Due to illness I have had to take a break from blogging. I will be back next month with all new blog posts I hope you all have a great July! 

Love!

1. How did you and the person in the photo with you meet? We met on a beach in SL, and I am ashamed to say I kinda sorta sat on her. We got talking about anything and everything and the rest is of course history...
2. How long have you known each other? We have known each other since early february.
3. What do you love about this person? I love everything about her from her sense of humor to her kindness and love. She is the one who brings me up when I am down, and the one who can turn my frown into a smile in an instant.
4. What place in SL do you love? The one place I could never be away from is my home it's always filled with those I care most about my family and friends. It's what I consider to be the coziest, and most beautiful place in SL. 
5. What clothes or shoes in SL do you love? My taste in clothes varies I really love sweaters, and shirts with vests. My taste changes from day to day from casual to slightly more trendy to formal. If I had to pick one style I would have to say trendy bordering on formal!
6. What does love mean to you? To me love is greater than any word. It's more powerful to me than anything that could ever be experienced. It means more than the world to me and will never be just a word.
7. What is your biggest regret? Eating all the red M&M's first and not saving them till last.
8. Which is the one event that has had the biggest impact on you and your life? The one event that's had the biggest impact on my me and my life I would have to say would be my birth! 
9. What do you love and hate the most about the human race?  One of the things I really hate most about the human race. I think that we've become too reliant on technology, and I really dislike the fact that it's having a negative influence on the younger generation.
10. What color is your underwear? It was black yesterday, and it's actually a black pair today.

Phire's Credits:

Shirt: DRIFT Hangover Shirt [MESH] -Sky

Jeans: Maitreya Boyfriend Jeans - Dark

Shoes: +Half-Deer+ Obel Sneakers - Floral RARE

Necklace: EarthStones Perfect Fit Necklace - Hers/Silver

Necklace: [Atooly] Stop Pls Necklace - Blue

Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Bridal Set - Platinum

Bracelet: Izzie's - Eternity Bracelet rose teal

Hair: *Dura-Girl*52(Dark Brown)resize

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual 

Feet: Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Flat

Skin: Izzie's - Nomi Skin pale DB W/ full body freckles

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (Spring Teal, w2)

Eyelashes: *MC* "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper

Mikka's Credits:

Skin: -Labyrinth- Thorn Skin (Pale) - TheClean

Hair: CHRIS - Dark - (resizer) *REDGRAVE*

Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed

Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Mens Wedding Band - Platinum

Jeans: L&B Jeans "Classic" ( MED) (Reg) - FatPack

Shirt: L&B Swear ( MED) "Classic" T-Shirt - GE

Shoes: 2Real - STARZ (Male size)

Glasses: [Gos] Custom Eyewear - SCT

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)

To Whom It May Concern

To whom it may concern my dear old friend.

I miss all those times we used to spend,

In dreams I still see your face, 

Without you this world is such an empty space

Did you like the letter I left for you,

Is your final resting place a pleasing view. 

Through the years as the memories slowly fade,

Those who loved you will never forget.

The impression on all our lives you made.

Credits:

Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Mens Wedding Band - Platinum

Hair: CHRIS - Dark - *REDGRAVE*

Jeans: L&B Jeans "Classic" ( MED) (Reg) - FatPack

Shirt: L&B Swear ( MED) "Classic" T-Shirt - GE

Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed

Shoes: STARZ (Male size) - 2Real

Skin: -Labyrinth- Thorn Skin (Pale) - TheClean

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)

Location:

*Frisland*

My SL Friends List

There was one obvious choice to help me participate in this friends list challenge, and that is my beautiful wife Phire besides I couldn't get anyone else to do it with me. So I groveled and begged and pleaded, and promised not to frequent any more gay bars in second life. I also promised not to wear any of her clothing outside the house. She agreed to answer the following questions below!

