a cooking pot and twisted tales
Thoughts and Tales…A Lifestyle Blog with a Zing.
When I saw this week’s prompt ‘beautiful & curse,’ by Ronovan, I smiled. Easier than the past two weeks. What I wanted to write sprouted so fast in my mind.
©
Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
“Memories are intricate webs of souvenirs and thoughts left behind. They are woven around our hearts and minds, and journey with us wherever we go.” Jacqueline
Thoughts of you follow me everywhere
that some days I wake with the desperate desire
to see you just one more time.
The strength of my feeling
evokes your peaceful voice
and I hear you speak in my head.
Memories of you clutch my heart
and cling to my soul
your fists hold firm with unforgettable love.
The time spent here with you
and the memories you etched upon my life
as sure as genes passed from generation to generation.
They stay with me
their echoes whisper in the gentle wind,
in my heart and in my mind.
My memories of you keep you alive
as I see your dark handsome face
filled with wisdom and gentle kindness.
As it expands in my mind’s eye,
bittersweet memories they can be
bringing tears to my eyes
and a lump in my throat.
…But these memories of you
I will never let go
for I love you even more
with the passage of time.
I never forget.
I write this poem above with thoughts of my dad. I doubt if there’s a day that passes by without thoughts of my loved ones who have passed on floating through my mind.
Some memories leave indelible marks on the recipient that they become invisible fabrics that we wear on our person. Some memories are bittersweet, poignant, sweet, dark, happy, hurt and so many other emotions attached to it.
There are memories that dig deep holes inside us and in a way molds us into who we become. I have memories like everyone else; some are full of dark misery, joyful memories, sweet ones, light ones, poignant ones. Some memories were handed by life as a gift that I didn’t choose and some were created by deliberate interactions.
Life will still continue to hand out memories that it chooses for us, but it’s up to you to continue striving in creating memories of light and joy, therefore it’s up to you to turn those memories of dark misery into an enlightening experience.
In my writing, my memories serve as a compass for me when I draw into myself and allow my senses to feel everything that I felt at the moment when that memory was created. Sometimes, I am able to catch them in words and sometimes, I am unable to translate what I feel in concrete terms.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Writers Quote Wednesday Writing Challenge – Memories
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.
Jacqueline writes from her heart on passion, pain, suffering, loss and LIFE. I have been incredibly moved by her poetry and I know I will return to “Out of the Silent Breath” again and again.
If you enjoy my works and would like to do so, you can fuel my creativity with a slice of cake or coffee
Once I saw the prompt for Ronovan’s weekly haiku challenge ‘time and grow,’ my thought went to my children who are galloping up so fast before my eye’s that sometimes it gives me mixed feelings to watch them become more independent each day, knowing that soon they will be full-fledged adults and fly my coop.
Ah! I love these blessings of mine with every breath that I have.
![Ikenna[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/ikenna1.jpg)
Indeed time does create magic,
each day I watch you grow up,
my heart fills with gratitude.
∼
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
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.
Wonderful, evocative poetry by a talented writer. Left me hungry for more. Jacqueline can write! Linda Bethea
If you enjoy my works and would like to do so, you can fuel my creativity with a slice of cake or coffee
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.
![focus[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/focus1.jpg)
♣ When you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it.
♣ Where do you want to be? That’s where your focus should be. Don’t stop to be distracted by all the side attractions or run after what everyone else is doing. What is your focus? Keep your eyes on it so that you can reach your destination.
It’s easy to get pulled into all the things that takes our mind away especially the negative things that seems to pervade the entire space. Always remember to pull yourself back and not to get sucked into the energy depleting vibes and negativism.
Below are more snippets of wisdom from awesome bloggers. Take a moment to read.
Today’s Nuggets: don’t fold or clip your wings. Don’t limit yourself. This is worth the read.
Inner Peace: beautiful words that are worth adopting for daily and peaceful living.
The path to true greatness: a short and delightful piece of wisdom that you will enjoy. It made me smile.
Words of wisdom: what advice are you dishing out to others? Will you take the same if offered?
Quotes worth repeating: there are quotes that you keep at the fore front of your mind and these ones from Muhammad Ali are priceless.
I hope that you find these little drops useful now and again. Do check them out and please share snippets of your thoughts with us.
Thanks and blessed be.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
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.
“Beautiful Poetry of Life and Love.” Amanda
If you enjoy my works, you can fuel my creativity with a cup of coffee or a slice of cake
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.
![1466494415983[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/14664944159831.jpg)
♣ A problem can actually become a blessing if we are wise enough to use them to grow stronger.
♣ Wisdom that will bear fruits should never be cast on loose soil that’s lost its fertility.
The thought above came to me when I reflected on the fact that what we are reaping in today’s World, are all the seeds that were sown in the past and as we continue to cast our seeds, may we choose our soil wisely, otherwise we will never have any worthwhile harvest.
Below are more snippets of wisdom from awesome bloggers. Take a moment to read.
