Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Thursday, December 9, 2010

What the Modern Bohemian's Been Up To...

I am a lucky girl.  So much good stuff has happened recently!

First, I got to go to Grand Rapids and work on a movie with 50 Cent!  That was really awesome.  I had a great time.  Then, that same day, I got to go see "White Christmas" at Cornerstone University (for free!) with my friend Kelsey, her hubby, and another friend of theirs (Rb).  I was surprised to see that I knew someone in the cast... a young lady I've known for years and years since she was just a little thing.  So that was amazing too!

On Saturday, I went back to Grand Rapids to see the exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum on Princess Diana that is touring around.  It was such a moving and worthwhile experience.  Princess Diana has always been an inspiration to me because of her volunteer work, her positivity, her support of the fine arts, and her sense of beauty, grace, and class.  Seeing her gowns, letters she received and sent, pictures, videos, and all the condolence books that were sent to her family (among many other things) was just an indescribable experience for me.

What else have I been up to?  Ah yes... working.

I have been assembling a gift guide for the blog that should be ready soon. Yay!  I've also been writing articles (like this one on Wilhuff) and promoting.  I'm also WAY into Sponsored Tweets.  I like Sponsored Tweets because I get to pick what I advertise and how I do it.  So I promote companies, products, and ideas I believe in, not just whatever ends up being offered.  Plus, it's been pretty steady work so far and I'm obsessed with Twitter, so it's a good combination! haha

Last night, I had a singing gig where I got to sing Holiday songs and Christmas carols for two hours!  It's my 3rd year doing it, and I just love it!  It's so much fun!  Getting to go caroling (inside where it's warm) and getting paid for it.  Pretty groovy.

I think you're caught up... though sometimes I forget things... that's okay.  I can keep things mysterious and keep ya coming back for more! ;)

Peace and Love,
Meagan

Sunday, October 24, 2010

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian is feeling down... but working on feeling better

So... I've been kinda sick for a few days and this is the second time in a month I have been sick like this.  This makes me worry.  You see, I have always had medical problems, and for the past 7 years or so, it's been really bad.  But ever since I went 100% gluten-free last December, my health has been improving.  I have gotten sick less, gotten fewer weird conditions, and have been able to actually lose weight because I have actually had some energy.  Now all of a sudden, it seems like my health is sliding backwards on me and like I said, it makes me worry.
It probably doesn't help that I don't have any health insurance.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love my lifestyle now; freelance writing, doing extra work for movies and tv, performing, doing odd jobs, and working on my blog.  But the problem with this way of living is that insurance is hard to come by, and so is money.  As a teacher, I was paid well AND I had amazing insurance, so sometimes I wonder if I should just go back to that to give me some security.
But the problem is... I don't fit well into that kind of world.  I am terrible with the 9-5, terrible at dealing with bosses and catty co-workers, and I disagree with so much of what is happening in the public school systems.  So where does that leave me?
Well... I have to make more happen for myself.  That's what I've decided.  If I can't afford health insurance, then I need to make more money. So... I am on the hunt for a tolerable part time job, I am writing up a storm online on List My 5 and some of my other writing sites, and I am thinking of getting a manager to help to get me some higher paying jobs in television and movies.  We'll just have to see how it all goes.
In the meantime, I am feeling pretty down... but it is motivating me.
I may never be completely healthy, and I may just have to deal with that, but I can make a better future for myself.  And maybe getting sick is just the kick in the butt I need to do just that.
Peace and Love,
Meagan

Saturday, September 11, 2010

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian's Top 5

My latest endeavor: List My Five.  I am curious to know what you all think of my lists, so please, check it out and leave a comment (maybe with YOUR top five picks).  Thanks!  And have fun!


The Top Five Exercises For Losing Weight and Toning Muscle at Home






Peace and Love,
Meagan

Sunday, August 29, 2010

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

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Avatar is Amazing

I am always moved by inspirational and life changing stories told through a creative medium; whether told through song ("True Believer," by E-Type, "Imagine," by John Lennon), written word ("Ishmael," by Daniel Quinn, "The Way to God," a collection of Gandhi's writings, "Tao Te Ching," by Lao Tzu), theatre ("Rent," by Jonathan Larson, "La Boheme," by Giacomo Puccini) or through cinematic adventures ("Moulin Rouge," "Interstella 5555," "Koyaanisqatsi"), I am moved.. Tonight, I was moved because I experienced an inspirational and life changing movie: Avatar.


Avatar moved me.  Avatar inspired me.  Avatar changed my life.  And Avatar entertained me.  I was so invested in this movie that I literally forgot I was in a movie theater at all!  I smiled.  I cried.  I stared at the screen without blinking for long stretches, and I was in it.  I was there. In a moment of intense destruction and devastation during the course of the story, as the tears welled up in my eyes, all I could think was "How could you do this horrific thing to these beautiful people?"  I felt their pain.  I suffered with them.


