Alryne Valley Homes
I am creating homes for Alryne Valley. Most of these homes are base-game and expansion packs only. Some contain store content which will be noted as such. Alryne Valley was created for a couple of challenges requiring empty worlds. I started it in December of 2022, two years ago. The current version is Alryne Valley Ultimate. I have 18 Sim households ready to be added to the world. Before I do this in Create A World, I want homes on at least half of the residential lots. ~texansky-❄ It Came Upon a Christmas Twist ❄
Hey friends! 😊 Thank you for being here once again for the debut of my 5th (almost) annual Sims 3 Christmas story for the year 2024! 🎉 Holy cow has it been 5 years already!? 😮 Anyway, This story stems from the depths of my active imagination. 😁 As y'all know, Christmas is my favorite time of the year and watching romantic Holiday movies - coupled with a cup of hot cocoa - are the icing on the sugar cookies! They are my jam! 💗 So of course, being a romance writer, I jump at the chance to contribute to the "Hallmark Christmas movie" craze. In book form. 😉 I'm so excited to present to you today the very first Chapter of:It Came Upon a Christmas Twist. 😊 It's written in the perspective of the leading man, as opposed to the leading lady which is so commonly done in most Holiday movies and books. I like to change things up sometimes because normal can get to be quite mediocre after a while. And it's fun. 🙃 So now, without further adieu, please enjoy Chapter 1 as well as all the subsequent Chapters that will be released in the days leading up to Christmas. 😁👍🏻 Thanks for reading! 💗 Sincerely, emorrill NEW FORUM TIPS: Please remember to click on the Dropdown box below this very first post and choose NEWEST so you can see the latest comments and newest Chapters. 👍🏻 Also, hitting the REPLY button underneath each Chapter post keeps the comments tied to that specific chapter which helps keep everything organized (instead of replies getting mixed in with other posts by using the Reply box down below at the very bottom of the page. That's specifically for abrand new post on the whole thread). So use that REPLY button at the botton of the recent post. 😉 QUICK BIG THANKS: To Rflong for their amazing "Christmas Village" world where this entire story takes place 👏🏻, Bmitjessesue from "Poses by Bee," Danjaley from "Clutter and Curiosity," and other creative simmers who have so graciously shared their poses with the world. 💖 My stories would not be complete without your talents so thank you, thank you! 🤗 Also a big thanks to Sandy at ATS3 and many others from TSR, MTS, and the internet for theirincredible custom content that give my stories that look of reality that I'm always aiming for. 😊👍🏻 And one last very appreciative thanks to me1620 for finding the perfect premade sim from the Exchange - and fixing him up for me ❤ - that fit the look I had in mind for the leading man in this story. 🥰 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- It Came Upon a Christmas Twist Written by E. E. Morrill; copyright: 2024 ❄Chapter 1❄ It was early winter in the town of Larkspur, Wyoming, just two weeks before Christmas. Wispy snowflakes fell and swayed gracefully to the ground amidst the rays of the noon-day sun. A welcome change from the usual blizzard conditions due to the state’s chronically strong winds. The snowy, unblemished landscape stretched out for miles, in between every sagebrush and tree, blanketing the rolling hills in a stark whiteness. It was a desert winter wonderland if there ever was one. Declan Hayes gazed out the frosted office window by the water cooler, casually sipping from a paper cup while dreamily watching the snowflakes fall. Wishing for once that he was actually outside doing something fun in such nice winter weather instead of being stuck in the office. But alas, such is the life of a working man. It’s not like he was complaining or anything. Work was actually pretty great: friendly co-workers, a semi-quiet, organized working environment, and his job was a pretty essential one. As the official Computer Systems Analyst for the Wyoming branch of Paperclips, Etc. his job was to manage the office’s computer systems and IT software - as well as the company website - making sure everything is running efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the company’s profits, security, and growth. He had hoped to land a CSA job in a more upscale business company rather than an office supply company, but one has to start somewhere. Taking one last sip from the paper cup, he swiftly tossed it into the trash can and turned back towards his desk, pressing his black, Ray Ban glasses more securely on the bridge of his nose as he did so. He