Girl’s Night Out

by Rose_Blossom

 
 

 I was working late the other night, trying to come up with some ideas for a new article so that I could make my next deadline.  There weren’t any “breaking news” stories, and I haven’t received any invitations lately to any real big events!  Nothing was coming through for me!  *ripping out hair!*  I was dreaming of a bubble bath, a cup of tea and curling up in front of a TV playing a nice long movie. 

The phone rang!  “Hello?” 

It’s me! SazzyPants!  Hey, TommyStone has to work tomorrow, so I wondered if you wanted to spend the day with me, and go have some fun!  Ya know?  Do some shopping, get a make-over done?  Maybe go out for a little dancing?”   *Snicker*  “Boy, you don’t know how ready I am for something like that!  But I don’t know how to dance,” I told her.  “WHAT?  That’s nonsense!  Come over to my house, we’ll teach you how to line dance!  You’ll be dancing like a pro in no time!” she assured me.  What did I have to  lose….exCEPT my reputation!  ROFL!!!

When I arrived at Sazzy’s house, we some coffee and got caught up on what we’ve been doing.  Wouldn’t you know that she pulls out about 3 full racks of her clothes for us to try on?  I was in hog heaven!  We then talked about some very interesting things about her that I’ll bet nobody knew. 

For instance, I was curious about how she and TommyStone met, and asked her about it.  “His cousin introduced Tommy and me over ten years ago at a Country Western club. I was fairly new to Texas, having just moved there. His cousin was one of the first people I had met and became one of my best friends. She and I would go out to on the weekends and that is when I had met Tommy.”

“It was pretty funny. He and his friends were playing pool, I think I had maybe played a dozen times in my entire life. Anyway, his cousin piped up with the challenge that she and I would play partners against Tommy and his buddy. They thought they had the game won before even starting. His cousin and I ended up winning and from that time on they teased me, saying I would innocently say I didn’t know how to play but then play like a pool shark. Little did they know I honestly couldn’t play worth a darn his cousin had made most of the shots I just happen to make the winning ball. Nine years of marriage and two beautiful children later we are still going strong…but he still won’t play pool with me. LOL”

Then I wondered how they got started in There together. “Well, Tommy was the first to THERE,” she said.  “He played TSO for sometime before coming here. He had heard about it from his friends and gave it a try. He was hooked immediately. It took him about a month to convince me to try it. We had never really played in other "worlds" together so it was an interesting experience. It became very refreshing to be able to spend time together, meet new people, and make some of our best friends here in an online game. We have two young children so our "going out" time has really diminished. There has given us a new common interest and a way to "go out" with out having to find a babysitter.  We have lived in other worlds together since There, but we both prefer to spend the majority of our time here. For me, designing in other worlds has broadened our horizon but nothing can compare to There.”

While we talked, she was letting me try on some of her casual ensembles, and then some of her formal couture!  It was quite an honor.  Everything made me feel so beautiful and sophisticated…I was instantly curious about her designs and what inspired her to create such such vision and sense of chic style for Therian women.

“I knew immediately upon coming to There I wanted to design, one of the convincing factors to coming to the game was the ability to design clothing. I had watched Tommy do it and due to his encouragement I tried it. Once I started designing we decided to become a design team that is how DragonFly Designs came about. From that point on we have always worked as a team. For me, designing, is extremely relaxing. It has become a way to clear my mind from a busy day.”

“But, come on, Sazzy!  You don’t just pick up a pen and turn out a masterpiece like this!!!” I said, gazing at my reflection in the mirror wearing her exclusive Elegant in Green Gown and Top. “It’s true!  I have no formal training whatsoever in any type of graphic art or fashion design,” she explained. “In fact, until I started designing for There I had no experience with any type of paint programs. I was lucky to find the start button on my computer; I am truly "computer dysfunctional". The only training I have received is from Tommy. He has spent endless hours patiently explaining, sometimes several times, every thing I know about designing. He still teaches me new things all the time.”

“Sazzy, what would be the one phrase that you would use to describe your vision…your expression with your designs and what you hope they will bring to the world?”  Sazzy paused, then blushed, “I don’t know that I can think of one certain phrase that describes my designs. Maybe, everyday clothing that is sexy but feminine? I don’t think I have just one style. I do try to do things I would like to wear in real life, some of the clothing my husband wouldn’t let me out of the house wearing, LOL, but for the most part I do a lot of every day items. I try to bring to the world items that are affordable but fashionable. ”

I asked her what her FIRST design looked like, and then I asked her what her FAVORITE design was.  “My first design I think was called "Victorian Butterfly" It is just awful LOL but I was very proud of it at the time.”  Then she said, “My favorite design? I am constantly learning new tricks and finding ways to improve, so my favorite item changes all the time. Something new comes out and it becomes my new favorite. Right now it would have to be the "Bonita Maria" outfit.”

I couldn’t ever imagine Sazzy designing anything she hated.  “Oh my gosh,  (it happens) all the time!!!  I am very critical of anything I do. Once I see an item in world I usually find some type of flaw in it. I’m always wishing I had seen the problem before I had submitted it for approval.”

