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Megan Waldrep

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UPDATE: Last Dance with Mary Jane Continues…

October 16, 2019October 16, 2019
megan-waldrep-writer-weed

Is weed addiction even a real thing? For some of us, it is. And it sucks.

More
Megan-Waldrep-writer-Elizabeth-Rose
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Millennials & Marriage: Put a Ring on It?

October 9, 2019October 9, 2019
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Badass Bitches: Music to Pump You Up!

October 2, 2019October 2, 2019
I Heart Blog

Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band

September 25, 2019October 2, 2019
megan-waldrep-designer-writer
I Heart Blog

(Part 2) 6 Steps to Working Remotely & “The Fashion Story”

September 18, 2019September 27, 2019
megan-waldrep-writing-sailboat
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

(Part 1) Buck the System & Create a Remote Work-Life

September 11, 2019September 18, 2019
nasa photo hurricane
I Heart Blog

What Hurricane Dorian Feels Like

September 4, 2019September 6, 2019
alaska water photo davina schaetz
I Heart Blog

(Part 2): Communicating w/ a Commerical Fisherman

August 31, 2019August 31, 2019
I Heart Blog

Freelance Life: Money & the Creative Process w/ Musician Lana Shea

August 24, 2019August 28, 2019
man on cellphone tower
I Heart Blog

Tips for Communicating w/ a Commercial Fisherman

August 22, 2019August 22, 2019
megan-waldrep
I Heart Blog

Money Talk: A Freelance Writer’s Income Exposed

August 21, 2019August 21, 2019
pink clay piggy bank
I Heart Blog

Money Talk: How Does a Freelance Writer and a Commercial Fisherman Make It Work?

August 14, 2019August 21, 2019
photo kaie harp
I Heart Blog

Money Talk: Mistakes We Made When Splitting Finances (& How We Fixed Them)

August 7, 2019August 21, 2019
Chris Dabney Commercial Fisherman
I Heart Blog

Your Sex Life & Dating a Commercial Fisherman

July 31, 2019August 5, 2019
Bri Dwyer Megan Waldrep
I Heart Blog

Dating A Commercial Fisherman: Q&A w/ Photographer Bri Dwyer

July 24, 2019August 6, 2019
commercial diver chris dabney
I Heart Blog

How-To Long-Distance Date a Commercial Fisherman

July 17, 2019August 6, 2019
I Heart Blog

[UPDATE] 9 Things To Know When Dating a Fisherman

July 10, 2019August 27, 2019
man woman engagement
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Epilogue: An Unperfect Love Story

July 3, 2019July 9, 2019
unperfect love story
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

An Unperfect Love Story (Part 4)

June 26, 2019June 27, 2019
unperfect love story part three
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

An Unperfect Love Story (Part 3)

June 19, 2019June 19, 2019
unperfect love story part two
I Heart 2017• I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

An Unperfect Love Story (Part 2)

June 12, 2019June 17, 2019
Unperfect love story part one
I Heart 2015• I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

An Unperfect Love Story (Part 1)

June 5, 2019June 18, 2019
woman coffee shop
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

Tips for Writing in Coffee Shops

May 29, 2019May 31, 2019
woman in mexico writing
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

5 Things You Can Do to Fight Depression

May 22, 2019August 12, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Goodbye #boatlife: Selling a Boat in Mexico Part 2

May 15, 2019May 22, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

“Moooom!”

May 8, 2019May 10, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Goodbye #boatlife: Selling a boat in Mexico Part 1

May 1, 2019May 17, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

Interview with Mexican designer Jasmine Rosales

April 24, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

The Story Of A Guru: Phillip Schaeffer

April 17, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

What It’s Like To Get Dental Work In Mexico

April 10, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

What It’s Like To Grocery Shop In Mexico

April 3, 2019May 10, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Material Girl: Materialism vs. Indigenous Cultures in Mexico

March 20, 2019March 16, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Drunk with Envy – When You’re Jealous of a Friend

