What Is Life? Oompa's Going To WOWPS

So I don't really know what to say other than woah. I slammed for the first time last year and was lucky to make the cut for the legendary House Slam team. That alone was an honor. Experiencing the National Poetry slam was one of the best moments of my life, in large part due to the people and the stories that came as part of the territory. My writing and performance were pushed by some of the most amazing poets in the world (in my opinion) who I have always looked up to; people I call friends now. The integrity and community-oriented nature of the House Slam made me feel at home (which is probably intended given the name and that Porsha & Janae don't make mistakes lol ). The support of the Haley House and all of its constituents, and the past and present House Slam teams pushed me into feeling comfortable enough to say I enjoy this slam thing and I'm ok at it. The team said, "yeah that's cute. That's what we're here for. Now bring your ass to practice. Show up." And we showed up for each other, integrity and hustle intact, and then made final stage. We took 3rd but we didn't lose. Everybody on our team (and arguably on that stage) walked away with something that night. I walked away with a lot, including a family, a better understanding of each of the people I came into contact with, a belief that slam doesn't have to be toxic, and the feeling that it's aight to believe in the power of your story.Baaaaaaasically, I said "nah yo, imma do music and music alone this year." My dark Kermit said, "oh so you can't do both? You basic." So dark Kermit won, I submitted to the video slam, won, and now I gotta show up, bring my ass to practice, integrity and hustle intact, and compete at WOWPS 2017 in Dallas. hopefully I can bring something pretty back for my friends and family to be proud of.All of that is also real cute, but it cost some real bank to get out there for the weekend and survive. And I'm an artist so usually everything I make goes back into the growth of the business/art (for now). I've only ever done crowdfunding one time (cuz I'm independent bish) so I'm super-hesitant but I'm going to leave my ego for appearing above 6' when I need to and just ask my community to help get me there the best they can, and I'll match the rest.One of things I'm most grateful for in life right now is the way people have loved on me and believed in me over this past year (and for those friends who have been pushing me for years but whom I didn't listen to or believe), so ain't no shame if you can't materially help, just know I'm grateful.