With A Little Help From My Friends

Dedicated To Etrad Alex

FLICKR

“Many people will walk in and out of your life,

but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart”

― Eleanor Roosevelt

With A Little Help From My Friends

~ Meja and the Peace Conspiracy ~

Hello Beautiful World!

Wishing you a beautiful Saturday.

Today's post is dedicated to one of the many wonderful people I have ever met in Second Life and had 

the great honor of calling a friend. But he wasn't just a friend or even a good friend, Etrad Alex was a best friend.

One of the few people who left some of the most beautiful footprints in my heart.

I met Etrad on a Friday, on a November day back in 2012, while I was at Tai Chi, in Tempura Island.

Here, you can read about the day we met.

Etrad entered my heart almost immediately with his beautiful ways, and we became best of friends. 

He was actually the one friend that I felt the closest to at that time.

Etrad used to log in during his lunch hour from (RL) work, and I would join him every day and

keep him company while he ate his meal. We would talk about family and other RL topics. I always looked

forward to that lunch hour with my friend. Etrad became protective of me and would stand up

to anyone who would hurt me with words or actions. He was a very good listener and adviser,

and he was always there for me. Sadly, our beautiful friendship ended, and really, I can't remember

the reason why it did. But the wonderful memories I have of him continue to live in my heart, 

bringing always smiles when I remember our times together. Etrad's place in my life can't be replaced,

and I only wish that he, too, remembers me fondly as I remember him.

So today's post is for him, to honor that great man.

May God bless him and keep him and his loved ones safe.

May he be surrounded by much love and happiness.

"Etrad, sending a HUGE hug your way!"

"The Grass is greener where you water it."

Now, how great is this version of the greener grass quote?

I heard it from Madison, one of the brides, last night while watching the show Love At First Sight, Chicago Edition

(Episode 4). I do love this type of reality shows, even though we all know they are somehow scripted.

But hey, they still keep me entertained, and that is all that matters, right?

Time to go now, it is a beautiful Saturday to enjoy by going to the beach or spending it with family and friends.

Remember that out there, life, real life, is waiting for us with open arms. Til next time, take care of each other! ;)

Over & Out

Lori Novo

♥

NEW

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2048 X 2048 Backdrop Texture Set

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Old Friend Where You Headed For Now?

“No, I don't miss you... Not in a way that one is missed.

But I think of you.

Sometimes.

In the way that one might think of the summer sunshine

On a winter night...”

― Sreesha Divakaran

Old Friend

~ Angus & Julia Stone ~

Hello Beautiful World!

There was a time when my list of friends was so long that it would actually take me almost an hour

just to say a quick hello to each one of them and wish them a beautiful day. This was something I would

do every morning as soon as I logged into Second Life. It was important to me to let them know I loved

them and that I was glad to see them online. But for a few years now, my list of friends is down to

a very few names. Now, there is not a day that goes by that an old friend does not come to mind, and then

I find myself remembering many of the beautiful moments I got to share with them.

And I begin to wonder how they are doing and if they remember me too.

“Remember that people are only guests in your story - 

the same way you are only a guest in theirs - so make the chapters worth reading.”

― Lauren Klarfeld

So in the chapter of their stories, I highlight their names surrounded by happy and sad faces, and with

full hearts and broken ones, because remembering a lost friend is always bittersweet. I usually find

myself smiling while tearing up. The beautiful memories remain in my heart, and I only wish they

had stayed til THE END of my story.

Thanks For Reading!

Much love,

Lori Novo

♥

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I'm The Bad Guy?

Writing this for a friend of a friend. Winks.

“Bittersweet? No, just bitter, the taste of your tongue.

Words you can’t have back, so they linger.”

― Coco J. Ginger

Dreamer

~ Uh Huh Her ~

Could it be possible that while she thought she was being good, she was actually the villain in the story?

That had to be it!

What else could it mean when people gathered and discussed her in such a negative light?

But it was confusing to her; those same people smiled at her and proclaimed love and devotion to her every day.

They screamed to the world how sweet and wonderful she was and how lucky they felt to have her in their lives.

But behind her, away from where her ears could hear, it had been a different story.

There was no kindness in their words when her name was mentioned. They took turns ditching 

dirt at her and burying her under their betrayal...

