Clutters...the unfinished thoughts

 

"In a game, where no one loses and no one wins...
In a game where no one watches and no one sees"

"A story of a young man, whose life was a short one...
Born in the wake of winter, frostiness ushered him inside
He is by the name spider, who spins the silk gossamer"

"I'm skittish
now he had to mention my weight
I'm binging
got to shed some of this sh**
eating & puking..."

"My ex and I as thick as thieves
We roamed the street, had no place to sit
Slept in the dark, a single clothe on our backs
we smiled still, hand in hand in love
My ex and I as thick as thieves
So in love even a blind man could see"

"He really wants to get there
She's so tempted to bare them"

"She's all talk and no walk"

"Who heard the story, of the lil girl with a box of jewellery
Who came and stole it, her only 'bread' in the midst of nothing"

"When I need to whine
My words don't rhyme
The sentences don't even jive
I'm unashamed of the tears
UN-bothered by the stares"


Well, I can't seem to find all my jotters. Some unfinished thoughts are forever lost to me.




Photo Source...Google Images

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Worth Blogging Experience...

DISCLAIMER - The question in the post does not in any way reflect the thoughts of the writer; it is strictly for discourse amongst readers.

Me and my many 'driver-encounters'...*long sigh*

So this time around, I heard something confusingly interesting from another driver and I am just going to turn it into a question to you all.

Here goes...


A married boy or a married man, is there a difference???

He said there is and it is better for a lady to date a married boy than a married man.

I still have my confused look on so don't ask me. In a way this is an opinion poll, let's hear you.

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Na till Eternity?

She looks so stunning today, he thought to himself. With the looks of a river goddess like those paraded at the yearly Osun-Oshogbo Festival. He knows he is lucky to have her, a real damsel she is with eyes as clear as liquid soda; teeth impeccable and as white as snow. That figure! Oh that figure!! MyMyMy, that figure!!! Every African man's dream...so full, yet so su-ccu-lent. He is happy to be called her man, who wouldn't want such a beauty?

Only that...

They have been friends for just six months though he has high hopes of taking things to the next level. He means to ask her tonight at the stadium after watching their favorite team in action.

Only that...

True, they seem to like the same recreational activities. Yeah, some compatibility in there but he has some doubts nonetheless. Carol is a natural beau, no doubt about that even in her jersey with hair undone, she looks like a million dollar bucks...see her hips sway as she sashays towards him but she seems to like a lot of things. Her zest for fun is more than he can contain sometimes.

"Hey honeybae," Carol called out, her long strides matching Dinma's as they reached out to each other for a soft peck on the cheek.

"Little missy", was Dinma's response, playfully ruffling her hair just the way she likes it. "We have to hurry now before the game starts or you wanna eat something before we hit the stadium?"

"Yeah...maybe. Some baked herb-crusted chicken with ice-cream," she smiled

"Okey dokey, let's get the lady energized for some cheering later on," Dinma winked and opened the passenger door so she could rest from standing on her newly acquired 6" Steve Madden. He made a circular move to the driver side, key in ignition, David Gray's Babylon on replay and they were good to go.

************

"So how come your hair is undone? I noticed it's been this way for weeks now, you've been too busy or what?" he made a sideways glance

"We...well, not exactly,"

"So what exactly?" he asked again making his way into the mall right at the corner street before the stadium 

"I just don't have the money to buy a weave-on that would suit my face and last too"

"Hmmm...so how much will that cost" Dinma asked 

"A hundred and fifty thousand Naira. A pack is actually seventy-five and that's because I'll be buying 32" plus I'll also be needing two for a better bounce," she said excitedly with hands in her laps

And Dinma replied with derision, "wetin sef, na till eternity? I've not even finished paying for the shoe you are wearing, I got it off sis with promise to pay next month!"

Writer's note - An interesting conversation with a friend sparked off the line of thought that inspired this short story. Personally, I haven't bought a weave that expensive and it won't happen...I know someone would probably go, "it's because you don't have the money," but truly even if my bank accounts held so much with my investments scattered across the globe, I wouldn't spend such huge amount on hair! Na till eternity?

This sudden obsession and aggressively acquisitive nature of girls tire me. Almost every girl believes 'divine luxury' is for her. The money go just rain from heaven na, make you nor go work. When did women stop taking pride in earning and spending their own money? If you must buy any of those Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian, Mongolian, Malaysian, Miranda, Cambodian and all the many 'ians' weaves, by all means spend your money on them. If you find it naturally discomfiting to spend your hard-earned money on such, why bother the young man about it? 

