Parenting in the Diaspora – A guest post from Joan.

June 26, 2016August 8, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha14 Comments

Today’s guest post is brought to us by Joan and indeed she raises pertinent thoughts for those of us who are raising children outside our home countries.

How do we maintain our heritage while living in the diaspora? How do we pass on our culture to these younger generations even as they also embrace those of the places where they are being raised?

Please feel free to contribute to the discussion with your constructive feedback.

If you are interested in guest posting, you can check out this link.

For many parents, raising children in the Diaspora especially the US is such a daunting task. The reasons are many; however, cultural difference is a leading factor.

The African culture is far different from that in the Western world. This presents a serious dilemma for parents. Those that can afford or have got a proper structure back home usually send their children back home so that they learn the African values and mingle with the people. However, what can the rest do in order to keep their children more of Africans?

One thing to consider is that children learn by observing, so what are you showing them? What are you saying to them? That matters a lot from the word go. You can’t be perfect as the cultures around will obviously rub off on you in one way or another, but they will not completely change you.

As you raise your children, this is the best time to relish the African in you, hence pass it on to your babies. Besides that, children are resilient, they will know when a mistake is made, and that is if you care to acknowledge your mistakes before them.

They will also know when you are living a hypocritical life. That is when they will go out there to look for what is real. There is no harm in acknowledging your mistakes, for, through them, we learn. It also teaches them a lot such as the beauty of humility.

Another thing to note is that children are affected by nature (biologically and spiritually acquired traits) and nurture (traits acquired from surroundings).

Therefore, it would be great to surround your children with people that will positively impact their lives. In addition to that, take them to African churches, and then make it a point to make friends of families that cherish the same values as you do. That will in a long way help with raising a child that will give you joy.

While at church, encourage your children to join the various church groups, more so those that help them have a deeper understanding of their heritage. Besides that, when your little ones are deeply absorbed in Christianity from the get-go, their roots are more firmly established than when they start doing it at an earlier stage.

You could also enforce a policy where only the local language is spoken within the house. This is not as easy as it sounds more so when the children enrol into school.

However, even if they just have a basic comprehension, it is better than nothing at all. If it is possible, you could also try and live in communities that resonate with your specific African background.

You may not be able to send your children back home for extended stays for one reason or another. However, you could organise a trip for them back home once in their youth life. This will help them have a deeper understanding and appreciation of their culture, society and country on a whole. They will also get a chance to meet their extended family and better their local language prowess.

In as much as it is not easy to raise your child in the Diaspora, not all hope is lost.

Happy Parenting!

P.S. You can connect with Joan, the guest author on her blog Family, parenting and beyond where she shares her stories, aspirations, tips on parenting, family life and much more.

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

I absolutely love this book of poems. My favorites are “Love Rations” (for those who love to give the silent treatment) and “Beggars Supper” (which definitely pulls at the heart strings). Two thumbs up!!

Guest Posts

Meet my dear friend, a gorgeous lady who lunches with style. The one and only Diane Duke.

June 19, 2016August 8, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha30 Comments

There are some people you meet on your passage through life and even though you’ve never seen them in the flesh, they still carry enough presence to make you feel warm.

Diane is one of such people that I’ve been comfortable to connect with all these months. She’s smart, fun, wise, friendly and has a great sense of humour. I know that one day, I’ll be lunching with Diane and a host of other lovely people whom I’ve met in this space.

Please read and enjoy getting to know Diane a bit more.

Thank you, my lady, for taking the time to have a chat and all the best with the novella 🙂

I’ve lived in one suburb of Chicago or another my whole life. I’ve been married for quite awhile now and have a big blended family of two children, three stepchildren, a grandchild, six step grandchildren and even a step great grandson!

I don’t usually break things down quite like that, they’re just my kids and grandkids. But I daresay if you saw us all in one room, you’d be hard pressed to know who belongs to whom. There’s kind of a lot of variety in ages!

Hubby and I also have two aging fur babies, Chief and Inga. Chief is a Chow/ terrier mix and Inga is a Norwegian Elkhound. Needless to say, there are lots and lots of fur and shedding and summertime is not their favorite time of the year!

I have a B.S. in Journalism and it was so long ago that they call it Communications nowadays! I worked at a non-profit agency in Chicago in public relations and wrote press releases and coordinated fundraisers before leaving my job to get married and raise my family.

