Are there Sea Monsters in the Great Lakes?
If you've lived in Northern Michigan long enough, then you've probably heard of the tales of the Hippie Tree, stories about the Torch Lake Monster, or the Legend of Dogman. But, have you heard of the Siren of Grand Traverse Bay? That veracious man-eating mermaid with hair like moonlight and eyes that pierce the soul?
Haven't heard of her? Hehehee! I'll forgive you!
My name is Mermaid Phantom, and I am a Professional Mermaid who lives and works in/around Traverse City, Michigan. If you're one of my fabulous YouTube followers, then I'm sure we already know each other quite well. If not? Then allow me to tell you that I'm not really evil, I just sometimes dress like Halloween came early. 🙃 (You can learn more about me and what I do by exploring my blog, Instagram (@the_magic_crafter) and by watching my YouTube videos.)
Proof that Mermaids Exist in Lake Michigan... (VIDEO)
Aren't Mermaids supposed to be beautiful?
By looking at the pictures on this post and by watching the above video, I'm sure it's clear to you that I don't follow beauty bloggers. I consider myself a Goth (although sometimes it's not portrayed externally) and firmly believe in dressing and expressing myself in ways that feel true to me. As I see it, makeup is an art form. As an artist, I like to "paint" from the heart, not "paint-by-numbers." I don't follow tutorials, I don't copy others and I don't force an outcome. Like any other type of art, I let my makeup unfold across my face into the wonderful disaster that it is meant to be. I like my makeup how I like my life... bold, original and free of limitations.
The Benefits of Living a Bold Life as a Mermaid
Virgil (who happens to share the namesake of a personal hero of mine) was once quoted as having said that "Fortune favors the brave," and another personal hero of mine, Brendon Burchard, once rephrased that quote nicely as "Destiny favors the bold." I have been letting this phrase play over and over again in my head in the late hours of the night. It makes all of this weirdness, like dressing up as a mermaid and parading around in the lake water, seem a bit less weird. It makes me feel as though I'm slowly getting on the right track in life.
I've grown from 0 subscribers to almost 5,000 subscribers on YouTube in just over a year (with one video reaching over 90,000 people worldwide) and have made leaps and bounds in life ever since diving into the world of mermaiding. I found (and lost) my first love and best friend, which was a huge step for a gal who, prior to that, never "hung out" with anyone in over 7 years. I also found a year-round job that I love (on most days) and have become a much more active part of my local community. I recently had my first modeling gig (which you can learn more about here) and have worked multiple events as a professional mermaid. All the while, I've battled it out with an Eating Disorder, Depression and an intense Social Phobia (Oh... and I wore the wrong contact lenses for over a year and could not see/drive...yeah... I can finally see now though, thanks to the Grand Traverse Ophthalmology Clinic!) Once I decided to stop making up excuses as to why what I wanted in life was foolish or "unorthodox" and actually started marching bravely(ish) in the direction of what I had envisioned for myself, things began to happen that felt "right."
And now, here I am.
I don't know what lies ahead for me, but I feel certain that things are going to find a way to work themselves out. I've had some of the best days of my life since boldly pursuing my passion of fairy tale madness, and have had many of the worst days too. However, I know that resistance means you're making progress. It takes less energy to go with the flow than to make waves, after all, but you'll never make it very far treading water!
If you are are clinging to a hope or a dream in life and are feeling a little unmotivated to pursue it, then please remember the little quotes above. They've inspired me and I hope they'll inspire you. I know I'm just a creepy little mermaid Goth weirdo who is not a real sea monster and all, but I hope my tale can help lure you into the deep-end... push off that wall and start swimming!
The best of luck to you in all that you do! ♥
~Mermaid Phantom