Photo Source...Google Images

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What matters...

The purpose of life transcends beyond "personal existence" and "personal sustenance' and I strongly believe that everyone has a mantle to show love to other people- however that is achieved; through material giving or assisting in all forms of development. What is the meaning of life if you are entirely wrapped up in self? Personally, I am inspired and motivated at all times by John Wesley’s quote urging me to “do all the good I can, by all the means I can, in all the ways I can, in all the places I can, at all the times I can, to all the people I can, as long as I ever can,”and this is why I gladly associate with people who tread this path.

Remember our leaders are readers walk? Yeah, exactly! The one I lent my voice to and talked about in the previous 'what matters' (click on link to read) . Those are great people making impact. I know there are a thousand and one more out there, I celebrate you all even as I bring to the forefront of your minds another great initiative.
 
You all will agree with me that the youths of every economy are her major asset, they represent her future and so focus should be on these delicate people who have somehow missed it along the way - definitely not all. GiddyNetwork is one of such platforms in Nigeria that provides a strong foothold for youths. Regarded as Africa's leading Youth Network, its mission is to PROVIDE VARIOUS PLATFORMS TO INSPIRE, EDUCATE AND EMPOWER THE NIGERIAN/AFRICAN YOUTH. Beautiful thing worthy of note is that the organization's reach goes beyond the shores of this land. Youths are welcomed from all over. As long as it concerns the youths, Giddy Network will come to the rescue and so it's no surprise that GN would flag-off with an amazing initiative that aims at creating financial independence to youths by equipping them with the necessary. See below for an excerpt of what GN is saying...


"Ideas... Funding... Wealth Creation... Financial Independence.. Empowerment...


The story always begins with the right idea but ideas will always remain ideas until they become a working reality.

Do you have a business idea?
Are you a budding entrepreneur?
You have the idea but no funds?


Take that bold step and meet with our faculty of experienced investors and see you dream take flight.

All you need to do is as simple as ABC


Register : www.giddynetwork.com

then send 2 pages summary of your idea(s) to

email: ideas@giddynetwork.com"




https://www.facebook.com/giddynetwork?ref=ts&fref=ts
follow on twitter @GiddyNetwork

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Patience Is a Virtue… and Settling Is Not An Option

Patience Is a Virtue… and Settling Is Not An Option

I just had to re-blog this!

As the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single (who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that are in the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God created us to be fruitful.

As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )

I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise themselves when society dictates that it is okay to “shack up”,” have PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all the while having the “I don’t need a man mentality”?

I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have substance and morals? I promise you it is getting harder and harder for us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and building success together even if we have to struggle.

I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.

I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God has ordained for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away from the friend zone and sending mixed signals. It is a lesson I learned the hard way.

“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather it is “timing”. It waits on the right time to act, for the right principles and in the right way.”


See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Meet the Author:

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Meet the Author:

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Meet the Author:

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Meet the Author:

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

Meet the Author:

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

As
the days go by and my strides feel like they are getting longer and
longer. I yearn for that one MAN who is God sent, who is my friend, my
boyfriend and ultimately change my last name to his and we become
lifetime partners. This isn’t a lonely post; in fact I’m a happy single
(who is tired of dating her friends’). This is for all singles that’s in
the struggle and being positive while waiting for their companion. God
created us to be fruitful.


As a young woman I am a HOPEFUL romantic not HOPELESS , but HOPEFUL. I believe in love , I believe… Love
is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 )


I refuse to be the woman that settles, just to say she has a
companion. I’m waiting for my Umbrella or modern day Boaz. Here’s a
question I ask daily; How does one remain hopeful and not compromise
themselves when society dictates that it’s ok to “shack up”,” have
PROTECTED sex “ and settle for a common law marriage”, all while having
the “I don’t need a man mentality”?


I don’t walk around with a checklist, but geesh can my candidate have
substance and morals . I promise you it’s getting harder and harder for
us women, because no one wants to work for it. Well I don’t want an
expensive purse, shoes, or car. I want the praying together, worshiping
together, intimate talks, weekend getaways, family gatherings, and
building success together even if we have to struggle.


