Adventures with a Muse

Redhot Megan/Megan Morgenson: Past, Present, and Future

2011-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Greetings friends and fans!

In November of last year, I started some wheels in motion of change that has been coming for awhile. No, I was never going to be an escort forever, and yes, I still have a list of things I want to accomplish outside of sex work before I die. The time has come for me to start working on other parts of my list...

Sex work has been an amazing experience for me, one that I am not ashamed of, nor do I want to erase. I'm proud of my accomplishments, I'm proud of the personal growth and education sex work has given me, and I'm proud of the work I've done and the occasions where I have been able to help others on their path to self-actualization. For this reason, I have not attempted to erase all traces of Redhot Megan or Megan Morgenson from the internet. You can still find information from me out there, but that is from the PAST, and not something I see as hindering my future. Quite the contrary actually...

I have tried to pull down as many advertisements as possible, but for anyone that knows anything about escort advertising, there are websites and companies out there that steal pictures and text to bolster their own content, then ignore requests for them to be removed. While it is unethical for them to do this, one would spend countless hours, and perhaps money on lawyers, to have them all removed. Please understand that if you find a "Megan Morgenson" ad anywhere, it is not accurate, but also not of concern to me.

Yes, I have left my contact information up that I have used previously as an escort. As I continue to write and produce other material that involves both client and worker perspective on sex work, I want to tap in to the many friends and colleagues I've met over the years. I also would be sad to not be able to stay in touch with people that have given me wonderful insights and memories, and have inspired me on my path of activism.

As I move forward, you all are with me in my heart, and I wish you all the best on your own paths of enlightenment.

Namaste,

xoMegan

Top 10 Natural Ways to Boost Libido

2011-01-30T05:36:00.000-08:00

Before you reach for artificial enhancers, think about trying these natural suggestions for ways to increase sexual function and desire.

Discovery Health: Top 10 Natural Ways to Boost Libido

I personally believe that diet and exercise are the most important for getting the most out of your love life. Don't forget yoga for increased flexibility for those more creative positions! :-)

Bottoms up...who's that girl??

2010-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

An admirer sent me this, inquiring if I was the girl on the right... ;-)

Alas, I am not...but certainly can see why he might have thought that. :-)

Calling all clients of sex workers: ever suspected you stumbled upon sex trafficking?

2010-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Ever been at a strip club and thought, "Man...is that girl young! Is she old enough to even be in here?"

Ever met with an escort that seemed kinda skittish and jumped when being touched, like she might have been abused?

Ever called an agency, had a different girl arrive that you just went with in the moment, but she was detached and rushed the date?

Ever had questions come up later that made you rethink the situation a sex worker was really in, and why her behavior might have been "off"?

Yes, this is not really as "sexy" topic, but it is an important one. This is an issue that WE ALL need to address as fellow sex workers and consumers, especially if we want to differentiate ourselves from non-consensual acts happening out there. I am currently working on creating a training protocol specifically for the sex work community and our clients, and need as much input from all aspects of sex work as possible, including client accounts of suspected sex trafficking.

While most of the men I come in contact with are very mindful of choosing their play partners wisely, we all have our beginnings and our learning curves that we've come across in this lifestyle. Please think back to those early times, and consider how you might have created the ways and why you have certain criteria for your choices. I'm interested to hear those things as well, especially from any gentlemen that enjoy younger girls (18-early 20s), but are mindful of making sure they are legal and truly willing.

All information will be kept in strict confidence. Feel free to call, write, or private message me through facebook or twitter, whatever feels safest for you. No judgments about what you did or didn't do in the situation... I'm just looking for info that I can disseminate into a list of what clients can look for to spot possible trafficking situations.

Anyone that wants to participate more directly, I will be creating a panel to work on this project after the first of the year. Please submit your request to participate to: megan.morgenson@gmail.com. Participants should have a background in the sex industry in some capacity, as either sex worker (dancer, escort, model, porn actor, sensual massage, Dom, etc.) or consumer. I also welcome agency owners, strip club owners/management/staff and the like that are also included as sex work industry people.

It's time to change the meaning of "I stop traffic!" to mean more then just being about the overt sexiness sex workers radiate. ;-) This is OUR industry, and WE should be the first in line to address these issues. And as they say, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Even if you have not been directly touched by trafficking, there are ways you can participate and support the fight against sex trafficking. I will be working on those recommendations as well, but in the meantime, consider making a donation to the Freedom Network, the only national anti-trafficking group that also supports sex worker rights.

Much love & light~

xoMegan

An invitation to sex workers, consumers of sex work, friends & allies

2010-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

This post is to invite everyone to two upcoming events:

7th Annual Conference on Human Trafficking, Prostitution & Sex Work

Sex Workers for Choice/SWOP-MI Friends & Allies Karaoke Party

Some of you might be asking yourself, "Why is Megan posting this info??" Well, for a couple of reasons... As some of you know, I have become involved more in activist activities surrounding sex worker rights, personal freedoms and individual matters of privacy and choice. With some of the conferences and anti-trafficking people I've been involved with, I have seen an uprising that focuses on vilifying sex & men who are consumers of sex work in it's various forms, a failure to allow women to make their own choices on how they live their lives or make money, and a severe lack of perspective about other areas of sex work that do not involve trafficking. They do not understand the value and need of such services in our society, sometimes due to their personal moral beliefs, sometimes due to a lack of understanding of the broad spectrum of sex work. The only thing they see, and therefore the only thing they have to base their opinions on, are the victims of trafficking or those in the most disparaging of situations.

Some of you may have seen the push to censor Craigslist and Backpage adult services advertising. They have been successful in getting Craigslist to remove that section, but thus far Backpage has refused. Various Attorney Generals around the US have created pressure on these outlets based on the public outcry to end child sex trafficking. While the removal of Adult Services on Craigslist may be seen as a victory to hold up to the public, in reality it is typical politics as usual-all fluff, no substance. All the removal of that section did was force child prostitution further underground, making it more difficult for true victims to trafficking to be found and rescued. But the public doesn't understand that...all they see is "Venue for child prostitution shut down..." type headlines, which gives everyone a false sense of accomplishment.

Some of you may think it's impossible to change our laws or decriminalize sex work in our country, so have no interest in supporting those efforts. To you, I hope you are paying attention to the increasing penalties being created in different areas of our country for engaging in sex work. As a consumer, hiring a worker that is being trafficked, whether you are aware of that fact or not, could land you with FELONY trafficking charges yourself, right along side the pimp... Ladies that arrange duo dates or simply drive a friend to a date and act as a safety check can in some places be charged with felonies as well. Laws are changing, and most of the people involved in educating our politicians about how to write these laws are people that want to abolish sex work all together, in all it's forms. There is not enough of a concerted effort to fight for personal freedoms and privacy, and without that, we are going to find ourselves facing very serious charges for activities we do in the privacy of our own bedrooms with other consenting adults.

