Comfort Music... "Good Times" by the Jacksons

When Michael died, for months I would see the same phrase over and over- "music died on June 25th". And for a while, that rang very true to me. There were months and months I cried and waited for a morning when I would wake up and the nightmare of losing Michael would be over. I couldn't watch him on video, just seeing him in motion, seeing his smile, his laughter, his divine dance moves... All of that was much too painful. And forget about listening to the slow songs and ballads...

That was torture.

For so many of us MJ fans, Michael Jackson was somewhat of a comforting consistent figure in our lives. He was the definition of complete and true escapism. The first few months without him was a confusing and emotionally jarring period of time.

I had to wipe my iPod completely clean.

For those first few months, I could only manage to listen to one song without feeling sad.

That song was "Good Times" by the Jacksons. 

Due to heavy rotation on quiet storm radio programs, it was one of the most popular album cuts from "The Jacksons" record. The song is more about the death of a relationship  (as opposed to the death of a person) but, for some reason it comforted me. It was the only song that reminded me of happier moments.

It's funny things don't alwaysGo the way you want them toAlthough we're not togetherI treasure my experience with you

And it still does.

Whenever you get down and missing Michael, try listening to "Good Times". It helps me realize that being a fan for as many years as I have, is an experience to be treasured.

Here's a clip from my favorite performance of this song:

What do you all listen to when you are missing Michael?

Michael Jackson Fan Merchandise Faves- Moonwalker, Michael & Me, and More for September 2016.

Like most people living in their first NYC apartment, I fell into the IKEA trap when I first moved into my studio. Rent tends to be so expensive in the city and a lot of young professionals end up getting a lot of their furniture from discount stores. I was no exception. After finally making the decision to upgrade, I ended up going through a lot of my closets and subsequently, my Michael stuff.

Here are a couple of my favorites for September, including some "oldies but goodies":

1. Moonwalker

I wore this tape OUT when I was a kid. I simply couldn't get enough of it. This copy is from a friend who recently moved out to LA and was purging some of her collection. The past couple of days, I've been coming home and enjoying this throwback film every evening after work. They now sell Moonwalker in DVD form (

here

) - if you don't have it... run to the store and check it out!

2.

Michael & Me

by Shana Mantagal

Now, I will admit. I am not the most knowledgeable fan- ESPECIALLY when it comes to Michael's personal life. I've shared time and time again that my fandom pretty much is rooted in me admiring Michael's accomplishments, being grateful to him for his sacrifice/hard work, and also loving him for bringing me closer to all of my best friends. I usually don't indulge in this type of stuff but, curiosity got the best of me and I picked this up. Planning on doing a full review of

the book

in the next 3-4 weeks- stay tuned!

3. My Vinyl Record Player

This was gifted to me last Christmas but, I just recently started using it. Hitting up thrift stiffs for albums at a discount is another one of my fave things to do lately. My favorite album to listen to so far is

JACKSONS LIVE

. I grew up listening to this record and it's been something near and dear to my heart since childhood.

4. Michael Jackson Shot Glasses

I'm not a huge drinker but, thought these were super cute. I got two of them!

If you've been to the store at Mandalay Bay, you know that there's always been a volume of merchandise with the MJ ONE logo (and that faaaaake signature). I was pleased to see on my recent trip that there are a lot more branded items now with Michael's real signature (and more recreations of old tour shirts and merchandise- which is awesome).

5. Bal a Versailles

Michael's favorite fragrance from the '80s, this was gifted to me and I will treasure it for a long, long time :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "mjfangirldotcom-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "auto"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "99929db17422ff7f3dd32b376c064515"; amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = "283155,1036592,130,163856011,5088769011,301668,404272,468642"; amzn_assoc_fallback_mode = {"type":"search","value":"michael jackson"}; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_rows = "1";

What are some of the things you're into this month?

xo

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

INSTAGRAM

 | 

TWITTER

PINTEREST

 | 

FACEBOOK

Follow the blog by 

CLICKING HERE

 to 

get an email every time a new post goes live.

3 Reasons Why I Loved Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil - Fan Review

When I saw on Facebook Events that the Michael Jackson Estate was holding a fan event at Mandalay Bay for his birthday this year, I realized that I still hadn't up my personal review of the show.  Seeing this show was many, many years in the making for me and I want to take the time out to document my "journey" there, my experience at the show, and of course, a couple of photo memories from my time there. 

Let's start at the beginning.... with Michael Jackson Immortal.

