Hello Folks,

Yes, I could be blogging about how insane it is that Democrats have become insanely divisive about two candidates with strikingly similar platforms for change, due to sensitized racial and gender feelings; vowing to not vote at all or to vote for McCain if their candidate of choice doesn’t win the democratic primary…, but I’d rather engage in a more hopeful and reasonable practice of deepening inspiration for change. The campaign seems to have gotten away from that, so perhaps you’ll find solace in some of the local Atlanta area performances and events that bring us back to what change should be about in this country: truth, inclusion, accountability, and the array of issues, independent of identity, that overwhelm our nation’s more critical identity crisis. We are in an economic recession, education is shameful, gas prices are ridiculous, diseases run rampant, and we’re still at war, among other things. As a respite from the politricks, here are some events you can choose to attend in the coming week.

Monday, March 31, 2008

House of IntegriTEA

312-C N. Highland Avenue, NE (entrance on Elizabeth)

Atlanta, GA 30307

Join Tim’m weekly at House of IntegriTEA’s MarTEAni Mondays Open Mic. Hosted by Louisa McCullough, the event brings together a wide range of poetry, music, and performance by all kinds of people, for all kinds of people. Be there OR Be there… LOL

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Wednesdays at Deeper Love Project

April 2, 2008 (and every Wednesday)

7 pm - 8:30 pm

Join Tim’m and other black gay/bi/sgl brothers at AID Atlanta’s Deeper Love Wednesday Discussions as we explore the degree to which images in the media reflect or misrepresent who we are. Taking off from our discussion and panel on body image in March, we will dig a bit Deeper to explore what a Deeper Love requires of us in terms of our relationships with our bodies.

1605 Peachtree St., NE (near Spring)

entrance at back of building (near parking deck)

Atlanta, GA 30309

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Tim’m at Fulton County Public Library

One Margaret Mitchell Square

Atlanta, GA 30303

Join Tim’m at the Fulton County Library. The Atlanta Fulton Public Library Special Collections Department is sponsoring Springtime on the Patio “An Evening of Poetry & Literary Expressions” Thursday April 3, 2008 6:30pm on the 5th floor patio. All poets are welcome to participate.

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Tim’m co-hosts “Every Body Beautiful” at House of IntegriTEA

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

312-C N. Highland Avenue, NE (entrance on Elizabeth)

Atlanta, GA 30307

Every Body Beautiful. FREE (though attendees should come prepared to support venue and artists). At this Deeper Love collaborative event with MarTEAni Mondays, several artists will explore what it means to be body beautiful and to love all aspects of our bodies, beyond the limited ways often depicted in media.

Featuring Nhojj (NYC), Deeper Love Project’s own Ayne Elite, Ken J. Martin, and Curvaceous. Co-hosted by Louisa McCullough and Tim’m T. West.

Hey Folks,

I wrote what is believed by some to be a very powerful essay about the value of rest in the context of doing activism and community building. The essay was published at Brave Soul Collective’s website for the March topic health care. I’m hopeful that, like other personal essays, it will resonate with many. In 2008, I’m thankful for those of you who’ve encouraged me to rest and take better care of myself. I’ve had a few scares…but all for the better, if now forced to make my health and wellness greater priorities. I think most would prefer to have me around a bit longer. (smile). I’d love to hear your comments.

Rest to Refuel by Tim’m T. West