March 12, 2019March 15, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

Interview with Emily Bargeron of Mamie Ruth

March 12, 2019May 10, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Shep Rose of Shep Gear

March 6, 2019March 6, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

Sailing into Altata, Sinaloa, Mexico

February 27, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

4 Reasons to Cruise Mainland Mexico over Baja

February 20, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

#SeparateTogetherness: How-To Live In A Small Space

February 7, 2019May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

First Passage: San Carlos to Puerto Yavaros

January 22, 2019May 10, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2019• I Heart Blog

Why Selling A Boat Is Harder Than Selling A House

January 11, 2019February 12, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart 2018• I Heart Blog

9 Things You Should Know When Dating a Commerical Fisherman

December 13, 2018July 13, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2018

Part Two: Making Tortillas in Agua Verde, Baja, Mexico

November 30, 2018February 12, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2018

Part One: Making Tortillas in Agua Verde, Baja Mexico

November 1, 2018May 17, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

How To Beat Depression with bdvibez

October 24, 2018May 10, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2018

What Strong Women Aren’t Supposed To Say

October 8, 2018February 12, 2019
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2018• I Heart Blog

This Is Sailing. And Here’s What They Don’t Tell You

September 2, 2018May 10, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with author Emily Belden

August 24, 2018September 29, 2018
woman silhouette pink heart says I Heart
I Heart 2018• I Heart Blog

Sailing to Mexico

August 17, 2018May 10, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

S/V Astrologer – Meet the Crew

August 7, 2018May 10, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Dolly Parton – To Love Her Even More

August 6, 2018September 29, 2018
I Heart Blog

New EP of MOON DIVER – Free For You!

July 23, 2018February 12, 2019
Behind-the-Scenes• I Heart Blog

Behind The Scenes Of Boat Life On A 34-Foot Sailboat

July 23, 2018May 10, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Moon Diver

July 20, 2018February 12, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Why Relationships Are Hard

July 17, 2018February 12, 2019
Freelance Portfolio

Polly Frost – From Writer To Performance Artist

July 17, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

A Sailing Couple Back At Sea In Santa Barbara

June 17, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Compare and Despair – The Instagram Blues

May 17, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

How To Love An Artist – A Guide

April 17, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Fight For My Write – When You Stand In Your Truth

March 17, 2018October 21, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Unwelcomed Home Coming – When Friends Aren’t Supportive

March 17, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Boat Life – A Relationship Test

February 17, 2018July 30, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart Blog

Emotions That May Happen When Traveling By Sailboat

January 17, 2018October 8, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2018

Captain’s Log – When Engine Trouble Strikes

January 11, 2018September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Sailing To California – An Emotional Return

December 2, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart Blog

A Storm At Sea – Point Arena, California

November 29, 2017August 13, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Meeting Other Sailors While Cruising

November 18, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

What To Expect When You Sail At Night

October 18, 2017August 13, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Take A Left Into The Pacific – Sailing Out Of Washington

September 18, 2017August 13, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

What Are Your Intensions With My Daughter?

September 10, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

When A Friend Flirts With Your Man

August 21, 2017August 13, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Hometown Identity Crisis – Life Of A Military Brat

August 10, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Preston – A Funeral For A Friend

July 19, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

#AuntLife – When Baby Mac Came Into The World

July 18, 2017September 29, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Author Catherine Ryan Hyde of Pay It Forward

June 16, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Insecure In A Secure Relationship

June 10, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

How To Prevent A Midlife Crisis

May 10, 2017October 19, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Last Dance With Mary Jane – My Story with Weed

April 10, 2017May 18, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

When Battling Your Ego, Prepare To Lose.

March 10, 2017October 19, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Why Have Kids? Part Two – Why People Want Children

March 10, 2017August 14, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017• I Heart Blog

Why Have Kids? Part One – To Have Children or Not

February 10, 2017August 14, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

February 10, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2017

Life Goals Tested – Time To Figure Out What You Want

January 10, 2017September 29, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Self-Sabotage – Unhappy Because Of The Past

November 10, 2016October 21, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Financial Dependence

October 10, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

When Plans Change

October 10, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Boat Life T.M.I.