was a tall, well figured man of 27 years, who wore his ebony hair in an upswept fashion, short cut in the back and neatly trimmed at the sides. Sideburns and well groomed facial hair framed his jawline down to his chin, made complete with a mustache resting suitably above his lips. Sporting a dark blue and green plaid shirt, with sleeves down to his fair skinned wrists and black slacks, he was the picture perfect image of your typical computer IT guy; with handsomeness and charm blended in. And he had a great sense of humor. Once Declan sat down in his chair he heard the familiar ring from the main office telephone and briefly cast a glance over at the secretary's desk which was about fifteen feet away. The secretary, and Declan’s co-worker friend, Andres Montoya - Andy for short - promptly answered the phone and greeted the caller in his normally kind and professional manner. Declan cracked a smile at his Mexican friend, always impressed by his work ethic and felt he deserved so much better than a secretary’s job. But the guy truly seemed to enjoy it. Andy was also one whom most would consider handsome. A man in his late twenties as well, with mocha colored skin and dark brown hair and eyes. He too wore his hair in an upswept fashion, but had it mostly buzzed on the sides and in the back, with a single, thick strand of bang hanging over his left eye. His jawline wasn’t as defined as Declan’s, but it was nicely complimented by some subtle stubble that also wrapped around his faint pink lips. The two became fast friends in the workplace after discovering they had similar personalities and chuckled often at each other’s simple or witty remarks over anyone else that was present. The office the two worked in looked like your normal, modern day office. With light earth tone colors on the walls and floor, ambient overhead lighting, and dark-stained wooden desks with rolling chairs. Most everyone had half-walled cubicles except for the Branch Manager, of course, who had her own office right next to the conference room, and Andy. His reception desk was adorned with stacked flat stones in a variety of colors leading up to the flat and shiny marble surface where people would stop to greet him or drop something off. It was basically the focal point of the whole room, for obvious reasons. Andy often joked about how being at the center of attention was a blessing and a curse, Declan was reminded of with a chuckle. And naturally with it being the holiday season, various decorations lit up the entire office in all their splendor, bringing in that everlasting spirit of Christmas. Declan took it all in for a brief moment. This was his favorite time of the year. Just as he was about to return to his normal office duties, the front door to the office sprung open, bringing with it a blast of frigid air as well as a tall, slender, and fair-skinned woman, whose commanding presence always got the attention of every employee. Harper Williams. The Manager of the Larkspur, Wyoming Branch of Paperclips, Etc. And Declan’s boss. Well, everyone’s boss. She had returned from her lunch break. “Were there any calls for me while I was out?” she asked Andy through shivering lips while removing her snowflake speckled knit hat. Short strands of her pulled back, dirty blonde hair stood up like peach fuzz as she did so. It was always a humorous sight for Declan to see since the woman was a textbook perfectionist. “Yeah two,” came the reply, “one was the regional manager…” Harper puffed as she strode over to her office, her high heeled boots clicking on the floor with each harsh step. “Why does he always have to call when I’m out?” she muttered, firmly closing the door behind her. Declan’s eyebrows bounced as he turned back towards his computer, positioning his fingers over the keyboard. Maybe because he really doesn’t want to talk to you, he frankly thought as he began to type, then shook his head with a half-cracked smile. He didn’t mean to be harsh. It’s not that Harper wasn’t a nice person, she just wasn’t the easiest person to get along with. Especially to him. “Hey hombre,” Andy greeted Declan with on approach to his desk, turning and leaning against it with folded arms. “What do you think’s got Harper all flustered this time?” “No clue,” Declan simply replied, continuing to type and study the screen. “Bad lunch date maybe?” Andy shook his head with a closed-lipped smile. “You’re terrible.” “Really not trying to be.” “Besides she’s not one to set up a hot date on her lunch break.” Declan bobbed his head, eyes still glued to the screen. “Guess you’re right about that.” “I didn’t think she was dating anyone right now. Do you know if she is?” “Nope.” “Well she really should be, a gorgeous woman