Bittersweet Nostalgia…

October 1, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha29 Comments

Our memories are woven into the essence of who we are just like our DNA. Some memories are fleeting, while some stick and go with you wherever you may journey to. Even when you are far away from the source of such memory, little things bring thoughts of them flooding you with bittersweet nostalgia. Image result for images of memories quotes

I’ve found myself easily moved to tears in the past few weeks and coincidentally, I’ve been running into things that quickly transport me to my carefree days of childhood when I was under the loving protection of my parents and didn’t have to worry about finances, World politics and if the World’s going on a one-way ticket to hell in a handbasket.

Here a few of the things I’ve seen in recent weeks that transport me back to my growing up years in the close-knit campus community of The University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Nostalgia – The Daily Post Challenge

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

I saw this Tortoise at a nature garden that I visited recently and that brought back different memories of folktales of The Wise Tortoise that my Grandma told us on balmy evenings as we peeled cassava or shredded our harvest of corn. In my hometown, the Tortoise is respected and roams free. It wasn’t strange to see them trudge along the bush path, stopping to nibble at foliage as they went about their business.

I saw this shaker in a musical store and couldn’t resist taking a photo and shaking it a bit. It reminds me of days of traditional, energetic dancing with my childhood friends and shaking these musical gourd in rhythm with the drums and other homegrown instruments. We call it ‘ishaka’ and practically every mama owned one. Sometimes, especially during festive season, our dancing efforts were rewarded with pennies from appreciating adults.

Interestingly, I wrote a post just last week when I came across this mask. https://acookingpotandtwistedtales.com/2016/09/22/the-mask-a-click-a-day/

Abundant blooms of Bougainvillea brings back thoughts of my childhood home. The perimeters of our compound was trimmed with Bougainvillea and The Queen of the Night flower that emitted its signature, beautiful, musky fragrance that hung in the nights’ air.

Ha! I chuckled when I saw this grandma telephone. My parents had a cream one and my dear dad kept it locked so that we wouldn’t run up bills for him. Back then to own a telephone was expensive, novelty and for a select few. We (my siblings and I) outwitted my poor dad (sorry daddy) by learning a trick on how to tap the numbers on the phone to call our friends. Now, I wonder if my dad ever knew.

P.S. Are you coming to the party? It’s LIVE right now and you can join the fun through this link. See you 🙂

Echos Of My Neighbourhood

KHDA – The sublime working environment – Echoes Of My Neighbourhood.

August 25, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha7 Comments

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.

On Monday I had cause to visit the office of The KHDA – Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai and I will use the adjective ‘sublime’ to describe my experience.

In all my working years and having ventured around a bit, in recent times I will adjudge this place as one of the best office environments that I’ve been in. The open plan office is cheerful and welcoming. Polite, friendly and efficient staff attend to you as briskly as possible. Everyone sits in an open area in one corner or the other. No closed cubicle offices that assign importance to anyone.

Birds flitted about and tweeted all over the place, visitors could play a tune on the grand piano and admire the resident Parrot. Free coffee, juice, fruits, tea and different flavours of ice-cream were on offer at the in-house cafe which is manned by smart baristas’ who quickly attended to your request.

Needless to say, I went away feeling calm, happy and refreshed and I plan to have a reason for a repeat visit sometime soon 🙂

Kirstwrites takes us to Liverpool and her photos remind me of an awesome, previous visit to the charming city. We’ll join Roo for a walkabout and have a chat with the neighbours. Our last pit-stop is at Lady Lee’s as she introduces us to the healthy Hindustan Organic Garden.

Please do take a peek and share some of your echoes with us if you please.

Jacqueline

P.S. Our monthly Meet and Greet/Blog Party comes up this weekend Sat 27th/Sun 28th August. Hope to see you there.

Featured Blogs

Featured Posts 98 – Share Your Posts

July 13, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha

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‘PLEASE KEEP SENDING IN THE LINKS.’

Today’s featured blogs posts are:

Do step in and show some love.

Come out of the darkness: beautiful, uplifting and inspiring post. Brief and picks you up 🙂

A paradox in the enchanted forest: What an interesting perspective. Just in case you are close by, could you please tell them to get on with the kiss already 😉

Father you are wonderful: I think we should all wake up with this kind of thoughts on our minds and prayer on our lips. Sublime

Welcome to the evolution of Dynishell garden: Some vibrant eye candy to make you smile and take a picture 🙂

Be strong – courageous: How can I express how much I believe in these words. Not just because they are Christian words, but also because they work.

‘Do you want more eyes on your words?’

Well then, add your LINK INTO THIS LOOP.

P.S. 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.’

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.

Stars, Five Stars, Logo, Icon, Symbol, Five, Rating

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

Everyday People · Fashion · Life · Photographs

Come take a ride with me…Every day beautiful people # 43

May 14, 2016May 14, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha6 Comments

“Fun is good.” Dr. Seuss

Whichever way you look at life, time will still fly past whether you are enjoying it or not, so, the choice is yours.

My choice is to live and enjoy each day to the best of my ability.

What’s your choice?

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

Enchant me with your expressive eyes, that crinkles in laughter as you speak

that I may find myself ever caught between,

the reflections of your pupils and there shall I remain.

*an excerpt of my poem*