Eventually, I went back to work, at first, it was part time jobs, then full time at a law firm back in the city. My second son was born with lots of health problems so I had to leave that job and concentrate on his medical issues, including several surgeries and therapies over the years.

By the time he was three, I started working at home as a court reporting transcriptionist for a Washington, D.C. based firm. Certain federal courts allowed audio recordings, so we would get audio tapes and transcribe them on a deadline and at first mail them back, then later used email.

When I was transcribing, I could type 120 words a minute. I did this for a number of years until I was able to quit working completely and become a Lady Who Lunches! Yes, I’m spoiled and blessed to be able to hang out with my friends and shop and vacation…

I started my blog because I really missed writing – the only writing I was doing was our Christmas newsletter. I actually started getting requests for it from family and friends. So I plunged in and started a blog. This is how I thought blogging would go: I would read books I wanted (romance and light mysteries), write a review, post it on my blog and people would follow me. I found out quickly that if I did that I’d be writing for no one but myself!

So I signed up for WP’s Blogging 101 and made a lot of blogging friends and learned a lot! Since my blog was up and running, I was lucky I had some reviews from Goodreads to repost and keep things going for awhile.

Eventually, I started to write some fiction and some articles about things going on in my life, like physical therapy, personal training, babysitting my grandson, etc. I started exploring other blogs and found how much I loved meeting other people and talking with them.

It still amazes me that I’ve made blogging friends all over the world! I’ve found blogging challenges to be wonderful fun and a great way to meet other bloggers. I’ve done the A to Z Challenge in April and the ongoing Limerick Challenge at Mind and Life Matters and am in the midst of a Kindness Challenge.

Now I spend almost as much time reading and commenting on other people’s blogs as I do writing my own!

I never seriously intended to write a book, but I think I may have been bitten by the writing bug and may start tying together some of my shorter pieces into short stories or a possible novella. We shall see what happens down the road!

My typical days are spent fixing meals when forced, cleaning the house when I have to and going to the gym to work out a couple times a week. Youngest son still lives at home, so he’s going to work out at the gym now, too.

I go to lunch with my friends and I am on a weekly ladies bowling league in the fall and winter. I don’t really like shopping, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like buying! I’m just not much on spending the whole day at the mall. I mow the lawn and garden a little, pick up dog poop in our backyard and shovel snow when needed. Pretty mundane. Oh, and Tuesdays and Thursdays I babysit my three and a half-year-old grandson.

My only published pieces were back when I was in college and in local publications. Well, I guess I had news releases published when I worked for the United Way, but I don’t have any links to those either. The pictures I hopefully attached are Chief (tan dog), Inga (gray dog) and me and Inga having some girl time!

Thanks, Jackie, for the lovely opportunity. I appreciate your friendship so much!

Guest Posts

An introduction to my gorgeous friend Brenda Baker of Cybernetic blonde…

June 12, 2016August 8, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha42 Comments

Since I met Brenda a couple of months ago, we’ve got on famously to such an extent that she made a decision to pitch a tent in my blogging camp as a strategic partner.

Her articles pull the writer in so much so that you follow the journey of her words and live in their nakedness. I admire her drive and I see her going far.

All the best my dear friend and thank you for accepting to step in and have a chat with us.

Rose[1]

With one of her gorgeous daughters.

First of all, I would like to thank Jacqueline for interviewing me. I’m both honored and humbled.

Secondly, I ‘m a teacher who loves learning, writing, music and coffee.

I mostly substitute teach with replacement positions. I substitute teach by choice. It offers me the chance to see as many students as possible.

If I took a full-time position, I’d miss all the other students that I know. I’m lucky to live in the small town of Labrador City, Canada where substitute teaching is a full-time job.

I’ve known many of my students for years. They know how much I love seeing them 🙂

I started blogging last August, after a five-week road trip. I figured it was time.

I actually started my blog with no expectations whatsoever. I set up my account and just started writing about whatever came to mind.

My early posts were personal essays which are a little too formal for my tastes. It wasn’t until I wrote my first poem in October that I discovered my true passion.

When I wrote that first post in August, I had no idea how many amazing people I would meet. I love being part of the blogging community. I also had no idea how much support I’d receive or how interactive the blogosphere is.

It’s become my favorite place to be: my home in cyberspace. Bloggers rock!

My life outside the blogosphere is nothing out of the ordinary. My daily routine includes work, workout, chores, blogging and Netflix. I tell students that I’m boring but consistent 🙂

Right now, I share mostly poetry through my blog. I’m hoping to branch out this summer with a fitness and music category. I’ll see what else develops. For now, I’m enjoying the journey with no set destination in mind.

