Okay...first things first....a couple of days ago, I attempted to update this journal with a blow by blow account of my birthday festivities.  I got a TON of info typed in then my computer at home froze.  I was so frustrated and angry that I just shut it down and didn't even attempt to reboot and continue to update this.  It's taken me a few days to get over that...but here I am.  Secondly, my birthday went well.  I'll give you the I hung out with a friend, got lots of phone calls, emails, text msgs, got caught in the rain and ruined my daughter's suprise.  But all in all....it was cool.

Today marks Day 1 of the Southern Fried Poetry Slam.  This year, this slam is being held here in Charlotte, NC.  In the 13 year history of Southern Fried, this year is it's biggest yet.  With over double the amount of teams slamming, the downtown area is sure to be buzzing with the energy of poets from near and far!  I am excited and happy to be a part of this event.  Last summer, the National Poetry Slam was held in St. Louis (my hometown) and I was blessed to be able to take part in that as well...as a volunteer.  It was there that I got my appetite for "working" a slam.  I was able to be up close and personal to the poets, the spectators and just all the lovers of poetry.  So when I heard Southern Fried would be here this year....I knew that once again, I would be taking part in a volunteer capacity.  The slammaster and his dedicated staff and slam team are a bunch of peaceful, talented and committed people, and I am honored to be a part of it all.

Last night my hunny flew in and we immediately went to the even hotel so he could register (yes, he is participating in his very FIRST slam!  WHO HOOOO!!!  YAY!!!!!) and I could attend the volunteer meeting.  The meeting was to give us job descriptions, our duties, to meet each other and for the committee members to express their deepest gratitude to all us volunteers...."for without you (us) none of this would be possible"....yep....that's true.  After the meeting and hunny's registration (ya'll be on the lookout for the name Copasetic Soul....he's gonna be doing BIG things!!)  we checked out an open mic.  It was nice, and as usual, it was good to see the Charlotte poets come out.  But I didn't get home till LATE.  So today, a sista is struggling!!

From the corporate gig, I go straight to the first bout of the slam and work the door.  It's gonna be another LONG night....but poetry/writing is my passion....so I'm not mad about it at all!  I'm just so happy and excited to be a part of it all!!

I'll try to update you all again tomorrow.

Spread love ya'll! 

Peace.