@sweetpyxels Good men ARE hard to find. That’s so true. I am still not convinced that he’s a good person, but then again I barely know him. I guess that’s what dating is all about. Well, that, and it’s also sorta fun? :D
@drawing-way-outside-the-lines That’s a great idea about bringing him lunch! Heaven knows he’s brought me food often enough this past week, lol. Definitely going to try that. Thank you so much for the suggestion. ♥ Also, do you think he was fishing? I never considered that before… Hm, now that you mention it, I think he must have been. Oh god, I am terrible at the whole flirting thing, haha.
@gruesim *tackle hugs* I wish I was more like you! <3 I am a basket case of emotions, and all too often I let my heart control my decisions without letting my brain weigh in first. I did attempt to tell him that I liked him, but he didn’t seem to believe me. He seemed to think that I was just being nice.
@hunterthewriterworld You have no idea how much I appreciate you saying that you don’t mind my updates! Sharing with you guys has been such a huge comfort to me. Y’all make me feel like less of a fool, and your advice has truly been a godsend. <3
@owly-sims Owly! Thank you so much for your encouragement! I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to have the support of my friends. *hugs*
@simnights ROFL! “…until the wedding.” Oh god, no. No, no, no. As I’ve said from the beginning, this man is out of my league. I am enjoying the flirting and kissing, but for all I know he has five kids, an evil ex-wife, and girlfriends in five other states. :P But for real, thank you for your support. I appreciate it so much.
@ktarsims True words of wisdom. <3 But yeah, I am trying very, very hard to have no expectations, and I think (so far) I am succeeding. The chemistry that we have together is fun, but as for a relationship that can wait. Also, thank you for the reminder about not letting him pressure me. I am going to do my best to take thing slow, and I hope he will respect that.
@iamg-knee :D LOL, thank you! I feel a tad guilty posting about a real life person like this, but not guilty enough to stop. XD So glad you don’t mind all the non sims content! ♥
@technicallyswagpizza OMG, that is an awesome Valentine’s card! What a way to start a relationship, I love it! <3 I didn’t think this guy had even really seen/noticed me until he gave me that note on Valentine’s Day, and even then I thought maybe he was just being nice. I never liked the holiday much before, but is it too cheesy to admit that I sorta love it now? :D
@lilidebergerac I seriously hadn’t even considered that he was fishing with his comment about never having been rejected for a kiss before, but once y’all said that it was like a lightbulb moment. I am soooo not suited for this flirting thing. XD In regards to telling him how good he smells, I felt like such a fool, but considering the events that have unfolded since it does seem like he took it okay. *blush*
@martinessimblr I don’t like having the power, rofl! But thank you again for being so supportive and giving me such excellent advice. <3 I’d be so totally lost without you guys, sad as that sounds. (I haven’t told any of my IRL friends about this, as it could get back to my family and/or my boss. Neither of whom would approve.)
@simsaralove Thank you! I feel guilty about sharing so much non sims stuff on here, but it’s been incredibly therapeutic, if that makes sense. I don’t feel so confused and alone after talking to you guys about this stuff. <3
@amuhav A romcom, haha! But I hope you’re right that he is a genuine guy. It’s just… I’m still not sure what he sees in me. I’ve spent so much of my life being ignored by (and ignoring) the opposite sex. His attention is just so foreign to me!
@batsheba My life has been devoid of (real life) romance for the past ten years, which is part of the reason why I’m so nervous around him. I don’t know how to act, or what to say, or anything. I’m absolutely terrified of embarrassing myself. But I’ll try to keep y’all updated, for sure. You guys are a blessing, and I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your support in particular. Just, thank you. ♥
@asimplekindoflifestyle Y’all are going to make me cry! ;-; That’s so sweet of you! Thank you for caring. It honestly means the world to me. <3
@remysims Remy! *hugs* It’s so good to see you here! I can’t stop laughing at “the male species likes hearing how good they smell.” LMAO, you called that one, bahaha. I thought I’d fucked it up, but considering what happened Friday (he kissed me again *blush*) he must have taken it the right way. :D
@mysimsloveaffair I’m so glad that you don’t mind these posts! Truly. It’s awesome to have someplace to share my experiences, but what’s even more amazing is having friends who are willing to not only put up with it but support and encourage me. Just… thank you so, so much. *hugs*
@muses-circle Scary seems like an understatement, but you’re right. I can’t allow my fears to rule my life, and even though I’m terrified of getting hurt I’ll regret it if I don’t try. As usual, you have the best advice. Thank you. ♥♥♥
Replies below the cut, but first I just want to say thank you all so, so, SO much for your advice and support. I can’t even begin to express how much it means to me. I know this sounds corny as hell, but I would be lost without you guys.
