Tuesday Trickles…My Thinking Corner 27

June 21, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha15 Comments

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.

♣ 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.

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

‘A Richly Layered and Passionate Read.’ Jan Cliff

Out of the silent breath

My Thinking Corner

Tuesdays Trickles…My Thinking Corner #23

May 24, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha8 Comments

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.

♥ There’s a lot going on in life to be bothered with the noisome pettiness of things that aren’t worth the time of your life. Let go and move on!

♥ When you impart positive knowledge you influence eternity. You have no idea where the influence ends due to its ripple effects. Don’t stop imparting.

♥ Practice kindness for Providence never forgets.

♥ Who will change it? It’s you and I.

♥ Your plans are not as important as what you’ve done. Get doing!

Today’s thoughts came in from beautiful thinkers:

Killing fear: I like letting quotes like this sink in and repeat.

Step by step leap: Rosema keep’s it sweet and straight to the heart.

Consideration: understand, respect…simple message, yet impactful.

Stress-free zone: Nothing like family to be there when we need them. A positive vibe filled post.

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.

P.S. You are invited to our monthly blog party this weekend. It’s fun and you get to meet fantastic folks 🙂

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

Brand me whole as only you can

that the entire score of me

knows nothing but the fullness of you.

Midnight motivation and musings

Midnight Motivations and Musings # 81

May 15, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha27 Comments

I’m sure that you understand this fact that “not everyone you relate with will like you!”

As a matter of fact, some who don’t even know you well enough may not be particularly keen on you for reasons best known to them.

In the secret recess of their heart, such people experience a certain sense of elation and feel better about themselves when you are down and out.

Are you going to join the gang up against yourself?

Are you going to continue to give them the pleasure of seeing you miserable and bleeding to death?

Why do you think that bad news travels so fast and the harbingers of bad news are in far more available quantities *for the price of nothing* than those who are willing to share any positivity?

Just dwell a bit on it!

The sooner you realize these things and pull up yourself by choosing to be happy no matter what, choosing to excel to the best of your ability and choosing to love yourself despite all your shortcomings, that’s when you can begin to experience many turnarounds in your life.

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*

Hope · Life · Midnight motivation and musings · Self Help

Midnight Motivations and Musings 79

May 12, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha11 Comments

Life is full of possibilities but you’ve got the leave the corridors of I can’t to the elevators of I’ll do my best to keep seeing change and empowering results.

Most times, change is painful and slow, but once it’s set in motion, there’s an incremental result.

We have to leave negativity behind to see clearer. Always keep an open mind, hearing ears (note that there’s a difference between listening and actually hearing), seeing eye’s – beyond the peripheries and an empathetic questioning mind.

We are called to live life in the fullness of joy and though this might be impossible to achieve 100% of the time, it’s possible to get it 95% of the time.

Love and Light,

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

I can see clearly now the ghosts are laid to rest

Broken visions melded and better than the first

Atop the ladder of scattered dreams and buried bones,

I glimpse the brighter vision reflected and renewed.

**an excerpt of my poem**

Life · Midnight motivation and musings · Self Help

Midnight Motivations and Musings 79

May 11, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha7 Comments

Challenges will come and sometimes they will shake your faith and hope. These tribulations present themselves to taunt and test you. That’s called life.

Unexpected incidentals of life happen when we are busy making plans about other things that we want to do, so in order to brace ourselves for these little bumps, we must equip our system with buffers like hope.

Hope is not an abstract word. It’s a very active word that lives and grows when we build on it.

It’s like a safety net or emergency funds that we draw on when the need arises.

How do we build up hope? I’ll be sharing a post specifically targeted at building hope on Sunday.

Love and Light

Jacqueline

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

Never leave me lonely

With words left unsaid

You walk away into the dark

Like a mist, that melts away.

The Daily Post

Fare Thee Well my Dear Polo Park…

October 2, 2015October 2, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha30 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Ode to a Playground.”

