Tag: Writing

Receiving Flowers And All The Benefits

Posted in Creative writingTagged , , , , , , 2 Comments

Rigozo

The other day I found this on Instagram.

Credit: @blommavase on Instagram
Credit: @blommavase on Instagram

I’m very upset. Because I have never received flowers before.

Ever!

You may be wondering why I’m turning red in the face because of flowers. It is because a few days ago, I saw dried flowers used as a prop at a photo shoot. And after reading much about flowers and appreciating them from afar, it was a sore reminder that I was missing out.

Dried flowers used as props at the studio. Photo credit: Rigozo

Flowers are not forever, but how I wish dearly and look forward to receiving them. I’ll place them in a jar of water and put it where I can see it as often as possible. Afterward, I will dry them and press them within the pages of a book. Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic.

The longer I wait for that elusive someone to give me flowers, the more likely it is that my anxiety level rises. I mean who doesn’t like receiving gifts, however receiving flowers is a whole new level. The only remedy is to order flowers for me by myself and act surprised when it comes. That would be hilarious but I don’t want to miss out. You may think it is such a little thing but receiving flowers or having them around does amazing things to your health.

Photo credit: Pinterest

The good news is I have received a plant before from my friend Noah (I can’t find where I saved the pictures).

It was an Aloe Vera bush with the most beautiful coat of green I have ever seen (yes, I’m biased). I called my plant Catherina, and my mood honestly improved when I got her.
I felt all loving and nurturing like a mother and had this connection with mother earth. I had been granted the responsibility of watching over life and witnessing its transforming power and yes, I was a bit conceited😂. So, I want flowers as soon as possible (even though they won’t last for long).

PS My Catherina (aloe vera bush) emaciated weeks after staying with me. I had to return her to Noah before she returned to the earth. I guess I need to learn how to take care of plants first.😓

Photo credit: Pexel

Studies have shown that flowers not only appeal to our senses of sight and smell but there are also tremendous health benefits to be had from receiving flowers.

To purify the air

The basic science that we all know is that humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Plants require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and in turn, they give back oxygen. Our leafy neighbors also help to reduce dust particles which is a great help to tackle respiratory problems. When next you receive flowers and you keep them in your room, know that the air just a lot cleaner.

Get your glow on

Ever feel gloomy and down, and everywhere you look has a gray cast? That moment right there is when receiving flowers would make all the difference. Well, studies have shown that flowers can add the dash of color that you need to brighten up your day. You BLOOM and GLOW, and open up to positive vibes and energies. When women receive flowers, it improves their mood and gives them that much-needed feeling of being cared for and loved. The same goes for men. Receiving flowers induces warmth and leaves you feeling like cotton candy inside.

Improve your mental health

Flowers help to improve your emotional balance, keeping you on the sunny side of the spectrum. This is great because you get to tick off depression and anxiety from your list, and your mental health improves tremendously – that bottle of Xanax will stay untouched in the cabinet – especially when you are receiving flowers from the ones you love. Lavender and Jasmine are known to reduce stress, and Chamomile, commonly taken as a tea is notorious for its anti-anxiety effects. I guess you can say that flowers are all-natural anti-depressants.

Sian Wild says, “Flowers are proven to help reduce recovery time. Although flowers are no longer permitted in hospitals, if someone is ill or recuperating at home, a thoughtful bunch of blooms can generate a sense of wellbeing. Blood pressure and heart rate levels will be reduced.” Flowers and good health are related.

In my previous post, I talked about how little things can make a big difference, and the act of giving and receiving flowers is one of such little things. It conveys emotions that do not require words, puts a smile on people’s faces, and remember that it can improve poor health.

Now you know why I want to receive flowers and why you should too. If you can, send your loved one flowers today, it would be a simple gesture that will go a long way to make their day sparkle.