⟣❤♥♡♡❤♥♡♡❤⟢

“Often people that criticise your life are usually the same people that don't know

the price you paid to get where you are today. True friends see the full picture of your soul.”

― Shannon Alder

⟣❤♥♡♡❤♥♡♡❤⟢

"But..." she thought, if they had so much to say about her, they surely must have their reasons.

And sadness and doubt begin to sink in. The realization of discovering that perhaps she had been the

bad guy all along, just like in the scene in the 1993 American action/drama film FALLING DOWN,

 starring Michael Douglas and Robert Duvall, when William Foster (Michael Douglas)

realizes that he was actually "the bad guy".

*By the way, one of the best films ever, in my opinion, and one of my top ten scenes from a film.

"I'm the bad guy?

How did that happen?"

Yes, with their words, doubt was implanted in her head about what kind of person she really was.

And sadness began to sink in, making her want to run away, away from them and never come back

If there was only judgment in their words, why would they still want her to stick around, right?

“Let them judge you.

Let them misunderstand you.

Let them gossip about you.

Their opinions aren’t your problem.

You stay kind, committed to love,

and free in your authenticity.

No matter what they do or say,

don’t you dare doubt your worth

or the beauty of your truth.

Just keep on shining like you do.”

― Scott Stabile

But she was stronger than they were, stronger than their words and their judgments,

and instead of anger, all she felt for them was sadness...

"Poor, poor friends. Don't they know that words are more hurtful than punches?

Punch me in the face and leave me with a bloody broken nose. That will heal with time.

But your unkind words will be tattooed in the deepest part of my heart and stay

there forever. Even forgiveness can't erase them." And the trust she once had in them. won't ever be the same.

Thanks For Reading!

Lori Novo

❤

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I send this smile over to you...

 PERSONAL UPDATE

Listening to this song, repeatedly, as I remember old friends that are now gone...

Disarm

- The Civil Wars -

Disarm you with a smile

And cut you like you want me to

Cut that little child

Inside of me and such a part of you

Ooh, the years burn

I used to be a little boy

So old in my shoes

And what i choose is my choice

What's a boy supposed to do?

The killer in me is the killer in you

My love

I send this smile over to you

Disarm you with a smile

And leave you like they left me here

To wither in denial

The bitterness of one who's left alone

Ooh, the years burn

Ooh, the years burn, burn, burn

I used to be a little boy

So old in my shoes

And what I choose is my voice

What's a boy supposed to do?

The killer in me is the killer in you

My love

I send this smile over to you

The killer in me is the killer in you

Send this smile over to you

The killer in me is the killer in you

Send this smile over to you

The killer in me is the killer in you

Send this smile over to you

Location: Tempura Island (Moderate)

🏈 A New Crib 🏈

PERSONAL UPDATE

Hello Second Life!

It's Super Bowl Sunday!

Just wanted to show you the house I selected as my free home given to me by LindenLabs.

It is just one of the many great benefits you get when you upgrade to premium membership.

I chose this particular home from the many home choices available for a few reasons...

First, I wanted a small house that had high ceilings and rooms not too small so I can move

my cam around without any difficulties. Second, loved the location so much. My home is on a hill

and it is green all around, with grass, trees, and pine trees. I also loved the neighborhood, beautiful

homes not at all crowded, and very peaceful.

Right after I got the new home, I was feeling very excited to start decorating, so I immediately

started packing a few items with the plan of spending a couple of hours fixing the place up.

However, I immediately came to a halt as soon as I stepped foot in.

The house walls were all white, not that I have a problem with white walls which would go great if

it was a beach area but not in the woods. I did give it a primer base coat which wasn't really necessary

since the walls were already white, but oh well, I am a perfectionist and I just want to ensure a

flawless paint job once the painting process begins. I really haven't decided which way to go

with the colors I want my walls to be. I love a mossy green so I can bring the outdoor feeling into

the home, but not really 100% sure yet.

Now let me take you upstairs to what will be the bedroom. Many ideas are going through my head of

how I will be decorating this room because I really want to make it very beautiful and special

for my Steppenwolf and me. We already had some fun last night (winks) in this new home even though

the house is completely empty, that is the magic of love and passion. ;) But anyway, I LOVE the view

from upstairs looking down at the bottom floor and that grand window that runs all the way from the

floor up to the ceiling. 

