새해 일출

For many years, I planned to wake up early to witness the first sunrise of a new year but slept through each time. I don't have a habit of making new year wishes and that may explain why I have little incentive to get out of bed early. Perhaps I will make another attempt this coming year, not to wish for a good year ahead but to say thank to myself for making it through 2023 better than expected. What I have done is more meaningful than what I can wish for. 

갈 길이 멀다

"It's a long way to go". It was not as daunting as I thought. As long as I started walking, I realized I would eventually reach my destination. Of course, there will always be obstacles along the way to test my resolve but overcoming them were much easier than trying to meet the expectations of others or moving along with the flow without idea of where I was heading. When I look back, I am reminded of the things I did, people I met and the experiences I encountered. Distance and time are not part of the equation of fulfillment.

Beach at Imja Island, Shin-an County, South Jeolla Province. Took me three days to reach with stay over at Seoul and Gwangju. Transportation involved air, land and sea.

강한 햇빛

The sun was blazing hot recently. The year is almost near its end, the heat was not what we expect at this time of the year. Who's afraid of heat? Like they say, if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. We have put out many fire along the way, this heat wave pale by comparison. The high temperature doesn't bother me but I appreciate the tree shades and intermittent showers. The weather will cool down soon, I am sure. No worry, chill.

Santa Monica Beach