May Productions: Shorts & Creations!

As seems to end up being the norm, lately, I haven't been able to update Desperate Sims quite as often as I planned! At the start of the Season I'd hoped to get back into posting every 1-2 weeks, but May ended up being quite a busy little month for me!

I'm actually pretty happy to say--the lack of new episodes has been mostly due to focus on other projects, that I'm really happy I get to share with you guys! There's quite a lot to cover, so here we go!

Short Stories

There's a lot of "behind the scenes" moments in Desperate Sims that I can't really fit into the main storyline anymore, but all these little life excerpts are very important to the back-story and the characters. I know some of you guys miss seeing the rest of the family, and this is a great way to let you know what they're up to without diverging too much from the plot.

I really wanted to try and do full-fledged posts on some of these, but I've been finding that this format--dialogue only--is a lot more constructive on helping me get the point out quickly and effectively. This way, I can do lots of them quite easily! Most of these I was able to put together within a day--which, I know doesn't seem all that important with how short they are, but when you're like me and just want to get these "moments" out of my head and into yours ASAP, it is really helpful!

I hope you guys enjoy them!

Lilobot's Happy-Fun-Time Adventure

Click here to read!

I've already linked to this, but I recently finished it, so now would be a good time to go back and re-read it from start to finish. The "comic book" style was quite a lot of fun to do, so I'll probably try it again in the future, but it was also a bit of work--which is why it took me so long to feel up to finishing.

As I've mentioned before: this short is about Lilobot's disappearance right after she transferred to her new body! It just wouldn't be Lil if she didn't go off and do something crazy--so, this sort of explains why she was late to Amelia's wedding.

Margo and Kory Go to Barnacle Bay

Click here to read!

I'm not sure if I can consider this as much of a short as a compilation of Margo's thoughts on their travels. It includes two of her "blog" posts, as well as several photos and snippets of what they got up to while they were there.

It's not really a short, but because it talks a bit about how Travis' family is doing, I figured it was important to include!

Growing

Click Here to Read!

The first of the 'mini-shorts', Growing is a small tale about the newest member of the Kane family. Even though Amelia and Naomi's story is over, it's important to show that their life together really is just beginning--and it just wouldn't be the same if they didn't start a family of their own.

Rest in Peace

Click Here to Read!

Not to worry--this mini-short isn't laying either Jeb OR Meredith to rest--just their peace of mind! I always felt that Chandra's ghost never got the ending she deserved (only a brief mention in back in Season 4), and it was about time that the family's matriarch handled the literal skeleton in the closet.

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I still have plans to do many-many more of these, since they're nice and easy and fast to do! In fact, I already have a couple of ideas of doing some "flashback" ones, about Jeb and Meredith when they were younger! If you have any that you would like to see, feel free to toss me a suggestion! I have no idea when I'll get to making more, but they're a nice diversion from everything else, so I hope you like them as much as I like making them. :)

Ask Margo

I'm not sure if this really deserves mention, but the Tumblr version of Yours Truly, Margo has turned into what appears to be the perfect location to offer Margo advice and ask her questions! She's gotten quite a few!

Click the picture to read Darcy's question about Meredith.

Click here to read them all!

If you'd like to ask your own questions or leave your suggestion for future topics for Margo to talk about, Tumblr is the best place to do it--and you don't need an account to leave an anonymous message. Naturally, you can still ask questions/offer advice on the Blogspot blog, though. It's totally up to you!

I'd also like to mention. When I first started YTM, the main purpose was to provide a place for Margo to hold "polls" about what she should do about certain things--and I certainly have not forgotten about that. There's a lot of future decisions you guys will be helping her make, but it will take some time for her to reach those points, so be patient!

In the meantime--there's several suggestions I've received I still have plans to do (Chrysame suggested she write a letter to Brad to tell him how she's feeling; an Anon on Tumblr asked her to write more about school), so keep your eyes open for those, and keep your mind open for suggestions you'd like to make, yourself!