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  • The Story of How I Met Mo-Isu
    The apparition introduced himself as Mo.
  • Saturdays Are For Weddings
    It is an unspoken rule that Saturdays are for weddings in Nigeria.
Like, share, and comment about receiving flowers

Why Little Things Make A Big Difference

Posted in Creative writingTagged , , , , , , , 7 Comments

Rigozo

Hello guys, let’s play a game. No need to panic it’s not Squid Game guys. This game will help us understand why the little things are impactful.

I want you to read the sentence below, and as you do so count the number of Fs that you find.

A game that serves as an analogy for show how the little things affect the big picture - Matt Abraham, Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Awesome. How many Fs did you find? 3, 4, 5, or 6?

Did you perhaps miss the two-letter words ending in Fs?

Feel free to check the sentence again.

Matt Abraham from Stanford Graduate School of Business used this game as an analogy in his lecture – Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques – to teach his class the little things that can affect speaking in public spontaneously. According to him, “It’s the little things that make a big difference in being effective.”

If your answer was incorrect do not think that you are not smart (olodo). However, it’s as a result of not paying attention to the teeny weeny things.

Little things can make a big difference

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that neglecting the little things will only have consequences in spontaneous speaking. Can you not recall a time when it was the little things that kept you sane?

The other day I was washed, pressed dressed, and ready to leave the house. I was going to be late if I did not leave on time, traffic being what it is in town. I was going to take the bus but couldn’t find my keys. I hear you groaning too. It is one of the most infuriating situations a person can find themselves in.

I was disgruntled and pulled at my hair as I searched all over the apartment for the keys. I went back to the table where we kept the keys and stared blankly at the empty spot where the keys should have been. I was late and bemoaned my existence.

The takeaway is that you need to pay close attention to those little things that can be easily overlooked. They come back to bite you in the butt – take a huge chunk too. They may likely ruin your plans. So keep it in mind that doing the little things make a huge difference between getting it right and making a mess.

If only I had returned the keys to the table when I got home from work the previous day. It was such a little thing to do that would save me time and energy.

For you, it could be taking a 20mins break from work every day, or waking up early to meditate and plan your day, or it could be a smile from a stranger, or wearing your favorite shirt, or cooking a meal for your spouse, or staying consistent with your exercise routine, walking the dog in the evening, tending to your plants, feeling wanted and loved and so on.

These little things can a big difference in your day, your relationship, your work, and your life in general.

Conclusion

The little things are called little for a reason. They are those things that you see and yet you don’t see. You may not be able to realize it until it may be too late. By paying attention to yourself and your surrounding you’ll be able to notice the little things that you miss. Spend time doing these little things that give you pleasure, makes you stronger, lifts your spirit, improves your productivity and better your life.

Photo Credit: Pixels

You rock🤘🏽

Morning Musings

Posted in Creative writing, Motivational, Music, Photography, StorytellingTagged , , , , , , , , , , 9 Comments

Rigozo

Today, like most days I find myself awake even before the sun is up. The sky is inky black and I look out my window as if anticipating a lover. The hours before sunrise is one of my favorite times of the day. I like to wake up early in the morning so that I can spend time with myself.

I like to imagine that every morning is like a painter painting over an old canvas. I like to tell myself that I’ve gotten another day to love and be loved. I like to think about all the things I would like to do and the process I’ll have to follow to get there. Another chance to give meaning to my existence and going after the things that I want. I like to watch the window like I’m waiting for my lover to jump in and carry me off farfarfaraway.

When I hear someone say that they are not a morning person, I just cannot relate. For me, I just love to be up early, to breathe deeply, and listen to my heart thud in my chest in a quiet rhythm. Also, it makes sense to revisit yesterday with fresh eyes, accepting that the past is in the past – I’m in the present. Those things that hurt me before are all behind me, and I do not have to be shackled by them. Morning comes with its uncertainties yet I would rather run into the future than dwell in the past.

I hope today stays fresh and wonderful to you too.❤️ Have a wonderful day and a happy weekend.

