THE BEST OF SL MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019 EDITION #2 by The Best Of SL Magazine

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Reign Congrejo Fashion Editor Bronxie Asst Fashion Editor Shantal Gravois CONTRIBUTORS Jackson Redstar Arya Braveheart CompE Lockwood Bronxie Sammie Audion Ai Lee Jamee Sandalwood Magissa Denver COVER PHOTO: Magissa Denver Jamee Sandalwood

BOSL Magazine DECEMBER 2019 Edition

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CONTENT

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WINTERS HOLLOW 9 SECRETS REVEALED 20 MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 29 OUTSIDE FOR THE HOLIDAY 44 FASHION TREND-HOLIDAY CASUAL LUXURY 67 GRATITUDE 96

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WINTER’S HOLLOW Article and Photography by: Sammie Audion The small valley appears to be sleeping between the mountains, waiting for the first signs of spring to occur. That, however, is simply the first impression. After a closer look, one might find animals playing or sleeping in the snow and even visitors enjoying the romantic scenery. Welcome to Winter’s Hollow, the perfect quiet getaway over the Christmas Holiday. Some might ask “Wait! Gone for Christmas? What about all the presents?” The question should rather be what Christmas is all about. Sure, one could argue that the answer is 42, as this is the answer to life, the universe, and everything – but that would be another story entirely, one already examined by a certain Mr. Adams. Moreover, this article is by far too short to even summarize the topic as deeply as it would deserve. From a cultural aspect, Christmas is reminds us to give our loved ones a sign of appreciation and love – hence the presents. Sadly, in Real Life (RL), Christmas is often more of a crazy rat race than anything else. Running from store to store to find all the right gifts – or gifts in general – which the recipient might

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forward when next Christmas comes around. One might argue that nowadays, Christmas has become a holiday for the economy and lost much of its magical festivity. Why not step away from the chaos and visit Winter’s Hollow to get in the right mood or mindset? Wander in the serene landscape, give some thought to who truly made a difference in your life on a deeply personal level this year. Certainly, the Hollow offers much to see and enjoy at this lovely and well-made sim that will take you out of the often stressful reality of RL. Perhaps have a little fun riding the carousel? But be aware, you do have to pick your favorite animal of the woods on which to ride. Further along the path is a rowboat sitting at the shores inviting you to go for a boat ride or to simply hang out for a while. You can even find a dog pulling a cat in a sled in the loving spirit of Christmas. If that is not a picture of an idyllic peace, then what is?

At the Christmas Tree Farm, one can find a lovely Christmas Tree for their Second Life (SL) home to get in the desired mindset for the holidays when coming home every day. Though, please make sure you don’t disrupt the jolly play of the snowmen at the entrance to the Farm. Another word of warning: you might find areas guarded by squirrels with flick knives!

The quiet, rustic nature at Winter’s Hollow is a perfect place to get in the right mood for Christmas and reflect. One cannot forget the immense importance of reflecting on the year: reflection is helpful when seeking to understand one’s self and consider where the future leads. Perhaps one discovers that someone or something has been taken for granted or ignored entirely. Maybe a present will be left on the shelf at Further down from the farm, Penguins joyfully slide the store (or at Amazon’s warehouse), , and maybe a down the hillside to jump into the freezing cold waters larger and nicer will be chosen instead to express a and take a swim, just to swim back to the shore and sentiment. wobble up the hill again. Beautifully crafted and decorated homes enhance the atmosphere with their Why not take a moment in SL to look back in time warm and cozy look, giving the feeling that the cold and see where life has taken us? Discoverwhat you could be escaped at any given time to sit down at a should try to focus on in the new year. Alexander sparkling fire-filled hearth. What a perfectly simple yet Smith might have referred to just this process of wonderful serenity. Take a walk along a snowy path or reflection when he said: “Christmas is the day that sit on the hill looking down into the sleepy valley to holds all time together.” observe the peaceful scenery for yourself.