Unlike some of my amazing fellow bloggers, I’ve never been published, nor have I published. I do, however, have an early poem about to be published. I’ll be sure to share when I’m notified of the date.

I wasn’t sure what post to include, but I decided on ‘Color Wheel’. A poem celebrating my belief that despite our differences, we all share a common humanity. A humanity that connects each and every one of us.

Inspired by my amazing friend Jacqueline (just sayin’) 🙂 I may start a series of poems for self-publication this summer. All in due time, right?

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

She is amazing at describing love and life in her poems. She creates such beautiful images with her words. Truly, she is a talented writer and I’m so excited to have her poetry book and to continue reading through it.

Guest Posts

Interview with Me, Myself and I…Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha…

June 7, 2016August 8, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha

Jacqueline 2

It’s not every day that I get to feel like a star *I’m winking* 😉

I’ve been granted a wonderful interview by the talented, awesome blogger chic, Mandi, and as the very first interview in her interview series, she did a splendid job.

I humbly urge you to peek in for a few seconds through this link while I go strut my stuff a little bit. Hey! Come on! A girl has to love herself a bit you know 🙂

Thank you.

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

From the very first poem, “Dreams,” this book captivates with passionate and perceptive words. Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha captures a broad expanse of the human experience in this book of richly layered poems.

Out of the silent breath

Guest Posts

Meet The admirable, intelligent and beautiful, Dr. Meg Sorick. My girl writer friend with a flair.

June 5, 2016June 5, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha39 Comments

Dr. Meg Sorick is a blogger, published writer, and friend that I admire a great deal.

She’s full of motivating drive and a great sense of humour. From her limericks, stories, insights to writing, life, the fascinating series that she’s writing with fictional Kevin and so much more, her intelligence and friendliness shines through.

We’ve interacted almost as long as my blogging time in this space and I’ve totally enjoyed her support and learnt quite a lot from Meg’s writings. She’s on my list of blogger friends I would love to meet and have real face time with 🙂

The questions I asked her are: To tell us a bit more about herself, her working life, her blog and future outlook for blog and writing.

Thank you for letting us into your World Meg. We wish you well in all your writing endeavours.

I am a chiropractor – thus the “Doctor” Meg Sorick. I wish the doctor referred to Time Lord, traveling all of time and space in a blue box that’s bigger on the inside! But anyway…

I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about Philly. We’re actually a pretty fun bunch! Despite having the reputation as the worst sports fans in the nation. But honestly, it’s only because we are really passionate about our teams! But that’s not all the city has to offer. With art museums like The Philadelphia Museum of art, The Rodin Museum and The Academy of Fine Art, the Murals Arts Project, theaters, ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra in the beautiful Kimmel Center for the Performing arts, and the Old City with all its history, there is no shortage of arts and culture in Philadelphia. I feel privileged to have that in my back yard!

I am also a writer. Why? Because I love to read. In fact, I’m a book junkie. I need to read. I want to climb in books and live there. I want to meet the characters, walk in their shoes, fight their battles, fall in love with their heroes… I come by my love of stories and books, naturally.

My dad was a storyteller. It’s only now, looking back, that I appreciate what a vivid imagination he had! He made up a whole series of adventures involving our neighbor’s cat: Mopsy, and another one with a little old man and a cuckoo clock that always saved the day.

One day, I guess about two years ago, I was sitting in the stylist’s chair at the hair salon, touching up the blonde and reading my book to pass the time. My stylist said to me, “You’re always reading. Did you ever want to write a book yourself?”
“Sure,” I laughed. “Doesn’t every reader want to be a writer?”
“You should do it,” she said.
“Hmm,” I thought. “I should do it.” I used to write all the time. As a young girl, I kept a diary. As a teenager, I filled notebooks with poetry. When had I forgotten how much I loved it? I went out and bought myself a notebook, started making notes…

‘Workstation – iMac covered in post-it notes.’

I started blogging because everything I was reading about writing said I needed one! My first blog was on Tumblr but I soon realized that wasn’t going to be the right platform for an author. That’s when I moved to WordPress. My blog is about the process of writing, but I also post my short stories and poems. I am an avid reader, listener of music, and am often inspired by it to create my works of fiction.

I’ve been writing seriously for a couple years and have published 3 novels. In addition to sharing my experience as I write and publish, my blog also lets me test out new styles, new subject matter… All in the hopes of improving my skills.

