Ohgabetta

I'm feeling the love for my work a tad extra these days.  Truly, I'm grateful to say I am happy 90% of the time when it comes to my profession.  10% spared of course for just plain shitty moments inevitable to occur.  These times are typically reserved for technical issues out of a normal human's control.  #notbitterpartyofone In short, I appreciate getting to do what I love for a living, what I earned my education in, which in today's world isn't all that common BTdubs, and because it affords me the chance to be a creative professional.  I love nothing more than getting creative and letting that flow.  I love applying said free flow to churn said creativity into efficiency.  That part reallly makes me happy. I saw the photo in this post on Uncommon James 's Instagram account and had an epiphany; I see each client as one of these beautiful bouquets full of color and design, ready to be neatly organized and designed to meet a vision, a goal, a d...

Isn't nostalgia great?  A smell can transport to a previous setting; a sight can jostle the mind; you can actually feel as though you've actually been struck by a memory.  For example, I don't often eat Cookies and Cream ice cream.  Ice cream isn't my go to dessert and when it is CC is not what I reach for.  It's nothing personal, I'm just not an oreo fan so the premise of the flavor naturally deters me. However, when I see this flavor pop up 20+ years later, I'm instantly sent back to being 9-12 years old, going to Kmart with my mom or grandma, and they had their little cafe with an ice cream station.  I loved nothing more than a Cookies and Cream ice cream cone at this time in my life.  It's a fond memory which catapults me into random other memories circa that time. My mom wore Halston perfume when I was a kid and if I catch a whiff of it ever, I'm instantly six years old, sitting on her lap at my grandparent's restaurant, eating the fettu...

Sometimes I have so much to say.  I want to do it all, tell it all, and write it all!  My intentions as a writer are evolving always and I feel this surge of creativity for it lately.  Maybe it's the longer days in summertime allowing to get more than ever done in a given day.  Maybe it's the meditation I've been practicing a little more than last week.  Or it could be the Orange County public school message signs out front of them, all with the same exact summer message: "Rest.  Read.  Relax.  Enjoy your summer."  I freaking love this message. I'm working on a project now that has me giggling with excitement and I just have to see it through and bring to life.  Half the battle is showing up and when you're a writer that's most certainly true, plus add in getting a paragraph down.  A simple paragraph, really?  Oh yes; when you're overflowing with enthusiasm and inspiration yet you're met with a case of ol'blank screen, that s...

Things have been busy.  I am working on a new project at my day job which is fresh and keeps me moving.  Before I know it the time is up and the day is done.  I like that.  The New Year has us motivated for our business and we are unfolding new layers of promotion for it while honing in on our current client campaigns with excitement.  I'm eager for it anew and it feels so right.  Like most people with babies say, I feel like I can't imagine our lives without or before our baby business was in it. I think I want to host this weekend.  I feel like cooking up some goodness by way of my crockpot and dolling up an appetizer or two.  Oh and not now, because quite honestly my phone is in the other room and well, I am not, I will be posting about a Baked Crab Rangoon recipe I used on New Year's Eve.  I took blog pics and all.  I'll say this: it clearly DID NOT disappoint and I feel it only my duty to share and pass it on. Tomorrow is the ca...

I'm just stopping in here because I feel like I have a few minutes to myself to just babble.  These days babbling is hard to come by.  Who am I kidding; no it isn't! - Our business is great and keeping us busy.  We have goals in mind for more and new plans always excite/terrify/keep me running in circles.  More to come. -Pepper got her nails done this weekend and a fabulous bath.  Girlfran gets the pampering more than me these days! -Roni spins while she does everything.  Specifically but not limited to: going down the 16 stairs to our front door; when eating doggie ice cream; and as she leaps down from the couch.  It's a miracle she didn't get my equilibrium.  Sister sister must not get dizzy dizzy. -Kate Spade is my kryptonite and I am quite ok with this.  When I make my first mil, I know where at least half of its going. #halfkidding -How To Get Away With Murder = new favorite TV show. -Scott Disick is more than a moron for man...

