My Hippie, Bohemian, Free-Spirit Life in 2013... a modern "La Boheme," "Rent," "American-poverty" (anti-) sob story about WRITING...

I don't do as much writing as I should. I say this, not because I'm not bringing in enough money writing (which I'm not) but more because I feel happier when I express myself and put it out there for the world to consume through their eyes, and I haven't been doing that as much lately!

But part of the reason I don't do as much writing as I should is because I live a very busy, sometimes chaotic existence between working odd jobs, nannying, singing, acting, modeling, doing promotional work, making art and arts and crafts, public speaking, and things going wrong left and right. I do seem to get kicked when I am down about 99% of the time, and I have to work harder and longer hours at more jobs to make less money than I would at one "GOOD" or "NORMAL" job. Ugghh...

Some say I bring it on myself, and that is slightly true.  I am a hippie, bohemian, free-spirit after all; I am a freelancer, an artist, a creative-type. I am not a 9-5, cubicle sitting, paper-pushing, follow someone else's orders all the time kind of person. Never have been, (pretty sure I) never will be. Not that I can't work for/with others. I can. I am just a person who needs a lot of flexibility, creative freedom, and honestly, the ability to do more than one thing. I have way too many ideas swirling around in my head to be tied down to one profession.

I am a hard worker (which seems to surprise some people who believe that all hippies are dirty and lazy) and I DO push myself to do a lot in a day. It's just that... where I am now, even what I AM doing isn't enough. It's not enough to feel satisfied, it is not enough to pay the bills... it's just not enough.

I look back at when I was a teacher and I cannot believe how different things are now. I was bringing in $1800 every two weeks at my first teaching job. Plus I had benefits, insurance, investments... My medical issues could be managed, if my car broke down, I could fix it, I never had a problem paying RENT... NOW, I am lucky to bring in $475-$575 a MONTH!! I'm not less of a hard worker, I am not less smart than I was (if anything I am wiser) and I always do quality work. But because I am a freelance creative spirit - a writer, actress, musician, model, artist, odd job Queen - I struggle. Because I am a hippie, bohemian, free-spirit below the poverty line - I struggle. Because I am a girl who grew up below the poverty line, "bettered herself" by going to college, and racked up over $30,000 in debt - I struggle. Because I am young and have EDS-hypermobility, CFS, Fibro., cysts, anxiety, bipolar, chronic UTIs, allergies, and a gluten-intolerance but "look fine" and have no insurance - I struggle.

I struggle! And when I struggle, I often end up making myself struggle more. I become my own worst enemy. I get bogged down by all the bad, and I work HARDER, not SMARTER... burning myself up from all ends. I take too much on, I extend the hours that I keep, I do way more reading and research than actual writing and I make list upon list of things to do, most of which I never even get to. I waste a lot of time and energy. But then, somehow, I BURST THROUGH!!! Like a beacon of light on the foggiest night, I will emerge victorious!!! And for that brief moment - whether it is actually writing something and getting it out there, paying a bill, getting a new job, getting booked for a movie, etc. - I feel as though the possibilities are endless; like I can do anything.

And the truth is, WE CAN do just about anything. We humans are AMAZING creatures. We just cannot be our own worst enemies. We have to live with a sense of purpose and drive and work hard to achieve our dreams. We have to believe that we can make it through anything. I mean, really... what's the other option? Give up, lay down, and die? No thanks.

I push and I fight. I do. Hence why I am writing this now. I remind myself what all this means to me; the blog, the people I've met, the people I've helped, the writing, the freedom, the creativity, the art, the rewarding hard work, the joy... and so when I am not writing as much as I should (as I have been doing...) I come here, back to the beginning, to the MAIN BLOG, my roots... and I remind myself. And I write, and the words fly from my fingers as they move across the keys and I reboot, revitalize, and am reborn yet again into my ever crazy hippie, bohemian, free-spirit world!

And so it won't matter that I don't make what I made as a teacher, or that my rent is 2 months behind, or that I don't eat every day...

WHY?

Because money doesn't fuel my life, a secure job doesn't do it for me either, and I don't care if I eat everyday or get regular sleep. I am an ARTIST! A creative soul! A HIPPIE, BOHEMIAN, FREE-SPIRIT who just needs to be revitalized from time to time and reminded that THIS is what matters - the creativity, the love, the peace, the helping of others, the release, the feeling of really knowing who you are...

