Dear Friends,
To enter the world of mythology and folklore is to enter a world of stories which change form like clouds in the sky. Often, you will find the same story told in different ways depending on context and teller. In this version, a tortoise saves the day with wit and cunning. In that version, a mythical creature with supernatural powers. Over here, an ordinary human with courage and love. Over there, a divine being. For people who want neat, unchanging narratives with clear origins and defined beginnings and endings, this can be frustrating. But for those who understand that myths and folklore can help us explore, make sense of, and navigate the universal and personal experiences which underpin and affirm life, the winding twisting path of myths, and the ever shifting, contradictory, and sometimes incomplete folkloric narratives which dance and twirl like smoke in the wind offer pathways to a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities. This understanding is grounded in the recognition that in stories as in the existences that inspire them, knowledge is never complete, and the possible and impossible hold hands in an unbreakable bond of friendship.
March was a month of multiple narratives both for MA and for myself on a personal level. On the one hand, MA Twitter crossed the 5000 follower mark <insert mindblown emoji>. In a world where attention is currency, it is humbling that five thousand people out there think my quirky, passionate, sometimes fumbling exploration of African mythology and folklore is worth their time.
March was also a month of multiple revelations: about what might or might not be possible for the MA platform in the future, and what might or might not be worth putting too much time and energy into. Most significantly, the uncertain future of The Internet Archive, whose digital library underlies quite a bit of MA work means there might be changes to MA activities like Friday evening story time and Deep Dive episodes (keep an eye of for the next one coming soon!). On a more personal level, while I'm still riding the high of getting my book into the world, there are adjustments I need to make for my health and overall wellbeing, as well as other ongoing projects, which could mean I just won’t have the time to pour into MA as I have before. As some of you may know, I started curating MA in the midst of a chaotic time in my life, and while there have been some really high highs, there have also been some low lows. A little more stability and peace would be nice for a change.
So what does this all mean?
Well, multiple futures. One thing I have learned since I started curating the platform in December 2020 is that anything can happen, for better or worse. Either way, while directing my efforts towards attending to what needs my attention, I’m staying open to whichever viable opportunities might present themselves, and I’m grateful you are still with me on this journey.
Be well,
Helen
ICYMI: March Highlights
Twitter Spaces Chats
Cool/Popular Threads