As I sit here at my desk and think about all I have to get done today…all the phone calls that need to be made and the presentations that need to be perfected, I am reminded of what I was doing one year ago.  One year ago I was waking up on my friend’s sofa in his apartment in Buckhead.  I can still remember staring out of his window and thinking to myself, “What does this city have in store for me?”  One year ago today I woke up as an Atlanta resident for the first time, looking for an apartment and a job and friends and the list goes on.  I was on my quest to reinvent my life… again.  After all, I had made it in metropolitan Florida, so surely I could do it here in Atlanta.  Though I had no clue where I would start, I knew in my gut this was right where I needed to be.

Of course people told me that I was crazy to walk away from everything I had going on at the time in order to plant my flag in a new city, but I felt this is where I was being told to go.  Here I am one year later, sitting at my desk and staring at this beautiful city with my balcony door open hearing the sounds of the city as it wakes up. It makes me feel like a part of something so much bigger than me.  And I know that I will hit that very city hard in a couple of hours continuing to ensure that my flag is firmly planted. Almost one year ago, I told my best friend and PR Manager “E” to make a list of things I wanted to accomplish in my first year: 1.TV 2. Print 3. Radio.

Well, I write for DIY Weddings Magazine as a style columnist, I have been back on the air for various radio stations and a couple of weeks ago, I filmed my small role in a show called Necessary Roughness on USA Network ( a TON of fun). In February I was even named the “Living Ken Doll of Atlanta,” and I feel like my life is coming together beautifully….My dreams are coming true…. And this is JUST THE BEGINNING!  My company is doing well, and my jewelry line is already getting some attention even though it is not “officially” on the market. One piece is on TV and another was worn by singer Tony Terry at an event with Hinton Battle.  I thank the Universe every day for my blessings and even for the hard work it took to get here.  I am far from done ATLANTA, so show me what you got! I have big projects in the works and am about to bust to tell you what they are!  The M Famous name will grow by leaps and bounds in the coming year.  If this is what I accomplished in one year, just wait to see what can I do in the next few.

I say all of this to say that there is no such thing as DREAMING TOO BIG!  Go ahead, reach for the stars.  As I sit here and reflect on the past year, I am so happy that I kept my head in the clouds.  Daydreaming has always served me well.

To all of my friends, family and followers, thank you so much.  I love you all and thank you for the support.  I could not have made it this far in just one year without you.

Love to you all,

Christopher Macken AKA Mr. M Famous

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Hello, hello! How was your weekend? It was just plain gorgeous in Atlanta.

I just wanted to take a moment and sit down to fill everyone in on the incredibly exciting things that are developing here in my world.  As many of you know, I have been in Atlanta for 9 months, and in that very short time, many things have taken off far faster than I could have ever hoped – I am so grateful!   Some of the most recent “happenings” include my affiliation with DIY Weddings Magazine as well as a partnership with a Music Artist Development company in which I oversee the image of the artist.  I am also meeting with “mega event” producer and clothing designer, Valery Knight, to potentially partner with her here in the Atlanta area.  I am truly having the time of my life watching my career unfold before my eyes.

Recently, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the neatest people. Just last night I was hanging out with Lil Scrappy’s mother, “Momma D” and some of the production team in town for the recording of a music video they are filming with P Diddy and Snoop Dogg. “Momma D” is a riot and always fun to be around.  Oh, and just so we are all clear, my father wanted me to explain, Lil Scrappy is a hip hop recording artist, and as he says, P Diddy is the guy from the Ciroc commercials.

I spent the day today scheduling meetings with people before I return to my hometown of Milledgeville, Georgia. I have been asked to be a guest judge for the Relay For Life Pageant that is being held in Gray. It is sponsored by Sassy and Classy Salon, and all proceeds go to the Jones County Relay for Life.  I am honored to be asked, and to be honest, I am very excited to be able to assist with such a noteworthy cause.   So, I am headed home early Friday morning to go live on WGUR 88.9FM at 7:30 and then over to WMGZ Z97.7FM at around 9 am with the hilarious D.J. Tony Taylor.  Some of you may recall that some years ago, I was a regular personality (Marcus Nieman) on the “Winning Wednesday” show with Philip and Tony.  I must say that I am excited to return and look forward to a good time in that same familiar studio.  If you can pick up the stations please be sure to tune in this Friday morning.

While I am in town, I plan on spending much needed quality time with my family as well as hitting up The Brick for their legendary wings and of course, Aubri Lanes for a glass of wine on Saturday evening – just a nostalgic walk down the streets where I grew up.  I hope all of you will be able to attend the pageant and support Relay for Life.  If you have ever been affected by cancer, you know they do so much.