So hopefully this means I will be writing more again. I'm definitely ready for another rebirth. ;)

Peace and Love,
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

2012... WOW!

What a new year this has been. Obviously, I've been busy... it's been awhile since I've posted.
Well, not only have I been busy... my computer kinda pooped out on me. Sadness...

But life goes on. Will has been kind enough to let me use his laptop for all my needs lately. So here I am.

I am trying to get back into writing & getting music going (after months of seasonal depression & such... bleh...) but I have also been busy nannying some kiddos & preparing to be an aunt & becoming an aunt!

My precious nephew was born on March 30th. He is ADORABLE!! I have so much love for him it is overwhelming; & so wonderful.

I will write more later. But for now I am still recovering from some dental surgery & need some sleep. Stay tuned.

I love you world!!!

Peace & Love,
Meagan

"Money, Money, Money... Must be funny... in a Rich Man's World."

My title comes from an ABBA song about, well... money.  This is because I have money on the brain.  Not that I WANT to have money on the brain.  But when you have no money and need money, money tends to be on the brain.

"Oh... all the things I could do, if I had a little money. It's a rich man's world!"

Why do I NEED money?  Well, the way I live requires that I pay rent, utilities, etc.  Not to mention that I have a car I occasionally drive, debt up the wall, and 2 pets to take care of.  As much as I would sometimes like to give up the house and car and live in some commune somewhere, I know that as a modern bohemian, I need access to my technology to thrive.  And I like living in a house as opposed to a tent or my car again.

So I need money.  This is true.
And it's been frustrating because I have a hard time getting money.  Yes, I am on unemployment.  But I constantly run into problems with getting my money on time.  Like right now?  No unemployment money since mid-January.  Grr...

But I am doing everything I can (legally) do to make money.  I am still writing, I worked with my friend at an Expo for $50, I take back cans and bottles from home (and those I gather), I sell stuff to pawn shops and second hand stores, I advertise with Adsense, Google Affiliates, and Amazon Associates, I have many online stores, including at CafePress and Zazzle, and I recently started donating plasma.  I am still also doing some extra work in television and movies (but those opportunities are few and far between), I still sell on Etsy from time to time, and I am a part of Sponsored Tweets and MyLikes.  But I tell ya... for as much as I do, the money is still hard to come by.

I AM looking for a part time job too! (For all you haters out there who think hippies, bohemians, and free-spirits are just lazy...) But the problem is that I am "unqualified" to do a lot of the jobs available.  (Funny, since I have a college degree and 12 years of work experience...) When I DO get interviews, they always go with the person with "more experience." IE: NOT ME.  Frustration!!!

It's awful that a lot of people (friends even) don't understand the stress I am feeling or how desperate things can get around here.  Most of them don't truly seem to realize that I can't really go many places because a.) I can't afford to drive there b.) I can't afford to spend money once there and c.) I am not a person who easily accepts others' offers to "cover it" because I have been burned BAD in the past.  I just want them to understand.

I love my friends and family, but I am in a tough spot.  And until I can somehow dig myself out of it (and I WILL) I hope that they can provide me with a little more understanding.

Anyone else struggling to get by?  What are you doing to pay your bills? Let's help each other out!!

For now, I have to go try to make some more money.

"I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay... ain't it sad?"
Yes, ABBA.  It is sad.

But positivity still rules the day (for now) so I am off to make it happen!!!
Peace and Love,
Meagan

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian's Guide to a Happy New Year

The new year is almost here!  Oh the excitement!  Oh the anticipation!  Oh the fear of those new year resolutions!
To help get you all ready for the new year, I have some great resources for you.  Enjoy!

New Years Eve Entertainment

The Top Five New Years Eve Movies

The Top Five Movies for a Girl's Night

The Top Five House Music DJs

Make Money Online in the New Year

Ten Websites to Write for and Make Money

The Top Five Writing Websites to Make Money On

Why I Write for List My Five

The Top Five Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Blog or Website

How to Get More Traffic to Your Blog: Ten Tips that will Help

The Top Five Ways to Earn Money Online

The Top Five Websites to Join When Making Money Online

Making Soap for Fun and Profit

Work Towards Your Fitness Goals

How to Work Out Without Going to the Gym

The Top Five Tricks for Toning Your Body at Work

The Top Five Drinks for Weight Loss

Lose Weight and Tone Muscle at Home with NO EQUIPMENT!