Photo credit: Rigozo

I love city lights. I took this picture in the early hours of the morning after it rained.

The Wondering

Posted in Creative writing, Featured Post, Photography, PoetryTagged , , , , , Leave a comment 
Do you want advice 
Ask the ones who know 
How to chew their words with kolanut and alligator pepper

Ask them of life
They will tell you things 
For what the elders see from their bottom
The child will not from the tree's top

I speak not of the wrinkled and the bony
For grey hair, missing teeth and bent frames
Are not always keys to wisdom’s stores

Though this may seem true
More times than the fetching bucket
Returns empty from the watering well

Ask them of life’s lesssons
They will tell you slowly
Ask them again and again
For the child forgets so soon

And our land overflows with mouths
Chewing kola and alligator pepper
But where did wisdom go
Did the children stop asking or
The old stopped answering


THE WONDERING | Uzzi Ologe
The Womdering - A poem by Uzzi Ologe

Uzzi Ologe🏆

Uzzi Ologe is a wannabe lots of things – poet, storyteller, critic, scholar and general writer of stuff… if only he gets around to actually writing (but God will help him). He loves banga soup and eba. When he is not thinking of writing, he is watching movies or daydreaming. He is also the most boring guy on earth.

Follow Uzzi on WordPress

I have made minor mistakes that have had major consequences. Whenever it happened, I felt overwhelmed by self-pity and self-doubt. However, I’ve come to realize that I need to break out of that cycle. I know now that I’m able to do so by choosing to forgive myself. And to prevent mistakes, I will try to be aware of where I am and what I’m doing at all times. That way I would be more successful and productive.

Rigozo
Read a book today❤️

Thursday Talk Series| Idowu As A Living Oracle

Posted in Interview, Photography, Storytelling, Thursday Talk Series, WritingTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rigozo

Holla! Have you listened to Ed Sheeran – Shivers? You should do – like right now – I don’t mean now, but after you’ve read today’s Thursday Talk Series you can skedaddle outta here and go listen to Eddie’s latest song if pop is your kind of jam. All week I had it on repeat. The first time I listened to the song I started dancing even though I’m a tragic dancer. I hope I’m never asked to dance to save my life because it would be my obituary. Yes, that bad. But Ed’s Shivers is that good.

Standing on non-existing protocols, I’d like to introduce Idowu Adeyemi, The Oracle (it’s a fact that I always hear a thunderous cheer anytime he’s introduced). If Orishás (traditional Yoruba spirits) walked the earth, it is safe to say that Idowu is an ancient spirit trapped in a human body, but still offering service to humankind. His personality shines through in all of his affairs, and the work that he puts into the things he’s passionate about places him above his peers (notice I didn’t say he puts passion into his work). He’s also one of the best people that I have been privileged to know. He’s a dreamer by nature, a lawyer by profession, and an Orator by might. I believe the world is waiting to know a man like Idowu, and soon they’ll get to meet him. When he’s not busy with legal matters, he reads (African literature is his favorite), cooks, listens to music, take short walks, and engages in lively discussions (from how to develop the reading culture of Young Africans to the which housemate was evicted on BBN).

Trivia about Idowu

He loved to watch Bollywood😂😂😭❤️

Q. Can you introduce yourself and what you do?

A. My name is Idowu Olamilekan Adeyemi but my friends and fans like to call me “The Oracle.” Not that I truly believe that I’m one but it has a nice ring to it, so I stick to it. I am a Lawyer with my practice areas including Intellectual Property Law, Corporate and Commercial Practice, Legal drafting, Research and Writing. So, if you are ever in need of my services, don’t hesitate to reach out. I am also trying to get a Communication Consulting Company off the ground and I am optimistic it will turn out great pretty soon.

