singing along, the arsonist choir

Hearing about this was fun--someone from SL decided to make a video about Bellefleurs for their Destinations YouTube channel. The problems I have with it, though--yes, trees have leaves. We get it. Also, they managed to miss the entire second floor of the mansion, as well as both gardens (outside of the one statue).

Still, it's an actual video, the music isn't bad, and Belles is seeing traffic because of it, so...up side?

So, this came up in a gifts and sales group, of all places...

[11:04] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Good Evening all you wicked free people :)
[11:04] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Good evening!
[11:04] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: good evening
[11:04] Hxxxxxx Txxxxxxx: good afternoon
[11:04] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: mortals
[11:04] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [F**] OFF

Meet today's thoroughly objectionable unseasoned chicken wing.

[11:04] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: good night
[11:04] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: O.o
[11:05] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: morons
[11:05] Rxxxxx Sxxxxxxx: good morning. Wicked? me?
[11:05] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wow
[11:05] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: let me sleep

You could just close the chat window...

[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): What?
[11:05] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [a**holes]

Why are you yelling at us? Just hit the little X and get on with things.

[11:05] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: then get offline
[11:05] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: jfc

Or that.

[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Language, [Hxxxx].
[11:05] Jxxxx Kxxx: someone needs ejected *raises hand to offer*
[11:05] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx blink blonks.
[11:05] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): PG group.
[11:05] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: You man just turn off your computers.
[11:06] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and all i said was hello......lol....what do i get for a goodbye i wonder

No doubt. Yelled at from go for no reason. What's next? (She says, knowing.)

[11:06] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hahaha
[11:06] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: probably pain in the butt
[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: its my [f**kin] COMPUTER

Void stars, grow up. What are you, nine?

[11:06] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: in it's profile Why don't you just talk to me and get to know me Instead of looking at my profile. who in the hell wants to talk to a TROLL! :)

Also a good point.

[11:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Can you NOT, [Hxxxx]?
[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i will logout when the [f**] I WANT
[11:06] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: huh
[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh WOW,,,,,A TROLLL
[11:06] bxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes
[11:06] Uxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I hit block... dont have to read him anymore
[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: THANK YOU
[11:06] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Is there a mod on?
[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: AT LEAST I AM FAMOUS

For...what, exactly?

[11:06] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL
[11:06] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Just report and block
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: jeezz
[11:07] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I think [Hxxxx] had a bad day. LMAO
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [f**k] off [sxxxx]
[11:07] Jxxxxxx Txxxxxx: famous? yeah a legend in your own mind huh smh
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh i had an awesome day
[11:07] Oxxxx Sxxxxxxx: choose the other window [Hxxxx]
[11:07] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: O.o what did i log into?

Man with an IQ of 49 thinking he's funny?

[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I had sex with 6 different women
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and now i want to sleep

Then go do that. And leave this group alone.

[11:07] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL
[11:07] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ...Uh. PG group, dearie.
[11:07] Jxxxxxxx Txxxxxx: oh lordy
[11:07] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Not my problem.
[11:07] txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: congrats?
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and you guys are [f**kin] silly
[11:07] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I am really tired in RL
[11:08] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: god where is my [D*CK]

Not only do I not know why you're asking, I'm baffled as to why you think any of us would care.

[11:08] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: IGNORE THE TROLL
[11:08] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: The groups have ratings?

All groups do.

[11:08] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL
[11:08] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Again, this is my problem, why?
[11:08] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: MUTE
[11:08] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: They can, yes
[11:08] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): And yes. Groups have ratings.
[11:08] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I didn't knew.
[11:08] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: Lets keep things family friendly please [Hxxxx]
[11:08] sxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I think he's underage-
[11:08] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I usually don't talk about nastly things so never get blocked for M or A things
[11:09] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol same. I prefer to keep that in the privacy of my home
[11:09] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: all i wanted to say was hello ,and did you all pick up your free items at ebento :)
[11:09] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: :o I didnt
[11:09] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: what free items?
[11:09] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: me too.
[11:09] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ah. ebento. ty
[11:09] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I haven't yet :o
[11:09] Jxxxxxx Txxxxxx: well hello there [Axxxxx], I hope you have a great day! :p
[11:10] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ebento has cakes out , that have free group gifts in :)
[14:01] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I was there but it was so laggy so I turn off my computer the end
[11:10] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Dxxxx] do you turn off other avatars ?

People were trying to drag the conversation back on track.