Be ALL About Self-Improvement

50 Ways to Be a Better Human Being

The Top Five Things You Should NEVER Do Online

How to Make a Good First Impression 

How to Be Positive in Your Interactions with Others

How to REALLY Love Yourself

How to Become More Involved in Your Community

Improve Your Singing Daily

How to Manage Stress: Ten Tips That Really Work

Go "GREEN" in the New Year

How to Make Small Changes to Make Your Home More "Green"

How to be "Green" When You Clean

The Top Five Things You Should Know About Better World Books

Happy New Year!

Peace and Love, 

Meagan

P.S.- I thought I'd share a few of my favorite pics from the blog this year as well.  Are any of these some of your favorites too?

My baby Ava!

Baby L. at the March for Babies

My first REAL Tigers game! (As in... not on TV)

Grand Rapids' Electronic Music Night

 My homemade Halloween costume.

Yay, Squirrels!

Poo Poo Paper!

Peace & Love & Follow Friday

Hello all.  Well, it's been a pretty interesting week.  I'm learning the ropes of being poor and realizing how many things I took for granted the few times I have had money as an adult.  This is good, because one day, when I do actually have money again, I will know how to make it stretch AND I will be more grateful for all of the things that I will get to do that I can't do now (like... going to the movies or being able to buy craft supplies or going to P.F. Chang's or being able to buy things with cash instead of pennies...)  So yeah... it's definitely a good learning experience.


So what's been happening.  Well, I have been doing a LOT of writing.  Not a lot of sleeping.  And I've been hanging out with friends, cuddling with Ava Boo Boo, and just living my crazy Bohemian life. :)

And the Westboro Baptist Church came to town.  But not in great numbers.  Apparently, there were only about 3 of them outside of East Lansing High School yesterday. (I decided not to go so as not to give them any fuel for their fire.  I really do just want peace and love.)
In any case, the students showed them that we didn't need any hate coming from them in our community by doing their own peaceful counter-protest.  Read more about it here: NBC News Article on WBC in East Lansing

Anyway, on to today.  Well, today is Friday, and as some of you might know, Friday is "follow friday" on Twitter.  So, I, like many others, having been finding new people to follow today and promoting people to follow as well.  In my "follow friday" adventures, I found a lot of interesting websites to check out.  Here's what I came across:

Lake Erie Artists Gallery

Located in Ohio.  Seems like a neat place.  Plus, I gotta represent for anything "Great Lakes." haha

Sow Peace

I get excited whenever I come across people trying to promote peace.  

Enlighten Your World

I'm a follower!  I can't wait to read more.  It seems like there's a lot of stuff here to help people & the world.

The New Pursuit

One Life. One Planet. Live Deeply.  

I am definitely interested in knowing more...

The Peace Alliance

I will definitely be spending more time on this site too.  Check it out if you want peace.

Peace Love World

Clothing for people who love peace and love.

Ecstatic Peace Records

I know nothing about this site yet, but I like the idea of a record company promoting peace.  So yeah... I'll have to look into it more...

Veteran's For Peace

Heroes working for peace.  Awesome.

Tez Osman's Site

He appeals to me because he believes in sharing creativity, thoughts, and ideas on the web.

Jay Hampton Books

If you're looking for a new book, here's an author I came across today.

Lee Stacey

Musician / Geek / Thinker / Blogger

And these next two are not new finds, but two sites I just think you should check out. :)

Google Translate

Google offers helpful tools to communicate with people all over the world; even if they speak a different language.

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian.com

My brand new website.  All about PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian on the web & in life.

And I really don't know what else to write about.  So I will leave you with all that for now.  Now, if you have any great sites about peace, love, creativity, giving, writing, hippies, bohemians, etc. that you like, please share them in the comments so I can check them out too. :)

Peace and Love,

Meagan

Highlights of My Bohemian Weekend (Featuring Furry Friends)

This weekend had a lot of good things in it.  I saw a lot of friends, my sister and her new husband got back safely from their honeymoon, Tum won some pizzas for all the guys, and Will bought some groceries.  Mmm... real food.

