Tag: appreciation

A link to my neighbours/Community · Blog-hopping · Blogging · Featured Blogs

It’s A Love Thing…Featured Blogs #9

jacquelineobyikocha24 Comments

For the next few days till my Valentine Shindig I will be featuring several blogs a day on one post, as a way of showing some love to fellow awesome and supportive blogger friends of mine. 1454511643782[1]

You can share the fun and the love by sharing the party invitation as much as you can. Bring your Bae, your sweetheart, your neighbourlybloggers, your old lady, your old man, even your dogs and cats are invited.

It’s a way to connect with other bloggers and hey, who knows, you might hit it off with someone 😉

Please share and share alike. Thank you very much.

For today’s features, I am showing some love to the bloggers listed below:

‘Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins.’ 1 Peter 4:8

Gpicone thank you Sir. You are one of the very first bloggers that followed me right from the start and you have been there all this while. My sincere appreciations.

Where’s happy, thank you my dear friend. We’ve grown in this journey and it’s been good interacting with you.

Claremary my lady, you have been a wonderful support all this while. Thank you very much.

Izzyasabee thank you for being there through these months. My regards.

Lisa I appreciate your visits and interactions. Regards

Joel its been a total pleasure connecting with you in this place. My sincere thanks.

Shiva you have been a gentle support since we connected here. Thank you.

Eric my appreciations for your time and encouraging words in this place. My regards.

MLou my lady. You have been a friend all these months. Thank you MLou.

Blabberwockying Anand, I enjoy our interactions in this place. My regards.

Rixlibris thank you Sir for your support and good words. My appreciations.

Tildy my dear lady, you have been such a gentle support with your kind words and I totally appreciate you. Thank you.

Marquessa my friend, it’s been lovely connecting with you in this space.

Thomas thank you for your encouraging words and presence.

Koko thank you for being there all these months. It’s been a pleasure connecting with you.

Anand my dear one, you provide me with laughter and merriment. Thank you.

‘Walking this path, I have been so blessed to have you all by my side. Thank you very much.’

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Blogging · Gratitude · Hope · Quotes For You · Self Help

When You Want To Go Far…

jacquelineobyikocha8 Comments

The funny African proverb that says ‘when we all piss together it foams’ comes to my mind as I write this post.

Another one equally states that ‘when you want to go fast, you go alone, but if you want to go very far, you go with others.’

For the first time, I will be hosting a blog party (Valentine Shindig) and hopefully, from then I will continue hosting a monthly blog-hop meet ups to encourage newbies as well as the older ones to mingle and develop a cohesive community.

I sent out feelers to feel the pulse of my readers and not only has the response been awesome but the support as well and I cannot fail but to express my appreciation.

A good number of lovely bloggers have shown their support and encouragement to me by re-blogging and tweeting my invitation and posts in this regard and it totally fills me with a sense of gratitude and joy.

There is no way that I would be able to do it by myself or to cover as much ground if not for the generosity and support that I have received from a good number of you.

I am thankful and indeed grateful to have supportive friends in this community and as is said in my place ‘the fowl does not forget the person that allowed her to roost by her fireplace during the raining season. ‘During your rainy days, may you find a warm fireplace to roost.’

You can join Colline’s  or Maria Jansson gratitude challenge platforms.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Image: Quotesgram.com

A link to my neighbours/Community · Blog-hopping · Gratitude · Love

It’s A Love Thing 6…Some of the men in my blogging World.

jacquelineobyikocha22 Comments

For the next few days till my Valentine Shindig, I will be featuring several blogs a day on one post, as a way of showing some love to fellow awesome and supportive blogger friends of mine. 1454511643782[1]

You can share the fun and the love by sharing the party invitation as much as you can. Bring your Bae, your sweetheart, your neighbourlybloggers, your old lady, your old man, even your dogs and cats are invited.

It’s a way to connect with other bloggers and hey, who knows, you might hit it off with someone 😉

Please share and share alike. Thank you very much.

For today’s features, I am showing some love to the bloggers listed below:

‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ 1 Cor 13: 4 – 8

Sir Patrick thank you for your kind support and words shared in my blogging life. I appreciate.

Doug, my appreciations for your company in this place.

Sir David, you are a total gem of a grandpa. Thank you for your lovely words and support in this space.

Dave Barclay, I do appreciate interacting with you.

Chape, you are a sport 😉

Kaushal, thank you for being around. My regards.

Ryan, my appreciations for the time you put in visiting me over here.

Nimitode, I enjoy seeing your face and your energy.

Thomas, thank you my friend. My regards.

Paul, thank you for your support.

Wally, thank you Sir for your extended hand of fellowship.

Vincent, my sincere appreciations for being there.

Noirfifre, you have been such a good and steadfast friend. I enjoy our banters and your support. I am glad we met in this space.