like her…,” Andy mused. “Honestly, I don't understand how she’s still single.” Declan smirked. “Honestly, I don't understand how you’re still single.” He shot him that same smirk before looking back at the screen. “Hey! Speak for yourself hombre!” Andy cried, playfully slapping his friend’s shoulder. Then he turned his gaze back to Harper’s office door with a dreamy expression on his face. “Man if I wasn’t insecure as heck I would ask her out myself…” No surprise there. Declan knew about Andy’s silent little crush on Harper for a while now. “You should. Tell your insecurities to take a hike.” “Right. Like she’d ever be into me anyway. A lowly secretary…,” Andy trailed off with a sigh, feeling a sense of hopelessness. “Would you ever ask her out?” “Harper?” Declan unnecessarily asked, pulling his eyes away from the screen for a second. “No. No, I don’t think so.” Then he started typing again. It’s not like he hadn’t ever considered it, because Harper was indeed attractive. But her - pun unintended - bossy nature and poor sense of humor was a bit of a turn off. He needed someone a little more compatible with himself. Someone fun, easy-going, and…sweet. He knew Harper was a good person and even considered her a casual friend in the workplace, but that was about it. “Seriously!?” Andy interrupted his thoughts with. “Is it because she’s your boss?” “That and seriously, she’s not my type.” “Oh yeah, I forget how much she gets on your nerves. Well,” Andy paused, standing up straight and clapping Declan’s shoulder this time. “At least you’ll get a nice break from her when she goes to the company conference tomorrow.” Declan hated to admit it, but he kind of was looking forward to it; not catering to Harper’s everyday demands. Which seemed to be more frequent lately. Then out of the middle of nowhere… “Declan can I see you in my office for a moment?” the woman herself asked. Declan’s eyes and brows shot up from the computer screen at Harper's sudden appearance, hoping she hadn’t heard the tail end of his and Andy’s conversation. “Uh, yeah. I’ll be right there.” Harper nodded with a closed smile and turned back towards her office. “Oh boy,” Andy shuddered with a grimace as Declan stood up from his chair. “You don’t think she heard that, do you?” “Nah. Otherwise I’m sure she’d be asking you into her office, not me,” he answered with a smirk, pushing his chair in. Andy shook his head at him. “Well good luck, hombre. Whatever it is…” “Thanks.” Declan couldn’t remember the last time Harper asked to see him in her office. Most of the time he was under her radar and he did his best to keep it that way. He was just the computer IT guy - she had way more important things, and people, to concern herself with. So why then would she be asking him into her office? “You wanted to see me?” he addressed Harper, after closing the door behind him and gradually approaching her desk. “Yes, thank you. Please,” she gestured with her hand, “have a seat.” Declan froze. “I’d…rather stand. If that’s alright?” he asked. He didn’t know why, but sitting felt like trouble to him. Harper’s eyebrows bounced for a split second at his response then her lips turned up into a smile. “Well then I guess I will too." She slipped into her desk chair. "And relax Declan, you’re not in trouble.” That actually did make him relax. A little. “I’m sure you’ve heard about the company conference going on in Boise the day after tomorrow?” she began. “Yes.” “Do you know what it’s about?” “No… I usually don’t receive that kind of information.” “No one has,” she informed, coming around to the front of the desk now to stand before him. “But I felt you should be in the know before the official word gets out.” Wow, me? Declan thought curiously. What exactly is she getting at? He couldn’t deny it felt kind of nice that she considered him. Harper folded her arms before continuing. “As you all know, the company has been struggling with sales for a while now due to the emergence of more modern, online office supply companies.” Declan nodded. “Cuts have already been made, but when they tried making more cuts, they discovered that Paperclips, Etc. would be unable to deliver the quality products and services that we have always adhered to since day one, running on such limited man power. Now before going to the extreme - as you and I both know what that means for us - the company has decided,” she paused to sigh, “to do a rebranding.” “Rebranding?” Declan asked with a furrowed brow. “Are they sure that’s such a good idea? It might put the company deeper in the hole.” “I know…and they know that too. But it’s a risk they’re willing to take to preserve the company values and take care of the people working for it. Hundreds of employees