Author: jacquelineobyikocha

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.
Dubai · Echos Of My Neighbourhood

The View From 33rd Floor – Echoes of my neighbourhood.

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On Thursdays, I share pictures about ‘Echos of my Neighbourhood.

I would like to invite you to participate. The challenge is quite simple and you can find out more about it through this link.

These photos were taken on Monday from the 33rd floor of the office where I attended a meeting. The view is fantastic and I spent the time clicking on my camera while waiting for my hostess to come. It also gave me time to unwind from my annoying encounter with a dodgy taxi driver.

Lady Lee sends you some delicious platters from the Philippines, some homegrown grapes and fresh apples.  I honestly envy people who have grounds to plant their own fruits and vegetables.

Roos walkabouts’ are certainly rewarding with those delicious looking pumpkins, I smell Halloween 🙂

So, how’s your neighbourhood doing right now?

Jacqueline

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A Click A Day

The Mask – A Click A Day.

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Little things can trigger great memories of the past. I stumbled on this mask in a shop at the souk that collected all manner of knicks and knacks from all over the World. On enquiry, the seller told me he believes it’s from somewhere in West Africa.

Looking at it transported me back home to my native Igbo land of Enugu State in Nigeria. It brought back a flooding of memories of cultural festivities that showcased fierce masquerades and the drumbeats of the African drums and special gong, especially at Christmas or New Year season.

It reminded me of my days as a young girl and how we used to run as swiftly as we could to get away from the young agile masquerades who loved to send our adrenaline pumping by chasing us around the square or through the bush path – especially the young girls.

Traditionally where I’m from, women don’t come near masquerades and stood to watch from the peripheries. It’s only the domain of men who have attained a certain level in their age-grade. To be initiated in the masquerade group required a ceremony of its own which is only attended by men and held at a secret place.

To my understanding, some of these traditions have been eroded by Western culture, but there are still some villages that hold on to their cultural heritage.

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

P.S. Some clips I found on YouTube about some Igbo festivals.

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Writer's Quote Wednesday

Fare Thee Well – Writers Quote Wednesday Writing Challenge.

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Image result for images of farewell

I don’t like saying goodbye
‘cos it sounds final and makes me sad.
I prefer to say fare thee well,
for it’s a prayer for better tidings,
bestowed to you.
It makes me feel less teary
and turning into a sniffy, watering pot,
knowing that you are safe and snuggly somewhere,
I’ll remember you with fond thoughts.

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When I read Colleen’s post and prompt for  Writers Quote Wednesday Writing Challenge, a little voice in my head shouted NOOOOO. Hold on. I don’t want to let go just yet. I love WQWWC and it’s grown on me.

Isn’t this how we feel about things we’ve grown used to and grown to love? We just don’t want it to end, we just don’t want it to change even when the new thing promises to be good and maybe better even?

Change we must for change is inevitable. To move up to higher grounds, we often have to let go of our inhibitions and climb up the ladder.

So, here’s my farewell to WQWWC and hello to Tuesday Tanka. It’s been a lovely ride. I might still indulge myself with some Wednesday quote now and again. I hate to fly solo, so join me if you wish to dive into quotes.

Thank you, to Colleen and Ronovan for being such gracious hosts.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Image credit: Pinterest

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Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Personal story

Yippee! Yes I Can! – Personal

jacquelineobyikocha75 Comments

Today, I am thankful for the fact that I passed my Karate-do grading test, graduating from novice white to yellow belt. Yes!

As an overweight mom in her early forties, I found every reason under the blue sky to discourage myself from taking Karate classes – I used my age, my weight, time and every excusable excuse – but the desire in me was stronger than my excuses.picsart_09-21-05-08-501

I felt that I would be out of place and yes I’m still out of place – the only mama in the crowd of young children and men.

I told myself that my painful knees wouldn’t take it and would probably break.

Somedays, I felt too lazy to go for the night class and each day I had a class, I literally had to ask for the grace to survive it and I bought knee braces.

I knew within me that sticking to it was not going to be easy, but it would be far more empowering as against standing by the sidelines and watching others.

My children encouraged me and became my private coach at home even as I bungled all my moves 🙂

Yes, I burst into tears when I did my test and passed my katas to the cheer of everyone around – I can get emotional.

No, I didn’t tear my dojo pants as I feared I would and made sure I wore nice unmentionables just in case 😉

My heart felt full last night when I received my grading certificate.

I don’t care that I might be the elephant in the house entertaining others with my trundling moves, but you know what, I said I would do it, I had to ask for grace each day to do it and I did it 🙂

I’m sharing this post to encourage those who have things they want to do, but for some excuses are not able to.

Each day grace and gratitude take me higher; get your thankful suit on.