[11:10] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx:

[11:07] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I think [Hxxxx] had a bad day.

LMAO [Hxxxx] had a harsh day [Dxxxx]

Point, there.

[11:10] Hxxxxxxx Txxxxxxx: Hey, what day does the Fab Free HUNT start again?
[11:10] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Will it be around on Saturday? QUQ
[11:11] Exxxxxxxxxxx Pxxxxxx: hands him a magnifying glass if he cant find it
[11:11] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Cosmo has some free gifts as well :)
[11:11] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [Mxxx], you are right hahahaha)
[11:11] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just [f**kin] BLOCK ME EMILY..........an SHUT THE [F**K] UP ALREADY.....!!
[11:11] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: ok gang, lets try to get the topic off trolls please and back to freebies and dollarbies! woot!
[11:11] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just [f**kin] BLOCK ME EMILY..........an SHUT THE [F**K] UP ALREADY.....!!
[11:11] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just [f**kin] BLOCK ME EMILY..........an SHUT THE [F**K] UP ALREADY.....!!
[11:11] 1xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just [f**kin] BLOCK ME EMILY..........an SHUT THE [F**K] UP ALREADY.....!!

This went on for twenty-three more lines. I'll spare you the repetition.

[11:12] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr) grins. I foresee a ban in someone's future.
[11:12] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Can anyone please ban her?

Him, I think, but I'm in favor.

[11:12] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Apparently I touched a nerve.
[11:12] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: he/she is banned
[11:12] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Him?
[11:12] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: her?
[11:12] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no
[11:12] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: IT!
[11:12] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: :p
[11:12] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you, [Axxxxxx] ♥
[11:12] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): We can now move on.
[11:12] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: so as i was saying lol , cosmo and ebento free gifts :D lol
[11:12] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: my absolute pleasure [Exxx]
[11:12] sxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: jeez. I looked away for a literal minute
[11:13] sxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: omgosh more gifts i cant keep up LOL
[11:13] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx is no not saying hello again lol
[11:13] Exxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: .o. Hi, [Axxxxx].
[11:13] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): And now [Axxxxx] has a complex. A tragedy.
[11:13] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Most mornings/afternoons/evenings, [Axxxxx], people are perfectly polite here.
[11:14] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: o i know , there always one ;)
[11:14] kxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i reported him to a linden
[11:15] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: haha, bye bye one linden
[11:16] Axxxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: no worries the troll has been banished from the [group] kingdom. hurrah!
[11:17] axxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hiphip
[11:17] qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hoorah

And life went on, but damn, that was an insane bit of confrontation right off the bat.

something clearly terrified you; did you choose to disappear?

I have this conversation once a week, easily. All that changes is the name.

[10:19] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Welcome to Sakura, [Hxxxxx]! Do let me know if I can help, and otherwise, enjoy wandering the grounds of Bellefleurs!
[10:19] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: yes i need help
[10:20] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Of course! What can I do?
[10:21] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: im trying to find where i can purchase the engarde system,,,
[10:21] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Ah, right. So....there's a major hitch with that, unfortunately.
[10:21] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: cant find it on the mp
[10:21] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): You won't.
[10:22] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): So, the creator of the system left SL in...some upset. I have never been able to find out why. But he killed server access to everything he'd made the same day he left.
[10:22] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: damn

Yeah, everyone's still pretty irked about it.

[10:22] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Now, people who had their En Garde systems still out--us, a pirate sim, there's a few others--found the systems still work.
[10:22] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: so only have to find someone willig to sell me theirs i guess
[10:22] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): They no longer record for tournaments....No.
[10:23] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Because...and this is the TRULY annoying part....any new system breaks when rezzed.
[10:23] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: double damn

Now, this is what I've been told, but it suddenly occurs to me, I've never actually verified if this is true or not? I may have to ask Indy when she gets back just to pop one out, and see if it breaks, because...if it doesn't, that is a total game-changer, and if it does, then we have verification.

[10:23] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): So unless you want to buy the sim or parcel it's on? Because you can't even pick it up to move them. If Indy wanted to move ours, for instance, she could only pull it into edit and shift it. Taking it back into inventory would break it.
[10:24] Hxxxxx Cxxxxxxxx: bummer...thanks for your time
[10:24] Emilly Shatner-Orr (emilly.orr): Sure!

There is still interest in the game. People have found workarounds so they can play tournaments. There's still an official En Garde league. There's just...no new boards anymore. Only the ones that existed when the creator left, far as I know.

things are getting crazy, I beg to understand

Last night was the Thursday social at Bellefleurs. And...this...was seen.



