PHOTO STORY: WHEN I GET HOME

Photography & Styling: Etheldreda Esomba

5 years ago to date, Solange Knowles released a contemporary yet timeless dedication to the place she called home, Houston-Texas, with her album entitled "When I Get Home". Coincidentally, the album was released right around the time I began to settle into the newest location I added to my rolodex of definitions of the term: East Atlanta.

So picture the euphoria as I press play and I am welcomed by the manifestation/affirmation coded messages of track one just as I realize that I have found myself physically and explicitly transitioning into a place I imaged (pun unintended but highly welcomed) for my future self over 10 years prior, or the synchronicity I feel as I ride past Alameda Trail and am reminded by track 9.

I must note how hard it is for this not to turn into be an album review, however, it is important that I give reverence to my inspiration(s).

Part of my lore is that I am not the biggest fan of having unvetted company in my physical home, but if I've found you fond we're likely to have shared a moment or 2 in a place I refer to as my "backyard", East Atlanta Village.

EAV has changed quite a bit within the past 5 years, but what remains a constant is the wide array of people and places to engage with. From creating this very site in the East Atlanta Library, to concerts at The Earl or even just catching happy hour at Blu Cantina, this pocket of the city is filled with just under 2000 ft of thoughts and memories. As much as the term home can be considered subjective, for me it is a presence that conducts solace, reflection, and observation. I'm not sure how long this space or place will possess such reverence but in the meantime, I present a dedication of my own.

Shot in Brownwood Park (ironically within the limits of someone's actual backyard) and featuring my favorite Eastside muse, this photo story is a love letter to the adventures that have come and those to be.

With all my minds:

Play To Win,

ACE ♠

PS: ATL HOE!