Idowu Adeyemi after Law School
Idowu Olamilekan Adeyemi

Q. Why do you do your job, and would you rather do something else?

A. I have to say that I am not one of those privileged people who have the incredible gift of knowing what exactly they want to do with their lives from an early stage. I was a commercial student throughout my secondary school but then I stumbled on law when I was going to write my o’ levels exam and it felt like the right thing to do because it aligned with my natural abilities but then I got to the University and it felt like a total disaster. It took me another year after law school to fall in love with this profession. So, I practice law because I finally believe that this where I am meant to be and I am good at it and it does align with a major part of my personality not to mention the fact that money doesn’t hurt too. As far as doing something else goes, I won’t. I will rather complement my law practice with other creative endeavors that I am certain I have abilities for.

Q. When have you felt like giving up?

A. Good gracious! That has been too many times already. In fact, it use to be everyday. Being a person with disability and living in an unstructured society like Nigeria is a double jeopardy to say the least. And a specific instance of such frustration will be when a prospective employer hinted at my disability as the reason for not getting the job. This had happened more than once but this particular day, I went back home depressed and I was sure I was never going to try again. But after hunger waya my head for a couple of days, I needed no extra motivation. Lol. I figured if the society is not going to give me a space, I can either take it or create one for myself and that is what I have been doing since that time.

Idowu living in the moment at sunrise

Q. What two things do you think of the most each day and why?

A. I think about self and professional development. I want to be the best at whatever I do. My career and future mean a lot to me and I am always thinking about how many positive steps I have taken each day to get closer to it. I think about family too. A lot, but that is a story for another day. Lol.

Q. What have you accomplished so far that has made you proud?

A. Honestly, I have a lot of things to be grateful for. But what I am proud of the most is the fact that I am able to attain independence. My worst fear growing up use to be that I will forever be dependent as a person with disability. It hunted me so bad that I use to cry in my private space but today, e no too hard to drink small garri and groundnut daily. Lol.

The Oracle having a good time
Photo credit: Rigozo

Q. If money was not relevant, what would you do all day?

A. I will sit with peers and engage in interesting and intelligent conversations all day. I will sit with old people and listen to stories about the past and learn more about our various cultures and languages. I will spend more time trying to understand the dynamics and the diversity of humanity. I sure as hell will travel a lot and explore the world beyond my immediate reality and environment.

Q. What kind of people do you allow in your circle?

A. All kinds of people. Everyone is welcome, as long as you are kind, empathetic and you can show and appreciate love. Tribe, race, religion, class and other basis of discrimination do not apply in my relationships.

Q. Do you consider that people are basically good or bad?

A. I think we are both and I think we are more than that. Humanity is complex, it will be cheap oversimplification to say we are either just good or bad. The part of us that we exhibit however is dependent on various factors; like the part of us we have nurtured the most, socialization process, level of knowledge and exposure, how complex the dilemma we are presented with is at the point of making each decision and a lot more. We can only try to do the right thing but we have to admit that we will not always get it right and that’s okay.

Idowu ‘The Oracle’ in Ibadan

It took me another year after law school to fall in love with this profession. So, I practice law because I finally believe that this where I am meant to be and I am good at it and it does align with a major part of my personality not to mention the fact that money doesn’t hurt too. As far as doing something else goes, I won’t. I will rather compliment my law practice with other creative endeavors that I am certain I have abilities for.

Idowu Adeyemi, ‘The Oracle’ on Thursday Talk Series.

Q. What is your biggest complaint about this country?

A. It’s the lack of a system for me. You cannot single out a sector in Nigeria where things are working the way they should. Everyone just dey freestyle and living each day as it comes. It’s pathetic!

Q. What is the one thing you think that should be taught in school about choosing a career that isn’t?

A. Actually, for me, it’s two things. First, it’s okay to figure out your career path much later after school. It doesn’t mean you are a loser or irresponsible or dumb. It only means you are yet to find yourself and that can take a lot of time for some people and it’s absolutely alright. Just don’t give up on yourself. Whenever you wake up is your morning. All you need do, no matter how long it takes is ensure that you wake up. Second, do not underestimate the power of social capital. Great people in your circle are worth infinitely more than money. So, build relationships and don’t burn bridges. When you finally wake up, those people will be there to say good morning to you and help you get off to a beautiful day ahead.

