Reflecting on Natchez
Mike reflects fondly on his past month marooned in Natchez, Mississippi, and expresses gratitude to the distant friends, recent acquaintances throughout Natchez, and even small businesses who have provided aid to Mike in the form of monetary donations, loans, and/or in-kind assistance.
Good morning, it’s a beautiful Sunday morning in Natchez, Mississippi, where I’ve found myself "marooned" for the last five weeks. To be honest, it hasn't been lousy at all; I’m actually thankful that this stupid boy left me over the river in Vidalia, Louisiana, because I never would have had the chance to check out this wonderful town otherwise. I’ve decided that when I eventually head back to Ohio and have some expendable income, I’ve found a new home for a lovely little vacation.
Next time I visit, I promise to the townspeople and hotel owners that I will happily spend my hard-earned cash at a local establishment… instead of squatting in the presidential suite. Apparently, my stay there got enough attention that I was banned from the local coffee shop because the lady accused me of "stealing" a hotel room. Look, squatting in an unoccupied room under renovation isn't stealing; stealing is when you deprive someone else of their room. I’m a moral person, honey — I don’t steal shit! I just don’t like to disclose all my sins to the Lord on a Sunday — He’s already too busy hearing yours!
I’ve been homeless in Natchez for about a month now. It hasn't been all bad, but I don't want to become a burden. People here have been so kind; just last week, two drivers pulled over and gave me money while I was twirling WANDA out on the road. At first, I felt weird taking it because I don’t panhandle on the street — I only panhandle on Facebook. I do that because I don’t want to be a deterrence to the "cute old-money folks" shopping at local small businesses.
To those who have donated: thank you. I know Facebook is "sketchy as fuck" and full of scams, so I appreciate you trusting me. That money goes toward my survival — things like a hot breakfast, a shower, a pair of socks from Walmart, and, let’s be fair, probably some weed to keep me sane. I try to provide enough entertainment to make sure you get your dollar's worth.
Looking ahead to 2023, I’m working on Crimson Rouge Studios. We’re looking for board members — or what we the "admin collective"—to help run this nascent nonprofit. I’ve been inspired by housing trusts set up by women of color, and I want to learn how to execute that model more elegantly for our community.
My vision for Crimson Rouge and its branches, like Archangel Labs and Steam Matters, is to bridge the gap between art and engineering. I love the term "STEAM" because art informs engineering, and engineering inspires art. I want the "curious liberal arts person" to feel welcome in the sciences. Even Steve Jobs was a college dropout who spearheaded the iPhone. Did you know there is an entire science of psychology and neuroscience used to make apps as addicting as slot machines? I’m trying to use those same "manipulation" tactics to get you to check out my projects!
We’ve got some simple app ideas in the works, too—like one to minimize food waste or even a simple tracker like the one I use to keep track of every time I smoke. Keep it simple, stupid!.
It’s about 20 degrees out here, there’s live music playing down the street, and it is just a gorgeous day in Natchez. Some might think being homeless is all bad, but it keeps me from being a "lazy homebody" playing video games all day. Instead, the people of Natchez get to see my "smiling face and mischievous ways".
Be good to yourselves, take care of each other, and enjoy your Sunday afternoon!
