David Given Schwarm

Married, Father, United

Pay Attention

Pay attention Listen Do your best Forgive yourself Make sure
CASE 21: Ungan Sweeps the Ground

When Ungan was sweeping the ground, Dôgo said, “You are having a hard time!” Ungan said, “You should know there is one who doesn’t have a hard time.” Dôgo said, “If that’s true, you mean there is a second moon?” Ungan held up his broom and said, “What number of moon is this?” Dôgo was…
On Purpose by Nick Laird

This is a great series of poems. I did not know much about Laird when I picked this book up–the plug on the back by Eggers was enough for me. I really liked the general dynamics of this poetry and the diversity of poems that I found within–Laird is much more then a one noted…
Bowers Museum

Very fun day at Bowers. It was international day–so the kids got face painting, henna hand tattoos, watched magicians, Chinese acrobats, made Christmas ornaments. A very fun time for them. Jack, Kate, and I went on the Asian Arts tour–docent was decent, but the works were amazing. There was a lot of very strong stuff.…
Bowers Mushroom
Front Yard Mushroom
Coffee and Cigarettes – Jim Jarmusch

This was a great film. I really liked the Cousins scene with the 24 Hour Party People & the one with the Cate Blanchett–both deal with “family” in some way–very interesting. There are a lot of interesting music people in this film who I really enjoyed–the White Stripes section was awesome. Over all a great…
God in a Cup by Michaele Weissman

This is a great book about coffee obsession. The writing is smart and moves quickly. The focus on three individual who share a passion for coffee is solid–though a little one sided perhaps. Toward the end it reads like an interview without the analysis and intrigue found earlier in the work. The book is Pynchonian…
Fall

Fall in Irvine means mostly cloudy sky.
CASE 20: Jizô’s "Most Intimate"

Jizô asked Hôgen, “Where are you going, senior monk?” Hôgen said, “I am on pilgrimage,following the wind.” Jizô said, “What are you on pilgrimage for?” Hôgen said, “I don’tknow.” Jizô said, “Non knowing is most intimate.” Hôgen suddenly attained greatenlightenment.