Aloha Audience

This page was originally written during the work-in-progress stages of this medicine story. I leave it here for new readers to see the process of making this story come alive. Welina, welcome!
Spring, 2015 

 "A 'showing' isn't a show," the program explained, "it's a work-in-progress, presented to an audience as part of a show's development. Theatre is an art form that needs an audience -- and puppets really, really need an audience before they can come fully to life. Your presence allows us to share the Hoggler's story as it exists so far, to hone the show's material, and lets our puppet characters start making their first steps out into the wider world. - from Terri Windling's blog post about a puppetry program in-the-works

Thank you for being in our audience.In much the same way described above for a puppetry show the medicine stories that I write are works-in-progress and come to life as storytelling-theater when presented to an audience.

I'm playing with the craft and the art of putting down the story, allowing the story to breathe and asking for an audience to play with me and give the story room to grow. Except for checking the grammar, the voice of culture and the flow of my stories when they seem right enough I let the magic out. In that way, the story is alive, not constrained, and very much open to evolution and becoming in harmony with all-that-is.

Mythic art, like this medicine story, may take some getting used to if this form of engagement-expression is new to you. Please, feel free to put the story down if there is confusion and come back later; or persist if something in the reading calls but is unclear.

Using the internet as my stage with its spacious virtual corridors and, fragrance-free environments particularly sweet for my present heightened sensitivities, this blog allows an audience--you-- to experience the story; and in return the story and storyteller feel the exchange, stay open to change, and welcome your comments and feedback. A conversation is invited, and that is the gift.

Beginning with the New Moon in Aquarius (January 31st) and New Year of the Horse, a handful of friends and friends of friends are invited to be part of our audience. The small group interaction gives me a chance to practice learning how the story and myth works for each audience member. Adjusting and adding things to the story does feel very much like adjusting the flavor of a good recipe ... a soup, a main dish, a sauce.

There is a place for you to leave Comments at the end of every segment/chapter. If you are unfamiliar with commenting on a blog, please let me know in email and I will gladly help you through the process. Other audience members have chosen to email me with their thoughts and we go back and forth with questions and conversation that way. Whichever method works for you ... please give me a clue as to your experience with The Joy Weed Journal.

photo credit

Imagine we are in a cozy place, a space just right for us ... Warm cups of drinks that suit you perfectly are served 'round and cinnamon toast cut into stars, moons and ducks bake in an oven close by. Smell them? Your seat in this audience fits you and the medicine of the story unfolds as you begin to read the journal -- the private writings-- of Pale, Joy Weed, the border witch. Read the story at your own pace. Some audience members sit and read the whole in one sitting while others are sipping and savoring the story like making homemade broth made from bones, and herbs. When you have finished reading I would love to hear from you via email.


What would I love to know when you have finished reading, or as you read the entries?

"What do you find?"
"What or how do you feel as you read, and when you finish the story?"
"What medicine shows up for you?/What parts of the story worked for you or didn't work?"

Edits: please let me know if you find typos and inconsistencies in the journal. I've gone over the story more than once, but these two old eyes can use a few helpers.


If you need to refresh your sense of the story, or read for the first time, the myth that began with The Safety Pin Cafe go here.

To begin reading The Joy Weed Journal click here.

Aloha and mahalo nui loa. I so happy you are here and look forward to hearing from you,
Mokihana