Perhaps…Writers quote Wednesday

March 2, 2016March 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha38 Comments

During my recent foray for freelance writing opportunities, the quote below jumped out from somewhere and glared me in the eyes.

The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece, or per word or perhaps. Robert Benchley.

The ‘perhaps’ part got stuck in my head, drumming away at my thoughts and I knew that it’s my quote for Writer’s quote Wednesday.

I mulled over it nursing a mug of tea and toast and not willing to accept the perhaps part of these things.

I continued ruminating over it even as I later nursed this yogurt and granola beside me, still questioning the perhaps part of things.

My dull mind refused to acknowledge the fact that perhaps meant you may go for months and months as a writer, waxing brilliant and intelligent words and all, yet pauperized.

Perhaps meant, queries that may never get answered and yet you continue swallowing the bitter pill of your writers pride and keep sending the queries until your name is emblazoned on the medulla oblongata of the editor, until he/she decides to save himself a thriving headache and gives you a space to submit your write up on the different species of Cactus.

I ruminated further, taking off my rose-coloured spectacles and the truth of the matter is that we are all freelancing on our blogs, labouring lovingly over our words with the word ‘perhaps’ hanging in the balance of our thoughts.

‘Perhaps,’ in the long run, every single word would be worth the trouble and your medal as a writer, well worn with pride.

Uncategorized

It’s One Of Those Dear Diary Days….

March 2, 2016March 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha51 Comments

Today’s one of those days that I wake up questioning my madness once again. It’s 4.30 am and my mind was to toss the alarm clock under the bed.

My body felt heavy and I had a dull headache as if I hadn’t slept *well, some creatures were perambulating in my head as I was trying to get my beauty sleep* and I honestly felt like just getting the children to school in my nightwear and crawling back under my lovely duvet.

Excuse my French, I simply felt shitty! For so many reasons both known and unknown.

The primary thought on my mind is why on Earth am I grinding my teeth, determined to keep writing, when I can choose a nice calm career that might not require a lot of my mental faculties.

At this point I was beginning to think fleetingly that a career as a dog walker would be just fascinating and soothe my frazzled nerves.

The dogs will keep me in shape and amuse me as well, and I could tell my tales to them as they gaze at me in pure admiration. Madness.

I dragged myself into the steamy hot shower and allowed the water to cascade down for several minutes. It’s so soothing and blissful. It revs up my engine.

Jumping into my exercise gear, I dilly-dally on the computer a bit before waking the young’uns to get ready for school and breakfast.

Mind over matter, I kept muttering to my mind and mind won.

I hit the trail, poured out some sweat and the headache was lost in transit.

Now, I sit down here in Starbucks, checking out freelance opportunities and looking at people pass me by. It’s all good as I feel a lift in my spirit and I am thankful for the ability to literally drag myself by my boot straps and get going.

Indeed, there are days in our lives that are filled with such moments of misgivings, but when we sit and appreciate the little things that surrounds us and our well-being, the picture looks brighter.

Have you experienced one of such day’s recently? How did you handle it? I like learning new ways.

‘It will all end in praise.’

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

Uncategorized · Wordless Wednesday

Snookers…

March 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha10 Comments

Photographs · Uncategorized · Wordless Wednesday

Frisbee Time…Wordless Wednesday.

March 2, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha11 Comments

Inspiration - Motivation · Life · Midnight motivation and musings · Quotes For You

Midnight Motivations and Musings 22…

March 1, 2016March 1, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha34 Comments

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There are those who are experts in finding every feasible excuse under this side of the planet why something cannot be achieved, meanwhile the solution to achieving the goal is just as plain as the day and right before their nose.

They build their pessimistic mountains out of molehills and nothing ever gets done around them, due to the long chain of all the bad things that could go wrong if they ventured to take a risk.

So, they never venture. They cower in a corner and try to discourage those who dare to venture.

Life in itself is a risk. From the day you were born it is a risk, until the day you die.

It’s either you live as fully as you can or you die having never lived.

Health · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · Memes

Getting In Shape…

February 29, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha33 Comments

Every weekend we indulge happily, thanking God that it’s Friday, then Saturday and Sunday. We hop back on the cycle on Monday’s. It’s a vicious cycle. In reality we could all lose the extra weight we want to lose, but the truth is that most people hate losing things. It makes them mad 🙂

Welcome to another week of running around like a hamster.

Blog · Inspiration - Motivation · Memes · Midnight motivation and musings · Self Help

Midnight Motivations and Musings #20..

February 28, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha21 Comments

There are times when all looks dim and bleak, but if we look hard enough, there is always a way, no matter how tight that way may appear.

