How the Sakura Got its Bloom

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Back in time when the Sakura did not bloom like does today, the Emperor's beloved wife became ill during pregnancy with their first child. The physicians did what they could. All that was left was to pray. The Emperor went to the scared tree that oversaw his rule. He begged the spirit of the Sakura do him a favor once more and save his wife and unborn child.

Going on now is the Origami Spring Festival. It's a lovely time of year in Japan when the beautiful Cherry Trees bloom. The Origami event in SecondLife is not to be missed! There are so many awesome goodies and ambiance, and that of the surrounding sims, is excellent! The picture above was taken at the entrance of the event. Go here: Origami Event and for more information on Origami, head over to the blog here:  Origamiivent.Blogspot.Jp  Event ends April 4th.

This idea was inspired by two things, the cherry bloom theme of Origami and the wonderful new Wood Nymph skin by Fallen Gods. It comes in male and female, and those of you using mesh for your avatar, I have awesome news! The male Wood Nymph includes appliers for Slink hands and feet, The MeshProject body and head, and even an applier for Lotus! Fallen Gods skins on TMP look amazing! The awesome geta are from CerberusXing on sale at Origami. They are unrigged so you can fit them system, slink, or TMP feet. They come in black and light wood. I used the light ones, and added a pink tint to match the overall look. Fun! The cool horns, tail, and lantern are from the Ayakashi Yokocho gacha at Origami. The eerie pink glowing eyes are Ghoul eyes Bonbon by Lovely Disarry. The top, sleeves, necklace and cuffs are by Koshino Yamatano Orochi by BareRose and I added a tint to it. The pants are Cropped Sarrouel Pants by Chronokit. I love the movement in the Breeze hair by Tableau Vivant. It's from a past Creation.Jp event. Pose by Momomuller.

On Him, the Spirit of the Sakura:
Skin, Slink, TMP applier: Fallen Gods Wood Nymph, male +FGInc.+ Spring (We <3 RolePlay)(660L)
Sandles: CerberusXing Male Fang Geta (edit tint)[mesh](Origami)(350L)
Horns: Ayakashi Yokocho Komachi Sakura Horn Pink, gacha [mesh](Origami)(65L)
Lantern: Ayakashi Yokocho Komachi Sakura Lamp Pink 09, gacha[mesh](Origami)(65L)
Tail: Ayakashi Yokocho Komachi Sakura Tree Tail Purple 06, gacha [mesh](Origami)(65L)
Hair: Tableau Vivant Breeze male - Dip Dye [mesh](250L)
Top, sleeves, cuffs, necklace: BareRose Koshino Yamatano Orochi (edit tint)[mesh](190L)
Underwear: BareRose Rokushaku Bottom (edit tint)[mesh](190L)
Eyes: Lovely Disarry Ghoul Eyes : Bonbon [mesh](125L)
Pants, suspenders: Chronokit Cropped Sarrouel Pants White, Suspenders [mesh](350L)
Hands: Slink Male Hands closed, relaxed [mesh](450L each)
Feet: Slink Male Feet Flat [mesh] (650L)
Hair base applier: Unorthodox Carter Hair Base Pack (550L)
Head: TheMeshProject (BETA) Head(m) - Anime (Deluxe) [mesh](5000L)
Body: TheMeshProject (BETA) Deluxe Body [mesh](5000L)
Pose: momomuller / 3M _3M_stick1_2 (40L)

Location:
ORIGAMI + <Spring Event

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The Spirit of the tree knew the unborn child was female and she would grow up as beautiful and delicate as her mother. So after much pleading, the Spirit agreed on one condition, the princess would join him and become his wife once she came of age. The Emperor was horrified and refused. Hearing his distress, Spirit told him not to worry, each Spring she would return and bring her beauty back into the world she left behind. With tearful eyes the Emperor agreed, and that is how the Sakura got it's bloom.

