Welcome to WE3K THRE3

Dear diary...

Are the choices we make a reality, a reaction or an escape?
Should we feel individual, amongst, or in tune with a system?
Is homelessness a condition, an experiment or a state of mind?

What could drive one to drive?
What could prompt one to prop?
What could have been done differently to prevent...

WE3K THRE3: A reactionary escape of reality amongst individuals forcing a particular state of mind in order to feel in tune with a system which has driven and prompted one to do things differently within a condition caused by a socially devastating experiment.

Don't forget to check back frequently for WT updates!

Approximate times when posts were created will be noted.
Life is short. Hours are long. Sleep is for the old and/or week.
Updates will be posted daily.
(Jotted Monday, June 29th, 9:02.10am)

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Haha. I just received an Email insinuating (I think) that my lil documentation experiment was named to take a shot at my three former housemates. While funny, I hadn't even thought about that...soooo, sorry, it's simply my third week at it.
(Jotted Monday, June 29th, 12:12p)

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After four hours in the library doing some design work I realized I had just wasted four hours of my life. It's bad enough that my web jobs have started to fizzle, but it's worse that I can't seem to get a simple flyer right (enough) these days. I used to do this kind of stuff in my sleep for f's sake!

So to help get over it, I just finished eating a nice burger and salad and have decided to put that project on hold (again) and release some creative energy doing what I'd prefer doing at the moment ...and for now that's working on my WE3K THRE3 project. Hopefully this change of project will brighten my mood so I can finally finish the "four hour" job which is now hovering around nine or so wasted hours. Luckily the client is a friend, so hopefully he won't mind the delay ...plus, though I'm hoping for a tip, I'm not charging for my wasted efforts...so there's really no reason to be mad??
(Jotted Monday, June 29th, 5:09pm)

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I've officially re-designed my blog to accommodate the postings of the WT process. I'm looking forward to what's to come out of this experience.
(Jotted Monday, June 29th, 9:26pm)

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I just decided that in order to help get back into my fully-artistic/insomniac/delirious/ejoyable mindset, I'm going to go sleepless this first night of the documentation process. I have some Wendy's bags from earlier today that I want to do a few drawing with. Plus I still have to redo that design project I was working on earlier.

...Drats! I just remembered I told a friend I'd help her out with some coding issues. Off to explore her site I go. Hmm...
(Jotted Monday, June 29th, 11:38pm)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY2 starts

A little late to post this as I have a new two-post-a-day plan. But in continuing with things...

Regretfully I fell asleep for a little over an hour while waiting for Atlanta Bread Company to open. Ahh well, I guess I won't be in a true state of delirium today. At least I know it's 7a and not 6a. All is well though, because I have a feeling that that day needed to end ...versus continuing on after all the design disasters. But what can you do right?? Press on ...& keep it moving of course. Hopefully the web advice I was able to lend worked out. That would be at least one good thing that yesterday produced ...(well other than this new blog design of course). My guess is I'll know either way here shortly. I'm thinking between 9 & 5. 

Regardless, back to the fun I go. My first task of the day is a bit of sound editing for the site. I think I'm going to set up a mighty Mos Def quick-mix ...as his album inspired a lot of the thinking that's going into this documentation. Afterwords, I plan to create a drawing or two that'll hopefully prepare me to do some quality design work. Today must be efficient as I have a meeting tomorrow in the AM and will need some sleep. Plus, I think I may go for a five or six mile jog prior ...as it's been about two weeks since I've gotten a real cardio workout. 

Mmm, coffee good...

(Jotted Tuesday, June 30th, 7:35am)

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Just finished compiling my Mos Def intro-mix. Gonna be launching it soon ...my guess is around the eeearly a.m.

(Jotted Tuesday, June 30th, 10:02am)

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Just completed my first nomadic-Wendy's-bag-drawing. It was good to relax in the park on a nice day like today ...not too much sun! Now I just have to find access to a scanner. Hmm, I guess I could take a camera phone shot if nothing else. Documented productivity is documented productivity any way you can swing it!

A little audio tweaking had to take place after analyzing the mix while drawing away.

(Jotted Tuesday, June 30th, 1:42pm)

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Ended up back at the diner ...(then a little time off to catch the bachelor-party movie of the summer, The Hangover). The S.O.S. is so terribly bad for me ...but oh so tasty ...I really need some veggies. On another note, I'm starting to wonder how many cups of coffee (on the daily) is an "unsafe" amount. Opinions anyone?