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SECRETS REVEALED Secrets; we all have them. As time passes, what is true stays with us and what is fake or meaningless fades away like an unwanted dream that dissipates in the light of a new day. Some of us wonder why things happen – is it fate, or destiny? When we go down that rabbit hole of trying to solve the riddles of life, some of us ask what we wanted to achieve and why. We contemplates the driving force of the lattice of coincidences... For time immemorial, humanity has been drawn to secret places, attempting to answer these questions – a refuge of the soul, so to speak. Who doesn’t love a secret place where you can just be and do whatever you like? A place where it is up to us to make choices, to reap the benefits and despair of the consequences of our actions. We all make decisions; so did Carmen Martine Pinazzo. Her decision and expertise as a consummate club owner, builder, and facilitator has benefited and continues to enhance the lives of so many people in SL, especially women. Carmen founded the most popular and one of the largest FEM Clubs in SL, called the Secret House. It is the largest and most popular club for women; the Secret House continues to thrive and grow because it helps women feel comfortable, appreciated, and relaxed to be what they want to be.

Article By: Sita Writer and Photography by: Jackson Redstar| Some women are not able to be what they want in RL and find this SL Fem experience fulfilling and satisfying. Like many of us, Carmen found out about SL from someone else in RL. In her case, she found out about SL from her daughter. Through many experiences-- good and bad-- Carman persevered; she persisted and is now the owner of the Secret House, which she bought from a friend. “Hannah was a close friend, and when she decided to leave SL she wanted to sell the Secret House. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford the asking price. Also, Hannah had a buyer willing to pay any amount. Fortunately for me, she was not sure the buyer would look after the club in the fashion that would meet her expectations. Trust is everything in SL, and she trusted me more than this person… thankfully, we reached an agreement, and I was able to buy the club. The club continues to grow; we welcome new members daily. I know Hannah would be happy.” If you have never been to a The Secret House, here are a few things you should understand:“We welcome all people with female avatars; that said, we don’t tolerate any foul behavior or drama. I will always protect the integrity of my club and our members and their guests because it is a place where I want people to unwind, feel welcome, and enjoy Life.

I always want people to feel safe and to enjoy my club, the music, and the style. All of these elements evolve with the needs of our SL community.”

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For women who are curious, Carmen suggests, “If you want to explore the FEM side of life, Go for it -- I think it is worth it to discover the F/F lifestyle and the tenderness of a woman. Please, let me be clear: I am not against men! The Secret House is just another option in SL, another way for women to express passion and how and what they feel in their soul – that said, I respect all inclinations.”

Carmen has created one of the most elegant ballrooms that I have seen in SL. The floors are spit-shine gorgeous and glistening (I want my RL floors to look like this) and the artwork is classical and thoughtful. The marble and lighting will make you feel like you stepped into a grand palace – think Pavlosvk, a dream in gold and marble, or Versailles, the enigma of mirrors and smoke.

Carmen has just created a new ballroom that welcomes both men and women. This ballroom, called Atlas Steam Sensuality Ballroom, exemplifies Carmen’s sincerity – she really does respect people of all inclinations.

Carmen explains that Atlas Steam and Sensuality Ballroom is not the original ballroom design; rather, it is an evolution. “I started [the] Atlas Luxury Lounge with two other partners as a banker, investor, and sim owner after it was established. Unfortunately, one of our partners betrayed us, and the other left SL. I became the only owner of Atlas; consequently, I have always considered Atlas as my baby.”

Recently, Carmen redesigned Atlas and relocated it on her sim. “My goal in the redesign of the club was to create a unique dance and event club in SL that reflected the grandeur of a Basilica. I conceptualized and created this build for weddings, balls, parties, DJ’s, and live performances. I want people to come and enjoy its beauty and elegance” In RL, Carmen is the owner of a financial business with branches all over Europe; she uses her RL knowledge and experience in SL. “I work as hard in SL as I do in RL in order to make my clubs successful. I strive to give all visitors to my venues and clubs in SL a good time. I want them to remember the great time they had, my amazing staff, and me. I want them to return because of their wonderful and fulfilling experience. circle.”

