​I've needed to unplug for quite some time. Not necessarily from social media, but from the emotional attachment that I've created with my cell phone. My iPhone. It is everything as an artist and content producer that I need. AirDrop is everything - especially when it comes to uploading videos. iOS is so intuitive. The swiping - everything about it flows so smoothly.

That's part of the problem, though. I've grown too dependent on it and I'm in need of a refresh where I can be undisturbed while adjusting to a new interface without having to focus on the thing that 80% of the population focuses on when it comes to cell phones.

I've switched to Android plenty of tines in the past. But my first cell phone ever was a Samsung. The R220, 2001 version. I got it when I was 16, though lol. It was prepaid and my mom was annoyed with how I got it. Through a family friend - she ended up getting me a Nokia and added me to a family plan. Free minutes after 9 wassup lmao.

Had the T-Mobile Shadow years later on Windows in 2007 and loved it. Got the T-Mobile HD2 in 2010 and loved that too. 

But I didn't get my first iPhone until the 4S and got every single iPhone after. It just made sense. Smooth, easy to type, and small. Loved it. Then I traded that in, and got the Samsung S3, S4, then the iPhone 5s, Galaxy S5, iPhone 6, 6s, and 6s Plus, the Galaxy S7 Edge, and the iPhone 7 Plus, the Note 5, iPhone 8 Plus, Note 8, S10 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS Max, S20 Ultra, the iPhone 11 & Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max, and here I am with the Note 20 Ultra and iPhone 13 Pro Max with a Google Pixel 3XL in my night stand right now.

Also got the Pixel XL, Pixel 3XL, and Pixel 4. 

As you can see, I thoroughly love cell phones. Enjoyed the different interfaces, experiences, communities created, and features.

Whenever I got "bored" with iPhone, I would switch to an Android device. When I got tired of the bugs and missed iMessage, I'd go right back to iOS. As I got older, my need to switch was less about boredom and more about wanting to be disconnected and unplugged. I wanted to detach from that "obsession" I had with my iPhone. 

I've always enjoyed the disconnection from the plugged in iMessage whenever I switched over. This feeling of someone clocking my reply rate or read receipt - if the message delivered, "so you better answer me." Checking my typing indicator...it's something about that, that has always seemed both neat but more on the invasive side for me. Yeah I know, I could simply turn off iMessage if it's that big of a deal but, honestly, really?

I've been down this road before and what always takes me back is my frustration with the time I need to use to slow down and learn Android's system. Its keyboard, as iPhone's is pretty elite. I mean, with the exception of ducking autocorrecting the wrong words.

There is something that eases my mind about not being so plugged into everything. Being forced to slow down because the keyboard isn't as intuitive as iOS. Being forced to think as I type. Being forced to read slowly. Being forced to be mindful. 

That is what I love about disconnecting from the iPhone.

I'm always going to use Apple devices as their multimedia capabilities are unmatched but, having a refreshing interface coupled with the mindfulness I receive, as the system is a bit more complex, it makes for such a great brain exercise without the added anxiety.

Once the 60 day lock is up on my Note 20 Ultra, it will be my main phone for quite some time.

I LOVE technology. Always have - but I do need frequent unplugs from the rest of the world. 

We open 2022 with being recognized. Listen, 2021 had its challenges - all for strengthening character. However, I did not expect this at all. I’m the Senior Art / Media Consultant and creative octopus 🐙 for an organization my heart is truly in. SpectraCare Foundation. We serve veterans, at-risk seniors & pets. I’m genuinely proud to be a part of SpectraCare - I’m literally surrounded by eldership, receiving tutelage 24/7. That’s a big deal.

I'll be leading the Healing Arts Therapy & Photography program for PTSD Veterans. 

To the entire SpectraCare family, thank you for everything.

Photo/Video Credit: Ian Mosley

A movie said to be of Love & Sacrifice. How far would you be willing to go to keep your loved ones from losing you? How deep is your Love? Is it Honest?

Cameron is faced with premature death having a terminal illness that he’s keeping secret from his family. This crossroads brings him to cloning himself in order to protect his family from the grief of losing him - most notably his wife who lost her twin brother.

A couple of things came to mind when watching this. The imagery of the sole providing father protecting and keeping his family carefree came to mind. The juggling of responsibilities, weight bore on one person significantly.

The love story and tech in the movie was up my alley. That is how I’d love to live. Smart everything while still having 100% access to nature. The heads up displays of the cell phones were well textured and detailed, the aesthetic was right, and it had a great mood.

Mahershala and Naomie were such a gorgeous and wholesome couple. His face acting is excellent, and her beauty in everything complemented the love affair. I loved it. 

Once the movie ended, I was left with feeling like I was deceived. And I enjoyed that I was brought to this place of having a reaction and additional dialogue. 

The fact that the movie sought to create a connection between the viewer and the clone was brilliant - but, I still left with "This is unnatural, pacifying, and toying with Nature (while the facility sat in this beautiful forest island, that whisper of nature and artificial intelligence juxtaposed was clever)"

The movie ensured it would place Humanity front and center with various juxtapositions. 

Cameron drawing by hand in a digital world.
The cloning facility in nature.
Jack having empathy, compassion, and a consciousness for Cameron.
Poppy losing her twin (other half) to have a clone replace her husband (other half).
The real vs fake Cameron.

Give it a watch. Also, watch my movie review. Accompanying Podcast episode is available as well.