Phire's Answers:

1. What is the number of contacts on your Second Life Friends List? (visible in firestorm viewer or your web profile) I have a whopping 60 friends. I think I need more considering that 3 are my own alts (they are only for pictures no nefarious deeds are done with them).

2. Are you picky about who you add to your list or do you usually add most people?  I don't know if I would call it picky, but I need to at least speak to someone before I add them to my friends list. I mean it doesn't have to be in world, people of plurk could add me if they wanted to *hint hint*

3. Who is your oldest contact? (check your calling cards) I have a general idea who it may be, but not really 

4. Who is your newest contact? (check your calling cards) Nikole LittleBoots

5. Do you know every single person on your list?  Pretty much, though a lot of them are random alts of friends. Geez my friends list needs some serious help. And by that I mean I need to meet more people

6. How many do you speak to on a daily (weekly) basis? Daily? Hmm about 5 of them. On a weekly basis...maybe 6-7 of them (it totally depends on if we are on at the same time.)

7. How many do you see/get together with in-world on a daily (weekly) basis? There is only one I make sure I see everyday. He knows who he is. Other that that I see about 4 others at least once a week. It helps that two live next door.

8. Who on your list do you have the closest relationship with? Mikka Zuhra-Vipunen, he is my hubby after all.

9. Who do you wish you knew better? Oh goodness that is a hard one...maybe Antero Vipunen (my brother-in-law) just because I don't get to see him as much.

10. Who on your list is the funniest/most entertaining?  It's a toss up between Mikka and Alexsie Solvang, though Lex is more cute than anything else.

11. How did you meet most of the people on your list? (work, parties, etc…) I think I met most of them through other friends. I have been such a homebody lately they I never got out there to meet new people.

12. Do you ever clean out your list? I do, but like once every couple of years, though maybe that is part of the reason there are on 60 people on my list?

13. Do you have a crush on someone in your list? Nope, no crushes, unless you count the man I married, but I think marriage takes it beyond a crush.

14. Is there anyone on your list that you would trust with your password? Yes, if I ever needed to there are at least two that I would trust.

Mikka's Answers:

1. What is the number of contacts on your Second Life Friends List? (visible in firestorm viewer or your web profile) The number of freeloaders residing on my friends list is .....*drum roll* 515
2. Are you picky about who you add to your list or do you usually add most people? Actually I am not really that picky about who I add to my friends list. I do however only have one condition in order for them to be added. They must first swear an oath to protect the sacred choc chip cookie, and they must pay the 10,000L entrance fee. I'd like to point out that I have never really stood firm on the entrance fee, because nobody would be stupid enough to part with that kind of linden just for the sake of being on my friends list lol. 
3. Who is your oldest contact? (check your calling cards) StarDust Vipunen
4. Who is your newest contact? (check your calling cards) Merril Baxton
5. Do you know every single person on your list? No I usually wake up every morning clutching an icy cold Dr Pepper, and breaking out into a cold sweat shouting WHO THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE?????.
6. How many do you speak to on a daily (weekly) basis? I would probably say 5 or 6 I speak to on a daily basis.
7. How many do you see/get together with in-world on a daily (weekly) basis? On a daily basis in world I would usually hang around with maybe 3 or 4 at the most.
8. Who on your list do you have the closest relationship with? Phire Zuhra, and StarDust Vipunen
9. Who do you wish you knew better? My entire friends list, and the person who designed the glass on the windows in my SL home!
10. Who on your list is the funniest/most entertaining? It's really a toss up between Phire Zuhra StarDust Vipunen, and Aleksie Solvang they all make me spit my drink everywhere.
11. How did you meet most of the people on your list? (work, parties, etc…) I don't know the majority of the people on my list, but I met my wife through stalking and jumping into her lap on a random beach in SL ( it was love at first sit ) and I met my SL sister StarDust Vipunen through other means I can't actually remember how because it was so so long ago!
12. Do you ever clean out your list? No I actually enjoy having 100's of freeloaders slowing down my SL experience. Besides they're not doing me any harm, and I give them a free home.
13. Do you have a crush on someone in your list? I don't have any crushes besides my wife Phire who I am very happily married to, and more than likely will remain so for centuries to come.
14. Is there anyone on your list that you would trust with your password? Yes I can think of 3 I would trust with my password if I was ever kidnapped by an army of empty prim boxes......