September 9, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Jonathan Cain of Journey

August 21, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Geoff Downes of YES

August 21, 2016September 27, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Is Sailing To Mexico A Good Idea?

August 10, 2016September 27, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Boz Scaggs

July 21, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Matthew Healy of The 1975

July 21, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

About The Cute Boy At The Henry Miller Library In Big Sur

July 10, 2016November 4, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Author Monte Schulz and the Santa Barbara Writers Conference

June 3, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Sofi Tukker

May 21, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

May 21, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Baby On Board

May 10, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

How To Be A Wingwoman

April 10, 2016September 28, 2018
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Test of Faithfulness

March 10, 2016July 30, 2019
relationship columnist writer megan waldrep
I Heart 2016

Free The “V”

February 10, 2016September 28, 2018
Freelance Portfolio

Interview with Jordan Rosenthal of Fortunate Youth

February 1, 2016October 19, 2018

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Meet Megan

Megan Waldrep is a freelance writer and columnist. She writes a collection of short stories called, I Heart using the pen name Elizabeth Rose.  Meet Megan Here!

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  • Fashion design and lobster fishing have a lot in common. When you have a deadline (like a show or the first day of fishing season), you work tirelessly until showtime. Watching Chris bust his ass to prepare for the season reminded me of how I worked through nights to finish a job. Zoning out and using my hands to paint buoys tickled a part of my brain once used when sewing and designing a piece - minus the cigarettes, booze, weed, and Adderall! 🤪 Fashion Tip: you can still look cute while doing manual labor! Buy thrift store clothes you can mess up without worry (like this velvet top) or cut your not-so-favorite tees into a midriff or tank. I also recommend curling your hair. It’s the little things to make you feel good when you’re getting down and dirty, ya know? And, of course, good music, too. (I think I was dancing to Lizzo in the video. Big surprise.) A few blog posts you may have missed that will have you saying, “That’s so helpful!” to “That actually happened? What the actual fuck”: 👉🏽(Part 1) Buck the System & Create a Remote Work-Life 👉🏽(Part 2) 6 Steps to Working Remotely & “The Fashion Story” 👉🏽Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band 👉🏽Badass Bitches: Music to Pump You Up! 👉🏽Millennials & Marriage: Put a Ring on It? 🔥All stories linked in my bio!🔥 Side note - when working, what kind of music do you zone out too?🤔 #fishinglife #fashiondesigners #lobsterfishing #commercialfishing #buoys #paintjob #manuallabor #amwriting #ilovewriting #writersofinstagram #lizzo #thriftstorefinds #sewinglife #druglife #canyourelate
  • Do I judge other for smoking and drinking? Hell no! Let me refill your glass and roll a dank-ass joint for you. Eat, drink, and be merry. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. And take one down for me. 🍻🌳🌬 Yet, this message I received sums up how I felt when I finally quit drinking. Personally, I knew weed was just a bandaid to a bullet wound that eventually turned into a wound itself. But weed was my solution to taper off the hooch. (Turns out, trading one addiction for another is NOT THE WAY TO GO.) For those who are “sober curious,” I’m sharing my experience with addiction, which is all over the place: I am not completely sober. I love a hallucinogenic every now and then, and plan on enjoying them in the future. I may hit a joint at some point, too. Self destructive? Perhaps. I am fully aware of what I’m doing. (And if you think that’s bad, wait til you see what I’m doing tomorrow. I’ll post in my stories and you will not want to miss!) My actions may seem hypocritical, and that’s ok. I’m human. I have faults. I’m doing the best I can. I’m learning what doesn’t serve me and seeking help when I need it. Should I quit altogether? Absolutely! But living with addiction doesn’t make sense. Still, I’m navigating through... So. In hopes to help others who are silently suffering, I’m planting this story firmly on my grid. If you have questions or want someone to talk to, I’m here! Or, I can help find someone/a group in your area who will be there for you without judgement or expectation. Your secret is safe with me bc I know how it is - it fucking sucks. Regardless, we can live our best lives by not judging others and supporting ourselves, friends, and family when needed. Let’s continue to do the best we can every day. Because each moment we’re alive is all we got. #iloveweed #butidontneedtheweed #pissedaboutit #livingontheedge #howitis #peoplehelpingpeople #narcoticsanonymous #drugaddiction #addictlife #amwriting #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #ilovewriting #canyourelate
