I wanted an Eames Lounge Chair. I think it started with The Sims. Then I saw the one on Frazier…then again when I was choosing components for my stereo. I figured, I’m a big boy. I deserve a big boy chair. Boy, was that sticker shock big on my face. Spending money on nice things that I’m going to keep around isn’t an issue. Spending $4000+ on a chair and an ottoman…well, let’s just say I’m not there mentally yet.
These thoughts of luxury seating ebb and flow, and in my travels to San Diego I came across a specimen at one of my favorite Hi-fi shops. He offered to crate and ship his replica for $650. My mind was blown, not only were there $4k chairs to enjoy my music in; there were replicas of said chair that I could get for a fraction of the price. That rabbit hole goes and goes and eventually you’ll be in a dark alley in the garment district of a town unfamiliar, comparing subtle differences between replica manufactures. The shipping from San Diego to Honolulu was prohibitive ($300). I was again Eames-less, no prospects of contemporary furniture that would be a conversation piece to grace my listening room. Amazon, had me searching high and low for a distributor that ships to Hawaii. I’d found one, but they had the worst reviews. I stopped looking, knowing one would manifest its way into my life.
About two months ago I met Johnathon, he’s an interesting guy. He is a DJ’s, and proprietor of Your Enthusiastic Upholsterer. Similar to myself he’s a sailor, but is preparing to retire with 20 years of service. I’m not the only service member with the entrepreneurial itch, which is a good thing. Our first conversation consisted of all the key areas; Cars, music, hobbies…but then he said, Eames. “What was that you said?” I was salivating with the possibility of filling my room with a locally sourced chair (manifestation is a motherfucker).
A couple of weeks later Johnathon came to the house, and we had a listening session. One the both of us enjoyed immensely and yielded a familiar result for myself…but Johnathon (in the style of Kevin Hart), “he wasn’t ready”. Music has moved me in ways inexplicable since I was a child, and I’ve come to have a deeper relationship with it as I’ve grown older. I completely understand his response.
That’s some humbling shit. I know how I feel when I’m listening, but sharing that with someone else is a rare and highly appreciated treat. I digress…the title of this post is “Sitting on Purple Rain…” My new listening chair; dubbed Purple Rain in honor of Prince is coming soon. Thanks to Your Enthusiastic Upholster. This is going to be a multi part post, and I’m looking forward to sharing the progress with you.
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Thanks.