Downloads, Galore!

I've been quite busy making things and sharing things, but I have not yet announced them here, so here you guys go:

Pose Packs

Download Basic Riding Poses

Download Awkward Moments Pose Pack

Download Love & Horses Pose Pack

Download Show Jumping Pose Pack

I'll be making more pose packs in the future as I have the need for certain poses; unfortunately though, this is one thing I will probably not be asking for suggestions on very often. If you want to use the ones I've made though, just make sure to download the Pose Player and install it along with the packs!

Sims

The following sims are downloadable in a .zip file which includes all CC; the CC, however, is optional, so you do not need to install it if you do not wish to use it. (You'll need to replace their skin and hair in CAS, but that's an easy fix!)

To install the sims: simply put the .sim file into your Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\SavedSims folder.

Download Margo Kane (Teen Version)

Download Ian Pesce

Download Lilobot Kane

Download Travis Kane & Family (Updated Version)

Lots

Not many lots; these are just two lots that have been updated for Showtime! (Notes on what EPS you should probably have for them are located in their descriptions.)

To install them, make sure you place the .package file in your Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Library folder.

Bubble Buzz (Updated for Showtime)

Red Rendezvous (Updated for Showtime & Late Night)

Actions

For those of you who use Photoshop to edit screenshots, you may be familiar with Actions and how they work. Finding actions that look good on Sims screenshots is difficult, though, so I've started to make a few of my own. This is the first one, there will probably be more in the future! (Note: These probably require Photoshop CS to use.)

Download Photoshop Action Here

Competitions!

Ever since Equus Sims opened up their forums, I've been keeping pretty busy over there giving advice on making poses, getting involved with the amazing equine community, and entering in some of the competitions that have been held! I've even hosted my very own, which I'm currently working on judging/prizes for, so if you're curious about that, keep an eye on this thread!

But as for the competitions I've entered, here's a few of pictures from entries I submitted:

As you can see, Margo (and Daisy) have been keeping quite busy, even though in the story they technically haven't learned to ride, yet. They will soon, though! They will soon.

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Alright guys, that's it for now! I'm going to start working on DS's next episode sometime tonight; hopefully I will have it finished by this weekend.

Thank you guys for having never-ending patience with me! I really hope to get back to answering your comments soon, as well as of course continuing on the story. You guys are amazing--I am thankful for each and every one of ya! *mwah!*

Cheers~!

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To Barnacle Bay!

Guess what?! Desperate Sims's latest episode--! ... is still not quite finished. Doh!

I had grandeous plans to get it finished this weekend, but after getting horrendously fed up with my game I did a complete reinstall of my game and cleaned out a TON of CC. It wasn't even CC I'd ever used--it just came with the town of Redcliffs, which I unceremoniously tossed out the door as well because, as cool as it looks, is too darn big and glitchy to play in.

Now, you might remember, Redcliffs is where Travis and his family moved to... But I didn't want to just leave them hanging. So, I moved them to Barnacle Bay instead! (Story-wise, whether he transferred teams again or moved there originally, I haven't quite decided yet. I'll figure that out as I go.)

I didn't want to just plop them into town and run off, though, so I spent yesterday evening building them a house! I'm not sure if I'll upload it, yet, but even if not--here's a tour!

Front

Back Patio

Back Patio + Pool

Entryway

Dining Room

Kitchen

Study (right off of kitchen/dining)

Living Room

Living Room, again

The "Man Cave" (Basement)

Other Side of Man Cave

Master Bedroom

Girls' Bedroom

Boy's Bedroom

Guest Room

As you can see, I tried to go for a more 'beachy' theme to fit living in Barnacle Bay; it also gave me a good excuse to use a lot of store content I'd been sitting on. Several of these sets were gifted to me by readers, so thankyouthankyouthankyou to you guys--you know who you are!

This is officially up for download! Click here!

Now, as for the family...