When you start writing, your blog IS your body of work. You have what, one book you’ve just self-published? Maybe not even that! Your blog introduces you to the world. With the ability to link to all manner of social media, you are connecting to not just your potential readers and book purchasers, but editors, publishers, and agents.

I think this goes without saying, but I use the blog to connect with other writers. No one will understand your feelings and experiences like another writer. When writers share their thoughts on their blogs, it only helps the readers understand the lengths we go to in order to write. Taking that one step further, we as writers should be actively responding to and engaging with our readers.

Answer their questions, ask them for feedback, go to other blogs and leave thoughtful comments there. It’s about being part of the community! And what a wonderful community it is! I’ve made some wonderful friends and formed valuable relationships here in the blog world.

‘Jay Dog’

What is a day in the life of Meg like? I guess it depends on the day! Since 2013, I’ve been exclusively practicing from my home office. Before then I worked as an associate in a busy chiropractic office about an hour away. With my current schedule, I have much more time to devote to my writing.

I tend to get up early, scroll through the reader and check out my friends here on WP. If I’ve scheduled a post, I’ll respond to comments for a while. Then I take off with the dog, Jay for my daily walk/jog. Yes, I used to be a runner, but my old running buddy doesn’t move so fast anymore. Ah, who am I kidding, neither do I! At any rate, we both get the exercise we need.

Then, it’s home to shower and get busy writing or editing. After my husband gets home from work, I shut down the computer and try to stay off my mobile devices so he can have my undivided attention! We both finish the day reading before bed.

I am currently in the editing stage for two projects. I have the fourth book in my series: “Second Chances – A Bucks County Novel” nearly ready for publication later this month. AND this is new… Fictional Kevin and I are going to publish “Double Seduction” as a novella on Kindle, possibly with a name change. We haven’t decided yet. I’ve taken on the task of editing and formatting it to publish-worthy standards. We hope to have it ready for publication before the end of June.

In the meantime, Kevin and I have started an email sign up for anyone who is interested in hearing about our work behind the scenes and news about ongoing projects. Besides both of our independent projects, we intend to write together again, possibly a full-length novel next time! I’ve included the link below. I also included the links to My Books page on my blog and my Amazon Author page as well.

pubbleme.leadpages/signup
Drmegsorick.com
www.amazon.com/Margaret

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Guest Posts

Meet the one and only beautiful Michelle Malone.

May 29, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha22 Comments

I count it a blessing to meet so many awesome and inspiring people in this space and Michelle stands tall as one of them.

She’s full of motivating drive and inspiration. I never come away from her blog empty. It always impacts me and gives me hope.

We’ve been interacting for several months in this space and I am absolutely glad that we connected.

She’s not only a supportive friend, but she’s equally my strategic partner. Need I say more? When the opportunity presents itself in this lifetime, she’s one of those I would love to meet one-on-one.

The questions I asked her are: To tell us a bit more about herself, her working life, her blog and future outlook for blog and writing.

Thank you for letting us into your World Michelle. We wish you well in your endeavours.

I’m Michelle Malone – a school leader, a blogger, and Christ follower. I have a great husband, two cool kids, and an awesome Golden Retriever.

In my spare time, I love reading and writing. I also enjoy getting away to places off the beaten path to just reflect, relax, and recharge. My outlook on life is a positive one.

After all, anytime I wake up on this side of the dirt, it’s a good day. There are so many things to complain about, but the one thing I can be glad about is being given one more day to get it right.

The name of my blog is Two Are Better Than One. I had the name before I had the blog. It came to me as I was spending time in scripture one morning and writing a piece for my devotional.

The blog is my marketplace for ministering. I’m not a pastor – nor do I aspire to be, but I have plenty to share about the goodness of God if only we choose to trust him.

Blogging is really a big deal! Who knew? I still consider myself to be a novice since I’ve only been doing this since November 2015, but I’ve learned a great deal from people like Jacqueline who is so generous with her space, her feedback, and her lovely parties.

The blogging community as a whole is so warm and inviting. I never want to leave. A few of the posts that I’ve written that have really resonated with readers are Myopia and a 15-part series about faith which begins with a piece I called Train Up A Child. I actually had fun writing this one because it shows how we sometimes get off track, but God gently steers us back on course.