In SL, I also love being with my two amazing pearls, Xami and Jodi; they help complete the circle.”

Carmen has some excellent advice for club owners, regardless of the type of venue you own: “Simply put, work hard, take care of your members, and be humble.” As for future plans, in addition to continuing to improve her clubs, Carmen is always interested in acquiring another Female-only club and becoming the owner of the largest Fem club on the grid. With Carmen’s caring personality, attention to detail, and acumen, there is no doubt she will achieve this goal.

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THE NEXT MISS VIRTUAL WORLD Article: Yhishara Cerise Since its inception, the Miss Virtual World pageant has been renowned throughout Second Life for both glamour and elegance. Over the years, many hopeful residents have entered for a chance to win its coveted title. One may think the pageant is solely about fashionistas showing off their best looks and moves, but in truth it is about so much more: it’s about vision and people. The pageant is built upon challenges, each one designed to help the models see outside their own realm of ideas and from someone else’s perspective. To be successful in those challenges, the models must align themselves with the vision of the judges through their styling, their artistry on the runway, and whatever else the judges task them with. Becky Keenan, Miss Virtual World France, has said that those challenges have made her “think outside the box in so many different ways.” Morgan Whitfield, Miss Virtual World Belgium, has a slightly different perspective: “The challenges enable me to come out of my comfort zone of conservative styling and

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be more bold and daring.” But with every challenge will come the inevitable criticisms, which can be difficult to face. For Maya Sharpshire, Miss Virtual World Indonesia, it has meant adopting the attitude that “true criticism I will follow,” but “faulty criticism” she will ignore. She went on to say that any criticisms she has received have caused her to be more determined and to tell herself “I can do this!” Averil, Miss Virtual World Russia, also had some good advice about keeping a good attitude that she learned from the present Miss Virtual World, Shantal Gravois: “I will handle it like Shantal, with grace and dignity. Keep my head held high and stay out of the gossip and drama. Help people as I can and just keep trying to be nice, elegant, and classy while doing so.” Miss Virtual World is a role model, the official face of the BOSL organization, and a fashion icon within Second Life. People are looking to her both inside and outside the fashion world, so a great attitude is a must.

Zykeria Artis, Miss Virtual World Philippines, had this to say about what qualities she feels Miss Virtual World should possess: “Confidence, reliability, good communication skills, patience, efficiency in multitasking, resourceful, conflict resolution skills, tolerance and understanding, and the ability to have empathy. These are the most important skills in life and business to me. Without those skills, you can hinder the ability to succeed as an individual and/or grow as a team.” And a team they are. This is a shared experience and, while the pageant is by all intents and purposes a competition, bonds will be formed here. Contestants will learn and grow from their interactions with each other just as much as they learn and grow from the judges and others involved with the pageant. The success of it all really does depend on them; this doesn’t just mean submitting things on time, styling amazing looks, or showing up to events.

– it also means having a team spirit and a great overall attitude. In the words of Vivian Baxter, Miss Virtual World USA, for her it all stems from a simple “desire to make this world, SL and RL a better place.” This desire is something to which all Miss Virtual World candidates can relate, as they were taking that philosophy to heart before they even made the decision to run. In both their real and Second lives, each contestant supports various charities. These charities cover a wide range of purposes, such as raising awareness for domestic violence, promoting their country and its people, supporting cancer research, helping new players in SL, blogging to promote charity events in SL, even helping autistic children with a therapy dog in real life. Each contestant should be proud of their efforts, for many in Second Life have gorgeous avatars but do not have the beautiful heart and amazing soul to go with it.

