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Becoming Time
How do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life? For a long time, I believed life moved in straight lines: effort leads to achievement, achievement leads to clarity, and clarity leads to peace. I thought of time as a neutral backdrop—something that simply passed while I did the real…
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Below—apparently
They call it sub-Saharan—as if Africa were a submarine,ducking politely beneath elsewhere,periscope up, waiting for permission. Wait. Sub like “less than,”like a footnote that forgot it was a library,like history that somehow happenedbefore it was discovered. I’m thinking out loud. A desert becomes a ruler.A line in the sand gets tenure.Everything south of it is “sub,”as if…
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Notes on Leisure
What do you enjoy doing most in your leisure time? This is a response to the prompt above. Leisure, for me, isn’t the opposite of work; it’s where I reconnect with myself. I enjoy unclaimed time—time that doesn’t require me to produce, justify, or perform. During these moments, thinking slows and becomes less goal-focused. I…
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Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks
Name an attraction or town close to home that you still haven’t got around to visiting. This is a response to the prompt above. I’ve always hoped to travel to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon National Parks in California and Arizona, respectively, to experience their vast, breathtaking landscapes, towering red rock formations, and intricate canyon…
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Indigeneity 101d: Indigenous Animals and Spaces
I like to think with nature. Much of my research is shaped by Indigenous ways of knowing and the question of how Indigenous knowledge is produced, preserved, and erased. I’m especially interested in moving beyond a human-centered view of the world to consider more-than-human life. We often talk about speaking for Indigenous peoples, but we…
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Less is More
Where can you reduce clutter in your life? For a long time, I believed clutter was just about possessions. Extra clothes, crowded desks, piles of books I intended to read. But I’ve realized that the most draining clutter isn’t always visible. It’s the kind that quietly builds up in attention, time, and thoughts. I first…
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How Tumbleweeds Teach: Humor as Pedagogy
If you’ve ever watched a tumbleweed roll down a Los Angeles street (not saying I have), you know one thing: it’s completely unconcerned about your deadlines. In previous posts, I’ve written about clouds with self-esteem, birds with impatience, roadrunners having bad hair days, and, yes, the occasional dragon who does yoga while accountants panic over…
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A Gratitude Note: Lessons from the Journey So Far
Gratitude, I am learning, is not only for moments of triumph. It is also for the quiet disappointments, the delays, the rejections, the seasons when clarity feels distant and progress feels slow. This reflection is my attempt to honor all of it—the successes and the failures, the doors that opened and those that closed for reasons I…
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My UCLA Study Space
You get to build your perfect space for reading and writing. What’s it like? This is a reply to the prompt above. I adore vibrant, lively spaces that ignite the energy of the world around us and set the perfect mood for reflection and studying. I pay special attention to lighting, preferring bright white bulbs…
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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 13 (Tales by Moonlight 3)
I ignored the onlookers and went to sit with Fata. The evening was still young, and more children arrived as time went on. The moon shone differently than before; the white underside looked like it was cloaked in a light gray hue. The evening wind was busy doing its thing, and the little commotion of…
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From Los Angeles to the Wild: A Road Trip to San Diego Zoo
There’s a quietly enchanting feel to a Southern California road trip—the way neighborhoods burst with colorful murals and eclectic storefronts seamlessly blend into the highways, the sudden appearance of the ocean with waves crashing fiercely against rocks, and time itself seeming to stretch just enough for curiosity to take the lead. Our adventure began in…
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Alcatraz
I was there once—intense views,spirits rising and falling,all of us entrappedon this piece of land. I heard the seagullsand the silent whisperslifting with the sunrise—people, dust, memories. Cold weather, cold hearts,remnants of man’s resentment.Nature goes on living;this is no reservation. Guilt, conscience, prayers,tears, the 1960s, modernity—love, maybe hate.Are you ever worriedabout the past? I see…
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Sandia Mountain 2
I miss the sight of Sandia Mountain—its quiet congregation of morning clouds,brief visitors dissolving in the first light. On the bus, with the window as a frame,I witness a slow-moving masterpiece:mountain, sunrise, cloud—a trinity that feels intentional. Sandia follows me, or so it seems,a steadfast citadel keeping paceno matter which road I take.I wonder what…
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Why Fairytales Matter – Slides
Once upon a time—around the corner from Neverland, two bus stops past Narnia, and slightly to the left of your imagination—there lay a kingdom so peaceful that even the dragons practiced yoga. The king was wise, the queen was kind, and the royal accountant was deeply concerned about the rising price of magic beans. In…
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Homelessness 2
Do you truly understand what love is? It’s the powerful realization that homelessness doesn’t define a person’s worth. Homeless individuals are everyday people—just like you and me—deserving of kindness, respect, and love. Recognizing their dignity can ignite compassion within us and inspire real actions to help uplift their lives. So next time you see someone…
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Love is a Choice
Love is a choice, so I chose it—not because I had feelings that fade over time. Not because I notice your height or weight, but because I decided to. Not because I think I should, but because I made a decision to. Most times, there won’t be butterflies; other times, misunderstandings may occur. Sometimes, it…
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Roses
One bright Sunday, I came across a beautiful rose blooming unexpectedly in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho. It was a simple moment, but the charm of that surprise flower made it truly unforgettable. The striking beauty of the desert landscape shows that a single event or element can transform the…
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The Bee and The Bloom
A bumblebee buzzed with bumbling grace,Zipping and dipping all over the place.It spotted a flower, so red and sweet,And said, “Well hello there—my sugary treat!” It wiggled and jiggled and landed just right,Its belly fuzzy, with stripes shining bright.Then whispered, “Dear flower, don’t mind if I stay,I’m just here for nectar… and maybe to play.”