This is my 300th post!  I have worked so hard to get here.  I haven't been here in this space much the last few months so logging in today and seeing that was like exhaling a smooth ahhhhhh. Lately I've been working really hard for Social Cap with projects and exploring strategy.  It's definitely been fun, it's been intense and stressful, and I am exhausted any given day.  I read more inspirational quotes and memes than ever before in my life this far as well.  But by God, I am a proud small business owner. This is what goes into a brand new small business though.  I knew this going in and I stand by the services and work our team does and want to be exhausted.  I want to push and make myself work harder than I ever have to be able to justify all the chaos and all it's taken already this far. I admit I had to push to come here today but my dear old Ohgabetta page has been on my mind, much like Georgia for Ray Charles.  I've felt a lapse in ...

4 years ago this month, I logged into Blogpost and decided to publish a blog. Said blog was meant to serve as a place for all of my thoughts to transpire, my hopes and dreams to dance across the page, and for me to truly cultivate my personal voice. At the time of starting this space, I was doing more "professional" writing gigs, working for others, with a few publications in my area. I still cherish those opportunities, but this space offered a little nook of the online world all my own. Shoes, cookies, odes to flowers- whatever struck my fancy struck these pages.                                                       Just carrying on here in blogland As years have passed, and occasional lapses in posting have occur...

While Instagramming the other day, I found myself enchanted by a recent posting on the Humans of New York account . That's what I love about writing; inspiration lives everywhere! In this case, I came upon what would inspire me to write an entire blog post, quite honestly because at first glance, the man in the picture looked like Rowan Pope from Scandal. Side bar-Yes, we are late to the Scandal party, but catching up quick! Hunter and I love it. It's never as it seemmmsss! via via Anyhow, once I clicked on the two pictures dedicated to this fine gentleman, the caption completely captivated me. It read: “When I was a kid, I’d always wanted to be a writer. I even made a go of it when I was younger. I moved to California in my twenties, and tried to make it work. I almost sold a screenplay. I traveled around a bunch, and worked odd jobs, but by the time I hit my thirties, I said: ‘That’s it.’ And I went into the insurance business. I worked for a wonderful compan...

Raising a mug to this here blog space in celebration. This is quite a momentous moment! After all, it is my 250th post and for that I am quite proud. Blogging is hard business, my friends. And I'm not even into all the other parts like sponsorships, giveaways, so on and so forth. I'm just proud that I've kept this thing alive this long. Way more than I can say about any plant I've taken in. #RIPBasilplant #Ireallydidtryforyou. Blogging is also some of the most amazing business to be had. I particularly enjoy that this space serves as a virtual memory box to reflect on. I see growth, celebrations, recall good food recipes, vacations, holidays, milestones-just to name a few. Basically it's a compilation of all my favorite things in life and for that I love love love and adore this space of mine. Ohgabetta, the true meaning of love and joy and everything squishy and happy. To 250 more! Until we meet again, M

Lately, I'm feeling a pull back to some creative, fictional explorations in the form of my writing. Over many years, I have started different books here and there and haven't actually finished one. Said the writer, right? Standard story: I get an idea, start to divulge said idea into chapters, then lose my mojo for it. So here I am eager to begin another story again. The previous statement is easily a contender for the title of my biography at some point in my future, isn't it? Anyhow, moving along... I decided that I needed to get back to my love of leisure reading and promptly made my way to my neighborhood Target to fancy myself a new read for Treat Yo Self Tuesday . This book is an easy yet impacting read. The story line is high school based, but adulthood relevant. It's unique but relatable, which in my opinion is an excellent balance. One of the strongest aspects as well, is that there are 8, yes 8 , main characters and each is clearly defined very ...