I realize that discretion and privacy is one of the cornerstones of our industry, and this is what makes it difficult for our stories and perspectives to be heard. I realize that some are NOT in a position to come forward to outwardly support efforts to stop laws that work against sexual freedom and sex worker rights. But you need to KNOW what is going on, that things are changing, and that things are going to continue to change. This is part of why I am including the conference invite, so some of you might come to hear some of what these people are saying and doing in their own communities, and the trends in addressing trafficking in our country. My hope would be for some to stand up and voice their experiences also, but if you are not able to do that, just come and get informed about what is going on.

The Friends & Allies Karaoke Party is an additional way you can come and get involved in these issues. Both SW4C and SWOP-MI are trying to build a support base in the OH/MI areas so that we can make a stronger presence in our activism, and need all the friends & allies we can get! That party will be informal, and may have other conference and local community members in attendance, so discretion is expected between all of OUR community members that attend. Do not share any information about others at the party (ie: ask how other friends want to be addressed by name in that forum, do not discuss what activities others are involved in, etc.). What you tell others about YOUR business is your business...let others make the same choice for themselves.

I love you all and want everyone to stay safe, and free to express themselves!! I look forward to FUN and PLAYTIME with some of you hopefully in the near future!!

xoMegan

Red Cross Raffle winners!

2010-09-16T06:55:00.001-07:00

Thank you SO MUCH for your support for this years fund raising efforts! I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all of your wonderful contributions, especially to those that made multiple ticket purchases! xoxo Your generosity and support fills my heart, and I hope you all receive that same generosity in turn in all areas of your life. :-))))

I apologize for the delay in announcing winners... My week got busier then expected with things I needed to address immediately, so I was only able to notify the winners themselves after the drawing. I did make a short video of the drawing process, and hope to have that uploaded in the next day or so. It's kinda cute...I crack myself up sometimes. I'm such a ham for the camera! lol I'll post the link when it's live. 8)

All together we were able to raise $4000 for this years fund raiser!! I had $3850 in raffle tickets, and then yesterday after I tweeted/facebooked results, a friend from NY said he wanted to send an additional $150 to help round up the number. I am so lucky to know such thoughtful and generous people!! I could not have done ANY of this without such great people supporting this effort, win or loose. Thank you, thank you, thank you...you all have a special place in my heart for your contributions. :-)

And without further adieu, here are the results of the drawing:

100 coffee or drinks: getinthemix
250 dinner & dessert: flyin' dude
500 evening excursion: hookithere

Thank you again for your generous support, and in making this a fun way to help raise money for the Red Cross.

Much love to you all!

xoMegan

Toy recycling

2010-09-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have a crafty new idea for recycling those old, dated, boring or non-functioning sex toys... I'm going to create a grotto wall! Anyone out there that has any used toys they want to clear out, please contact me about how to make delivery. :-)

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

xoM

Annual Red Cross Fundraiser-the fun details:

2010-08-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

My fb and twitter friends have already heard about this, but for my other friends, here are the details for this year's Red Cross fund raiser:

Every year since that fateful day on September 11, 2001 I have facilitated a fundraiser for the Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund. My efforts for this cause were only fortified when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf area in 2005. When disaster strikes in our country, they are a much needed resource for those that are displaced and need care. I would hate to think of what it would be like to be in the midst of such a tragedy, but am thankful that we have such a resource in our country to call on in those times of need.

This year I am offering a raffle for different packages of time. These raffle items are purchased directly through eBay, with 100% of money collected going to the Red Cross. This is not only a great way for you to contribute to a tax deductible charity, but also have an opportunity to be rewarded in other ways by ME. :-D Even just buying one ticket, even if you don't win the raffle, you still WIN by giving to a worthy cause and honoring the memories of past disasters in our country and that WE WILL NEVER FORGET...9/11, Katrina, or any other host of natural disasters that strike every year.

Winning tickets will be named at the end of the day on Sept. 11, and tickets must be used by Mar. 11, 2011. The normal value of the ticket may also be applied towards my other time package options, making for a great opportunity for those that might be more budget conscious, but have wanted to treat themselves to a special occasion... Delivery available to greater Chicagoland area, as well as OH, MI, or IN.

You can find my listing options here.

Feel free to contact me with any questions, and I thank you all for considering this cause!

xoMegan

Favorite Femme Quotes: Marilyn Monroe

2010-07-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
— Marilyn Monroe

Yet another yummy restaurant in Chicago

2010-07-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

This week I had the pleasure of *finally* meeting the lovely Eve Alexander during one of my trysts in the Windy City. We have been on each others radars for quite some time, but have missed opportunities to meet up in Vegas, Boston, and of course, Chicago... My playtime that day was early, so with my evening free, I sent Eve a note to see if she was available. The Goddesses smiled favorably on us, and she suggested a gastropub across from Millennium Park for our rendezvous.

Eve reminds me of Isla Fisher, with a bit of a more refined air about her in public then I get from the roles I've seen Isla play. (I will look forward to reporting at a later time about Eve's demeanor in private...) With her long, red hair, I mused to myself about how I could play her older sister in a fantasy scenario, and how we would be a force to be reckoned with for the redophiles looking to satiate their lust. We share some similar interests in a number of ways, not the least of which is our love of good food and drink.

Gage did not disappoint, and I will certainly return to this lovely establishment again when I am in the mood to have great food without the formalities. Eve had told me at the onset that they had some amazing beers to choose from, but when I saw the selection of whiskey and scotch offerings, I had to go forgo beer for something that matched my mood a little better... I ended up savoring a Yamazaki 18 to go with my spicy sausage starter, then enjoyed a lovely red the waiter brought me (forgot the name) that was somewhere between a zinfandel and a malbec, which went wonderfully with my roasted saddle of elk and the bacon-brie brussel sprouts. For dessert I could not pass up on the opportunity for lemon crème brûlée garnished with cherries... I am a crème brûlée snob, and this one was divine.

After dinner Eve walked me back to my hotel before taking her leave. We discussed our next gastronomic foray be a collaborative in the kitchen, perhaps after another type of collaborative to work up our appetites?? I certainly hope so... ;-)

Have a lovely 4th...we live in the greatest country on Earth!

xoM

Finished decoupage...now on auction thru July 4

2010-06-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

Send your bids to flaconference@gmail.com. All proceeds help fund my sex positive activism! :-)

Anxiously awaiting new photos...

2010-06-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

I know...how lucky are my freinds to be getting another set of professional pics so soon after I got the last set up?? As many compliments as I have received on my last set of photos, I still wanted to bolster my current portfolio with some even sexier lingerie offerings. ;-) I couldn't help but take advantage of Erica Tait's boudoir sessions being offered on my last trip to DC, and was hoping to *finally* find a photographer that could combine the talent ~AND~ the customer service side...Erica did not disappoint!

