Thanks to all the awesome people who came to the Vibe, Feb 1.  Also, welcome to the fine people from the The Founding who made a brief appearance toward the beginning — keep doing what you do, and come back any time (ask Sal for more information if you’re interested in going with him to work with the kids).  Much thanks to our hosts at the Cup, especially coffee-artist Christina who bravely read a poem to open our spoken word night (congrats, you’re a history maker).

Our first night proved that Staten Island is ripe with talent - most of the works presented were original, quite a few making their public debut.  Who knew we had so many poets among us?  Keep writing your wicked verse.  Major props to Don and Jordan, the very, very brave and quick-tongued freestylers who constructed their pieces on the fly (including one memorable number about grace and cheese burgers).  But the night wasn’t just poetry.  Brandon and Steve rocked the house with awesome raps.  Victoria proved her writing metal with some great short non-fiction: honest coming-of-age memoirs and witty reflections from her journals.

A definite theme emerged throughout the evening. It seemed that spiritual journey in the context of relationships rose to the surface time and again.  Picking up on that theme, graphic novelist and wordsmith Just Words astounded us with “E=mc²” an anthem about the reactions governing everything from the interactions of molecules to lovers.  Just Words says that physics is the closest thing to what he could call his religion.  If he piqued your interest, you might want to check out recent developments in the world of physics which are reshaping our understanding of reality in general and reintroducing metaphysics into science and theology.  Check out the public radio program Quarks and Creation for more on what physics might be telling us about spiritual realities or read How Large Is God: The Voices of Scientists and Theologians by  physicists, neuroscientists, psychologists and theologians working on the really big questions.  Definitely deep stuff to chew on and fertile ground for sowing the seeds of inspiration.

Thanks to everyone who came and showed support by reading, relaxing, chatting, or simply soaking in “the vibe” for their own inspiration.  Keep the creative juices flowing.  We look forward to seeing you all next time.  Till then  — Peace