cafe M.Y.T.H. on M street

it's 1:12 am and i have just parted with the team. they - on the way back to san jo. me - on the visit 'home'

damn
its been a ride.
a HELL of a ride.

i hope that sometime soon -- within the next day or two, that you -- that is, Robert, Cas, Vadim, David, and Marc -- are reading this message. Because i really need you all to know--

thank you.

thank you for being a part of one of the most challenging and brilliant experiences of my life.

thank you -- for your sacrifice. for the beauty you each bring to human souls.

its been a ... trip ... hasn't it.

David -- the ever present, gifted and passionate photographer. You consistently amaze me with your giving nature and effortless photographic and filmic talent. I look forward to watching your documentaries on larger screens ... and being able to shake your deserving and humble hands on those beautiful days. I trust your presence will still be as centered, calming, and wise as it has been since ive had the pleasure of knowing you

Marc -- always rockin the mic. Always standing firm to your beliefs and your commitment to community purpose. After talks on Gandhi and JFK -- why didnt we finish those conversations? I have been learning from you, and your perspectives on leaders -- Your eye for the soldiers still present -- still fighting. I heard what you said to me in Boston, Mark ... altho we never got to discuss further [crazy nite, remember] -- and I thank you for your encouragement -- because ultimately -- i don't want to sign on to the military. Your determination to stay true to your core beliefs has inspired me to no end. Has validated for me once again -- how, yes -- this type of work IS a contribution to society

Vadim -- thank you -- god, thank you so much. What you started in San Jose for the pure love of poetry -- has validated so many facets of my being. Who woulda thought lil' melinda would tour the frickin country and be blessed to perform in so many sacred spaces. Without the smallest pleading for a thank you -- or for an acknowledgement -- you busted ass to encourage spoken word in San Jose -- and ultimately -- to bring voices from the Bay across the United States. Your fingers turn guesses to gold ... Your work opens ears ... Your love opens minds

Cas -- a BRILLIANT - naturally talented writer. Your word is your soul on paper. My mother once gave me a pin -- when she called me her 'gentle spirit' -- I intend to find that pin as a gift to you as well [ESPECIALLY CAUSE IT WAS YOUR BIRTHDAY TONITE HAAAAAAAAAY] -- because you too, my friend, are a gentle spirit -- with a fire in your belly. And what - i wonder - will the world say to the novels you distribute within its realm years from now. Maybe nothing. Maybe -- we will be left ... speechless...

Robert -- you wondered why id snap at you sometimes? like the way i snap at my brother -- at my cousins -- at my ... family. damn fool, how long have we known each other? -- and you're already more than you know. You're already a guiding inspiration and TRUSTED partner in crime. An individual with one of the strongest senses of self -- of love -- and of the possibilities within the human spirit -- that ive ever known. Mad flavor -- Mad character. Mad love, my friend -- to infinity.

i am with my blood family now -- late on a Sunday nite/Monday morning. And the challenge continues. My goal? At this present moment -- it is to work so that these 3 individuals -- Mother. Father. Brother. The most important people of my life -- understand why i do the work i do. understand why i believe that this type of work -- creative expression in its humblest and -- therefore -- most brilliant form -- is my church -- and the driving force in my life.

all praises to the spirits above.

all praises -- to the spirits i love.

melinda corazon foley