Oh, and as for DIY Weddings Magazine…new and very exciting developments are already beginning to unfold, and I will be sure to keep you all posted as they do.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement, and I hope to see you this weekend.

Be M Famous,

Christopher Macken AKA Mr M Famous

Thank you all for supporting the mascara promotion!  As many of you know, I created Christopher Macken Cosmetics, a brand of high-end, high quality cosmetics.  This weekend we “tested the waters” with a Twitter teaser, asking for new and existing followers to re-tweet and follow in order to be eligible to win.  The response was wonderful!  I am truly grateful!

After the random drawing, the winners were chosen. Click HERE and HERE to see if you were the lucky winner! If you were the lucky winner, email me and include your mailing address.   Congrats!  If you weren’t the lucky winner this time, remember, I am going to be giving away something new every week – from wine to sub sandwiches. If you would like to be entered to win products from some of my favorite places, subscribe to the weekly M Famous Monday’s newsletter by clicking here. Thank you again and good luck next week!

Mr M Famous

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you could take a step back in time.  If there was some way that you could walk down a street that seems to have been frozen in time…YOU CAN and I DID!  Memphis, TN was just that.  Beale Street was an amazingly nostalgic experience.  One filled with JAZZ and food, drinks and fun.  Of course, the reason for my trip to Memphis wasn’t just to see the city….

Upon arriving at the International Airport in Memphis on a chilly evening I couldn’t help but notice that there was a since of calm in the air.  Nobody was in a rush – except me, of course. As I went down the escalators, I saw my friend there to greet me.  This was to be my first trip to Memphis, and I had an insiders VIP look at it.

First Stop… Beale Street!

After parking, we boarded the Cable Trolley that took us ten feet off of Beale.

One dollar a trip – half the price of Marta and a quarter the speed.  We creaked all the way down the old streets – the new city and the old seemingly in a battle for dominance.  The construction sites of new trendy lofts give the old mills and factories new purpose and promise.  The facades of the buildings still in keeping with the history of the city and horse and carriage rides adorn the edge of the street much like taxis do here in Atlanta.

The lights of the bars, pubs and restaurants were almost pretty, all shining in a way as if to outdo the other for attention.  Of course, the one that caught my eye was the legendary BB KINGS.  We walked in and were greeted like we were old friends.  At the table we didn’t need a menu. I wanted BBQ!  My first meal in Memphis was going to be what the city is famous for (well that and Elvis).

We ate and drank and walked in and out of countless other bars all with live music and jazz singers (singer) and goats! Oh yes you read that right, goats. The bar, Silky O’Sullivan’s, is named after this over the top owner who is commonly seen on Beale Street wearing a crown and robe fit for a Drag Queen.  His flashy personality seems to fit the man that many lovingly call “the King Of Beale Street.”  Half way through my Absolute and Tonic he walked in – cigar in hand.  The women – old and young alike – swarmed hoping to get a hug.  I was in the presence of royalty! My friend and I walked out into the courtyard to check out the large pin of GOATS!  Now look people, I have been into many bars in many cities and never have I ever seen a goat. I have seen a couple of people that may look kind of like one, but never a real goat. As my jaw dropped, my friend simply looked at me and said, “welcome to Memphis!”

Sullivan’s concluded our evening, and we made our way back to the trolley and alas, the car.  Driving home we passed by the Flagship Peabody Hotel.  The first of three hotels that are famous for the ducks that live in the fountains and have a rooftop home that is more like a penthouse than a roost for fowl.  This trip was turning out to be great, and it was only the first night.  We went home and got some rest.  The next day was going to a busy one, and I have to say I was very excited…Graceland here we come!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of Walking In Memphis

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Hello all.  Thank you all for your emails and inquiries requesting a new blog post.  I have been so very busy – no excuse, I know.  Those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter may already know about the “goings-on” but for everyone else lemme just tell ya…

First of all, I am now the Creative Director of a beautiful salon here in Midtown Atlanta.  The feeling is so great to be able to go into a salon everyday and know that I am actively achieving my dreams and goals (still with many more to go).  Let this be proof positive that if you dream it, you can achieve it!  I have to say that the responsibility is great and the task can be stressful. However, it is worth it at the end of the day to know that I work with such terrific people and work for owners who share a great vision of the true meaning of a high-end salon.  To those people I say – thank you for everything!