What...in all the planes, by all the gods...is...this thing? And why, moreover is it at Bellefleurs dancing?

In person it was worse. It had dripping intestines. It had flies. It was one day old. We have only the word of another random visitor that it was a she, because she--or it--never said word one to anyone. Just...danced...and...dripped...and...stank.

Why?



Seriously. Crowd shot in the ballroom. What stands out? Three guesses and the first two don't count.

Dear gods, I can't even. What in all the hells, I do not understand.

to deserve affection, to ever be enough for this existence

Okay, so no, this isn't AS bad as that fish-lipped, pouty, spraddle-hipped, twig-legged nightmare that was so popular a few years ago. And from the front this person was almost okay, save for that weird "Hi, my hips are dislocated" spread.



But from the back? OMG. Plus, she was a week old. I don't care if we're on an Adult sim, we're allowed to have rules, and our rules say, we don't care what you wear, but on ground level YOU WEAR CLOTHING, and any active bits are PUT AWAY.

So of course Miss One Week Old came in naked. I told her she needed to change into something, and she pulled her avatar into appearance. For TEN MINUTES. I finally asked if I could help, at all, and she poofed.

So, no longer my problem. But those hips are still disturbing.

in the circle 'round the kitchen table

I had mentioned a lingerie fashion show happening at Sakura sometime this week, and sadly, that's not going to happen. The first mention in notices was from Debi, a fellow Blossom:

"There was talk of a lingerie fashion show Sunday night after Salon. Left a message for Lynn letting her, know I could maybe do notices and stuff.

If we are adding a runway to the stage, I will hang a couple extra lights for the event."

And then, four hours later:

"Yes - there was talk of a fashion show, but I got the flu last week and am still fighting the effects of it. All of my projects stopped, and Kimi has been good enough to do Salons for me.

I was thinking of a lingerie dance this week, but no fashion show. We'll save that for a later event.

Lynn"

The CDC site tells me the flu--at least in the US--has gone pandemic, which is the first time I've ever heard of a pandemic disease not being automatically fatal. It's pandemic because it's so widespread, nearly everyone has had it, has it now, or will get it soon. Ack. But, because of that, there's been a lot of under-the-weather, which yes, can and does affect SL.

But don't despair! We're keeping the idea, it's just not going to be for Valentine's. We WILL bring this idea back around when everyone's feeling better, because it sounds too fun not to do.

And we're still planning a Valentine's raffle--the winning ticket buys the interested party an hour with the Blossom of their choice--but it may premiere later in this week, or next. (The raffle ball's at Sakura already, between the bar and the statues on the side table--AKA, our dance machine--but it's not active yet. Once it is, it'll run for at least one week to give everyone who wants one, a chance to get a ticket.) And we'll likely have a dance or get-together, either up at Sakura or down at Bellefleurs, the day the winning ticket's picked.

I'll keep you updated!

it came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter

I spent some few hours two days back, standing in front of the Bellefleurs estate, welcoming in any who happened by. Admittedly, we are nearing the height of the holiday season, so the days are slow, the nights are long, and precious little happens, at least here. Even so, there was a sense of rightness that I was choosing to spend time there, instead of frittering it away following random gift mentions in various groups.


(Standing outside the arched, open gates leading into Bellefleurs.)

Or spending it alone, a habit I've fallen into far too often of late. At least if there is no one with me at Bellefleurs, I still have the history of the place behind me: the echo of music slipping through the walls, the laughter of former patrons, the footfalls dimly heard in memory. Instead of the soft susurration of snowflakes falling, the rustle of branches on sleeping trees, surrounding the small, rustic cabin I put together on my own, with few furnishings never far from the floor and the fire.


(The processional hall inside Bellefleurs.)

I can't help it, I feel comfortable here. I'm still learning the dizzying variety of chairs in the salon, and which are better to leave to couples, which to singles; I'm still learning what everything does, and I don't even have my board up yet, because this all happened so suddenly. Miss Mimistrobell had told me that it would not be a quick process, that the staff of Bellefleurs liked to take their time to consider, and that I fully understood. Far better to take their time than to hire someone who really, truly, doesn't understand what they're trying to do. Because the Blossoms of Bellefleurs are not simply Courtesans for interested patrons; they strive to be Companions in the fullest sense of the word, friends to hearts in need, counselors if necessary, and supportive of each other as they ply their craft.