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The contestants in this year’s Miss Virtual World 2020 came into the pageant with visions of winning the title. While only one avatar can win, they will all walk away with so much more from the experience. Aimee Hambleton, Miss Virtual World Scotland, summed it up this way: “I would be happy for whoever wins, because I know [we] have all worked hard … I have learned a lot, and hopefully grown as a model. I also had fun along the way and made friends.”

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OUTSIDE FOR THE HOLIDAY When I started, this scene was inside and encompassed the lounge and kitchen areas. Then somehow, we ended up outside and have what you see here today! Kitchen and living rooms were so last month. I will confess that this year seemed extra difficult when it came to getting items that had a winter or Christmas feel to them ahead of time. This meant that I had to use a lot of older items and mix them in with the new-- which is how I typically work anyway, so it came together well even though it took a bit longer than usual. YI wanted to drag you all outside this holiday season to experience just a little of what Christmas is like for us in the Southern Hemisphere. Of course, we don’t have snow, but we do spend our day outside with family, generally grouped around a picnic table or barbecue. Some of us go to the beach or find a spot by a lake to cool off on a hot summer’s day. So, on this outside Christmas Day, you get to join in with us; I would suggest a jacket and boots. Sit by the fire. Grab a hot chocolate or some eggnog. Enjoy the tastefully decorated tree, and watch the kids sledding down the hill, squealing with glee. Even the critters and creatures have come out to join in the fun, so don’t be too noisy or you will scare them off. Throw them a morsel or two-- I am sure you will have plenty of leftovers to spare.

Article and Photography by: Arya Braveheart Grab a glass of champagne, eat some salmon or some dessert, and find a seat near the fire to stay warm. Plenty of blankets are lying about. You can find some marshmallows to toast, if you wish. Then, when you are ready, grab a towel and take a dip in the hot tub! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind the wild boars; They are friendly enough if they are fed. Sit and enjoy the stars. It would be the perfect place for a glass of port or some mulled wine. Oh, and see if you can spot my cats lurking about inside. They are great at photobombing. I hope they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t destroy the Christmas tree. Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone. May yours be peaceful and filled with love and family. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Be safe.

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Credits: 22769 - Box of Cookies Atelier.Visconti. - Fountain Clover Snowy BackBone - Champagne Bucket, Champagne Glasses [BellaRose] - Recycled Blanket Box BM - Winter is Calling Cocoa and Tree brocante. - farm bucket sapling CHEZ MOI FURNITURES - Snowy Hot Tub, Auster Outdoor Fireplace, Armchairs and Loveseat, Hampton Bay Brick Barbecue, Hampton Bay Table and Chairs, Christmas Farm Tree Sign [CIRCA] - “Great North” Fir Tree Grouping, “Great North” Fir Tree Grouping with Deer Cube Republic - Snowdrop Drifts brocante. - snowmobile gacha / butter Decor Junction/Shutter Field - Vintage Sled Bench - Rustic dust bunny - rainboot cart EED Home&Garden - Winterpark Poinsettia Red, Getting Warm ... Twice! elefantu - [Come clean] Basket of Towels !! Follow US !! - Christmas - Holly cake, Christmas - Fruits cake Hayabusa Design - Old Fairy Tree M3-1G ISPACHI - [CHERISHED MOMENTS] Snowy Owls JIAN :: Red Fox Burrow