Thank you so much, Idowu for the interview and I wish you all the best. Remember that your dreams are as great as you envision them to be and it’s only a matter of time. And to everyone still reading thank you so much. Also, you can like, comment and share. Have a lovely Thursday.

Below is a little something I wrote for Idowu a while back, hope you enjoy it.

The Oracle,

When they started calling you ‘The Oracle’ back in school, I teased you at every given opportunity. Well, that was my job description as your friend and sometimes tormentor. I tried my best to be at all of your competitions anyway. 

In a packed lecture hall, when it was your turn to speak, I could sink my teeth into the tension in the air. Maybe I didn’t hear all that you said, and that was the least reason why I was there anyway. The main reason was to watch people as they listened to you. 

To see a mass of bodies lean a little further, hold their breaths, and scream as one at the words you said, was euphoric. That you held sway over the emotions and the actions of people was in itself a form of power. And that was when I realized that you may not be a deity, but you were at those moments the most powerful person in the room. 

Dedicated to Idowu Adeyemi.
How I would like to spend my weekend😭

Thursday Talk Series | Deep Conversations With Jiya

Posted in Books, Creative writing, Interview, Photography, Storytelling, Thursday Talk Series, WritingTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rigozo

This is for anybody out there who is struggling to meet deadlines and is feeling overwhelmed by life in general. It’s not easy to work on so many projects at the same time without running the risk of neglecting one or two and then feeling like a total loser because of it. I have a lot going on right now guys and I am cutting really close to my deadlines and losing sleep. I have found that if not properly managed it affects my ability to focus and be creative. I try to tell myself that this too shall pass, and I’m working towards creating a more productive space for myself🤞🏾 I’ll share tips/tools that I’m currently utilizing to help step up my working game, but that will be another day.

Let me introduce Jiya, it’s really great to have him here. So Jiya gives off the first impression that he can be easily read but really he’s a lot like Rubik’s Cube, cool and complex. One moment you think you have him all figured out, and then wham! he reveals another side of himself that is totally unexpected. Jiya is also the one person to call if you need to keep the place alive with humor and terrific/deep conversations (obsessed with his voice and for a good reason; he sounds like raw honey and spice😌). He personal exudes self-awareness, and he’s introspective, intense, and very passionate

Q. Can you introduce yourself and what you do?

A. Sure! I’m Daniel Jiya Majin, but I mostly go by Jiya. I’m a Podcaster, Story Writer, and Singer. I love Anime, deep discussions, music, and women.

Daniel Jiya Majin

Q. Why do you do your job, and would you rather do something else?

A. I do my job because it’s what I can do with the least amount of stress for money. I don’t know if it’s fair to say I’d rather do something else. It’s more like I’d rather do a more polished and complete version of what I currently do, that makes more money.

Q. What’s your idea of real success and how can it be achieved?

A. Success to me is being able to live and thrive off doing the things you want to do. The things you really want to do. I want to have interesting and deep conversations with people. I want to write compelling and heart-felt stories that touch people. I want to stir hearts with my voice, If I can ever make a living from doing these things, I win. That’s a success.

Q. What do you appreciate about yourself and what would you like to change?

A. I appreciate that I’m not afraid to look inward to see what’s wrong. I appreciate that I have a kind heart even though I feel like it makes me weak. I appreciate that I’m somewhat intelligent. I appreciate my fantastic physical frame. I wish I could change my work ethic. I wish I could change my inability to handle failure properly. I wish I could change my emotional insecurities. I wish I was more driven and motivated.

Q. If you could, what’s the one thing you’d change about the world?

A. The lack of understanding between people. It’s crazy how many misunderstandings and a lack of connection set us back as a people.

