Luxe Paris Amazing Gown - A "Once Upon a Time" Dream Delight

If you’re looking for the ultimate classic ballroom gown 

that can transport you to a time of knights and fairy tales, 

then look no further - for this Luxe Paris Amazing Gown 

delivers with exquisite class and beauty. 

This Luxe Paris Amazing Gown is a must-have 

in your quest to meet that special prince charming. 

This strapless A-Line ballroom gown features a dropped waist

 sequined bodice with gracefully flowing and crisply pleated 

iridescent metallic lamé full length skirting. 

This gown is absolutely magical.

The silhouette of this gown will place you front and center 

for your fairy tale evening.

Imbued by a sense of magic, I love dressing up in this virtual world 

for my life here is very similar to that of a fairy tale. 

I believe that SL helps me reconnect to my real life human condition 

by enhancing my imagination, dreams and aspirations. 

Enjoying SL as a good fairy tale also helps me work through personal and cultural anxieties, in a safe, ‘once upon a time’ way.

Regardless of whether you choose the moment to experience Real or Second Life, it is basically all about living life to the fullest.  

For me, Second Life extends my sense of understanding 

about who I am as a person and the awareness to the 

wonderment of being alive to taste life’s blessings. 

As a model here in Second Life I love creating my fashion look - 

doing my makeup, choosing my hair styling, adorning jewelry and then putting on a stunning dress like this Luxe Paris Amazing Gown. 

It all adds to the magic of my fairy tale evening. 

As in a fairy tale, beauty is a sign of goodness and 

that goodness is rewarded by love. 

Evil is wrong and it will always be punished.

And just like a fairy tale ending, love is the highest reward.

"Becky Da' Boop with Da' Scoop!"

LUXE Paris Marouska 3 Piece Outfit - Chic Fun yet Formal with Elegant Class

This 3 piece mesh outfit from LUXE Paris is truly lovely.

It also has the perfect coat for those chilly days
before Winter sets in and the snow arrives. 

I have received SO many compliments on this jacket, pant & boot combination. The jacket fits nicely and flows around you 

without making you look larger. 

The circular gold chain embroidery sits stunningly well in 

elegant contrast against the black base color of this outfit 

from its sexy cowl right down to its matching boots.

The playful gold patterning is also reminiscent of mid-century 

modern design which of course was a wonderful fashion era. 

I’ve tried many coats here in SL with somewhat 

less than positive results. This is not the case here with this 

LUXE Paris Marouska Jacket and Pants Outfit. 

The cowled jacket styling certainly is a 

nice break from a standard cardigan or leather coat. 

 The cut of this jacket is most figure flattering as well. 

The theme of this outfit is “Fun yet Formal” 

and I absolutely love its appearance. 

Using everything from defined shoulders and a regimental button closure to exposed flap pocket detailing, cuffs and edgy chic design, this LUXE Paris Marouska Jacket tweaks the classic blazer into something much more fashionable and chic.

BTW Ladies, this outfit is compatible with both classic avatars and with the Maitreya Body. The boots also come in both classic and Slink versions as well for your ultimate flexibility.

LUXE PARIS fashion’s house is dedicated to 

elegant women and men, the connoisseurs. 

Created by the virtual model Parisian Skytower and the fashion editor Mika Palmyra, the collection is sophisticated and luxurious 

as its name says it, made with high quality standards.

"Becky Da' Boop with Da' Scoop!"

The True Meaning of the Praying Mantis – A Message to My Friend

The following is a short Chinese story told of a kind Buddhist monk 

who lived long ago in a monastery in Southern China deep within the bamboo forests:

"One day during his morning walk, he came upon a praying mantis which was resting deftly on a bamboo branch.

All of a sudden, a large white bird, clearly thinking that the insect would make an easy and tasty meal, swooped down onto the branch and attempted to pounce on the delicate-looking mantis. 

The monk watched in astonishment as the mantis stood its ground and fended off the much-larger bird.

So impressed was he by this little heroic mantis, the monk went on to develop a style of fighting named after this little creature." 

