A 2014 Modern Bohemian Lifestyle in Review and What 2015 May Bring to this Hippie Bohemian Free-Spirit

2014 was an interesting year. As it usually goes with me... it was not quite as I expected. But much good came out of 2014. Just a few of the amazing things that happened included me getting ordained twice over, getting in the best shape of my life thus far, working on another movie, performing at the Renegade Theatre Festival, performing solo at an amazing charity event (Tori Saves Christmas) and of course, starting The PonchoMeg Program to help people with their health and fitness goals, promote meditation, peace and love, positive thinking therapy, and dancing free, and provide helpful products as well as resources for fitness, healthy eating, alternative medicines, holistic medicines, green living, and much more!

 Want even more good news? Well, I've got it! My 2nd nephew was born in 2014 and I got to meet him in person not long after he was born even though he lives super far away from me, so that is amazing. I flew on a plane for the first time in over fifteen years and spent great time with my family in Washington state.

What else? Well, my mom and I enjoyed our annual summer vacation and spent a few days in Grand Rapids. I met a lovely homeless man outside the Amway Grand Hotel one night while on that trip, and I cherish the conversation we had as we smoked cigs together with the night lights of the city sparkling around us.  I also went to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize with my Mom and Dad. I love seeing all the amazing art and reading what the artists have to say each year. Seeing a city so alive with creative energy is also a great feeling in itself. Glorious. I met a guy working for Greenpeace whilst wandering around from exhibit to exhibit who was super excited to know that I already contribute donations and time each year to the cause! It felt good to receive his praise, not gonna lie!

I had some decent success online with my writing (until a bunch of websites fell through on promises or got shut down or merged with other companies, that is...), I had some good modeling work and got a lot done on some scripts I'm writing. I joined in two world meditations for peace and had some amazing experiences doing so, some of which involve visions of a blooming purple lotus and love energy entering and leaving my body. Intense, right? It was spiritually freeing and amazing!!! What else, what else...

Well, for Halloween, I was Amy Pond. It was actually a last minute decision on the morning of Halloween, but it was so much fun. And though most people didn't guess who I was right away (Now, if I'd had a Doctor...) when I told them, they were like, "Wow! Yeah! You look like her!" Maybe it's just the red hair and the amazing sense of style and awesomeness that both Amy Pond and I seem to possess. Anyway, it was great. I went party hopping this year and ended my night watching a few friends play in a band at a bar I sometimes frequent with a few other friends and a few more drinks. It was a blast.

 But before Halloween, much happened. (After too, to think of it, as my sister visited for the holiday season with her family and there were of course holidays...) But it just seems like a lot of changes happened before Halloween. Maybe I should go back to the beginning.

Or Tarantino it, and skip all around so that you have to piece together my crazy bohemian year. Somehow.

Did I mention that I had a few poetry readings? I should have worn my awesome hat I got at the Civil War Muster in Jackson, MI.

 

That's the one!! I love it!  I absolutely love big hats, and I started to get a bunch in 2014 and plan to get bunches more in 2015. Big hats and big hair are two major loves of mine! 

Speaking of loves... As anyone who reads my blog, or follows me online, or knows me knows - I love music. I love singing, writing songs and lyrics, playing instruments (like trombone, piano, ukulele, tambourine, etc.), performing on stage, all of it!  Back in 2011, I was lucky enough to become a member of the band The Sunset Club. We broke up after only roughly 2 years, but in 2014, we came back together for a reunion show and a hopeful comeback. It was awesome, at first. I love these guys, and playing with them can be a lot of fun because they can ROCK! But there is more to being a great band than having fun and rocking hard on stage. So unfortunately for us, the reunion show was the last thing that The Sunset Club did before we broke apart again. I am very grateful for the time we did have, for the music we made, for the crowds we connected with, and for the lessons we learned though. 

But even before The Sunset Club had its turmoil, my family had some.

My Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer and early on in 2014 had surgery. It was a hard time for all of us, especially as in my immediate family, there is only Mom and the two of us kids and my sister is far, far away. So it was just Mom and me. I was up at the hospital every day, I brought Dad toys and crosswords and scratch tickets to pass the time. When he got out, I helped him and my Mom with a lot. Luckily, I had the time to do it, having been recently fired from a daycare job because of my chronic illness (yeah, pretty illegal, I know... but if you knew the situation, you would know that their asses were covered and there was nothing I could do. So I chose gratitude. Losing that job gave me time I needed to help my family.)

But the problems didn't stop with the cancer.  I won't go into details because it is not my place to announce the details of my family's troubles to the world online. But I will just say, that I felt very tested by life in 2014.  I learned a lot from all the tests though; about my own resilience and strength, about real love and respect, about finding positivity and light in even the darkest of nights, and about being truly grateful for the good, and the bad, and all the in between...