In other news, all of you know just how much I LOVE having a full social calendar, and girls and boys, it has never been more full! YAY! From Gay Pride Atlanta to Halloween parties, I have been having a blast. Child please!?!?!?! Ok, so let’s talk PRIDE people. I had so much fun with my friend (that has been known as “M”) but will now and forever be known as “Tree House.”  LOL! She knows why.  I was so touched by Delta, Coca-Cola, Orbitz and Smirnoff Vodka for sponsoring the festivities.  These amazing sponsors are proof that the tides are turning in a beautiful, accepting direction.  The care and support of such large and powerful companies gives me hope that the rest of the country will come around as well.  It is so great!  Best way to describe it…LIVE IT LOVE IT LIVE IT!!!!!  Oh, and “Tree House”…May I have a to-go cup please!?

As I am sitting here writing to all of you, I am just getting settled in for the evening and unraveling my layers (love the cold weather). Coco and I are sitting at my desk that is nestled up to a large picture window that just so happens to be directly to the right of the balcony door of my new condo located on the 12th floor of  a gorgeous condo building in Midtown.  As I look up from my computer I see the buildings of Buckhead Atlanta and all of Atlantic Station.  The city lights are truly breathtaking and the sounds of the city never grow old. With this kind of view and Adam Lambert playing on the IPod (thanks Mom), I have to ask how I got so lucky?  Many of you may be thinking that my view of the sky line explains the title of the blog.  No sir!  Actually, it is to describe just how high I set my goals.   I moved here a mere 5 months ago. Just five months ago I was very new in a city about which I knew very little and had even fewer contacts.  But, something in me said that it was time for me to take this step.  I can tell you that the move was not an easy decision, but I truly felt that I needed to make a giant leap, knowing that it was in God’s hands.

Now naysayers always exist….but my inner voice kept telling me to reach for my goals….Hence the title of this blog “View from the Top.”  Though I have achieved so many of my goals, I am still not anywhere close to being at “the top.”  I want to encourage all of you to set your goals as high as your heart will allow.  Aim for that brass ring and reach for it.  Don’t allow anyone to ever tell you that you CAN’T! If I had had listened to those people, I would not be enjoying myself as much as I am now.  This reminds me of my favorite quote…”Life is about the journey and not the destination.”  Though I am far from my final destination, I am thankful for every minute of the climb. Push yourselves and grow from the journey.  Even when no one else seems to believe in you, know that I do.  How are you going about achieving your dreams and goals? What is your story? Email me, and I will blog about it.

*This Blog is dedicated to all of the children who have lost their lives as a result of bullying.  Just 10 years ago I was recovering from a suicide attempt after years of being bullied, because I was gay.  My hope is that no child ever has to resort to something like that ever again.  No goal is out of reach and every life has value.  Love yourselves and each other…not for the reasons that make you the same, but for the reasons that make you different! Loving one another is the only way to live “An M Famous Life,” and it is a major step toward your own “View from the Top!!!!!”

God bless you all!

Be M Famous

Christopher Macken

Before I tell you all about the goings on of this weekend, I am going to have to tell you about this musical called “Pageant” currently showing at the 14th Street Playhouse on the corner of 14th Street and Juniper Avenue in Midtown Atlanta.

Ok, picture it, I am just tweeting away when I receive a tweet from @pageantatlanta asking me if I would be a guest judge.  How exciting, right?  I mean, I have only been in Atlanta for a few months and already I am being asked to judge something.  But, hold the phone…what or who am I judging?!  I started getting concerned when I realized that I just committed to be a judge for something that I knew nothing about, and for all I know, I could be judging the 8th annual “Owner Pet look-a-like Contest” of south Peachtree Road.  Can’t you just see that, me crowning some lady named Trixie and her Chug (chihuahua-pug mix) Mipsy, the 2011 Miss South Peachtree Road!  At any rate, I digress.

So off I went to the Pageant Atlanta web site to check it out.  This musical has received ample praise from the New York Times as well as the London Times and had plenty of praise all over YouTube as well.

Perhaps I have gotten ahead of myself.  You are more than likely thinking, “what does a musical need a judge for anyway?” You see the whole premise of the show is that these 6, ummm,  well…girls (played by men) are competing to be the next Miss Glamouresse, a beauty company much like Mary Kay (can I say that?)  The characters range from the Bible Beating “Miss Bible Belt” to the rough and tumble yet oddly seductive “Miss Texas,” who I actually voted for to win.  Now, this is where the judges come into play.  The winner of this “Pageant” is determined nightly by the guest judges, so every night there is a chance of a different “girl” winning the grand title and crown.  I literally laughed from the time the curtain opened to the time I got to shake the hands of the cast after the show.  A simple blog doesn’t even begin to describe this show.  Let me tell you, this is a perfect date night destination, as you will find yourself laughing for the remainder of the night with your special someone while humming the tune, “I’m banking on Jesus, cause Jesus is my co-signer” (you will  just have to see the show to understand). I encourage everyone to check them out and don’t wait too late to see it either.  Oh and take some cash. They have a cocktail bar – I was in heaven.  The house staff are all so incredibly friendly and set the whole tone for the night as you enter the theater.  I don’t want to continue and give too much away.  All I can say is, “to Dustin Lewis and the rest of the extremely talented cast and crew, thank you for sharing such a great show and experience with me.  I was honored to be asked to judge and thanks to all of you, sore from laughing (I’m not kidding I really laughed that hard).”