I’m not one to conform because I was raised by an old school mother
and grandmother. I’m a modern day single woman who is strong enough to
be alone, but also humble enough to know everyone needs somebody; and
knows loneliness is a lie from the devil. I desire to be a wife, so
therefore I have to conduct myself as a wife, I can’t keep putting
myself in the friend zone and giving confusing signs.


I will remain Hopeful , because I know whatever I desire and what God
has ordain for my life will happen, so therefore I remain patient. So
singles out there remain happy, be patient and have fun; but stay away
from the friend zone and sending mix signals. It’s a lesson I learned
the hard way.


“Patience is power. Patience is not an absence of action; rather
its “timing” it waits on the right time to act, for the right principles
and in the right way.”

- See more at: http://theprayingwoman.com/2014/08/20/patience-is-a-virtue-and-settling-is-not-an-option/#sthash.Ww8XiouS.dpuf

Continue reading →

Let's talk Protection!

I saw a picture of three Palestinian boys a couple of weeks ago and the eldest could only have been about 10years old yet they laid motionless in their innocence; their entire future taken away from them in an instant by forces suspected to be the Israelis. 
The numerous lives taken by the Islamist boko-haram group in Nigeria. Reports of ghastly motor accidents. People slumping. A housewife in the process of setting up her petty shop being forcefully knocked into 'the other life' by a reckless drunk driver. Several tales!

As much as we will like to follow the natural progression of birth to old age before death, there seems to be no logic behind who the cold hands of death grasps and as if we don’t have enough to worry about...in came Ebola! Yes, Ebola! I have tried to steer clear of this matter but going through the papers in the past few days, (which my job as a Media Services Manager requires of me), all the newspapers' captions have Ebola either as prefixes or suffixes; the 2nd most talked about after the 2015 Presidential election! *This isn't just an opinion, the facts are there to see*

A NEW TRUTH - There is panic everywhere but can we focus on living instead? An eye-witness report comes to mind of a 'Bunmi' who broke a beer bottle against a male friend's head because the young man grabbed her from behind because the lady in question has been on the conscious path of avoiding every form of bodily contact, even with family members. Sounds hilarious, doesn't it - the bottle breaking that is.

Don't panic. Focus on living! Living in this context also goes beyond staying alive; it is focusing on doing the things that refreshes & makes you happy. It could be taking that long due vacation (Nigerians are not known for taking vacations though- something else to mull over on another day). Go to that place you’ve always dreamt of or finally asking out that girl that gives you the tingle when she passes by. Although studies have shown spending money on experiences makes you feel more alive than on material things, I say you do whatever works for you as long as it takes your mind off the 'panic'.

On a final note it is important that you stay alive first before you have any shot at all at living...so back to the 'Ebola ish',I am not a Medical expert but this Ebola syndrome makes HIV aids look like child’s play. It is important therefore that we observe all barrier rules that have been put forward by those in charge. 
So how should you protect yourself?
Stay away from all bodily fluids of those that you suspect could be infected (regardless of who they might be) and report such cases as soon as possible (there is nothing to be ashamed of).
Wash your hands repeatedly...soap will do the trick.
Keep a sanitizer handy.
You can go as far as sanitizing a handkerchief by dipping in bleach, diluted of course. keep the handkerchief in a Ziploc so the wetness can be retained then use at intervals to wipe your hands. 

While I strongly believe in prayers, this salt and bitter-kola issue has shown the extent to which folks can go in trivializing issues regardless of their grave consequence. It is then advisable that prayers go along with adopting the barrier-rules and contacting the necessary authorities for any suspected case.

Until my next ranting, stay alive and keep living.

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That zone...so familiar

Block! I heard about it, couldn’t figure how it would be
Pause! I’m thinking in my head what this pen is doing in my hand
Coughs! That train is lost, maybe I’m experiencing the block!
I’m on…pen slipping on paper, words scribbled without stutter
I’m sitting in a damn zone staring into bony face
I dredged up an image of him
His new height I hadn’t gotten so familiar with
I dredged up an image of him
The ever firm smile on his ebony face
I’m staring into his face till he became real before me…
Back to life! Risen from the dead!
“Just for a while, lol,” he said
“Only to sit with you and chat for a lil while”
“Oh! OV! Thought you are here for good”
“I got so many questions but I just wanna savour this moment…”
I’m sitting close to my best friend, I hear his laughter as it soothes my soul
I’m sitting close to my best friend, I feel his hands as they wipe my tears
I’m sitting close to my best friend, I feel his touch as he lifts me unto his laps
I’m sitting close to my best friend, I feel his breath as he holds my head atop his shoulder
I still cry, maybe not every day no more
Maybe the tears don’t even gush like before
Maybe my body doesn’t convulse with sobs no more
But I still wonder why…why do good people ever die?
I think of you, where you could have been, where you would have been…
I’m thinking of you
And my heart breaks over and over again Ov

We miss you    

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The Mississippi river of Time

“Anike. Anikeeee!! Aniiks-Aniiks!!!”