  • This part of the letter is what inspired the cover story: “For a woman, even in this age of double incomes, the prospect of marriage probably means the gift of a home to play with, kids to fulfill her need to brood, and the prestige of becoming ‘Sadie, Sadie, married lady,’ the relief of being cared for.” Wow. Bless his heart. A gentleman in his 70s sent this in response to a piece I wrote called, “What’s with the Ring?” for my column I Heart that was published earlier this year. (I write the column under the pen name, Elizabeth Rose🌹.) I respectfully replied in hopes to clue him in on what Millennials think of marriage today, and I hope I did us justice! The photos show the journey of taking this piece from a simple, 750 word column to a 1500 word cover story with a few behind-the-scenes texts with the publisher and shots of what the paper looks like before it’s sent to print. 💍Would love your thoughts! What do you think of the response? Can you relate? Did I represent our generation concisely? If you feel the urge, please share in the comments below or on the blog. Would love to hear from you! 💕Full story online now. Link in bio!💕 #ihearterose #iheart #relationships #millenials #millennialsandmarriage #wewrotethis #penname #columnist #santabarbara #santabarbarasentinel #ilovewriting #iheartsb #babyboomers #millennialsandmarriage #canyourelatetothis
  • What do you think about flowery language, the art of journalism, and the book, Where the Crawdads Sing? I’m retracing a few statements and want to know your thoughts! #journalismlifestyle #wherethecrawdadssing #amwriting
  • Because it’s Monday, and we could all use a little zen... 🧘🏽‍♀️ #Carpinteria #zenmomentoftheday
  • On the plane on the way to California, I opened the book 📖 Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (under the pen name, “Sugar”), and my face contorted in that odd and funny way faces do when trying to hide deep emotions. I cried. HARD. Why? Because as a writer who is trying to be prolific through weekly blogs and freelance writing gigs, I still felt I’m holding myself back from the one experience that will make me feel whole - writing a book. (The way some yearn for a child, writing a book is the baby of my dreams.) The ugly cry began as Strayed explained what it felt like to finally finish her first novel: “I didn’t know if people would think my book was good or bad or horrible or beautiful and I didn’t care. I only knew I no longer had two hearts beating in my chest. I’d pulled one out with my own bare hands. I’d suffered. I’d given it everything I had...It was only then, when I humbly surrendered, that I was able to do the work I needed to do.” Today, I write this caption with a lump in my throat as fresh as the first day I read those magical words. Because the one thing that scares me most is the only thing that will set me free. Why am I telling you this? 💥To INSPIRE you to do the same!💥 What is the one thing that terrifies you, but you know is your life’s mission? Let’s be brave, hold hands, and jump into the deep end. Once we face our fears, and stop comparing ourselves to others, we can finally create the art we were born to do. Here’s to doing what scares us, and what will fulfill our souls when we’re ninety-two. I’m adding these words to my daily prayers & mantra, and extend the invitation to you: 1. Thank You, God/Universe/Nature/Whatever you believe for all my blessings. 2. Time to (Insert Life Goal Here) Like A Motherfucker. 🤘🏽 #writelikeamotherfucker #amwriting #amediting #cherylstrayed #writergottawrite #writersofinstagram #writingishard #writingiseasy #writingislife #writerscorner #bookworm #booklovers #letsdothis