She has such a classy and classic style...I wish I had a teaser to show everyone, as there were a few that really need no retouching at all even! She was a pleasure to work with, and I can't wait to show everyone my results! Keep your eyes and ears posted over the next few weeks, and be prepared for some additional *heat* this summer!

xoM

Immortalizing my assets :-)

2010-06-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been blessed with beautiful, natural breasts. It's interesting, as it's not one of those things I inherited from my mother... My stature, my feminine form, and my breasts I think all come from my paternal grandmother. Maybe my sense of humor too, as she has a dry wit about her... ;-) Anyway, when my colleagues and I were discussing things we could do to help raise money for our activism efforts, someone suggested plaster casting. Who could argue with such a sexy idea! Well let me tell you...it's not as easy as you might think...

I missed the first plaster casting session due to being in DC for a photo shoot. Crysta, Bianca and Jolee helped each other with their first attempts, but with mixed results. Crysta had helped cast Bianca's beautiful backside, but unfortunately it deflated and didn't hold its shape after they removed it. Crysta's kind of did the same a little...they thought it was because it hadn't dried long enough before they removed it. The package directions say fully dry in 20-30, but they had left them on over an hour and felt like they still weren't really dry.

Last weekend, Crysta helped cast my breasts. After she layered the plaster gauze over my breasts and torso, a friend used a hair dryer for about an hour to dry it. We got it off me ok, and it didn't seem to want to deflate...but I was not happy with the representation of my breasts lying on my back.

The siran wrap was not enough support, and even the way my waistline was wrapped did not really represent my form (IMO). Yes, I do like things the way I envision them to turn out... I wouldn't say I'm a "perfectionist", as I am not looking for anything in life to be flawless...but I prefer when things live up to my expectations, ya know?? ;-) So this weekend I had another friend help me re-wrap my breasts, this time standing up. :-)

We also decided to wrap completely around my back so we could make a full/3D mold. This one turned out better I think...

We found out that part of the problem with deflation on the molds the other girls tried is that there wasn't enough plaster layers to help it keep the shape. You use gauze that is dipped in plaster to form over the shape you are trying to make, and because of worrying about dry time, we didn't use *enough* last time. I didn't even actually use a hair dryer yesterday...just waited about 10 min. after we got done wrapping me, then cut up the back and wiggled out while it was still a little pliable. We pulled out my trusty party mascot, Janine Lindemulder, to help aid with the rest of drying, although today I'm thinking I will have to deflate and re-inflate Janine to get her out of it now. LOL

Next up-decorating! I am looking forward to trying to implement my creative thoughts for how to finish this, and if it turns out, I might have to bid on it myself as I will have a hard time parting with it! ;-)

FYI-We hope to have all art auction items available online by June 21, and we are accepting email bids from those that cannot make the fundraiser to bid on them directly.

Much love to you all, and enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

xoMegan

Who says activism and fundraisers have to be boring??

2010-06-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

Supporting sexual freedoms, individual choice and sex worker rights!

Fundraising will support activism and outreach, education, filing for non-profit status and other general admin type things. I eventually want to go full time with activism to get the diversity of sex work represented the way it should be, as well as fight to further the protection and rights we deserve!

Who's with me?? Who wants to help stand behind consenting adults being able to choose what they do in the privacy of their own bedrooms?? Who wants to stand up for the rights of those that are trafficked, those that are vulnerable due to being in desperate/survival situations, and of course, those of us that freely choose and LOVE sex work? Who wants to also show that not all men that hire sex workers are misogynists, deviants and freaks?? And that many of us are as normal and lead regular lives just like those standing next to us at the bank/grocery store/kid's soccer games??

Come join us for a spectacular evening of sexy, patriotic fun on June 26, or send a donation if you can't join us.

www.FreedomLoveAcceptance.com

Together we can make a difference! :-)

Sex addiction, or non-compliance on being force fed the ideals of monogomy?

2010-04-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

I logged a lot of travel hours this past week... I often enjoy XMradio while driving, and when doing my daily news check up on CNN/HLN, I was faced once again with the drivel about Jesse James, Tiger Woods and "sex addiction". It got me thinking a little more about the issue, and about the conversations that are lacking in these sensationalized "news" programs.

It seems everyone is on the sex addiction band wagon as of late (thanks Dr. Drew...), and while I am glad to see this issue get more attention, I worry that now all sexual deviance and fidelity failures will be chalked up to "addiction". This would be a great disservice to those with genuine addiction issues. Certainly I don't think I am the only one worrying that this will be an easy out, claiming one is a sex addict instead of really owning up to the fact that one might instead just not want to be monogamous... I know plenty of those types. Many of the clients I see lead double lives because they want something more then what one person can give them, but they don't know how to say "no thank you" when the waiter comes around to serve monogamy on the relationship plate. When you don't see any other options being offered, most people will take what they can get and (try to) make due verses starve, in essence being force fed the ideals of monogamy. And this is not to say that people are choosing relationships with people they don't truly LOVE and want to spend the rest of their lives with...but in our society, there is little room for conversations about how to be devoted and raise a family with one partner while also engaging in sexual (and sometimes even emotional) relationships with others. Commitment is held up to be this black and white, definitive ideal, and considering the anthropology, let alone the creative mind and need for stimulation we have as humans, I think we really set ourselves up for these types of "failures" due to unrealistic expectations. And I think the hurt comes more from the LYING then the actual act of cheating itself...

I have not heard one program talk about the pressure society puts on people to conform to monogamy, and how perhaps that is unrealistic for some. Don't get me wrong...I am not condoning or excusing the actions of either of these men. They lied and cheated. If they wanted something else, whether temporary & superficial, or something more, it was on them to be honest and upfront about their needs with their partners first, and allow them the chance to agree or not agree with those other liaisons. But what is really sad is that GOOD men that do really CARE about their wives and families, are sometimes made out to be WEAK or IMMATURE for not being able to control their natural instincts and impulses, while also being labeled as an all around ASSHOLE for the damage done to those around them. (I'm speaking in generalities here...not about Jesse or Tiger per se...) If we could move beyond this over romanticized idea that "true love" means only one person can fulfill your every want and need for the rest of your life, perhaps we could have more honest conversations that truly supported people being in love and supporting each other in getting **everything** they want out of life without apology or regret. If that had been allowed to happen in either of these instances, none of this would even be an issue right now. PLUS if there was no societal judgment overshadowing the situation...imagine how different it would be *just for the families* if non-monogamy was a part of everyday life and no one made it any of their business to be "outraged" or have an opinion about something that didn't concern them?? Right now, these women are not only sorting through their own feelings, and dealing with whatever feedback they are processing from family and friends, but they also have the WORLD weighing in...as if our opinion matters in *their* relationship... I can certainly understand why Sandra is off the radar. :-/

My thoughts for the week... I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!

xoM

Perspective is everything

2010-03-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, another titillating tale of sex work hits the shelves this week.

