Our memories are woven into the essence of who we are just like our DNA. Some memories are fleeting, while some stick and go with you wherever you may journey to. Even when you are far away from the source of such memory, little things bring thoughts of them flooding you with bittersweet nostalgia.
I’ve found myself easily moved to tears in the past few weeks and coincidentally, I’ve been running into things that quickly transport me to my carefree days of childhood when I was under the loving protection of my parents and didn’t have to worry about finances, World politics and if the World’s going on a one-way ticket to hell in a handbasket.
Here a few of the things I’ve seen in recent weeks that transport me back to my growing up years in the close-knit campus community of The University of Nigeria Nsukka.
I saw this Tortoise at a nature garden that I visited recently and that brought back different memories of folktales of The Wise Tortoise that my Grandma told us on balmy evenings as we peeled cassava or shredded our harvest of corn. In my hometown, the Tortoise is respected and roams free. It wasn’t strange to see them trudge along the bush path, stopping to nibble at foliage as they went about their business.
I saw this shaker in a musical store and couldn’t resist taking a photo and shaking it a bit. It reminds me of days of traditional, energetic dancing with my childhood friends and shaking these musical gourd in rhythm with the drums and other homegrown instruments. We call it ‘ishaka’ and practically every mama owned one. Sometimes, especially during festive season, our dancing efforts were rewarded with pennies from appreciating adults.
Abundant blooms of Bougainvillea brings back thoughts of my childhood home. The perimeters of our compound was trimmed with Bougainvillea and The Queen of the Night flower that emitted its signature, beautiful, musky fragrance that hung in the nights’ air.
Ha! I chuckled when I saw this grandma telephone. My parents had a cream one and my dear dad kept it locked so that we wouldn’t run up bills for him. Back then to own a telephone was expensive, novelty and for a select few. We (my siblings and I) outwitted my poor dad (sorry daddy) by learning a trick on how to tap the numbers on the phone to call our friends. Now, I wonder if my dad ever knew.
A wordsmith with a vivid imagination, an eager mind and a burning desire to carve out tales. As I journey with my muse to that land of all possibilities and self discovery, I hope my personal evolution will serve as a beacon of inspiration for anyone who chooses to stop by.
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Great photos for great memories! Thanks for sharing. Recently, I had a nostalgic moment but I cannot remember what happened. I guess old age is getting to me. lol
Sweet memories such as these lay the safe foundation for our lives. We can immerse ourselves in them at times of need to draw on comfort, support, love, happiness 🙂
Sometimes thinking of our childhood is a nice temporary retreat from our stressful lives. Incidentally, i remember those old style phones. We used to have one just that shape when I was young. 🙂
a cooking pot and twisted tales 
Great photos for great memories! Thanks for sharing. Recently, I had a nostalgic moment but I cannot remember what happened. I guess old age is getting to me. lol
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Ha, ha.
I guess as we grow older we remember the past more.
I hope you can come for my blog party this weekend.
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Sweet memories such as these lay the safe foundation for our lives. We can immerse ourselves in them at times of need to draw on comfort, support, love, happiness 🙂
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Yes indeed. They channel a lot of comfort, love and happiness 🙂
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Really lovely photos of childhood memories….Bougainvillea does that to me too.
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Thank you 🙂
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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Thank you.
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LOVE the memories!! So sweet and special!
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Thank you Sheridan. Do step into my blog party when you can and say hello to others.
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I seriously need to!!! Will do hopefully today!
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Great 🙂
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I know that trick too Jacqueline. We used the locked school hostel phone by tapping and calling home. Loved this post!
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He,he! Oh my goodness! The kind of things we got up to. Thank you, Shivangi 🙂
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Sometimes thinking of our childhood is a nice temporary retreat from our stressful lives. Incidentally, i remember those old style phones. We used to have one just that shape when I was young. 🙂
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It’s a wonderful retreat in one’s mind. Sometimes I surprise myself when I remember something that was tucked away in my memory 🙂
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A wonderful post, Jacqueline. 🙂 I will be stopping by your blog party btw. 🙂
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Thank you dear Brenda 🙂
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The pleasure is mine. 🙂
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awww. such sweet and bitter memories indeed my dear Jacq. ❤
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Hey Jacqueline!i have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award.Click here for more https://sasha1010blog.wordpress.com/2016/10/03/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
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Thank you Sasha for the nomination.
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Pleasure is all mine Jacqueline🙂
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Love the photos Jacqueline! Pleasant memories.
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Yes they are pleasant. Thank you Pamela 🙂
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You’re welcome Jacqueline.
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Love this post. Thanks for sharing your memories!
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Thank you 🙂
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