In addition to all that, I also got to go to a craft show with my mom in Mason, MI.  It was a great time.  She got a lot of cool stuff and even bought me a snowman! I love him.  He's sitting on top of my entertainment center smiling down at me as I write.

My favorite part of the weekend though?  Putting out the pumpkins from Halloween.  Why?  Well, because when we busted them up and put them out back, the squirrels loved them and went crazy over them!  Check it out:

I LOVE SQUIRRELS!!!!

I know some people have a hard time understanding my love of squirrels and my desire to feed them (most notably, my mom) but there is just something so magical and cute about squirrels.  Maybe it's the puffy tail.  Or... maybe I like squirrels because they are like gypsies.  Hmm....

Anyway, the other thing I did this weekend was research, write, and read.  When I wasn't at the craft show or outside with the squirrels I was working.  But I think it's gonna pay off.  I got an interview with Wilhuff I can work with, lots of new ideas and outlines, and most impressively (maybe): a series of 12 lists on List My Five that give fun and helpful information on your birth month.  If you want to check them out, just click on your birth month below:

January

February

March

April

May 

June 

July 

August

September

October

November 

December

And that's about it.  Oh, except I  forgot to tell you... I got a call from the unemployment office today.  I have to call them back tomorrow.  And talk about what?  I don't know... maybe I just have to beg them to help me! In any case, please wish me luck!  This Bohemian needs some money soon!!

Peace and Love,

Meagan

Living the Bohemian Life...Random Tidbits From the Past Few Days

I feel like I am such a downer... even though I am grateful for what I have and I still have hope that the future will be better, right now... I just feel... down.  My unemployment is being held up again.  Why?  I don't know.  I don't know what else I need to do to convince them that I have nothing.  But, oh well.  If I can't get unemployment, I will just have to make money somehow myself, and more than the $30-$40 a month I make with my online writing right now.  But how?
I don't know.  But here's what I would like to see happen:

*More royalties from eHow.com (My average right now is $10-$30 a month...)
*Write more articles for List my Five and have them bring in at least $100 a month (this is possible, right?)
*Make more money off of my blog. (Right now, I haven't even reached the payout with my blog advertising... and the payout is only $10!  After almost 2 years, I have made $7.09 off of my blog... wow...)
*Write more articles for Hubpages, Squidoo, Bukisa, and The Examiner and somehow drive lots of traffic through so I can make some real money off of them.  (I've made $0.75 on Squidoo, plus some money for charity, a couple bucks on Bukisa, and a big $0 on Hubpages and The Examiner.)
*A part time job!  (I AM willing to work out in the "real world" too.)
*Get paid to sing, teach, act, write, perform, inform, help, craft, create, or even babysit!  I feel like I have a lot of talents that people could make use of.
*Become rich and famous and never have to worry about money again (This is probably the least likely thing on this list, but I don't want to count it out...)

We'll see how it goes...
But I have to rant a little before I continue.  What is the deal with unemployment!!??!?!?  I understand that there are people who cheat the system, but I am not one of those people.  So why is it so hard for me to get them to help me?  I just don't understand.  Am I an idiot?  Do I not know how to do something I'm supposed to be doing, and if so, couldn't they just TELL me, so that I could get some money to actually eat a decent meal?  (The most food I've eaten in two weeks was at my sister's rehearsal dinner and wedding!)  And what about a "bridge card" (food stamps)?  Why am I not getting that?  When I know people better off than me that have it?  People who don't need it!  People who have jobs, people who have people to pay for stuff for them, or students who have no cares in the world.  Why do they have this help and I don't?  I just don't understand...

Alright.  End Rant.  It won't help anything to be upset.

So let's look at the positives:

My sister got married this past weekend.  Both the ceremony and the reception were amazing and my sister looked SO beautiful! She and her man B. got married at the Bridge Street Wedding Chapel in Grand Ledge, MI and then had a great reception at Walnut Hills Country Club in East Lansing, MI.  It was magical.  Walnut Hills even made sure that I had all gluten-free food.