  • 🌳Q&A: Do we live on a pot farm? The secret farm we live on once grew pot, but currently, no. Do you smoke weed? Yes and no. Didn’t you write a story about quitting? Yes. I published it in the @santabarbarasenitnel a few years ago. Did you quit? Yes. For a year and some change. What made you smoke again? A Widespread MF Panic show.🤘🏽 How does it affect you negatively? Hmm…well, I lied to Chris about smoking the other day (for ten seconds until I took it back. Still, I lied.), and we had a huge argument. He was more pissed that I lied than about the weed. Duh. We’re good now, but I never want to jeopardize our relationship again. Will you smoke again? Maybe. Will it affect you negatively? Probably. Will you ever learn? Eventually. I quit drinking almost four years ago, and I fooled myself into thinking weed would be different. Turns out, it is AND it isn’t and I’m FUCKING PISSED bc I live in a state where it’s legal and I can smell it in the air and I love it and still, I know if I’m not careful, it will get out of control. The life of an addict. Are these the cards I’m dealt? I’m embarrassed and ashamed. Especially, when I meet others and read stories of people dealing with life-threatening illnesses, and here I am consciously holding myself down from my best life with a few small tokes. My ultimate dream? To write a book! There, I said it! So, if I write a book every time I think weed I should be done in about a week. 🙄 Anyway, I wanted to share this with you because although I’ve conquered an alcohol addiction, and seem to be living “my best life” in California, I still struggle. You’re not alone in yours and I’m not alone in mine. And together, we can encourage each other to keep pushing through. WE GOT THIS! What’s your view on cannabis? Puff puff or pass? Oh yeah – we live in an Airstream! More stories from the farm to come... #weedstories #letsgethigh #sikeletswriteabook #getoutofyourownway #lifeprojects #werestilldoinggreatevenwhenwestruggle #writersofinstagram #ilovewriting #writingistherapy #amwriting #scaredofwritingabook #letsfuckingdothis #wegotthis #airstreamlife #trailerlife #lifelife
  • You may not know this, but at one point I was a fashion designer and children’s book author who hit rock bottom with an excessive drinking problem and made repeatedly bad choices. I now admit the embarrassment of my past held me back from promoting this story when I published it last week. The reason I even bring this up is, when I was asked about the moment I decided to “buck the system” and live a remote work-life, I quickly realized that diving into my former life –more than I wanted to – was the only way to fully explain how I got here. "Here" meaning any coffee shop, library, home, hotel or hotspot with WiFi for that #remoteworklife that sounds ideal, and it is, but requires A LOT of adjustments (which you can totally do). Of course, you don’t have to fall on your face like I did to create the life you want. Nah, friends. I did that for you! 😂😅So to lighten the mood, I share *6 tips to living a remote work life* on the blog for you, too! 🥳 But getting back to partying my nuts off, the first time I bucked the system was my Senior year of college when I “quit that fucking job" to start a small production fashion company called Mew Design (“Mew” are my initials, Megan Elizabeth Waldrep). But the moment a *remote work life* began was ten years later after falling to my knees with a drinking problem that I could not longer hide. It was sad. I was sad. My life was consumed by hangovers and figuring out the next drink. But, there were some fucking amazing times, too! Like meeting boss bitch and overall badass @ayokalu, and my cosmic brother and talented photog @bobtography (both who I mention in the story and will post more on later). And, of course, @mamieruthxoxo who inspired me so much (story also linked in the blog). Its a true tale of love and loss, resilience and hope, and I threw in a *terribly embarrassing* YouTube video of my interview for Charleston Fashion Week just because I love you. Happy Friday, y’all! And cheers to you and your health! Just because I personally can’t handle alcohol doesn’t mean I can’t raise a glass of kombucha to you! 🥰 (Reading Tip: save this post, and I’ll keep the links in my bio when you’re ready😘.) #remoteworklife
  • We live on a super secret farm in Carpinteria, California.🌱So secret, in fact, I can only reveal close up photos for you to visualize and imagine where we live. The video records how many steps it takes to walk from my car to our front door. Also, yes I realize the plant in the first photo is a weed. But weeds can be as pretty as flowers too. 😊 Happy hump day y’all! Oh! I forgot to mention, I posted a new blog for you today. I share two tips on how to professionally interview for a freelance piece. A funny and helpful story ensues. It’s called, Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band. 🤘🏽Link in bio!🤘🏽 #amwriting #remotejob #writinglife #freelancelife #carpinteria #remoateworklife #carpinteriaca #secretfarm #farmlife #writingtips #writeon

