Happily Ever After Faun

Haunched like a faun, he hooed
From grove of moon-glint and fen-frost
Until all owls in the twigged forest
Flapped black to look and brood
On the call this man made.

No sound but a drunken coot
Lurching home along river bank.
Stars hung water-sunk, so a rank
Of double star-eyes lit
Boughs where those owls sat.

An arena of yellow eyes
Watched the changing shape he cut,
Saw hoof harden from foot, saw sprout
Goat-horns. Marked how god rose
And galloped woodward in that guise.

...Sylvia Plath

I just had to blog about an adorable gift I received from a wonderful friend who's like a sister to me, SeleneLily Galicia. One day I logged into Second Life and found I had received a surprise purchased at Fantasy Faire! I opened the box and inside was a lovely, white faun outfit! The detail and quality were impeccable and the fit is great :) I loved the fact the legs were white, matching my beloved unicorns on Enchanted. This outfit came with two horns and white ears, but I knew I could mix and match and also use a unicorn horn I'd purchased at Illusions, too. I love the faun components, as they are very simple to wear...not a ton of little "pieces" to decide on and try. The set is called Happily Ever After Spring Faun in white by Ravenlynn Templar. Such a befitting name, because the little white faun did live happily ever after in her lovely, enchanted forest among the unicorns.

Clothes: Happily Ever After Spring Faun in white by Ravenlynn Templar
Skin: Jadis Yuki Edition 02 E by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Makeup: Les Makeups by Monica Outlander of Miamai #13
Hair: Early in Blonde 5 by Elikapeka Tiramisu of Elikatira
Unicorn Horn: by Siyu Suen of Illusions
Backdrop: Snow White Forest Scene Backdrop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe and Serenade Studio Backdrop
Unicorns: The Unicorn pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe and "rearing" unicorn by Kim Lefavre of Sang Fori Designs
Bird: by Sasayo Kayo of HPMD

Lady of the Unicorn

I was actually shopping in the marketplace recently and just happened to run across this beautiful dress by Gypsy Tripsa. It's called Lady of the Unicorn, imagine that! I just loved the natural tones and print in the dress, plus the design. It comes with the cloak and headpiece and other removable parts. I decided because of the name of the dress, I had to have a unicorn in a picture or two, plus I took these shots at my home in Elven Realm.

I'd also like to mention the precious elf ears I found at the Plastik. They have little birds perched on top of each ear :)

Clothes: Lady of the Unicorn dress by Gypsy Tripsa
Elf Ears: Animalistic Elven Ears by Aikea Rieko of the Plastik
Skin: Dejah in Pale Brunette by Inaya Skins
Hair: Alice in Platinum by Leena Ying of DrLife

Unicorn pose prop: by Faery Sola of Studio Side

Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm (my home)

Please click the pictures to zoom in

Animalistic Elven Ears by the Plastik (right ear)

Animalistic Elven Ears by the Plastik (left ear)

Sweater Girl

Nordic Skilk Cowl Neck Sweater in White by Mairead Fitzgerald

Bella III hair in White Beach Blonde by mcgeeb Gupte of JolieFemme Designs
The Unicorn multi-pose prop by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe
Yummy Christmas Candy Cane (wearable) by Synthetyc Summers

Shown in All Pictures:
Eva Skin in Natural 04 by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Sad Elf Ears with Falling Snow by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express

There's nothing like a beautiful holiday sweater to wear with dress pants or blue jeans. Both look great with sweaters and help make them very simple and versatile. On top of all that, either a form-fitting or loose sweater look great if they're made well and have a good fit. I found these lovely Christmas sweaters recently and thought I'd feature them for those of you who are still looking for something different, yet easy to wear or give as a gift. Enjoy!

Candycane Cardigan by Wildroses Pevens of Wildzcreations
Seraphina hair in Swedish by Truth Hawks of Truth
Yummy Christmas Candy Cane by Synthetyc Summers

EA Jeans Relaxed by Mex Thorn

Skating picture taken at Calas Galadhon sim

(skates are free at the sim)

Snowflake Cardigan by Wildroses Pevens of Wildzcreations
Riley hair in Swedish by Truth Hawks of Truth
Candy Cane Antlers by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe
Nutcrackers by Manddy Ferraris
Pictures taken on Enchanted sim

The Unicorn by Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe

Peace

Enchanted of Elven Realm's main icon is definitely the unicorn. After all, the sim houses a large unicorn sanctuary. I have always loved unicorns (all animals for that matter) since I was a child, so wanted the sim to focus on them, plus other forest animals. Then my thinking went even further, and I decided to take the percentage of donations given to the sim and in turn, give it to a national animal rights advocacy group called, Friends of Animals.

