What I Mean By: Rather Be Home
If you’ve been subscribed to Playlist Park long enough, I’m sure you’ve noticed I use the phrase often. I’ve even titled my first collection of print photography after it. Let me explain what I mean by this and where it came from.
In college, there was a running joke about how I was an old man in a 20-something-year-old’s body. I was always the first to Irish Goodbye out of the function or the first one caught yawning. Excuse me for enjoying the space I take the time to curate with everything I love within arm's reach. I love my couch!
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against going out, I just quickly become bored without novelty. Plus, I historically have a limited social battery in group settings. I thrived in house parties versus club experiences.
Later, I found a group of fellow homebodies who had the same sentiments about their living spaces. We started a group chat called Rather Be Home where we shared music and kept each other updated on our lives when we didn’t have the capacity to leave the house. We toyed with the idea of monetizing the concept, but it didn’t get far. Over time and with their blessing, I kept the idea going because, for one, it was too good to pass up, two, that thing that Rick Rubin said about unutilized ideas traveling person-to-person until it’s manifested haunted me, and three, I was truly attached to the project.
"Ideas aren't owned. They're like signals in the air, and the artist is just an antenna. Your job is to stay open, present, and ready to receive. If you don't act on an idea, it moves on to someone else who will." - Rick Rubin
Two things I wouldn’t trade in the world: Being Black and being southern. I want you to experience the warmth of being called baby by an old black lady at a grocery store and the oddly satisfying comfort of cicada hums in all of my work, especially in my film photography.
Ok, Back To Why We’re Here
I’m selling tote bags! I wanted to share with you guys first! For my introverted farmer’s market goers, vinyl shoppers, and fellow Trader Joe’s regulars. I even made a playlist for your leisurely strolls to go with it. Take a piece of my home with you everywhere.
On Repeat: Bag Talk by Joey Purp
I need to get one of your totes!
I feel all of this because my social battery can drain easily as well even when the vibe is right and the conversations are good.
I'm quick to call someone baby, honey and love too. I think Midwesterners and Southerners just do that all day.❤️