There are several gratitude/thankful platforms in the blogosphere that you can tune into and get your ithankful going on. I can’t express in words the enormity of Joy and fulfillment that comes from having a heart of gratitude. Please check out Maria’s blog, Colline’s blog and Bernadette’s for thankful/gratitude challenges.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

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A Click A Day · Everyday People

The Little Smiles from every day people – A Click A Day.

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In a World that has been increasingly hectic with ugly and disturbing news, I make it a point to look out each day that I’m opportune for that little thing that makes me smile. It may not seem like much, but these little things warm my heart.

Watching this dad adjust his daughter’s tie, rearrange her hair and hold it up with a scrunchy, is one of such smiley moments for me.

Find something to smile about today 🙂

Featured Blogs

Featured Posts 127 – Share your post links.

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‘PLEASE KEEP SENDING IN THE LINKS.’ 

Today’s featured blogs posts are:

Cologne from the magnificent Cathedral to chocolate factory: Magnificient architectural edifice. Such wonderful structures make me feel humble with regards to what man can achieve and has achieved, yet we take it for granted.

Birther or non-birther give it up: Like Rixlibris I’m glad that we can now move on from the birther issue to other (sensational) things 😉

Sensory processing disorder in the classroom: A well-articulated blog post on pragmatic ways of handling the daily needs of a special needs child. Worth reading  Jsack’s mom’s blog.

Strength in fragility: our strength lies not in being strong during the stormy season, but in our grace to bend and roll with the waves. Short, beautiful, thought-provoking poem.

Oh you World, now you envy: a delight to read while sipping my cup of tea.

Do step in and show some love.

‘Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘We create a cohesive community when we come together. 

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My Thinking Corner

Tuesdays Trickles – My thinking Corner

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Every Tuesday, I share snippets of thoughts that I call ‘My Thinking Corner.’

I would like to invite you to participate. The challenge is quite simple. You can check this link for more details.

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When we were young we were full of ambition, dreams, and drive, but when we get to a certain age there’s the tendency to let go of our deep desires, which gives way to the need to just get along with living and paying the bills. We unconsciously tell our minds that we are too old to pursue certain dreams.

This creates a chasm of dissatisfaction deep inside anyone who has found themselves in such a position and it just never goes away no matter how much effort is made to mask such desires.

When we realize that our destiny lies in our hands through our thinking; when we realize that so long as we still inhabit our bodies and notwithstanding the fact that we grow older, that as long as we’re mentally, physically and spiritually able, we can still pursue some of those dreams that gave us bright eyes and lit up our hearts.

I’ve seen people obtain degrees in their old age, change careers or start a business late in life. Never stop dreaming. Never stop pursuing your dreams.

Deb sends in inspiring words of wisdom. Take a peek 🙂

Jacqueline

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A Click A Day

Lovely interior – A Click A Day.

jacquelineobyikocha6 Comments

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Who says that you’ve got to be rich to love the beautiful things of life?

Nope! It’s not a prerequisite.

Richness can be fed through the eyes without spending a dime. I love browsing through shops (new and antique), appreciate the things that I see and stoke my imagination.

I stumbled upon this setting during my weekend photo hunting walkabout. The table is a bit crowdy, but the scented candles had a wonderful fragrance.

Enjoy feeding your eyes with the beautiful things of life.

Jacqueline

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The Daily Post

Burning Passion…

jacquelineobyikocha16 Comments

Image result for images of horse rider

His ardour consumed him

as he urged her to push forward.

To gain better traction of the slippery route,

he dug his heels into her sides,

holding her firmly with masterful hands.

With eyes glazed in purpose and passionate zeal,

 they forged ahead,

man and beast in one fluid movement,

as they rushed victorious to the finish line.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Passionate – The Daily Post

Short Stories

The Hospice…

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Celia bawled her eyes out and snot dripped down her nose . She’s never been one to sob softly into a handkerchief.

She had known that the end was close, but the news still hurt badly and tears swam in her eyes as she read the letter.

“Dear Celia, thank you for these years of love and care. For bringing warmth to the heart of an old lady. I’ve come to see you as the daughter I never had and would like to bequeath these items to you. Please accept them with all my love.”  Celia Oldham.

As usual, she had come for her visit at the hospice where she spent time keeping the old folks’ company; listening to their stories, reading to them and sneaking in an occasional toffee.

Over time the deceased became her favourite. Mrs. Oldham took to her when she learnt that they shared the same name and looked forward to the visits. She always took the pains to dress nicely in a frock, cardigan, pearl set and a gemstone ring that she wore on her third finger. Mrs. Oldham had no surviving family. Her sweetheart died during the war and she never remarried.

Inside the little box was a battered, old diary, the pearl set, the ring, a purple scarf, a bank draft for $200,000 raised in her name and the last book they had been reading – Jane Eyre.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

InLinkz

Thank you, Jade for the photo and Priceless Joy for hosting this charming platform where we unleash our stories:-)

Note: PJ please, I crave your indulgence for having overshot the word limit. I chopped and snipped the story here and there yet it refused to get shorter.

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