Oh, and to all the designers of movie theater men's rooms out there, how bout ALWAYS using flat-top urinals versus the slanted kind, so when handlin' business cup slide-n-spills don't happen ...Thanks!!

(Jotted Tuesday, June 30th, 6:03pm)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY2 recap

Summing up day 2.

When I last jotted, things had gone well for the day. I got a lot of work done and had time to catch a movie. Afterwords, I hit a favorite internet hotspot of mine and started on some design work ...working till they closed at 10p.

I had been soooo on top of things, I thought it would be a good idea to grab a quick (single) drink, relax, and continue on with it. I guess I had forgotten I was working off of will versus sleep from the night before. To sum things up in one repeated letter, ZZzzz happened around 11:30p, shortly after downing my drink. 9.9% alc/vol. got the best of me this time around!!

(just-Jotted Tuesday/Wednesday-ish)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY3 is here

Though, I know I need to get more imagery etc. up on this "thang" to make it a little more palatable, the journey continues. Just "Follow" or RSS the blog and you'll see & hear all that stuff soon enough.

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Wow. I just got an amazing night of sleep ...which is probably a bad thing with all things considered. Im late though. Time to role out to my shower/grooming/ironing/prepping/breakfast/internet place of the day ...and go for a jog.

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 7:20am)

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Stinking traffic held up my journey. Finally here, but just noticed I've somehow lost my shampoo and hair pick (which is a problem).

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 8:35am)

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Wowsers, no more Black-n-Milds for a while. Just showered now that I'm back from my run, which was shortened to around 3 miles due to crazy hills and cigar smoke lingering from the other day. I gotta chill with my bad habits. 

I also just realized I'll be a bit late for my meeting today. Gotta make some calls...

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 10:20am)

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The meeting went well ...as did the design work I got done in the library afterwords. I love how anyone can sign onto the web in most area libraries via laptop, regardless of the County-Librbary affiliation that they may or may not have ...Free internet is great! 

Buuut, now I'm not sure if I have reason to be concerned. I can't get ANY of my email accounts to work via MacMail. Luckily I have other ways to keep in touch with the Email world (i.e. Treo Smart-Phone). Gonna switch gears to fine art stuff, and worry about this debacle a little later when I'm at one of my usual hotspots. Think it'll be soup for dinner.

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 4:04pm)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY3 continues

Yeppers...

After finally finishing the intro mix enough for me, I'm thinking I'll try to feature a new mix daily for the rest of the WE3K THRE3 experience. I had planned to just post a song with lyrics daily, but this is more fun ...plus, I'm able to exercise a different part of the brain creatively ...I still may post the songs as well. Hmm...

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 4:59pm)

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Veeeery interesting. It seems to have just been that particular library that my email accounts couldn't work in. I wonder why. Come to think about it, I was having web/email issues at Atlanta Bread Company as well the other morning. Hmm.... Back to it I go though.

Ecstatic!

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, circa-6:48pm)

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...I was just interrupted by two "Godly Gentlemen." They, somehow, probed me about my belief system ...after asking me if I had time to talk. I had responded sorry, but no (because I wanted to get some work done) ...but as they were leaving, I gave one of them my name and he somehow turned that into a conversation about David and Goliath .

..I must say, it was a rather sneaky, sneaky move by him/them. Congrats to that! And though they absorbed some of my time, the interaction was harmless and rather thought provoking ...especially because, just before consuming my soup, I was thinking that I needed to give Dr. Driskell (David) a ring one of these days to see if he could spare some time for a casual lunch. I never really bother him though, as he's an extremely busy, distinguished--but still cool--gentleman. Come to think about it, I never really bother many people ...probably because I don't like to be bothered very much myself. Hmm... He does make some down-right-tasty soups though! ...usually served with crackers and/or salad. Plus, the conversation is always stress free.

...ahh reminiscing back to the days of grad school. "Hello!" to the Driskells (Dr. Driskell, Daphne, Thelma and Rodney) in case any of you randomly stumble onto this posting! Oh and if you have an extra treat to throw to Prince, please do so. Thanks ;-).

(Jotted Wednesday, July 1st, 7:08pm)

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Well, I ended up re-visiting the intro mix aaaagain. But noooooow I've finally, finally, finally got this thang to my liking ...and I quickly made a flash situation out of it, before I could change my mind. I really can't believe I spent so much time on such a dumb-simple little mix. At any rate, this blog is legitimately an 18 and up situation now. Put the kids to bed folks. It's go time!! ...Click the parental advisory banner to cut the sound on and off. 

