Behind the Curtains...

And into an apothecary

Behind the curtains, where only I usually dwell, I had been sitting with purpose.
I had been wondering what purpose my words serve.
What purpose my work serves.
As well as my creations in all their various forms.

There had been no despair in this inquiry.
Just a wondering that swam through my body.
That swims still.
Asking me to look beyond.
To peer into the impossible.
To unravel my allegiance to paths that have never brought me where I thought they might lead.
I have been asked to see what else there could be.
To see what I might be ready to hold in my hands.
And breathe life into.

I do not have all the answers I seek.
But I know that waiting for perfection only serves my vanity rather than the adventure I am on.
And that just will not do.

I desire to part the curtains a bit and introduce you to a dream of mine.
One that is taking form and shape.
One that is becoming real.

It will soon be something I will offer to you.
Like a Quest…but different.
More wondrous.
More personalized.
More magical.

I want to share this with you as it is still taking form.
I want to weave its stories into what I write here.
And see how it feels for it to be seen in its evolution.

So without further adieu, please let me introduce you to The Apothecary.

I find myself thinking of an imaginary apothecary.
Maybe not imaginary.
Perhaps, I mean fabled.
Storied.
Of the Evers.

You would be invited to come in.
The door would open and a bell would chime, of course.
The world within would be warm.
Lit by candles.
Cabinets and bookshelves lining the walls.
Couches to rest upon.

This is a space you want to wander through.
Each section is marked.
Each section is special.
In the corner is where those seeking clarity might begin.
Those wanting to find a key to unlock what has been shut should make their way to the very back.
And over by the window is where you might go if you hear a call but don’t know what to do next.

On the shelves.
In the drawers.
You will find small boxes.
Tiny tomes.
Glass vessels.
Offering, not a cure.
But a clue.
A way.
A spark of the deepest possibilities.

Perhaps you are called to a small blue tin.
Within might be an incantation that needs to be read.
To be felt.
That might be all that there is.
Or it might guide you across the room.
To an old cigar box.
Or tattered envelope.
That offers you a quest.
Which leads to a talisman.
Which brings you back to the center that you had been seeking.
All within the walls of The Apothecary.

You could also come sit with me.
And tell me of your days.
Of what you ache for.
Of how you are tangled.
You could tell me of the wishes that never leave your breath.
And the fears that hold you still.
You coul tell me and I would conjure something just for you.
For you to take in.
For you to be with.
For you completely.

My vision holds for The Apothecary to live in a physical space.
But also be available to folks from all over.
I want to send beautiful care packages, filled with “remedies” curated (and some created) just for you.
Because this is what I do.
I see you.
I see your truth.
I see what is in the way.
And I create the experience necessary for you to become who you are and have always been.

Over the coming weeks, I will be sharing pieces that I craft for The Apothecary.
And soon enough, the doors will open for one and all…but more about that in due time.

This was a long one, I know.
And it all needed to be said so that I could claim more of what is ready to be.
Thank you for reading.

With love and fire~
Jo Anna