Bo·he·mi·an [boh-hee-mee-uhn]

During our latest yummy food binge at B’s place, my friends and I fed each other with tales of our latest adventures. Upon digesting the story of my recent trip, a gay designer friend of mine (ahem, let me just drop names here: The Ronald of RE: [Ronald-Enrico]), promptly called me a “Bohemian”.

The term “bohemian” always makes me think of my favorite bright yellow top, originally a kid’s sundress, which I bought in Boracay at a bargain price a few years back. But since it wasn’t particularly the first time I heard a friend use this term to describe me, I got curious enough to google it this time and look more into the character of the word.

Here’s what I found out:

From Dictionary.com

Bo·he·mi·an [boh-hee-mee-uhn]

1. noun: a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.

2. adjective: living a wandering or vagabond life, as a Gypsy.

Other Definitions on the Web:
“Gypsy: a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak Romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern India but now are living on all continents (but mostly in Europe, North Africa, and North America)”

“Bohemians are inhabitants of Bohemia, Czech Republic. The term used to designate inhabitants of the former kingdom of Bohemia, located in the modern day Czech Republic. The name derived from the Latin term for the Celtic tribe (Boii) inhabiting that area.” [en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemian]

“A devotee of art, music, literature or other intellectual pursuits who attempts to show his disdain for social conventions by adopting an odd or bizarre mode of life or dress.” [www.mises.org/easier/B.asp]

“A fashion look with fringing, patchwork, homespun and raw-edged fabrics, paisley and floral prints, embroidery, tassels, studding, tooled leather, layering and ornate jewelry.”
[www.dmi-india.com/glossary.html]

“This word is traditionally used to describe products from the Bohemian region of Europe, more specifically the Western Czech Republic. Bohemian glass is highly sought after because of its quality and wide variety of creative designs.”
[www.halsteadbead.com/Words_Defs/Words_Defs.asp]

“The term has become associated with various artistic or academic communities and is used as a generalized adjective describing such people, environs, or situations: bohemian' (boho - informal) is defined in The American College Dictionary as "a person with artistic or intellectual tendencies, who lives and acts with no regard for conventional rules of behavior."

“A descriptive term for a stereotypical way of life for artists and intellectuals. According to the stereotype, bohemians live in material poverty because they prefer their art or their learning to lesser goods; they are also unconventional in habits and dress, and sometimes in morals.” [American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition]

Of Bohemian style:
“In modern usage, the term "Bohemian" (sometimes shortened to "boho") is applied to people who live unconventional, usually artistic, lives. The original "Bohemians" were travelers or refugees from central Europe (hence, the French bohémien, for "gypsy").

“…Reflecting on the fashion style of "boho-chic" in the early years of the 21st century, the Sunday Times thought it ironic that "fashionable girls wore ruffly floral skirts in the hope of looking bohemian, nomadic, spirited and non-bourgeois", whereas "gypsy girls themselves ... are sexy and delightful precisely because they do not give a hoot for fashion". By contrast, in the first half of the 20th century, aspects of Bohemian fashion reflected the lifestyle itself.” [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Of Bohemianism

“The term bohemian was first used in the nineteenth century to describe the non-traditional lifestyles of marginalized and impoverished artists, writers, musicians, and actors in major European cities. The bohemian lifestyle is often associated with cafés, coffeehouses, drug use (particularly opium), alcoholism, and absinthe. Bohemians were associated with unorthodox or antiestablishment political or social viewpoints, which were expressed through extramarital sexual relations and voluntary poverty.

“The term emerged in France in the 1800s when artists and creators began to concentrate in the lower-rent, lower class gypsy neighbourhoods. The term "Bohemian" reflects a belief, widely held in France at the time, that the Gypsies had come from Bohemia.

“By extension, Bohemia meant any place where one could live and work cheaply, and behave unconventionally; a community of free souls beyond the pale of respectable society.” [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

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Hmmm, this might not be entirely true about me but it sure does make me sound interesting, huh? HaHa.

Through the Fire

ok, so i'll only admit it here.. but here's one kilig song from one cool guy... dontcha think? ;)

Through The Fire

I look in your eyes and I can see
We’ve loved so dangerously
You’re not trusting your heart to anyone

You tell me you’re gonna play it smart
We’re through before we start
But I believe that we’ve only just begun

When it’s this good, there’s no saying no
I want you so, I’m ready to go

Chorus:

Through the fire
To the limit, to the wall
For a chance to be with you
I’d gladly risk it all

Through the fire
To whatever, come what may
For a chance at loving you
I’d take it all the way
Right down to the wire
Even through the fire


I know you’re afraid of what you feel
You still need time to heal
And I can help if you’ll only let me try

You touch me and something in me know
What I could have with you
Well I’m not ready to kiss that dream goodbye

When it’s this sweet, there’s no saying no
I want you so, I’m ready to go

Chorus