"Monarch of Miracles" By David J. Reid aka "Shardz" Software used: Poser 6, Vue 5 Infinite, Photoshop CS *~* Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! *~* It's that time of year again to celebrate with family and friends; to reminisce the past and to welcome the future. For some, this is the greatest time of the year filled with happiness and the din of anxious children stirring about. For others, it's a time of reckoning and can be very difficult emotionally and financially to cope with life's harsh realities. Then there are those who are completely indifferent and feel nothing either way. In all cases, a lot of things are beyond our control and there is a greater power out there which governs us and allows miracles to transpire. I define a miracle as a suspension of hope and faith that is realized beyond our comprehension or belief, and these occurences happen every day all over the world. It is always the time to embrace the kind human spirit that inspires peace and well being and to reach out to others in need, not just Christmas. For the troops who spend this season in the warzones; their miracle will be to come home safely and see their mission of peace finalized. When there is hope and faith, anything can happen and dreams can come true. I wish everyone the very best holiday season this year into the next, and I give thanks for sharing with you this year. I'd like to thank all my incredible friends, staff, and admin here for the support and inspiration to continue forward. Push the envelope and let it rip in 2007! *~* Image Notes *~* It was a small miracle I finished this before 2007! *Laffs* I really worked hard on this scene being the final post of the year; and I wanted to create an environment with a European style with a healthy splash of fantasy for good measure. Some technical notes of interest include the caustics on the bridge and outfit elements that I painted/manipulated, lighting (26 point lights-2 spots-1 sun), my custom lamp models, and the fountains and effects I created. Definitely an exercise in patience, but it came out exactly how I envisioned. Next year I'd like to explore other avenues and try something different, but it seems I say that every year. *Cough* It's still Christmas Day here and my apologies to my international friends if this seems late, but we're just getting started here! *Laffs* For now, this is my final magic flinging for 2006 (Yay!)! Happy holidays and I'll see you all next year! *~*~* Credits List *~*~* *~* Retail Stuff *~* Ann0314 & MutedBanshee - Angelik Days Daz3D - Victoria V3 SR2 & Morph Packs Daz3D - Fantasy Wrap 2 Daz3D - Around the World for FW2 Daz3D - Funeral of Hearts Designfera - Fairies Dave71 - V3 Genie (Ring - Modified Textures) B.V.H. - The Last Princess (Skirt - Modified Textures) B.V.H. - Princess of Sparta (Thighbands - Modified Textures) B.V.H. - Princess of the Elves (Headband - Modified Textures) Vali & Lory - Queen Esmeralda (Arm & Wrist Bands, Crown) Danie & Marforno - Sarina's Patio (Plants) Danie & Marforno - Elaya's Asylum (Braziers) Face_Off & Morris - HyperReal V3 (Shader Only) Sprinter - V3 Sensation for P5 (Poses - Modified) Wyrmmaster - 2005 Sexy Solo Spellcaster (Poses - Modified) Shardz - Elven Elegance (Lamps, Ring - Left Hand) Shardz - Methods of Magic (Fog, Fire, Smoke, Water & Magic) Xurge3D - Scrolls Mage (Pauldrons, Shoes - Modified Textures) *~ Free Stuff ~* Lully - Hair Layers Kozabora - Updo Hair Daz3D - Bridge of Pontus Daz3D - RHS Wall Section Daz3D - Cyclopean Construction Kit UweG - Belly Chain (Heavily Modified) CBro - Nails Mania (2005 Holiday Giveaway) Michael Nowakowski - Tengwar Formal Font (Elvish Writing) Dreampaint - Dharmilia (Earrings, Necklace - Modified Textures) Thank you very much for your time and kind support, as always!