The Significance of the Mantis in Our Lives

Today, this style of mental and physical discipline is considered to be one of the highest levels of training in the temples around the world.

This style is based on humility, determined focus and steadfast spirit; 

a cultured sense of balance & poise; and that of efficient movement. 

To me, the Mantis is more than just 

a symbol of style in martial art. The Mantis  also symbolizes an attitude of determination and strength in one's character as well. 

And, just like the bamboo that the 

mantis rests upon, she is strong on the 

outside, whilst soft & open on the inside. 

This is how I think of one of my friends here in Second Life.

In common with the bamboo tree, 

she plants her roots firmly in second life soil, intertwining herself with friends for mutual strength and support. 

And like the branches of bamboo, 

her spirit moves freely in the wind, 

bending rather than resisting – for that 

which bends is far more difficult to break. 

I hope that this message finds her heart.

Meet the Artist - Impressionist Jolie of Art Dreams Sky Studio

Jolie's Impressionist Art used as Second Life's Textures for Objects and Wall Paintings 

Art emulates life through one's personal experiences. 

That said, there is no better course to take but for that of life itself. 

Just like an intimate relationship, you must first relate to art  

to attain meaning of and intimacy with it. 

So goes art in understanding its bond with our soul.

Art is subjective. Art is also one of the few things in life that can evoke divergent emotions with people. It all depends on what your eye perceives and how you interpret it.

To some, a painting may just be splashes of color on canvas without content. However, to others, when scrutinized closely this same painting may reveal itself as a calming pathway lined with beautiful flowers under a canopy of shade trees in springtime.

Jolie’s work speaks volumes to that premise.

Her artwork blossoms with the vivid use of color in digital 

brushstrokes through her deep innate passions and sensualities.

JOLIE'S DREAMERS FLOWERS

Formally taught by Masters from the Cape School of Art in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Jolie's unique style and artful techniques reflects not only her life experiences but more profoundly her quest to push beyond the boundaries from what was to what is to become.

Jolie's Bayou Ghost

After many rewarding years teaching Art in public schools, Jolie is now happily exploring new worlds in digital arts to push beyond the envelope of the past into new horizons to be appreciated by all those who seek knowledge and love for the fine arts.

ABOUT IMPRESSIONISM 

Being mindful that we all derive and emulate our artwork from personal life experiences and learn about its application by studying art history, I believe that it is important to look back in time to understand the origins of Impressionism.

In 1874, a group of artists struggling for recognition got 
together in Paris and started their own exhibition 
as an alternative to the Salon.

At that time the emphasis of the arts was based on realism. Artists gained favor through the Salon with realism as a way to market their skills to attain work from the government and other sectors of society. Impressionism was not recognized but rather frowned upon as sham. 

Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas and Alfred Sisley were all part of this group. 

Although this first exhibit of Impressionism was unsuccessful, 
it was the first independent group show of Impressionism art which later grew into a movement and style within 

its own right in the world of art.

Impressionist art got its name from thick & short brush strokes - capturing the essence of the subject by creating an “impression” 
of the image rather than delving on its details. 

The painting style is often referred to as impasto.

THE SCIENCE & USE OF COLOR IN IMPRESSIONISM

The science of color theory also played an important role in 
the development of impressionism.

jOLIE'S SOMA - The Use of vibrant complimentary colors in vivid array

The colors in impressionistic artwork are distinguished by minimal mixing to create incredibly vibrant colors which are 
quite warming to the eyes to experience. 

THE CAMERA & IMPRESSIONISTIC EXPRESSION

The most significant invention of the 19th century that 

influenced Impressionism was the camera. 

Its use helped artists study form, movement and gestures 

to capture the essence of real-life impulses.

JOLIE'S LADIES DREAM

Freezing a subject matter in place with photography allowed the Impressionists to fully understand the surroundings, its details, and the contrasts from which to view from another perspective.

Monet's Waterlillies and Japanese Bridge

This ability to use the camera transcended impressionistic painting to look beyond the frame whereby taking from real life to thoughtfully design and enrich their compositions.

