(New: For those coming, we've just added a THINGS NEEDED PAGE. Also, we may be heading south for a while, so make sure you get in touch before coming to where you think we are.)

So why am I here, you ask? Good question. The answer is a long story.

2.5 years ago I came back from Thailand to land in debt and homelessness, partly because the popularity of Dervishly Yers cost me over $1000 in unexpected hosting fees (a lot of money for a struggling artist). I managed to keep my life complicated, expensive, and stressful right up until I arrived back in Pai on October 9th. In that time I've put myself thousands of dollars in debt to the bank, and bailed myself out via heavy manual labour and teaching poi workshops, a total of three times. I've also been on five big poi tours, three of which I was simultaneously trying to deal with DVD production/distribution and website development... and all the while trying very hard to keep up poi practice.

More than anything I need to catch up with myself and learn to relax again. I do want to do some kind of "Play Camp," but it may be quite casual, just some people training and collaborating together. We may do a big Uber-Play-Camp-International kind of thing, but I don't want to organize it just yet. One of the reasons I chose Thailand was that I don't have to work out details for anybody. It's easy and affordable to work out travel and accommodation here. Those who want to come play can come, and I don't have to deal with it.

Here are some of the things I hope to do over the next six months:

1) To have a break from working three jobs at once whilst hurdling towards bankruptcy, etc. Please understand that this is number one for a reason. I may refer back to #1 in the future.

2) To consistently play with poi, meteors, and other toys, a lot. I've been getting some practice in over the past couple years, but not like the first 2.5 years, and definitely not the kind of practice that makes me happy. I just haven't had the time and space to unwind (hee hee, so to speak). There are certain things that only come together when you can dive deep, so I'm here to dive.

3) To get into shape: Every time I'm on the road my health deteriorates. It's really hard to train while traveling, especially if you're trying to simultaneously run a DVD business, and it's hard (for me anyway) to go for a run or do a bunch of yoga when greatly sleep deprived.

4) To collaborate with other dedicated Play Enthusiasts: Much of my traveling has been to find others to share ideas with. In Thailand we'll have time to go beyond ideas. We'll be able to watch those ideas become form and movement.

5) To make shows: I've never choreographed a poi performance, and it's time! I'm not sure how ambitious I'll/we'll get, but I want a boy-band act for renegade stages next year, and a little solo-show. Other collaborations will depend on who else shows up and... magic.

6) Photography and Video: We're going to take both to the next level, blending in character, story lines, etc. I've got some scripts and ideas, and I'm sure others will have their own ideas. More details on this later.

7) DVD series. The Scales of Poi is working out, but I feel like it was just the first step. I would like to make a three part series, after several months of fully working out my thoughts on it all. I hope to blur the line between instructional material and art, and am plotting to get some others to work on this with me. Oh, my kingdom for a budget. I'm aiming to film in March or April, but I'll be patient this time.

8) Skill development: There are so many little skills I want to develop, like computer skills, learning some Thai language, yoga, etc.

9) Read: I have not had enough time to read and learn. It is really quite wonderful to hang out in a nice hammock, reading a book while the birds chirp and the river goes by. Also, Pai has several good used bookstores.

10) Playpoi Work: Ooooh, I've got a lot of stuff to do that would make my life easier if I did them. Things like making the website work better, researching/brainstorming/designing ways to lead better workshops, creating a demo DVD and promo materials, applying for grants, finishing a whole bunch of scripts/creative-writing pieces, working out some kind of vague bookkeeping system, etc. The list is way to big.

11) Personal work: This is my mental health sabatical. I want a seatbelt for the happy train. I'm happy right now, as I'm not racing towards bankruptcy, but I really wasn't well for much of the past few years, and I need to address that. This will include everything from developing good mental and physical habits, to researching and engaging in any number of happy-train-activities.

12) Lining up gigs for next summer: Is it too late already? The time is this fall and early winter to start applying for festivals for next year... but I might miss the boat. I want to at least put some work into promoting myself as a performer. Did you know that I don't perform very often? Yes, it's true, being good at fire spinning does not mean anybody will ever ask you to perform.

13) Dancing regularly: Pai is a good place for this. There aren't a lot of raging, all-night dance parties, but there is often live music and DJs until 1:00am or so, and it's out under the stars!

All of this is off to a great start. I've got my bungalow, wifi internet (sometimes), new friends, and good/affordable/plentiful food. It's very hot during the day (perfect for reading, working on the computer, and napping) and I'm slowly exploring for the best places to practice.

Life is different here than in the west. The way people hang out with friends and family so much. The way they sell food in the streets. The way traffic works, like a bunch of kids in a playground. There is an easiness, a simpleness, and a sense of fun to things in Thailand... or at least in this region of Thailand. Everything is open-faced. Walls retrain heat, so most restaurants, stores, everything, isn't behind windows and walls, it's open and you just walk in.

Michel was here when I arrived. Nicola and Stefan showed up two weeks after. Dan and Krista arrive on Nov 3rd, followed by others, followed by others. People will be coming and going all winter. I am honored and touched that people want to come play.

There is a good chance we're going to make poi history this winter, and possibly achieve some ground breaking community/artistic development work that will resonate beyond the poi world.

I'll post more as things develop. if you're coming, make sure to check the THINGS NEEDED PAGE.

Meanwhile, to find us, we're dot #39 on this map of pai.

-n :D