OCTOBER NOTATIONS (2022)

I believe the thing about finding your purpose is that's not about "finding" it at all. As much as we may be influenced to think, it's less about going about the world foraging for elements unseen and seemingly unfamiliar, but rather more about putting together the clues scattered about for/from various versions of ourselves to piece together.

I've realized that upon all themes, talents and interests, I've been given a task to document. Rather it be in writing, videos or photography, I have a duty to all my selves to make history (or...her-story) tangible. And here I am with a form of such a release.

Considering the obvious climate and conditions of last year, I made it a higher priority on my list to enjoy more of life with those around me, no matter which end of the spectrum of familiarity that our relationship may lie. October was a pretty solid example of that...here's how it went:

1. PORTRAIT PAINTING WITH DIMIA

The beginning of the month started off on a wholesome note as a friend and I caught up to paint over drinks just in time to catch the sunset.

In her depiction of me she reveals my character wearing my favorite shade of blue, with a wide smile adorned with a gold tooth, and wielding "a fiery aura that transmutes my energy to transform the universe around me."

Yeah. Exactly.

As it would be expected, such a reflection is and will be held very dear to me and probably means more to me than intended. I always find it so humbling and grounding maybe even just plain old humanly when I connect with those who confirm my affirmations and self preservations with ease and clarity. It's even better when its from a connection rich and rooted in authenticity.

Long story short: real recognize real and I love it.

2. ATA KAK SHOW WITH BEM(SI)

Speaking of friends, my good sis Bemsi spontaneously invited me out to see ATA KAK as her friend just happened to be Akornefa Akyea, the keyboard player in his band.

In true fashion, I arrived just in time to catch the tail end of the show. However, I did enjoy the moments that I was favored to witness as his highly magnetic energy filled the stage and entranced all those in the back room of THE EARL.

Personally I'm fairly to his sound, in the sense that I found out just about when everyone else did. I discovered him a couple of years ago while mindlessly scrolling the internet via Awesome Tapes from Africa, the cover art stopped me in my tracks and after falling into the flow of curiosity I was met with his hypnotic base and distorted proclamations.

Every legend has a tale that follows and this tale almost ended up as a mere whisper in the wind.

Here's the gist:

> ATA K moved to Canada

> Mixed n dropped the tape from the comfort of his own home

> sent the tape to his twin (ATA P) to distribute

> OBA SIMA was the hit across radio stations all across Ghana

> ATA P revealed none of this information to ATA K thus giving him the impression that he only sold a few out of the hundreds of copies and A.K essentially goes ghost and continues to experience life in other ways

> BOOM

> Fast word a decade or so his past comes back to bless him once a determined music exec tracks him down, re-releases his album and sets him off to a worldwide tour aaaaand here we are.

Situations like this remind me that living in your path , regardless of expectations, can lead to fate recognizing and applauding you for acknowledging and accepting your story.

3. Saved by SevenSevenSevenPound

As much as I love my job, I like most, hate working.

Although hectic, I'm pretty stationary for most of my day(s) and I often rely on various methods of dissociation to keep me near the bosom of sanity. My favorite method? Music. Music of all kinds, all genres, from all ends of the world. And luckily for me and you...and your mom...and your cou-- there's a perfect platform that supports just that.

*que the sample* SEVEN SEVEN SEVEN POUND

You may ask: what is sevensevensevenpound?

To which I answer: remove your self from that rock under which you reside and expose yourself to the light...swiftly.

Created by the greatest disk jockey in town and the next one over, Ademide Adeoye (best known as DJ DEMMY FUJI), 777# serves as a safe haven for DJ's of all ranges of expertise, genres and styles to vibe out for about an hour or so and showcase the talent we love to appreciate. Much like many institutions, the DJ world is just as male dominated as the next and I love how his platform is broadly inclusive and provides a safe and comfortable haven for the girls to play (pun very intended).

Needless to say, the girls had me too turnt this month.

Along with her pumped up energy, Goddess Kiko's global mixture of Amapiano, Baile Bunk, and classic club hits was the perfect recipe for a mid-day pick me up.

In contrast, Cleotrappa, intrinsically defined her name by meshing underground classics with new-age and upcoming trap hits all while you're amazed at not only her song selection and but her seemingly unfazed and calming demeanor.

Check out their sets and many more HERE

Whether you're watching the clock, entertaining friends, or just need some background music to clean to 777# is "where music lovers unite".

4. 504 Frolic

I love traveling, preferably solo tbh. And that includes all of the theatrics involved in the completion of a trip...meaning the packing, the planning (or lack of in some cases), the feeling of being lost in a place unfamiliar and finding my way again, engaging with the locals, soaking in the experience of a new environment all in all.

Needless to say, my weekend trip to New Orleans, was absolutely beautiful. It was my first time visiting and I wasn't expecting to fall as deep into love with the city as I did. The scenery was enchanting, the people were warm and comforting, the food was fulfilling to many many parts of me.

Aside from perambulating around French Quarter, I ended up checking out the NOMA as they currently* have an exhibit highlighting the importance of black photographers in various spaces entitled "Called to the Camera: Black American Studio Photographers". As theatric as it may sound, I was moved to tears after realizing that my journey to photography isn't unique in the way that is it a calling that few answer. It gave a different level in validation knowing that my perspective is essential and that I and my work(s) represent a community outside of myself and serve as a token of history for generations to come.

The closest thing I could do to bottling up my experience to save for later was to capture my time in pictures. Unfortunately (and just as ironically), as much as I admit I am blessed and highly favored, I don't always have the best luck. My rolls of pictures from this trip, most of my pictures from my trip to New York in September and all the moments in between ended up getting lost in the mail while on their way to processing. I'm still crushed and honestly this might be the closest to feeling heartbreak.

Needless to say, I'll need to avenge this trip as I feel like I genuinely lack closure I currently feel that I seek.

5. FPA Meeting #4

I have not 1, not 2, but 3 close friendships that date back over 10 years. And this year we've managed to figure out a way to make new memories together via monthly meet-ups.

Our October meeting consisted of the final round cocktail contest and with a spooky twist, the winners of the two prior rounds (Ashley and I) were given the challenge to create a drink that was Halloween themed and mixed with Hennessey.

Picture this. Two Leos. Biologically conceived within 24 hours of each other. Both known for their keen eye in aesthetics and favor in the finer things. The sister-twins duel head to head. With 20 minutes on the clock for prep, execution and plating...who wins the title of "first cocktail competition" champion?

Graded on flavor, appearance, and creativity, the competition is tough. Ashley with a fresh, stovetop brewed strawberry simple syrup and I, with a hibiscus and honey infused Hennessey elixir , the flavor profiles of each competitors drink are completely different irrespective of using the same base.

Apparently "Hi-Honey Boo-Boo" wasn't creative enough of a name in comparison to "Phantom of the Dolcè"...even though it literally had honey in it and was served in themed cups that said "Here for the boo-ze"... luckily as the powers see it though I reigned supreme with a score of 64.4 to 64. Sure a win of .4, but a win nonetheless.

There's nothing wrong with a good bit of friendly competition. Especially when everyone's winning in the end.

**Love you down Ashley girl.