have been with us for the past twenty-five years, Declan…need I say more?” He shook his head. It was truly an honor to work for such a good company that didn’t treat its employees like replaceable numbers. “So that is the purpose of the conference. To discuss the rebranding and all the changes associated with it. The main focus being on creating more of an online presence and experience for our customers. Advertising, offering more products and flexible delivery services, and stuff like that. We want to go into the new year with a fresh start.” “Sounds good,” Declan acknowledged. “So why are you telling me all this?” He had an idea as to why, but he wasn’t exactly sure. Harper paused briefly. “Because I would like you to attend the conference with me.” Declan’s eyes widened. That was unexpected. “I know it’s last minute and I’m sorry for that, but the regional manager just mentioned to me that the company website will be undergoing a massive revamp during the rebranding process. And I thought that with you being our CSA - one of the very few in the company, actually - you should be present at this conference. Perhaps even provide some valuable input before the company moves forward.” Wow, Declan thought again. It was certainly an honor to be extended the invitation, however since when has he himself ever been consideredvaluable to Harper or anyone in the company? Was there some other reason at play here? Then again she did mention how much the higher ups value its employees so maybe– “You with me Declan?” Harper interrupted, a curious look on her face. “Y-Yes of course,” he stammered. “Great! It’s settled then.” She piped up. “But, umm–” “Pack your things because we will be meeting here bright and early in the morning - eight o’clock - to take the company car up to the airport and catch a flight to Boise.” “Uh, okay…” “And then from there we have to get a rental car for the two-hour drive up to Oakridge, stay the night at a hotel there, and attend the conference the next morning. Got it?” Oakridge, Idaho. The city where the company first started.Fitting, Declan thought. “Yeah I got it,” he reluctantly answered. She’d stomped all over the words he tried to get in edgewise anyway. There was no backing out now. Plus it was probably preferred if Harper had a companion come along with her for safety reasons, especially since there was some driving involved. But why does it have to be me? he groaned in thought, eyes pressed shut. Harper went back to her computer and reached for the mouse. “There’s some papers that’ll need to be signed immediately so I’ll email you those now.” Her mouse clicked. “And I’ve already got the plane tickets and bookedtwo hotel rooms,” she emphasized, “so we’ll be all good to go for tomorrow morning.” “Great…” She already booked an extra ticket and room? What if I’d said no? “And don’t be late in the morning Declan because you know how I feel about that,” she added firmly. Of course I do…, he almost said aloud, but nodded with a fake smile instead. “Now go get those papers e-signed right away please,” she ordered, then, “thank you!” dismissing him with a wave of her free hand. As Declan left Harper’s office and headed back to his desk, he removed his glasses and rubbed at his eyes. This was not how he planned to spend his weekend. He slumped into his desk chair with a loud sigh which instantly caught Andy’s attention. “Hey,” he came over and greeted Declan in a quiet tone. “What happened in there?” “Oh…nothing much.” Declan sighed again. “Just that Harper wants me to accompany her to the conference tomorrow…” Andy gaped at the revelation with wide eyes, but soon grinned. “Ho ho, you and Harper going on a business trip together? That’s new! For like what, two days?” “Three.” He facepalmed. “Ohhh man! That’s gonna be torture for you!” “Ya think!?” Declan exclaimed, raising his head from the palm of his hand. “Gotta admit, I’m kinda jealous,” Andy went on, but when Declan didn’t say anything he changed his tune. “Look hombre, I’m sure it won’t be all that bad. I mean, maybe this is a good thing.” Declan shot him a questionable look as to how. “Maybe it’s a chance for the two of you to get to know each other better, understand how the other ticks so you gain some empathy, and then that way you won’t get on each other’s nerves so much anymore.” He shrugged. “I suppose you’re right,” Declan acknowledged. Even though right now he really wasn’t looking forward to the trip. “You gotta keep me updated on everything that happens ok?” “Updated on what?’” Declan curiously questioned. “I can assure you that nothing exciting is going to happen on this trip.” He was sure of it. Andy smirked. “We’ll see.” ❄❄❄ Next Chapter will be posted Dec 3rd. 😊 Stay tuned!