On that note, let's leave 2014 in the past and look to the year we are currently in : 2015!

It's crazy that it is 2015 already, right? I still remember everybody freaking out about Y2K like it was yesterday. Sometimes, I swear it's still the 90's.

But at the same time, a lot has changed since then, and I often feel as though I have lived several different lifetimes in the span of just under twenty years. How does that work??

Anyway... 2015!! (Focus Meagan, focus...)

Already 2015 is going pretty well for me (even with some awful chronic pain and chronic illness issues). I have gotten a lot of writing done, I am working on trying to get a movie I wrote made, AND I started a Kitsy Lane jewelry boutique (which I had been meaning to do through most of 2014.)

Bohemian Beauty - My Kitsy Lane Boutique

If you sign up as a customer, you can be notified of amazing discounts and deals. Pretty groovy, huh?

If you want to open your own boutique for FREE, I would love to have you on my team this year! Follow this link to OPEN YOUR OWN JEWELRY BOUTIQUE for FREE!

I hope to do a lot more music, art, writing, acting, modeling, and volunteering this year. I also hope to spend even more time helping others with fitness, health, and spirituality goals. I want to learn as much as I can and deepen my spirituality through meditation, and I want to spend more time with friends, family, and other loved ones as well. 

I'm off to a really good start on that last one!! I already inspired a friend of mine to have a viewing party for The Backstreet Boys documentary! And YEAH, I went! It was awesome hanging with gals I've been pals with since middle school (or even earlier with some of them!!) and the kids of those who were parents. Plus, watching BSB is always good. I have also been talking on the phone and Skyping with my nephews out in Washington much more often, as well as spending good time with my Dad and Mom. My whole family even got together for a Skype party for my youngest nephew's first Birthday. Technology is amazing...

You know what else is amazing? Well, who I suppose... 

Nuno Bettencourt, that's who! I love him, and I got to see him LIVE with my Love, Will and a few of our close guy friends at Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, MI with his band Extreme. It was so fantastic. We sang along to "More than Words" and it was seriously magical. What an amazing experience. 

And 2015 just got started!!! 

So what else does 2015 have in store for me though? I don't know...

 And that's okay. 

I am off to meditate and enjoy this beautiful life in this beautiful year. 

2015 - I love you! Let's rock this!

Peace and Love to ALL!!

Meagan

My Hippie, Bohemian, Free-Spirit Lifestyle in 2011

Happy New Year everyone!  How is 2011 treating you so far?  This modern day hippie/bohemian/free-spirit is doing pretty well so far this year.  I was a little worried there at the end of December, when January 1st was rolling around and I still didn't have rent money... but just as things usually do for me, it worked out somehow!  Now I am actually getting unemployment money, making a little more money with my online writing, and I am able to actually have the time to seek other employment that is suitable for me.  (Though... I am still not sure what kind of employment is suitable for me!)
Most importantly though, I am making sure that I am continuing to become a better person in 2011.  And I'm starting close to home; with the people who I always seem to hurt the most: my family.  In 2010, I missed birthdays, I cancelled things at the last minute, and I didn't communicate with my mom, dad, sister, and bro-in-law more than once a week sometimes.  That is simply unacceptable!
My biggest problem is that I tend to give and give and give to friends and strangers and then there is simply not much left for my family, and this isn't fair.  So I need to find some balance (something that is VERY hard for me.)
I am improving already though; I celebrated my mom's birthday with my whole family, I have talked to my mom and dad on the phone and in person several times, and I just went to a game night at my sister's house, hosted by her and my new bro-in-law.  So.... it's progress.
Even though my family doesn't quite understand that I would rather live out of my car than move home (it's something about the crazy bohemian belief in freedom, creativity, and the "open spirit" I think) or that I don't want to work just for money but to feel empowered, creative, and fulfilled; or why exactly I dress the way I do; I know that my family loves me and I need to show them my love in return.
This does not mean that I am going to stop giving to friends and strangers.  I couldn't stop that either!  I am of the belief that I have a life mission to spread peace, love, and creativity to this world, so I cannot give up on that ever! Ever!!
So it comes back to balance.  Perhaps if I get back into Pilates, I can find a little balance (and keep my bod smokin'!)
What else am I working on besides this "balance?"  Well, I would like to see some of my art reach the world on a bigger scale. (My "art" being my writing, my music, my acting, modeling, and performing, and my actual art and arts and crafts.)  How to do that is the next question!!
I mean... "art" is very important to a modern day hippie, bohemian, and/or free-spirit, and I am no exception to this.  As Laren Stover said in Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge (this is NOT verbatim) bohemians want to be known for their work, for their "art," even if it is not until later in life or after death (though most want a bit of fame while they are young and really able to live it up and enjoy it!)  I am not an exception to this either.  From a young age I had dreams of fame.  I wanted to be a country singer, then a Broadway star, then a top selling author, a poet, an artist, a pop singer, a model, an Oscar winner, a famous blogger, a world peacemaker, etc... the only "non-fame" role I have ever pursued was "teacher."  But even teachers can go on to become famous! (Sheryl Crow and Tim Gunn anyone?)
So what am I really after here?  Recognition for my art? Money? Fame? Acceptance? Peace and love?  I think it may be a combination of all of the above.
So we'll see what 2011 has to offer this modern hippie, bohemian, free-spirit.  Will I gain balance?  Will I make a difference in the world?  Will I become rich and famous and bigger than Justin Bieber? (Probably not...) We'll see...
Peace and Love,
Meagan