I went to go see the Michael Jackson Immortal show in New York City when it came to MSG in 2011. I enjoyed because it was my first Cirque Du Soleil show, it was set to Michael Jackson music and to be totally honest... I was still very much grieving the loss of Michael. There were moments where I laughed, I cried, and even got out of my seat and danced. In spite of this, I didn't feel quite connected to Michael during the show. Fans tend to agree that there's a great sense of Michaels energy surrounding you when you hear his music loud and in the presence of other fans. For me, Immortal missed the mark.

When I heard about Michael Jackson One, I was not very interested to go see it because my hopes were just not all that high. Most of my fan friends had been to the premiere and simply raved about it. From the paparazzi element, to the music choices, to the imagery of Michael that they chose- my friends had all painted the picture that

MJ One was everything MJ Immortal was not. I vowed to make it back to Las Vegas to go and see the show to be able to decide for myself.  

After a busy few months into 2016, I found my way back to Michael this summer and also back in Las Vegas.

Why I Loved Michael Jackson ONE 

1. The Set-Up:

First, let's talk about the set-up. A special corner near the entrance of the show has been decorated with Michael Jackson merchandise, from handwritten notes, to autographed VHS tapes, and even the infamous AMA red and gold jacket. If you are a fan who has never seen Michael memorabilia up close, make sure you carve out at least twenty minutes to fully look around and experience the magic in just seeing some of these items in person. Oh... And did I mention there's a Michael Jackson STORE with all types of merchandise?! (I promise to do a dedicated post to my mini haul from my visit to the Michael Jackson One store sometime soon.)

2. The Message:

Seeing this show was one of the most emotional experiences I've had (post 2009) as a fan. Michael Jackson One truly captured the essence of Michael's message, his music, and his heart .... His heart... an element significantly contributes to the reason mega-fans exist  (and yet is often overlooked).

I can generally say that I am a fan of any tribute to Michael Jackson because I believe every effort is something that contributes to keeping his legacy and memory alive. In spite of this, I am admittedly critical of most projects because so many in the past seven years have missed the mark. 

Michael Jackson One nails it.

3. The Music and The Emotion

Even before it begins, you are immersed in Michael's world. From tabloids to the flashing lights of paparazzi cameras, even the casual fan gets a glimpse into the intensity of Michael Jackson's stardom. The storyline is clever and four main characters are witty but for me, they came secondary to the amazing selection of music and videos of Michael that accompanied the dancers and performers on stage. The song selection is very similar to what was used in the "Michael Jackson Immortal" show but, the usage is better executed this time around. Particularly during the performance of "Man in the Mirror," is when I found myself especially emotional and overwhelmed by Michael's energy. 

Although, some parts of the story are slower than others, I found there were enough moments of Michael Jackson One that make it a must-see show for both casual and mega-fans like myself.

Anddddd mega fan moment in 3...2...1...

I couldn't resist!

GO SEE MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, y'all! 

Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil® at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

And share this post with the image below, if you have friends that are interested in seeing this show while in Las Vegas. :)

Have you seen Michael Jackson One?  How did it compare to Immortal for you?

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

"i don't need no dreams when i'm by your side...

every moment takes me to paradise..."

"Baby Be Mine" has totally been my SONG lately! I feel like it's got that perfect "end of summer love" vibe. I always equate this song with the seasons changing and young love. I think if I were to fall in love again, I would want to feel all of what Michael is singing about in this song. 

With the temperature cooling down in New York City, I have been really making the switch from sleeveless to cardigan, from sandals to shoes, and even my choices in music have changed. 

I have been thinking of curating a couple of mood lists on Spotify for Michael Jackson fans. 

The songs I would want to listen to while driving, would be totally different than those I would listen to on public transportation, or while working out. Am I the only one who feels this way?

What are some of the moments you have specific playlists for?

Do you have a must-listen to song during your morning commute to work or school?

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

REPOST- 5 Easy Ways to Make Michael Jackson Fan Friends

I have been blogging here on and off since 2011. 

One of the most 

poignant

 posts I have made to date has been the "How to Make MJ Fan Friends" that I did in 2013. I thought it might be a good idea to repost it with a few updates but, I will just repost it as is. I find that most of what I wrote is still very 

relevant

.

Check out the original post below...

For a while now I have been talking about how much my MJ fan friends mean to me. We have a 

special bond 

because 

we are so closely connected to Michael, 

that the way we connect to each other is 

THROUGH his music, his love, and his overall message. 

Here are some of my personal tips and recommendations for finding and making lifelong friends within the Michael Jackson community.

(Me

 with some of the THIS IS IT background dancers.)