The bottom floor consists of three rooms.

The front has a big living area, and two rooms in the back, which I probably will turn into a kitchen/dining

area, and a study, but we'll see. This is the first time in years that I will be decorating a house that I

didn't build. Most of the homes Steppenwolf and I had lived together since we partnered I have built

for us. So this new place I take as a great new challenge to come out with the best I can do working

with the 300 prims that come with the house.

I love the outdoor part of our new home just as much as I love the inside.

It has enough space to make a beautiful garden where I will add the little animated sparrows that

Steppenwolf bought for me. Thank You Baby!

Now, don't think we are moving into this new house.

We love our beach home where we have been living for many years now and have plans to stay there

for many more. This will be just a home away from home where we can go spend some time just to

change scenery, though Steppenwolf is not very fond of the idea, the area, and especially the house. :P

Lori Novo: omg baby

Steppenwolf (steppen.crescendo): yes?

Lori Novo: we have three houses now :)))

Steppenwolf (steppen.crescendo): well one the other two are just freebies

Lori Novo: :P

Lori Novo: well yeah but still

Lori Novo: imagine how many ppl in SL wish they could have houses even if they are freebies

Lori Novo: they have to go to sandboxes to change clothes and open boxes

Steppenwolf (steppen.crescendo): mmhmm

Lori Novo: so we are very lucky my baby

Lori Novo: baby

Steppenwolf (steppen.crescendo): yes?

Lori Novo: I am gonna fix this house very nice and if I ever one of my friends is homeless

I'll lend them this house so they can live here

Lori Novo: until they can afford land

Steppenwolf (steppen.crescendo): ok

I think that is a great idea, I never liked seeing any of my friends being homeless.

Once, many many years ago I sat a HUGE mansion on my land an invited six of my friends to come

live with me. It was such a beautiful time I tell you. My huge mansion was so alive, full of laughter and

good times. No matter what time I logged in to Second Life, I was sure to find people at my home,

a friend or more with their friends that they had invited over. I loved it!

This is all for now. Hope you are having a great Sunday and for those football fans,

finally, the Super Bowl LVIII tonight at Las Vegas between San Fransisco 49ers & Kansas City Chiefs.

I stand in a house divided between me and the rest of my family. I am a 49ers fan and the rest of them

are going for the Chiefs, we'll see! :P

Over & Out!

Much love,

Lori Novo

♥

Credits On Me

TRUTH / Tangle Hair ● EVANI - Emi top [Mustard] ● Mug - Naomi Overalls - Gray

WTF JUVIE!

 PERSONAL UPDATE

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): this picture is only for you xD

Lori Novo: lol ok :P

OOOOOOps, sorry Juvie.

The picture just slipped out, I don't know how that happened. :P

I`m Too Sexy (The Original)

- Right Said Fred -

"I'm too sexy for my shirt

Too sexy for my shirt

So sexy it hurts..."

Juvie sure you are too sexy for your shirt. 

and I don't doubt that too much sexiness must hurt as hell, poor baby. :P

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): Lorrrriiii

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): the magic happened

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): there is a new me lol

Lori Novo: holaaaaaaa

Lori Novo: what magic?

[Sents Me Picture]

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): that is my new me xD

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): dont fall in love lol

Lori Novo: omg, too late, I already did! :P

Lori Novo: WOW, love it

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): hahaha isn t that a man lol

Lori Novo: gorgeous

Lori Novo: love it

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): you should see him without shirt hahaha

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): body hair and a lovely tattoo

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): lol

Lori Novo: lol I better not :P

Lori Novo: well, you look great juvieeee

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): this picture is only for you xD

Lori Novo: lol ok :P

Juve Wheelwright-Wobbit (juve31): ready ^^

[Sents Me First Picture]

Lori Novo: omg wow...

No worries my people, it's not like I am flirting with Juve or cheating on my Steppenwolf,

Juve, or Juvie as I prefer to call him IS and will always be my bfffff. He and I go way back and we have

been friends since my first year in Second Life, over 13 years ago. Plus as he says, "I am the gayest gay

in Second Life", these are his exact words. ♥

The day I met Juve I was at Tempura doing Tai Chi, he had stopped by and joined us, but I really don't

recall ever seeing him there before. I immediately noticed him, he was holding a teddy bear and I

thought that was so sweet. I Imed him to say hello and from that moment on we became inseparable.