Travis is doing well; he hasn't really meshed with his new teammates yet but he's trying to focus more on his family than his work, anyways.

Unfortunately, he hasn't stopped drinking--and much to Jade's dismay, he's learning how to make his own drinks. She's hoping he steps back before he turns into a full-on alcoholic...

They are still getting along, though. Travis hasn't relented on trying to fix their marriage--and Jade is slowly starting to put everything in the past and trust him again. She still freaks out every now and then, but she's not turning down his advances, anymore.

As for Jade--she's starting to consider dropping her career in the military and take up something a little more part-time; she's already starting to look at applying as a personal trainer at the local gym. Money isn't an issue so much anymore, with how much Travis makes.

Speaking of money--they both rolled a wish to go to France, so once they can afford it they're getting the honeymoon they never had.

Gracie is growing into practically the spitting image of Meredith, though she's got a bit more the personality of her great-grandmother. She's a Snob, which means she's *constantly* drawn to the table to 'preside over royal court', but since she's also got the Good trait we'll assume she's a fair and just ruler.

She'll be growing up to a teen soon, but I haven't quite decided what I'll pick for her fourth trait... but you'll have to assume it's something a little gnarly since her other three are quite good.

Sally's a bit of a trouble-maker, on top of being a bit of a tomboy at this point in her life. She's messy and a little too forward for everyone's liking, but she warms up to most people pretty easily.

Even though she's not quite as tender-hearted as her big sister, Sally doesn't turn up her nose at her cousin; she's constantly on the phone to Margo, and is currently working on convincing her to come visit them sometime soon.

Sally's also super closer to her big brother, who finds her antics incredibly entertaining.

Owen's settling into Barnacle Bay a lot faster than anyone else is, and that's probably because of this gal right here: Fern. They became best friends quite fast, and then she decided to take things one step further--they went on one outing together, and the second she started flirting with him it became a date. I was rather amused by that. ^^ I'm not sure if they'll become "official", though; I think she's incredibly cute, but I'm not sure how I feel about her traits.

As for Owen--he's thinking about heading into the military, even before school is finished, via boarding school; he's got high hopes of becoming an astronaut, someday, but he inherited his mother's clumsiness so he's not sure if he'll ever make it that far.

Anyways, that's what's going on with them! (And here's a cute family photo. ^^)

I'm probably going to be playing with them quite a bit on the side, to keep their ages parallel to my main save, and as a bit of a diversion from doing anything really story-oriented. If you'd like you see what goes on with them, though, I'll probably post quite a few shots on my tumblr.

And of course, when has there ever been a Kane home built without Meredith behind the wheel? Naturally, she flew out to come help them decorate and settle in. (And yes--there is a copy of the rest of the Kanes living in BB, because I fully expect the family to visit as often as they can!)

No promises on when the next story update will come out, although I am hoping to get a huge chunk done tomorrow! I've honestly just been enjoying actually *playing* with my Kanes--especially with Travis & Co, who've been quite neglected lately. Hope y'all can forgive me. ;)

Also, real quick: there's still a few stories I haven't gotten caught up on (namely Six Degrees and Dreams Upon a Pillow, I think there may be a few others though) and I just wanted to let you guys know I plan on reading your posts ASAP! I have been all over the place lately and it's been difficult getting to the stories I love, but I'd rather savor them when I have the time then rush through reading them.

I think that about wraps it up, so--y'all'll see me again veddy soon! *mwah!*

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Exchange Item: The Blue Bottega & Kane Family

I was planning on leaving this 'til after I was finished with the storyline, but I wanted to just get them up already. I know, I know, I'm impatient. What can I say, I'm just excited to be done with these things. :)

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Alright, the first thing I uploaded is my newest community lot for Twinbrook; as you may recall from earlier in the Season, Meredith decided to renovate an old house in town and turn it into an Art Studio.

Since this building will likely be used as a set quite a lot in the coming Seasons, I worked really hard trying to give it as "Meredith-y" a feel as I could; crazy, wild color combinations, thrift-store-like mishmash of decorations, but with a cozy feel that makes the place more about relaxing and community than just workworkwork.

