Perfectly still this solstice morning,
in bone-cracking cold. Nothing moving,
or so one might think, but as I walk the road,
the wind held in the heart of every tree
flows to the end of each twig and forms a bud.
~ “December 21, Clear and five degrees” by Ted Koozer, lyrics to “Perfectly Still This Solstice Morning” by Maria Schneider, performed by Dawn Upshaw
A few years ago, Ted Koozer, who was Poet Laureate of the US from 2004 to 2006, was treated for cancer and was told that he could not be exposed to sunlight for a year after his radiation, so he took walks in the early morning for his health and to avoid the sun. He lives in eastern Nebraska, and anyone who knows plains’ weather, it can be damn cold in the winter. A challenge from his friend, Jim Harrison, became a set of poems on postcards sent each day, which became the book Winter Morning Walks. Maria Schneider subsequently wrote music to these poems, and Dawn Upshaw, one of my favorite sopranos, sings the poems to her music. (She had been treated for breast cancer herself.) This album was just released, and the poems and music are quietly beautiful and have a purpose for me.
Fashion for Life 2013 is about to start, and while I am not involved in it this year, I still support its purpose, which is to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society in SL, under the Relay for Life program. While this year is quite the extravaganza with fashion shows and elaborate builds, the core of it is still the community organization to support Relay for Life. Each designer participating is offering creations for which 100% of proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. The participants also had to contribute a substantial fund to the donations. Many have been personally affected by cancer for themselves of loved ones. So it’s an event worth visiting.
One of the sponsors this year is Poulet Koenkamp. Poulet is generously offering three dresses in limited colors as her contribution for the cause. One is this beautiful dress in purple, adorned with roses that trail down the body. Poulet was a sponsor last year and I recall her store was beautifully done and her creations generously offered. It would be worth a visit to see her work.
My hair is also an offering for Fashion for Life, this from Mirja Mills, another sponsor. I have seen a preview of her offerings and all are elaborate combinations of mesh, flexi and sculpty with braids and gems and other adornments. Mirja had a great store as well with hair and clothing both, and I look forward to seeing what she has to offer this year.
My skin is one of Tricky Boucher’s for the Whore Couture fair, another gorgeous skin that is worth a visit to the event. And my eyes, oh my eyes! New ones from Ikon Innovia!! I am so happy to see he is releasing more!
How important it must be
to someone
that I am alive, and walking,
and that I have written
these poems.
This morning the sun stood
right at the end of the road
and waited for me.
Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * SEMIRAMIS*/naturals2 by Mirja Mills for EMO-tions, available at Fashion for Life *
Skin: -Belleza- Amy Sk BBB 0 (Blonde) by Tricky Boucher for-Belleza-, skin available at Whore Couture *
Eyes: IKON Lucid Eyes – Machine (ML) by Ikon Innovia for IKON *
Dress: :: PM :: Marzia Gown in Purple Skirt by Poulet Koenkamp for PurpleMoon Creations, available at Fashion for Life *
Poses by Rogan Diesel for DieselWorks Animations *
P.S. Why am I not doing Fashion for Life? I am going to Disneyworld! (Really!)