Originally, my good friend SeleneLily and I were searching for poseballs for the unicorns already on Enchanted, knowing how much most people enjoyed taking pictures. After much searching, we realized there really were no poses made specifically for this animal, unless it was a unicorn you could ride. Otherwise, we could use different model poses that looked close to what could be used with the unicorn. Then, Selene spoke with creator Faery Sola of Studio Sidhe to see if she could possibly make some poseballs just for the unicorn. Faery was intrigued with the idea and came to Enchanted to see what it was all about. Faery was suddenly inspired to make her own unicorn as a pose prop! She worked diligently on it and after it was finished, she sent me one before it was introduced. I can't tell you how excited and emotional I was when I tried it out! It was AMAZING!

Here's how the unicorn works: You bring it out of your inventory, then "sit" on it. Once you're sitting on it, touch the unicorn and a menu will pop up in the right corner of your screen. You have a choice of 5 poses with the unicorn! That's right, you heard me, 5 poses!! Each and every single pose was completely smooth and synchronized! The unicorn itself lays on the ground, stands, and rears up. Then the avie poses had to be coordinated with the unicorn's movements. Not an easy project, but done with love and care, as the finished product will attest! I think it's time to SHOW you what the poses look like! Please see the pictures below and one above. All are labeled with the pose name.

Promise

Rescue

Playful

First Encounter

Aren't they all absolutely gorgeous? I know Faery will do very well with them. She offered them at a fantastic introductory price of 600L during the Grand Opening, and now has decided to keep them at this unbelievable price! With all the time and work she put into making the unicorn, this is a fantastic deal! You may purchase them at Enchanted or Studio Sidhe, of course. Enjoy!

Clothes: Aventine by Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet
Shoes: Esprit Pearl by Beauvoir Rousselot of Maitreya Gold
Skin: Eva by Aida Ewing of Glam Affair
Elf Ears: Wilted Elf Ears with Stars by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express
Hair: Bella III in White Beach Blonde by mcgeeb Gupte of Jolie Femme Designs
Location: Enchanted of Elven Realm

Elven Realm's Enchanted

On bridge from the light to dark forest

Mushroom forest

Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long between posts! Alot of the reason for this is because I've been working on a new and exciting project :) I thought it was about time I share with everyone the fact I've recently acquired a new sim of my own in Second Life as it's something I've wanted to do for years. I've had all these ideas running around in my mind about what I want to do with it and have finally done it! I knew Andrek Lowell, a very talented environmental designer who also created Chakryn and Bentham Forest, was who I needed to make my ideas a reality (well a virtual reality). He just finished his part of the work and now I'm adding things here and there that need done. The new area is called Enchanted, and it's in the sim, Elven Realm. It's a beautiful, magical fantasy world incorporating realism with a touch of whimsy. The "purpose" of the region is to provide a refuge or sanctuary of sorts for the rare unicorn and other woodland animals. Also, a percentage of all donations to the sim will be given to the national animal rights advocacy group, Friends of Animals, so it's all about the forest fauna. I plan to have events and contests now and then, plus there is a Flickr page where people can post pictures taken in the sim. I've always had a love for fantasy art and am amazed daily by the talent of so many artists within Second Life. I'd like to make this the focus of alot of contests and recognition I plan to have within the sim.

The unicorn pasture right outside the cottage

A view of the castle tower

Sitting on a mushroom at the gathering spot

There are quite a few "can't miss" areas of the forest, but I want them to be a surprise as they are hidden all over the sim. The best way to explore is definitely on foot, or you are bound to miss something. Also, set your environment to midnight when you enter the dark forest. That's right, we have a dark forest, just in time for Halloween! There's also a mushroom forest, flower field, fae gathering spot, unicorn pasture, mermaid inlet, and candy cove plus MANY other fun places to discover.

Entrance to the dark forest

Colorful mermaid inlet

I don't want to tell you too much, because I think you need to discover it for yourself! I've added a few pictures to this post so you can get an idea of what the forest is like. I hope you'll come visit soon! Fae, fairy, elf, wizard, drow or human, I think you'll enjoy Enchanted to the fullest!

