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

Living (and Losing) in the Crazy Bohemian Life

Once again, it has been a long while since I've been on the blog to update you all on this crazy, bohemian life of mine. But I had to get back here; I had to get back to all my online work...
In the past few weeks I have received several emails, youtube messages, etc. from people all over the world who want to talk with me about my online writing, living the bohemian life, & how they can embrace a lifestyle & attitude like mine as their own. It's made me realize again just how important my online work is to me... I want to help people. I want to show that being a hippie, bohemian, free-spirit can be a positive thing. I want to spread peace & love to the world. And, on the selfish end, I want people to know me, see me, share in my love of art & music & creativity & innovation, & truly know me. Even if I am a stranger, I want the world to know my heart.

So here I am...

Why have I been away so long? Well, to be honest, I have let the demands of the "real world" take control of my life. Working two "real" jobs in addition to my writing & music, working 17-20 hours some days, & just basically working, working, working. This is not entirely a bad thing, as I have been building a brighter future financially, but it is a bad thing in the sense that I have not had as much time for my creative endeavors. But that is about to change, because if I keep my creative side restricted for too long I'll self-destruct in some way. I know this about myself.

So I am going to limit how much I work at my "real" jobs & focus more time on the following:

1. Finishing my Sci-Fi novel, "Alpha 7"
2. Finishing & publishing my second poetry book, "The Chaos that is Living"
3. Recording some music!!!
4. Writing more lists for List My Five
5. Updating the blogs
6. Writing more lenses on Squidoo
7. Helping others
8. Creating art

Not that I don't get satisfaction from my "real" jobs. They're good jobs. The first is as a line server at Qdoba. It's pretty awesome. I get to work with the public (which I love), I get to work with food (which I also love), & I get to work with some amazing people (who I definitely love.) The second is as a nanny. I work with two sweet little ones; teaching, playing, disciplining, inspiring, comforting... it is a true joy to me.  (I also still model, teach, & do extra work for movies & tv shows, just not as regularly.)

But "real" jobs cause me problems because I am not in full control of my destiny in a "real" job. How I do, how much I make, how far I advance, how I'm treated, & how much I am allowed to rock the boat are all determined by other people; higher ups, corporate big wigs, people in the right cliques... it frustrates me to no end. I NEED FREEDOM!

Maybe someday I will have all the freedom I need & I won't have to work "real" jobs anymore. That's the dream anyway...

 Before I go, I do want to share some sad news with you.

My sweet parakeet, Gumby, died recently. It was very sudden - he showed no signs of injury or illness.  He simply died, rather surprisingly, when I was gone at one of my jobs one day.

Gumby was a good bird. He  liked to sing with people, talk to birds outside, play birdie basketball & bowling, look at himself in mirrors, & fall asleep in shoes. He didn't bite, didn't scratch, & only made a fuss if you took him away from something he was enjoying. His favorite foods were millet, fresh lettuce, & honey treats. I called him my Gumby Goo & I loved him very much. I miss him a lot. So does Will. I think even the cats miss him. Ava & Zaneeta used to sit & watch Gumby, hang out with him, & occasionally get jealous of him if I paid him too much attention to him in front of them.  But they never hurt him; they never even tried to. And now, they look up at where his cage once sat with a strange cat version of sadness, disappointment, & confusion in their eyes... Sad.

We gave Gumby a funeral service of sorts out at my mom & dad's house & buried him next to my sweet Mya kitty & our doggies from when I was growing up, so at least we had some closure, & at least Gumby Goo has some great company.

But it is still so strange to be in our house & not hear Gumby's sweet songs drifting through the rooms...

I will be back soon. Very soon.
Peace & Love,
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.

PonchoMeg's Thanksgiving Weekend of Greatness

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday (if you are in a place where you celebrate Thanksgiving that is... otherwise, I hope you just had a wonderful weekend).  My weekend was pretty stellar.

It all started on Wednesday for me actually, as I had to prepare my very own gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner to take to my mom and dad's house.  My mom bought me groceries so that I would be able to make it all, and I am so grateful for that.  So yes, Wednesday, I started cooking.  I made the GF spinach and artichoke dip and GF bread.  It was fun, and... a success!

