click down the rabbit hole

Where Do I Fit In?

2008-08-21T07:47:00.001-07:00

Home Sweet Home
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I love Second Life. I have great friends, have seen amazing things, and find it endlessly entertaining.

But sometimes, just like in RL, I feel like a total outsider. Always on the fringes, never quite knowing the right things to do or say, or just knowing I've said totally the wrong thing, causing offense when I meant none. I feel like I just don't quite fit in anywhere.

At those times, it is so much easier to retreat into myself, to go back to being a loner, to just curl up in my little space and lick my wounds.

A Picture Worth...??

2008-07-28T12:02:00.001-07:00

Butterflies are Free and So Are We
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Where have I been, you ask oh non-existent reader?

Well, I've been on Retrology taking tons of pictures for the big one-year anniversary photo contest.

Here is one of my entries (I did eight). I'm fairly happy with it. I think the emotion I was going for came through. I also like the quality of the light. Of course, I can't remember what settings I had the light on, so I'll probably never be able to recreate it. Such is the transient nature of art, or some crap like that.

Leg Power not Horse Power

2008-07-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

Leg Power not Horse Power
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I think this is my favorite photo from the Retrology contest.

The color worked out pretty well, and I think it tells a good story.

The best part about this contest for me was being pushed to work on my photo skills. I'm not a great SL photographer. One could say I down right suck. Lighting is especially tricky for me, so when I get one I like, I could just stare at it all day.

So even if I don't win anything, it really was a worthwhile experience.

Really? Huh. Interesting

2008-07-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

You Belong in 1951

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Well, I dig the style. But innocent? Romantic? A clue: No.

I am a world-weary cynic if ever there was one. But the retro clothing- I am all over that!

Happy Boots

2008-07-15T11:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Boots
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

My advice- if you are ever in a bad mood, immediately find a pair of boots that has cupcakes and milk strapped to them.

Only an unfun person would not find joy in this.

Now Where Did I Put That Shopping Area?

2008-06-26T13:43:00.001-07:00

Now Where Did I Put That Shopping Area?
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I went back to moosh shopping area to do some shopping and it was gone. Just gone.

Spooky.

My New Friend

2008-06-26T13:42:00.001-07:00

My New Friend
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Was wandering around the Junkyard Blues sim and met this little guy. I think I'll call him Bitey.

Minicar at Starlust

2008-06-26T13:41:00.001-07:00

Minicar at Starlust
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Great way to end the day! These minicars are mad fun. The animation as you squeeze into them is priceless, and since I had huge hair, it didn't fit and trailed behind me.

If you've ever done Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disney World, you have a good idea of what driving one of these is like.

Get thee to the Starlust and try them if they are still there!

Fairwell, Sweet Cyd

2008-06-19T09:37:00.001-07:00

In Memory
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Cyd Charisse passed away. She was one of my favorite dancers from the Golden Age of the movie musicals. She had style, grace, talent, and a bit of a sassy edge.

One of my favorite movie moments is her number with Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain. In the first part of the piece, she plays a gangster's moll, dressed in a sexy green dress. In the second part, sort of a dream within a dream, she wears a white Grecian-esque dress with a 25 ft. long scarf hanging off her shoulder. I thought this dress from I <3 Cupcakes was a great homage to both dresses in that number.

Cyd, you will be missed, but your memory will live on through your amazing movie legacy.

Please Don't Recycle Me Just Yet!

2008-06-19T09:33:00.001-07:00

I'm Low-tech but Fun!
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

On the lighter side, I needed a Transformers costume for an event at Pin Ups, and was stumped. Then I remembered the new avs LL gave us and I put on the cardboard bot. It is so cute! As you trundle along, the little bent antennae sway back and forth. Also, on the back of the head is the "This side up" warning, upside down. Nice detail!

This costume was the first time I had really stepped out of a human avatar. I have to say I liked it, though it was a minor miracle that I wasn't crushed by the huge, huge Transformers at the event.

Robots a-go-go

2008-06-19T09:29:00.001-07:00

Dancin' with Dot
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Here's the fabulous Dot Lane and I dancing at Pin Ups. I'm on left. Or she is. I can't tell. We both looked so cute! Wee little cardboard robots surrounded by huge Transformers!

In the background, you can see DJ Kets has transformed into the Millennium Falcon. Apparently, if you look closely enough, you can see Han and Chewie. How cool is that?

Av Flambe

2008-06-12T08:04:00.001-07:00

Spontaneous Av Combustion
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

It has been so hot lately! The other day, while I was looking at an exhibit, I burst into flames. I hate it when that happens.

Yikes!

2008-06-12T08:03:00.001-07:00

Depths Rezzable
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

To cool off, I went surfing on Surfline Epic Rezzable. From there I ended up in one of the neighboring sims, The Depths Rezzable.

This is a very cool underwater build. Go check it out, but be careful, or you will run into this guy. Eep!

Sushi!

2008-06-12T08:02:00.001-07:00

Very fresh sushi
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Refreshed from my dip in the sea, I was poking around one of the Japanese sims and found this sushi stand. Yum! Spicy tuna roll anyone?

A Sweet End to the Day

2008-06-12T08:00:00.001-07:00

Sweet!
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I ended the day at the Eat Me! event at Pin Ups on the Retrology sim. It was a food-related costume party. Don't I look delicious?

Nuts.

2008-06-11T07:09:00.001-07:00

At Old Gravy
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Ever have one of those days/ weeks when nothing seems to go right?

I'm having one of those weeks when nothing seems to go right.