khargo - Christmas winter scene with raccoon NOMAD // Snow Shovel and broom, Snowy Fence A MOoH! - Hollow tree snow scene PILOT - Connolly Coat Rack Sari-Sari - Winter Olive Bucket (Snow), Outdoor Log Holder (Snow) Serenity Style- Holidays Car [Decor], Andres Happy Mood SnowBird 1, Cozy Winter Logs Crate, Kami Terrace Book and Cup, Cozy Winter Bench, Cozy Winter Lantern, Warm Winter Tray, Warm Winter Puf Drape, Jojo Cozy Blankets Basket, Painted Holiday Cart The Looking Glass - Winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love Frost Flowers TLC Wild Boars - Scene [Winter] Trompe Loeil - Belasco Modern Cottage Variant 2, Outdoor Winter Camping Scene, Tree Farm Wall Hanging, Let It Snow Decorative Sled, Hanging Snowflake Light Titans - The Timber Spirit - Coffee Table Tm:.Creation - [Snowy Nature] Winter scene wa14 {what next} - Merry Welcome Mat, Chocolate Yule Log, Wintertime Bicycle Pose Prop, Winter Bird Feeder (snowy), Christmas Cookie Box, Bellevie Set, Christmas Chocolatier Drinks Tray, Wintertime Mug Decor, Wintertime Hot Cocoa [ zerkalo ] - Let it Snow - Skis, Snowman

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BECKY KENAAN

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STARCHILD SINCLAIR

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Shirt - Biker Bastards Daryl (Snowflake) Slacks - Just Because MG Suit Slacks - White Shoes - Hoorenbeek Regal Shoes - Black

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TANYA GREEN

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Blazer: TETRA - Stretch Blazer Jumpsuit: ISON - quinn jumpsuit Heels: Ghee - SS18 Dupioni Silk Heels Hair: RAMA.SALON - Chris Hair Earrings: F I N E S M I T H - Honeybee earrings Bracelet: F I N E S M I T H - HoneyBee bracelet Nails: .::LUNA::. Body Art - Diversity Nails Makeup: Arte - Verity Eyeshadow

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AVAJEAN WESTLAND

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CAESAR LANGER

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Top: Mossu - Jolly Sweater Bottom: Ascend - Mr. Valentine Pants Shoes: ROC - Wingtip Male Hat: Tabou - Cahined Bowler Hat Watch: Mandala - Billionaire Smexy Simple Chain Bracelets: Mandala - Billionaire Smexy

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DESIREME FALLEN

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Dress: RAPTURE- Mileena Coat: FAKEICON - Lumps Coat Boots: ZK - Tribe Ankle Boots Jewelry: Chop Zuey Le Carillon Earrings

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AIMEE HAMBLETON

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adorsy - Bonnie Top White - Maitreya *COCO*_ExtremeWideLegTrousers(White) MY BAGS MY SASHA BLACK Bowtique - Colored Feather Earrings RE Eden Necklace arthStones Nyala Bento Rings - Maitreya - Island Zen Pack [FIT-01] JANINE Navel Piercing [MAITREYA] .:KC:. CATY Wedges / PAIR

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QUEENBRAT BRACKEN

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Rebel Gal :: Thunder Road Knit Skirt-White .miss chelsea. Naja Bodysuit Maitreya White Eliya.K - [ Maitreya ] Rimel - Red Jacket *CK* Rudolph boots EF: Winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit Scarf Avicandy Snowflake tights **RE** Ice Queen Rings Magika - Sparkle hair

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YHISHARA CERISE

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Top - Mimikri - Tank Top - Vega Pearl - Maitreya Top Detail - Mimikri - Embellishment - Vega Pearl - Maitreya Long Over Vest - Spirit - Charlotta Shearling Vest - Fat Pack - Slink Hourglass Pants - Coco - Lace Flare Pants and Thong - White Footwear - Breathe - Setsuko Heels - Fatpack - Maitreya Lara Earrings and Bracelet - Earthstones - Rowena Necklaces - Mandala - Kahukuihuku Cuff - Zaara - Pratha Silver Cuff - Turquoise Rings - Mandala - Sinra Rings Season 2 Hair - No Match - No Stress HUD B Black and White Eyeshadow - AlaskaMetro - Fall Essentials makeup palette - Catwa Lipstick - Izzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - Aiko Lipstick Hud pale Nails - AlaskaMetro - Tropics Shimmer - Maitreya