The People of Simbria: Sunset Valley
Well, hi there. This is a story (of sorts) that has been going on for a while, so it won't be starting with the first chapter, but it doesn't matter to much, because it didn't start with the beginning even when I first started sharing it on the old forum. 😛 'Original' thread is found here, but I wouldn't recommend checking it out, because it lost all the images in the forum transfer... The Concept In general, the story takes place in several towns spread across a country called "The United Kingdom of Simbria", and now that the concept is a little more clear than when I first started out on the old forum, I will not lump everything together in one thread, but instead create one thread per. town. So, this thread will focus on the inhabitants of Sunset Valley - the small town that everybody knows, and which in my world is located on the southwestern tip of this country. Sunset Valley Theme (Youtube) Prologue: The Original Families. Moving into town. The story of Sunset Valley began in 1977 sim time, when a young couple, Asgeir and Lucie Karlsen moved into town. They had moved all the way south from their hometown of Pamtere far, far to the north, hoping to settle in the city of Wad Nahadau, b ut the housing market in the city had proved to be much to expensive for them.... Asgeir aspired to be a world famous painter and writer and Lucie wanted to reach the top of the medical career. Since they used almost all of their money buying their first home at Water Lily Road 58 and as Asgeir's career as a painter and writer was a long way from taking off, they both started a job at the bottom ranks of the medical career. Camera technology was still very expensive and unaccessible to the general public back then. Only licensed photographers and the wealthiest of families usually owned one. Everyone else would either have to rent or borrow a camera, or go to the photograper to have their picture taken. Hence to tell this story, actors with pretty much identical looks and personalities were hired to reenact them moving into town.... Reconstructed photos of Asgeir and Lucie entering their new home for the first time. This is only what it might have looked like. Asgeir often woke up feeling grumpy and irritable in the mornings, but this worked well enough for a while, largely due to Lucies kind and friendly nature. Another couple, Ingmar and Eirin Motorsen, had moved to town just a month after Asgeir and Lucie. Ingmar wanted to move to town as he had read about the chess triumphs of H.K.H. Høigaffel and had early on felt compelled to become a world famous chess player as well. Ingmar was quite the slouch, but they needed food on the table, so he got himself a job in the medical career. His wife Eirin was a lucky and charismatic person, but often found herself struggling with forgetfulness and sometimes lapsing into periods of insanity randomly running off talking to herself. In spite of this, she got a job in the police force, where she is to this day doing quite well as a forensics specialist. A reconstruction of Eirin and Ingmar engaging in flirtatious conversation in front of their new home. It's not that it's a trailer... it's just very long and narrow. ;) Not quite one month after the Motorsen couple had moved to town, the young couple Egil and Frida Kråkesen moved in right next door to the Karlsens. Egil, a highly ambitious individual, quickly got himself a job in the business career, whereas Frida got a job in the medical career. Houses were much cheaper out here, compared to the capital city of Wad Nahadau, even in the suburbs. And who knows, they might just like it enough to make it their permanent residence. Reconstructed photo of Egil Kråkesen admiring his looks in his new home at Water Lily Road 72. Reconstructed photo of Frida Kråkesen reading the local newspaper in her new home.
