Shrine Fabulous!!!

One aspect of the Chinese culture that I admire and am so fascinated by is the worship to Idols and Gods. The Buddhist Religion is alive and well in China and most of Asia. To see a real temple takes your breath away. You can’t help but to be moved by the greatness of it all. The size, ornateness, the Monks, and intense worship are incredible. I will always remember my first time at a temple; I was so moved I cried for hours. It really encouraged me to take a look at my own faith and realize, there are so many different beliefs in the world. I was raised a Methodist/ Liberal Christian and am so glad that I was give a path to follow. I am not religious but rather spiritual. I do believe in Karma and do-Gooding. I feel that religion is personal, and more a reflection of belief and humanity. Regardless of your religion, it is a belief in yourself or at least that is what it has become for me. I BELIEVE IN MYSELF. Religion has kept me centered, focused, and gives me purpose.

While working in my factories, I noticed that the temples and shrines were brought into the work place- to bring success, aid from harm, and bring positive energy into the office. Large or small, ornate or plain, every single one of my factories had a Shrine for worship. Different Idols, (statue figures) bring different energies and vibes. People bring offerings, burn incense, give money, say prayers, light candles, and do the unimaginable to the many office shrines and alters. It’s something I never saw growing up visiting my Dad’s office as a kid.

I think it’s so unique and inspiring. I love that work becomes so personal; co-workers become almost like family and everyone breaks bread together. Regardless of faith, everyone has the same spirituality, belief and common goal. It’s AWESOME, and the comradery is touching. It has moved me so much to put my own Shrine in my Studio and explore more faiths around the world. I have taken a closer look at Religion, and the vast quantity around the world!!!!! WOW!!!! So many! I really hope that there isn’t just one in the end, because we are all going to be screwed!!!

That is why I have collected almost every religion in my Shrine Fabulous- I am hoping to cover all my bases just in case. You just never know! The only thing I do know is what pair of shoes and handbag goes fabulously with every Meghan outfit….. In the meantime I will keep praying to Shrine Fabulous for all the answers…… and when the Gods, God, or Goddesses send me all the answers, I will be sure to Blog about it!!!!

PEACE, LOVE, AND Shrine Fabulously!!!!!! Meghan Fab

My Shrine Fabulous...I have over 150 idols & counting

This is Quanyin Mountain in ZhangMuTou Town...
one of the Largest Idols in China, it takes my Breath
Away every time I see it!

This is the Shrine in my factory. It is a common
factory shrine... small and straight to the point.
The factory just had an offering that morning
and I was lucky to be able to witness all the action.

This is a common Buddha in one of the Temples that
we visited... it has sooo many arms and is dipped in GOLD!

On the Boat ride to the Pagoda..... so relaxing.... see pics below for
Pagoda in Hangzhou

Shanghai Skyline at night time.... even the architecture is inspired

by the ancient temples!

Hangzhou Lakeside... couldn't get enough of the temple and Pagoda!

Shanghai Architecture is crazy and inspired by
Ancient Chinese Temples, the Famous Pearl Tower... With my Italian Manufacturer
Friend, Gigi

In the Lily pad farm at the Pagoda

With my Translator at the Lily pad farm on the grounds of the Pagoda

In Shanghai... It's the Eifel Tower of China-
Totally NUTZ!! I am OBSESSED with this Tree statue!

This place in Shanghai is the bomb, and so Tranquil!
That's a REAL Quail in the cage, in the tree!

In Hangzhou at the largest temple, with the Goddess

All these Idols are carved into a mountain by Monks thousands
of years ago!

The FAMOUS Pagoda in the center of the Lake!!!!!!

Toilets and Traffic

I really am lucky to have the opportunity to travel abroad for business- it has opened my eyes to how incredible other cultures are; not only are they unique, but completely different from my upbringing. AMAZING!!! With all the GREAT times I speak of my travels, there is also those “not so hot moments”…… Like everything, with every reward there is a sacrifice. I know, it totally sucks, but it’s true!!! You have to take the good with the bad. China DEFINITELY has its upsides and downsides.

(I hope this BLOG doesn’t get blocked/ vetooooed by the Chinese government…..Love you Mao!!!)

I always try to describe the craziness that is China… there are soo many people. Imagine FIVE times the amount of people in Los Angeles and New York City. It blows my mind to new heights. It’s like a sea of people coming and going- at every which direction at all times. Madness, shear MADNESS. It makes me realize just how vast and immense the Earth is.

Attached are some photos of the street CHAOS. I attached a video of the daily drive from my hotel to the factory… it is not the full 10 minutes, and not at the “height of rush hour, but you can see some of the goodies that I speak of…. Bicycles meshed with commuter buses, laced with pedestrian cars, combined with the daily foot traffic. People walking every which way…. It’s chaos!!!

Almost daily I witness someone being hit by a car or cyclist. I have even been struck by a Pedicab and Taxi!!!! The honking is soooo loud you can hear it from 20 stories above, with the windows closed. (I always have my IPod handy…) Many streets don’t have intersections or foot bridges, so you end up running across streets that compare to the 405 Freeway. It is VERY apparent that motorists have the right of way. I get soo frightened when I see Mothers running across the CHAOS with their infants….. which is beyond common (and disturbing). Words can’t describe it, really…Seriously, this makes me appreciate the SMALLEST things in my life, in Simple La La Land.

Another thing that is on my mind….. (no, not the food….. that is getting its own Blog page…) The TOILET situation… or rather the lack of them!!! Bummer… I was going to post a pic but I haven’t been in one recently…. I have mapped out all the actual American toilets in all of the country of China. This, I just don’t understand. For such a large country that prides it’s self on hygiene and cleanliness (they wear the surgical masks everywhere… probably invented them/ manufacture them…) China restrooms are the polar opposite! I guess for centuries now the Chinese have not evolved to the sitting position for the “Bano.” I sooo want this to change, but it probably won’t in my lifetime. Unless you are in an “international hotel” or a fancy restaurant, this “outlet” is the only option. I guess this is the norm… and people are accustomed to sqautting. I honestly think it is awful. I have had to be very “creative” during certain situations, and I find myself drinking fewer liquids in China. At times, I wish I were a Man, with Man parts; it would all be sooooo easy. It’s crazy- I really appreciate my bathroom, toilet and never in my wildest dreams thought I’d say that! It is difficult enough being away from home…… stepping outside your comfort unknown takes it to the MAX!

The W/C (which is their toilet)…. I wish it didn’t exist…. But my little opinion has no bearing when we are talking about the LARGEST continent on the Planet. Dammit!!! Thank god we are allies…. Sending Harmonious Vibes: Please adapt the toilet, China. It is good and sanitary.

China- my heart is with you or else I wouldn’t spend so much damn time!! Just get some of your certain situations in line, please….. at least for your customers- Me. Pot calling the Kettle black- it is time that we grow together.

OKAY……Enough already…….there are so many fantastic stories I could share from China. I grow every day. You (China) motivating me to grow, and discuss topics that are on my mind. This BLOG is definitely helping me to develop not only as an Artist, but as a Woman. New experiences, challenges… a tidbit that I can share here and there that could improve your/ my life somehow……. My sentiment for the next couple days… Appreciate what you’ve got. Things could be worse, or you couldn’t have IT at all.

Just have something to believe in… Like Yourself! The best investment you will ever make…. Yourself.

Peace, Love and Fashion For EVER!!!!!

OXOXOXOXO

Meghan Fabulous

Chaos in the Streets

Crazy Street Madness

Boarding the Train