At that point in time when we are passing through hellish moments, we don’t stop to wallow in it and in self-pity. We have to keep moving.

Even if our will power is flagging, look to someone’s own to latch on to. There is absolutely no shame in leaning on someone’s shoulder momentarily while you catch your breath if need be. People are sent into our lives at some points in time for reasons such as this.

The only shame is in giving up because you have the fear of being judged or you are too proud. The persons judgement is not your problem.

Your problem is in staying focused and getting out of the miry bog in which you are stuck in.

Know that even at the end of the darkest tunnel, there will always be found a sliver of light, and, yes the darkness will pass. For the only constant in life is change and no situation ever remains permanent.

Surviving your test allows you the opportunity to be a testimony to others and someone else’s leaning post at one point in time or the other.

Be patient as you strive and keep looking in the way of the light.

Dubai · Life · Travel · Uncategorized

DESERT STORM…

February 28, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha9 Comments

Since I am living in a desert city, I will write my prompt based on being stranded on a deserted sea of sand.

The desert is a fascinating landscape yet it can be merciless in retribution. A sand storm can spring unannounced and those fine, endless sand can get into areas better left imagined.

Living here and driving by huge expanse of sand ever so often, makes me appreciate the flowing robes, ‘Thobe for the men and Jalabiya for women,’ that the Middle -Easterners wear as their national attire. It is not just a symbol of religion, but also derived over the ages as an attire of comfort and adaptability to their environment.

The blistering hot arid sands of the afternoon, quickly gives way to alarming freezing cold at nights that one must be well equipped to survive in the environment.

So, for me the five items would be:

A loose fitting robe, with flowing scarves, so that I can wear other things under to keep warm when needed, then use the scarf to keep out the fine sand that can get into eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, the ears, the underside and everywhere.

A huge flask of water to abate the thirst. Yes it’s arid and bone dry and who knows where the next oasis will be. Thirst and dehydration kills faster than not having food for days.

I will need my phone and charger with full service so that I can use the GPS to find my way, to make a call for help and to listen to music.

Food, food, food, even if they are just dry dates and energy bars and tins of beans.

Now for this last part, I will cheat by sneaking in somethings: A desert tent and pillow, some good read and a convertible gas lamp which can be used to warm stuff, keep an eye out for the desert snakes and all sorts of vicious creatures. Maybe those their wicked looking curved blades might me handy for any marauding Berber.

Can I bring my husband? He can be quite handy you know 😉

The Daily Post Prompt Five Items.

Blog · Echos Of My Neighbourhood · Photographs · Travel

Souk Madinat, the Mosque and Others..Echoes Of My Neighbourhood.

February 25, 2016June 7, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha25 Comments

On Thursday’s, I share pictures about ‘Echos of my Neighbourhood.

I would like to invite you to participate. The challenge is quite simple.

Every Thursday, share a photo of bits and pieces of wherever you are at any point in time. It could be houses, backgrounds of your neighbourhood, activities and so forth and you can tag it Echos of my Neighbourhood, add my link to your post so that I will get the ping from your post.

Every other Thursday, I will publish a post with the links of all those who participated the previous week.

This is just a fun way of getting to see more of the World around us through your eyes, since we cannot all be at those places, we can at least see them through you.

Last Week Echoes harvested quite new awesome peeks of different neighbourhoods, so board the flight with me and let’s go have a look see 🙂

What a good catch from dollops of heedful ramblings.

More of Copenhagen from Giggles and tales.

Dogs of our lives from Mandibelle

Fabulous shots from Jazzytower

This photos from Kat Myrman took me back to my former neighbourhood in Cypress – Houston. Sniff sniff

Harlem on my mind from Roaming urban gypsy.

I bet I saw a pirate in this shot from Writing in North Norfolk

Such cute sights from Never A Dull Bling, makes you wear a smile.

Fantastic Moosey shots from Honestme363.

Are we enjoying these views yet?

So, add a of yours? Pretty please with a cherry on top 😉

Regards,

Hope · Memes · Self Help · Writing

Midnight Motivations And Musings #15

February 23, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha23 Comments

Those who crave for the moon have to learn how to reach for the stars, even when life knocks you on your back. As a matter of fact, that is a good position for star gazing 😉

Wishing and not doing is idle-dreaming.

Dreams are only actualized when the steps are set in motion.

Your steps should be broken into days to give your a greater opportunity to be fully present in your moments.

It makes no sense running off to make a five year’s projection, when the next weeks projection is staring you in the face without being dealt with. That my friend is simply trying to play the game of delayed procrastination with your time.

Do remember that all the time that you have are equals to your life.

Step out of the revolving door and dare to fail forward.

Regards,