Regarding the Parade
I've been talking up the idea of a homespun Smoke Rise parade to anyone who would listen.
The gist is we meet on Hugh Howell near Stratmor at the appointed time and stroll down the sidewalk to an endpoint to be determined.
Originally I thought January would be good, but this cold snap has brought me to my senses. I'll have details about a February or March event in the next issue I send out.
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Mapmaker, Mapmaker, Make Me A Map
I recently learned a that thanks to Google, I can "design" a map. The "My Maps" tool lets a person create and share a custom map.
You start with a base map (satellite, terrain, political, etc.) and then layer in data from different sources. If you are a data nerd, you can imagine myriad uses, like planning an urban hike to visualizing a dataset.
I wanted an uncluttered map of Smoke Rise and stumbled on this option. Different data sources put Smoke Rise as a subdivision, and others list it as a city, or a part of Tucker or Stone Mountain.
The map I trusted was in our listings tool, but to use it, I had to go to a lot of trouble. The "My Maps" tool provided by Google let me draw it out and then delete the random labels that live in Google Maps (sorry "Henna Vibess"), which gives me a clean look.
Creating the map reminded me about all the different data sources out there. Not all are error free by the way. Take a look at two more maps of Smoke Rise.
(Also, let me know if you have a preferred neighborhood map you can recommend.)
Make Time To Check Your Data
Data inaccuracies are everywhere. Take a minute to check your property record on Dekalbtax.org.
Is your homestead exemption reflected? Is the square footage accurate?
And as always, reach out if you need my help.
Last summer, a little bird told me check out My Vintage Home, a 1970s- through early 2000s-focused vintage retailer in Tucker that's been a hit with other retro fanatics, as well as myriad local productions. Her wares have been in both Will Trent and Stranger Things seasons 4 and 5. MVH items can be seen in SNL and Black Mafia Family too.
I wandered in and met Candice, the store's owner. That day she mentioned her plans to relocate her store. I'll get to that part in a bit.
I found out that Candice lived in Smoke Rise, just a short jaunt from me. A perfect candidate for a newsletter profile.
Fast forward to a meeting at her house, where she's been living for 10 years.
Now vintage isn’t for everyone. That's what I love about it. And Candice embraces it in a way that is unique.
I bet the first two owners of her home would appreciate her balance of maximalism and comfort. The 70s black light posters depict both the sensual and the fierce sides of Black empowerment. The collection of paintings on black velvet in the den add lounge vibes.
We chatted in a parlor outfitted with golden upholstery. (Dangit if the seller hadn’t already removed the plastic sofa cover as a favor, when that was a feature Candice wanted.) Candice told me about her career pivots (working for HUD and the Small Biz Association, as a real estate agent, and a visit supervisor for CPS), and a bunch of cool side hustles.
Our shared interset in finding ways around the anonymity that comes with attached garages and large lots was a key topic. Her childhood was spent in Tuskegee’s black community exemplified connection activism, education, and diversity. How do we get off the sofa and interact with our neighbors? We're both brainstorming on it, so watch this space.
What's Next For My Vintage Home
Candice's store will reopen in March. Until then, she's keeping the address under wraps. East Atlanta, Chamblee, and Decatur made the short list, but the final location is still a secret. Follow My Vintage Home on YouTube to stay in the loop. And here's a video I made after we first met.
Tricky Technology
Sometimes this newsletter ends up in Spam or Junk. It's a huge bummer. If that happens, try these steps
_Add ahelton@c21connectrealty.com to your address book/contacts.
_Peek into your spam/junk folders too and if my emails are there, mark them “Not Spam” or "Seriously, NOT SPAM" if you have that option.
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