My day starts at 3:00 AM each day. Some days I lie around until 3:30. I head downstairs to make coffee and pray. I spend a little time in God’s word every morning before eating breakfast and heading out the door around 6:00 AM.

I work in a large middle school with nearly 1500 students, so I take advantage of the 30 – 45 of time without kids to respond to e-mails and check my calendar. Once they arrive, the fun begins – hall duty, classroom visits, cafeteria duty, courageous conversations, lunch for me, more courageous conversations, parent calls and meetings, and then I head home between 5:00 and 5:30 PM each day.

Most nights I pick up something for dinner, but I cook once or twice a week. There’s just so little time to do it all. Thankfully my husband is understanding, and we appreciate our time together – whether we’re eating pizza and wings on paper plates or a home-cooked meal on the good plates.

I’m so glad you asked this question. Right now I’m just trying to grow my readership. I have three manuscripts in the works. One will be published by the end of the year, and it’s about ministry.

The second is a devotional for teachers. The third will prayerfully be a series about Daddies and Daughters. Wish me well!

Are you interested in guest posting, interview or being my strategic partner? You can contact me through my contact page above.

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Guest Posts · Health · Wellness

You’ve got to meet graceful Yentl of Younfolded.

May 22, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha17 Comments

Today, I have beautiful Nena telling us a bit more about herself and giving us a peek into her World.

She’s one of the encouraging and refreshing voices that I’ve met in this space. I enjoy her posts on showing simple ways of how we can be kind to each other as well her health and wellness posts.

Thank you, Nena for sharing a bit about you with us.

Hi! My name is Yentl (like the Barbara Streisand movie), but close friends and family call me Nena so I like for my blogging family to call me that as well.

Nena is a term of endearment in Spanish and it means “baby girl” and although I am a woman in her early 30s there is a sense of warmth every time I hear my nickname.

I was born and raised and still live in hot, sunny, and very humid Miami, Florida. If you haven’t guessed it already I am Latina and speak English and Spanish fluently. My dad is from Venezuela and my mom from Guatemala; two very distinct and beautiful cultures.

I like cooking healthy (and sometimes not so healthy) meals, staying active, exploring my world via traveling and reading, and expressing myself through writing and connecting with others.

I dislike criticism, judgments, and insults that break others down. We go through enough pain and despair in our lives so there is no room for hurtful words from people that don’t know any better.

For this reason, I try to always uplift those around me even if it’s through using simple, positive words like, “You are appreciated” so that they come to see their own worth.

My husband had been telling me for years to start a blog or YouTube channel mainly because of all the different hairstyles that I would do and also to share my nutrition knowledge.

I was hesitant because I was passionate about more than just nutrition and hair. I wanted to inspire and uplift others so when I started the blog it was more about unfolding bits of myself to promote self-discovery and self-love.

That is where the name YOUnfolded comes from.

I fell in love with blogging because of the supportive community. One of my fears with YouTube was all the competition that you see amongst vloggers so I was a bit apprehensive about what I was getting into with blogging. But I am so happy to have taken the plunge!

When I received my first like on my very first post “How Could I Forget?” I was elated!

It felt good to express myself and share info that could be helpful to others. Now I can’t wait to sit down and write up my recipes like The Pumpkin Soup that was a hit with my loved ones, my weekly workouts on my Move It Monday posts, and get my creative juices flowing when I write expressively like I have been doing for my Pet Series.

My favorite is when I get to showcase some of you lovely bloggers in my Pay It Forward Friday posts as a way to demonstrate my appreciation for all that you do.

I also started a YouTube channel to finally do some hair tutorials and decided to do them bare-faced (no makeup) to continue to promote self-love and the beauty of simply being YOU. Watch Younfolded on YouTube.

Lately, I have been waking up at 8am with just enough time to get up, brush my teeth, take my girls (dogs) out, get dressed, and start work at 8:30 am.

I work from home, but I am on a schedule (currently it is 8:30am – 5pm) and don’t have a lot of free time. I am a dietitian and I work as a health coach where I provide nutrition counseling to people over the phone.

I mainly make calls back to back and my lunch break consists of 30 minutes of eating in front of a Netflix show with my hubby.

After work, I clean (I use my cleaning schedule : ) take the girls out again, and work out. My hubby is usually the main cook in the house, but sometimes if he’s still working I cook dinner. Dinner is also in front of the TV watching one of our fave shows.

Once dinner is done, I take care of any pending things like taking a webinar for continuing education for my dietitian/nutrition license, shooting pics or videos for either my site or my husband’s work, writing posts, catching up with friends or family. Then it’s time for a shower and bedtime (around 11pm-12am).