1. Find Fans! 

In my years of making Michael Jackson fan friends, I have found that the most surefire way to find like-minded individuals has been on online Michael Jackson fanclubs and forums. Some of my favorites back in the day were MJJForum (now 

MJJCommunity

), the Michael Jackson chatroom on America Online, and believe it or not- just using yahoo.com to do random searches for Michael's lyrics and upcoming events, which would lead me to lots of those homemade Angelfire and AOL Hometown fan sites. Those were the ways that worked the best for me in finding other Michael Jackson fans in my age group. 

Now there are so many more options! With the introduction of social media, one can use Facebook, Twitter, fan forums, and even Instagram as tools to help connect with other Michael Jackson fans. I would recommend singing up for one of my favorite forums - 

MJJCommunity

 and creating a Twitter account. MJJCommunity is not as active as it used to be pre-June 2009 but, there are many threads (hundreds of them) and thousands in the archives, that will expose you to some of the pointed and intricate conversations that other MJ fans are having.  If you are a 

Facebook

 lover,  there are several groups for MJ fans that you can find by doing a simple search of MJ Fans, Dangerous Album, Michael Jackson Fans, or even Michael Jackson's smile. By writing on the wall or just reading what others are talking about, you can choose to participate in some really great and fun convos. Lastly, Twitter is helpful because it literally provides minute to minute updates on what is going on in the Michael Jackson community and if you're more into the gossip/scandal/latest happenings type of convo- this is definitely for you. I tend to stay away from the drama on Twitter but, find it to be easy to make friends because other fans are always talking about what songs they are playing, what Michael-related Youtube videos they are watching etc.

2. Share Your Favorites. 

A guaranteed way to make friends in the Michael Jackson fan community is to share your favorites! If you have landed upon this article because you were looking for a way to make friends in the fan world, you already have an idea that there's a huge difference between the general fan and the big Michael Jackson fan. If you are looking for those who have an understanding of Michael's music outside of "Billie Jean" and "Black or White", you need to open up and share what your favorite's are!  One of my best friends today is a woman who knows and loves almost every song I love--- she is like my MJ fan twin! 

I usually start off by saying 

"What's your favorite song?"

. Michael fans usually can never choose just one- so that opens up conversation for a lot! You could also talk about your favorite Michael moments, maybe your favorite fan forum to visit, or even discuss how you became a Michael Jackson fan in the first place. 

I started off as a fan of the Jackson Five, so when I first got the chance to interact with other fans, I really craved getting to know those who loved Michael's music from the Motown era and when he was a part of a group as well.   I remember the first time I spoke to someone who shared my love for the song 

"Someone Put Your Hand Out

". She was a fan from Australia who I'd met online back when I was in high school, and we went on to have many phone and chat messenger conversations. It was just this really cool friendship that we developed and as many MJ fan relationships, we are on and off friends. Our friendship is always there but it sort of moves in waves- despite this, I always love speaking with her when I get a chance and always remember how good of friends we were after sharing our favorite songs with each other.  

3. Start a Conversation - a non-Michael related one! 

One of the important things to realize about having Michael Jackson fan friends is knowing that you usually will have much more in common that just being a Michael Jackson fan. Many of the people that become fans of Michael Jackson actually have a LOT in common. Start a conversation! 

Don't be afraid to deviate away from the topic of the King of Pop around Michael Jackson fans. I find that many fans (like myself) have sort of obsessive personalities and have at LEAST one or two more things that make us tick. I have many other interests and I am always so amazed at how versatile and interesting other fans are. Whether you are talking about others in the Jackson family or your favorite television show or places you've traveled to... or even your favorite class in school-  Try it!

4. Choose wisely. 

I will be the first to admit that there are a LOT of different people in the Michael Jackson fan community. Like any other situation where you are looking to make friends, I urge you to take it slowly and be observant before you jump head-first into a friendship. I've made dozens of friends throughout the years in the Michael Jackson community and I am happy to say that I am still friends with the majority of them. 

However, just because someone is an MJ fan, doesn't mean that you have to be friends, that you will get along, or that you'll even have much in common besides loving Michael. 

I tend to gravitate towards people who not only love solo Michael but also appreciate the Jackson 5/Jacksons eras, those who are climbing the career ladder (like myself!) and also those who are laid-back, like to shop, and are open-minded people. Not everyone in the

 #MJFam

 is like this... but I don't sweat it! There are always plenty fan-fish in the sea ... :-).

5. Don't sweat the small stuff. 

"But they told me... a man should be faithful and walk when not able and fight til the end but I'm only human..."      The last and perhaps, most important point is--- remember, we are all human. We all make mistakes, have quirks and slip-ups. We all have things about us that make us unique and depending on the day and time-- can make us annoying! Don't sweat the small stuff!