Recently Published

  • UPDATE: Last Dance with Mary Jane Continues…
  • Millennials & Marriage: Put a Ring on It?
  • Badass Bitches: Music to Pump You Up!
  • Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band
  • (Part 2) 6 Steps to Working Remotely & “The Fashion Story”
  • (Part 1) Buck the System & Create a Remote Work-Life
  • What Hurricane Dorian Feels Like
  • (Part 2): Communicating w/ a Commerical Fisherman
  • Freelance Life: Money & the Creative Process w/ Musician Lana Shea
  • Tips for Communicating w/ a Commercial Fisherman

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  • Fashion design and lobster fishing have a lot in common. When you have a deadline (like a show or the first day of fishing season), you work tirelessly until showtime. Watching Chris bust his ass to prepare for the season reminded me of how I worked through nights to finish a job. Zoning out and using my hands to paint buoys tickled a part of my brain once used when sewing and designing a piece - minus the cigarettes, booze, weed, and Adderall! 🤪 Fashion Tip: you can still look cute while doing manual labor! Buy thrift store clothes you can mess up without worry (like this velvet top) or cut your not-so-favorite tees into a midriff or tank. I also recommend curling your hair. It’s the little things to make you feel good when you’re getting down and dirty, ya know? And, of course, good music, too. (I think I was dancing to Lizzo in the video. Big surprise.) A few blog posts you may have missed that will have you saying, “That’s so helpful!” to “That actually happened? What the actual fuck”: 👉🏽(Part 1) Buck the System & Create a Remote Work-Life 👉🏽(Part 2) 6 Steps to Working Remotely & “The Fashion Story” 👉🏽Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band 👉🏽Badass Bitches: Music to Pump You Up! 👉🏽Millennials & Marriage: Put a Ring on It? 🔥All stories linked in my bio!🔥 Side note - when working, what kind of music do you zone out too?🤔 #fishinglife #fashiondesigners #lobsterfishing #commercialfishing #buoys #paintjob #manuallabor #amwriting #ilovewriting #writersofinstagram #lizzo #thriftstorefinds #sewinglife #druglife #canyourelate
  • Do I judge other for smoking and drinking? Hell no! Let me refill your glass and roll a dank-ass joint for you. Eat, drink, and be merry. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. And take one down for me. 🍻🌳🌬 Yet, this message I received sums up how I felt when I finally quit drinking. Personally, I knew weed was just a bandaid to a bullet wound that eventually turned into a wound itself. But weed was my solution to taper off the hooch. (Turns out, trading one addiction for another is NOT THE WAY TO GO.) For those who are “sober curious,” I’m sharing my experience with addiction, which is all over the place: I am not completely sober. I love a hallucinogenic every now and then, and plan on enjoying them in the future. I may hit a joint at some point, too. Self destructive? Perhaps. I am fully aware of what I’m doing. (And if you think that’s bad, wait til you see what I’m doing tomorrow. I’ll post in my stories and you will not want to miss!) My actions may seem hypocritical, and that’s ok. I’m human. I have faults. I’m doing the best I can. I’m learning what doesn’t serve me and seeking help when I need it. Should I quit altogether? Absolutely! But living with addiction doesn’t make sense. Still, I’m navigating through... So. In hopes to help others who are silently suffering, I’m planting this story firmly on my grid. If you have questions or want someone to talk to, I’m here! Or, I can help find someone/a group in your area who will be there for you without judgement or expectation. Your secret is safe with me bc I know how it is - it fucking sucks. Regardless, we can live our best lives by not judging others and supporting ourselves, friends, and family when needed. Let’s continue to do the best we can every day. Because each moment we’re alive is all we got. #iloveweed #butidontneedtheweed #pissedaboutit #livingontheedge #howitis #peoplehelpingpeople #narcoticsanonymous #drugaddiction #addictlife #amwriting #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #ilovewriting #canyourelate