I recently moved my WordPress hosted blog to a self-hosted one because I wanted to try to generate some income from it. My original plan to support and encourage others remains the same.

I found myself spending a lot of time putting together things for the blog, brainstorming ideas, and promoting companies whose products I have been using and truly believe in. I figured that it would be great to gain even just a bit of income from the free advertisement I am already providing to various companies out there to keep the blog running because, as most of you know, it is not free to have a .com without the word “WordPress” in there and it takes time to put together content.

With my already busy schedule, blogging and doing YouTube videos feel like a part-time job so why not make a bit of money doing something I love and dedicate a lot of time to.

I have plans to continue to provide content in each of the categories on my blog that will hopefully inspire others to take care of their entire well-being; whether it’s through nutrition, fitness, fun, or relaxing, as long as they find joy and fulfillment from within.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Never leave me lonely

With words left unsaid

You walk away into the dark

Like a mist, that melts away.

Guest Posts

Let’s get to know the enigmatic Kathy Myrman in her World.

May 15, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha6 Comments

I started interacting with Kat not long after I started blogging a year ago and I’ve found her presence a charming and calming one.

Her posts are witty, creative and inspiring. She also contributes regularly to Echoes of my neighbourhood blogging challenge.

Kathy shares in her words below, her World, her work and her love for writing, her furry friends and family.

By day I can be found in a corporate cubicle, corresponding with and for executives, creating reports, and planning fabulous events and travel to exotic places for other people!

I live in a century-old historic home in Southwest Virginia, in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, though my roots can be traced back to Chicago where I was born. Moving from the Midwest to the South was a bit of a culture shock.

Some people in the Southern United States, particularly rural Virginia still believe that the Civil has not been settled and long for a “do-over”.

Before I had children I did a short stint in the Marine Corps, not because I was uber patriotic. I saw it as a way to move out and get paid while training for a career. As you may have guessed, my strengths were assessed in the Administrative field.

Today, my four grown daughters, have presented me with 6 and counting grandchildren (one is due this July making it 7!) and 4 grand pups.

When we all gather for Thanksgiving or Christmas we are 16 in number. I do love having a big family and we are all very close – an added blessing!

These days I am “mom” to a house full of critters, three dogs, three cats, a tortoise and a sun conure. They keep me busy! I also like to post photos of my beautiful garden and the trees in my neighborhood, but gardening is not my thing.

I am very allergic to green stuff, especially in the Spring, Summer and Fall. So I leave getting in the dirt to my partner Traci and take in the view from my library. Which brings me to things I do love…books! Oodles and oodles of books. We dedicated an entire room to books!

I also like to paint, mostly in acrylic and I play the guitar and love to sing. When my kids were younger, we would travel from nursing homes to revivals, and even private family reunions.

I even cut a few albums of original songs back then. I peddled them out of my trunk and gave most of them away. I discovered poetry a few years later and found that I loved it.

Oh and a few more things I love…trees (yes, I’m a tree hugger!), the ocean (any type of moving water really) and faeries.

You can probably tell I am a pretty positive person. I tend to be optimistic and trusting and not a big planner. Change is exciting to me.

One of my favorite sayings is, “I don’t worry about getting lost, I just change where I want to go.”

I have been writing for most of my life. My first poem when I was around 7 was called The Purple Cow: I never saw a purple cow, I never hope to see one, but I can tell you anyhow, I’d rather see than be one!

Fast forward to the 21st century. I had done a bit of creative writing on social media, but I really didn’t feel comfortable pouring my heart out in that platform. I had signed up with WordPress a year before I actually wrote my first post.

I was so nervous about sharing my writing with anyone, inviting only a few close friends who I knew would be encouraging (it’s good to keep a few of those friends around in a pinch).

In a wild moment of abandon, I threw caution to the wind and left the site “open” to the world when I set my preferences up. To be honest, I didn’t really expect much traffic or notice. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to write or what I wanted this blog to be so it became an online journal more or less.

A place to simmer thoughts, reflections, and perceptions while also sharing a bit of photo art…my new found artistic passion. In the past year, I have discovered Flash Fiction, which I love, and of course my first love, Poetry.

I took the WordPress Blogging 101 class and by joining several challenges I have sought to improve my writing skills. I think the post that sums it all up for me is the one I wrote about my love of writing.