The voice came again, even more closely to her earlobe. No wriggling out this time.

“Aniiks baby,” the ‘stranger’ enthused with pleasant surprise

Anike plastered a smile on her face as acting otherwise would bring more confusion - eyes already trained on her as they roved from the name caller to the obvious name bearer, only it wasn’t a sight to gladly behold…

********
Gbagaun. Gbagaun. Gbagaun.

It was 8’O clock again! The first period was about to commence and students rushed into their various classes before Teacher F could spot them walking majestically in the school’s tree- shaded compound. The Geography teacher who also doubled as the head tutor was a known flogger; his hands always itched to make some hits on bums especially the ladies and Teacher F sure knows where to hit best! Even with all the multiple padding; with jeans and many shorts acting as underlay beneath the school uniform, his cane always landed on that tiny space between the top of the ‘pad’ and the skirts. Girls knew to avoid him and they did like a plague!

And so it was a lucky day indeed for Anike as she missed out on being flogged by just a breath…a tiny, minuscule breath! No wonder she loves Thursdays. She wouldn’t want to be a receiver of heavy lashes again as she still had scars to show from the previous week…and to think her Babs just bought her a new set of waist beads to replace the broken ones.

“Nooooo. Odeishi. Lailai. Tishaaaa you will not catch me today,” Anike shouted in a singsong voice to the hearing and glee of everyone as she made a hurried entry into class 4B.

“Whew that was close,” she sighed. Anike took her seat in the middle row a mere 2 metres to the left from her Babs. Their eyes met. They shared smiles. Everyone else scampered to their seats.

Order and sanity restored, the first class was on.

********

“Ah Aniiks that was close today o. I have told you severally to always come to class before the clock chimes 8. Teacher F would have flogged you silly again ehn! Why do you like to court trouble? You haven’t learnt enough?” Babarinde reproached as he playfully pulled Anike to come sit beside him on the log of wood by odo-ire river.

It was their first place of sighting eight months ago and has soon become a regular meeting point after school hours and all the house chores…

Babarinde is the only son of his father and mother who are renowned kolanut sellers in the little town of Ikenne found in Remo, Ogun State.

Anike grew up in the neighbouring town of Ilishan however but her grandmother made her leave her previous secondary school to join them at Ikenne so she could pass her West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), in one sitting and MAYBE get a scholarship into one of the universities in the big city.

“I don’t like to court trouble Babarinde, I had to help grandmother get to the local clinic this morning for her wound treatment”.

“That’s true. I’m sorry I completely forgot to ask. How is she faring now?” he asked

“She’s fine. At least the wound has closed up. She only needs to complete her medications now.”
“Great news,” Babarinde said excitedly as he inched closer to put his arm around her

“Babs, it’s getting too dark. I have to rush back home or grandma will be worried,” Anike made an effort to stand

“Wait now”. Babarinde pulled her back. “Won’t you even hug me small and you know we won’t see again until two days’ time. I bought you beads now and you won’t even let me see them around your waist not to talk of touch them,” his hands thrown into air in near frustration

“B-but you have seen them already, haven’t you? Were you not the one that bought the beads?” she retorted.

“No. I mean around your waist. I want to see how they fit”.

“They fit perfectly Babs. I have to rush now pleaaaaaaase,” she purred and quickly winked at him

“Okay o if you say so. Just know that you cannot keep teasing a man with those lips and lashes then run away!” he broke in sounding like a wounded child

“Don’t worry, very soon we will have all our lives to do all these,” she brushed an air kiss at his temple and reached for his bicycle as she waited for him to take them back into town…

********
“You mean your name got on the merit list? Incredible! This girl you are so blessed” Babs acknowledged with genuine joy. “You mean to tell me the government will pay your way through school? University of Lagos? That is a very big school o”.