Remember, most Michael Jackson fans have not have experiences with best friends. I have found that many of us find the best friends we will ever have in other fans. It's taken me a lot of learning and years of trial and error to figure out how I can be the best and most supportive friend. It takes time!

PS: 

Don't argue about Michael!

 Michael Jackson is the reason why you became friends in the first place-- why argue about whether he looked better in Wayfarers or Aviators, or gold pants, or whatever.  Relax, chill, enjoy  :) .

(Me on the far right at my very first fan event-- making a banner of support for the trial in 2005!)

Well everyone, those are my tips for making friends in the Michael Jackson fan community. 

Please feel free to share your tips with me and let me know what you think!

PS: Did you see that Legacy of Love was featured in Time Out New York Magazine? If you are in the New York City Tri State area,

 check out our feature here

! 

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

INSTAGRAM

 | 

TWITTER

 | 

PINTEREST

 | 

FACEBOOK

Michael Jackson's secret letter and how he inspires me.

"I know who I am inside and outside, and I know what I want to do. 

And I will always go with my dreams". 

~ Michael Jackson

One of the things I learned from Michael Jackson was to always believe in your dreams and work hard towards achieving them. Earlier this year, I had the honor of attending a pre-screening of the Michael Jackson Off The Wall documentary by Spike Lee. I know that a lot of you reading this have probably already seen it but, for those of you who haven't- go buy it now! (link to buy).

In the documentary, there was a moment where a handwritten letter that Michael wrote to himself in 1979 was revealed. In typical and recognizable penmanship, he wrote on the back of a Destiny Tour itinerary:

"'MJ will be my new name. No more Michael Jackson. 

'I want a whole new character, a whole new look. I should be a tottally [sic] different person. 

People should never think of me as the kid who sang ABC, [or] I Want You Back. 

I should be a new, incredible actor/singer/dancer that will shock the world. I will do no interviews. I will be magic.  

I will be a perfectionist, a researcher, a trainer, a masterer [sic]. I will be better than every great actor roped into one."

There was more to the letter but, when I saw this part, I was sitting between two of my closest fan friends... bawling my poor little eyes out! Thinking back, I am shocked at how touched I was during that moment.

I was overcome with emotion. How could it have been that 21 year old Michael Jackson, spoke his future and accomplishments into existence?

If it was one thing that being a fan taught me, it's always been to believe and work towards your wildest dreams. Of course, Michael worked hard and arguably harder than any other enertainer out there. But there's that element of magic in him... and it's the magic of taking the gifts you have been given and taking whatever it is that you desire to the NEXT LEVEL.

So inspirational.

Was anyone else inspired by this moment in the Off The Wall documentary? 

I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on this and how MJ might have influenced you to chase your own dreams.

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

The Michael Jackson Fan Tag!

update: the Michael Jackson Fan Tag, January 2018

For a full list of questions and my answers from 2016, check below:

One day I randomly came across a series of videos titled "The MJ fan tag". Although, it would be amazing to create a vlogging presence, I am not sure I am quite ready to completely expose myself to the internet... So, I decided to answer the questions here!

1- When did you become a MJ fan?

I grew up listening to Michael's music in my household. As a child, I remember a Billie Jean poster being on the back of my door. When I would wake up from nightmares or have anything troubling me, I always remember being able to look up and look at that poster- for some reason it helped comfort me back to sleep! I became a huge fan in middle school though, if I were to be more specific...

I was in 6th grade when I became what you'd consider a "fanatic". I was watching the Jacksons American Dream movie on VH1 and during the scene where the actor playing Michael was recording Human Nature in the studio.... something just clicked.  I've felt the same way ever since.

2-Why do you love MJ as much as you do?

His story inspires me. The emotions in his voice really touch me and speak to my heart. I've made some of my best friends through being a fan. The fan community is so much fun to be a part of. He taught me to always believe in my dreams... and has always exemplified how to be strong and get through difficult times gracefully, with a smile.

3-Share a funny experience regarding MJ.

Really not sure about this one... I have had tons of FUN times with my MJ fan friends but, can't recall any funny moments- sorry!

4- What are your favorite physical attributes of MJ? 

I love his smile. It's contagious! I actually used to turn on the music video "WhatzUpWitU" because he smiled so much and it genuinely could cheer me up within 30 seconds of watching. 

5- Name your Top 5 favorite MJ songs or the first ones that come to mind.

This is always the most difficult question, isn't it #mjfam!? My favorite Michael Jackson songs honestly change from time to time and from year to year.