There were actually many things I could have written about from listening to this interview, and I do think the author made some insightful points at times, in particular regarding the human quest for intimacy. I may pick that up in another discussion, but for right now, I focused on some of the closing statements...ones that wrap up her experience of sex work on a sour note, with yet another person not really owning her own decision making as a part of that process.

See the full interview here.

“It wasn’t my fantasy in most cases….” Right, because it’s work. It’s nice when you can work your own fantasies into the job, but sometimes you are getting paid to just provide a service. If that service is beyond what you are comfortable with, you shouldn’t do it. And just because you might not want or be able to perform certain tasks, doesn’t mean someone else isn’t fully capable of doing so, and doing so without any conflicts. I really, really get sick of hearing these types of accounts as it plays into the stereotypes that sex workers a.) are doing things they don't really enjoy, b.) that you HAVE to enjoy what you are doing all the time instead of just being happy to provide a service and outlet to your customers, and c.) that there are negative feelings as a result of this.

“…in a lot of ways, it felt more humiliating to me then it did to them.” I'm sorry to hear this, but who's fault is that exactly?? Certainly not the guy paying you, when you are the one that took his money and agreed to perform a task. As a sex worker, you have to be able to separate yourself from your work, which requires you to be centered, in touch and comfortable with who you are as a person first. Performing a task, no matter what task, does not have to be a reflection about who you are as a person. Just ask a housekeeper that has to clean toilets everyday, a garbage collector, or any other person employed in a less then glamorous occupation in the world (I'm thinking of that show "Dirty Jobs" right now...). These jobs can be demeaning if that is your mindset. These jobs can seem detrimental to the psyche of those already battling with low self-esteem. Heck, I had a girlfriend struggling for cash tell me that she was unsure about taking a waitress position (at a fine dining restaurant no less…) because of her opinion it was a menial job. I can only imagine what she would think of sucking cock for a living! :-/ Perception is everything, and perception is subjective. When you *know* who you are as a person, at your core, you can see beyond what you do to survive or draw a paycheck. You also are able to better define your own boundaries when you know yourself, limiting those moments of feeling like you are selling out for the sake of a buck.

The job isn’t the issue, but the perspective is.

There is also a huge difference between the employment task, and sometimes even performance art, a pro-Dom/Domme dishes up and true lifestyle Dominatrix. This interview, and the author, completely ignores how she is obviously not a lifestyle Dominatrix, and the differences of her experience as a result. A knowledgeable lifestyle Domme would not do anything she was not comfortable with, or did not fit into her own desires and fantasies. A good Top negotiates scenarios that work for both all players in the scene, even if some elements are open variables. When one works at or visits a pro-Dom/Domme establishment, it is important to distinguish between those simply offering a service, or those following a life path.

Perspective is everything.

Love is...where you make it

2010-02-15T10:13:00.000-08:00

I'm not big on Valentine's Day... Don't get me wrong, I am a hopeless romantic at heart, but scheduled days of romance are a bit of an oxymoron in my book. Romance, to me, is about spontaneity and authenticity, both of which I feel are lacking when one is forced to march in step with the rest of the world on a particular day, with overt pressure that the amount of money one spends somehow representing the depths of feeling one has for another...

Hogwash!

Also, there is a pressure V-day puts on people to be paired off in relationships in order to celebrate this day, which (overall) ignores the scores of loving people that prefer to be single, or are in open or poly-amorous relationships.

Now granted, most poly people I know march to the beat of their own drum anyway, so generally have no problems altering traditions or rituals to suit their own needs. They also tend to have extended families they already are exchanging love with, plus it should go without saying they have different paradigms regarding relationships... But what about the single folk??

As a girl that has never been married, has spent more of my life single then not, and has grow and evolved into the person I want to be verses what anyone else has wanted me to be, I know that it is not always easy to shift your thinking on such matters. My life is a mixture of family (fairly traditional), friends that I've known for years (most of which before I started in sex work...), and friends I have met through work and kink activities. As open minded as I think I am by nature, I wonder sometimes if I would be as secure with being single had it not been for the new ways of thinking I've learned through this work, and from my exposure to kink communities... And I wonder how others sometimes find the strength to say "I love myself!" and have that be enough when so many others seem to need more...

For me, I have found a fullness from varying levels of friendships...some that don't include sex at all, some that include sexual tension but may never include sex, some that are sexual and enjoyable but lack any true intimacy, some that are intimate and intense yet fleeting, some are close friends who are occasional lovers but most certainly are always going to be a friend regardless, some are always morphing and changing from experience to experience, and some have been a vehicle to opening other doors within myself. They are all cherished, and they are all special, but I do not need to send a gift or card, or have a meal with them on the same date every year, to honor their special place in my heart... I send that message of love to them whenever memories or thoughts bubble up in my mind...sending a mental "thank you!", but also taking opportunities where I can to express that love and gratitude directly. When you live in the present, and embrace gratitude, you don't need a yearly holiday to remind you to be a good friend/lover/husband/wife. For me, it is much more romantic to give these things unexpectedly, and because you are authentically moved to do so.

Writing this makes me think of so many wonderful experiences I've had in my life with a number of women and men I have met through my work... Experiences that have been special, and have enriched my life. With each memory, I am saying a little "thank you, I love you" to you all. :-)

May you all love endlessly, and without limits...and in whatever way is authentic to YOU!

xoMegan

"~~Brian~~" is hiding underneath my cleavage... ;-)

Adventures in Exploration: Dark Odyssey Winter Fire 2010

2010-01-25T13:38:00.001-08:00

Looking to learn a few new tricks? Enjoy the thrill of exhibitionism, or perhaps just want to see for yourself what happens between consenting adults at Dark Odyssey??

Once again, I will be attending Dark Odyssey Winter Fire, playing with old friends while making a few new ones... ;-)

Anyone looking for a tour guide, play date, or partner in passion, I am open to a variety of options for this non-traditional back drop to a rendezvous. Previously seen clients are *preferred*, but exceptions might be made for suitable candidates that contact me well in advance so as to have time to properly communicate boundaries and expectations (as well as consider chemistry). There are a VARIETY of areas to explore, and I welcome any questions (appropriate please!) about those options.

BTW-anyone hoping to show up and get in my mix on the sly...I'm very choosy about whom I play with in my personal life, and vet all of my potential partners (especially male) thoroughly before ever engaging in any scenes with them. Often I develop friendships with people over multiple events before ever playing with them.