Through the years we shared so many fun and special moments together where laughter

was the highest factor in our friendship. I don't recall ever having a dull or boring day with him

or a time when he wasn't there for me when I needed him. We both were there for each other always

supporting each other's dreams.

I always loved and still love to watch my friend Juve become bigger and bigger in Second Life.

From the time he won Miss Wigstock in 2013, to his wonderful performances as an actor at the

Theater On The Hills. Now my Juvie continues to grow in his new project in Second Life, JuVa!

JuVa (Junity and Vanity) is the place for entertainment, where he looks only for the best in SL

talent to present. At JuVa you will find a beautiful theater and an outdoor stage. A beautiful

wedding area and also an exclusive club in the sky.

My Juvie is co-owner together with Hobbit Zenfold Staheli (hobbit.zenfold) of this very prestigious site.

I should also mention that credits for Juve's pictures in this post go to Hobbit who not only took the

pictures for him but also assisted my friend in his new makeover by creating his new shape. ;)

This is all for now my beautiful people, time to eat dinner.

If you would like to read about my friendship with Juve HERE you can read about it.

Guaranteed to make you laugh for sure, especially the older blog posts.

Hoping to start spending more time with him so I can bring you more of

our fun and crazy moments together.

Over & Out!

Lori Novo

♥

Memories by Cica Ghost

EXPLORING SECOND LIFE

Here I am again, sitting alone, on a table set for one.

My table may appear empty but I have been served a bowl full of beautiful memories.

As I contemplate the horizon before me, one by one, the beautiful faces, the beautiful smiles,

and the beautiful words of those many people that once beautified my life with their presence

and their love, become present to me at this very moment.

Bitter-sweet spoonfuls I take, stirring in me laughter and tears. Why wouldn't tears be part of the

ingredients which my memory bowl has been served with?

Aren't tears an essential part of life?...

Memory

~ Cats (Pepita Salim Cover) ~

♫

"Midnight, not a sound from the pavement

Has the moon lost her memory?

She is smiling alone

In the lamplight, the withered leaves collect at my feet

And the wind begins to moan

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

I can dream of the old days

Life was beautiful then

I remember the time I knew what happiness was

Let the memory live again..."

♫

It wasn't too long ago when we used to smile together.

When you held my hand and I held yours.

When we looked into each other eyes

and shared our happiness and our sadness.

It wasn't too long ago when we walked together

and dreamt of similar dreams.

When we were so thankful to be part of each other's lives,

when I called you my friend

as you called me yours...

♫

"Every street lamp seems to beat

A fatalistic warning

Someone mutters and the street lamp sputters

And soon it will be morning

Daylight, I must wait for the sunrise

I must think of a new life

And I mustn't give in

When the dawn comes, tonight will be a memory too

And a new day will begin..."

♫

Now, my journey continues taking my present and my future steps alone.

You are no longer in my life. One day, you simply opened your wings and flew to different skies.

We no longer shared the same dreams. We no longer call each other "my friend"...

Dedicated with all my heart to all my long-gone friends.

♫

"Burnt-out ends of smoky days

The stale, cold smell of morning

A street lamp dies, another night is over

Another day is dawning

Touch me, it's so easy to leave me

All alone with the memory

Of my days in the sun

If you touch me, you'll understand what happiness is

Look, a new day has begun..."

♫

Today I woke up not feeling like much. I just wanted to stay in bed and shelter my emotions

under the warmth of my covers. I have been doing that for the four past days.

I just don't feel the strength to get up and go on with my day. But I push myself to do it,

and so I do. But honestly, I would rather stay in the safety of my warm covers where I feel that

nothing can touch me. Now, you may not know this but I am not always crying under those blankets.

Many, many times I am smiling.

I find such sweet comfort and warmth there just like my mother's hug used to feel.

Today, after having to push myself time after time to do life, I decided to visit Cica Ghost's

sim Memories by Cica Ghost (Moderate). I was there for a good long time but could only come up 

with these three pictures (sorry inspiration for not feeling you today).

