I did not want to be specific and give too many details until I first had a chance to speak w/ Chantelle. As most know, we were looking at apartments and planning on becoming roommates at the end of this month. I received some great news this past Monday that changed those plans, so I wanted to be able to talk to her about it first before telling the world. And we have. She is already in another great situation for her. All is well. Love you, woman. You are doing great things, for a great cause and you're a great friend - can't wait for the Halloween sleepover.
I am both sad and excited about this move. Although I am only going to be a county or so over from Philly (little over an hour away), I'm not mistaken that it won't be the same. Of course I'll be coming back & forth to visit friends and take in shows, but this first 2.5 months is gonna be all work/focus and little play. Most who truly know me and know me well - have spent time in my space, I in theirs, people I've worked w/, broke bread w/, brainstormed w/ - know I have NEVER wanted to be a photographer full-time. Photography is a hobby for me. Something I've been into since Junior High, I just happen to be very good at it. And I happen to know/meet a lot of dope people who deserve to have their picture taken and shared w/ the world. S-O my homie since college days, Anwar, for pushing me and encouraging me. I love that he tells me what I need to hear and not what I want to hear. Everyone needs someone who doesn't judge you for who you aren't but accepts you for who you are. Flaws and all.
I spent all those years in college and many hours volunteering to work with troubled and adjudicated youth. THAT is my passion. That is what I am great at. That is what I want to do. I spent 7 years in Philly on a waiting list to do just that...but as w/ the 'scene' and the 'industry', sometimes it really is about who you know and not about talent or experience at all. Now I can do a couple of counties over what I have been trying to do in Philadelphia for years!
So back in the beginning of July I applied for those same positions in nearby counties - and Monday I got the word. I start August 30th. I plan to attend Millersville University to obtain my Masters. My future is not in a studio or at a concert - look around you, the youth need us. S-O Chaka for providing the motivation, you inspire me in so many ways.
I don't expect people to understand or approve, yet I don't live my life for others. Never have. A friend told me last night "You're crazy!" and went on about all the rappers & 'cool people' I meet, how I'm doing all these 'cool' things here in Philly. Really, fam? Rappers and 'cool people' aren't paying my bills or providing me w/ personal and professional satisfaction.
Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful - I have had awesome opportunities some people will never have or see - and I have met some VERY 'cool people' in my travels and adventures...but it's not MY bottom line. I have never been the one to want to be OUT every night, in a club/bar/venue taking pics of people...no dis to those who do, but I plan on being someone's wife and mother one day (shit, I've already got to deal w/ my 16 yr old goddaughter giving birth in December, this move is partially about her as well, that's private, y'all will know what I want to offer). S-O Nay, you have been so supportive and your example is priceless - such a great Mom & wife. I only hope to be like you when I grow up.
The opportunity to shoot for and interview folks for 215 Mag is amazing. I dreamed of the day someone would approach me and say - hey, wanna work w/ us? Want an assignment? Help us out. Now I'm doing just that and have to leave it all behind...I hope to be able to contribute and still do things with them and for them in the future. Just not right now, I need to pursue my own dreams and make things happen. Staying in Philly is not going to do that for me. S-O Kim - I love the way you think, write & how you move.
I will still be in PA, we still have Twitter, Facebook and remember phone calls?! Yes. So I may not be able to make every one of your shows or parties, I may not be able to just drop by the studio and shoot w/ you one day after work...so what?! Out of sight is not out of mind, at least as far as quality people and friendships are concerned. I am NOT moving far. I will visit. I will still support those closest to me even though I won't be close. I will be back. I just need time now for me to do what I need to do to secure my future - and there's no better time than the present. S-O Ashley for leading the way. Love you, chica.
As always, keep up w/ me here on my personal blog and on my Flickr page. I plan to write & share more as I move into this new phase. Fukkery of a different kind, but fukkery all the same. I love those of you who read and support what I do, and I know who you are. (S-O Mark, aka @carolinaware, love you bro! Keep writing & so will I :) *Namaste*
“Moving on, is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard.” (c) Dave Mustaine
6 comments:
DO IT! I completely understand because as you mentioned I had to do what must be done to keep my life secure. I'm happy for you and support your progress. I remember you talking about going back to school so i'm glad it's moving forward. Save the children Titi - SOMEBODY NEEDS TO!
Good shit, Tee. I know this is your passion and I commend and congratulate you on following your dreams. Everyone who knows you, knows you have talent in and could be making money in several different fields. But every time we've talked about future, jobs, careers, etc, it was this that you always said you wanted to be doing. No hesitation, no faltering, no feeling of unease or being unsure. It was a question of "when" and "how," never "if." And now it's happening for you and I couldn't be happier for you. Get @ me if you need anything.
:) You are great. Period. You know I will always support whatever it is you do.
Good Luck!!!!
As I posted on Twitter I'll say it here for everyone to see; it takes a strong woman/person to make a decison to do something they love. I applaud you in making this move and wish you nothing but sucess that is sure to follow you.
I wish you the best of luck, from the sound of it, you are well on your way to a very fulfilling life. This is a great story you have. -Luigi
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