(In Bellefleur's music room, where most of the Salons are held.)

So, all in all, I thought I'd spend through the end of this month talking to various Blossoms, speaking with management, and perhaps having an intake interview to go over any final questions, to make the decision on whether or not to hire me, sometime in January of the new year. Instead, once I actually contacted Miss M., it seemed to be just a few days over a week. And the time between finally meeting and speaking with Miss Delilah Revnik, the other tireless manager of the Blossoms, and getting hired? About two hours, all told.


(At the back of the music room, the lighted picture displayer aimed at a mirror on the back wall. That is, again, Duchess Canning.)

I can't imagine how I impressed them; perhaps that's a flaw of mine, that I never see in myself what others see in me. What I do know is that I went in openly and honestly to this opportunity. Miss M. knows I have somewhat of a dark reputation, both on the mainland and through the steamlands; she knows that I have had some deeply personal battles with Caledonians of elevated status, and that I have enemies who, while they may or may not actively seek me harm, still exist, and still would likely view my presence with displeasure. She knows all this because I mentioned it to her. Miss R. knows some of this, too, because I told her as well.


(Upstairs, one of the very well-preserved medieval tapestries besides a carpeted walkway.)

I wanted no illusions; so I did not seek to hide in any way. I mentioned the shapeshifting (we're still working that out, as the Duchess is...well...somewhat humancentric, let's say), I mentioned the history, I mentioned mistakes I'd made and victories I'd achieved both. And what I gained for this honesty? While I will likely be seen in human guise, I have full permission to have changeable, odd eyes, strangely colored hair, and--assuming the timing is right--small, delicate horns or other non-human features. (Though I was looking forward to being the first catgirl on staff, after one appearance in neko guise, it was decided that was just too far beyond the pale for management, and I am accepting this with relative grace.)


(A room upstairs, that may be intended as a gaming room in future? The Duchess is always improving on things.)

And what have all these interchanges gained me? A place of employment, yes, but a place of employment I can truly call home, and...oh, the last time I had that feeling? The Enigma was still open! 2006 to now, to find another place to work that I could also count as a family, and a home? Rare indeed.


(Another room that is constantly in flux, the Duchess' office upstairs.)

And I truly feel like I'm settling in. It's less like a chore to "stand guard" at Bellefleurs, even if no one's there; partly because there's always something to sort in my inventory, so I'm not bored, but also, because it's just so relaxing being there.


(Carpets, artwork, and the rich wood paneling seen through a gilded archway at Bellefleurs.)

And you know, there are worse things. Even on days I don't have clients lined up, and currently, I don't have any in particular, it eases my soul to be on the grounds. And at every salon, every dance, I am learning, I am listening, and I am letting myself uncurl and relax, to grow again, to--not to use the pun--blossom, into the next stage of whatever I'm becoming this time.

There are worse things, and I've done them. This is not a worse thing, it's a right thing, a good thing, and how long has it been since the beginning of any path for me began with words like "good" and "right"? If nothing else, I am exactly where I need to be. And that is a lovely feeling, indeed.

all I want for Christmas

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas this year is this:



I will admit to you, Santa, I am sorely out of practice with things, as I have spent much of the last two years in a small cabin in the mountains, avoiding people. But I want to do better. And other people believe I can, as well, because they've recently hired me as an entertainer at a truly lovely establishment I want to see thrive. And I believe in myself enough that I am taking this leap of faith, and looking forward to rejoining the social whirl with lightness of heart and great anticipation. I've already attended two events at the mansion, and I had SO much fun. And I think owning this beautiful chair would really, really help--even if I just rezzed it out in my little cabin, it would give me practice at understanding menu systems again, and get me back into dancing. And I miss dancing, I really really do.

And it would give me a good excuse to have a practice partner...you know, just to help me learn things! And I really wouldn't mind that either...

I hope your holiday season is going well, and I promise, whether or not you agree that I've been good enough to get the chair, I'll leave out an extra gingerbread cookie just for you.

Sincerely,

Emilly

Hey, it never hurts to ask.

all the world is waiting for the sun

I attended the holiday dance at Bellefleurs, and had marvelous fun, but as I haven't had official confirmation on posting pictures of people who aren't actually staff...I'm being chary with the images I took. Discretion is a significant part of House Sakura, and as discretion hasn't been my strong suit in the past, I'm doing what I can to reinforce the impulse early, and often.