@wannabecatwriter I think he seems pretty cool too, but that’s the problem, lol. I don’t know why such a cool guy would flirt with me of all people, especially when there are far more attractive women in our building. But thank you for the encouragement! It means a lot to me.
@hunterthewriterworld Thank you so much for the great advice. What you said about enjoying/exploring life is exactly what I needed to hear. All too often my anxiety takes over and tells me to hide from new experiences, but I made a promise to myself that this year I’d try to break out of my comfort zone. After all, what’s life without a little adventure? :D
@sweetpyxels I completely agree. It is tricky. I just don’t want to get hurt, and I haven’t dated in so long that I’m scared of reading him/the situation incorrectly. I was burned by some bad experiences when I was younger, and I’d since resigned myself to spinsterhood with my sims for company. XD I don’t know what his intentions are, but either way I think you are right. I should give it another date (if he shows any interest) before making a decision. Thanks for your response! ♥
@hula-zombie Very true! I love how phrased it too. :D Boundaries are important, but I think I’m going to just go with the flow and “lean into it” as you so brilliantly put it. Thank you for the comment. I really appreciate it! *hugs*
@suratan-zir I told you this already, but I just want to thank you again. Your words helped me see past my own insecurities, and I am so grateful to you for reaching out. *hugs*
@heavensims Thank you so, so much, heaven! ;-; The compliment is undeserved, but it means the world to me that you think so. I’m not sure if it’s going to end up being anything at all, but I’m genuinely touched by your support. Thank you again. <3
@nectar-cellar Surprisingly, I do enjoy the flirting, lol! I’ve never flirted much before, but I am beginning to see what the appeal is. :D But yes, your advice is absolutely on point. If he’s just looking for a fling, I will have to decide whether I am okay with that, and as you so aptly said honor my standards. I have a very, very bad habit of not being able to say no to people, mostly in terms of family obligations and work related things, but it’s gotten me into trouble in other areas of my life before as well. So definitely something I need to keep in mind. Thanks for the comment!
@simlicious Awesome advice, thank you so much for sharing! ♥ I did not realize that about Ryan Reynolds, but that’s an excellent point. The “judging a book by its cover” thing goes both ways, and I am definitely guilty of judging this man based on his appearance. And that’s just as unfair as him judging me. But yeah, I am going to try to follow your wise words and just enjoy the moment. And try not to stress about it too much, lol. Thanks again for the comment!
@technicallyswagpizza Haha! Either the start of a cheesy Christmas movie or the beginning of ones of those tragic made-for-TV horror movies. :P But you’re right. I don’t want to regret that I never tried. Thanks for your support. ♥
@drawing-way-outside-the-lines Absolutely. So, so true. Thank you for reminding me of that. All too often I let my anxiety take over my brain and drown out the big picture, but I need to remember to live for today. I really appreciate your encouragement. *hugs*
@batsheba Thank you, batsheba! Trying not to blush as I type this, but I think I am going to see what happens with him. :) (Also, I’m so happy that you’re around simblr again/still! You’ve always been such a bright spot in the community for me, and I’m so glad you’re here. *sends all the hugs*)
@lilidebergerac I’ve never succeeded at the whole having-fun-with-no-strings-attached thing either, but then again I didn’t go into those relationships with that as my frame of mind. But your advice is spot on. I need to figure out what I want/expect so that I don’t get too attached. Anyway, thank you very much for your response! You’ve given me a lot to think about.
@mysimsloveaffair Aw, thank you! I’m happy that it made you smile. :) I thought it was super sweet of him to leave me that note, lol. And so totally unexpected! But yeah, “just have fun” sounds like a good mantra for me. Anyway, I appreciate your advice. It means a lot to me!
@ktarsims You’ve given me so much to think about! Thank you so much for replying! I will have to keep all that in mind, for sure. It could get uncomfortable I suppose, but then again we’re not coworkers so it might be okay. But yeah, going to watch out for those red flags. Thanks again for your wonderful input! ♥
@pudding-parade I was so surprised by that note! I’m glad you think it’s sweet and not, like, the hallmark of a player or something, lol. But anyway, testing the waters is a great way to look at it. I do think that I will just go with the flow for now and try to enjoy myself. The attention is very flattering, so I may as well have fun with it. :D
@martinessimblr Martine! *hugs* LOL about Jim and Pam. What a comparison, haha! :D But thank you so much for the encouragement. It means a lot to me.
