Questions to answer
And answers to questions...
When I said yes to The Residency of Something or Other at the Museum of the Mystery1, I assumed I would be rummaging through the archives. Sharing the stories. Secretly working on a masterpiece of my own. I thought it would give me the time and perhaps even the space to choose what I wanted next, while allowing me to create and dally in the Evers as I desire.
But since my yes, I feel as if I have been on a quest that is not entirely of my making. I’ve been finding keys2, organizing markets3, and celebrating holidays I had never heard of. I wonder…several months in…if I would have said yes, knowing what I know now. There is no regret in my choice. Not even a little. It’s more that back then thought that I knew what I needed. I am discovering now that I did not. And perhaps, I still don’t. But maybe someone…something…else does.
A few days after the Wish Night Market packed up its wares, I checked in at Library of Wonders and Curiosities. Past the sparkling unicorn and clowder of oracular cats, I saw a small envelope with my name on it. Within was a card, a picture of a key upon the front. The card held an address and a reminder that I am to take several retreats as part of my Residency. Not one to pass up a vacation (or go back on my word), I quickly cleared my calendar and ventured north.
I found myself in a cabin on a pond where, each night, the frogs sang an ear splitting chorus and the cherry tree bloomed before my eyes. For several days, I tried to rest and wonder. I tried looking beyond the points of possibility and into the mystery itself. But there was nothing to be seen. I don’t know if I was stuck but nothing seemed clear. A way forward, one that seemed so clear following Wish Night, was once again hidden. I pouted. I cried. Finally, I danced.
It would be so nice to tell you that as Ms. Welch’s vocals faded4, the clouds parted and the path rose to meet me. But instead, a rustling I have come to know grabbed my attention.
I looked out the window and saw what appeared to be a small recipe box waiting on the doorstep.
Another note…
Use the archive.
Use your Self.
Use the magic that is.
Answer these questions.
One at a time.
Please.
10 in all.
Do not rush.
With our thanks…
There was nothing left to do but laugh.
And perhaps surrender.
Taped to the top of the box was another key5. I suspected (and was later proven right) that this is what was needed to open the Museum doors all on my own.
I pulled the first card from the box. And may have peeked at the one behind it as well.
The first card read, “What are you hungry for?”
Behind that… “What is reclaiming you?”
I am home now, back from the High Country (though still far above sea level), letting that first question wash over me.
Tomorrow I will dive into the archives.
I will let you know what I find.
With love and fire~
Jo Anna
P.S. This week, paid substack subscribers will receive a spell from The Wish Night Market. It costs $7 a month and each week I offer a secret message to anyone who desires.
You see, I had found one key. And was allowed in the Museum as, perhaps, an act of good faith for all my efforts. But now I have all the keys that will allow me to come and go as I please.