I'm so excited to show you this sweet tea house, Cha-Shitsu modern, by Theater Chain. I was lucky to get a sneak peek of this wonderful creation being constructed. It's all mesh with a clean white and black color palette. There are two front sliding doors, and off to the side is a sliding door for the host. It comes with two cushion for the patio, left is a female smoking pose, and right is for male. Inside there is an additional matt, hearth, and traditional tea ceremony kettle with wooden serving spoon. The tea house is 53 Li. You can see as demo for the house at the entrance gate of the event.

Also from Origami is the Wagasa Umbrella and bench. Touch the parasol and you change it's textures. The bench has 16 poses for male and female, and the two items are 2 li together. Over at the Tea House are lovely Traditional Japanese Furniture gacha items by Silvery K: the Kimono display, Tobacco box, and paper lantern. (NOTE: I used many of these Silvry K gacha items in a separate project, -- Prim Perfect's Linden Home Challenge: Japan. When the article comes out, I will let you all know!). Also shown are the {anc} obi display and cushions. The cherry trees are a subscription gift by Isovii.

The story idea of How the Sakura Got It's Bloom is by Fulli. Thanks Full!

Setting:
House, porch cushions, tea hearth: Theater Chain Cha-Shitsu Modern Home [mesh](Origami)(350L)
Parasol, bench, pose: Somali Wagasa Umbrella [mesh](Origami)(150L)
Decor: Silvery K Kimono Hanger(Pink)(3)Gacha [mesh](Origami)(50L)
Decor: Silvery K paper covered lamp(Black)(13)Gacha [mesh](Origami)(50L)
Decor: Silvery K Tobacco Box(9)Gacha [mesh](Origami)(50L)
Obi Display: {anc} Japaneseroomdeco REDFAT [mesh](520L)
Trees: Isovii 2014Cherry tree_sa ku ra, subscription gift (free)

The Big Ben Bats

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: It started out as a joke. He was drunk and the music at The Batcave was horrible that night. He complained loudly. Okay, maybe he shouted and threw a beer bottle. And well, long story short, the guitarist of No Talent called him a tosser, so he bit him live on stage infront of a stunned crowd of black-clad concert goers. In that moment as he looked out at the crowd in a fuzzy daze, the lights shining in his eyes, something clicked in his head. "This," he thought, "Right here. Right now." He didn't know how to play guitar, but with the blood of his defeated enemy coursing in his veins, he didn't let it stop him. He wailed on the blood splattered guitar as if the devil himself had just taken the stage. He became a legend of sorts in the London Underground. Part of his schtick was biting people live on stage. "Mess with the Bat, and you get the fang!" That's how the music career started of the guitarist of infamous Big Ben Bats.

Two great events going on right now. Leaf on the Wind is a fund raiser for the 29 year old Scarlet Chandrayaan (owner of Alouette). Her cancer has returned and she expected to have only 2 more years. At the top of her bucket list is a dream to see London. Designers on the grid have rallied and created Leaf on the Wind to help her dream come true. This is a wonderful event with a mission and has many fun London items for sale. The sim itself is decorated with an England theme. It runs until the end of January. More information here: leafonthewindsl.wordpress.com In the image above, I'm showing the gacha of the plates and shelf by Zanzibar creationZ, the ottoman by 22769 bauwerk, and the cool UK stomper boots by Forsaken.

(click to play. note: no audio)

The Creators Collection Box is a brand new event featuring Japanese content creators. Don't miss this event, it's huge and the deals are sweet! There's something for everyone: girls, guys, decor and gadgets. Above is the fun guitar by Namine which plays like a real guitar! Touch notes on the hud, and you are playing live inworld! It has 2 playing styles, and a total of 66 notes. (I wasn't able to record the sounds it makes in the video, but you can demo the guitar at the event.) Also shown from CCB, is the table and chair by La petite fleur. The chair has 4 animations for the girls, and 4 for the guys. Touch the lamp to turn it on and off. The man holding the records is a gift at the La petite fleur mainstore. Shown below are two stools from the No Concept Creators Collection Box. They are part of a gacha for only 40L each!