It’s called “A Beautiful Obsession”

Well now, I do hope I don’t bore you to tears! My typical day starts at dawn, or 6 am or so. My first order of business is breakfast for all the animals. And of course outside potty breaks for the dogs.

Then it is a shower, fluff and scoot down the road to my day job. Thank goodness for my floor to ceiling windows. As an executive assistant, I spend the next 9-10 hours at my desk working on schedules, travel, memos, spreadsheets, and communication.

In the winter, I leave after the sun has already slipped below the horizon, but in the Spring, Summer and Fall, I enjoy a ride home in the evenings with the top down on my little red Fiat car.

Then it is supper-time for all the animals, an occasional load of laundry or run to the store and finally, when everyone is taken care of, I settle in to watch an occasional reality show or read and write a bit, or both, until it’s time for bed.

I’m a light sleeper, so it’s not unusual for me to be roused at 3 am. I find that I do some of my best writing at this time. Years ago, I loved writing with fountain pens on thick paper. These days I do a lot of writing on my phone’s notepad.

On the weekends, I do chores, shopping, watch movies, get together with family, and if I’m lucky, on Sunday I catch a nice nap. Like I said…I live a rather boring life. Being artistic is what keeps me going. It helps to see the world through a quirky lens.

My art and writing are the color and life of my existence.

When I started the blog, as I mentioned, I really didn’t have any grand plans. Not much has changed. I am so happy to be here. To write, to interact with readers and to read other blogs.

I have been published in a few online and in print anthologies.* That is always a thrill! Because I am writing more, I do think about publishing a book of poetry or short stories every now and then.

I’m thinking if there is a next step, getting my collection of thoughts between the binding of a book might be a nice thing to leave behind for my children and grandchildren. I will also likely sign up for a few more of the WordPress classes. They are well worth one’s time.

Anthologies in Print:

The Circle Continues: Women Respond to Circle of Stones, Published: August 1, 2001, by Judith Duerk – Poem, “Icons” by Kathleen Hurt (nee Myrman)
Dreams for Our Daughters: A Collection of Dreams, Wishes and Perspectives for Our Collective Daughters, Published: 2000 by Bonnie Allmon Coffey – Poem: “A Mother’s Last Wish for her Daughters” by Kathy Hurt (nee Myrman)

Collections Online:

The memory of you by Kat Myrman
On Women’s Spiritual Poetry: Women’s Spiritual Poetry Blogspot
When you ask me to pray…this…By Kat Myrman
On Women’s Spiritual Poetry:
A Beautiful Obsession by Kat Myrman
On Women’s Spiritual Poetry: I spend a great deal of time spinning

A thank you rose for you, Kat 🙂

P.S. If you are interested in a guest post or interview, you can contact me.

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Family · Guest Posts · Security · Self Help

Let me introduce you to a Soul Sister…LaTasha Robinson.

May 8, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha9 Comments

SAFETY FIRST

Few weeks into blogging, Tasha is among the first beautiful friends I made in this place. In a short blogging time, she became a soul sister.

Always there, supporting, sharing, uplifting to the point that I know if I get the opportunity to be back in the U.S. she’s one lady who I am waiting to meet in flesh.

I admire her down-to-Earth nature, resilience, wisdom and in a business dominated by the opposite sex, I admire her guts and appreciate her friendship.

Thank you, lady T and here’s a single rose of appreciation for you.

Hi, Friends!

My name is Tasha. I am a wife, mother, homeschooler and entrepreneur. I wear many hats, but those four are at the top of the list.

If you’re a parent as well, I know one of the top concerns that you have for your children is for their safety and well-being.

Nothing else trumps that. No amount of money, material things or possessions.

Being the mama bear that I am, I have made it my life’s purpose to not only prepare my children to protect themselves, but to also educate and equip others to do the same through awareness, dialogue and a host of many different self-defense products.

What is self-defense?

Self-defense is the ability to protect yourself from physical harm. Despite what you may think, the best form of self-defense is mental, not physical. Knowing when to remove yourself from a situation or how to de-escalate one is far better than any kick or punch that you may have learned. Hand-to-hand combat or self-defense devices should always be a last resort option.

Why is self-defense important?

Would you wait until you nearly drown before learning to swim? You could, but by then it might be too late.

The same goes for self-defense, if you wait until you’re in a life-threatening situation to realize how important it is, you may not get another chance at it.
The plus side is that you lose absolutely nothing by being prepared to protect yourself.