For those of you that know me, it comes as no surprise that I like to travel with a crowd.  Last night was, of course, no exception.  After the show we walked over to the W Midtown Hotel where I ran into someone we will call Z, a good friend of mine, just before he and his friends jumped into the limo for the evening.  I was super temped to go, but alas I decided I should head home and take a rain check – not like me I know!

Here’s the thing, Friday evening lasted a bit longer than expected.  Notice that I said evening, because it sounds better than saying early Saturday morning.  I won’t bore you with the details of things, but I will give you a basic rundown of the events…

…cocktails at my apartment…call for the car…cocktails on the roof of JE’s building overlooking the city…call for the car…Burkhart’s…cocktails…drag queen…members only jacket….drag queen…call for the car…Blake’s on the Park…cocktails…”hey how are you”… “no I didn’t hear that”… drag queen… “oh hide, it’s my ex”… shots with JE… call for the car… ride home singing “Don’t Worry be Happy” with the Jamaican driver..  and may or may not have ended with the pool and Waffle House.  I can’t confirm or deny anything! (wink)

So now you understand why last night; a great show, a cocktail at the W Midtown, a late dinner at Cow Tippers in Midtown, and then off to bed was just perfect!

Oh that reminds me, not sure why, but it does,… anyone know when my birthday is…coming up soon…Just guess how old I will be….

The Holiday party season is rapidly approaching; please remember, Living an M Famous life is more than great parties and beautiful people…It is doing so responsibly.  ALWAYS “Call for the Car” or have a designated driver!

MUAH!

Christopher Macken

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Ok so we all know the old saying, “Do not put off for tomorrow what could be done today.”   Well normally I would agree with that, but in this case, things are simply falling right into place for me by waiting until the last minute.  All week I have been sitting down at this computer and staring, quite blankly I might add, at a screen that had a couple of sentences on it and I might add, not very good ones at that.  So, I tried all the usual tricks to get the creative juices flowing: candles (I’ve gone through three pillar candles), music (every genre you can think of), having a glass of wine… or three (that usually does the trick). But, nothing!  The only thing that my attempts got me was glazed over and singing along with Bobby Brown to “My Prerogative” and dancing around the house with the dog while using my wine glass as a microphone (the reverb on a good red wine glass gives you very nice pitch and tone) … “can’t tell me how to live, it’s my prerogative….  do what I want to do….”

What was the big problem?  I just write about my life and what is going on right…  It’s not like I am penning the 8th Harry Potter book (oh but wouldn’t it be great if they came out with one), but this week has provided plenty of reasons to be distracted. This week has literally been one social engagement after another.  Wednesday evening at Steel Restaurant and Lounge was fabulous, as usual, because I got to go out and celebrate the successful launch of the “Ask M Famous” style column.  Most of you are aware that Steel is my standing Wednesday night spot – free sushi and $5 Kettle One Drinks.  It is really a blast.  I have met so many cool people and will, of course, be there this upcoming Wednesday at 5 p.m. with some close friends who will be in the area.  Come hang out with us!

So, Thursday it was my turn to play hostess with the mostest. I had a small gathering of people over for dinner and cooked a fabulous meal.  You should know, I am trying to learn to cook (thus far in my life, the only thing that I could make without fail has been reservations.)  I am enjoying having people over and showing them a great time with great food and, of course, a fabulous bottle of wine.  If any of you have recipes that I can try, please send them too me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com or copy and paste them to the comment section of the blog.  That way you can share them with everyone as well.  At any rate, my guest of honor on Thursday night was one of the team members for a certain potential Georgia Governor candidate who just happens to be a Republican.  It was a great opportunity to actually speak with someone regarding the issues and not a television commercial.  Now if you know me, you know that I am not going to get very political or try to sway you in one direction or the other; the point of me saying this is to encourage you to actually research the candidates and decide what platform suits you best! Continue Reading »

As some of you may know, Life has done a fairly huge 180 degree turn for me. I have been on TV, Radio, written columns for magazines, and recently on a billboard. I forget how much has changed in my life until I am reminded of myself as a kid growing up. Now I have a very busy and very full social life. Plenty of people around and always a fabulous event to attend. This was not always the case for me. Growing up life was much different. I was the insecure kid with glasses that was the target of name calling, and bullying. I went through much of my middle and high school life just trying to fit in. Wanting so badly to be that cool guy that always had a choice of tables to sit at in the lunch room instead of the one looking for a quiet corner that he may be able to eat and not be noticed.