Q. What do you perceive your biggest losses are, financially or people?

A. I actually think they’re more personal, but I’ll put down my desire to flog myself. Definitely financial. I’m actually blessed to still be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Q. What kind of people do you allow into your circle?

A. People who show an interest in me, people who listen and think, and most importantly, people I like.

Q. If money was not relevant, what would you do all day?

A. Sing, play competitive video games, exercise, smoke weed with my friends, and talk about our experiences.

Q. What superpowers would you like to have and why?

A. Reading minds. Cuz control over the heart and mind is the ultimate power.

Jiya

Success to me is being able to live and thrive off doing the things you want to do. The things you really want to do….have interesting and deep conversations…write heart felt stories that touch people…stir hearts with my voice, If I can ever make a life from doing these things, I win. That’s success.

Q. What’s the one thing you think that should be taught in school about choosing a career that isn’t?

A. That it’s okay to figure out what you want as you go along. A lot of the time we get put in boxes yeah? Then we’re constantly told “think out of the box”. But they never teach you how.

Thank you Jiya for the interview and to everyone reading, hope you have a fabulous Thursday.

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Rubik’s Cube
Photo credit: Pexel
A picture I took today
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Our Shared Experience Through Photographs |World Photography Day

Posted in Art, Creative writing, Photography, StorytellingTagged , , , , , , , 1 Comment

I’m used to staying back and running things behind the scene but when I was asked to become the Team Leader for my online photography class on our presentation for World Photography Day, I’m glad to say that my team did a great job.

I learnt a lot from this experience and realized that I am capable of doing more than I can even imagine. This is a moment I’ll look back on and be inspired by how intentional I was about achieving success and how this was possible with the help of amazing people. I’m sharing what we did because I’m very intentional about celebrating small wins and they set the path towards achieving bigger goals.

Topic: Our Shared Experience Through Photographs

Title slide for our shared experience through photographs

From the world’s earliest captured photograph to posting pictures of selfies, pets and food, photography has come a long way and has become a very important part of our lives.

Around the world in 60seconds

VO: Why do I say this? Because when it comes to photographs, anything is possible.
For instance, are you aware that from where you’re seated you could travel around the world in 60 seconds? Get ready!

Travel Around the World

As you can see, through photographs we are able to experience life outside of our society and engage with diverse communities all around the world. This is why we celebrate world photography day, to make this shared experience possible by transcending time and space, culture and traditions, to unite the world through photographs.

History Is Made Through Photographs – Photographers as Revolutionaries

History is made through photographs

“Photographers are one of those who can turn a single moment into an unbreakable memory” – Vatsal Nathwani


It simply means that Photographs can never go out of style. The history of photography is such that we have had revolutionary photographers that set the stage for photography as we know it all over the world and even in Nigeria. The historical style and works of these photographers inspire us even in this present day, and informs the art, craft, and science of photography.

Jonathan Adagogo Green was Nigeria’s first Indigenous Professional photographer and a pioneer of photography in Nigeria. He’s known for his documentation of the colonial power and culture.

Solomon Osagie Alonge was a self-taught photographer and pioneer of Nigerian Photography.
He was the first official photographer of the royal court of Benin City, Nigeria. Solomon also had the ability to tell the story of his people from a personal and detailed perspective.

Works of Regina Relang and Solomon Osagie Alonge
Revolutionary pictures

Regina Relang was a German Fashion photographer and Photojournalist during the 50s and 60s. She began working for Vogue in 1938 and she photographed fashion shoots at haute couture presentations, as well as models in glamorous locations. Not only did Regina document the changing fashions but her photographs also presented a more modern portrayal of women.

John Szarkowski was an American Photographer, curator, historian and critic. He was the director of Photography at New York’s Museum of Modern Art from 1962-1991. He went against all odds and elevated Street Photography to an original state in the world.

Dorothea Lange was an American Documentary Photographer and Photojournalist. Her photographs clearly documented the NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE DEPRESSION on the rural poor and migrant farmworkers. These photographs also served as a political tool for they helped the nation to see the negative effect of depression on an individual level also.