On Thursday morning, I got up early, made half of my bread into gluten-free stuffing, stuffed my GF turkey (there is meat with gluten in it, believe it or not),  and got my turkey in the oven.  While it cooked, I did laundry, watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dog show, did some writing, and reflected back on Thanksgivings from my past.  It was awesome!

Finally, once everything was cooked and ready, I hauled it out to my parents' house and got to have a nice, family dinner with my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, and Kiki (my parents neurotic but lovable calico cat).  We also watched home movies and played Scene-it Squabble (girls won!).  It was a great time.

Friday was fairly uneventful, but I did get to see my former roommate, A. (who I miss constantly) so that was cool.  Oh and I faxed my stuff back to the unemployment office again.  (Hopefully this time everything is clear and I can get paid.)

Saturday, we celebrated my dad's birthday early (his actual birthday is today) by taking him to see "Megamind" (WAY good movie, btw) and eating dinner at Outback Steakhouse . Why Outback?  Well, originally, we were going to go to Applebee's, but they don't have a gluten-free menu.  Outback does, and has great food all around.  Plus, my dad got a free Birthday sundae (and no singing or clapping, which, as someone who used to work in the food service industry, he finds to be embarrassing and degrading) so that was good.  After that, I got to hang out with my friend Chin and a few other friends and we watched The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard.  It is a WAY funny movie!  If you haven't seen it yet, check it out.

That leads to Sunday.  Sunday was another awesome day. Will's parents took us to see the Children's Ballet Theatre production of "The Nutcracker".  And with that, the Christmas season officially started for me.  It was awesome.  Sunday night we hung out with some friends and watched "The Walking Dead," which, if you aren't familiar with it, is an amazing show on AMC.  I am so into it, but there's only one episode left in the season I think!  Ahh!! What will I do!?!?

Then this morning, I had an interview. An interview!!  Oh, I am so excited.  It's been awhile since I've had an interview, so that was amazing.  Not only that, but the place is awesome!  If I get the job, I will be teaching but without having to constantly fight for my job or for validation like I've had to do in the past as a music educator.  Wow... that would be so awesome...


Anyway, now I am home, ready to work on some writing (even if I get this job, I'll still be doing my writing).  But I also have to prepare for my second interview tomorrow. (That's right, they want me to come in for a second interview! Ahhh!!! :) haha)  Also on the agenda for tomorrow... watching myself on Detroit 1-8-7!  Yes, that's right: the episode that I was a part of is airing tomorrow at 10:00 pm (Eastern/Standard time) on ABC!  I am SOOOO excited!  If you watch Detroit 1-8-7, look for me and my car.  My car is a maroon/wine colored Saturn Ion that should be in some shots and I am wearing a goldish-brown dress coat over skinny jeans and a printed shirt.  Good luck spotting me! haha

Well, I think that's about it.  But before I go, I'll leave you with a few new websites to check out:

Fine Art Tips

Best Green Blogs

Treehugger

Good Guide

Affirm Your Life

Becoming Peace with Neal Arbic

Greenmi.net

Here's to a good week. :)

Peace and Love,

Meagan

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is Getting Read Around the World!

Visitor Demographics for 

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian...     

United States 78.0%

United Kingdom 9.0%

Romania 3.0%

Denmark 2.8%

Russia 2.0%

Canada 1.5%

Brazil 1.1%

Australia 1.0%

South Korea 0.5%

France 0.1%

Apparently, PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is read in all sorts of places around the world.   This cheers me up a little, knowing that I really can reach the world... little by little. I will say, I am surprised at how low Canada is on this list.  Where all my Canadians at?   You all live right next door! haha Just playin' Canada. But seriously, let's see if we can spread this Modern Bohemian love a little further.   I'd like to see a few more countries on this list. :) Like Germany... where's Germany!?!?! Ich liebe dich, Deutschland! Kommen Sie zu meinem blog! Bitte!   What about Italy? Visita il mio blog! Per favore. :) (I hope I said all that right! haha) Keep it coming world. And I will keep sharing with you.  And together we can spread peace and love and understanding and show that all people,  from all walks of life, from all over the world, CAN come together as a community; in peace. Peace and Love, Meagan P.S. - Here are some helpful resources if you want to be a world traveler... or at least feel like one. :)   And/or for if you just want to connect with other people around the world, like I am apparently doing with  my little blog here! haha  Enjoy: World Travel and Tourism Council Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips New Concise World Atlas Rick Steves' French, Italian and German Phrase Book Google Translate Top 5 English Words and Phrases to Learn in French Top 5 English Words and Phrases to Learn in Spanish Top 5 English Words and Phrases to Learn in German Top 5 English Words and Phrases to Learn in Italian The World's Best Eco-Lodges: Earth-Friendly Hotels PonchoMeg's Guide to Everything Michigan The Essential Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide

The Downsides of a Bohemian Lifestyle

I love my life.  I love my lifestyle.  And really, I like pretty much everything exactly the way it is.  But there are downsides to the Bohemian life.

The biggest downside?  No money.  Financially, I am wrecked.  I'm in debt from college (yay for that degree I'm NOT using...), I have credit card debt, and I owe my family and friends money.  It feels crummy.  I have the dream, of course, that someday my artistic talents or my performing or my writing skills will give me the big break I need to make tons of money, and then I will pay off all my debt, buy stuff for everyone I love, travel the world, and donate time and money and resources to charities all over.  Will that happen?  The rational side of me (yes, I DO have one...) says "Don't bet on it."  It's unlikely for someone like me to have massive success.  With that being said though, the dreamer in me keeps saying "Anything is possible."  So I keep on going...

But it's hard NOT to stress about money.  Especially when you only have $1.44 in your bank account and no idea when more money will be coming your way (as is the case with me right now).  And when there is little to no food you can eat in your house (as is also the case with me right now).  And when you owe friends money and you feel like you can't see them because it is just too embarrassing (as is also the case... well, you get the picture...)

But having no money is just one downside.  There's also this whole thing of people not really respecting me and my life choices.  Now, part of me... doesn't care.  Let people think what they want.  If they don't like it, they don't like it.  I will still love them, but I don't want to change just to please them.  But this is a hard road, this road of "I don't care."  Because part of me does care.  I mean, who doesn't want their parents to be proud of them?  Who doesn't want people talking about their successes... instead of always talking about their failures?  And who doesn't want respect?  I want respect.  I want success.  And I want to make my friends and family proud of who I am and what I do.

But maybe for now that is a battle I must lose...  I don't want to change who I am, compromise my beliefs, and work some 9-5 office or factory job just to please everyone else.  I can't.  It's not me.
So instead it remains a big downside for me.

Final downside?  I feel like there's not a lot I can do to change the things that I actually DO need to change.  Every time I try... I get screwed.  Example: Tried to get food stamps.  They called me while I was on Mackinac Island and couldn't talk, and now they just can't seem to find time for me.
I was finally getting unemployment.  I worked one day on Detroit 1-8-7 and suddenly they say I may not qualify for unemployment anymore!  I have no part time OR full time work and $1.44 in my bank account!  How can I NOT qualify?  So I start to feel like the world is out to get me.  Like I am looked down upon.  And like because I don't know how to "work the system," that I will continue to get screwed.  It sucks.  I've worked since I was 14 years old and I just want help.  Is it so hard to help people?  Maybe for some people it is...

Sorry to be so down.  But if I am going to represent my life honestly, I need to talk about the bad stuff too.  Maybe I am just thinking about it a lot because I just used my last bit of money on rent, our bathroom flooded today, and I'm hungry.  But while it was on my mind, I figured I would share.  Maybe some of you out there feel like you're in the same (sinking) boat.  And maybe if you are out there, we can help each other to reach the shore. :)

Peace and Love,
Meagan

What has PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian been up to?

Okay, Okay... I know it has been ages, but I am ready to write regularly again.  My computer is at least operational, my schedule is slowing down (a little...haha), and I just really miss my online community.

So the question is... what has the modern bohemian been up to?

Well, I had my birthday back on June 2.  It was amazing fun.  Friends came over, we went out, and Cloud Magic played a special birthday song just for me. :)  Then, a few days later, we had a celebration for Will's birthday as well.  I got him a big bag of assorted goodies, including a bunch of "bad kung-fu movies" which = amazingly fun movies.  We had a bunch of friends over for that as well, and just had a great time.  Everyone signed a board for Will and left special messages.  It was cool to read them all when the night was over.

