peace and blessings,

back from ABQ.....and i had a flippin ball.NPS2005, was a wonderful experience for me. i got the chance to timekeep a couple of bouts and judge another (yes, i really did some work!). i was in awe of ALL the great poetry, the love the poets showed, the city of ABQ and the HOTEL BLUE. im upset that i missed the naked pool race and the streaking. but did enjoy being in the lobby with everyone, breaking my Nationals cherry by spittin at a late-nite poet tag session and sitting in on the slam family meeting. losing my voice at finals....damn!

to say that i learned a lot would be an understatement. i was truelly inspired to improve myself as a spoken word artist and slammer. i just wish the week would have ended on a better note!!

oh yea, next year at finals...all the volunteers should be asked to stand up to be saluted by the poets. some of us came a long way on our own dimes, just to support NPS2005 and help it run smoother. just a thought.

6 favorite poets/teams i heard at NPS2005

1. christa bell...deep
2. charlotte....teamwork
3. janean (spelling)....real
4. anis...wordplay
5. fort worth....powerful
6. the klute...funny

honorable mentions:
ok city.....for NOT being scared about being in the toughest bout at Nationals! big ups!!
ragan fox....for being himself and not aplogizing for it.
Cuffee.....who did the piece in the finals about being bi-racial.
Versiz....for the shyt he spit at poetry tag, made me want to throw away my notebook
rachel mckibbens....for just being so damn HOT!!

i look forward to seeing everyone again next year in Austin!


as always in parting...i say to you:

ONELOVE

ps...he wont see this but: a super big ups to Chris Imperial from Fort Lauderdale for being YOU. thanks for all the support and pep talks. you get nothing but love from me!