Why I love what I do.

I am proud of the fact that my products save lives. I can go to sleep every night knowing that I am contributing to society in a positive way. There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in that. Everything that I sell, from Tasers to pepper spray…are all non-lethal. So you too, are able to sleep at night.

Where to buy

My Webstore – http://www.safetyfirstselfdefense.com/

MY BLOG – Hit below the belt…hard

Below is my first Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Dance to your heart’s delight my African child, until echoes of your stamping feet, beating heart; bright eyes, smiling lips; and waving hands, resonates over and over like thunder claps, reverberating throughout the Universe.

Just dance.

Guest Posts · Inspiration - Motivation · Life

The Compass Of Your Life..Guest post from Alicia James.

May 1, 2016May 1, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha4 Comments

Vipassana, Yoga, Consciousness, Meditation, Practice

THE COMPASS OF YOUR LIFE

Permit me to say: Your life’s a product of your THOUGHTS that become BELIEFS, BELIEFS that become ACTIONS, and ACTIONS that form CHARACTER. That’s why sages advice against accommodating filth as a tenant in your mind because of it’s ability to transform into the landlord of your mind.

Sadly enough, a lot of us sail through life without a Life Compass. We either adopt a ” go with the wind” or “choose to have a one-dimensional view of life” mentality. Hence, my problem with people who conform to certain principles without questioning their existence. There’s a possibility that with changing trends, those principles have developed loopholes and are in need of modification. That’s a topic for another day.

Let me explain the beauty of your life. As individuals, we require a Life Compass and a Life Map to navigate through life successfully. Why? Maps were created as guides to unfamiliar territories explored by foreigners, eliminating the probability of getting lost along the way. Thank God for technology today, we have Google Maps and GPS systems.

“But it still doesn’t explain why I need a Life Map”. From birth to death, every stage in your life has a guide to ease your transition from one stage to the next. At every juncture, your Life Map serves as a guide to your final destination.

“Sounds like a Life Map’s all I need, why include a Life Compass”? Your Life Compass gives direction and intention to your life; it’s like a pen that fills the blank pages of your life. When you’re torn between making certain decisions, your Life Compass can guide you in making your choice. It will shock you to know that most of the confusion, guilt, lack of purpose and dissatisfaction we feel and experience in our life’s journey are caused by the absence of a Life Compass. Simply put, The Life Map serves as a guide; the Life Compass keeps you on the true path.

“Ok, I get the message, so how do I develop a Life Compass”?

Well, it’ll require lot’s of self-reflection (as cliché as it sounds) to enable you determine your Life Purpose and evaluate your Life Principles. For those that struggle with self-knowledge, this helps you connect with your inner self.

Understand that your Life Purpose is different from your Life Project. Your Life Purpose is not: ” To be the next Ben Carson” or “To find the cure for AIDS” that’s a Life Project you assigned to yourself. Your Life Purpose is the reason for your creation, what’s most important to you, successful

Your Life Purpose is the reason for your creation, what’s most important to you.A compass has four cardinal directions which in this case represents the four most important principles that guide your life. The most important of these four is your North Direction which is your Life Purpose. This serves as a reference point no matter where you’re headed in life. Therefore, this determines your other three directions.

A compass has four cardinal directions which in this case represents the four most important principles that guide your life. The most important of these four is your North Direction which is your Life Purpose. This serves as a reference point no matter where you’re headed in life. Therefore, this determines your other three directions.

The most important of these four is your North Direction which is your Life Purpose. This serves as a reference point no matter where you’re headed in life. Therefore, this determines your other three directions.

The beautiful thing about your Life Compass is that it’s not set in stone i.e a final representation of your life but it is the best reflection of your values and belief systems in the present moment. As you journey through life, you revisit it and modify it.

It may sound difficult and confusing right now. You probably don’t know how to start, that’s okay. The answers you seek are within you. No one can give them to you.

At the end of your life, how would you like your story to be told?

Alicia James

Hey there, I like to call myself as a delightful soul.
I am on a journey of self discovery and I enjoy blogging because it helps me connect with the world through my words as I share my thoughts and experiences as well as that of others

Alicia is a young budding blogger (a fine blend of a Niche Expert & Lifestyle blogger) with a lot of enthusiasm and inspiration. You can meet her at her blog Alicia James to get a better glimpse of her World.

Would you like to guest post or an interview? Feel free to contact me through my contact page or on email: JacquelineObyIkocha@gmail.com