Photo by Camilla Coffey
We Americans like things fast
Speed of light, full throttle, move like lightning, fast food
I move quickly by default
preferring to zip about, and get things done
but it’s in the moments when I consciously s-l-o-w d-o-w-n
that I feel the most grounded, relaxed and content
*part of my alphabiography project
I love the word “yet” It’s full of promise and optimism
I haven’t learned Python …
I haven’t published my second book…
I haven’t been to England…
I’m not very good at illustrating…
I haven’t produced a short film…
I haven’t been to Korea with my kids…
yet! And until I do, I will enjoy every delicious moment of this great journey.
*Part of my alphabiography series
Succulents and needles,
Sand and stone,
In this arid land
I’m not alone
Quail eggs, scorpion and snake on the floor
Wren, dove, and hummingbird above
All of us move unruffled and unrushed
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust
*Part of my alphabiography series
Photo by Andre Mouton
Truth —-> Self-Awareness —> Integrity —> Self-Contentment —> Peace
Which would you prefer: to be happy or to reach xyz goal?
When I find myself starting to worry or getting wrapped up in achieving xyz…The question, Isn’t it important to be happy? realigns my focus. The truth is, it’s not what I do that’s important, it’s HOW I do what I do.
*Part of my alphabiography project
With pen and paper (or laptop),
my mind navigates savage places
– unauthorized and shady –
– limitless, immense and vast –
at my desk, in the still of solitude,
I am fierce and wild
*part of my alphabiography series
Slim wallet but exuberantly rich life
*part of my alphabiography series
Here’s a shiny new bowl,
with crushed ice and filtered water
She snubs it – actually walks away –
and seeks water from the murky plant bowl
that captures rainwater,
soil and dead plant parts
daft dog!
If I could say anything to my students, I’d say:
“Hi, my name is Mrs. Wyatt and I like it very quiet.”
But alas, my last name is Wipff
(origin: Alsace-Lorraine) Yes, Swiss
I chose this name! I married it.
My surname is Chung but not Chinese, Korean
It is pronounced “Jung” – not “yung” like Carl (who was Swiss, by the way)
What’s that you say?
Oh yes, I love the Quiet
*Part of my alphabiography series
My passion for poetry is positively preposterous
careful contemplation,
delicate design of discourse,
imagination, inspiration and impact,
I’m in awe: affectionately and alliteratively amazed
*Ralph Waldo Emerson
**Part of my alphabiography project
Go to the animal shelter
walk up and dawn the barking galley
make eye contact with several dogs
– German Shepherds, Pitbulls (many) and a Chihuahua –
she sits quietly with those huge eyes
you can see every rib through her skin
Years later, she will prove herself
to be the most tender family member
yet the most ferocious watchdog –
Her love is vast and absolute
Here is an inspiring (under 3 minute video) of someone using his talents and know-how to help disabled dogs:
My favorite quote of his:
“…but the more I do, the more I want to enhance my knowledge and improve my skills.”
*Part of my alphabiography series
Kismet 