When the news of your demise filtered through,

That the bigwigs had finally purchased you,

To plant their mega buck superstores and install new, expensive play toys,

To charge and enrich greedy pockets so much more,

I was dismayed, I was disheartened, through and through,

How dare they do such a thing to you!

Such appalling steps taken to deface,

Attempts to erase decades of a joyful place!

Of laughter of children that echoes in the heart,

Of scrapes and bruises,

Of hides and seek,

Of swings and slides to your utmost delight.

The birds squawk in harsh protest,

No more crumbs from the little ones,

Even the trees weep in anguish from such assault,

The glee and joy of young scrambling ones,

Would they know no more!

Yet you live on in this grown child’s heart,

Always fond will your memories be,

My Polo Park, you were a treat to me,

Where friends were found,

Fostered and Flourished.

Maybe you have gone somewhere else to be,

Where you will gladden the hearts of other young ones.

Family · Inspiration - Motivation · Life · The Daily Post

A Step back into Childhood….

September 29, 2015September 29, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha46 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Life’s a Candy Store.”

What a delightful day this would be! I am six years old again and I get to spend it as I please and with whom I choose.

Well! Well! Whoever says that life doesn’t have it’s pleasant sweet spots and that the lines don’t fall in the right places is a big, fat lying Pinocchio! Just watch me 🙂

It’s a beautiful Saturday morning. Of course, I am still young enough to get excused from doing serious chores, apart from brushing my teeth properly, taking my shower and eating sumptuous helpings of mummy’s homemade pancakes with dripping drizzles of maple syrup, nicely done omelets (no vegetables please), sausages, baked beans and a nice warm cup of cocoa.

We all pile into my daddy’s lovely blue Renault Saloon car. It has seen a lot of good mileage and made lots of beautiful memories.

Off we go to Leventis super stores in Enugu; a forty-five minutes drive from our abode in Nsukka, through the old road and past the Milken hill.

Milken hill is a verdant wilderness and as I peer through the wound up windows of our beloved Renault with plate number ”ECH 480” winding, its way through the snaky, precarious, hilly road with its scary drop, my child eyes imagine the trumpeting Elephants, the roaring Lions and the curious monkeys that inhabit that wilderness.

The scary drop seems like a bottom less pit and one must negotiate it with care. Many cars have been known to meet a fatal stop on this part of the road.

We make it safely to Leventis. It is a store of a child’s dream and every book and toy that my mind can conjure is stocked here.

”Chinny, you and your siblings can go and select three items each for yourselves.” ”Two books and one toy each.” ”We have two hours to spend before we go to visit your cousins, daddy says to me.”

Daddy is such a wonderful man. He knows I love books and he stokes it rather nicely by buying lots of them for me 🙂

I make a beeline for the huge outlay of more books than I have ever seen.

Rows and rows of beautiful, vibrantly coloured story books fill my eyes. A browse and a selection of the two books that I want to go home with are made. I then settle down at the children’s corner where I quickly digest another one whilst waiting for mummy to finish making her purchases.

I debate in my mind whether to exchange my toy option for a third book. I know that on a good day when we are not squabbling, my sister will allow me to play with her new doll and I want all the books in the book store to belong to me.

I negotiate very nicely with daddy and I end up with four books instead of two. I have diligently checked the prices on all the girly toys and they far outweigh the price of two extra books; somehow, I feel sensible and smart. I think daddy appreciates my consideration.

Don’t be mistaken, I love toys like all children, but my love for books far outweighs my love for toys. Besides, I already saw my parents looking at Raleigh bicycles. I know that they would be purchasing one for each of us.

Our shopping is done! We make a quick stop at No 1. Chief Alex Ekwueme street, the home of my favorite cousins. They don’t need too much coaxing to join us for a picnic party at Polo park.

At the expansive Polo park grounds, we take turns on the rides, on the swings and slides. We play ”Swe” and ‘‘Uga” until hunger pangs kick in and it is time to tuck into the goodies that mummy has dutifully packed.

The picnic basket bulges with all sorts of goodies – enough to feed an army. Fizzy pops, cake, cookies, sandwiches, jollof rice with chicken, etc are generously marshaled out on paper plates by mum.

