SO,-- unemployed melinda is finally at a computer at the library -- been doin MAD brainstorming for the team piece today -- and after many thoughts from the '4 horsemen' to 'bursted bubbles' -- i must say this:

i strongly -- passionately believe that this topic -- for team brainstorm -- is one which will drive us all -- >> BELIEF.

ie: WHAT do we believe? HOW do we believe? and WHERE do these beliefs or disbeliefs bring us. "WHY" -- you ask me -- am i so fervent about this particular topic? because:

this is the exact source of loss or gain for everything. in each of our individual/daily struggles. in each of our contributions to this crazy fucked up slam thing. THAT IS -- we all know how many brilliant individuals fall by the wayside -- how many talented, beautiful, inspirational people -- let the elements of the world conquer them -- destroy the gifts and chances which they were blessed with from the fuckin GET GO.

in this particular case -- our shared experience right now as you read and i type -- FOLLOWS: -- it is our BELIEFS -- which guarantee us success or failure at every open mic, every show, every slam. DAMN -- sometimes its as simple as having BELIEF in your opinion that we should work or write instead of eat. your opinion that we should line up in such and such fashion for this show. your BELIEF THAT EACH OF US HAS BEEN BLESSED WITH A GIFT FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF CHANNELING SOME MESSAGE -- SOME EXPERIENCE -- SOME SPIRIT.

this is my belief. none of us had a choice in the artistry -- the craft which will slowly consume our lives. we either flow with it -- let the waters take us where they may -- and handle each tide with grace, self-respect, and urgency ... or we drown ... often in self-sabotage.

so -- for the team piece -- i believe -- we will rip it -- when we focus on this particular area. especially! -> because 'beliefs' are the very thing which have/are/and will -- guarantee us success. think back yall -- it was those moments of indecision, self-doubt -- self-abuse -- which blocked us from excelling in the past. it was/is when we gel -- say fuck the questions -- and just know without a doubt -- that we believe.

slam is just a venue. its bigger than that. we all know it. and if we dont use this opportunity to the fullest extent --we are disrespecting ourselves, our talents, and the people who helped us get to where we are today.

-melinda ((pps: dont know when ill get back on the computer -- so any replies to this -- pls call!! but im gonna try to bust my ass onto this ting tomorrow too.))

"dont pray to god to solve your problems. pray to the god that is within you." ((unknown))

"CONSEQUENCE IS NO COINCIDENCE" ((l. hill))