The works of Dorothy Lange, John Szarkowski and Yousuf Karsh
Timeless photographs

Yousuf Karsh was an Armenian Canadian Photographer known for his portraits of important and famous men and women of politics. He was notorious for using carefully arranged lighting to model his subject’s faces, thereby obtaining a monumental and idealized presentation that helped promote their public image.

Every photographer today is a shutter away from making history and shaping the the minds of future generations to come. People will always enjoy the pleasure of creating and documenting memories because photographs are stories at a glance.

Inspiring Hope: Surviving a Pandemic

Tragedy struck and the world was devastated by the effects of the coronavirus, again photographs helped people around the world to have shared experience. When the lockdown isolated us, photographs helped us stay connected. People shared pictures with their loved ones, friends and colleagues on social media, and it was a way to keep informed of events unfolding worldwide.
The theme for World Photography Day 2020 was “Pandemic Through The Lens.” This was a thoughtful way to help people express their feelings and it passed a powerful message of hope that we were all together fighting for our survival.

Coronavirus isolate the world

Photographs shape the world as we know it and serves as a tool for social change both nationally and globally. As the ideals of the world changes and people become empowered to pursue development both as individuals and as members of the society, photographs have become symbolic to inspire people to take charge of securing a better future for them.

End Sars Protests to stop police brutality in Nigeria

Conclusion

Burk Uzzle said, “Photography is a love affair with life.”

If photographs lets us experience exotic places in the comfort of our homes, start revolutions and make history, and allows us to connect with our loved ones whether it’s during the holidays or when facing a pandemic, will you now be able to imagine living in a world where photography does not exist?

That’s the gist🥰. If you’d like to watch the presentation click on the video below👇🏽 or you can check it out on Instagram

Thursday Talk Series on Enosedeba – The Storyteller

Posted in Interview, Storytelling, Thursday Talk Series, WritingTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rigozo

Hey everyone, I’m glad to have you here. My week was great. Yay! I know right, August started for me like sunshine after a stormy night. The best thing about my week was when I realized how blessed it is to have people that love and care for me. Not long ago, on the 30th of July, the world celebrated, ‘International Friendship day,’ and I was once again reminded that my existence, though plagued with uncertainties, has been enriched by the people I associate with. I’d like to say a big thank you to my friends for all the support, and the kinds words, and for just being there. If I have been too involved with myself and neglecting my duties as a friend, feel free to call me out and I wish us more years of friendship and food (yes food…don’t ask me why; you can also call an old friend today and say Hi)😌

Okay, I have Enosedeba Ken with us today, and I feel I should give y’all a heads up…there’s quite a lot to take in. Now I like rehashing first meetings because they mostly leave a lasting impression on me. With Ken it was a virtual meeting, and people the word I’ll use is intense, think Yoda meets Rumi, and I know that sounds shady but that’s the honest truth. For me Ken embodies our uniqueness as humans, and also how we view the world as individuals. He signals at every turn that we are all connected and playing our parts in every corner of the globe. It’s in his message of Love (here’s another guy that sneaks the ‘L’ word into every conversation😂) and in the stories that he tells.

Q. Can you introduce yourself and what you do?

A. Hi Rigz, as I love to call you. My name is Enosedeba and I am a storyteller (Feels like an AA meeting introduction). I tell stories of what was, what is, and what will be, or as I like to put it, I tell stories of the end and the beginning of everything and nothing (I know it sounds like a lot). I use various mediums in telling stories; it could be poems, short stories, or films. Whichever the medium, my stories are grounded on four abstracts, time, love, death, and choice. I am currently compiling my writing into a body of work titled, “The End and Beginning of Everything and Nothing”, also working on my debut novel titled, “The Handmaiden.”