And for the record, I'm officially looking forward to tomorrow's creative explosion! I only have one commitment in the A.M. and a couple of design tasks that should only take two to three hours in total ...then it's all me ...and my markers ...and my music ...and my creativity ...and reCollectCreative ...and maybe even a bit-o-animation as I head over the hump!

Peace Peace peace peace POWER!

(Jotted Wednesday/Thursday eeeearly mornin')

WE3K THRE3 - DAY4 is "on"

Still breathing...

With a little over three hours of shut-eye, I'm ready to conquer another day ...but I woke up this morning in a strange place. It was soft, brown--well copper anyway--and had absolutely no scent of gasoline or used oil anywhere to be found.

I guess this, Day 4, was destined to start in style. Maybe it'll end with a bang as well "...talkin bout that overnight scenario ..scenario." Shout outs to my late night texter who has that song stuck in my head right now ...till we meet again! ..Yum! The pancake house is definitely better than Sardines and Pork & Beans.

(Jotted Thursday, July 2nd, 7:20am)

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Been working on another little nomadic Wendy's bag drawing. Regretfully it's unfinished and I have to run ...Off to my 10am breakfast meeting I go. Luckily it's rather close by.

(Jotted Thursday, July 2nd, 9:42am)

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Breakfast was great. I just can't believe we chatted for so long. I guess that's the kind of thing that happens when old buds get together.

It's back to work time for me though. And it doesn't look like I'll have time catch my boy spinning records tonight. I have tons of stuff to get done today. Plus, in route to the library, I conceptualized a video piece I'd like to get done during this experience. My fingers are officially crossed in regards to the work load.

(Jotted Thursday, July 2nd, 2:14p)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY4 recapping

Holiday coming soon...

On a positive note, I can't hear those boisterous kids anymore. I'm not sure if it's just because my headphones are now on ...and turned up loudly or what?? Regardless it's zenlike. Also, I've officially moved some images from my cell to an in progress folder on the laptop, so they'll be coming.

Regretfully, when doing this, I stumbled upon images I was supposed to be writing about for the art blog, http://www.reCollectCreative.blogSpot.com. Another task it is...

(Jotted Thursday, July 2nd, 2:47p)

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Another three hours logged in the ole workin total. It's officially time to switch gears/projects/locations. And while food is a must, I'm not sure if I need any coffee just yet. I think I'll go without until my next break.

I have a drawing to finish and a bunch of emails to answer. Arghh, emails never seem to stop. I've figured out that the five different accounts I have helps give the appearance of a light load though ...which is good enough for me. Hooray!!

(Jotted Thursday, July 2nd, 5:53p)

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Due to spotting the "rude one" at my favorite late night diner, I decided to switch things up a bit, leave abrubtly and head up the road to IHOP instead. Luckily things have changed here quite a bit since I last visited. 

The service is good and the people are friendly ...quite the 180 for this location in the past couple of years ...must be new management!

Still, my favorite thing is that they give you a whole carafe of coffee here. There's nothing worse than having to flag down your server every single time a refill is needed during a long night. Back to it I go! VROOM VROOM!!

(Jotted Friday, July 3rd, 12:12a)

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Regretfully another day closed in disappointment. While a lot of work got done into the A.M., it wasn't much of my own. Clients will be clients and I guess it's important to keep them as happy as possible, by getting as much work done for them as quickly as possible. I do wish timing had been a bit better though, as I wanted to get much more done in the way of art than I have this week.

I am looking forward to finally publishing a bunch of items on the right-hand column of this blog though. Images will be following soon as well ...as I refuse to do any "work" during the holiday weekend. So I guess, at this point, it's one more day of biz and then the home stretch for WE3K THRE3!!

(Jotted for Thursday in the A.M. Friday)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY5 ..going

The final "work" day is here! T.G.I.F.! 

Well back to the diner again and "Drats!" The "rude one" has spotted me ...and by the look on her face, I have feeling she realizes she's the reason I abruptly left the scene last time. While I'm, admittedly, an @ss hole at times, even I can't bring myself to about-face, and leave again. That's pretty bold ...even for me.

At least a few others are serving right now, so I may not be stuck with her... "Dag Nabbit!" I picked the wrong booth. Here she comes. Let the day begin!

(Jotted Friday, July 3rd, 6:18am)

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It was a productive morning. I finished a bunch of design work, and sent out a bunch of emails. So it looks like it's just me and creativity (finally) from here on out. 

I think I'll start planning for tomorrow's video shoot pretty soon here! And it'll be pretty dumb-simple, so don't expect much other than some spirited lip singin. 