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JAMEE SANDALWOOD

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Erratic/Oksana - Open Trench Coat - white ISON - lace pencil skirt - red Jeune by Rowne - Meike Halter Top - white (Milk Motion) - Fabric Pointy Ankle Boots - white ::Axix:: - Chic Purse Romantic ^^Swallow^^ - Aphrodite Bento Rings [monso] My Hair - Rhapsody - blacks Glam Affair - Lipstick No.13 Glam Affair - Lashes No.4 DaneMarkZ - Peace, Love and Joy Nail Appliers Magnifique - shopping bad - red glitter (edited by mmorganwhitfield)

MORGAN WHITFIELD

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SHANTAL GRAVOIS

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Stealthic - Sultry (Browns) {AMITOMO}Vintage Camera <Tartan mix>black `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-Earring3 `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-beret3 `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-Choker1 `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-Jacket on shoulder5 `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-clothing.A1 Maitreya 3 `M.BIRDIE / Leah look-shoes Mint Maitreya Anachron - Round Frame Glasses - Top Bar Silver

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::Modish:: Nadine Gem Bracelet GOLD [Emerald] Avada~ Francesca Rings - MaitreyaBauhaus Movement - Tristania Necklace / COMMON 8 Pure Poison - Hannah Jewelry Set {WitchCraft} Starry Nails & Polish alaskametro<3 metallic pack nail polish - Vamp/Gold 31. V/. [Nyx]-(Maitreya) - Collar - {Teal} Bauhaus Movement - NYC - Top / Mait COMMON 19 Meva Maxine Pants BLACK AND TEAL NX-Nardcotix Auria Stiletto Suede Teal .:Mai bilavio:. Essential Liner Kit Madâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Fashion Lipsticks ~Dollypop~ Costume Party Lashes for Genus Happy Halloween! .N X OMEGA NATURAL HAIRBASE Tableau Vivant // Fiona add-on + HB11 - B+W *LODE* Headwear - Butterfly Two [maroon]

ZYKERIA

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GRATITUDE Article: VARIOUS WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Compe Lockwood writes in both SL and RL, including several years with BOSL Magazine. He enjoys covering feature stories of interesting places, people, and things in the metaverse. Compe is also is a professional journalist and writer for real world magazines and newspapers. “I love writing for BOSL because it gives me the chance to meet fascinating people and report what I find,” says Compe. “Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” Thanks and Happy Holidays,

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When I think back on 2019, there are so many things that I am thankful for. First of all I’m thankful for another year cancer free and being able to be here every day. Second, 2019 was a year of huge changes, finally taking a risk, letting go completely of somethings and being rewarded for that risk with the man that makes me the person I am supposed to be. Matt, I am thankful for the man that you are and for your love. In you I know I’ve found my forever love and everyday is better than the day before. Finally I’m thankful for this crazy world we call Second Life. Without it, I wouldn’t have met the people that have become my friends, co-workers and family. I’ve grown so much through BOSL, Photography, modeling, music and more. Thank you Reign and all of you I work with for your faith in me. Let’s do great things in 2020! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

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I am thankful mostly for simple things that make me smile or bring me joy. I have family and friends that do that, and I am thankful for every moment I get to spend with them. In Second Life I am always thankful for the unexpected opportunities that I have been given: modelling for Purplemoon Creations, my work as a model and marketer for Ghee, getting to be Miss Virtual World Canada 2018, and for being selected as the cover model for BOSL in August 2019. I never expected to get those honours and I am thankful for those people that opened those doors for me. I am also thankful that, even though my real-life work makes it hard to be on at regular times, being given the opportunity to be a staff writer for BOSL has given me a way to still keep involved in a way that I really enjoy.

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2019 was a great year full of health and love!!! I wish 2020 will be also great and for all my friends and family to be happy! I also like to thank my Second Life people for support and love . I all wish you Happy Holidays

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