I'm wearing an awesome new coat with shirt, vest, and tie by FATEwear. For the first time, FATEwear has included Fitted mesh along with the standard sizes. The fatpack comes with a hud to mix and match the different colors for the jacket, shirt, and tie. I added a slightly darker red tint to the tie, and darker grey to the void color jacket. I came close to using the KoKoLoReS Kazu hair for my yearbook picture but I'm glad I didn't now. It's perfect for an early goth Robert Smith type of style. The Goth Buttons are by papermoon. You can also buy Goth Patches and add to your coats and shirts for a touch of retro punk. The Cropped Sarrouel pants by Chronokit work perfect with the Forsaken boots. The plaid belt by :Sey I edited to make it thicker in a retro style. Because it's mod, it was no problem to tuck it within the coat, and overlaping the pants. The gloves are a gacha rare from last month's Men's Department. Yes, if you look close, that hand gesture is not a fist, it's something a bit more rude. lol

From the set, the EliBaily Recycled Planks Bed is from a past gacha at The Men's Department. The Cello Coffin Box is by Souzou Eien. I showed the cello in the past, but this time I am showing the awesome coffin box that comes with it! love it! The Big Ben prop is actually the box for the From Hell gacha by Never Totally Dead. And by favorite red rug by Senzafine is from a past World Goth Fair.

This is a collaboration project with Aarya Phantomhive of the Dark Phantom blog. She is always a joy to work with. Her idea to make a band and have an album was so much fun, and for a good cause too! To read her report, storyline, and stylecard for the Big Ben Bats, head over to the Dark Phantom blog.

On him, Guitarist for the Big Ben Bats:
Coat, shirt, tie: FATEwear Jordan Coat Long - Fatpack fitted mesh, hud [mesh](1000L)
Boots: -=FORSAKEN=- Union Riot boots (Leaf on the Wind)(200L) 75% donation
Gloves: APHORISM! Leather Gloves -Finger- black Rare, gacha [mesh](50L)
Pants, suspenders: Chronokit Cropped Sarrouel Pants White, Suspenders [mesh](350L)
Tongue: CheerNo Tongue_Silver_piercing [mesh](225L)
Buttons: Papermoon Oi! Britannia Buttons - Goth [mesh](150L)
Belt: :SEY Double-Hole Belt_B (Stars./.A) [mesh](250L)
Hair: KoKoLoReS Hair - Kazu male [mesh](250L)
Tattoo lip: LE:MON bloody lips (1L)
Eyes: S0NG Winter Vampire Eye [mesh] (50L)
Eyeliner: CL-NINE CL9v2l_HeadEyeline01C(bk)(free)
Skin: Tableau Vivant Nathan - Tone 03 blond (990L)
Guitar, pink: Namine guitar D-250 CCB Special Edition_r for male (Creators Collection Box)(250L)
Guitar, black: NS Like a Star [mesh](100L)
Pose: The Black Canary Miyavi Pose 7 (no longer available)

Setting:
Stool 1: No Concept wood high stool, gacha [mesh](Creators Collection Box)(40L)
Stool 2: No Concept iron low stool, gacha [mesh](Creators Collection Box)(40L)

Table, chair: La petite fleur Wooden table(black) and chair [mesh](Creators Collection Box)(150L)

Record shelf: La petite fleur  Recordshelf (gift)

Plate: .: Zanzibar creationZ :. Kitschy London Plate Shelving RARE, gacha [mesh](Leaf on the Wind)(50L) 50% donation

Plate: .: Zanzibar creationZ :. Kitschy London Plate - I Love London, gacha [mesh](Leaf on the Wind)(50L) 50% donation

Plate: .: Zanzibar creationZ :. Kitschy London Plate - London Calling, gacha [mesh](Leaf on the Wind)(50L) 50% donation

Plate: .: Zanzibar creationZ :. Kitschy London Plate - Look Right, gacha [mesh](Leaf on the Wind)(50L) 50% donation

Plate: .: Zanzibar creationZ :. Kitschy London Plate - Cor Blimey, gacha [mesh](Leaf on the Wind)(50L) 50% donation

Ottoman: 22769 ~ [bauwerk] cube poof Union Jack [mesh] (Leaf on the Wind)(150L) 75% donation

