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Phyllis Popkin - Humorist
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An excerpt from one of Phyllis' latest poem collections: WHY SHOULD I CHANGE? It's so easy to indulge in junk food,hours of tv, games, and cell phone; Never get any real exercise, and be mean to folks at your home; Rarely read a good book, or enjoy the beauty of the sky or a tree; And say "Get out of my face, world! I only care about Me!!!" OR... Do you realize you were put on this Earth to be loving and follow God's Will? You can be happy and get helpful answers, if you decide to sit quietly and still! Then using your brains and talents, you'll make the world a much better place, And respecting each person you meet, God's Love will shine on each face! But if you really want to change, how do you bridge the gap? What are the things you can do to free you from your "Me-centered" trap? First stand up tall and smile, and say, "Thank you, God!" in advance; Keep your eyes and your ears open, and you'll be led into life's joyful dance! So ... You can cherish or destroy your body; keep your mind active or let it erode; Help your spirit with music and art; and travel down the WELLNESS road. Keep a notebook to jot down jokes; laugh whenever you can; Save our environment and help other people; and you'll feel great honoring God's Plan! (Enjoying the miracles and benefits for all concerned that result from your decision!) Love, Phyllis Popkin © 2007 |
"Happiness Consultant" Phyllis Popkin is a motivational speaker, author, and "laughter lady". She offers seminars, telephone coaching, books, and poems on stress reduction, humor, and trusting your intuition. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Education in 1959, she has taught school, helped to start two wellness centers, taught courses for parents, and served as President of the League of Women Voters of the Princeton, New Jersey Area. She self-published three paperback books: Have You Seen Any Good Miracles Lately?, And That's That!, and Read-aloud Poems for a Happier World!
Phyllis Popkin and her husband Dr. Arnold Popkin, a Charlottesville ophthalmologist, live in beautiful Nelson County ,Virginia. Their two daughters live in Florida and Denmark. Linda was a jockey and Sheila is a bassoonist in a Danish orchestra. They have a thirteen-year-old granddaughter, Claire, as well as 2 dogs and 3 cats whom they adore.
Phyllis is becoming the poet laureate of sports, having written poems about coaches at the University of Virginia, courageous basketball players, and most recently, poems honoring student athletes that are being welcomed enthusiastically by athletes, coaches, and parents in many different states. These poems typify her philosophy which is to work to realize your fullest potential while being loving to yourself and others. It's also vital to "ask to be led daily" to make decisions which are "best for all concerned." Saying "Thank you" for everything that happens and then keeping your eyes and ears open for the good that will eventually come from seemingly negative situations, often brings amazing results.
Phyllis has been featured on Central Virginia's ABC 13 WSET as the Heart of Virginia special guest with interviewer Noreen Turyn. Phyllis shared how important laughter is in our daily lives, and can be used therapeutically to relieve stress and enhance our health. Phyllis has given lectures and classes throughout Virginia, and was one of the guest instructors at Lynchburg College Department of Gerontology's two day seminar for health professionals on Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Phyllis spoke about the importance of humor as a stress reliever for the caregivers of those afflicted with the disease. She continues her crusade for a happier and healthier America through humor and goodwill via her poems, other writings and personal appearances. (Call the Gallery to set up an appointment with Phyllis or for more information (540) 586-5001).
Click here for more of Phyllis Popkin's recent poems which she invites you to share with others.
"We've got wonderful brains, but they're like computers: You can't get anything out that wasn't put in there already."
- One of many lively quotes from Phyllis Popkin's recent interview with C-Ville weekly publications writer Ace Atkins in 2/12/08 issue, Charlottesville, VA