"Entering the world of ancestral memory requires a certain mindset. Take time to enjoy and understand each phrase or line before going on. Remember, this gift took many lifetimes to wrap. Don't be in a hurry to unwrap it and become frustrated in doing so. The meaning and force of the ancestral knowledge will unfold precept upon precept, and each has a code to inspire you on to the next level." - from the Preface of Ka Honua Ola by Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele
Simmering the parts of a soup for broth
Just over a year ago I began gathering the story that is The Joy Weed Journal. There were parts of the story already alive and well: the characters and the flavor of a mythic journey had begun in The Safety Pin Cafe. The medicine and magic that connected old memories and timeless practices were at work and partnering with the Muse. There was no stopping the process, but at the same time, there was no rushing it. Like making an old-fashioned bone broth for a nourishing soup the story would need to be simmered to render its goodness.
A month ago this blog-story was posted and opened as 'a showing' designed to be read by a small audience of friends who willingly signed on to participate in giving me feedback and comments about the sound, feel and effect of the medicine story as it is so far. The audience participation has been a wonderful process both satisfying me as I had hoped, and challenging me with individual feedback I could never have anticipated. (Comments from readers in our audience can be read at the end of each of the segments of The Joy Weed Journal.) In addition to these comments, private email conversations discussing and clarifying characters, metaphors and the flow of the mythic tale add to the quality of the story's value as a medicine story.
I learn to be open to participation, practice listening without judgment and give thanks for lessons that come from the give-and-take involved in art. Like learning and practicing to make a tasty and hearty soup the simmering of a story is work over time; and patience is a necessary element. Rushing to unwrap the gift of a good soup/story? The results are sometimes quickly forgettable.
Today this rendering of words is intended to give thanks to the friends and family who are my audience, the readers and participants who have thus far added to the value of the story. Writing can be a lonely process sometimes, done alone, the art for me is honestly rarely a lonely one. The story, character and my sense for the adventure are wonderful company. Yet at this point the audience is giving me another rich layer of experiences as a teller of story and I relish in it!
The New Moon in Pisces, this Saturday new audience members will come to read and add to the quality of the tale. The New Moon is a perfect time to make intentions for the coming moon cycle. I bless the company and the cycle Mahina -- the moon -- offers me as a woman writer living and aging on this ka honua ola this place of life. We make broth, adjust the flavor as necessary and then give thanks for the process thus far. Life is like that. Story is like that.
If you've come to read, I hope you enjoy the magic. If you've come as part of the audience thank you for your valuable participation.
Bon Appetit.