Bed: EliBaily Recycled Planks Bed ukUnion Jack, gacha [mesh](100L)

Cello, coffin box: Souzou Eien The Master's Cello Box (Full) Decorative [mesh](400L)

Big Ben: Never Totally Dead From Hell *London Map*, gacha [mesh](50L)

Rug: Senzafine "Evendim" Area Rug in Crimson (no longer available)

Event News: Clockwork Spiral, part 2

RUN! Clockwork Spiral ends at noon SL today. Don't miss this cool mask set by Contraption! All proceeds from the sale go to the National Kidney Foundation. Set includes hat, mask with change on the eyes, open or closed, and version with ears and muzzle. The Merlin hair I am wearing is by Alli & Alli and comes in either black or white and looks great for a windblown look or while running. It's free on the Medieval Fantasy Hunt. The demon wings are new at Death Row Designs and come in many colors. Love them! The bullet belt and steel fang gloves I have shown before, but they are just so cool, I will show you again, especially since these cool quality original mesh items are so affordable. The jacket is one my favorites from Chronokit, I love the nice squared shoulder. The rest of my outfit is by Black Canary, also another outfit I wear a lot. lol And now what to do with all your goodies from Clockwork Spiral? Are you all dressed up with nowhere to go? Well head to New Babbage, the Steampunk sim by Loki Elliott. He had been rebuilding the sim with mesh. If you turn on materials too, are in for a treat. ...I will be away for awhile, next day or two, for my birthday! Have fun gang.  ^^

On Him:

Hat and Mask: Contraption The Heretic [mesh] (Clockwork Spiral)(250L)

Hair: Alli & Alli Merlin (Medieval Fantasy Hunt X) (free)

Belt: Death Row Designs DRD Bullet Belt Male mono [mesh] (50L)

Gloves: Death Row Designs DRD chrono fangs steel [mesh] (50L)

Wings: Death Row Designs DRD Wings of eternal darkness [mesh] (180L)

Shirt, Vest, Collar, Cumberbun: The Black Canary Congruent Truths (300L)

Jacket: chronokit Fabre Jacket Black [mesh] (300L)
Boots: Thor New Rock Boot [mesh] (650L)

Location:
New Babbage

RMK Gothic Bunny Hunt: The Madhatter

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Alice lurked around the Queen of Heart's castle. She overheard two guards talking about catching the mole "tallHat." Without a second thought, she snuck into Queen's dungeon to rescue him. After all, this was her fault. He was the one who smuggled information to her. He was the one who challenged her to come in person and see for herself. "Do you understand now Alice, why I want to leave Wonderland?" tallHat breathed. "The soldiers are crazy. The queen is crazy. The cats are crazy. The bunnies are crazy. The only sane soul in Wonderland is myself. I only pretend to be crazy, it's everyone else who is truly mad."

Hunt prize NV tartan pants come in male and female sizes with fun decorative heart and spades elements. The Blue Blood hunt prize comes with two different texture styles. If you have been out on the RMK Gothic sim and seen a really cool flying cards and clock effect when someone types, that is the Theater Chain gacha. Everyone who sees this loves it! There are different colors and clock faces for each of the main Alice in Wonderland characters plus secret rares in the gacha. I highly recommend. *thumbs up*

(click to enlarge)

On him, Mad Madhatter:

Pants: [NV] Jah pants male and female [mesh] (Alice in RMK Bunny Hunt #12)(free)
Shirt: ::K:: Bow-Tie Shirt Garnet [mesh] (200L)
Jacket: chronokit Fabre Jacket Black [mesh] (300L)
Gloves: FATEwear Gloves - George (tint added) [mesh] (300L)
Belt: BLITZED Plugged Belt - no bag male shape (295L)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Magician Hair - Iceberg (250L)

Shoes: Death Row Designs DRDOLL bozo shoes red (150L / 128L)

Typing Effect: Theater Chain +T*C+Queen of Hearts01 (red) (gacha) (30L)

On Her, Alice dungeon:

Dress: Blue Blood Drink Me Option 2 (2 dress styles) [mesh] (Alice in RMK Bunny Hunt #5)(free)

Shoes: Dark Midday Design "Chubbits" Chunky Lolita Shoes +Socks White [mesh] (165L)

Hair: Lo'Momo Matthiola with color change bow and 2 bang styles (120L)

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: A year later, Alice helped tallHat create a new identity,"Lewis Carroll," and settle down in London. He continues to make hats, albiet in different style from his old trademark top hat. Alice is still Alice but she left investigative journalism. With the help of her former informant, she penned a fictional story about Wonderland. When her new boyfriend comes to visit, she wears a little something extra special just for him.  - the end - 

Alice is wearing sweet intimates from RoA in the Alice theme. It also comes with a black hairbow (not shown). The book prop she is holding is fantastic. It's made by Down Down Down and comes in normal, AFK, and decoration versions. I showing the Quandary flat Irish cap currently available at Buddy walk (ends March 31st), and there is a version with hair is at the Epicosity Spring Fling (ends April 3rd). If you haven't already lost your shirt at The Arcade run down there fast and try your luck with Tableau Vivant backpack gacha. These bags are gorgeous. The Zebra is my favorite. The Cardigen I am wearing is from Paradise Kiss and it's beautifully made. It moves perfectly and fits perfectly and comes with texture change hud. The pants I am wearing are from Cut - N- Draw and they have super chains at the waist and British Flag in denim on the back pockets.

On Him:

Cap: Quandary Irish Flat Cap [mesh] (Spring Fling)(with hair 250L) (Buddy Walk)(200L)

Backpack: Tableau Vivant Backpack - Black [mesh] (The Arcade)

Cardigan: Paradise Kiss Nil-mesh cardigan-red [mesh] (299L)

Pants: Cut -N- Draw jeans black [mesh] (350L)

On Her:

Undergarments, bow: RoA Eat Me<3 Lingerie (Alice) (Alice in RMK Bunny Hunt #26)(free)

Prop: Down Down Down DDD_Fairy tale Book_Alice [mesh] (Alice in RMK Bunny Hunt #17)(free)

Cardigan: Mr Poet Bat sleeve knit coat [mesh] (free)

Fulli, its been a wonderful year of making fun & cool images. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you!

RMK Gothic Bunny Hunt: Curiouser and Curiouser News

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Following a tip from a secret informant code-named "tallhat," Alice R. Murrow, investigative journalist for Curiouser and Curiouser News, goes undercover to discover what darkness lurks below the sunny facade of Wonderland.

THE BUNNY HUNT IS BACK! This is one of my alltime favorite events in SL. Last year while on Twisted Hunt, I landed at this Victorian England sim for the first time and saw many pretty girl hopping around like bunnies with tickets in their mouths. My curiosity definitely got me! I have never seen a hunt quite like this. You chase a small grey rabbit that hops around the beautifully decorated sim. The bunny can be anywhere. You follow Mr Bunny and wait for him to drop a ticket. But be fast! Click, Buy for free, and Take it first or someone else will snatch out from under you! Once you get a ticket, wear it, and follow the link. Look for an Alice in Wonderland book and touch it. The prize will be delivered. Tickets are transferrable, so you can gift them, or trade for them. To me this not a hunt, it's a game. I just loved chasing the bunny last year and trying to get tickets. I've been shiny eyes for this special place ever since. In fact, I am helping out this year. *waves Hi to the many people I met at Bunny Hunt* For the blog, I will be showing a photo series of the excellent Alice in Wonderland themed prizes. Grab your loved one, or a buddy and head over to RMK Gothic for some bunny chasing! For more information (in Japanese, English, German, and Spanish) go to the official Bunny Hunt Blog: http://bunny-hunt.blogspot.jp Hunt runs until March 31st.

UPDATE:  If you want only the guy prizes, I recommend you make friends with other hunters and trade tickets. For men, you can get the free landing-point Card Solider. After that, hunt for guy outfits  tickets 12, 14, 18, and there is a nice mesh pocketwatch, trumpet, and derby from 15. A unisex avatar is ticket 6. Props, poses, and decor get are tickets 9, 16, 17, 25.