Phire's Credits:

Jacket: The Secret Store - Sarah Dress Coat - Blueberry

Jeans: tulip. Alana Jeans (Midnight - MESH)

Hair: TRUTH HAIR Fleur -  light browns

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual 

Skin: Izzie's - Nomi Skin pale DB W/pink lipstick and full body freckles

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (Spring Teal, w2)

Lashes: *MC* "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper

Mikka's Credits:

Turtleneck: Fashionz! Classic Cashmere Turtleneck - Gray
Jeans: !APHORISM! Men's Regular Jeans Indigo_M
Coat: ::GB:: Knit duffle coat / WHITE M
Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)
Skin: - Skin CHRIS - Pale / 02 beardshadow - REDGRAVE
Hair: CHRIS - Dark - *REDGRAVE*
Glasses: [Gos] Custom Eyewear - SCT
Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Men's Wedding Band - Platinum
Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed

Pose:

Pose: CnS e-motion - Together

Where's W̶a̶l̶d̶o̶  Mikka

Many of you might be familiar with the ever popular series of childrens books called where's Waldo, or if you're not from America he's known as Wally. I remember getting my first where's Wally/Waldo books when I was about 8 or 9. I was fascinated by the whole concept of a man who dressed funny, and traveled around the world wearing the same articles of clothing no matter where he ended up....

I decided to relive my childhood days by creating a little puzzle for you all to solve. My first location today is London I put on the classic Wally/Waldo red, and white sweater and headed out into the unknown. For this particular blog I couldn't find a large group of people as used in the books where you have to strain your eye's until a migraine sets in, so I improvised I angled the camera high enough to where you could barely see me. I would like to just point out just for the record that the only place that had a large group of people I could find was at an exclusive nude beach here in SL, and frankly I don't think poor mister Wally/Waldo would want to be seen in such a place........he's far too decent for that. I mean imagine what the papers would say if word got out that Waldo/Wally had a fetish for nude beaches....tsk tsk, anyways see if you can spot me in the above picture!

My next location to travel to wearing the classic red, and white sweater was Paris. I found a few people residing here some of them real, and some were just mesh statues or were they prim??? oh who knows really. I quickly scampered to try to and conceal myself and aimed the camera up, and SNAP! another picture taken and another Wally/Waldo for you all to try and find. All this traveling was exhausting after my picture taking field trip across the globe. I decided it was time to head home, and blog my adventure playing the classic childrens book character Wally/Waldo............... 

Credits:

Skin: CHRIS - Pale / 02 beardshadow - REDGRAVE

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)

Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed

Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Mens Wedding Band - Platinum

