (& Beard) : [theSkinnery] Javier (Catwa Applier) @ TMD 

Body Skin : Clef de Peau.Body 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Eyes :  LOTUS. Lovely Eyes

Face & Neck Tattoo : *Bolson / Mr. Hyde 

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Rox Ears

Hair : Dura-B&G81 @ TMD 

Necklace : amias - JACE @ TMD 

Tattoo : DAPPA - Gun Club Tattoo. @ Man cave (opens 10th Jan)

Pants : :PARKER: ETHAN pants @ TMD

Sneakers : [ VERSOV ] KAIZOV_BLACK&PATT @ TMD

Pose & Ball : Animosity - Lebron 2 @ TMD

Build it better.

Pose, Popcorn & Cell props : *!R.O!* Popcorn BENTO Couple Pose

All the Santi things : 

Body & Hands : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : VCO - Kazu

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Septum : PUNCH / Starlight Septum
Sweater : etham - Andrew Tee w/ Sweater

I had a rant here. Now I don't.
Here's some stuff.

All the Pickle things :

Body, Hands & Feet :  Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : CATWA Uma

Skin : more more. nari skin_RARE1 (Gacha)

Eyes :  CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Appliers :  -SU!- Ophelia Eyes Fatpack /ULTRARARE/ @ N21

Birthmark : [okkbye] bold birthmarks

Freckles & Face Stars : Bossie. freckles & star stickers

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Pyramid Ears

Hair VCO HAIR _  Juni 

Sweater : NS::  Unforgettable Cozy SweatShirt  @  Etoile (Opens tomorrow, 5th January)

Ring & Hand Chain : Astralia - Kitty chain ring 

Jeans : Blueberry - Melanie Jeans 

Shoes & Socks : 011 Gacha White Sneakers semller

Breathe in.

Pose : .::{B&Y}::. Wedding shoulder kiss

Location : Consent  (Event area, still under construction. Main area open!)

Santi is wearing :

Body & Hands : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG - Caleb

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Hair, hat & headphones : Nutmeg & Entwined. Cameron

Tattoo : Dappa - Akina

Watch : **RE** Raptor Watch

For the longest time I thought that SL was all I could do. I mean, I'm not an expert at it, but I've been using it for like, 10 years, which is almost forever. Of course, this isn't my original avatar and there's been several incarnations of 'Pickle' but she's pretty much the longest serving avatar I've had, minus an old *cough* work av *cough* and my child avatar who's just always been a kid (We'll maybe step into the child world sometime, but for now, yes, I have one, no, she's not a pervert and luckily I've not encountered much of that gross crap during her 9 year existence.) I've always wanted to try other games. I've joined in with people doing things for very brief periods - WoW, LoL, Rocket League, Tera, Final Fantasy... that's just a few I've dipped my toe into. 

For me, it was never about the game itself (although I do have to be able to 'invest' something into it), but more to do with the people I played with. If they had an interest, it was far easier for me to ease myself into it too. Unfortunately, I'd never met anyone with the patience to actually be like "Hey, you're doing alright.. try this!" which meant that often times I'd make a fool of myself and get told off by some non-noobalicious person in-game and feel like poop and just stop playing all together. I need the motivation of good people, basically, or at least a slight knowledge of how the thing works, through experience.

THIS IS WHERE THE SAP STARTS. Feel free to scroll where necessary lol.

I've never been one to sit and write down a bunch of feels. It's awkward, and I always wonder how genuine it makes me appear, but even with that anxious part of me going "Pickle, this is a terrible idea" another part of me wants to explain the inner workings of uh, well, me.

I've said before that having a positive person in my life has changed me immensely, and the whole playing games thing has changed with it. I can't tell you how lovely it is for someone like me, with all my foibles and weird little quirks to be able to nuzzle into someone so completely tuned in to me, some who squirrels away all the little details I vent/rant/cry/talk about and make all the things actually feel like all the things. His encouragement is a brand new kind of encouragement for me, and it's amazing and wonderful and brilliant and bright.

He's encouraged me to pick up other games, and will contentedly and patiently walk me through even when I'm having my stompy-feet-I-can't-do-it moments. 

And it's not just games, either. He's in my head telling me I can do the basics too!

When I'm having a bad day, he's there to say "It's ok."

When I'm having a good day, he'll tell me "I like hearing you smile!"

It's little things, tiny gestures that have always been missing. That I've done for others and they've fallen by the wayside, and linking back to the post I did about "Learning how to love each other", I feel like I've met someone who completely links in to how to love ME. I just hope I can do the same back, because I do not want this one to go anywhere.

Ok. I'm done. Listen to the song today... it made me tear up. <3

All of the Pickle things : 

Body : -Belleza- Freya 

Head : CATWA Uma

Skin : more more. nari skin_RARE1 (Gacha)

Eyelids & Lashes : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Tears : CURELESS [+] Collyrium Tears

Nose Bleed : -SU!- Nosebleed 

Hair : *barberyumyum*P01

Necklace : Amala - The Cara Necklace

Sweater : BUENO-Cozy Sweater @ Fameshed

Golden days.

Pose (Original, edited with Animare, wine bottle not included) : <K&S> ~We're just friends~ poses 4

Props : Background - uk - Xmas Alley Photobox

Snow piles & Snowy ground - [DDD] Snow Piles Set

Keg - [Copper Mill] Beer Batch Set

Bottles & Crates - .:revival:. beer crate set

Just a quick write up today, cus; Lazy.

I was lucky enough to see the outfit I'm wearing today pre-release, in wip mode. I legit got super excited, mainly because the texturing is SO STINKING GOOD.

I was also super happy because it's not your average "Christmas" outfit. Although all the bones of a comfortable outfit are there - the snuggly sweater, and the long warm pants, the little extras Moss&Mink have included are absolutely gorgeous. From the cute detailing of the belt-like panel across the waist, to the dropping bow over the top, and even the cashmere effect of the jumper/sweater itself just made me squee, there's no obvious Christmas themed colours, so this is an outfit that will serve you throughout the year, for any occasion.

And dat headbow doe.

LOVE.

Pick up a Pocket Gacha hud & collect ALL OF THE THINGS!!

 All of the SantiClaus things :

Body & Hands : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : Tableau Vivant \\ Fabio applier 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Daniel

Eyes : -SU!- Lythion Eyes

Hairbase : Stealthic - Male Hairbase

Hair :Stealthic - Hysteria

Beard :  Beusame 43 & Scruff Tintable

Suit : [Deadwool] The Dandy - formal Suit

Shoes : [Deadwool] Formal shoes - black

All of the Pickle things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : LAQ Bento - Motion Capture - Scarlet 

Skin : -Glam Affair - Lola Applier - LAQ Head @ Kustom9

Eyes : LOTUS. Brilliant Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Bindi & Nose Ring : :: SAGA :: Wonderland Jewel Set @ Kustom9

Freckles : [theSkinnery] Freckles! 

Hair : tram G1113 hair @ Uber

Glasses : [Cubic Cherry] {Anya} glasses @ Okinawa Winter Festival

Necklace : Kibitz - Routina necklace

Outfit & Hairbow : {moss&mink} Whispers - Outfit (Pure) & Whispers - Headpiece RARE (Gacha) @ Pocket Gacha 

Nails & Rings : *PL* NAIL @ Okinawa Winter Festival

Shoes :  #EMPIRE - Artemisia @ Kustom9