  • This part of the letter is what inspired the cover story: “For a woman, even in this age of double incomes, the prospect of marriage probably means the gift of a home to play with, kids to fulfill her need to brood, and the prestige of becoming ‘Sadie, Sadie, married lady,’ the relief of being cared for.” Wow. Bless his heart. A gentleman in his 70s sent this in response to a piece I wrote called, “What’s with the Ring?” for my column I Heart that was published earlier this year. (I write the column under the pen name, Elizabeth Rose🌹.) I respectfully replied in hopes to clue him in on what Millennials think of marriage today, and I hope I did us justice! The photos show the journey of taking this piece from a simple, 750 word column to a 1500 word cover story with a few behind-the-scenes texts with the publisher and shots of what the paper looks like before it’s sent to print. 💍Would love your thoughts! What do you think of the response? Can you relate? Did I represent our generation concisely? If you feel the urge, please share in the comments below or on the blog. Would love to hear from you! 💕Full story online now. Link in bio!💕 #ihearterose #iheart #relationships #millenials #millennialsandmarriage #wewrotethis #penname #columnist #santabarbara #santabarbarasentinel #ilovewriting #iheartsb #babyboomers #millennialsandmarriage #canyourelatetothis
  • What do you think about flowery language, the art of journalism, and the book, Where the Crawdads Sing? I’m retracing a few statements and want to know your thoughts! #journalismlifestyle #wherethecrawdadssing #amwriting
  • Because it’s Monday, and we could all use a little zen... 🧘🏽‍♀️ #Carpinteria #zenmomentoftheday
  • On the plane on the way to California, I opened the book 📖 Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed (under the pen name, “Sugar”), and my face contorted in that odd and funny way faces do when trying to hide deep emotions. I cried. HARD. Why? Because as a writer who is trying to be prolific through weekly blogs and freelance writing gigs, I still felt I’m holding myself back from the one experience that will make me feel whole - writing a book. (The way some yearn for a child, writing a book is the baby of my dreams.) The ugly cry began as Strayed explained what it felt like to finally finish her first novel: “I didn’t know if people would think my book was good or bad or horrible or beautiful and I didn’t care. I only knew I no longer had two hearts beating in my chest. I’d pulled one out with my own bare hands. I’d suffered. I’d given it everything I had...It was only then, when I humbly surrendered, that I was able to do the work I needed to do.” Today, I write this caption with a lump in my throat as fresh as the first day I read those magical words. Because the one thing that scares me most is the only thing that will set me free. Why am I telling you this? 💥To INSPIRE you to do the same!💥 What is the one thing that terrifies you, but you know is your life’s mission? Let’s be brave, hold hands, and jump into the deep end. Once we face our fears, and stop comparing ourselves to others, we can finally create the art we were born to do. Here’s to doing what scares us, and what will fulfill our souls when we’re ninety-two. I’m adding these words to my daily prayers & mantra, and extend the invitation to you: 1. Thank You, God/Universe/Nature/Whatever you believe for all my blessings. 2. Time to (Insert Life Goal Here) Like A Motherfucker. 🤘🏽 #writelikeamotherfucker #amwriting #amediting #cherylstrayed #writergottawrite #writersofinstagram #writingishard #writingiseasy #writingislife #writerscorner #bookworm #booklovers #letsdothis
  • 🌳Q&A: Do we live on a pot farm? The secret farm we live on once grew pot, but currently, no. Do you smoke weed? Yes and no. Didn’t you write a story about quitting? Yes. I published it in the @santabarbarasenitnel a few years ago. Did you quit? Yes. For a year and some change. What made you smoke again? A Widespread MF Panic show.