Outfit: Where's Waldo Complete Outfit - Saddle Ridge

The Long Journey Down Blogger Road

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? I use a keyboard, a mouse, a computer, and several cans of Dr Pepper (usually when I mention that drink I hear my friends say ewwww can't believe you actually like that stuff)!
2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it? I don't really have any clear mission or reason for my blogging. I do it mainly because I love to write and be creative with words, and sentences. I could see myself blogging for years to come, and probably never get bored with it!
3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? Well I have come across a few blogs that have been less than positive. I've always believed that if you don't have something nice to say then just don't say anything at all.
4. Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors? I am definitely not the gooderest when it comes to being a grammer junkee, and I hate wen others poynt out spelling mistakes. I don't go threw my blogs after they is published. I am way too lazy to check every single werd....so for all I knew my blogs could be riddled with misteaks, and if that be the case then my englich teacher would have an absolute cow if she ever had the misfortoon to stubble upon this here post. 
5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? If I could switch blogs with somebody else. I would have to choose my wife Phire Zuhra I love the way she makes up short stories that reel you in and keep you wanting more.
6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How? I've only been blogging since february so I am probably not really able to fully answer this. I think though from when I first started my blogs structure has improved slightly, when I began blogging I didn't exactly know what I was doing, and a lot of that is true even now. I still have a lot to learn about blogging but one thing is for sure I don't think I could ever run out of things to say!
7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging? Since I start blogging I've met some fantastic and unique writers and artists out there who have shared their own ideas and inspirations for how they got starts, and also have been kind enough to offer me advice on how to structure my blogs properly.
8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in? I don't think my blog fits into any particular category. I write poetry sometimes, and maybe other times I will make up a silly story.....or if I feel like saying something about a particular article of clothing then I might blog that. It is whatever I feel like doing at the time so for me I think that my blogs could be classified as a mish mash of different styles just thrown together. The blogs I really prefer to read about are to do with both fashion, and photography as for the blogs I enjoy writing the most would have to be poetry!
9. What has blogging taught you? Blogging has actually taught me a lot about how others perceive the world around us especially second life. Each of us may go through one experience alone in second life, and decide to blog about it. A blogger will take that experience and turn it into something that reflects their own personal taste, style and point of view. 
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. My top three tips for any new blogger. First and foremost don't be afraid of writing something down that you may think is second rate. Everyone has different tastes and what you may think is just trash another person will find very interesting and intriguing. Second of all your blog doesn't have to be about one particular topic alone, there are millions of things you could write about remember your blog is your blog it's whatever you feel it should be whether it be happy, sad, or just plain silly if you have an idea you feel is worth blogging then by all means get it down on paper. And last but not least if you're stuck for inspiration on what to write about in your very first blog why not browse the web and look at other peoples blogs maybe they can ignite that first spark of creativity you need to some ideas flowing.

Credits:

Hair: *Dura-Boy*49(Wood Bark)

Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Mens Wedding Band - Platinum

Jeans: L&B Jeans "Classic" ( MED) (Reg)

Shirt: L&B Swear ( MED) "Classic" T-Shirt - GE

Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed

Shoes: STARZ (Male size) - 2Real

Skin: CHRIS - Pale / 02 beardshadow - REDGRAVE

Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)

20 Questions Challenge

 So this morning I was sitting alone in my office in SL browsing through a plethora of other peoples blogs. As you've probably noticed during the course of my blogging adventure, I've probably only done one other blog challenge. This particular challenge interested me. I hate being asked direct questions because I tend to go all shy and freeze up, and getting information out of me could be likened to getting blood out of a stone. I'm not sure how this is going to pan out but I will try to be as open and honest as I can so here goes.....