‘Walking this path, I have been so blessed to have you all by my side. Thank you very much.’

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

A link to my neighbours/Community · Blog-hopping

It’s A Love Thing…Featured Blogs 5

jacquelineobyikocha22 Comments

For the next few days till my Valentine Shindig, I will be featuring several blogs a day on one post, as a way of showing some love to fellow awesome and supportive blogger friends of mine. 1454511643782[1]

You can share the fun and the love by sharing the party invitation as much as you can. Bring your Bae, your sweetheart, your neighbourlybloggers, your old lady, your old man, even your dogs and cats are invited.

It’s a way to connect with other bloggers and hey, who knows, you might hit it off with someone 😉

Please share and share alike. Thank you very much.

For today’s features, I am showing some love to the bloggers listed below:

‘Most of all, let love guide your life.’ Col 3:14

Louise of A fairy mind, has been here, supporting and encouraging over the months. Thank you Louise.

My dear lady bug has been a real trooper over the months of blogging along. Her words always comes across soothing and inspiring, even when she is being as factual as ever.

Smiling away food allergies. When you’ve got a child who has allergies that sometimes scare you, you begin to look for others who swim the same waters and that is how I found smiling away food allergies. Very resourceful and always upbeat with her motivating articles. Thank you.

Deb of bookyglover. I have enjoyed interacting with Deb and love her spirit of support as well as her candid expressions.

Aysabaw, I enjoy our connections. Thank you

Stella of Giggles and tales. There is something about Stella that just draws me. I love her enthusiasm and encouragement. I love her fresh as well as direct outlook in her posts.

Astrid I have totally enjoyed our chats and glad that we connected. Thank you.

Parul a quintessential cook. I find her recipes interesting *especially the Asian ones* since I am in a World with diverse cultures and lots of Asian eateries. Thank you Parul for your kind support.

Sunesiss of Atomic words thank you for being there. I enjoy your company.

Kaylaa of Commonsensegal, smart and motivating. Thank you for being around.

Nadine, I appreciate all your encouraging and kind words in this place. Blessings.

Clarissa always comes across as such a calm soul. Endearing in her supportive way. Thank you Clarissa.

‘Walking this path, I have been so blessed to have you all by my side. Thank you very much.’

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Blog-hopping · Featured Blogs

It’s A Love Thing…Featured Blogs No. 4

jacquelineobyikocha19 Comments

For the next few days till my Valentine Shindig, I will be featuring several blogs a day on one post, as a way of showing some love to fellow awesome and supportive blogger friends of mine. 1454511643782[1]

You can share the fun and the love by sharing the party invitation as much as you can. Bring your Bae, your sweetheart, your neighbourlybloggers, your old lady, your old man, even your dogs and cats are invited.

It’s a way to connect with other bloggers and hey, who knows, you might hit it off with someone 😉

Please share and share alike. Thank you very much.

For today’s features, I am showing some love to the bloggers listed below:

‘Let all that you do, be done in love.’ 1 Cor 16:14

Gradmama Have you been to see her? If you’ve not I think you really should. She is my staunch supporter and such a warm person. You will enjoy her wit and encouragement. Trust me.

Pancake Bunnykins, a sweet soul just as her name implies. She has remained a supportive friend over these months in blogland.

Traveling Rock hopper despite all the pit stops made hopping rocks, she always pops in to say hello and I enjoy her photos from around the World.

Cindy‘s photos are so captivating and keeps me staring at them.

Van I totally enjoy her fresh outlook at topics. Her ponderings also makes me ponder and I always leave her blog feeling good.

Amanpan is an awesome and friendly blogger. Always supportive of her friends and I tell you, you will enjoy her brews and chatter 🙂

Deb In my mind, I call her bright and cheerful Deb. She always has an inspiring and kind word to offer and I have quite enjoyed interacting with her.

Simply me, when I count those who are always there to add their sunshine, I count you. Thank you for all your support.

Ruth, there is just something about Ruth that makes me know that I would thoroughly enjoy sitting and sipping cocoa while listening to her. I think it’s the way she uses words.

Pamela warm, open, supportive and down-to-earth. A quintessential romance writer, I have enjoyed connecting with Pamela right from the beginning and her support means a whole lot.

Bisi my Naija sister with a passion for feminine matters. Never far from reaching out her hand to say well done and chip in a word of encouragement. Thank you my dear. ‘Dalu, Eku ise‘

‘Walking this path, I have been so blessed to have you all by my side. Thank you very much.’

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Blog-hopping · Blogging · Inspiration - Motivation

It’s A Love Thing…Featured Blogs #2

jacquelineobyikocha16 Comments

For the next days till my Valentine Shindig, I will be featuring several blogs a day on one post, as a way of showing some love to fellow awesome and supportive blogger friends of mine.1454511643782[1]

You can share the fun and the love by sharing the party invitation as much as you can. Bring your Bae, your sweetheart, your neighbourlybloggers, your old lady, your old man, even your dogs and cats are invited.