But first, I have to do a little music mixing to get the spirits up. Hmm, I think I'll take this moment to put my first YouTube link on this "thang" ...Go DJ! ...I know, I know; typical.

(Jotted Friday, July 3rd, 2:05pm)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY5 ..learned

Sooo, after a disastrously enjoyable night (of conversation, drinking, chess and "The Firework" acquisition--all revolving around the holiday) I've made an important decision about this project. When planning this, I didn't take into consideration the holiday weekend of the 4th of July was coming up! Cookouts, food, music, cookouts, food, music, cookouts, food music ...hopefully you get the point. And when you add some (maybe even illegal in the area) fireworks in the mix, you can really start to get an idea of where I'm at with things ...fun times! So, there's really just no way I'm going to get anything done. I mean ...I'm homeless and this is the weekend of cookouts, food and musical bliss! + BIG FIREWORKS

So with that, I'm going to allow my self two additional days into the week to complete things I've already started on or conceptualized. I'll stop with the entries at the end of Monday as originally planned, but the drawings, audio and video items will continue for those two days ...it's the only way to be fair to this project and my situation at the same time. 

Plus, it is the Summertime after all!

"Hunger besets me like a pack of wild wolfs"--trying to recall the source for that one.

(Jotted for the end of Friday, July 3rd)

WE3K THRE3 - Day 6 ...BOOM!

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To recap...

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The fourth started off kind of slow due to my enjoyment of the night before. When I finally rose, I started at the the laundry mat that was closest to my location at the time. And to those who live near intersection of Adelphi & Riggs, congrats! I was a bit down when I saw the detergent machine was broken, but then I noticed a sign on the window that said detergent was free on Saturdays! Who knew!?!? It's still pretty crazy to me because it was actually pretty good detergent ...well it left my garments smelling spring-time fresh anyway. So, with that...

Let the good times roll ...and spin ...then dry of course.

(Jotted for Saturday, July 4th, circa 2p)

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After laundry came a grand ole' time of awesome food & drinks (most notably, ribs & mojitos), while we waited for it to get dark outside, so we could play with the BIG FIREWORKS!! ..And thanks you two...especially you Ms...as your food ALWAYS borders between great and amazing. 

At any rate, when nightfall came, we went BOOM, BANG, POW into the night!! Below is a video of one of the many rounds of enjoyment!

Oh yeah!! The forth should be celebrated with a blast indeed ...round 2 you say??

(Jotted for the night of Saturday, the 4th, circa 11:30p)

WE3K THRE3 - DAY7 ...arrived

The end of Project: WE3K THRE3 arrived...

And as expected, day seven was a slow one, and probably a bit slower than day six come to think about it. If I remember correctly, I woke up on a couch somewhere with  remnants of of a good time lodged in my beard...kinda like the Cookie Monster and his crumbs (Click HERE to flashback) ...which is perfectly fine with me. 

It was quick to pick up though, as holiday festivities landed me an unexpected invite to a shrimp & rib extravaganza. Of course, I couldn't enjoy the shrimp due to the most random allergy ever (yeah, only crustacean hind-parts get to me ..ie. lobster & shrimp tails), but I'm always down for some good ribs ...and two days in a row is preeety hard to beat! So yeah, these were definitely tasty, and prepared in a rather unique way to me...as it turns out with the help of a seasoned pan of water, braising is indeed possible on a charcoal grill!! Yum!

(Jotted for Sunday, July 5th @ 5:36pm)

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The final night brought a chill mood with light drinks, friends and games. It was actually kind of fitting to end things off in such a way now that I think about it. The people were cool and the game was Apples to Apples. And if you have never played it, it's highly recommended. Some even say the cards you end up with at the end can loosely describe your personality. Above is the set I held at the conclusion, and knowing myself, I can't say I completely disagree with my previous statement.

Cheers to all I interacted with during Project: WE3K THRE3!

(Jotted Sunday, July 5th @ 5:36pm)

WE3K THRE3 - In Conclusion

So, I've been doing a lot of thinking about Project: WE3K THRE3 now that it's been over for a couple of weeks. I've been asking myself the normal questions of "Why was it necessary? Is it valid? Is it true? As a whole, should it be considered 'art?' Does it help with global conversation? Did it fulfill what I hoped it would fulfill?" ...and so on, and so forth. And I must say I'm pretty pleased with my thoughts about the work ...most notably in respect to it being an "artful" experience ...(especially since most people will never fully understand my motivations and/or choose to give me flack about the process).