(At Bellefleurs for the Viennese Holiday Ball. Miss Lynn Mimistrobell is in pink, Duchess India Canning is in white, and I am in blue.)

Without actually being there, I'm not sure I can adequately describe how beautiful the Bellefleurs estate is. The wide expanse of green that surrounds it is really its own thing; but inside, where everything is burnished wood and medieval wall hangings, icons of saints, marble urns, gracefully appointed furnishings in gracefully appointed rooms...The place radiates beauty and warmth, and that's without talking to the staff.


(Another Duchess Canning in Tudor England, hanging above the ballroom's fireplace at Bellefleurs.)

And in the ballroom, for the Viennese ball, the pervading sense of warmth and charm had increased, if possible. Radiant lights on the evergreen, glittering candles, a sideboard groaning with a variety of delicate nibblements and sparkling drinkables on silk and brocade. And the dresses--for any lover of fashion, they were more than enough to get drunk on, by themselves.


(And my humanized self, dancing in front of the poinsettia display and fireplace at Bellefleurs.)

And I honestly expected to go in feeling tense, and nervous, and out of place, and instead, I came in feeling warmed, welcomed, and I had so much fun dancing the night away to a mix of Strauss, holiday standards, medieval pieces...and it all worked. Start to finish.

Even when the evening descended into one-punmanship, it was still fun. So much joy 'midst the glittering throng...

And at the end of the night, I was hired as a new Courtesan for the House of Sakura, so on the heels of all that joy, all that enjoyment, all that lovely wonder...the deep, abiding feeling that I am back to doing what feels right, and finding my way on my new path. This truly was a lovely holiday spectacle in many ways, and I am both humbled and thrilled to accept their offer.

So, while it is still in my nature to wander, far from where any eyes can find me...I'll be seen a fair amount at Bellefleurs from now on. And happy to be there, indeed.

signs of life from the smile on your face to the lines you rephrase

Tonight is the annual Viennese Holiday Ball at Bellefleurs:



I will admit, I am somewhat daunted. I do plan to attend, but...I'm not entirely sure what in my wardrobe qualifies as formal, these days! I do know it will quite likely be in tones of red and green, as I have been assiduously collecting holiday attire throughout December.

I suppose my little ragamuffin self will have to do the best I can...and leave the antlers and the painted skin behind, as I think this is also intended to be a genteel gathering of human sorts, and I...well. I've never been that, precisely.

But I'll find something. It will likely require a frenzy of unpacking, but I am undaunted. And I am quite looking forward to attending a formal dance again!

Oh, do I even remember how to waltz, still??

(Do remember: if you, also, plan to attend, that Bellefleurs sits on Adult land, though nothing overly lascivious will be seen at the ball, of course.)

by tomorrow dubbed a mystery and the past just blurry lines

I don't believe I've mentioned Bellefleurs yet.



Several months ago, I attended a series of salons--hosted one, even--in Babbage, and had a marvelous time. Struck up a conversation with one of the Blossoms from the House of Sakura, and she said I was more than welcome to visit.



And then time passed, as it does, as it will. Life in various worlds took precedence. I hadn't set the House of Sakura aside in my recollections, per se, as much as I'd just been overwhelmed by other fripperies.



Then Baron Wulfenbach contacted me, mentioning that the lady I'd spoken with at the Salon was still interested in talking further with me. At that point, the love life, with rather predictable regularity, had exploded into shrapnel yet again, and I was not equipped to sit and calmly discuss much of anything.



But in the last couple of weeks, things started to settle again. And I remembered the House of Sakura, so the next time I was in world, I contacted her. Which led to several conversations, and a few days ago, a delightful evening spent listening to selections from the Nutcracker suite.



It is staggeringly beautiful there. There are formal walking gardens, an En Garde area, and scattered here and there, benches and places to rest. They have a view of the ocean that nearly makes my heart weep.



I am definitely interested in attending more events there. I may even set aside blog space now and again to cover ongoing events. It could be very entertaining, and at the very least, it will give me more opportunities to wander the grounds of Bellefleurs, and admire the scenery.

The one thing visitors will need to know: Bellefleurs sits on an Adult island. There is nothing untoward in any behavior, there's nothing to send even the most prim and proper Victorian screaming from the sim...but, due to certain other activities the Blossoms of Sakura engage in, it must retain its Adult rating. But, with an open mind and an adventurous heart, I doubt this will daunt anyone looking for an evening of poetry, music or discussion.

I look forward to what happens next.