Daddy has a sweet tooth (I think the sweet tooth thing is genetic) and never fails to get those lovely ice lollies on cones for us for dessert.

Our palates are sated and our tummies nicely rounded from food.

Evening is fast approaching. A quick decision on whether to drive back home through the Milken hill or to spend the night at the cousins is made. Auntie Christie always graciously opens the door to her home.

She would always say “Jay-Jay, Alberta (shortened for my dad’s name: James Joseph and my mum’s name Alberta-Bianca), it is too late to go driving back to Nsukka o, you guys must stay over till tomorrow o.”

With delight we turn the house upside down with our horse-play until we were tuckered out.

They had a very big house, with lots of room.

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

P.S. This article is based on ”my real life story” as recalled from my minds eye as a child.

Quick Glossary

Milken Hill: These hills are found at Ngwo in Enugu North LGA, they are 100 meter above sea level, offering beautiful standpoint for a panoramic view of Enugu metropolis, especially at dawn and dusk. The hill was named after one of the earliest colonial administrator in Enugu. The first road into Enugu city winds through the foot of the hill bounded by a deep gully. Underneath the hills are relics of coal mines and its beautiful tunnels. Beneath the Milken hills is the Iva valley. The hills are good for mountaineering. However, drivers are advised to drive slowly with caution through the meandering roads.

Enugu – One of the State’s in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

Nsukka – A town and Local Government Area in South-East Nigeria in Enugu State

Chief Alex Ekwueme: Former Vice President Alex Ekwueme is one of Nigeria’s most respected statesmen alive today.

Swe – I think this is what is called hopscotch.

Uga – synchronized clapping rhythm of hands followed with feet competition to outwit the other.

Jollof Rice – A popular meal eaten in most West African homes, a one-pot meal made with fried tomato and pepper stew, rice, meat and spices

Creative Writing · Inspiration - Motivation · Writing

Most Times, it’s Fun to Reminisce…

September 29, 2015September 29, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha82 Comments

Today’s assignment sent me down a nice spin and put a big smile on this face of mine.

I dug into my Facebook past which I started in 2008 and saw a whole load of stuff that I had written and forgotten.

Keeping a journal has always been my primary way of putting down my thoughts, then, I gradually started sharing snippets of my thoughts on Facebook, before I eventually summoned the courage to start blogging on May 6th, 2015.

I mined my past as today’s assignment required and dug up some stuff and I would like to share this little bits with you today.

Nothing has been edited in it. I just copied and pasted from my Facebook timeline and it is an exercise that I would probably repeat now and again, because I love the way that it made me feel.

The articles I share below, were written between 2009 – 2013.

I unearthed some photos too 🙂

There was a fun exercise that I also did sometime in the past and you might find it interesting as well. I hope the link still works.

For the fun exercise click on the link below.

What career were you actually meant for?

Wow! My hobby has been nailed straight on the head. Facebook seems to know me well enough. SPOOKY!! This was written in 2011.

Bitecharge.com’s response:You have an unmatched skill for creating vast worlds both through facts and pure imagination. Your mind is full of creativity, artistry, and expression. You heart gracefully guides your hands as you work to bring what is truly your spirit to life. You were truly meant to be a writer.

I must tell you, that response tickled and pleased me to no ends 🙂

Here are some of my quotes that I dug up 🙂

Most time’s, achieving greatness and living your life to the fullness of its capacity, requires pushing boundaries, adamantly refusing to fit the round holes created by limitations of other people’s expectations and simply remaining a square, but happy peg.

Your happiness lies deep within you and not in the hands of someone else or your bank balance. Seek it diligently, grasp it greedily and guard it faithfully. All the best in your quest.

Don’t sit on a moral high-horse in judgment of anyone! After all, when last did you take a peek at your own eyes? You just might see a large chunky cataract of defaults!

The article below was written for a 7 days gratitude challenge back in 2013:

DAY 2:

Sitting here this lovely Texas evening; and Yes! The weather is not sweltering, and I am surrounded by my brood doing school work.

