Welcome to My Little Corner

A cozy space for thoughts, stories, and good company

Colorful, dramatic clouds at sunset with shades of blue, orange, and gold.
Miniature yellow bus with luggage on top, colorful van in background.
Child sitting on patterned tile floor holding a small dog, with a bicycle in the background.

Why a blue sky and a van?

Well, funny story—my name is Thanh Vân, which means 'blue sky' in Vietnamese. Sounds poetic, right? But then I moved to the U.S., and suddenly… I became a van. Yep, like the vehicle. So here I am, somewhere between a peaceful sky and a four-wheeled mode of transportation. Honestly, it’s a pretty fitting combination for me—always wandering, always open to new journeys. And that’s me, when I was young.

Okay, But Seriously, what can I do for you?

This blog started as a space to unload my thoughts before they exploded. I didn’t expect anyone to applaud my work—I just needed a place to breathe and be honest.

But if something here speaks to you, I’m grateful you are here.

I believe in a kind world, where we show up with peace and care, even in small, messy ways.

So, thank you for being part of that.

If you’re curious about me or the project I’m growing, check the top left— About and The Ripple Project are hanging out there, waiting like introverts at a party.

And just below, you’ll find my blog posts — thoughts, reflections, and little ripples I’ve sent out into the world.

Van Pham Van Pham

Life doesn’t stand still, and neither do I

One quiet afternoon, I stood in front of my house, looked up at the sky, and asked myself, “How long will this peace last?”
It wasn’t a gloomy thought—just a soft reminder that life keeps flowing, and the only thing that stays the same is change.

Funny thing is, the more I try to hold onto "stability," the more I realize:
I’m still changing.
Still growing.
Still becoming.

Photo by Mathew Thomas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-on-rock-during-sunset-906531/

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Van Pham Van Pham

Are you sure?

This blog is basically my brain talking to itself. I write about thoughts I probably shouldn't believe, spiritual side quests, and what happens when I pause and ask, “Are you sure?”

It’s not deep wisdom. It’s me, trying not to judge too fast, love a little better, and maybe understand this mess of a mind — one weird thought at a time.

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-gray-and-black-compas-220147/

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Van Pham Van Pham

Adulting is Weird

When was the last time you made a decision for your soul—not your schedule?
I did. And it terrified me. I used to chase butterflies. Now I chase bank balances. This summer, I’m choosing the forest instead—two weeks off-grid to reconnect with my freedom-loving, animal-caring, slightly-chaotic self. Because maybe the only way to feel stable… is to go a little wild.

Photo by Taryn Elliott: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-white-dress-running-7866286/

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Van Pham Van Pham

Siri, How do I Soft Quit My Life?

I’m learning that love — real, sustainable love — includes rest. And sometimes, the kindest thing I can do is stop forcing myself to keep going.

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Van Pham Van Pham

Sailing out

After years of letting self-doubt steer the ship, I’m finally setting sail—into blogging, into uncertainty, into figuring things out as I go. No fancy titles, no perfect plan, just a desire to share, connect, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this wild journey. Welcome aboard!

Photo by Arnab Barman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/boat-in-the-ocean-1675998/

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