By the way, speaking of Tim Gunn (as I did above)... I am reading Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work and really enjoying it.  His point of view is interesting, but actually pretty basic: people should be good to one another (and have good manners!)  So if you're looking for another book to add to your reading list, I would suggest checking this one out.

Today is the Modern Bohemian's Birthday!

Yes, I was born on June 2.  (I like to put my fingers up when I say it because my birthdate looks like a peace sign, which is pretty sweet)
The other members of my immediate family have b-days in November, December, and January.  Then there's mine in June.  (I'm just always bein' different)  But I like having a June birthday because the weather is warm (and I am constantly cold), some people are out of school, and it seems like people are less stressed after summer begins to sneak up on them.  So yeah...
Mom and Dad, you may not have handpicked the date, but thanks for bringing me into the world on June 2, 1984.  I appreciate it very much.
Peace and Love to ALL, on your birthdays and everyday. :)
Meagan

The March for Babies

This past weekend, I did the March for Babies in downtown Lansing with my team: Baby Steps for Change.  The team consists of me, my sister and my cousin Nicole., but we were joined for the walk on Saturday by Nicole's darling baby boy L., and my sister's groom-to-be, B.  Among us, we raised over $300.00 for The March of Dimes.  I am so proud of that.  I didn't quite reach my $200.00 individual goal, but I did make $135.00 and there's always next year!


If you don't know a lot about the March for Babies or the March of Dimes, visit:
The March of Dimes
The March for Babies
Baby Steps for Change

Awww!!! Look at little L.!  He is learning to take his first steps ever, as we take the first steps to help save other babies.

I love babies.  I can't believe that there are people who DON'T love babies.  But if you are like me and DO love babies, check out The March of Dimes and the March for Babies.  This was my fourth year, but I'm not stopping anytime soon, so next year... join me!

Alright, I'll get off my high horse now.  Really though, the walk really was just a nice time too.  I got to exercise, hang out with L. and play with him, catch up with my sissy, cousin, and future bro-in-law, and enjoy the outdoors.  All while saving babies!  I had a blast!

Afterwards I came home and did some amazing grilling outside. Yummy!  So, next year, if you want to come to the walk, we'll have a big cookout afterward then too! (If I am homeless by then, we'll still do it... we'll do it in the woods, campfire style!! haha)

Anyway... more to come.  Stay tuned.
Peace and Love,
Meagan

Hippie Happy Halloween

This year for Halloween, I went as a gypsy/pirate. I used all my own clothes, jewelry, etc. I literally made the cheapest Halloween costume imaginable. But it turned out pretty well. It just goes to show what you can do with a little imagination.

Which leads me to my roomies... K. and Will made sweet robot costumes out of cardboard boxes, and A. made an awesome costume of a Star Wars character out of foam, a wig, some adhesive, and a little make-up. I was pretty proud of all of our creativity.

It really is fun living in a house full of creative people. Each of us have things to offer on a creative level. K. is in music therapy and plays the piano, harp, drums, guitar, french horn, etc. and she paints, colors in coloring books, and sews. Not to mention, she has amazing style. A. and Will are DJs. A. also plays the violin, the nose flute, the mandolin, a little keyboard, and can throat sing. He's pretty good at drawing, a great dancer, and is a very smart person and an innovative thinker. Will of course, in addition to his DJing skills, also plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano, double bass, clarinet, etc. and is very good at creating and painting tiny models (mostly of Civil War stuff). He is also very creative and smart and funny, and looks very sexy when I make him model for me. hehe J. is a dancer, a great entertainer, and used to play in band as well. She has done a lot of traveling and has all sorts of interesting stories. And then there's me. I'm a music teacher. I sing, play trombone, piano, recorder, and percussion; I write novels, stories, poems, songs, and articles; I like to draw, paint, color, and sketch. I make my own jewelry, bath and body products, cleaning products (sometimes) and I crochet. I also enjoy flower arranging (I've always wanted to take a class) and cooking.