The questions are coming at me from every which way; Language Arts, Geography, Maths, Science, World Culture and what have you.

And Yes! I have grown another pair of ears to hear and answer questions asked from 3 different sources all at the same time.

And Yes! I have developed a dynamic and faster central processing unit for a brain which appreciates subjects that I dodged with style back in my Secondary school days.

Mummy this; Mummy that; Who made me mummy; Is the question I ask? These awesome trio of mine

Gifts undeserving from God you are;
My rays of sunshine in human form;
Drops full of joy you bring to my life;
It’s all to God, who brought y’all into my heart

Nnamdi, my first born child, almost as tall if not taller than mummy. You are my source of laughter and Joy, my smart boy who competes with mummy in the kitchen. My capable young man with an easy nature and can do attitude, I take pride in calling you my son. Dalu, Chi Ukwu gozie gi. Lord, for this child I am very grateful.

Nnenna Adaobi, Nwa Ada mu nwanyi, my gentle spirited and kind child. Your good nature will never fail you. A little preemie of not so many moons ago, blossoming into a downright responsible young lady. I look at you each day in amazement and my heart glorifies the Lord. Oga adiri gi mma; Let the Lord be exalted.

My little Thunderbolt, Ikenna nwa m, mummy’s sugar gah, I bless the Lord each day for you. My intelligent, feisty yet gentle child, you bring sparkles to my eyes. The dozens of kisses, hugs and I love you that I receive each day from you, enriches me beyond measure. You are destined for greatness and To God be the Glory.

My soul magnifies the Lord, great things he has done. With all my breath and all that I have, I give you praise. I will sing of your enduring mercy to the ends of the Earth. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Going through this exercise has made me realize that my writing voice hasn’t changed much, but has matured more.

Thank you for your time 🙂

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

In fulfillment to Writing 101 – Day 17 Assignment: Mine Your Own Material

Quick glossary for native words:

Nnamdi: A native Igbo name which means “My Lord or My Father lives.”

Nnenna: “her fathers mother.”

Adaobi: ”The daughter of the King.”

Ikenna: “The Lord’s strength.”

Dalu, Chi Ukwu gozie gi: Thank you and may God bless you.

Nwa Ada mu nwanyi: My dearest daughter.

Oga adiri gi mma: It will be well with you.

Ikenna nwa m: Ikenna my son

My handsome Papa; Late Ozo James Orjiekwe

Short story

A sleepless night.. a short story

September 26, 2015September 26, 2015 jacquelineobyikochaLeave a comment

Source: A sleepless night..

Inspiration - Motivation · Life · The Daily Post

When its Over, its Done With…

September 24, 2015September 24, 2015 jacquelineobyikocha27 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Out of Reach.”

Frankly speaking, as the days go by; which by the way is turning out to be one of my favourite statements, I have no regrets about Ex’s that have been left behind!

They came into my life at the point in time that they should have and we moved on at the juncture when the show was over and their time was up to move on. Not all relationships are meant to last forever even when they were absolutely delicious. Nothing in life has permanence!

In my opinion, no place is out of reach to travel to if you want to and set your mind to. It is all in one’s perspective! One place that I visited and stayed for a while and wanted to stay longer than I was entitled to was Geneva – Switzerland. I fell in love with that city; its mix of ancient and modern. No Swiss gentleman was forthcoming to sweep me off my feet and other things in life were beckoning to me, so I had to journey forth 🙂

I don’t believe in dwelling on a past that is out of reach and done with. Thus, I don’t bother looking back at things that are not in my ability to resolve. Minor skirmishes with loved ones, where I need to apologize and make amends, I do that as swiftly as possible and try to mend fences.

I would rather continue my transformation by expending positive energy in creating better moments in the NOW. Moments that would translate to a better tomorrow when it arrives!

Yesterday is gone!

Today is now!

Tomorrow does not lie in my hands and will take care of itself!

Live within the moment and live it in full!