I welcome and encourage clients to explore DO on their own, and certainly love seeing familiar faces stop by to say "hi!" (as long as it is not obtrusive). I've introduced a couple of my guys to the fun there that now attend regularly. :-) It's an aMAZing group and setting, but it can also be overwhelming...even for those that consider themselves "experienced". I hope to provide guidance and/or inspiration where needed.

All my best,

xoM

Haiti is the world's Katrina

2010-01-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

It's hard to think about anything but the suffering in Haiti right now. I had a hard time eating my dinner this evening thinking about all of those without water, let alone food. I made my donation to the Red Cross Haitian Relief fund, and feel helpless, as I did with Katrina, wanting to do more... It's like deja vu all over again. :-(

Anyone making donations to any Haitian aid, bring a copy of your receipt to receive an equal amount in a discount up to 25% off your total fee. Please let me know ahead of our appointment if you plan on redeeming the discount.

I'm also going to start a fast tomorrow in observance of the tragedy.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Godspeed to all the rescue workers doing their best in such an overwhelming situation.

Hug your loved ones as much as possible... Nature cannot be stopped.

xoMegan

Exotic and Erotic

2010-01-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Photos I took this past weekend at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Flowers are so phallic and erotic...just one of many things that turn me on!

xoM

Women in art

2010-01-07T04:15:00.000-08:00

An homage to women in art, and the wonderful variations in capturing their beauty.

Enjoy!

Writings elsewhere

2010-01-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

I'm on a roll this week with writing I guess...

I'm a sex worker, and I want to end trafficking too

Porn as modern sex education: don't fight it, harness it

Enjoy!

xoM

Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

2010-01-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

I'd been saving seeing this movie until I got to NYC in November, (sorry...I got side tracked half way through writing this post, and just finished it today...) not only because I thought it would be more likely to find convenient theaters with it showing, but I also thought my uber-smart friend Johanna Potente would enjoy the political content of this cultural phenomenon. I was shocked to only find it playing at one theater in the Village.

Johanna had spent the night with me in my Midtown hotel suite, and after waking up the second time (yes, we had been out the night before and didn't get to bed until probably 4a...) we jumped in a cab to head downtown, with a slight detour through Le Petite Coquette first. ;-)

The movie is a documentary about black women's hair in our society, in particular, how much time, pain and money they spend trying to make their hair look "good". "Good hair", BTW, is straight, silky, flowing hair...nappy, course, afros and such are not generally looked upon as being the ideal I guess... FYI to any black women reading this: I love the natural look on you ladies...dreds, braids, and all the stuff I could never do with mine (very well) because of the fine, straight texture. While some of the motivation is certainly about trying to "blend" better, I think we all sometimes want what we can't/don't have.

I love Chris Rock's ability to talk about topics that *could* get people's hair up (I know...bad pun LOL) in a way that is light and easy to digest. He makes people laugh while making important points, but those points are not LOST in that humor. It is a true gift IMO...

The movie cuts back and forth between interviews with various black celebrities and such, and impromptu interactions that Chris has with others as he asks funny, yet pointed, questions to others that buy, sell, and manufacture products for the black hair care industry. Some of the more interesting points (to me) where how the industry as a whole is so lucrative, yet the black community does not control it. White and Asian held companies dominate the businesses that supply the products, and are the one's profiting from all the money being spent. Another irony: most of the hair used to make weaves comes from sacrifices made in India where men, women and children shave their heads to sacrifice the ego as a part of their cultures rituals. That hair is then flown half way around the world to feed the egos of others...

I loved this movie for a number of reasons, but primarily because it offered me a glimpse into a part of culture that goes on beside me everyday, yet it is something I am oblivious to because of the limits of my own experiences. Beyond that cultural education, I think it also raises important questions about feminism, motherhood/parenthood, intimacy, and even the environment. I left this movie thinking about a number of other things that could have been discussed, but not knowing how those things could have been addressed as well without loosing people in the length of the film.

But then again, one sign of a good movie is the conversations that it creates afterwards...

A great movie in my book!

xoM

Chick-flick movie review: "It's Complicated"

2010-01-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

For the past 3+ years, I have gotten together at least once a month for brunch with my mom, my gma, and 2 of my best friends and their mom's. We call it "Mother-Daughter Brunch". It's awesome... :-)

Every once in awhile we will see a movie after. This past weekend we went and saw "It's Complicated". I was expecting paycheck only driven performances from the big names involved (Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin) with cheesey, predictible lines...and was surprised to be laughing out loud throughout most of the movie.

"It's Complicated" is not that deep...and certainly not as complex as the namesake might lend for itself...but it was entertaining. If you are looking for a good, light-hearted pick me up, go see it...especially with a mom or a gf to share in the laughter. :-)))

xoM

PS-John Krasinski from The Office does awesome in his supporting role...would love to see more of him in comedies, for sure!

~Gratitude~

2009-12-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

I think most of us get a little sentimental around this time of year. I know that the holidays tend to always bring people back into my life that I haven't heard from in awhile, both personally and professionally. This year has certainly been no different. Ex-lovers, part time lovers, clients I haven't seen in years, my first *true* love...even my father reached out to me this year (well, kind of...if you count him friending me on Facebook...LOL). I also got to reconnect with a friend I had a falling out with some 8 years ago. What a treat that was to really feel that part of the past disintegrate! My other friendship connections only continue to deepen, while at the same time new and exciting people continue to come into my life to stimulate me. I am so blessed!! :-))))

What is it about the magic of the holidays that opens up those pathways to connect?? Yes, it is the added awareness that being thankful and gift giving bring us...those messages being repeated like a mantra can't help but open those windows to our souls. Also, factor in the reflection that comes at the year's end, and goal setting for the future, and what we then have a perfect storm of energy that, when harnessed properly, can mend fences, deepen connections and forge new pathways into the future. Of course for some, that storm can be too big, and has the potential to throw some against the rocks if they are not careful...but that is a topic for another day...

This year I actually decided to forgo gift giving. I'd been wanting to get away from the materialism of the holidays for quite sometime, but always felt I could never do it because of my small family, and the importance that tradition bears. This year, after stock market changes, my mom's commission getting cut and some hefty household repairs, Mom and Grandma introduced the idea to me that they weren't going to get each other gifts, leaving the door open for me to also say "count me in!" Now don't get me wrong, my mom and Grandma are not destitute, but they are frugal. My Grandma is a child of the Depression, and to this day I have a hard time throwing away zip lock bags after one use because of how she taught me to wash them out as a child...lol. My mother is very conservative in general, and certainly this applies to her handling of money.