After all the celebrations with friends were over, our birthday celebration was not over.  Will made the "birthday season" even more special by surprising me with tickets to see Adam Lambert at Common Ground in Lansing.  It was AMAZING!!  I love Adam and how he desires to entertain, spread peace, love, and positivity, and just have fun!  Plus his voice is one of the best voices that has ever been.  Ever.


Since the concert, I've spent most of my time working out, being domestic, looking for jobs, and looking for a new place to live.

The working out has had great effects.  Now that I actually can lose weight (thanks to being gluten-free and healthy), working out is doing wonders.
I've mostly been doing Pilates and Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  It feels amazing, but it definitely kicks my butt! So yes... the working out has been going well.

Being "domestic" as I like to say has been beneficial as well.  I feel like I am connecting more with the Earth, and the natural flow of life.  Housework, cooking, running errands, making things, and taking care of the people and animals in the houses I live in is rewarding.  I like it.

In looking for new jobs, I have had all sorts of adventures, but I'll come back to that in a minute.

Because I need to talk about finding a new house.  I tell you, getting a house to rent was trickier than I thought it would be.  Sometimes the rent was just completely unreasonable, sometimes the neighborhoods where we could afford a place were not so good, and sometimes my credit (it's bad) interfered with the "deal."  But finally, I found a place and moved into it with Will, and two new roomies A.D.W. and Tum (and Ava and Gumby of course).

Not long after we moved in, I got a chance to go to a casting call for a movie being filmed in Grand Rapids.  I jumped on the opportunity and went to a hotel casting call for RealStyle.  Tum came with me, and we had to wait in line, fill out some paperwork, get some pictures taken, and then we were sent on our way.  But the cool thing is, I heard back from them.  And now, here I am, able to say that I have worked on a major motion picture.  No kidding.  I have been to three days of filming on a movie called "30 Minutes or Less."  And for one of the days, I got to do some driving for the background in one of the scenes and it was so much fun.

The best part about it all is that I got to meet so many cool people.  I made some new friends, shared a lot of stories (and heard a lot of stories), and really had a great time with the other extras and the crew.  Plus, I did get to see some movie stars and even talked to one. (Of course... I didn't realize it right away.  It was my first day of filming and I was so excited and nervous that I was just saying hello and good morning to everyone! haha)

So yeah... that's been pretty amazing.

Also on the job front, I applied for a job with a church, and even if I don't get the job, I have to say, my experience with the people of this church has been amazing.  The community that they have is open, compassionate, and kind.  The pastor is an amazing guy who gives sermons that don't make me angry (as many have in the past) and I have really enjoyed each of my visits to the church.  Especially the one where I got to direct the choir.

Anyway... what else?

Well, I got to go to my very first Tigers game at Comerica Park!  I had never been to a professional baseball game before.  I had always just watched them on TV.  But A. took Will and me when he took his nephew and I had such a blast!  Kenny Loggins sang the Star Spangled Banner, and the Tigers won!  I got to see Inge up close and that was cool too.  Paws even pointed at me.


What else, what else??

Ah yes, me, Will, our friend J.W. and Tum went to GR one Friday for "Electronic Music Night."  That was a pretty fun time.  It was cool to see a diverse group of people there.  It was like several countercultures all came together to be one counterculture for the night. haha  Hippies, Punks, Emo kids, the "Alternative" crowd, Bohemians, Stoners, Ravers... all sorts of people of all walks of life were there... and that to me is groovy.
 I have to say, I also really enjoy House music and other forms of electronic music.
If you are interested in some sweet electronic music, I recommend you check out:

Daft Punk
Deadmau5
Wilhuff
Fedde le Grand

And enjoy.

Besides all that, I have also been trying to work on music.  It's been a struggle, and I am not sure why.  I am trying to work with my friend Jeff, trying to work with Will, and even auditioned for a band.  And we may start our own band here at the house.  But it's rough...
On the plus side, I got a ukulele and have been learning to play that.  It's challenging to get it all right and make it sound it's best, but learning the basics wasn't so bad. (Thank you Music Education degree.  I'm glad you're good for something.)  Maybe if I get good enough, I'll post a video.  Maybe...