So, as you can see... we have a lot of creativity going on around here.

As for our Halloween creativity, check out some of the results:

The Gypsy Pirate PonchoMeg ready to take on the world!

A. as a Star Wars character. If you don't recognize the species of alien, then you're not as big of a Star Wars fan as A. is. haha

Will and K. as robots. I was making them dance for me! I caught K. doing these sweet moves.

Will and me. Robot and Gypsy Pirate Queen!! Check out the awesome Beatles puzzle on the wall. We did it as a house. :)

By the end of the night, after parties, and costume making, and just hanging out and having a great time... the house was a mess, but we all just wanted to relax with the cats. Here I am with my baby boo boo, Ava, and my good buddy, Binks.

I hope all of you had as much fun as I did for Halloween. But remember, you don't need a holiday or a special occasion to be creative and have a great time with your family and friends. You can do it any day. Or every day... 

Life Happens

Life has been rolling steadily along. Time is flying... but that just means I'm having fun. :)

Work has been awesome. I am loving the new school and the staff and, of course, the amazing kids. Teaching 5th grade band for the first time ever is a great journey as well. Today we played a song (well... an exercise from the book) pretty much perfectly! It was such a great feeling... I don't know who was more excited; me or the kids! I was so giddy and they were all laughing at my silliness, but then I said "Seriously guys... that was fantastic." And all their little faces were aglow with happiness and pride. I love it!

I also have had some good family time recently. I went to a cider mill with my mom and sister and got cider slushies, fresh cider, donuts, apples, and a fun coloring book (plus a little snowman ornament for Will... he loves snowmen). It was a blast. Then my mom and I went back to her house and the two of us just talked and talked for hours. It was so lovely. My dad chimed in for a bit too, but then he had to go do other things, but that's okay. Just the fact that I got to see both of them warmed my heart.

And my heart does need warming.

Contrary to popular belief that I am happy all the time, I'm not. (I wish I was!) I mean, don't get me wrong. I am a very positive person, and I like to look on the bright side when things are rough, but I go through some crazy highs and lows mentally. I'm supposed to go see a psychologist or something to be evaluated, but honestly... I'm nervous. I don't want to be told that I have some kind of disorder... mainly because I don't want to change. That sounds bad, but I just really like who I am. And I know I'm being irrational... therapy and medication help a lot of people and doesn't necessarily change who they are... but... I can't seem to stop being irrational about the whole thing.

I kind of like that my moods swing around from high to low to high again. It has made for a lot of superb poetry and songs. I just don't like when the lows stick around too long. When that sneaky thing called depression makes me not want to get out of bed, do the things I enjoy, or see people. I can't stand when depression makes my body ache and causes my normally expressive tears to burn with the painful sting of hopelessness. So maybe some help would be good. Maybe.

Well, we'll see. I go on, things change every day, and life happens. So we'll see what happens tomorrow. :)

Friends and "Family"

So I am living in a house with 4 other people (Will, A., K., and J.) and 3 cats (Ava, Sam, and Binks) and a new little 8 week old puppy (Jezebelle). Amongst us, we have several jobs, a whole lot of classes, and all sorts of other responsibilities. We shop as a house at Sam's Club, we take turns with chores, and we even have a dry-erase board on the fridge where we write whether the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty. Often times, I cook dinner for the house, drive people where they need to go, and make sure everyone is feeling okay and doing alright. I am the most like a house mother, but I don't take all the big responsibilities. K. is in charge of our bills, J. is in charge of the Sam's Club membership, and A. and Will are kind of like our protectors and helpers. They make sure that the animals are safe, retrieve Sam when he climbs a tree or the chimney (he's an indoor/outdoor cat who just showed up one day), and make sure that the doors and windows are locked and secure at night. We really do function quite well together and have become a little "family." When K.'s Grandma died recently, we all rallied to support her. I made her a poster for her room that says "You are Loved," we made her special dinners and desserts, we watched movies she wanted to watch to cheer up (like the amazing movie "The Princess Bride"), and Will and I even went to the visitation at the funeral home. The most telling moment of our close knit "family" though is when K. came home after she first got the news. I was lying on my bed and Will was sitting at the computer. Without a word, K. came and climbed into bed with me and just cried a little while I held her and rubbed her back. We stayed like that for awhile and she said "My grandma died," through teary eyes as I kept her close to me. And then when she was ready, she got up with a smile, and no other words were needed. We are here for one another.

It's wonderful to me that in life, you have your family that your born with, but you can also have a "family" that you choose to have in addition to that. It's about caring, sharing, and spreading the love. And as corny as it may sound, I love my little house "family."