On Her, Alice 1:
Sweater: NuDoLu Pull relax en laine Wonderland [mesh] (Alice in RMK Bunny Hunt #11)(free)
Hair: D!va Marie (color demo) (free)
Glasses: Mad Mesh Mad nerd Glasses (9L)
Pencil: Aletta Milena Mouth attachment (pencil) (25L)
Jeans: Jeanroco Castillo JRC Promo Skinny Jeans Ladies [mesh] (99L)
Shoes: BB mesh sneakers 11 glitter (100L)

On Him, codename tallHat:
(NOTE: tallHat will be revealed, but for now here are a few "leaked" details. lol)
Jacket: chronokit Fabre Jacket Black [mesh] (300L)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Magician Hair - Iceberg (250L)

Office Set:
Spotlight: Trompe Loeil Spotlight Lamp [mesh] (The Arcade)(25L)
Desk: DIGS Engman Desk & Chair - Black/Ash RARE [mesh] (The Arcade) (100L)
Typewriter, notepad: Tartessos Arts TA Old Typewriter (100L)
Corkboard, Wall letters: what next The Blogger's Office - Ciel (100L)
Drink cup: what next Coastal Coffee Cup (blue) (50L)
Newspaper: River's Cove Shoppe Riv's Newspaper - London (10L)
Room: Barnesworth Anubis New Orleans Apartment [mesh parts] (400L)
Thanks for your help Fulli!

Dolls of Christmas: Germany

(click to enlarge)

Our second stop on Christmas Dolls tour is Germany for my lovely posing partner and the owner of the Men's blog.

The Christ Child is an angelic bringer of gifts to the good children of Germany. Originally meant to be the Baby Jesus, the Christkind is now usually shown as girl or woman in gold and white.

Like a Sith version of Santa Claus, Knecht Ruprecht doesn't bring gifts to nice children, he brings horrible presents like coal to naughty children and he may spank them with a twitch too! Alpine nations even have more sinister looking Krampus who has goat horns and cloven hooves. But for my modern interpretation of Knecht Ruprecht, I take inspiration from German goth rock band Oomph!. I really like this character, Knecht Ruprecht is cool! We need a character like this in America. lol

Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr. Ich hoffe du warst brav und das Christkind war bei dir und nicht Knecht Ruprecht!

On Knecht Ruprecht:
Avatar: [ESUGA] "TSG" Charming Vampire Boi BJD (1000L)
Hair: Yasyn Azemus Jaejoong - Smoke & Mirrors from Fatpack (899L)
Horns: Belial Japan Development [BjD] Horn-Vainglory [mesh] (680L)
Fur Collar: *chronokit* Mods coat 01 Fur Black  [mesh] (50L)
Jacket: *chronokit* Mods coat 01 Unisex Black M  [mesh] (400L)
Jeans: RONSEM Straight Jeans / jetblack male with belt  [mesh] (350L)
Jacket, Collar, Necklace: -diversional- Priest Top Holy (25L)
Piercings: Elemental Earth *EED* Simple Piercings (edited)(past hunt MHOH6, free)
Shoes: ..::Energie::.. Rider boot black (350L)
Nails: alaskametro French Noir 1 (25L)
Prop 1: Wildz Creations & Pimp Daddy Trivia Coal bag (25L)
Prop 2: B&B Botanica Naughty Gift Coal and Switches (75L)
Chair: Theater Chain Aoi Chair Black (RMK Gothic Frost Fair)(300L)
Pose: Theater Chain +T*C+Fantasm, fantasm_02-2 (100L)

On Christkind:
Dress: Ambrosia Holy night dress Christmas white (RMK Gothic Frost Fair) (160L)
Hair: Lo*momo Spiranthes fatpack (400L)
Crown: Milady's The King Gold Set (200L)
Wings: Material Squirrel 2 Raphael Angel Wings in White (449L)
Shoes: Abebe Abebr Flats Wavy Silk White Golden (45L)
Thanks for your help Fulli!