But besides that, I have a number of wonderful friends that don't work in an industry that is recession proof, and regardless of how much I might say "I don't need any gifts...", if I get them *anything*, they feel guilty when they cannot reciprocate. That is not what the holidays should be about. Pressure to find the perfect gift, by a certain day, and match in value/importance/sentimentality the gift someone else may have given you...boy, the stress we set ourselves up for! (one of many reasons those clients I haven't seen in awhile tend to come out of the woodwork at this time of year...) Aren't there other ways we can show our love and appreciation for each other?? I think there is...

Taking away the ritual of presents this year was not exactly a smooth transition, but as with most things, it wielded it's own gifts. I decided to create a new ritual, and invited friends and family over to my house for a holiday open house. Most of my other evening soirees involve karaoke (not exactly the environment for good conversation), so I wanted to create a more welcoming ambiance for intimate connections and closeness. That part went really well, as I had most of my close group of friends, with a few newer friends and my mom, in attendance.

My mom comes to most of my BBQ's in the summer, but usually comes early and leaves early, never hanging out to really "let her hair down". My Red Hot Santa-tinis got her rolling at this party though, and then after switching to wine, she certainly was feeling "happy". :-) What was the most awesome part of my mom hanging out was that she got a chance to connect with my friends and really be a part of the group. It's been awhile since I've had that experience with her, and I've missed it. At the BBQ's over the past few years, it's been like she's just my mom...not the mom that has become my friend. :-) There was a time when I worked at the women's clinic more regularly, when more nurses, and other women that were in her peer group, used to be the norm for my parties. Those get togethers were more cohesive, and my mom used to hang out longer to talk and drink wine with us. But as time has gone on, people have moved and drifted away, and some of those friends have been replaced by other people I don't think my mother readily identifies with, including some of my sex worker friends. These past few years I have felt the loss of not having my mom around as much at some of my gatherings, and it felt really good to have her make more then an obligatory appearance the other night. Far from it actually, as she ended up sleeping on my couch... ;-)

Now I've been "out" to my mom and Grandma for about 10 years, but for most of that it has been "don't ask, don't tell" regarding the majority of my professional life. (My grandma is a master at avoiding asking questions where she doesn't want to hear the answers BTW...it's really an art form, just in case you didn't know...lol) That started to shift about 2 years ago when I finally told my mom about the stalker issue I had been having. She was unconditionally supportive in a way I would have never imagined. That was the beginning to some new conversations between us, and while there is still plenty about my work that my mom and I do not discuss, I have been able to share with her certain aspects of my life that I previously felt I couldn't talk about with her, including some of my activism work, and other long term goals. Knowing my mom the way I do, I can feel her growing acceptance of me more fully as a person, and I can feel the change that has taken place in her energy as she has continued on her own path, with her own growth.

Yes, my mom is an amazing woman. :-)

Christmas Eve Open House rocked, but Christmas Day was a little weird... While I created a new ritual on Christmas Eve, we didn't think about how important it was going to be to create something new and special for Christmas Day, and for Grandma. Me hanging out all day at their house just felt like another Sunday afternoon/evening, so if we continue this new tradition, we will have to come up with something special to do as a replacement for the normal holiday energy we share. For me, the past month has been full of wonderful gifts to my soul, so the absence of the presents and trimmings were not felt like I think it was for my Grandma. :-/ Every year things become more and more difficult for her (physically, mentally and emotionally), and I got the sense she might have been regretting the "no presents" decision at the last minute. But she's still with us, and she's still walking...more then her mom was doing at here age and in her condition, so there is certainly gratitude I feel there. :-)

As I get ready to ring in the New Year, I want to give special thanks for/to the following:

*the deepening connection I have with my mother
*my grandma still being in my life, her sense of humor, her storytelling...
*the incredible relationship I am building with my brother, and the closeness I am finally able to truly feel with him
*the wonderfully supportive friends...my extended family...that stand by me through thick and thin
*the strength and inspiration I continue to find from within
*a job I love, that allows me so much freedom
*the old friends that have reached out to reconnect
*the new friends in my life, both in and out of work
*the resurrection of the Original Pussy Cartel! :-)
*the launch of Sex Workers for Choice!!
*the clarity of vision in my path for fighting for sex worker rights
*multiple orgasms! :-D
*continued opportunities to explore my own sexuality
*every year getting better!!
*the two cutest doggies in the whole wide world!!
*owning my own hot tub
*the infinite possibilities that lay before each of us every single day

There's more, but I could go on forever! ;-)

What are you grateful for??

Appetizer recipe for any occasion: Fig-Olive Tapenade

2009-12-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have made this recipe many times, and everyone always loves it. It is fairly simple to make, and goes great with wine. I substitute goat cheese instead of cream cheese, and usually serve with orange wedges and nice fresh bread slices. Very tasty!

Holiday Recipes: Red Hot Santa-tinis

2009-12-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

I served this drink for my holiday open house on Dec. 24. I wasn't sure how it was going to go over with the unusual mix of liquors, but even the most finicky of guests raved about them. :-) They will be a staple at future seasonal gatherings!

One thing to note: while at the liquor store, I accidently grabbed the Godiva "chocolate" (I did not realize there was a standard plain Godiva lable, besides the white chocolate and caramel varieties...), which has the coloring of chocolate milk instead of the clear, coffee coloring of the regular Godiva. My guests, as I said, loved the drink none the less, but I'm not sure if my accidental substitution will effect the flavoring as well as the coloring or not... I do think the dark/white contrast is more visually stunning though, as I am a *visual* kind of girl... ;-)

Enjoy!

Patience is a virtue

2009-12-28T09:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I have become so much more patient as I've gotten older. There was a time when I allowed my expectations to run my emotions, frequently creating more stress in my life then what I would normally experience. As I have learned how to better flow though events that I cannot control, I have acheived a more balanced life.

As I am told that my new photos are going to be delayed an additional 2-3 weeks, I rejoice in the fact that I can be disappointed without it making me crazy...

I know you all are just as anxious as I am to see the new images, and I promise they will be worth the wait. :-)

Much love,

xoM

The ole' switch-a-roo...

2009-12-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

Seems I will not be joining the festivities in Vegas after all... Duties call elsewhere. ;-)

My updated schedule for January will instead involve Atlanta, Florida and Nashville. February dates TBA, but I am looking at London, England in early Feb., and DC (including Dark Odyssey) at the end of the month. Anyone interested in scheduling playdates while at DO, or in accompanying me to the event as my dedicated date, please contact me privately.

xoM

Vegas and pornstars...does it get any more debaucherous then that?? ;-)

2009-12-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

So excited to be returning to Vegas again this year for the AEE conference! I had to miss it last year, and was very disappointed... If you have not been out to Vegas at this time of year, there is nothing like it IMO. The people watching, the partying, the ENERGY...adventure is waiting for you at every turn. ;-)

I may or may not go to the AVN awards at the end of the week... That will really depend on if I have anyone that wants to take me, as I refuse to give the AVN people any more of MY money for that event after they fucked me over on a table in '07. Megan was not happy wearing a full ballgown and being stuffed in stadium seating... :-( They did nothing to make the mistake up to me, so ya know...I have a certain level of principles about such things. Not enough to do a total boycott (because yes, the event would be fun had I been in the seats I paid for...) but enough not to pay for tickets myself.