Clothes: Lianna by Kira Lavendel of MysticHope Designs

Skin: June 2 Raccoon 2 by Gala Phoenix of Curio

Elf Ears: Wilted Star Elf Ears by Kioko Kumaki of Panda Express

Hair: Tara Swedish Streaked by Truth Hawks of Truth

Our Flickr page:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/enchantedelvenrealm/

Our blog site:
http://enchantedelvenrealm.blogspot.com/

Fantasy Art Focus: Ruriko Bracken

Sparkles, twinkles and interesting textures are a few of the many reasons I adore Ruriko Bracken's pictures. So many of them look like a real picture, a photograph, because of all the detailed editing involved. She's very good about choosing wonderful locations and backdrops for her shoots, making her pictures that much more spectacular. For example, she has taken some in Arabia in front of some beautiful Arabian architecture. There are some artists who stay with portraits and people only in their pictures, while others excel in landscapes. Well, Ruriko is exceptionally talented in both of these equally! Really quite amazing. She's just very well-rounded in every way and this shows in each and every one of her pictures. Alot of artists do pictures that are all the same style, but Ruriko varies hers quite often. For example, she has done some that portray a model in a beautiful gown in some exotic location, another that shows vintage Audrey Hepburn in all her glory, and then she might do a winged fairy with magic dust all about. She has won many contests and awards and uses her talent within her own venues. Along with taking her pictures, she also finds time to model and write in three blogs! Ruriko Bracken has definitely made her mark on Second Life photography and style!

Elfin Dream series (three above)

In Pink

Fairy

Sunny Day

Bloom (I love the unicorn colt in this one!)

Audrey (I know this isn't fantasy, but I love this one!)

You can find many more of Ruriko's beautiful pictures in:
http://www.flickr.com/people/21619951@N07/

Her personal blog:
http://rurikostyle.slmame.com/

Blogs she writes in:
http://mamijewell.wordpress.com/
http://timelessagency.wordpress.com/

The Jar

If I could capture all the enchantment of the forest in a jar,
Then I would open it and let it escape when needed near or far.


I wish I could collect the magic dust and bubbles that sparkle in the breeze, as they make their way in and around the tall, dark trees.

I wish I could pick the kaleidoscopic mushrooms that cover the forest floor,
So many shapes and sizes that glow and adorn.


I wish I could catch the tinkling sound of the fairy flying by,
And the bewitching voice of the mermaid’s lullaby.

I wish I could trap the beams from the twinkling stars and moon above,
Filtering through the wooded forest I love.


I wish I could contain the majestic power of the unicorn
As it stands peacefully on the river bank where it was born.


All the magic of the forest contained in a jar
Would have the power to captivate both near and far.

Clothes: Merenwen by Selina Forder of Elvenbreath
Boots: Ving boots in Black by Fallingwater Cellardoor of Shiny Things
Skin: April/Crocus 2 in Sundust Light by Gala Phoenix of Curio
Hair: Riley in Platinum by Truth Hawks of Truth

Location: Tol Narwa Vire and Jaded Wings

Warriors Can Be Feminine Too!

After enjoying time at the beach the other day, I ended up having to go to the snowy mountaintops not far away to head off some humans who had come to hunt old Fuzzball the bear. Fuzzball had lived in peace and perfect harmony in the mountains for years, but had earned the reputation as a mean old bear who "could" hurt someone. Yes, he could be mean, if he didn't know you or your intentions and thought you might be a threat, but he was really a kind, peaceful bear who wouldn't hurt a fly. I threw on my lovely leather armor by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura, because I knew I might need the protection and I can always depend on this particular design. It's very pretty with several optional pieces and even came with some gorgeous, detailed boots! Not only is it feminine, beautiful and sturdy, but it's also reliable and very flexible. I can wear certain pieces for specific destinations and reasons. Other than the boots, the outfit also comes with an extra pair of pants and a modifiable shape. I also carried my bow along just in case. You just never know about those humans!

Clothes: Aelfwynn Leather Armour AUBURN set by Elvina Ewing of Caverna Obscura
Skin: Vixen/Mink 2 in Sundust Light by Gala Phoenix of Curio
Hair: DrLife Healthy Hair Ying by Leena Ying in Platinum
Elf Ears: *ICED* Triple Hoop Elf Ears by Scarlet Chandrayaan
Bow: Decorative Recurve Bow by Tayren Theas from the Elven Huntress group
Location: Snow Valley

Unicorn: B2K Mystic Horse White/Cheval Blanc version 2.0 by WENS Giha of B2K Design
Elk: Elk (bull) Sound and Animation by Julia Hathor of Creative Fantasy
Bear: Angry Bear Animated and Controllable by Julia Hathor of Creative Fantasy

I rode my beautiful, dependable friend, Mist, on my journey. He helps so much, especially when he uses his magic to FLYYY :D



We finally ran across Fuzzball and I warned him in my best bear slang that he needed to hide out for a while. He was not happy :/


I watched as he climbed to safety and then ran across the hunters in the meantime. I told them they would not find Fuzzball and that they needed to worry about something besides an innocent, ornery, geriatric bear.