In short, Project: WE3K THRE3 was simply creative release that needed to happen. And like I've told others, it's not on-line-life-documentation that I'll continue doing (unless I'm still without a home made of metal for a Project: WEEK N9Ne ...which I hope won't be the case ..but truly may). It does give insight into, what I consider, accepted & driven homelessness though. And no, my experience shouldn't be considered artificial homelessness in the least. It's for real. I'm still without a tire-less home. And regretfully I'm still OK--sometimes even elated--with that fact. So while I have options of places I could, maybe even should live (and "Thank You" to all who've offered), I doubt any of them will leave me in a place of mental comfort, therefor it's alone I stay until I can work certain things out in my head. So while I've been a bit drowsier than normal from the long hours and early rising (with the sun), I'm at least comfortable/at-peace when I go "home" every night. 

But Why??

"Oh yeah!" In case you're just tuning in, I'm an artist ...the REAL/LIFER/FULLY-CHARGED kind, versus one of the easy way outers. So, it's my duty, MY JOB, my life, to pay attention to details of realities and react accordingly. And while I wish I could say this path was by choice and not birth, I can't, so it should be respected...It's simply who I am and what I do. The only thing I've really  been able to work out is the shape and form my creative spirit presents itself in. Trust me, I'd probably be a little less creative (or abstract for that matter) if I could learn how to live in such a way.

Enough rambling though, back to the Project: WE3K THRE3 process ...all in all, I recommend you doing the same for yourself. I don't recommend homelessness (or car dwelling) of course, but I do insist that if you find yourself in a similar situation, do DO some personal documentation. Reflection (and time of course) is oftentimes the healer of the toughest wounds. So if you have ANYTHING to help with that healing process, it can only be a good thing. And if you're lucky enough, like myself, you may get to explore three or four extremely different creative forms of expression (illustration, writing, sound, and video) to your satisfaction, along the way ...which I must say, has left me rather ecstatic about this whole thing ...so excuse any hints of joy I find in my current situation. It's just that, emotionally, it's hard to top an absolute-freedom-to-express. And when you don't have a house/apt. that the "mood-downers" can visit to do what they do, you may, too, find yourself in the midst of a little unexpected happiness as well.

At any rate, so the point of this documentation isn't completely lost, I'll break things down a bit. This was a project that helped me remind myself (and hopefully a few others) of the importance of values such as strength, strong will, determination, skill, hard work, but most importantly "true" creative expression. It's to let all who feel like continuing with judgements know that their voice should be muted if they can't keep up with or understand strong will. It's to remind people that their is a HUGE difference between laziness and a lack of inspiration/motivation...in which the latter is something I continue to struggle with. This project is dedicated to all of my fellow artists trapped in the struggles of pursuing high levels of creativity, while living in a world where that very thing is not only misunderstood, but highly unappreciated. It's to voice-out to those who rolled with me pre, post, and during my days of graduate school that your "nigga" is still here..."Zone" thinking is still in tact...adversity is our way of life...and through it all, WE WILL WIN!

It's also to let those (in the present and the future) who enjoy throwing hate-darts, in attempts to frustrate me know that I'll let you do so (as it's only fair to the balance of the world), but please understand I can't be stopped. I've been serious about this art/creativity "thang" for 20 of my under-30 years of existence...so I'm well past the point of turning around. Because of this, I work on my own clock and the goal I'm striving for, while in the distance, is great and indeed historical. So join with me/us if you think you can handle it. But if you have a bed time and need eight hours of sleep, move along, you probably can't function on this level for too long. If you need to shower daily to impress those around you, again, exit stage left; you're probably useless. If you think a homogeneous society is great thing of the past and should be maintained in the future, f@^# ya! And if you've clicked all the links involved with this project, read through all of my posts and still can't grasp the positive balance creatives provide to society, I truly feel sorry for your pathetic existence and wish you the best of luck in living a life of value, fulfillment and/or understanding. 

So with that, Project: WE3K THRE3 is concluded. A special shout out goes to Mos Def for creating the album Ecstatic, which has helped continue to push me through this whole thing. Please don't sue me for manipulating and posting your music...and that goes for you too Little Brother, Lil Wayne, (Drizzy) Drake, and The Mighty Heard 

...The music is the inspiration ...Thank you for it. And thank you readers for sharing this experience with me and making it through my, sometimes convoluted--I'm sure--thoughts. Though it's had its moments, it's been a positive release, so your following is greatly appreciated!

And be sure to check out TheMightyHeard.com for the best in DC Funk, Hip-Hop, Soul!!

Peace peace.