Today’s nuggets: great quotes to guide daily living from Stella’s post.
A bouquet for your thoughts: Vaayadi offers us a delightful bouquet and thoughts to make you smile.
15 beautiful thoughts about her: Dehan’s words gets me revving with confidence. You won’t come away empty-handed.
Lessons from a Rose: a beautiful lesson that we all need to learn, relearn and keep learning each day. Thank you, Laura for your words.
I hope that you find these little drops useful now and again. Do check them out and please share snippets of your thoughts with us.
Thanks and blessed be.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
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.
‘A Richly Layered and Passionate Read.’ Jan Cliff
“Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” Betty Friedan
“Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.” Jackie Joyner-Kersee
![Aging[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/aging1.jpg)
![Aging_1[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/aging_11.jpg)
As you get older, you become a classic and viewed with respect. It’s inevitable that we all go through this process (hopefully) and it’s a blessing to live long.
Let’s remain young at heart even when our body ages in other places:-)
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.
“A good neighbour is a blessing.”
![Neighbour[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/neighbour1.jpg)
A lovely and friendly neighbour and Tess the pug. The children get on with them, especially Tess that can be such a lady despite her bull- doggish looks. They are moving away to another part of town. We’ll surely miss them.
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.
![Ikenna[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/ikenna11.jpg)
Your legs are stretching longer
each day extra inches are added
as you gallop out of cradle-hood
into the years of boyhood.
I marvel at the speed of time
so fast, you’ve already turned nine
tears prick my eyes in wistful thoughts
as I go back through the years.
Through the years of your babyhood
holding on to mama’s hands
you are always close
hugging and dogging her footsteps.
You, my greatest cheerleader
my fiercely protective one
my loving support
my son and my friend.
You are always quick to notice my looks
never failing to pay heartwarming compliments
“you look beautiful mama, the bestest mother ever,
I love you to the moon and back always,” and indeed you do.
My Chiemerigo – The Lord has won
you are a beautiful child through and through
a generous, kind soul and considerate one
your earnest eyes are eager to help me
and quick to forgive and apologize
My child of promise
you’ve promised me everything under the Sun
your words “I’ll always take care of you, mama,” which are older than your days, never fails to
make my heart expand in love and
makes me wonder at the wisdom bestowed to such a young one
May the arching rainbows of your life remain vivid and bright
may the Lord’s lamp remain at your feet and direct your steps.
His Grace and Mercy shall never depart from you
as you journey through life, the Lord will uphold you.
He will surround you and will remain your right hand.
To my Child of Promise,
your days are blessed.
Today as you turn nine, I give God all the glory.
Happy birthday my boy.
I love you to the moon and back, if not further.
Love, Mama
![Ikenna[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/ikenna1.jpg)
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.
Each Tuesday, share your very short snippets of positive, inspiring, motivating, health, spiritual, writing advice, clips, posts etc, that can serve as a prop to motivate others and simply add my link to your post.
I call it my thinking corner because, I actually take out a bit of time just to think through things, encapsulate my thoughts as much as possible and detoxify my mind. It helps give me clarity of vision and might help you too.
It might work for you in a different way, but the idea is to get the positive thoughts flowing.
Please send in your little thoughts. You never know whose life you might inspire.
![1462856731940[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/14628567319401.jpg)
♦ Until you start, you don’t know how far you’ll go.
♦ High expectations from yourself is the secret to achieving great results.
♦ Heed to inner counsel before flying off the hook. React in haste, regret at leisure.
♦ Everyone has the power to excel as long as they don’t give up.
♦ You can look at defeat in the eye, but don’t embrace it.
Today’s thoughts came in from beautiful thinkers:
Today’s nuggets: Wise counsel for those who seek.
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Patience The virtues and value of patience can’t be enunciated enough. Are we able to wait through it without complaining?
Positive: Beautiful, positive vibes all the way. At our low moments, the Grace of God always comes through. Annette’s post is uplifting.
Cinderella Blessing How hot are your cinders? I so love the way my friend Noirfifre turned this classic into a beautiful poetic message. Take a look 🙂
I hope that you find these little drops useful now and again. Do check them out and please share snippets of your thoughts with us.
Thanks and blessed be.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
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.
Brand me whole as only you can
That the entire score of me
Knows nothing but the fullness of you.
![1459851567625[1]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/14598515676251.jpg)
The journey of self-help is what it is. SELF-HELP!
We need to take conscious steps ever so often and just be with ourselves, this could mean just a half hour of sitting in quiet reflection and not necessarily in a ritzy place.
Take that time to outline those reminders that your heart and mind should focus on each day.
Starting out might be difficult, but as the days go by, it comes easier with practice.
No guru, expert or counsellor can practice our self-help tactics for us. They would probably give us insights and tell us what to do, however, the work of walking through it still rests on us.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
![Memories[2]](https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/memories2.jpg)
a cooking pot and twisted tales 