And I know that these people are fictitious.  I know that Avatar is a movie, and Pandora, the planet in it, doesn't really exist.  But there are people in this world, on this Earth, who resemble in my heart and mind the people I so connected with in Avatar.  There are events in our history that Avatar mirrors during the course of the film, that I fear we will repeat again someday.  There are feelings brought out in me because of the deep, moving story of this movie that cannot be denied as feelings I have for the Earth and its creatures and other life.  So even though Avatar isn't real... it's a movie that "talks" about very real things.  It's a unique movie; different than anything else out there... and it offers more wisdom, inspiration, and enlightenment than one would think a movie could.


Avatar does have similarities to movies of the past (I thought Pocahontas and Fern Gully right away...) but that doesn't mean that it isn't special.  It is special.  It's magic.  It's very well made.  And it is a movie that has enough originality to stand out amongst all the movies I have ever seen in my 25 years of life thus far.






It can't beat out Moulin Rouge as my favorite movie ever, but I will say this: It is an important movie.  I think everyone should see it, with open mind and open heart.


I'm not the only one.  Check out this enthusiastic gush, I mean... review of Avatar.

Believe me, I am sure that he and I are not the only two so inspired by this amazing movie.  Even if not everyone is moved as I was, I am sure that most everyone who sees Avatar can at least be impressed by the special effects and the acting.  My favorite?  Zoe Saldana, who has been on my radar since I first saw her in Center Stage.  She plays Neytiri, one of the Na'vi on Pandora where the movie takes place, so basically, she never looks like Zoe Saldana, human being, during any of this movie.  So her job, in my opinion, was much harder than some others in the film, because she had to express every tiny emotion through her voice.  And she did.  It was incredible.

What more can I say about this movie?  I guess... just watch it.  Watch it, with an open mind and an open heart and with open eyes and ears.  See if you agree with me or not.  But no matter what anyone else thinks, this movie was magical and moving to me and it stirred feelings inside me that I feel are going to bring a change into my life.  And I am so grateful that James Cameron made this movie. It is amazing.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Mandy Moore

I have to say... I am a pretty big Mandy Moore fan. I love her music (from the awful cheesy pop to the beautiful, vintage-like folk/rock/pop), I have watched, and love, almost all her movies, I like to see what fashions she is wearing or what color her hair is, and I always wish I knew her in real life because I feel like we could be friends.


She seems like a pretty down to earth and cool person.
But anyway... somehow Mandy Moore's name came up today. (Maybe because we were listening to Ryan Adams on I-tunes...) And so I decided to check out her website: Mandy Moore Official Website. I was glad I did. Looking at Mandy Moore and listening to her sing reminds me of a lot of memories in my life. Mandy and I are close in age, so her music has been right there with me in all these years since she first came into my radio.
And I don't know if everyone does this... but I do... I associate certain music and certain songs with certain things in my life. Big things like... mine and my first high school boyfriend's song (Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing) or a song that reminded me of my mom because she used to sing it all the time (Que Sera Sera... Doris Day). And even strange, little things... like hearing Coldplay's Fix You in the bathroom at a movie theatre in Grand Rapids and just staring at myself in the mirror wallowing in the sadness that I had that had been amplified by the sound of that amazing song...
But back to Mandy Moore... her songs have been there with me for a long time, and I have to say... a lot of them remind me of things. Let's look at a few memories, song by song:

Candy: Makes me think of working out in my room in college. I had a burned cd from my I-tunes that I did dance aerobics to, and "Candy" was on there. Also, it makes me think of Center Stage. I love watching that movie when I need to have fun or feel better.

Walk Me Home: This song was on a compilation CD that I got with my high school year book one year, and so it always reminds me of sitting and looking at all the cute boys in that year book! haha

I Wanna Be With You: This song is about a guy. A guy that I thought I just adored back when I was younger. I love the memory associated with my secret crush, because it is so common, yet so romantic and sweet and innocent... unrequited love because one person is simply too nervous to ever admit their feelings... It's sad and beautiful in a poetic sort of way...

Cry: This, and any other song from A Walk to Remember, always bring back memories. This one reminds me of singing with my sister. We love the soundtrack for "A Walk to Remember," and we love to sing along. The one that really gets me though is Only Hope. This song brings back so many things. Love. Spirituality. Performances. The movie, of course. But I think the most amazing thing about "Only Hope," is that I sing it to myself a lot. I didn't really think about that until I started writing this post, but I really do sing that song a lot when I am doing chores, showering, driving, sitting... I even sing it in my head a lot! Interesting...

Coverage (The Entire Album): I remember loving this CD even though it seemed that critics didn't. I didn't care. I loved it. I liked it's quirky-ness. It seems like a CD I would have liked to have made, maybe with different songs, but with a similar spirit. This CD has a lot of memories associated with it because it was listened to a lot. I remember listening to it most two or three years after it came out, while I was driving back and forth to my student teaching assignment. I liked to listen to it because like I said, I liked it's spirit, I connected myself to it and so forth and I felt that it would give me good energy for my days as a student teacher. I think it worked.
My favorites on here... ummm.... it's hard, but probably "The Whole of the Moon," "I Feel the Earth Move" (I love Carole King!), "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters", "Moonshadow," and "Have a Little Faith in Me."