The first thing that pops in my mind when thinking of this question, is the scene in Legally Blonde when Elle Woods' friend Margo shouts out "Vote for Elle!" and claps ecstatically. If I were president, life would be a bowl of cherries. No really, I would ensure that cherries were at peak all year long, forget a designated season. Everyone would get them delivered to their door step fresh, which in turn would cause for more employment opportunities. See? Clear economic direction already. If I were president, cupcakes would be free in each city twice a week, there would be no stray or abandoned dogs, and bullies would be sent to an island a la Naked and Afraid. They would have a chance at redemption, because we all make mistakes, but would first have plenty of time on that island to reflect on their actions. If I were president I would get to the bottom of the cure for Cancer and Aids; teachers would be the highest paid people in our country; and children, or ...

So here we are with Blogtober a third of the way through! This has been so fun already and I find myself looking forward to sitting down to write my post each night. This ties in directly to today's topic of discussion: I never thought blogging would... -Provide me such a space of happiness -Offer me the chance to "meet" so many amazing writers -and innovators -and people so passionate about so many of the same things that keep me passionate and driven One commonality I recognize in every blogger is the dreamer gene. We all have that sparkle in our eye for telling our stories and imagining where it may take us. Blogging is one of the very best experiences I've enjoyed yet. So to surmise, I never knew blogging would offer me such fulfillment in the power of being a dreamer. Until we meet again, M

Yessssss Halloween! It is my favorite, without a doubt, hands down!! I love love love Halloween more than any other holiday. The spookiness, the creative costumes, and the overall happy and exciting presence it brings with it each passing year. So because of this intense love, I have manyyyyy happy, favorite Halloween memories and the pictures to prove this: Oh, the days of downtown Whorelando on Halloween y'all: Remember approximately 2006-2008ish, when Bret Michaels was attempting " to find love " over, and over again ? We loved that hot mess express so Hunter was him and I of course was his rock of love: I don't want to brag, but with my boos from work, we were part of Bro White and the Seven Dwarfs last year in our company's contest and we won! Then that night a fabulous scarecrow and her goblin guy... Throwing back the Halloween love full force. Hey girl!: I love this holiday!!!!!! As for one specific memory, I do recall going trick ...

A few months ago, I wrote a letter to 17 year old me, which can be found here . What prompted the letter I wrote, was the song Brad Paisley sings called "Letter to me", all about what present him would tell past him. It's a great song, very catchy and heart warming. Ultimately, the song inspired me to reflect and remind myself that all over blonde is not my best look, and to stay laughing about life. Today's Blogtober topic encourages a letter of a similar nature, but with projections for my future self. So here goes... Dear 39 year old Megan, Don't jump! It's only 40!! Kidding. Hopefully you still have your appreciation for aging and remember that getting older is a privilege denied to far too many. So future self, I hope this letter finds you well, loved, and appreciative. And my God, still brunette. I hope you've sold your second or third book, or we're at least in the final stages of revision. I hope this blog space is full of even...

Vacations, vacations. Is there ever such a thing as too many? Overruled! I say this to anyone who advises yes. While my favorite vacay memory is a toss up from NYC, (you remember the one where Hunter and I were almost arrested in an underground purse ring bust? No? Please refresh your laughter/fear altimeter here ), or our first New Orleans visit together, I shall go with....... Nawlins for the win! This was the best because it was the first vacation Hunter and I ever took together; New Orleans is an amazing city full of heart, love, and damn delicious food; and we just happened to wake up on our second day to find snow, which happened to be the first time in 20 years it snowed there! We, as two born and raised Florida kids, had never, ever experienced this mythical creature known as snow. Hunter had only seen flurries in Alabama and I had nada. Very exciting to say the least, and far too cold for my sunshine state living self. Note to self: Never pick up a snowball wit...