I also went on a big trip with my mom to the U.P. and to Mackinaw City.  It was such a good trip, that I am going to create something online that gives all of the trip info. in case anyone else wants to experience some of the same things we did.  It will either be a blog post or an article, but I will make sure to get you all a link to it.

It actually is inspiring me to make another blog... all based on Michigan tourism, arts and entertainment, and local lifestyles.  I think it could be something great.  It will take a lot of work, but look for it soon. :)

What else?  What else?  Well... A. and K. have some new roomies as me, Will, and our other roomie C. all moved out, but it's still fun to go visit the old place.  The new roommates are cool too it seems which is always nice.  I like meeting new, cool people.
Will, A.D.W., and Tum are all going to be heading to school, so I will be having a lot of time to myself at home.  That's alright though, I've been painting and doing photography and soon I'll get back to work on the book.  But I do still want to get out sometimes though. haha  I'm hoping to get booked as an extra for more movies.  It's fun to do, and getting paid to be on a movie set to me is crazy and like a dream come true!
I also may need to get a "real" job.  We'll see... I'm not sure I'm cracked up for the daily grind.  In fact... I'm sure I'm not.
So... I just gotta keep my options, my eyes, my mind, and my heart open.  And opportunities will come.

I hope you feel up to date.  I'm sure that there are things I forgot to tell you, but such is the life of a modern bohemian... even when you're "up to date" there's still so much mystery. ;)  And I like it that way.

I hope you're all doing well.  Keep checking back for updates.  The Bohemian is Back!

Peace and Love,
Meagan

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian Loves Personality Tests

I am way into personality tests.  So, here are a few interesting ones in case you are too.  See what they say about me (pretty accurate I think) and then see what they say about you.  Let me know how they all turn out!


The first is Personal DNA: Your True Self Revealed.  I actually saw some results from it on an amazing blog: Post Apocalyptic Bohemian and decided I had to try it.  I am the:

Benevolent Creator

Your imagination, confidence, willingness to explore, and appreciation of beauty make you a CREATOR. You are independent and you enjoy your self-sufficiency. Defying convention, you are very innovative, and you have a vivid imagination! The look of things is important to you, and you have a key eye for aesthetic beauty in multiple arenas. You have a strong interest in what is new and exciting - and that includes forging ahead with new ideas, not simply discovering what is already out there. Your eagerness to seek new and varied experience leads you into many different situations. You're not set on one way of doing things, and you are creative when it comes to finding novel solutions to complex problems. You trust yourself to be innovative and resourceful. Your confidence allows you to take your general awareness and channel it into creativity. You're well-attuned to your emotional state, and not afraid to use your feelings to guide you.  You tend to be cooperative, rarely contradicting others, and always considerate of their feelings. You tend to do things on the spur of the moment, not sticking to a set schedule. You are a great person to interact with - understanding, giving, and trusting - in a word, BENEVOLENT. You don't mind being in social situations, as you feel comfortable enough with people to be yourself. Your caring nature goes beyond a basic concern: you take the time to understand the nuances of people's situations before passing any sort of judgment. You're a good listener, and even better at offering advice. You're concerned with others at both an individual and societal level - you sympathize with the plights of troubled groups, and you care about people you've never met. Considering many different perspectives is something at which you excel, and you appreciate that quality in others. Other people's feelings are important to you, and you're good at mediating disputes. Because of your understanding and patience, you tend to bring out the best in people.

I am way into personality tests. Did I say that already? haha
The next is ColorQuiz.com.  I've taken this so many times! 
Results:

Meagan took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test! ""If motivated, she will easily and quickly learn n..." Click here to read the rest of the results.