A storm borked our internet. The refrigerator died. SL seems in a permanent state of borkness, and in fact seems to have declared war on me. I bought a fab new shirt at artileri yesterday, wore it, crashed, and when I got back on, my shirt was gone. Off my back. (and let me point out here that I was at a dance when I crashed, so I logged back in to the middle of the party topless) SL ate the shirt off my back. And out of my inventory.

So I'm gonna sulk for a bit. Meh.

I love SL, but even the best relationships hit some bumps every now and then.

Viva Glam is Drowning!

2008-06-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

Shopping Crisis
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I heard there was a monsoon hitting Viva Glam and I went over to investigate. Sure enough, the sky was dark, the water was rising and the lightning was hitting all around. It was even raining inside some of the stores!

Wanting to be helpful, I bought a few things. Just to get them out of harm's way, of course.

This is not looking good

2008-06-09T07:25:00.001-07:00

Viva Glam is Drowning
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I returned to Viva Glam the next day. The situation had obviously worsened. The water was rising and there was this guy with this big wooden boat and two of everything.

I did what I could to save the clothing and accessories by spending my little heart out. All in the name of being helpful, you understand. Purely selfless motives. Uh-huh. Yup.

After the Storm

2008-06-09T07:22:00.001-07:00

Inner Child
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

After all that doom and gloom (and very wet feet) I needed something to cheer me up. I came across this wonderfully dilapidated playground elephant springy thing and I hopped on.

It was just the thing! Wheeeee!

Dress of my Dreams

2008-06-06T06:37:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

This may well be my go to dress of the summer. It is from Rory's and it is just perfect for nights when the weather is hot and you want to strike that perfect note between cool and dressy-but-not-too. The texture is amazing and the neckline is really interesting as well.

I also have to say that I've been lucky enough to meet or communicate with some designers in SL who are not only talented, but also really, really swell people. Rory Rives is one of them. Not only has she come to my aid when I mucked up a purchase, she also always says hello and chats when she sees me in her store, and she always seems to be helping out with some cause or other. All this, and talent too!

Could I BE anymore somthing something?

2008-06-06T06:32:00.001-07:00

Dancing in the Fountain on Etopia
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

A typical dance in Etopia. We're having fun, Yng's spinning great tunes. Then someone starts dancing in the fountain. We all jump in. Someone starts singing the Friends theme song. Yadda yadda yadda.

Hangover Hell

2008-06-05T07:20:00.001-07:00

Too many Manhattans
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Ooooo, my head! Everything looks all grey and out of focus.

Oh, wait- that's just SL being cranky and slow.

Sobering up

2008-06-05T07:19:00.001-07:00

Sobering up
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Maybe some coffee will help. Mmmmm coffee.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am

2008-06-05T07:03:00.001-07:00

I'm not as think as you drunk I am
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

So the thing about Life, the Universe, and Everything isth... opps! Spilled my drinky-poo! Now what was I saying? I love you guys.

I'll take a Manhattan, or Four

2008-06-05T07:02:00.001-07:00

I'll take a Manhattan, or Four
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

They have Manhattans here. My favorite!

Why yes, I will have one. Just to calm my frazzled shopping nerves, you understand.

Time for a refreshing beverage

2008-06-05T07:01:00.001-07:00

At the Lounge in Moosh Shopping Area
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

Parched from all the shopping, I stopped in the lounge at Moosh for a quick pick-me-up.

Great vibe here.

I'm Serious about Bargin Hunting

2008-06-05T07:00:00.001-07:00

Power shopping
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I went shopping in the Moosh shopping area and found some great stuff. Some say shopping in SL is easier than in RL, but as you can see, it is hard work!

Europe by Bike

2008-06-02T12:01:00.001-07:00

Amsterdam
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

When I visited the Netherlands in RL, I was impressed by how many people used bicycles as a primary means of getting around. Since there is no flying on Etopia, I often use my bike to get from point A to B. I find myself doing it more and more on other parts of the grid as well. I see more via the ground than I do from the air.

Here I am on the Amsterdam sim using a bike I picked up on the Denmark sim. I love the jaunty red color, and use it sometimes when I want a more retro look than what I get from my wonderful (and free!) Etopia bamboo bicycle.

Pretty in Pink

2008-06-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

Pretty in Pink2
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

PIN UPS on the Retrology sim has great themed events. Here's my outfit for Pretty in Pink night. I was feeling the retro vibe, so I went with hair from Ingenue and a dress from Bossa Nova, adding in the shrug from another Bossa Nova outfit. The picture was taken on the Retrology sim.

No Place Like Home

2008-06-02T08:21:00.001-07:00

Etopia Discussion Group
Originally uploaded by Gonzoknitting

I've finally found my little niche on the grid. I now live on Etopia, an amazing pair of sims devoted to sustainable living. Encouraging community interaction is also an important part of Etopia's philosophy, so we have lots of activities for residents and guests alike. Here we are at our Friday night discussion group at Tsi's Cafe. That's me with the white hair.

And it is curiouser and curiouser

2008-04-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

So I've been in a certain virtual world for a few weeks now (yeah, some people are afraid of spiders, I'm slightly afraid of lawyers) and I think I'm there to stay.

Part of me views it as an anthropological experience. Part of me views it as a great opportunity to examine cutting edge digital art. And part of me really digs the clothes. (My RL wardrobe should be this good.)

But the ways of the locals are strange to me, and I feel a little lost and a little lonely sometimes.

But I keep moving forward into the new frontier!