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!"

Ghee Fall'15 Westwood Suit Dress - Taking the Plunge to Redefine Yourself

A contemporary look with vintage-inspired flair, this Ghee Fall15 Westwood Suit combines tie-neck ascot sophistication with gorgeous draping detailing for flattering style with retro appeal.

Wearing a suit can seem like an oxymoron to some people 

since many associate a suit dress as business attire 

and not an ensemble for elegant fun.

There is however a fine (but definitive) line drawn between 

a business jacket suit dress and that of chic & sexy sophistication. 

Such is the case made for this exquisite Westwood Suit ensemble.

I generally know what looks best on me —

 and this Ghee Westwood suit dress certainly accomplishes 

that, consistently making me feel confident and chic.

The sexy deep-plunged, open single-breasted lapel jacket accentuates my top half while drawing attention away from my midriff. 

I also love the look of the caped shoulders 

which gives the jacket a regal appearance.

 The sleek design of the skirt highlights and hugs my
slender hips then flairs out to show off my legs 

with its high-low peplum hem.

With this marsala color, I chose a short, sexy auburn-colored 

haircut that features a cool length left on top and in the fringe area. 

I complemented my hair coloring with subtle makeup to enhance my most important communication tools: my eyes and my lips.

So ladies, take the plunge and let your vision of style redefine yourself in this timeless, and SO sexy, Ghee Westwood Suit Dress.

"Becky Da' Boop with Da' Scoop!"

Ghee Damyanti Dress & Scarf: An Exotic Love Potion Too Tempting to Resist

A colorful floral print defines the bodice and scarf 
of this graciously beautiful silhouette.

This Ghee Damyanti Slate Dress is also embellished with alternating panel banding, pleating, round neckline and an empire waist. 

This dress certainly sets you apart from the rest. 

I love the over-the-shoulder draping scarf with its complementing 

floral patterning and how elegantly it flows with the dress.

All the awe and admiration you dole out finds its way back 

to you when you flaunt this lovely maxi dress!

Beautifully boasting rich colorful floral patterning, 

a removable scarf, and gorgeous banded detailing, this 

Ghee Damyanti Slate Dress & Scarf is a stylish showpiece 

that’s easy to recognize as both elegant and timeless.

It also comes paired with a tikka and earrings 

for a more exotic look.

It's impossible not to smile when you see

your avi in this slate floral dress!

 

Combined, the scarf and round neckline of this dress looks 

delightfully lighthearted alongside your playful personality. 

Aglow with vibrant pink, orange, and blue florals and 

perfectly detailed with black trim, this flowing frock 

reflects your blithe beauty like a work of art.

So, go ahead and give it a twirl!
Tell them Becks sent you!

"Becky Da' Boop with Da' Scoop!"