Abandoned?

For any wondering if I have abandoned this blog, the answer is no.

I actually have some unfinished posts which I might complete sometime...or not.

A one word summary of my silence here would be 'life'.

I let posting slide as I went about the art of living.

I will be back more often from now on. Maybe on a monthly basis.

See you later.

Through the eyes of a toddler - Healing.

'Train a child in the way they should go and he/she will not depart from it'. WORD!

As a rule, when someone is hurt or unwell in the family, we would first of all pray and then rest or take whatever medication is necessary until the virus/ailment disappears.

Consequently, if my son (Tio) sees me squinting or grimacing, he would ask " Mum, are you okay?" No matter my response, his first response is to pray. Usually one-liners like 'Father God, let my mum's pain go away, amen.' He will then come back repeatedly to ask if whatever ails me is gone and then he tap dances when I eventually say yes.

Recently, his little sister(Sunshine) had a cut on her finger. It was no big deal but you know, being kids from my loins, there was a lot of drama. Tio, went over to Sunshine and prayed his customary one-liner.

The next day, Sunshine says to Tio. 'my pain is still here.' Tio replies, 'oh, I forgot to tell you, God will take the pain away when we pray, it's just that it takes a loooooooooong time.'

My toddler had learnt something so many of us never learn; sometimes it takes a while but it will come. Wait!

So far

People are different. Fact. People use different words differently. Fact. People also use the same words a lot if they have kept each other's companies or went to the same school. Fact.

Most of my friends from my secondary school days will identify with 'morning shows the day'. It somehow works it's way into our conversations and we do it just like it was done back then.

'Nincompoop' is another word commonly used in a particulary company I keep, a company of people who once knew a certain old French lecturer.Thinking of him alone, elicits a smile.

There are however, two words I cannot stand. Really, they just irritate me when used in pleasant speech. The words are, so far. Why do people use so far? You ask how things are going, they reply, 'very well, so far'.

They are asked to lead a prayer session. They begin, 'thank you Lord because nothing bad has happened to us so far'. Some even update their facebook status with something like 'this year has been good so far.'

Why so far? Do they not know that so far connotes impending doom? Like you are half surprised things are going well or are half expecting things to go sour. So far, reduces the weight of whatever comes before it and I think should not be used in this way.

What do you think?

Changes to the A-Z of marriage series.

I know, you probably were expecting H. It will come. For now, though, all the A-Z series will be zapping from here.

They will be back one after the other in about 3weeks/month or so after they have been featured on www.234NEXT.com/ so bookmark that site and follow the series from there.

I will still be blogging here too so keep checking in.

Here's the link to my first post on NEXT: Be kind to everyone.

Randomness + Amusement

So, I am very busy at the moment. Work is leaving me with less time than I thought possible. That was until I remembered my old trick. Back in the day, I used to sleep for only 4 hours. I am trying to get back to that; at least until I am done with this project.

I also picked up the coffee drinking habit again, black, bitter-sweet, nothing fancy, I just stir in enough determination to fool my brain that I am not sleepy. It's working!

Ah, to why I came here. I gave myself a break a while ago and was 'im'ing with a friend. Our conversation amused me and led to this post.

Me: Hey.

Friend: Hey back. 'Was thinking about you earlier today, I saw someone in a movie that reminded me of you.

Me: Lol. Yay! I have become a movie star - please don't say it's Nollywood though.

Friend: It's Nollywood.

Me:Oh. 'pop'! You just burst my bubble.

Friend: You will faint when I tell you it's a he. LOL

Me: Oh no. I've been reduced to a man look alike, this can't be good *sob*

Friend: No seriously he's a very good looking guy. He's got your eyes and your completely mischievous smile.

Me: Oh, my sobs are down to sniffles, I've just been told 'I could be an handsome man'

Friend: laughs.

chat box shows friend is typing...

Me: Do you really want to dig yourself into a bigger hole?

Friend stops typing

We laugh.

Somehow, my coffee intoxicated self thought you would find this funny, especially as I am nowhere near writing G on the A-Z of married life. Stay amused!

E is for....

Editing! Gotcha! I bet you thought I was back with the marriage series. I am afraid not. I have been inundated with editing requests from friends, relatives and paying clients.

My freelance business was intended to be more writing spiced with some editing but it's turning out to be loads of editing and almost inexistent writing. I am beginning to edit in my sleep and when awake, I am forming new words. I can't complain though, it beats idleness amongst other things.

Anyway, I just did not want to leave you all wondering why I zapped. You bet I am working on the real E for the marriage/relationship series and will post it soon.

In the meantime, enjoy this quote I like by Blishen Edward, on editing "The work was like peeling an onion. The outer skin came off with difficulty... but in no time you'd be down to its innards, tears streaming from your eyes as more and more beautiful reductions became possible."

Gotta run, a deadline looms, E is for Editing!

Taking a break

I have been unwell. Much better now but staring at the computer is making my eyes and head really hurt. As a result, I have to take a break from the A-Z, in fact, from any writing.

Before I leave however, let me share with you that I had some fabulous news last friday of the kind that makes you smile to yourself everytime you remember and makes everyone you tell scream. Rejoice with me people and watch this space. I'll be back as soon as I am able.