I long ago discovered the Myers-Briggs and Jung Typology Tests.  Check one out here: HumanMetrics
My most consistent result? ENFP.  (Extroverted Intuition with Introverted Feeling)
Today I found this analysis at Personality Page. Check it out:

Portrait of an ENFP - Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving

(Extraverted Intuition with Introverted Feeling)

---

The Inspirer

As an ENFP, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you take things in primarily via your intuition. Your secondary mode is internal, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system.
ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate and excited about things. Their enthusiasm lends them the ability to inspire and motivate others, more so than we see in other types. They can talk their way in or out of anything. They love life, seeing it as a special gift, and strive to make the most out of it.
ENFPs have an unusually broad range of skills and talents. They are good at most things which interest them. Project-oriented, they may go through several different careers during their lifetime. To onlookers, the ENFP may seem directionless and without purpose, but ENFPs are actually quite consistent, in that they have a strong sense of values which they live with throughout their lives. Everything that they do must be in line with their values. An ENFP needs to feel that they are living their lives as their true Self, walking in step with what they believe is right. They see meaning in everything, and are on a continuous quest to adapt their lives and values to achieve inner peace. They're constantly aware and somewhat fearful of losing touch with themselves. Since emotional excitement is usually an important part of the ENFP's life, and because they are focused on keeping "centered", the ENFP is usually an intense individual, with highly evolved values.
An ENFP needs to focus on following through with their projects. This can be a problem area for some of these individuals. Unlike other Extraverted types, ENFPs need time alone to center themselves, and make sure they are moving in a direction which is in sync with their values. ENFPs who remain centered will usually be quite successful at their endeavors. Others may fall into the habit of dropping a project when they become excited about a new possibility, and thus they never achieve the great accomplishments which they are capable of achieving.
Most ENFPs have great people skills. They are genuinely warm and interested in people, and place great importance on their inter-personal relationships. ENFPs almost always have a strong need to be liked. Sometimes, especially at a younger age, an ENFP will tend to be "gushy" and insincere, and generally "overdo" in an effort to win acceptance. However, once an ENFP has learned to balance their need to be true to themselves with their need for acceptance, they excel at bringing out the best in others, and are typically well-liked. They have an exceptional ability to intuitively understand a person after a very short period of time, and use their intuition and flexibility to relate to others on their own level.
Because ENFPs live in the world of exciting possibilities, the details of everyday life are seen as trivial drudgery. They place no importance on detailed, maintenance-type tasks, and will frequently remain oblivous to these types of concerns. When they do have to perform these tasks, they do not enjoy themselves. This is a challenging area of life for most ENFPs, and can be frustrating for ENFP's family members.
An ENFP who has "gone wrong" may be quite manipulative - and very good it. The gift of gab which they are blessed with makes it naturally easy for them to get what they want. Most ENFPs will not abuse their abilities, because that would not jive with their value systems.
ENFPs sometimes make serious errors in judgment. They have an amazing ability to intuitively perceive the truth about a person or situation, but when they apply judgment to their perception, they may jump to the wrong conclusions.
ENFPs who have not learned to follow through may have a difficult time remaining happy in marital relationships. Always seeing the possibilities of what could be, they may become bored with what actually is. The strong sense of values will keep many ENFPs dedicated to their relationships. However, ENFPs like a little excitement in their lives, and are best matched with individuals who are comfortable with change and new experiences.
Having an ENFP parent can be a fun-filled experience, but may be stressful at times for children with strong Sensing or Judging tendancies. Such children may see the ENFP parent as inconsistent and difficult to understand, as the children are pulled along in the whirlwind life of the ENFP. Sometimes the ENFP will want to be their child's best friend, and at other times they will play the parental authoritarian. But ENFPs are always consistent in their value systems, which they will impress on their children above all else, along with a basic joy of living.
ENFPs are basically happy people. They may become unhappy when they are confined to strict schedules or mundane tasks. Consequently, ENFPs work best in situations where they have a lot of flexibility, and where they can work with people and ideas. Many go into business for themselves. They have the ability to be quite productive with little supervision, as long as they are excited about what they're doing.
Because they are so alert and sensitive, constantly scanning their environments, ENFPs often suffer from muscle tension. They have a strong need to be independent, and resist being controlled or labelled. They need to maintain control over themselves, but they do not believe in controlling others. Their dislike of dependence and suppression extends to others as well as to themselves.
ENFPs are charming, ingenuous, risk-taking, sensitive, people-oriented individuals with capabilities ranging across a broad spectrum. They have many gifts which they will use to fulfill themselves and those near them, if they are able to remain centered and master the ability of following through.
Jungian functional preference ordering for ENFP:
Dominant: Extraverted Intuition
Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling
Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking
Inferior: Introverted Sensing

So does all this really describe me?  What do you think?


Peace and Love,
Meagan