Speaking of gluten-free food... the restaurant that we had the rehearsal dinner at in Grand Ledge, Cugino's, did NOT have a gluten-free menu.  HOWEVER... a nice gentleman at the establishment (Chef, perhaps owner?) helped me out over the phone and in the restaurant, checking labels with me and everything, to make sure that I had a gluten-free experience.  I can't tell you how grateful I was for that.  So, if you are ever in Grand Ledge and are feeling hungry, please visit Cugino's.  The amount of attention, respect, and compassion that they showed me makes them very deserving of some extra business. (My food was really yummy too.  When I couldn't use the margarine spread or sour cream on my baked potato, we even got inventive with some cheddar cheese and real butter, and it was delish!)  So yeah.. go there.  Eat.  And enjoy!

Other positive things...

Let's make a list:
1. Over 100 fans on Facebook for PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian.  I will be having a contest soon to celebrate!
2. New friends!  I have made some new friends around the web and have a lot of new followers on Twitter.  Yay!
3. A donation to my blog was made by msfullroller, a blog follower of mine and a super nice person, who told me not spend the money on blog costs or charitable donations as I normally would but instead she said "Please use this for yourself."  Amazing.  To her I say: Thank you, thank you, thank you!!  Your level of compassion for those who are struggling is inspiring.
4. Fun/Interesting/Important stuff I have found online recently and/or long ago and want to share with you:

Rusty Zipper - Vintage hippie clothes abound.  I love it. Too bad I can't afford it! haha

New friend Hunter Pecunia's website: Hunter Pecunia

To Where Now - Just check it out.  This is another new friend's page.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Just in case you know someone who is struggling and contemplating suicide.  (Note:  I am not one of these people.  I may be struggling, but I'm not really into "death," so... I don't think about suicide as a way out.  I thought that was important to note.)

Minecraft - Amazingly addictive simple game of building stuff with blocks.  I am obsessed! haha  I've built a giant castle, a "hippie den," an underground tunnel system under a theatre, and some sweet walkways and gardens.  I love it.  You can play for free or buy it.  I play for free right now.  So fun!!

Erica.biz - She seems very helpful and nice.  She has some good (free) online advice.

This is not fun, but important.  I found real people's stories of hard times on this Oprah forum.  They made me cry.  Some of them hit home pretty hard too.  Check them out here: Oprah.com Community Forum

And... that's about all for now I think.

Peace and Love,
Meagan

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

Wilhuff

Wilhuff (aka: Will, my boyfriend) is starting to do some great things, and I am so excited.  Just this past Friday he played an amazing house party called "Rave to the Grave," and his mixes were a huge hit with everyone there.  The best part was that most people were dancing when the Wilhuff originals came on.  THAT was awesome! In addition to that, yesterday, a record label contacted him!  Crazy!  I'm trying to help him out by helping him with his blog (Wilhuff's Blog) and helping him make connections with people on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter... and we're really making progress.
To make things even better, my writing world and my "being a good girlfriend" world are colliding in a really great way.  I got hired by Examiner.com to be the Lansing Electronic Music Examiner.  So now, I can write great stuff based on what I actually see around me in the clubs, bars, and online, I can promote Will and his music, I can help promote the Lansing music scene, and along the way, hopefully make some money so I can dig myself out of the financial pit I'm in. (And what a deep pit it is...)
But it is all so exciting.  Electronic music is amazing, and Wilhuff is amazing.  I am so proud of where he is and I think he can go far.  What an adventure that would be for this Modern Bohemian... to have a famous DJ boyfriend. haha  Hey, I can dream.  And if I keep dreaming and keep working and if Will keeps gaining momentum... that dream could very well come true.
Do you have any crazy dreams that aren't really so crazy?  Feel free to share.  (Especially if one of those dreams is to have an amazing house party with an up and coming DJ... because I can arrange that! haha)
Peace and Love,
Meagan

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

PonchoMeg: The Modern Bohemian Has Been Busy, Busy, Busy!