It’s a way to connect with other bloggers and hey, who knows, you might hit it off with someone 😉

Please share and share alike. Thank you very much.

For today’s features, I am showing some love to the bloggers listed below:

‘Be sure the one’s you love know how much they mean to you. Don’t wait until it’s too late to say something.’

Sarah found me on Facebook and followed me to my blogging abode. She has been one very supportive blogging neighbour of mine, even in classes. We always hang out during recess and natter a bit. I appreciate Sarah’s support and her can-do spirit inspires me totally.

Beth There is nothing as lovely as a lady with a beautiful sense of humour and humanity. You need to hang out with Nutsrok and your ribs will crack from laughter. I also enjoy reading her sage advise to people who write in with perplexing issues on her agony aunt’s page.

Leannenz forays, photos, volunteering and views inspire me.

Mandibelle‘s sense of community can be seen in so many places including mine. I see her little footprints on other people’s blogs and her supportive nature is totally awesome. Thank you Mandi.

Simply me writes as her name reads. I enjoy her fresh perspectives to stories with the shades of humanity painted inside.

Lynz real cooking, mama Lynz is a Hercules of a woman. Admirable, gentle and wonderful. I have asked her to adopt me 🙂

Nena, a gentle spirited lady whose words inspire me to be better.

Nedoux my Ibo sister in the virtual World. My next trip to Nigeria, will find me knocking on her door. Her write ups crack me up, make me hanker for home and just delightful.

Folake another Nigerian blogger sister that is passionate about her World. I am happy that we met.

Kay‘s words are always, always enlightening for me.

GChan‘s tenacity with her translations, her candid freshness with her words always makes me look out for her.

La Duchesse Derat, yes you can say that I am biased about things French and you are right. Her name first struck me, then the fact that she is bilingual drew me in and like the say, the rest is history. Step into her World for light-hearted chats.

Bernadette makes me think of strong women always and her posts inspire me to aim for greater heights.

‘Walking this path, I have been so blessed to have you all by my side. Thank you very much.’

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Dubai · Gratitude · Photographs · Travel

What A Gracious Host…

jacquelineobyikocha28 Comments
Fusion Restaurant At Ghaya Grand. Lovely Ambiance
Fusion Restaurant At Ghaya Grand. Lovely Ambiance

When a host invites you to eat, you go with your good manners, an empty stomach, a spoon in your back pocket ‘just in case,’ your sharpened teeth, a heart full of gratitude and a sizable dose of thank you.

I went with everything except the spoon ‘cos they had beautiful sets of cutlery and now, I am on the last leg of the cycle. A sizable dose of thank you for the gracious surprise international buffet that we were treated to.

It was a delightful surprise to receive a nicely worded letter from the management of Ghaya Grand Hotel and Apartments here in Dubai, inviting a good number of friends and clients over for brunch, aka ‘free lunch.’

Who am I to look such a lovely gift Horse in the mouth? I love such lovely surprises and this Horse is quite handsome, I must say 🙂

The new Ghaya Grand Hotel is a beautiful and classy, 5 star hotel, located at the International Media Production Zone area in Dubai.

Without much ado, the brunch which was in their Fusion Restaurant was absolutely divine.

Excellent service, array of sumptuous dishes and a lovely ambiance in which to eat to your hearts content.

I must confess, I really, really tried not to over indulge, but with the assortment of all types of food beckoning to you, I did just a little bit above my stomachs budget, but I have no regrets 😉

Should you ever contemplate coming this way, or if you are heading here already, this is one hotel that you will appreciate staying in.

It was not a surprise to me, during my little chat with one of the Managers, to learn that they are 100% full capacity and this is just one year of their business operations.

This is definitely not a sponsored post, but a sizable dose of thank you to those who made my families weekend lovely in their special way.

A few of the photographs that I took.

To the staff and management of Ghaya Grand, we extend our appreciations and regards.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

A link to my neighbours/Community · Dubai · Gratitude · Life · Musings

To all the Fire Service Men/Women out there…

jacquelineobyikocha51 Comments

You know at times, we tend to take a lot in life for granted, going about our daily business grumbling and sometimes without care or in-depth thought as to what others pass through in the course of their jobs.1451716994149[1]

It took watching the luxurious building of The Address Hotel rage with fire on the Eve of the 2016 New Year’s day at a close range, to serve as a big eye opener for me, as to the enormous pressure and brave exploits of Fire fighters all over the World.

They put their lives on line every time they step into such blaze and even though some of us will very well say that it’s their job after all and that they are trained for it, it takes a heck of gumption to do the stuff that these courageous humans do.

