Preparing for Chicago

I have made the decision to pursue comedy, writing, & acting at the glorious 2nd City training center in Chicago, IL. The 2nd city is responsible for training some of my all-time favorite comedians such as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Chris Farley, Stephen Colbert, Mike Myers, & Amy Poehler.

Click Here for more Famous 2nd City Alumni

I plan to depart beautiful North Carolina in just a few short weeks & so have been making a point of visiting my favorite Salisbury, NC spots before I head North:
Lost & Found, Koco Java, & the Grievous Gallery. ​

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Lost & Found

Lost and Found is a humble store in Salisbury, NC, nestled in an alleyway away from any hustle & bustle. Yet, it is so much more.
The items sold are filled with a warmth that can be felt especially by those who may be feeling unreasonably cold. They are unique, antique, & eclectic. Many items are created by local NC artists who, like the owner and operator, Iain Rocco, put their heart into their work to benefit the community & make the world a more peaceful & interesting place.
I have spent many Thursday evenings at their weekly open mic night events, listening to beautiful music created by strangers who have become dear friends. 
​I began attending alone in 2016 & was unable to engage or speak at an audible volume. I stuck to the walls & with wide eyes & a big smile, listened with more than my ears to the community of misfits, artists, & entertainers whom I've grown to love. ​Since I was unable to communicate verbally, I began to use the chalk provided for free to draw images on the brick & pavement outside. I connected with people by drawing their likenesses in massive caricatures. I'd watch their eyes light up when they saw themselves through my eyes & hoped it gave them the feeling of being special & worthy of attention, feelings some of us desire but rarely achieve.

Maegan [Left] & Owner, Iain [Right] performing at L&F in their band the Junkyard Violets

Eventually I found my voice, mustered my bravery & in December of 2017, was able to stand up & perform an original song for the first time. The feedback was kind, supportive, & positive. It gave me the courage to continue writing & performing my works & I will be eternally grateful for the laid-back & welcoming environment that brought me out of my shell & gave me a place to reach out, connect, & feel as if I was part of a community of like-minded artists & caregivers.

For more information about Lost & Found & their weekly open mic nights [Thursdays 9pm-11pm] visit the links below.

Ever been to Lost & Found? If so, what'd'ya think? Ever tried performing at an open mic night?​
{Remember, feel free to share any & all experiences you'd like in the comments below! Questions in Bold are specifically posed to prompt open & positive communication.}

Lost & Found

L & F OPEN MIC NIGHTS

L & F on Facebook

Located At:
​128-B E Innes St. 
Salisbury, NC 28144

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Koco Java

 I am so grateful to this Salisbury fixture of a coffee shop, Koco Java! They have provided thousands of delicious & dirty chai lattes for me over the years & have always been patient & kind when I stutter & stammer out my regular order too quietly. 
Koco Java has been a peaceful space for me to conduct meetings, write, draw, socialize, or simply sit back, relax, & take in the wonderful aroma of freshly brewed coffee. ​I miss this place already & sipping on my Koco Java treat as I write this post.

Free "Puppaccino" for Sweet Judy Books.

Doodling the coffee shop.

Many of my adventures started with making plans while sipping lattes & frappes at Koco Java

There is always inspiration around at a busy coffee shop. In this case, I jotted down a quick sketch of owner & operator, Arturo.

Koco Java on Facebook

Located at:
329 N. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144

What's your favorite coffee shop & why? What's your beverage of choice? 

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Grievous Gallery

This interactive art gallery & event space provides an opportunity for those who feel the need, to air their grievances without hurting themselves or others by breaking glass, attending open mic nights, open bike nights (AKA Joy Rides!), listening to poetry & music, seeing gorgeous & powerful works of art & often even magic!

Grievous Gallery

Grievous Gallery on Facebook

Located at:
111 W. Bank St.
​Salisbury, NC 28144

Roller Skating is one of my very favorite pass-times but rinks have become scarce & can be costly to visit on a regular basis. To my great pleasure, I was able to attend one of Grievous Gallery's "Joy Rides" which are free to the public & welcome any & all non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, roller blades, & roller skates!

A signed & framed poster of my all-time favorite band Blue October hangs on the walls! When attending Blue October's Charlote Concert in 2018, I even ran into owners, Tim & Elysia Demers & their daughter, Morgan!

The work of mind-blowingly talented graffiti artist "Abstract Dissent" can be found on the walls throughout Grievous Gallery!

Learn More about Abstract Dissent

80's Prom Night!

As someone who only attended proms for homeshooled teens, I was delighted to attend Grievous Gallery's 80's Prom Night Event in February 2019! I had a blast dancing & laughing with my date, Grievous Gallery resident, Mr. Alien Doll Dude. 

Open Mic Night: Tuesdays from 8pm - 10pm
I performed at Grievous Gallery during their Open Mic Night event in March 2019 with Caleb Hill [Right]. I first met Caleb on Halloween night 2017 on my first trip to the Gallery & this singer, songwriter, artist, & jack of many more trades was so welcoming & joyous. He has since become a close friend & inspiration. He is one of many talented patrons that frequent this fascinating establishment that I have had the joy of getting to know. 

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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

For my birthday this year (Go PISCIS!), I decided to donate, and encourage others to donate, to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I set a goal of $100 and was surprised and delighted when generous and dear friends helped surpass that goal by over twice the original amount I hoped to raise! I am so appreciative of the huge hearts swimming around out there, trying to help in any way they can to keep others from drowning. ​

More THANK YOUs!

 Big Thank you to my sister for assisting with my head shots for my new career!

Head Shots

​Giant Thank you to all who attended my silly birthday party at Tiger World!

I also want to give a shout out to all who bought Red March Swag in March:
Kat, Sonia, Amanda, Brittany, & Justin!

Thank You for Promoting Red March on Social Media, Sonia!!!

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Finally, I'd like to, on a serious note, mention another reason I find it so important to leave North Carolina...maybe for a couple months, maybe for the Summer, maybe for the rest of my life...
I have spent the past year working on myself, becoming more self-aware, honest, & direct. To my dismay I have begun recognizing patterns of unhealthy, disproportionate relationships. I have a habit of developing attachments, quickly, deeply, & with little regard to my own mental or physical well-being. Once attached, I find myself desperate to please the person (on the verge of worship) & unable to prioritize my needs & desires above theirs. 
The inception of these maladaptive habits can be traced to my parents, whom I love, yet cannot, to this day stop taking care of.  They have used guilt & manipulation, both consciously & subconsciously to control my actions & force me to be whoever they need - caregiver, confidant, verbal punching-bag, etc. for my entire life when they themselves weren't able to properly care for me in the ways that I have since & continue to care for them.  Their negative behavior is claimed to be quickly & completely forgotten which makes it impossible for me to accept their apologies which are few & far between. Until I am able to emotionally & mentally detach from them, a far physical separation is absolutely necessary.

I appreciate their understanding during this process & must fight my own guilt for leaving them yet know it is the healthiest option for me & will save my life.

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