My life has been busy.  Crazy busy.  And I don't even have a "real" job! haha
Well, first of all, my sister's getting married, so we're all getting ready for that.  I am maid of honor, so I've done all the dress fittings and whatnot, and we just had her Bridal Shower on Sunday.  She's getting married November 6th, so it's coming up fast!
In addition to all the wedding stuff, I have also been working on my writing a lot, trying to make some progress.  You all know that I have been writing for List My Five, which has been amazing by the way, but I've also applied to be an Examiner for Examiner.com (cross your fingers) AND I've been working on my book.  In addition to all that, I have also been helping Will get set up online as his DJ Persona: Wilhuff.  It's been time consuming and all that, but I've been having a lot of fun doing it too.
Besides the wedding and the writing, I have still been working with RealStyle to get extra work in movies and television shows.  Most recently, I got to work on Detroit 1-8-7.  Amazing!  I even got a chance to talk to some of the stars of the show, and they were super nice guys.  Plus, as always, I met so many amazing people on set (extras, crew, security)... what a blast!
Finally, my friend K.J. is getting married in February and wanted to get in shape, so I now have a new workout buddy. We've been getting together at 10:00 am every week day (except Tuesdays when she's out of town teaching) and we've been doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred and Pilates together.  We're going to add running, Tai Chi, and a few other things in as we go too.  Besides working out with her, I still work out alone, so I am really making progress.
So yeah... crazy times.  I'll write more later.  But right now, I have to go tackle some more things that have popped onto my plate! haha
Peace and Love,
Meagan

Sitting, Drinking Coffee, Writing, And Listening to Music... What a Life!

Today is another Saturday. I love Saturdays. Especially when I don't go anywhere, and I can just focus on my creativity and relaxation. What could be better?

This Saturday started at 8:30 am. Not by choice, but because my darling cat Ava wanted out of my bedroom, and her way of showing this was to knock as much stuff off of my nightstand as possible until I woke up. I will say though, I am grateful to my little baby Ava, not for her destruction, but for getting me up. If I get up early, I always feel more accomplished.

So anyway, I got up and let her out and started some coffee immediately. Then I settled in to my computer to make a Saturday playlist on I-tunes. I called it: Fun Time Playlist. It seemed appropriate. I got my coffee and sat outside to drink the first cup. This morning in East Lansing was cool, but still comfortable enough to sit outside in only my pjs and my house coat. (Yes, I have a house coat...) When I went in for cup #2 of coffee, I settled back in at my laptop and got some good writing done. (See today's earlier post.)

I have to say, sitting here listening to music and writing and just enjoying myself has been great. I would recommend it to anyone. And while I'm at it, let me recommend some great Saturday morning music for your own "Fun Time Playlist." Here are SOME of the songs on mine:

For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert

Falling Slowly - From the Motion Picture "Once"

Everblue - Mandy Moore

Dr. Funkenstein - Deadmau5

Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin

Around the World - Daft Punk

Get Together - The Youngbloods

To Be Young (Is to be Sad, Is to be High) - Ryan Adams

Evacuate the Dancefloor - Cascada

Uprising - Muse

Somebody to Love - Leighton Meester feat. Robin Thicke

And many more...

If you want more suggestions, just let me know. But I would suggest making your own playlist (using my songs, or not) and just relaxing for awhile. It is still Saturday after all.

Philosophies

So my cousin N. said to me something about how he gets by in life by focusing on his philosophies. He thought it would help me, because I have been a little... well, down in the dumps about the fact that our world is so fueled by money. I jokingly stated that my philosophies are solid but would probably only do me good in a commune, as a housewife to a wealthy (yet still Bohemian) man, or as a globe trotting celebrity who spent lots of time doing charity work. :) Okay, so this isn't entirely true. I can still have freedom, creativity, peace, love, fun, and inner serenity and have a "real" job... but it's trickier for sure.

I think what I need to do is follow my own advice. I wrote an article relating to people who need money, but aren't really made for the "daily grind" (and I'm not talking coffee. Mmmm... coffee.)

The title: "How to Make Money When You Aren't a 9-5 Kind of Person"

I talk about working part time, making money with your hobbies and passions, and basically... just making it happen. Which is what I need to do: Make it Happen! (Or as Tim Gunn says, "Make it work!")

So, here is the list of things I need to do:

1. Get at least 1 part time "real job."

2. Get some students and teach lessons

3. Sell some more of my jewelry

4. Get some gigs as a singer

5. Write more ehow articles

6. Get more followers for this little blog of mine

7. Sell some stuff out of my sweet online store

8. Spend more time being my creative self and eventually, it may help with the money issue (Basically... finish and publish my amazing book and sell millions of copies. hehe)

So yeah... I've got some work to do.