Extraordinary: This song came out the year I graduated college. Perfect, right? Do I even need to explain the connection here. "And now I'm ready to be extraordinary..."

Everblue: This song is gorgeous. I think it will someday remind me of my life here in the house, sitting at my laptop, writing my blog. It already reminds me of spinning records, sipping coffee, cigarette smoke and incense smoke swirling in the air, painting, the smell of patchouli and coffee and my candles from Great Lakes Candle Company (which are the best candles in the world by the way...) I just love it.

And there's more, but it's hard to describe it all... no matter how clearly I can see it in my mind. Funny how that is...
But anyway... check out Mandy Moore's Website. She's a good egg I think.

Perhaps we will meet one day. I sure hope so. Peace and Love to you, Mandy Moore. You are beautiful.


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Princess Bride


"The Princess Bride" is definitely one of my all time favorite movies. And the more I watch it, the more I love it. I could probably watch "The Princess Bride" every day and never get sick of it (which can only be said for two other movies for me: "Moulin Rouge" and "The Land Before Time"). Why is "The Princess Bride" so good you ask? Well, it has a love story (which I am a sucker for), it is VERY funny (pretty much every line is a joke somehow), the characters are perfect (yes, perfect) and the last line that the Grandfather says to his Grandson makes me want to cry. It's so beautiful.
Some favorite moments for me: The sword fight between "The man in black" and Inigo (of course), the moment in the fire swamp right after Wesley says "Rodents of Unusual Size? I don't think they exist," when Fezzik says "I hope we win," and of course, that moment between the Grandson and his Grandfather at the end. And I'll admit: Wesley is by far one of the hottest men ever. Why? Because he is handsome, smart, talented, manly, gentlemanly, charming, witty, sexy, mysterious... need I go on? And Buttercup? Robin Wright was amazing. I love her!
Okay...maybe I've gone on long enough (doubtful...) so I'll leave you with this link to check out amazing Princess Bride quotes. Enjoy.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Be Grateful

"Live like you were dying." -Tim McGraw
"No day but today." -Jonathan Larson
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." -James Dean

We hear these things all the time. "Live for today..." "Make the most of every day..." But... do we all do this? Do we appreciate each day as if it is a golden gift? Because it is. Every day we breathe the air we breathe, see the sights we see, hear the sounds we hear, love the people we love... but how much do we really appreciate it?

I watched "Last Holiday" again. Now, say what you will about that movie: It's predictable... maybe. It's a chick flick... probably. But that movie touches me. Why? Because it is another one of those reminders that we should appreciate our life. Not put everything off until tomorrow. What if tomorrow never comes?

Maybe I get too thoughtful over movies or songs or famous quotes or poetry or theatre or whatever... but my sensitive soul is moved by these things, especially the ones that remind me of all there is to be grateful for.

The world is beautiful. Yes, there is pain. Yes, there is hardship. But the world is beautiful. And I am so grateful to be in it. I need to remember this. We all need to remember this.

So often we live day to day not thinking of these things. We get up, go to work, pay the bills, sleep... get up, go to work, pay the bills, sleep... get up.......... okay, you get the picture.
But why?

Now don't get me wrong. I understand the importance of work and money in the world we live in now; in fact, I feel pretty darn good after a hard day's work. But I just know that there's more. There's more to life than working to get by... clipping coupons, working overtime... there's so much more.

I have to believe that I can have it all. I have to believe that I don't just have to get by. Why? Well, I guess it's because I believe that I wasn't meant to be on this Earth just to slave away and pay taxes along the way.

So as I continue on my journey to discover just what my reason for being here is, I will remember to be grateful. To look at each day as a gift, and not get caught up in the daily struggle. But instead, wake up each day and take a deep breath of air, and enjoy my life. Live my life to the fullest.

Live like I was dying I suppose. ;)

"There's only us, there's only this.
Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.
No other road, no other way...
NO DAY BUT TODAY!"
-RENT

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Lists: Things Every Modern Bohemian Should WATCH, READ, or LISTEN TO...

What to watch: (Movies)
Moulin Rouge
RENT
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Documentaries
Mini-series and movies from PBS or the BBC
La Boheme
Once
most movies with subtitles

What to watch: (Stage)
RENT
La Boheme
Les Miserables

What to watch: (TV)
Comedians
Compelling, story driven dramas
PBS

What to Read:
Bohemian Manifesto by Laren Stover
Hippie by Barry Miles
The Way to God (a collection of Gandhi's words)
Wicked by Gregory Maguire
The Outsiders by SE Hinton
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Poetry (All kinds)
Village Voice
Any cool underground paper, magazine, or blog

What to listen to: (At least, what I am listening to at the moment)
Beatles
Queen
Led Zeppelin
Daft Punk
E-Type
The Corrs
Creedance Clearwater Revival
Imogen Heap
Eisley

Of course, these lists can be added to at any time, altered at any time, taken seriously, taken as a joke, obliterated or embellished, posted again or deleted forever. You can follow them fanatically or completely ignore them. But I love making lists. And I will probably make more. Do with them what you will...