I've been in Dream Tending and Deep Imagination community for three intense days, facing down demons, personifying the intolerable, and making masks. Like most literary artists, I'm aware of the role of a villain in a story.
In the epic tale of good versus evil, the Ancient Greeks give us classic villains -- Pan, who represents animal instincts and desire; Medusa who villainizes the nature of female choice; Zeus and Hera locked in petty battles of retribution with harmful consequences for humans caught in their crossfire; Narcissist in love with the mask of his making.
Dreams give us nightmares, and in Dream Tending, we call those figures and settings, "intolerables." Intolerable Dream Figures represent what scares us, what we can't face, and what we want to escape and destroy. It can be in others, the world, or ourselves. Intolerables can rise from our fears or the animus mundi. Collectively, unconsciously, we can co-create villains to personify the world's soul.
However, we begin with the beauty and protection of the Sacred -- nature on the outside and the feeling of experiencing a sunset on the inside. We connect to something greater than ourselves; something we are a part of, and something that is a part of us. We invite support to help us write Intolrables. This can be a character who is a guardian, a Dream Figure, the anecdote to the Intolerable. This Helper is meant to support our journey to the Underworld to meet our masked villains to hear their story.
Artists know how to play in the imaginal -- the space from where we create or animate images. We dialog, dance, eavesdrop, go on a road trip, create a playlist, and more. We can host an Intolerable and interact with its mask through play. Maybe the monster was waiting all along for an invitation to play. Maybe they will remain stoic. Play, but have a safe word, too: "Stop." If writing something scary ever feels overwhelming, know that you can say, "Stop. I am here, you are there, and you can go no further."
Yep, even in the Dreaming world, we have boundaries. You have a right to feel safe within. The more you work with this inner truth, the further away external fears, worries, and anxieties go. Maybe this stop becomes a pivot point in your story. Maybe someone else personifies the stop. Maybe the Intolerable transforms. Which, really is, the goal. We don't animate the dark to leash nightmares in the world. We animate the dark to fully understand its nature.
Mask-making is surprising and deep work. It's an activity writers could use to explore characters and personas. This week, we will look into the dark side of masks and see what stories want to come forth.
Here's a bit of Cheer & Delight so it's not all intolerable this week: Red has a fan who sent fanart to Carrot Ranch, and he watched his first Super Bowl (it put him to sleep).
Speaking of the Super Bowl, does anyone else watch for the ads? This year had some great ones, but my favorite was a nod to fellow bird nerds:
February 13, 2024, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about an intolerable mask. Who is wearing the mask and why? What is so intolerable about the mask? Is there empathy for the one behind the mask? Go where the prompt leads!
- Submit by February 19, 2024. Please use the form below if you want to be published in the weekly collection. The Collection publishes on the Thursday following the next Challenge. Stories must be 99 words. Rules & Guidelines.
- Writers retain all copyrights to any stories published at Carrot Ranch.
- A website or social media presence is not required to submit. A blog or social media link will be included in the title of any story submitted with one.
- Please include your byline with your title on one line. Example: Little Calves by Charli Mills. Your byline can be different from your name.
- Please include the hashtag #99WordStories when sharing either the Challenge or Collection posts on social media.
A fascinating one, Charli. I know very little about Superbowl but I can see why it would send Red to sleep. My son has been an avid fan for years and took the day off work yesterday, after seeing his team defeated… again.
Some people get emotionally invested in the the outcome, and some school districts even cancel school for a “Super Bowl Holiday.” Some grieve the next days, others recover from a late night of excitement. I still don’t understand the rules of the game! It’s fascinating to consider how many people are tuned in to a single moment. Todd’s team has not made it to the Super Bowl in 47 years so we are accustomed to watching other teams!
I admire his persistence! It’s hell being a supporter.
It can be! Especially when his team played so well.
Charli,
We probably wear as many masks as we do hats! I mashed 3 prompts in this 99 word haibun;
Peaceful Perambulation
You’re right about that, Jules. I think sometimes we prepare masks specifically for roles (hats). I want to do more mask work with characters. It can be surprising! I like your mask work this week!
~Thanks.
The muse mask oft plays nicely with me.
Here’s mine.
And because the form still does not accept my url, the link is included here: <3
https://valleyofthetrolls.blog/2024/02/13/comes-the-springtime/
Roses are red,
Forms are poo,
I appreciate your patience,
To submit as you do!
? Happy Valentines!!? ?
????????
Yes, a Valentine-y rhyme-y response! <3
“Hey, Pal. You’re mucking out the barns? Where’s Kid?”
“Dunno, Shorty.”
“I’m lookin fer my dog. Reckon they’re t’gether?”
“Mebbe. Aw, jeez, there they are, an Curly too. Wallowin head ta foot in mud.”
“Kid! Thet cucumber coins on yer eyes? Them was fer my cucumber sanwich.”
“You kin have ‘em after I’m done here, Pal. Jist mud bathin, complete with mud-mask facial. Mebbe you don’t mind alligator hide, but I find it ta be intolerable.”
“I find yer mud bathin ta be intolerable, Kid.”
“Cuz you had ta muck the barns?”
“Thet. An cuz thet ain’t mud, ‘zactly.”
Facin Facts
“Aw shift, Pal!”
“Calm down, Kid. Ya been shitfaced b’fore. Anyways, jist joshin ya— thet’s good clean mud.”
“Phew. So? Now I’ve wiped the mud off, how’s my skin look?”
“Real smooth.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Thet mud’s like spackle, filled in all yer wrinkles. Jist don’t crack a smile.”
“Hmmph. Then folks’ll think I’m you, with yer permanent restin grump face. Mebbe I should make a mask fer you ta wear. Make ya less scary lookin.”
“I ain’t skeery lookin. Jist got a serious visage. Mebbe you should take things more seriously too, Kid.”
“Seriously? That’s a intolerable outlook, Pal.”
Ha! Seriously, seriousness can be intolerable. Let’s play!
I love the image that rises out of Kid’s mask! Therapootic!
Therapootic?! Good one, Boss! And you know, with the right marketing… it just might sell!
I’m considering it… 😀