It looks like all my girls will be there with me this year also...Crysta, J, Natalie...Shayla is coming over from LA...Bebe is usually there...Sexy Toni, Quinn, Holly Brooks and Sara Prescott all live in the Vegas area...and I'm looking forward to meeting Jules from San Francisco finally! I have visions of an all girl slumber party in my head (can't you just see it??), and if I could get ALL of the above in a room together for an entire evening, I think would be completly blissed out on many, many levels!

I also just found out that a couple of my civie girlfriends might come out for the event also (since they knew I would be out there at that time...), which would just make for that much more fun!! :-D

I always have so many fond memories from my AVN trips...I wonder what stories I'll come home with this year?? ;-p Hope to see some of you there!!

xoM

Dec. 17 Memorial, Toledo and Detroit locations

2009-12-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Dec. 17th is the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, and was created in 2003 to bring awareness to the violence perpetrated against sex workers because of their marginalized social status, creating easy victims that are often ignored by society and law enforcement. This date is the anniversary of "the Green River Killer" Gary Ridgway confessing to having strangled ninety women to death and having “sex” with their dead bodies. He stated in his confession, “I picked prostitutes as victims because they were easy to pick up without being noticed. I knew they would not be reported missing right away and might never be reported missing." He also stated that he picked prostitutes because he thought he could kill as many of them as he wanted without getting caught. He is one of the most notorious serial killers that preyed specifically on women in sex work, but he is certainly not the only one.

While some may make the choice to engage in sex work, often times it is a means of survival, or it can be forced/coerced. The women and children that are most at risk of violence being perpetrated against them are those that are the most desperate, or they are those being trafficked and victimized already, as they are often ignored and invisible to society. Regardless of what the circumstances may be surrounding why a person is involved in sex work, they are still a person that deserves the same protection and rights as any other person in our community. Our hope is to raise the awareness of this issue, as well as help some local agencies that work with these victims gain donations and support for their programs.

Memorials and candlelight vigils will be staged in both Toledo and Detroit by SWOP-MI and SW4C. Come out and show your support, or send donations of the following goods to either Second Chance (Toledo) or Alternatives for Girls (Detroit):

Tampons
Maxi pads
Single use bar soap/lotion/shampoo/conditioner (hotel size)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Condoms
Chapstick
Alcohol swabs
Band-aids
Monistat (preferred) or Vagisil
Snack cakes (Little Debbie)*
Bottle water, juice mix*

*With snack cakes and juice, it is best to avoid some of the healthier snack bars or apple juice that usually contains more fiber as this is not the best switch to a girl on the street that is only used to sugary foods.

Funding for both of these programs relies mostly on private donations, so monetary donations are also accepted and appreciated.

And don't forget, making monetary contributions to help end human trafficking will get you a discount on a future appointment with me! Even more of a reason to GIVE!! :-)

I hope some of you can join us at the events to remember the victims that have suffered in silence.

xoM

40 Reasons Why Whores Are My Heros

2009-10-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

"40 Reasons Why Whores Are My Heroes" by Annie Sprinkle

1. Whores have the ability to share their most private and sensitive body parts with total strangers.

2. Whores have good senses of humor.

3. Whores challenge sexual mores.

4. Whores are playful.

5. Whores are tough.

6. Whores have careers based on giving pleasure.

7. Whores are creative.

8. Whores are adventurous and dare to live dangerously.

9. Whores teach people how to be better lovers.

10. Whores are multi-cultured and multi-gendered.

11. Whores give excellent advice and help people with their personal problems.

12. Whores are fun.

13. Whores wear exciting clothes.

14. Whores have patience and tolerance for people that other people could never manage to put up with.

15. Whores make lonely people less lonely.

16. Whores are independent.

17. Whores teach people how to have safer sex.

18. Whores are a tradition.

19. Whores are hot and hip.

20. Whores are free spirits.

21. Whores relieve millions of people of unwanted stress and tension.

22. Whores heal.

23. Whores endure in the face of fierce prejudice.

24. Whores make good money.

25. Whores always have a job.

26. Whores are sexy and erotic.

27. Whores have special talents other people just don't have. Not everyone has what it takes to be a whore.

28. Whores are interesting people with lots of exciting life stories.

29. Whores get laid a lot.

30. Whores help people explore their own sexual desires.

31. Whores explore their own sexual desires.

32. Whores are not afraid of sex.

33. Whores hustle.

34. Whores sparkle.

35. Whores are entertaining.

36. Whores have the guts to wear very big wigs.

37. Whores are not ashamed to be naked.

38. Whores help the handicapped.

39. Whores make their own hours.

40. Whores are rebelling against the absurd, patriarchal, sex-negative laws against their profession and are fighting for the legal right to receive financial compensation for their valuable work.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A WHORE?

Men step up...are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

2009-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

I'm going to make this simple:

Men that hire consenting adult sexworkers, men that are NOT pedophiles, rapists or misogynist pigs, stop ignoring the elephant in the room. Young women (and men...) are exploited against their will every day and forced into prostitution...sometimes out of survival, but many times for the profit of another. While this is an abhorrent reality, what is even worse is that when these victims are found and identified, there is often no place for them to go for rehabilitation.

Here is the sad fact: there are only 39 beds in the entire United States dedicated to long term rehabilitation of trafficked youth. 39. That's it... Many social workers and activists have to get creative in trying to find ways to help these kids, but often it is not in the way it should be to get optimal results.

Do you want to be considered a part of the problem, or a part of the solution?? You may not condone or engage in the exploitation of children within the sex trade, but by participating in it at all, there is some responsibility to stand up against these heinous crimes.

I am making a call for action. Show the world that just because you hire other consenting adults as sexworkers, that you do not condone or approve of the exploitation of children. Skip your next scheduled appointment with your favorite girl and donate that money to Children of the Night or your local outreach program for prostituted youth. Budget your play money to include regular contributions to these programs. For any of my clients: I will match the verified donations you make to such organizations in the form of a discount of up to 50% off or $500 max. with any appointment with me.

If we are all adults, let's act like it and stand up to protect our children.

Our choices and actions make a difference!

xoMegan

Tony Robbins is the SHIT!