I Guess I'm in a Small Group... 💚
...who find it difficult to make a New Sim? 😎 I'm starting a new Challenge, just for myself. I wanted a new Sim. So I opened CAS and picked the first one. Naw, Not interested. :( I checked my Saved Sims and found one from years ago the game generated and I edited. He's cute. 😄 I wanted a Female. After editing the face and checking back to male, it was too bland if she has sons. :( Back to random! I edited her to make something new and ended up with nearly the same FACE I always make. 🤭 Random, random, random... No, no, no. So, why not my favorite Sim just edited a bit more. Fine! The same Sim I've enjoyed playing for years - slightly edited. Until 😺 In Game! (my computer isn't great) I laughed because she looks so surprised. Not the Sim for me. 🤔 Back to my favorite. Meet Ainsley. Don't ya love the view? A Rags2Richs on the beach start. I noticed the rules don't prohibit going to University nor going into the future Such easy money into the future... But NO. You're going to fish, Girl. You're going to struggle a bit. Do you find it has hard to get a new Sim as I do? 💖💚 *Since I see so many Adorable Sims posted, I guess I'm in a small group of Simmers. 🤳Precious Joy Forsythe Legacy Challenge
I started a new legacy challenge - the Precious Joy Forsythe Legacy Family Challenge. Precious Joy Forsythe is the first-born of the 10th generation from the Precious Forsythe Legacy Family Challenge. These chapters are published every Friday at 8:00 Central Time [13:00 GMT - on November 8th it will be posted at 14:00 GMT] Background on Precious Joy when this challenge begins. I have been posting each chapter below individually. I just realized that a lot of the links were not functional. I have corrected this and will ensure the links work in the future.San Marina is Finished and Available for Download
San Marina, a Sims 3 world I've been working on for a very long time, has been released. Download is here: Download is here: https://www.thesimsdepot.com/sims-3/downloads/worlds/san-marina/ I've attached a README.txt file below so you can get more details about the world: If you're interested, I strongly recommend running it on a machine that can handle large worlds like Boroughsburg and Los Aniegos. San Marina is huge, with 212 lots and 200 residents. The optimal settings are AMD Ryzen 5 6400 + AMD Radeon RX 6400 + SSD + 8GB. However, I was able to also get this to run on an older machine with AMD Athlon II X4 +Nvidia 1030 GT + 8GB + HDD and with all EPs installed. Some pictures:
Twilight Shores ... A Small Base Game World
This world was created just to try if I could finally manage to get EIG in CAW to respond after I installed the TS3 base game from disk and patched to 1.67. When to my utter delight it actually was successful this project started to develop a life of its own 😉 Twilight Shores is a small base game only world with no cc and no store content. All EA rabbit holes (except the Bistro) have been accommodated either in basements or on the surface. There are 19 community lots + 1 car park and 18 fully furnished homes + 3 empty building plots. It's an unpopulated town but game generated sims will move in fairly quickly. I must admit it was fun but quite a challenge to create Twilight Shores with such a limited amount of things to use. Especially the community lots feel a little boring to me ... no hot-tubs, saunas, basketball courts, pool tables, pianos, boats, no professional or barista bars not even a wedding arch and no clutter to spread around the homes 😱 But on the other hand none of the items used will be replaced by odd looking stuff like toilets on the patio if you don't have the jacuzzi in your game 😝 I thoroughly enjoyed being able to use EIG again. It makes such difference for world creators! Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I have been successful in creating a small world that everyone can use and hopefully enjoy. 😄 Here are a few more pictures of lots that I have built for this world: Well done for having made it this far down the page. I'm sure this is what you were looking for 😆: Download link: https://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=9602271 Have fun and Happy Simming!!!