What a day! As always, my armor held up well and is still just as comfy as when I first put it on :)

Elf Clan and Its Lands

The beautiful meditation area in ElvenMyst

I remember a time about four to five years ago when I first discovered the beautiful "Elf" lands of Second Life. I am referring to ElvenGlen and Elf Haven specifically. I remember landing in ElvenGlen and being in awe of the beauty surrounding me. I think what stood out was the lush green grass, tall majestic mountains with lovely waterfalls, and all the creeks and ponds in abundance. Of course after I arrived in ElvenGlen, I was cheerfully greeted by an elf who was very friendly and seemed eager to help and answer questions. All of this made me want to come back several times and finally, I ended up joining Elf Clan, headed by Wayfinder Wishbringer, and decided I wanted to become an elf and live in their lands. That's what I did! I bought land in ElfHaven, bought some elven clothes, and decor for my new home, a lovely treehouse. I loved my new home and life within the game because I'd always had a love for anything to do with elves, fairies and fantasy. I stayed with this roleplay a while, then later ended up starting a new venue and left Elf Clan at the time. I just recently came back, but have been more involved in blogging and exploring than participating actively for now.
The Drum Circle in ElvenMyst
Castle in ElvenHearth that's Home of the Dwagons

As alot of groups and regions come and go, I was surprised to learn that Elf Clan, still headed by its founder, Wayfinder Wishbringer, was still around after all these years. Yes, there had been some changes, but overall, the group was the same with the same goals, mainly to offer a variety of quality activities, events, and opportunities for all interested. Instead of ElvenGlen being their main home, ElvenMyst was this area now. I remember ElvenMyst was in the process of being built when I was a member before. The lands considered Elf Clan regions are now ElvenMyst, ElvenHearth, and ElvenDream. ElvenMyst is the main region and consists of a floating castle that will give a "tour" of Elf Clan regions. This region contains an underwater castle, a "Pirate's Life" themed area for gathering with friends and sailing, a gorgeous meditation area, a museum, and some of the largest elven builds, including the Fyrefly: Eternity starship, Star Trek Astrometrics Lab, Heimdall Luxury Sky Cruiser and Steampunk Tardis. This is one of the most detailed and enjoyable Star Trek ships on the grid. ElvenMyst holds the oldest elven Drum Circle in Second Life, plus holds archery competitions here. ElvenMyst also consists of quite a number of fantasy merchants, which are placed in one area of the region for convenience. There's also a sandbox for Elf Clan members who need a place to build.
Gorgeous unicorn dedicated pavilion in ElvenDream for rest and relaxation
A typical sight in ElvenDream, lovely unicorns resting and grazing and a Pirate's ship in the background

The two other regions under Elf Clan ownership are similar to ElvenMyst in terrain and style and are on either side of ElvenMyst. ElvenHearth houses the Home of the Dwagons, which is a castle of the orks and is full of fun and hidden doors. This area also contains many residences and there is rental space available. ElvenDream, also known as Unicorn Isle, is beautifully done with the unicorn motif. As I've said in one of my other blogs, unicorns have always been special to me, so this island was my favorite out of the three. This region was more or less a park to enjoy boating on the lake, host events in the buildings, and just enjoy the scenery.
Playing the piano in ElvenDream
Wonderful bridge made with two trees in ElvenDream

There are two developments that must be mentioned. Elf Clan has added two grids to their original regions. The first, Reaction grid, is a secondary world apart from Second Life. Elf Clan holds lands there as well, as an alternate experimentation with the OpenSim project. Inworldz is another secondary world. Elf Clan members may build freely here. They are experimental lands and no builds are guaranteed to stay, but good ones may be left for demonstration purposes. Inworldz contains the regions of ElvenSong and ElvenHolde.

Elf Clan also has opportunities online with their general information and event calendar regarding the group, plus a social network anyone can join. The main site for Elf Clan is: http://elfclan.net/. The site for the social network is: http://elfclan.ning.com/. If you are or become a member of Elf Clan, you will definitely want to check these out.

The three regions of Elf Clan are peaceful, beautiful and definitely a must visit. If you are looking for activities, involvement and roleplay without all the rules of a roleplay sim, Elf Clan is the way to go.
Riding the rowboat on the lake in ElvenDream

Clothes: Cabaret Bluebell outfit by Janie Marlowe of Mischief
Shoes: Charcoal Sleek Laceup Boots by Fallingwater Cellardoor of Shiny Things
Hair: Dixie in Blonde II by AngelCross Skinstad of Cross
Skin: June II/Raccoon II in Sundust Light by Gala Phoenix of Curio
Elf Ears: *Iced* Elf Ears with diamond piercings by Scarlet Chandrayaan