2009-09-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

I remember seeing Tony when he first came on the scene...like what, 15 years ago?? I never paid much attention to him, as I didn't think I needed what he was talking about... I have always been pretty satisfied with my life, and he seemed to be more geared towards training people in business strategies, as well as helping people mentally pull themselves out of the muck that gets them stuck. I've always known I can do anything I set my mind to...I didn't need Tony telling me that. ;-) I've also never been driven to be a mega-millionaire, as for me, material possessions are not what is going to bring me fulfillment in my life. So why pay much attention to him, right??

So I was cruising other people's profiles that I was following on twitter, and came across someone following Tony. I looked at some of his tweets and liked them, so signed up to follow Tony also. In just a few months, I am now a converted fan! Watching this video last night about "Leadership in a Time of Crisis", shot on Sept. 11, 2001 at one of his conferences totally solidified it for me.

http://www.tonyrobbinscoachtraining.com/

This is an INCREDIBLE documentary, and for once, a positive and uplifting piece about Sept. 11 and finding true gifts in the tragedy of that day.

Tony is amazing to watch. He has a true gift, and IS a true gift to our world and humanity.

Side note: I love that he swears when he talks sometimes also...and that it doesn't take away from what he is saying.

Enjoy!

xoMegan

Strata Recipe (kinda...)

2009-09-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have not been turned on to strata, it is a quick and easy brunch casserole that has endless possibilities...not to mention is a great way to clean your fridge/freezer out... ;-) Here is a basic "recipe" for making strata. Feel free to use your own ingredients and instincts about what to throw in, and how much...this is not a precise outline.

Day old bread, cubed -enough to fill whatever casserole pan you are using about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up from the bottom when spread evenly...the less "other" ingredients, the more bread you will want to use. A one pound boule is pretty close to what you need for a 9x13 pan

Eggs
Half and half
Beat together, season with salt, pepper and any other herbs/spices you might want to use. For a 9x13 I use about 14 eggs and a pint of half & half. Pour over bread in casserole dish with "other" ingredients, making sure bread is thoroughly saturated. Keep in mind that the denser the bread, the more extra liquid you should see on the casserole initially as it takes longer to get absorbed. You do not want it to be *too* mushy, but you also don't want it to be too dry either. The proper consistency we are going for is similar to bread pudding. I recommend making the night before, then letting sit in the fridge overnight to fully saturate the bread.

Suggested "other" ingredients:
Some sort of meat is always good. Make sure to brown any raw meat first before adding to strata.
Cheese is pretty much essential in my book... My world would cease to exist without cheese. LOL Asiago, goat cheese or blue cheese are all great options as well as more traditional cheddar, swiss, etc.
Veggies like onion (brown with meat beforehand), peppers, asparagus, mushrooms (I usually saute these first also...) are all great. Any veggies that might be more "wet" when cooking (ie: zucchini/squash, mushrooms) saute in advance. I would recommend sun dried tomatoes over fresh tomatoes, but you could use fresh if you seeded/peeled them first maybe...just be careful about the extra moisture that could be released when cooking making runny spots in your strata.

Eyeballing your proportions of ingredients-when I am cooking without a recipe, as I add ingredients I think about what I already have as a "base", and how much more I might be adding of other things. As I toss ingredients in, I think about each ingredients flavor, and what ratio I want of each ingredient to the rest of the dish, then let my instincts tell me how much to add. ie: I use a smaller ratio of a more pungent cheese like blue cheese then I would, say, cheddar. Or I would use less smoked salmon or prosciutto then I might regular sausage. If you have never cooked this way before, it can be a bit of trial and error until you develop these instincts. Just remember to make mental notes of what worked and what didn't, and keep asking yourself whenever you cook, combine and season, "how much of this do I need to get the flavor I am looking for??" Visualize the result in your head, and let your inner chef do the rest... ;-) Do not just dump in everything you might chop up/saute just so you don't have leftovers! Many a dish was not what it could have been because of throwing in just a little too much...

Cover with foil and cook in a 350 degree oven until egg mix looks to be cooked all the way through (check center when in doubt...). Remove foil to brown a bit on top at the end. I usually cook a 9x13 for an hour, but cooking time may vary depending on amount of ingredients, density, etc.

Cut into squares to serve. A 9x13 serves 6-8 easily, but up to 12 depending on how many other things you are serving for brunch.

Suggested accompaniments: fresh fruit or simple field greens tossed in a lite vinegarette.

Enjoy!!

xoMegan

Sept. 11, 2001-We will never forget!!

2009-09-11T11:10:00.000-07:00

I will be making a donation of 10% of my earnings this week to the Red Cross National Disaster Relief fund in honor of Sept. 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina.

No one was able to get it together for the bang today, but I did get an awesome start to my day none the less... :D

Thanks for all the support and kind words to those that couldn't make it, and please remember to donate time/money/blood to the Red Cross to help those in need when disaster strikes.

Much love,

xoMegan

New photo shoot in October

2009-08-31T15:27:00.000-07:00

I just signed up to do a new photo shoot with Rachel Stephens in October...I'm so excited to finally be working with her!!

xoM

The Path

2009-08-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

If anybody asks you what the path is about
It's about generosity.
It's about morality.
It's about concentration.
It's about gaining insight through
focused self-observation.
It's about the cultivation of subjective states
of compassion and love based on insight.
And it's about translating that compassion
and love into actions in the real world.

~Shinzen Young

This was sent to me by a good friend and I wanted to share.

Namaste. :-)

xoMegan

Full moon Goddess power!

2009-08-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

I had to cut So. OH short this week, but the conciliation is the impromptu Goddess party I'm having at my place tomorrow. :-) Some of my favorite, long time, inspirational female friends...and even a few new ones...will be sharing the chick vibe, drinking and naked tubbing under the full moon. Can't you just see it now?? :-D It's food for my soul...and will be a great boost of energy before my impending road trip. I am very lucky to have such wonderful, strong, supportive friends in my life and hope that others find and develop such awesome support systems.

xoM

The Value of Sexwork

2009-07-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

I'm giving a presentation later this year about the value** of sexwork.

Men and women, who of you finds value** in the outlet that sexwork provides (may it be directly or indirectly), and if so, how??

**I am purposefully leaving the framing of the term "value" open to interpretation to illicit each individuals own truth and perspective in the matter, so please answer from what direction your own instincts take you. Also, I think it goes without saying the sexwork has "economic" value considering it's the world's oldest profession, but I have had some respond thinking I was asking about that. LOL

Also, I welcome any comments AGAINST sexwork having value also. To me, a well rounded presentation provides opposing viewpoints if you wish your position and understanding of the subject to be taken seriously.

I've got most of my thoughts outlined, but I want to see if I'm missing any important points.
Feel free to email me if you prefer your thoughts to be shared privately. No names, handles or quotes will be used in this piece...I am only looking to cross-check my thought process really.

This presentation will be given to LE, social workers, and acedemics, so I hope it will be an opportunity to show a different perspective then what they usually see.

Much love,

xoMegan