For All the TEA in China and all the Swiss CHOCOLATES and a million dollars on top, I, Jacqueline, would not venture near that raging inferno that I witnessed.

The orange tongues of the fiery blaze licked with thirst and reckless abandon, in search of who and what to consume. The billowing smoke was choking even from a distance and yet these service men, did such a fantastic and efficient job even as others (including me) were watching in silent prayer.

Since the night of the 31st, the image of the burning skyscraper has been stuck in my head and my vivid imagination has been in overdrive ever since. On television, fire service men tend to look glamourous and sexy, but, gosh, when the chips are down, their job is one tough cookie to bake.

To the brave men and women of the Fire Service all over the World, how can one say thank you to your selfless services?

How can one appreciate the utmost help received from all of you for fire incidents which sometimes stem from actions of irresponsibility of others.

Yet, all I can say, and I know some people have this in mind as well, is thank you very much. Thank you for being there to mitigate a situation that could be worse. Thank you for giving so much of yourself. For your courage and faith in the face of such scary adversary.

Respects.

Bless you all.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

 

Reblogs · Uncategorized

A Letter To Jacqueline

jacquelineobyikocha12 Comments

There are some things that come so surprisingly and so pleasing that you have no words to express what the impact of such an act has.
Please do take a moment and appreciate Carlos for me. A moment is all that I ask.
Thank you

A link to my neighbours/Community · Blog Awards · Blogging · Gratitude · Inspiration - Motivation

Awesome Commendations…

jacquelineobyikocha51 Comments

Thank you

Sometimes, saying thank you may sound so trite and flippant in the face of such warmth and fellowship.

It may sound surprising, but I always feel humbled when I see the hands of fellowship extended, the encouragement received and the respect accorded within this commendable, intelligent community of humans.

Inherently, a lot of people are wonderful and if half the positive fellowship, vibes, hugs, motivation and care that are expressed within the blogging space are experienced in the real World, it would be less acrimonious as it is currently.

This week and several weeks in a row, so many of you put smiles on my face in different manners, some went out of their ways to nominate me for an award, to do a blog review for my blog and to extend their warmth.

I say thank you, ‘dalu, imela’ in my native language because it strikes a deep cord inside me.

Thank you for the generosity of your hearts. Thank you for the gift of your time. Thank you for your outstretched arms of fellowship. Thank you for supporting me in this space. It is heartwarming.

Jason, The opinionated man at Harsh Reality , I thank you for a delightful review that tickled me pink 🙂

Maria Holm, I thank you for the lovely synopsis and celebration in your post.

Ngobesing Romanus of Success Inspirer, a big thank for the invitation to the interview challenge.

Joanne Bretzer at Velissima, I appreciate your nomination for Blogger Recognition Award.

Sunesiss of Atomic Words , Joan of Marlton Trainer, Voyager of Freedom and Diana of Toast and Tea together,  thank you all for the Sunshine Blogger Award.

Thank you to Vibrant of Blabberwockying , Stephanie Cardozo, Vincent Wambua , Smiling away allergies,Obscurasomnia, and Keeping up appearances for, The Liebster Award. You guys are great 🙂

Africa Bohemian at Tribe 53 thank you for the Infinity Dreams Award.

A big thank you for One Lovely Blog Award and The Versatile Blogger Awards to Anand of Blabberwockying

For the beautiful Respect Award, I thank you Anand with all humility. A lovely new bling for my blog 🙂

Susan, I appreciate the double nominations of One Lovely Blog Award and Blogger Recognition Award.

Kay Morris and Psychochromatic Inception, thank you for the nomination for One Lovely Blog Award. You guys rock 🙂

“You all, are huge sources of inspiration, encouragement and beautiful souls.” I appreciate the affiliation.

To quickly answer a few of the questions picked from the different bloggers:

  • Do I aspire to be published. I respond with a big affirmative YES! One day soon 🙂
  • What do I enjoy most about blogging. The networking and warmth makes it worthwhile.
  • Do I believe in miracles? Very much so! Why do I believe in it? I see myself as a miracle each day.
  • A great writer is a great reader, do I agree? Yes of course! You have to nourish your mind through the words of other great artists.
  • How do I cope with the writers block. I dance. I sleep. I relax and read. I brainstorm it out.
  • If someone had to think about something that reminds them of you what would it be? That she is one lovely soul.
  • What language would I like to learn? Spanish and Arabic.
  • Cats or Dogs? Dogs any day.
  • Hardest sin to avoid? The unwitting spirit of envy that sometimes steals in when unwatched.
  • Love is? Love is a committed choice, day after day.

Knowing the amount of hours that goes into doing these posts I am truly at loss at who to nominate.

Kind regards and blessed love.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha.

The Beautiful Commendations