The Blue Bottega

http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3854565

bot-te-ga [boh-tey-guh] :: the studio of a master artist, in which lesser artists, apprentices, or students learn by participating in the work

Epic name, right? XD Also follows in the trend of name Twinbrook lots with alliterated adjective titles: The Red Rendezvous, the Steel Stallion, yada yada. Now I just need the Yellow Yowler or something... Hm. I don't wanna know what kind of lot THAT would be. Anyways.

You may recognize the building if you've ever played Riverview; instead of trying to build my own lot or find one suitable in Twinbrook, I chose the 'Wrap-Around Deck' house that's built into a corner in one of the neighborhoods of Riverview. I've always loved that house, but never actually used it for any of my Sims... So I'm glad I finally found a use for it.

Since it's technically a business, the first thing you'll encounter when walking through the door is the alcove where you can purchase things people have made (well, in your imagination), or you can really purchase things by heading over to the Register, which is the Consignment Store register, so it does spawn a townie to work there (though I'll probably use the Register mod to assign a Sim living in town at some point).

I figured it'd be useful to have there to consign off stuff that Sims have made while painting/sculpting here.
Since this image doesn't show a lot, here's the full image, that shows how the counter is oriented towards the front door and the sculpting room.

I was pretty amused to find that my town's NPCs actually used the sculpting wheels when left to their own devices. There's only two in here, but there's another hidden away in the garage if there's a sculptor about who wants some privacy.

The painting room is up on the second floor, which makes it easier to get a nice view of the surrounding area (and consequently let in a lot of natural light for the painters). I originally had the lot placed next to the river, so it had a pretty nice view, but I later moved it to get it a more accessible location in town... The view still isn't too bad though.

This seems to be everyone's favorite room over at TSS, and I can't blame them. The color combo is very... 'uneclectic' compared to the rest of the building, but still pretty vibrant. And that maroon is pretty wicked.

This is also sort of the "landing" right when you come up the stairs. It has a dollhouse tucked around the corner as well (which is actually more for Meredith herself than any visiting kids), but basically this is either where you dump your kids when you go to paint, or where you come to crash with some friends.

I know this isn't a color scheme that anyone would really be all that wild about (omg, it's a carrot!) but ever since I saw a home-design show where they used a "Tuscan" color scheme (oranges, yellows, greens and browns; bright organic colors), I wanted to do it myself. Since the whole purpose of this studio is to be "off the wall" and take artistic liberties, I went for it.

Why is there a kitchen in an art studio, you ask? So the artists don't become starving artists, durh! ^^

You can see that the kitchen (and the sculpting room, to the "right" of the frame) lead onto the patio, where there's more easels. And, as you can see, my town's NPCs were have some fun right before I took these shots.

Further down off the deck; here's a little platform, where there are more easels, and a couple of chairs for observers.

You can also see the garage door, that leads into a garage that's basically just filled with crates and a sculpting wheel. It's the storage facility for all the art supplies, o'course! It serves no actual purpose except as a set.

That's the extent of the "formal" images for the lot, but if the limited angles leave you wanting to see more, you can view the entire WIP album for the lot here.

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This is *definitely* preemptive, but since Season 6 is rolling out around the corner I've uploaded the family again, except this time it's on the "next generation", in Legacy terms.

Now their baby's name won't be a surprise or anything, but that's okay.

http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=3854286

This is also the first time I've uploaded Alesha, but if anyone has a hankering for her as just a single sim, keep an eye on my studio because I'll be uploading her as one relatively soon.

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Hopefully both these items work, since I seem to have that problem rather frequently; if anyone gets the hankering to download them, please let me know if they install properly or not.

Story will resume soon, once I get some sleep and take care of my severely neglected house. Stupid dirty dishes. I curse thee! *mutter*

Anywhos, cheers!

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