Cica's new sim is as always, beautiful like many of her past sims that have been created very simple.

And as I always say, there is so much beauty in simplicity.

I am actually a bit upset that today my mood couldn't give the deserved justice to Cica Ghost's talent.

I owe her one for sure.

Maybe next time, when I wake up not feeling the need to stay under my warm blankets.

''Not every day is good but there is something good in every day.''

-Alice Morse Earle

And while I push myself through these days, I keep finding things that make me smile

because after all, life is beautiful... even on my hardest days. 

-Lori Novo

♥

Credits On Me

Exile - Marina Hair ● Be.Raon // Anya Hairbase (EvoX) ● -Pixicat- Blush.Dress - FlowerLight

friday - Helio Sandals (Desert)

Every Story Must Grow Old

 PERSONAL UPDATE

This song is dedicated to all those wonderful people that I had the honor

to call them friends at one point in my life...

God bless them all.

❤

Black Flies - Ben Howard 

~ (Cover by Sierra Eagleson) ~

Black flies on the windowsill

That we are, that we are, that we are to know

Winter stole summer's thrill

And the river's cracked and cold

See, the sky is no man's land

A darkened plume to stay

Hope here needs a humble hand

Not a fox found in your place

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

Black flies on the windowsill

That we are, that we are, that we are to hold

Comfort came against my will

And every story must grow old

Still I'll be a traveller

A gypsy's reins to face

But the road is wearier

With that fool found in your place

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

No man is an island

Oh, this I know

But can't you see, oh?

Or maybe you were the ocean

When I was just a stone

So here we are

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

And I don't wanna beg your pardon

And I don't wanna ask you why

But if I was to go my own way

Would I have to pass you by?

And I don't wanna beg your pardon

And I don't wanna ask you why

But if I was to go my own way

Would I have to pass you by?

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh

My Location: Radio Ocho Tango Place (Moderate)

A Thousand Words

This blog post is dedicated to my good Second Life friend Pablo Neruda.♥

Hello Beautiful World!

According to my kids, I tend to give long answers or explanations to what may require a one or two-word answer. 

But today I am not speaking about the thousands of unnecessary words I waste, but 

about a beautiful sim I visited today.

I used this beautiful picture by the very talented Second Life photographer, Trouble Dethly for my

background. You can enjoy his complete photography collection HERE. The Blog HERE.

Photo inspired by,

White Bee, Pablo Neruda

White bee, you buzz in my soul, drunk with honey, 

and your flight winds in slow spirals of smoke.

I am the one without hope, the word without echoes, 

he who lost everything and he who had everything.

Last hawser, in you creaks my last longing. 

In my barren land you are the final rose.

Ah you who are silent!

Let you deep eyes close, There the night flutters. 

Ah your body, a frightened statue, naked.

You have deep eyes in which the night flails. 

Cool arms of flowers and a lap of rose.

Your breasts seem like white snails. 

A butterfly of shadow has come to rest on your belly.

Ah you who are silent!

Here is the solitude from which you are absent. 

It is raining. The sea wind is hunting stray gulls.

The water walks barefoot in the wet streets. 

From that tree the leaves complain as though they were sick.

A Thousand Words

(Moderate)

Sim's Description:

“A Thousand Words” is a collaborative Second Life photography project dedicated to expression

through creative imagery. For this exhibition, we showcase the work of Pablo Neruda's "Twenty Love

Poems and a Song of Despair."

Check Out A Thousand Words Photography Book

The participating photographers are

Adi Frith

Adam Cayden

Ara Dethly

Bambi

Callie Hamelin

Chris

Ella Pavlona

Ethan Lane

Grace Ashwell

Hilaire Beaumont

June Fallon

Lam Erin

Lilt Chan

Murdock

Oceane Atheria

Pedro

Sare

 Talula Shippe

Taylor Wassep

Trouble Dethly

Velvet Bunny

Wicca Merlin

You can read  HERE about the great Chilean Poet, Pablo Neruda (1904 - 1973), more HERE.

He was ranked #4 in the top 500 poets. HERE you can read his beautiful poems.

Thanks For Reading!

Lori Novo

♥

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