Jolie's "Interlude in Tahiti."

Sharp edges are very rare for impressionism. As in this painting, "Interlude in Tahiti," Jolie offers soft coastal scenery superimposed by soft layers of natural light with floating leaves & flowers in diffused reflection, a hallmark of impressionist painting

Jolie's Impressionist Art Extends to Vase textures as a form of Biophilic expression.

Art is all around us. It is nature’s Biophilic gift.  From the simplicity of a bowl of fruit, or that of a beautiful grass field or a bustling urban square or even that of a self portrait - Impressionism is the celebration of life through our innate love for nature. 

Fractal patterns and nature’s chaotic equation of forms 
are captured with the vivid use of color and magical brush 
strokes to sooth and delight our Biophilic senses.

PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR "Fruits of the Midi."

 It is a joyful reminder on canvas of how we experience and 
appreciate life and all of its blessings.

"Becky Da' Boop with Da' Scoop!"

Frank's Chateau d'Elite Restaurant - Simply Superb in Every Way

Like a well-conceived Broadway theatrical play, a restaurant’s atmosphere sets the stage. As the evening's curtain 

draws open, the scene is one of elegant surroundings 

while graced in total romantic ambiance.  

And of course, the food does take the spotlight as the guests become its audience to this wonderful sensory experience.

Such is the atmosphere at the Chateau d’Elite Restaurant. 

The music, lighting, artwork and spatial ambiance 

at this fine restaurant all combine to create mood, 

provide comfort, promote intimacy and of course 

enhance the romance in your life.

In this distinctive atmosphere, the total
dining experience matters the most. 

The attention to detail and quality of service
whispers quietly in your ear as you
are being pampered and well taken care of.

Guests are treated to sophisticated points of interest as they arrive and then sequence through space akin to the philharmonic score of an orchestra.

The gestures of impeccable service all add up to
complete the picture of quality at the Chateau d’Elite.  

The dining experience at the Chateau d’Elite Restaurant is personalized. To make your significant someone 

special, you can order a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

A love plane overhead drops hearts to 

magically enchant your moments together.

Private dining concerts and comedy shows are also offered. Should a proposal be on your mind for the evening, a bear holding a wedding engagement ring makes a very cute and lasting impression for that very uniquely precious moment.

What better place is there than at the Chateau d’Elite - where you can share your intimate time & love with that special someone in your life...whether its your first date, 

a betrothal, or an anniversary. 

What do you mean you want to "Go Dutch?"

For these very reasons, atmosphere is of the utmost importance and it is key to Chateau d’Elite’s success. 

I don't believe that Orchide appreciated me playing "Le chopsticks" on her piano.

The lighting is just right – not too dim or not too glaring. And, then there are the tables (with their settings) which are perfectly spaced and thoughtfully arranged which maintains the atmosphere, no matter how bustling the restaurant becomes.

If you look closely, that's me on the far right wearing my Bunny Foo Foo Hat

At the Chateau d’Elite, the artwork also plays an important part of its overall theme. Impressionistic paintings hang on the
walls as they do at many fine restaurants. 

"I swear the eyes in that painting of Nanceee moved!"

Once inside, the artwork serves as focal points treating your senses to a wonderful Second Life journey.

Fortune cookie reads at D'Elite: "If you think you’re going to sum up
your whole life on this little bit of paper, you’re crazy."

The quality of the dining environment
creates an elegant mood for its guests.

With its outdoor dining, the neo-classical architecture blends in harmoniously with the color palette of the landscaping and the wonderful water fountains set in serpentine arrays. 

And having all of this, the Restaurant realizes first and foremost that its most important atmosphere comes from its guests - through their intimate and affectionate conversations in this very relaxed and charming environment.

Elegant in detail, the Chateau d'Elite Restaurant 

defines fine dining with inspiration in 

an artfully French setting worth every Linden.

For these very reasons you’ll certainly want to come back to the Chateau d’Elite Restaurant again and again. 

"Becky Da'Boop with Da' Scoop!"