If I was forced to choose 5, they would be: 1. SOMEONE PUT YOUR HAND OUT, 2. Human Nature, 3. It's The Falling In Love, 4. Forever Came Today (Jackson 5), 4. Maybe Tomorrow (Jackson 5)... and honorable mention would be Good Times (Jacksons). 

6- Favorite short film? 

I love so many of them but, I have to choose Remember the Time.

7-Favorite video of MJ on YouTube?

I honestly do not watch videos of Michael on Youtube anymore- so I can't really say! Most of my video watching binges were during my high school and college days but, programs I always turn to when I am feeling like I need some Michael in my day are "Dangerous Tour: Live in Bucharest" and "Michael Jackson's Private Home Movies". 

8- First MJ collectible? 

Oh I really don't know! But, two of my most prized possessions that I won myself on eBay are my Dangerous Pop Up Album and my HIStory tour hoodie.

9- If you could take MJ anywhere for a day, where would it be? 

I would just want to visit Neverland Valley Ranch with him. Sitting and talking with him would be my "dream moment". Very lowkey and chill.

10- If you had a chance to meet MJ, what would MOST LIKELY be your reaction? 

I have thought about this a lot. I think the fainting thing just isn't me. But, I would absolutely cry. I would be SO overcome with emotion, I wouldn't be able to stop the tears from flowing. 

11- If you could tell MJ anything what would you say? 

Just that I love him and thank him for everything he's done for me through his music. Thanks for making it cool to be unique and for sacrificing your life and privacy to share your talent with the world.

12- Do you have a favorite MJ era?

The Dangerous era!

--

That's the end of the MJ Tag!

I would love to hear some of your answers in the comments below!

If you'd like to read more about me here- check out some of my other popular posts:

Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

 

Spike Lee's Brooklyn Loves MJ 2014

Hello hello!
It's been a long time!

Summer has been good to me and Autumn is fast approaching. Can you believe how time flies?

I am back today to share my experience at this year's Brooklyn Loves MJ party, presented by Spike Lee & 40 Acres.
 In previous years, the celebration was held at Prospect Park but, after a few years of cancellations, and a shutdown from Hurricane Irene, Spike Lee and DJ Spinna reunited again on August 24th, 2014 at Restoration Plaza.




The party ran from 12-6 but, I got there around 2pm.  The space was much smaller than the Nethermead meadow at Prospect Park but, the energy was very much the same. I met up with some of my closest friends there. The funny thing about MJFAM, is that we may not speak to each other for months (sometimes even years!) but when we come together for huge events like Brooklyn Loves MJ, it's ALL about love and friendship.

Being around people and all enjoying Michael's music makes it an emotional experience for me.

My favorite part about being at the Spike Lee party, is feeling Michael's energy there. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and I often feel God's presence in my life. I often get those "aha! moments," humbling moments, and a sense of direction on which path I should be taking. But, other than God...  at times, I feel the presence of loved ones that I have lost. 




Although I never met him and have only seen him perform live once, Michael Jackson has had a profound impact on my life. He's been a pillar of strength for me. He's inspired me to never give up chasing dreams and working hard... and just made it cool to be different. His fans are people that I've always felt at home with, because we were all DIFFERENT in unique ways but, all accepted each other at face value. Something I had never really experienced before being a part of this community. 

It's sad to think about the fact that Michael is no longer with us but, when I attend events like Brooklyn Loves MJ, I see the impact that he has had on people and I feel his presence in the air. 

Happy (early) Birthday Michael.
Thanks for bringing so much JOY to the world. 




hello, summer



I haven't put much time or energy into blogging lately.
It's almost as if when i realized i was not going to LA, I lost the desire to write here.
Totally meant to post my thoughts about Xscape, which is not only an awesome album but,
brought so much life and happiness back to the fan community.

Despite what people think about the MJ estate, posthumous releases and the like, Xscape was like a breath of fresh air. So modern yet SO Michael and true to his style.
Maybe one day soon I can get my act together enough to post a good review of the album! For now, I have to say that I am IN ABSOLUTE LOVE with "Loving You". To me it just encompasses everything fun/free about love and friendship. (CURRENTLY ON REPEAT MODE)

Also, I  FINALLY have a fun trip report coming up that I will be blogging on and
can't wait to share with you guys.

Summer has been going really well for me and we are only two weeks in....

Lots of michaeling WILL be going down this season!

until next time,

i never dreamed you'd leave in summer


i just knew i would be able to make it through the day as if it were any other day on the calendar.
then, i got in to work and one of my best MJFAM friends that i hadn't heard from in a while, sent me an encouraging message.

the last word of the message was "smile"... and ironically then came the tears.
Michael... i don't know who i would be without a hero like you to look up to.

missing you always.