I started blogging in May 2010 just after graduating college. I had blogged for a magazine I interned with and maintained a blog as a mentor in my Capstone class. Next thing I knew, I was signing in to Blogger for myself and was off to the races. I blogged a whopping three times before leaving this space damn near a year. Once back, I have staggered my way through posts, picking up momentum here and there. I'm guilty that some weeks are better than others. I have made it my personal commitment, however, to honor this space more consistently in the last year and I'm feeling good with it. What I would tell myself when I started blogging, almost four years ago, is directly related to what I tell myself presently. Without further suspense... 10 Things I'd Tell Myself When I Started Blogging: 1. Write every day. No ifs or buts. 2. Link up-join in, have fun, mingle! 3. Don't be afraid of your words; no idea isn't worth consideration 4. Study SEO 5. Learn...

Well, isn't this just the most precious topic for today! Why, you ask? Because as I sit at my desk talking fall, IT IS 61 DEGREES RIGHT NOW ! In Florida!! Ladies and gentlemen, we have officially hit a cold streak!!!! Whoo! Can you tell us Floridians don't get out of the house much without sweating our faces off? It is dreamy and I hope it never ends. A favorite throwback pic of us bundled up for fall, Louisiana, 2008 Now, on to the discussion at hand: fall bucket list! I aim to keep it simple this season and take in the beauty of everything fall. I've already organized my scarves and boots, watched Hocus Pocus 4 times, and baking is like breathing to me so it's definitely amped up through this season. Our house is already decked out in our Halloween finest and I seem to have a knack for always finding something more to add in. As for the activities to still accomplish, let's talk. Things still to do in fall: 1. Open all the windows in the house ...

This is one of the best writing prompts ever! I love love love Instagram so it was quite difficult to choose just one picture that is my ultimate favorite. I thought of several ways to have categories of favorites like one for the dogs, one of muh frandsss, one from TBT edition, and of course faves of my Hunter bear. Man, this was hard! I decided to push myself to a commitment of what the assignment asks for. I have a way of not being able to commit to just one of anything, I mean JUST LOOK at my bangles collection! I opted to reflect based on what this fabulous writing prompt is asking for. Low and behold, my favorite Instagram picture is.................. I chose this because it represents everything I hold dear: my Hunter, my beautiful baby girl dogters, our home, and all the crazy, good fun that life is. I mean, seriously, my little dog is wearing elf ears, and my big dog was about to take off after a squirrel or a deer, or a leaf, which is why the endearing father ...

Alright day 3 of Blogtober! Whoo! Let's just keep on RSVPing to this partay!! This is an interesting topic, peeps. The first thing that popped in my mind would be an emotional "thing" and that thing is gratitude. I believe in the power of finding something good in every situation. I was just discussing this with my boss today and we both acknowledged a want to be find more gratitude in every moment. Life gets hard, and yes, some moments can be less than desirable, but even in these instances, there is opportunity to stand back and feel the power of gratitude. So that is my short and sweet, to the point, deep thought of the day. Now, to reflect on one physical thing I cannot live without, I'm going to be real honest here: my phone. My god, I love my phone. It allows connectivity to every part of my life; I can reach any of my family and friends any time, access my fave social medias like Twitter and Instagram right in the palm of my paw, and even the sim...

Thinking back to when I was a wee little Meggie, I wanted to be a psychiatrist, a lawyer, and a writer. I recognize one apparent factor in the majority of my ambitions: to help people. I've always liked to problem solve and lend an ear. One other commonality is that I must have known I would be in school for years on end, haha! I have a master's degree in New Media Journalism and I took six years to enjoy undergrad. Clearly, school was on my vision board since approximately age 7. First, I wanted to be a lawyer for people who could not afford lawyers. I wanted to help cases with children, moms, or anyone underprivileged. This lasted on and off until I was probably 15. Next, I wanted to be a psychiatrist. Yes, to help, but mostly because I was obsessed with the movie What About Bob? I love this movie to this day and found the idea of helping someone like Bob, bless his heart, completely amazing. I'm not sure when this idea fell away from me. And my favorite,...