But I have realized something in these last few weeks of (self-created) torment... I can't give up the freedom I have found. I am me. I love me. And there are so many things about my life and my view on life that I cannot allow to be diluted or polluted by this modern world and this obsession so many have with money and power.

Jimi Hendrix said it right when he said "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

So I will continue to trust in the power of love. Love for others, love for life, love for the natural beauty in the world, and love for myself.

And everything will be alright...

Poem, brought on by too much time to think

Sitting, thinking, wishing, hoping

Life of carefree days is gone

Now I don't know where I'm going

I just wonder why and hum a song

A song of wandering, finding my place

Journey here and journey there

Trying to fit with the other rats in the race

All the while knowing they don't care

All they see is the life they know

Where life of carefree days is gone

so I'm sitting, thinking, wishing, hoping

that I find me; even if I never belong.

Another New Idea

So my latest crazy idea that I think is actually a great idea: I am going to write a children's book. I got inspired the other day and had a whole daydream about what the story would be. So I want to do it. I am going to write a children's book. What do you think?

Writing Songs

I started writing a new song today. It's about people judging you for what they consider to be faults in the way you live your life. Inspired by my constant worry that everyone I know thinks I am a jobless, lazy, bum! haha It should be good.

Writing my song inspired me a lot though, so I created a new ehow article on the topic of songwriting. I have to say... I am very proud of this article. It's so professional sounding! haha But I guess that makes sense, seeing as I have a degree in Music Education after all. 

Will is off writing songs today too. He is working on an amazing concept album. It's very house, but something else too. Kind of like a mix of Daft Punk, Deadmau5, and something completely and originally Will. I can't wait until he finishes the whole thing. What he has so far is so amazing!!

Anyway, today is just a songwriting kind of day I guess. Anyone else out there writing songs today?

Things I Like

So I have had a day filled with stuff I like. And it's been great. Here's the rundown:

Morning: I spent the morning writing, reading, and doing other important work online. Yes work. I like doing my online adventures for money making much more than a typical 9-5, because, let's face it... I'm not a 9-5 kind of girl. I'm more of a 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM kind of girl!

So what do I do online that's so great? Well, I update my blog. And I love my little blog. It's very meaningful to me... even if no one reads it. (Don't get me wrong... I'm a little vain... I want LOTS of people to read it, but I think you know what I mean)

I also read other people's blogs, articles, etc. and see what catches my eye and my limited attention span.

I write for ehow. I tell you what... that site is awesome!! It may seem like a shameless plug, but it's really not. I love that site. I have met so many nice people on there, I've learned a lot from reading my friends' articles, and I get to make money writing and teaching others things that I know. So cool. If you haven't checked out ehow yet, please do. (NOTE: As of the most recent blog updates in 2016, I no longer write for eHow.)

What else? Well, I make the rounds... Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Stumbleupon, My bank account, and Paypal. I also check my other pages and add to them. (Squidoo, Bukisa, etc.)

Finally, I work on Etsy.com selling arts and crafts. (NOTE: I no longer sell on Etsy.)

Afternoon: Got a hot and ready pizza for my boyfriend and while I was out, got a yummy raspberry iced tea for myself (Arizona, if you were wondering). Man, I love tea. All kinds of tea. My favorites have to be green tea with citrus, raspberry iced tea, and white tea with peach. MMMMmmmm.....

Also while I was out, I stopped at a store called Thrifty Treasures. (AKA: A dangerous place for me to be because I want to buy everything!)

I got a cute picture with a very classic frame that looks like it would hang in a Grandmother's house (which is why I like it so much!). I also got some mini photo albums (4) and a cute leaf shaped tea-lite candle holder. All for under $5.00. Awesome.

Late Afternoon/Early Evening: I got to snuggle with the bf before he went off to do some work, listened to music, and am now cuddled up with my cat Ava and back on the compy.

What does tonight hold? Only good things I'm sure. We've got some friends coming to hang out, and that's always fun.

So... I may not have a "real" job or a whole of money or anything, but I have a lot of things to be thankful for.

It's nice to be able to look at the world and see the good, even in the midst of hard times. Yay for being a Modern Bohemian!