“I know Babs. I wish you were coming with me,” she said as tears filled her eyes

“I wish too Aniiks. I wish,” he rubbed the sleeves of his shirt across her wet face, “But I have to pass my WASSCE first, you know. That result is a shameful one, all Es! Which school will take me and you know that was why I didn’t bother to write JAMB but I will pass this time around, trust me so we can be together again,” he took the stance of a boy’s scout, “scout honor you will see me soon”

********
Only ‘SOON’ turned out to be thirteen years later; two degrees and an MSc later.

“Ahem…,” Anike cleared her throat

“Henrietta, what is going on? A voice in the crowd asked. “You know this thing?” she asked again with disdain in her voice

Seven other curious friends glared at her as they waited for a response. No one could reconcile the figure standing before them with that of their beautiful, intelligent, sexy and stunningly clad Henrietta.

Wait a minute…reality dawned. “Did he just call her Anike???”


Writer's note - It was a wedding reception you see, one of theirs was getting married and Babarinde was a guest too. A guest artist…well not exactly the singer but the drum beater. He had on the ankara uniform as others in the team; his small cap tilted to one side with his ‘gangan’ proudly slung across his shoulder.

How often have you found yourself in a situation like this? What did you do? Coming face-face with someone from your past you would rather forget or cringe at the memory of having ever dated…okay let's say it isn't even related to boy-girl relationship but an event you aren't exactly proud of and it comes rearing its ugly head. What did you do?

It’s just fiction.

The only real thing in the story are the towns – Ikenne & Ilishan. Those towns shaped me. I spent 6 years of my life learning the fundamentals of English Language; Physics; Mathematics; Biology and the likes…even farming! Yes! Maybe this is my way of saying thank you to my Alma Mata; I am a proud product of Ikenne Community High School and NO, my name is not Anike but Amudalat and my Geography teacher was a flogger. *name withheld* hehehehe. He can come back to flog me...


Gbagaun is the sound a ringing bell makes
Odeishi and lailai are Nigerian words meaning ‘never’
Tishaaa is a colloquial way of saying Teacher
WASSCE is a national examination conducted for school candidates to position them for higher educational pursuit
Gangan is the talking drum usually played at occasions especially in Yoruba settings

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The Dehydrated Heart...Come Thirsty

 

So I read this book eight years ago by Max Lucado and was entirely captivated; spellbound at the wordplay and deep message. I picked up the book again to read from my library few days ago and can’t help but share these powerful lines. I hope it inspires you to drink heartily today and always...

You’re acquainted with physical thirst. Your body according to some estimates is 80% fluid. It means as we consume several pounds of water. Apart from brains, bones and a few organs, we are walking water balloons.

We need to be! Stop drinking and see what happens.

Coherent thoughts vanish, skin grows clammy, and vital organs wrinkle. Your eyes need fluid to cry; your mouth needs moisture to swallow; your glands need sweat to keep your body cool; your cells need blood to carry them; your joints need fluid to lubricate them. Your body needs water the same way a tire needs air!

You were wired with thirst – a “low-fluid indicator”
.
Let your fluid level go low and watch the signals flare.

Dry mouth. Thick tongue. Achy head. Weak knees. Deprive your body of necessary fluid and your body will tell you.
Deprive your soul of spiritual water and your soul will tell you. Dehydrated hearts send desperate messages – snarling tempers; waves of worry; growling mastodons of guilt and fear. You think your maker wants you to live like this? Hopelessness. Sleeplessness. Loneliness. Resentment. Irritability. insecurity. These are warnings, symptoms of a dryness within.

Perhaps you’ve never seen them as such. You’ve thought they, like speed bumps, are a necessary part of the journey! Anxiety you assume runs in your genes like eye colour. Some people have bad ankles; others, high cholesterol or receding hairlines. You? You fret!

And moodiness? Everyone has gloomy days (like me), sad Saturdays. Aren’t such emotions inevitable? Absolutely! But unquenchable? No way. View the pains of your heart, not as struggles to endure but as an inner thirst to slake. Treat your soul as you treat your thirst. Take a gulp. Imbibe moisture. Flood your heart with a good swallow of water and thankfully we don’t give water directions.

Before swallowing, do you look at the liquid and say, “ten drops of you go to my spleen. I need fifty on cardiovascular detail. The rest of you go north to my scalp…it’s really itchy today”. Water somehow knows where to go to.

God is the same. Your directions are not needed. Only your permission is. Let him be the water of your soul.



(Culled from Max Lucado’s Come Thirsty)


Writer's note - words in italics mine.

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