@sweetdevil-sims Very true! I think that the pacing is going to be sorta critical. Like, if he pushes for too much too soon, well then I will know what he is after, lol. And also, major amen to your safety comment! I doubt it will go that far (because really, he’s so far out of my league…), but even so it’s important to keep it in mind. Thanks for the reply!
“Sea and people have made the island what it is today. The island’s epic landscapes are the stuff of poetry. Sand, wind, unspoiled archipelago and the beautiful bedrock, worn smooth by glacial ice. Glistening in the afternoon sun, yellow, red and white houses cling to rocky shores and fishing boats bob in the water. The verdant pine forests turn to charming leafy tunnels, framing every view. Time stops, people live a quiet life here.”
Kaiho is a word that is a bit more difficult to translate as it has a certain type of melancholic nuance to it that nostalgia or longing for something doesn’t cover exactly. Kaihola is my ode to Finland, an undefinable sadness that won’t go away. The world is loosely based on two islands off the coast of Finland, HailuotoandAhvenanmaa, and my tiny hometown up north.
FEATURES
Medium sized map.
35 lots all in all spread across the island.
Unpopulated.
Includes a base camp enabling you to use Kaihola as a travel destination.
Spanking new distant terrain and matching terrain painting textures.
Wide variety of regular spawners, no World Advenures or ITF
Custom lighting mod included in the world file.
But wait, there is more! I have made two versions for you to choose from!
#1 Empty world // Requirements:
All expansion packs except ITF (No stuff packs!). Yikes! It’s a lot for an empty world and boy don’t I know it! I’m fairly sure I have used every other expansion except ITF for the landscaping. Some more than the others, however if you are missing an expansion pack, the trees and shrubs I have used will simply be replaced by something else.
CC used: Distant terrain, some of the flowers and trees made by me + Hidden Springs decorative barns + Aurora Skies birch tree are included in the download.
Map is completely empty, has a wide variety of spawners and is ready to be built by you.
Empty diving lot off the coast somewhere.
Two options for world installation, either through the launcher as a sims3pack OR bypass the launcher and drop the world package file in the designated folder.
Optionalterrain painting textures made by me available for download if you wish to use them for landscaping your lots in game.
CC used: Rabbit hole rugs by Jynx (Pet fixed), some EA store items, my distant terrain, flowers, trees, house shells and rabbit hole recolours. All included in the download.
If you don’t have some of the expansion packs or don’t want to install the EA store content provided, the items I have used will simply be replaced by something else from your own game. I cannot promise that nothing will break, but some bits might look a little bare or funky due to the replaced items!
All the lots are built and furnished, I have left 5 empty lots for you to build and fill yourself including an empty diving lot off the coast.
Recoloured and rescripted rabbit holes. That being said, Kaihola comes with basic rabbit hole careers you would get in a vanilla game.
Two options for world installation, either through the launcher as a sims3pack OR bypass the launcher and drop the world package file in the designated folder.
Optionalterrain painting textures made by me available for download if you wish to use them for landscaping your lots in game.
The church deco has snow issues. To be fixed at some point in the future, maybe?
I have created a lighting mod for Kaihola and included it in the world file itself, I would recommend at least trying it out (by taking your own lighting mod out of Mods/Packages folder to see it in action)! If you like Kaihola’s lighting and want to use it in other worlds or as a standalone mod, shoot me a message and I’ll make a package for you.
In the screenshots above I have maxed out settings and Reshade enabled, but my preset is very subtle and it only adds a soft blur effect and strengthens shadows a little bit. I don’t edit my screenshots other than crop and resize them with photoshop, so basically what you see above is what you will get :>
I would strongly advise downloading Nraas Go Here and disabling boats. They will cause lag as townies have a habit of looping around with them endlessly. I’d also recommend disabling wild horses and stray pets as they tend to get stuck.
If you post pictures, please let me know and tag them with #Kaihola or simply @ tag me. I’d love to see any and all pictures!
Congratulations, you have reached the end credits!
Special thanks to @silvakristiinaand@depistako for playtesting and giving me feedback about the feel of the world! ♡
I know it has been like 2 years now, but thank you @hydrangeachainsaw for teaching me how to make distant terrain and for all the invaluable World Machine & Blender help! And a final thanks to @grandelama for sharing the beautiful road textures and allowing me to tweak them further! ( ˊᵕˋ )♡.°