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Writing Between the Lines of Life
Well, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, it’s been a while since I’ve looked this way. I was getting ready for school and also traveling recently. So, I’ve been away trying to sort out my things and thoughts. I haven’t even had the time to watch the sunset. Additionally, I’m back in a big city…
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Two Sides of a Coin
Stories have a significant impact. They can inform or misinform, create opportunities or impose limitations. Ultimately, stories shape our understanding of the world. Those who tell these stories play a crucial role in what we recognize as history or facts. However, it’s important to remember that there are often multiple sides to a story. The…
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Nature’s Creepiest Nun
Let’s talk about the praying mantis. Sounds holy, right? With a name like that, you’d think it spends its days in quiet meditation, sipping herbal tea and whispering affirmations to butterflies; however, if “preying mantis” could have been a better name. Just saying. This bug is a straight-up ninja assassin in a leaf-green or sometimes…
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Protected: Love From Afar
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
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Whispers from First Earth
Beneath this sun’s ancestral flame,Where baobabs bear me witness, still—Africa stirs with sacred name,In every plain and every hill. The Nile, in silken stories told,Winds through Nubian dreams of old,Where Kush once ruled with a crown of gold,And river gods their secrets hold. Mount Kilimanjaro stands,A sky-pierced crown of ancient lands—The Chagga guards its snowy…
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Ina Murna – Obi n’atọm
Would you dance to the beautiful rhythm in your heart and soul, or because of the warmth and smiles of loved ones and even strangers? What about the gentle breeze that caresses your body and mind? Or the encouraging words from good friends? Take a moment to look closely—there’s always something to be grateful for!…
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Summer Nights
Hot Days, Calm Evenings Interestingly, the winds decided to be gentle this evening. The day had been extremely hot, and I sometimes wonder if this is the exact Albuquerque that was chilly just a few weeks ago. I prefer summer evenings to the sweltering days because the heat lessens, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh…
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Indigeneity 101c: Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology
I invite you to read an article in Romanian (which can be translated into other languages) about the importance of incorporating indigenous practices into our ecological efforts. The article provides examples of environmental initiatives from communities in France, Vanuatu, Nigeria, Kenya, and Chad. How can we sustainably resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife in rural…
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Amuse: Windy Conversation
Three incredible American states—Oregon, Vermont, and New Mexico—are hotspots for thrilling conversations about strong winds! Though I haven’t explored many states in the U.S., my brief adventure in Vermont left me breathless as I encountered some of the most powerful winds I’ve ever felt! Even the Lake Chaplain was basking in the windy euphoria. Those…
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Sunrise & Sunset
Sunrise and sunset look pretty similar, even though the rays of light travel in opposite directions. Both may occur at the exact location, and their glow appears alike. Occasionally, sunsets glow orange and are surrounded by clouds. I’ll explore words that might capture how I feel and characterize these two events tonight. Anyhow, it’s a…
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A Month-Long Stay in California’s Nature Reserve
Describe one of your favorite moments. One of my favorite experiences was my month-long stay at the Blue Oak Nature Reserve in California, where I worked on ecological projects. The beauty of the ranch was captivating, and as a nature lover, I truly cherished my time spent alone. The highlight of my stay was befriending…
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Gratitude Day 1
Today, I want to take a moment to thank those who have supported me. Friends, we all have people who stood by us during our most challenging times. I invite you to join me in remembering and appreciating them. Consider sending a thank-you letter, text, email, or gift to show your gratitude. I don’t want…
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Mushroom Cloud
This morning, I noticed a mushroom-shaped cloud in the sky. Unlike my impatient, fluffy friends who won’t wait for the camera, I am thankful that the clouds have a sense of humor. I do wonder if cloud formations reveal any significant information. Maybe not. However, I know that New Mexico is home to the United…
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Hummingbird
I’ve been reading extensively about Native American folklore lately. As part of my Master’s research at Berkeley, I studied the relationships between people, wildlife, and the environment to understand how everything is interconnected. In Native American folklore, hummingbirds symbolize joy, happiness, and good luck. They are also seen as messengers from the other side, bringing…