Then I wondered about how she creates her designs…what is her process when a little spark pops into that head of hers, and what makes the idea start?  “I usually design things I would like to wear. I do get a lot of great ideas from friends that give me helpful suggestions. I’ll see what types of items women are wearing most; for example capri’s, flare pants, hot pants etc.”  Then she added, “Usually I don’t think about it too much until I sit down at the computer and say… "Ok I think I want to design tonight". Occasionally if something comes to me when I’m not at the computer I’ll sketch it out. Before I start anything I try to envision the item complete. I try to see it in my mind how it would look on my avie.  From there I start creating.  I have gotten in to a rhythm starting with one part of the body then working to the next.”  

“But where do you get most of your ideas,” I asked her. “I mostly get ideas from magazines, I believe it is the easiest way to keep up on what is new in the real world.  I do see a lot of great things on TV and try to imitate them but it is much harder to do from a moving picture rather than studying from a still shot such as a magazine.”

I was amazed at the number of items that Sazzy has in Auctions.  That amounts to quite a bit of fees and income. I asked her how she felt about the upcoming proposed changes to the submission guidelines and developer fee schedule.  She was very honest and outspoken with me.

“I honestly think the proposed fee schedule will do a lot of harm to the economy.  In my humble opinion the scales have been completely unbalanced.  From a business point of view I can see why they would want to adjust some of the fees but why such a drastic change? Some may say the proposed fee schedule is in the clothing designers’ advantage but in the long run I believe the change will hurt everyone especially those who are trying to break into the design/builder world. 

It is amazing to see the new builder items coming to world and the animation is just fantastic.  I believe to get new members, which in turn means more revenue, these types of items must keep coming.  Our little world is growing by leaps and bounds in respect to design/building items.  These items are what keep most people interested in the game. It also attracts those who might be on a trial account, just here to see what THERE is all about.  Raising the submission so drastically seems, to me, like "biting hand that feeds the mouth."

To be completely fair to the employees of THERE, I don't know of any other online game that would listen so intently to its members regarding a company pricing change.  What do you think SL or TSO would do if they announced a pricing change and their members did not agree with it?  Would they listen intently willing to work out the kinks, meet in world to discuss the different aspects or would they just say.. "Oh well too bad, live with it"  In that respect I think we all should be happy THERE is willing to work with its members and willing to listen to our concerns.”

“Do you have any other interests in There besides designing? Sports? Racing? Cards?”  I looked her in the eye, over my coffee, “What does SazzyPants like to do in here spare (???) time?”

“There are so many things I love to do here. First and fore most would be Buggy racing. I’m so hooked on it. The rush of adrenaline, the shaky hands when it’s a rated race, the flash of disappointment when your buggy shows it’s underside too many times during a race and the occasional thrill of coming across the finish line first. WHAT A RUSH!!! LOL!

Tommy had formed his own race team, the Blue Devilz, in which I have become heavily involved. Last season was my first season competing in TABR. I didn’t do well at all but had a blast. Recently we have been doing Elimi-Racing, which is another well-organized weekly racing event, sponsored by the Blue Devilz and ZMW.

I have met some great people and made so many wonderful friends on the racetrack. This is usually where you can find me, on some race track some where.”

We decided to get some exercise and fresh air.  First we went for a walk around her grounds at  the lovely new House that TommyStone had built for her by B&C Designs.  It’s an amazing 7-room Victorian “cottage” that graces the cliffs of North Congrejo, with the view of the ocean on one side, and a view of their FunZone on the other side.  You can visit the Blue Devilz Raceway and see Sazzy’s and Tommy’s new house (you could get an invitation to join her on the porch for lemonade!) 

THEN, we planned to go out to a club and go dancing.  Not knowing anything about line dancing or country and western hoe-downs, I asked Sazzy to teach me.  She was very good! In no time, we were stompin’ and steppin’ with the best dancers in There!  

The wonderful day I had spent with Sazzy was sadly coming to an end.  We went back to her place and shared a last cup of herbal tea and talked a lot, and she reflected a little.  I asked her about what advice she would give to an avie starting out in There, who might be considering designing.  “If you are interested in designing, go for it!!  It is so thrilling to see something in world that you have created. A lot of useful information can be found on the THERE Developers site that will get anyone started. If possible find a mentor that is willing to help talk you through problems or questions you might have.”   

“Sazzy,” I asked, “Why do you like There?  What does There mean to you?”  Without any hesitation, she said, “(There) offers so much to all its members. No matter what you are interest in, you are sure to find someone else that share that same interest.  I love it because it gives my husband and I a new hobby to share.  Most of all I love There because it has given me the opportunity to meet new life-long friends.”

I told Sazzy how much the day had meant to me and we both agreed to do it again very soon.  Then I asked if it would be okay, I would like to write an article about our day.  She was delighted with the idea, “I would just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported DragonFly Designs.  Everyone whom we have met has been extremely encouraging to Tommy and myself.  I would also like to thank the writers and everyone associated with The Voice for giving the members of THERE such a classy and informative reporting of our "little world"” 

What a great lady!  Thanks, Sazzy!  (And thanks TommyStone for bringing Sazzy to There!.... I promise, no more paintball guns!)