As adults we like to think that the bullies from school somehow disappear, or mature into good hearted people. Some of them do, some of them don’t. In school I was referred to as “Queer” and beaten up in the locker-room. Too afraid to defend myself and not knowing how to find a voice to speak up. Through my life and my travels I have found a very loud voice and am able to speak very openly, sometimes too openly, about my feelings, concerns, and all of the good things in life as well! I have been very blessed to have a platform that I can speak from. Last weekend my Spiritual Guide in Atlanta reminded me of the importance of making a change. Using such a platform to make a difference in everyone’s life and not just my own. She was so right.

I have been out and very proud of who I am for the past ten years; And in those ten years I have seen the world become much more tolerant. When I left my small hometown of Milledgeville Georgia for the big city in Florida I was leaving severe name calling, threats, and even people stealing hubcaps off my car, and was hoping to find a home in a place where people accepted me, and maybe a place where I could find love.

Although much has changed we still have a very long way to go. Just in the past month I was attacked by a very homophobic person. Hit twice in the head and once in the groin. The actual punches didn’t hurt near as bad as the motives behind it. I just don’t understand peoples need to hate. I can’t fathom why someone would harbor so much disdain for a human being simply because they are not like them. I have so many friends that are so different and so beautiful in their own way and even when I don’t like the way they think, I can’t imagine wanting to hurt them. I could not impose harm on another living, breathing being. That person is now facing charges. However Georgia doesn’t classify attacking a person because they are gay as a hate crime. Georgia along with 19 other States doesn’t feel like it is a “Hate Crime” if I were killed because of who I love. It is time for us to change that. Continue Reading »

I have decided to make the announcement. Word is getting out anyway…

…I have had such a great run here in Milledgeville over the past two and a half years. So many terrific people and great clients. Thank you all for your support of, both me and Christopher Macken Cosmetics. The time has come, however, for me to branch out and extend my career in new and exciting directions. Most of you know about my love of the city and how I miss living there. I guess by this point you all see where this is going…

I will be relocating to Atlanta in the next couple of months. It is time for me to challenge myself again. My Cosmetic line will still be available here in Milledgeville and you all know I am still very much a part of Salon 2000.

This was not an easy decision and took some time to make. I knew that leaving would be difficult but the challenges ahead of me are exciting and the opportunity for myself and my company to grow are plenty. Again I can’t begin to thank everyone of my friends, family, and clients for their support over the years. You all have made everything possible.

I will not be gone for good. I will continue to come back to the lake and visit on a fairly regular basis. I have had all the R&R that Lake Sinclair can provide and am ready once again for hustle and bustle. I do encourage all of my clients to continue to support Salon 2000 and know that if you can’t make the trip to Atlanta I understand and Kenny Dennis and Barbara Morrow are very Talented and will take very good care of you.

You can follow my journey on Facebook, Twitter, and of course, the official Christopher Macken Blog. I certainly hope you all stay in touch.

Thank you all for your warm “well wishes” and you will all be missed.

Much love,
Christopher Macken

The past week has been a bit of a eye opener for me. None of us are perfect despite how we would like to view ourselves. I am no exception to the rule. As many of you know, I have had a long standing, very “rocky” relationship with a business person and community leader that, of late, has had his share of troubles. I have never been very quiet about my personal feelings and have, perhaps, held on to things a bit too long. I guess I realized how involved I was when the media contacted me. My comment to them is my new stance on his and my view of one another, NO COMMENT.
He and I have spoken, very civilly I might add, and agreed to bury the hatchet and be civil to each other. Please let this put to rest any rumor that I wish any ill will to him or his career. The fact is that my feelings toward him and his feelings toward me are based on a business situation that happened between the two of us and no one else. As we decide how we will coexist in the future we will do so civilly and without comment, or involvement from anyone else. As I have stated before, my personal views of him or anyone else in no way reflect their ability to conduct their professional life the best way they can.
I wish this person well in every endeavor and hope he can work through this situation that I am sure he will find to be a small bump in the road. As I said before, I never realized how public our feud had become until someone gave my phone number to the media. I don’t appreciate being put in the middle of something that I was simply an observer of. Lesson learned.
Lesson for the day…. Learn how to let things go. I have and it does feel good!

Love,

CM