1. When and how did you discover Second Life? – I don't exactly remember the month but it was back in SL's infancy good old 2004.
2. Did you know about virtual worlds before or was this your first experience with them? – I knew something of virtual worlds. I can't recall the names of the clients I had dabbled in before SL but they were nothing like what SL encompasses as far as features and graphics are concerned.
3. Has Second Life met your expectations? – I think I would have to say overall, I have mixed feelings about SL. I would have to say that as far expectations go SL has been both good and bad to me.  I never really had any major expectations to begin with I think with any kind of social platform you will have either a really good experience or really bad experience.
4. If you could teleport back to the first ten minutes of your avatar’s life, what would you tell yourself? – I would probably assume the fetal position cry for a few hours, and then go exploring until I found some sign of life.
5. How long did it take you to master avatar flying and driving vehicles inworld? – It actually didn't take me very long at all. I think my first car was one I picked up from a freebie store, and I had absolutely no troubles mastering it.....flying is a different story. I usually hit a tree shortly after take off, and demand that the owner remove the obstruction.
6. Do you have a mystery alt? – Nope I have no hidden alts. I use one account, and one account only. I think two accounts would be pointless because I would rather just be me, and having another account would get too confusing and really weird.
7. Is your SL avatar a reflection of you, or someone you wished you could be? – My avatar is basically me personality, and the way I dress myself are the same as in RL. I don't wish to be someone I'm not I like being me, and I don't follow anyone or wanna try and imitate anyone either.
8. Is there an individual you met in SL that inspired you in your RL? How? – Yes there is someone who has indeed inspired me to do things in RL that I may not have otherwise had the courage accomplish.
9. Do you feel it is easier to create stronger bonds/relationships with people you meet inworld as opposed to the real world? – No I have absolutely no trouble making friends in the real world. I think whether in world or real world they're sort of the same in that respect.
10. Did you ever imagine or believe people could fall in love with someone they never met before Second Life? – Yes I do believe in love over the internet. I know plenty of couples who have been going strong for years that have met in second life.
11. How has your perspective of dating changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – I think you have to make some concessions as far as dating is concerned in second life. The one obvious thing that is lacking is the physical touch, but are you really the type to feel up someone on a first date? lol
12. How has your perspective of employment changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – My perspective of employment hasn't really changed based on the fact that. I have had several jobs in the past that dealt indirectly with the virtual life.
13. Name three things in both your lives that overlap each other significantly. – Three things? umm well I would have to say friendships, love and being a writer and poet.
14. If you could live your life more immersed in a virtual world, would you? (Kind of like the Matrix) – Not really. I mean don't get me wrong I do consider a lot of the aspects of it real. I mean after all there are real people behind all those computers. I love to socialize and I have been known to talk somebodies ear off for hours on end, but after a while I think everyone needs to take a break from it for a while and regroup. I wish the teleport feature included teleporting all your favourite people from second life into your home so you could give them a great big hug and kiss lol.
15. How do you think behaviour changes for people if they’re inworld vs in real world? Why do you think that is? – Of course it changes. I think people in second life are free from any inhibitions that might effect them in the real world. I've found that you can run around naked almost anywhere in second life, and nobody really seems phased by it. Try that in the real world and I guarantee unless you belong to an exclusive nudist camp you're going to jail buddy.
16. How has second life consumerism changed your perception of spending habits, the value of money, the need to be “bleeding edge” with fashion?– Um I've always been pretty good with money budgeting for things etc. I don't need to be bleeding edge in fashion if I see something I think would suit me or it's within my taste boundaries I will fork out a certain amount for it.
17. Do you think virtual worlds like SL drive and redefine human interaction or do they narrow and limit it? – Based on personal experiences, and from what I have witnessed myself. I think places like SL redefine a negative human interaction. Perhaps I am getting old before my time, but I remember as a kid before facebook, before SL human interactions particularly in the family unit were much more face to face and not with your head buried in a screen for hours on end. I feel that people rely too much on hiding behind screens and not enough face to face conversation which I feel is much more personal and meaningful.
18. If technology progressed tomorrow to allow you to send emotions to people the way you’d send text or voice messages, would it enrich your SL experience or infringe on it? – I think it could be good or bad who's to say it's not here yet, but I could see it being beneficial for certain people.
19. Name three skills you attribute to having learned or honed in second life alone. – Second life really hasn't helped me improve anything I didn't already know how to do in the real world. I enjoy it for what it is and will continue to do so for as long as it's around. :)
20. If your grand kids googled your Second Life Avatar’s name, would they be intrigued, disgusted, proud or something else? – They'd probably be bored to tears. I'm sadly not a very exciting person I'm just simply me a thinly wrapped enigma. ;)

Credits:
Hair: *Dura-Boy*49(Wood Bark)
Jeans: *Shai* Mens Relaxed Jeans Vintage M
Shirt: *Shai* Swallow Logo Tee M
Ring: EarthStones Everlasting Love Mens Wedding Band - Platinum
Hands: Slink Male Hands (AvEnhance) M - Relaxed
Skin: -Labyrinth- Leaf Skin (Pale) - TheCleanShaven
Eyes: Mayfly - Deep Sky Eyes (London Fog Shadow, w3)