WITHOUT A DOPE BEAT TO STEP TO

i know, it's been a long time....here's the thing...in between blogging about life, i am actually living it and the last few weeks have been pretty crazy for me. the wordmedicine 2006 spoken word tour is almost completely confirmed and i'll be posting my new schedule in a few days. in addition to booking, i've been competing, giving workshops and performing all over the place. tomorrow i leave for idaho and then wednesday i'll be in alaska performing and giving workshops through sunday...have lots to say, but wanted to post an email i got this morning (more later):



Dear Christa Bell,

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a sophomore at Western Kentucky University majoring in English. I do slam with the Bowling Green slam team.I had the pleasure of seeing you perform this summer at the National Poetry Slam in New Mexico. When you performed in finals, I just remember being spellbound by your words and your presence. It was as if a goddess had walked into the room and decided to share her knowledge with us.

Since then, I go to your website almost daily and listen to your performances. They are so encouraging. Your words get to the very heart of me. This year I've been struggling to love myself again. It seems that I continually look to others for validation. I know this must change. When I read and listen to your poetry, loving myself seems possible; Reclaiming myself seems possible.

Thank you for being such a powerful woman.

Sincerely,
Saeed Jones