🤘🏽 How does it affect you negatively? Hmm…well, I lied to Chris about smoking the other day (for ten seconds until I took it back. Still, I lied.), and we had a huge argument. He was more pissed that I lied than about the weed. Duh. We’re good now, but I never want to jeopardize our relationship again. Will you smoke again? Maybe. Will it affect you negatively? Probably. Will you ever learn? Eventually. I quit drinking almost four years ago, and I fooled myself into thinking weed would be different. Turns out, it is AND it isn’t and I’m FUCKING PISSED bc I live in a state where it’s legal and I can smell it in the air and I love it and still, I know if I’m not careful, it will get out of control. The life of an addict. Are these the cards I’m dealt? I’m embarrassed and ashamed. Especially, when I meet others and read stories of people dealing with life-threatening illnesses, and here I am consciously holding myself down from my best life with a few small tokes. My ultimate dream? To write a book! There, I said it! So, if I write a book every time I think weed I should be done in about a week. 🙄 Anyway, I wanted to share this with you because although I’ve conquered an alcohol addiction, and seem to be living “my best life” in California, I still struggle. You’re not alone in yours and I’m not alone in mine. And together, we can encourage each other to keep pushing through. WE GOT THIS! What’s your view on cannabis? Puff puff or pass? Oh yeah – we live in an Airstream! More stories from the farm to come... #weedstories #letsgethigh #sikeletswriteabook #getoutofyourownway #lifeprojects #werestilldoinggreatevenwhenwestruggle #writersofinstagram #ilovewriting #writingistherapy #amwriting #scaredofwritingabook #letsfuckingdothis #wegotthis #airstreamlife #trailerlife #lifelife
  • You may not know this, but at one point I was a fashion designer and children’s book author who hit rock bottom with an excessive drinking problem and made repeatedly bad choices. I now admit the embarrassment of my past held me back from promoting this story when I published it last week. The reason I even bring this up is, when I was asked about the moment I decided to “buck the system” and live a remote work-life, I quickly realized that diving into my former life –more than I wanted to – was the only way to fully explain how I got here. "Here" meaning any coffee shop, library, home, hotel or hotspot with WiFi for that #remoteworklife that sounds ideal, and it is, but requires A LOT of adjustments (which you can totally do). Of course, you don’t have to fall on your face like I did to create the life you want. Nah, friends. I did that for you! 😂😅So to lighten the mood, I share *6 tips to living a remote work life* on the blog for you, too! 🥳 But getting back to partying my nuts off, the first time I bucked the system was my Senior year of college when I “quit that fucking job" to start a small production fashion company called Mew Design (“Mew” are my initials, Megan Elizabeth Waldrep). But the moment a *remote work life* began was ten years later after falling to my knees with a drinking problem that I could not longer hide. It was sad. I was sad. My life was consumed by hangovers and figuring out the next drink. But, there were some fucking amazing times, too! Like meeting boss bitch and overall badass @ayokalu, and my cosmic brother and talented photog @bobtography (both who I mention in the story and will post more on later). And, of course, @mamieruthxoxo who inspired me so much (story also linked in the blog). Its a true tale of love and loss, resilience and hope, and I threw in a *terribly embarrassing* YouTube video of my interview for Charleston Fashion Week just because I love you. Happy Friday, y’all! And cheers to you and your health! Just because I personally can’t handle alcohol doesn’t mean I can’t raise a glass of kombucha to you! 🥰 (Reading Tip: save this post, and I’ll keep the links in my bio when you’re ready😘.) #remoteworklife
  • We live on a super secret farm in Carpinteria, California.🌱So secret, in fact, I can only reveal close up photos for you to visualize and imagine where we live. The video records how many steps it takes to walk from my car to our front door. Also, yes I realize the plant in the first photo is a weed. But weeds can be as pretty as flowers too. 😊 Happy hump day y’all! Oh! I forgot to mention, I posted a new blog for you today. I share two tips on how to professionally interview for a freelance piece. A funny and helpful story ensues. It’s called, Freelance Tip: How To Interview a Rock Band. 🤘🏽Link in bio!🤘🏽 #amwriting #remotejob #writinglife #freelancelife #carpinteria #remoateworklife #carpinteriaca #secretfarm #farmlife #writingtips #writeon

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