Enosedeba standing in front of the box office logo
Ken Enosedeba

Q. Why do you do your job, and would you rather do something else?

A. I believe I am blessed with one of the most important jobs in the world. In life, stories are everything. They are our roadmap lest we get lost, our memory lest we forget, and our light lest we fall – a man or a nation without vision sleeps with the army of the dead. We, therefore, find our answers to life in stories. Everything tells a story, and I seek to tell the story of everything. Now, why would I stop giving life to others, what could possibly be more fun than telling the story of time?

Q. Can you share the time when you were certain it was what you wanted to do?

A. Tbh, when I found myself – not I but myself – it was at the time that I discovered the world in me. I knew I had to tell the story of this spirit that lives in everyone and everything. I sought to unravel the mystery that is the “I Am”. Of course, I knew it was a journey, a marvel that never ends, yet I chose to ride this white horse from that moment.

Excerpt on Enosedeba’s story titled The Language of Love

Q. What do you feel is the difference between living and existing?

A. Love. The one that is without love is empty even when he has everything. It’s a story that time will always tell. Love is the source of life, it is the spirit that holds and connects everything. The one who has love has found hope, friendship, community, and family. One thrives in such harmony, for even when he has nothing, he has more than enough. I believe there’s a saying, “Everyone dies but not everyone lived.” Love is light, without it, there’s no color, just darkness.

Q. What two things do you think of the most each day and why?

A. Love and Time lol. Pretty much because I’m always working. My experience of reality is immersed in these because I seek to understand these abstracts more, so I could tell their stories better. I say, “In the beginning, time called forth for love and after the hero’s journey, time saw that love was good, so time rested, letting love rule in His stead.” I am on the hero’s journey, every living soul is.

Q. Can you describe the person that knows you best?

A. HaHaHa, I wouldn’t say there’s one person that knows me best. Though I’m quite simple, I am as complex as love, and I am constantly evolving. The ‘me’ you know is probably a reflection of yourself, and I believe humans are dynamic. Yea, there are depths to me I’m yet to find and I think it would be unfair to burden someone with the whole of me. I am hoping my wife would know me best though lol. The two are one, right?

Q. What superpowers would you like to have and why?

A. Hmm, Vision. The eye of the heart breaks through the matrix of reality and reaches to the source to know what truly is. When you know what is, you know what will be. For the man with vision is never defeated, ask Bran Stark.

Q. If you could, what’s the one thing you’d change about the world?

A. Our thought process. How we think, well, it all starts with a thought, and if I could align the thoughts of men with the source of life then the world will be better for it. Right now the world is on a journey that started from a point no longer remembered, and we are hoping one day it becomes a circle – a futile quest. So yeah, I believe we as spirit beings were sent to the world to make men remember that love is the only point that stands.

Q. What have you accomplished so far that has made you proud?

A. Oh I wrote a short film, lol. I’ve done a great many things but I’ve always wanted to make a film and I wrote one. It is currently in the production stage. I hope I get a review on your blog.

“Love is the source of life, it is the spirit that holds and connects everything. The one who has love has found hope, friendship, community and family. One thrives in such harmony, for even when he has nothing, he has more than enough.”

Ken Enosedeba on Thursday Talk Series.

Q. If like a movie your life up to this point is played for you to watch, describe how you’d feel about it?

A. Hahaha, omg, what a journey it has been. It’ll be nice to experience myself outside of my body. I think I’d be very attentive though, a story is being told, it is my story and it hasn’t ended yet. Sometimes a good reflection can give you keys to open doors in the present and future. We can’t rewrite the past but we can learn from it.

Thank you Ken for the interview and I wish you all the best with your book and film. To my readers thank you so much and just in case you haven’t heard this, have a beautiful Thursday.

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The Prince – Snail Story#1

Posted in Creative writing, Flash Fiction, WritingTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Rigozo

The dozen or so flowers artfully arranged in the lavishly decorated room was unable to mask the cloying smell of sickness and decay. The heavy drapes covered the windows, and there was a constant buzz of flies accompanied by the groans coming from the direction of the large canopied bed.

The physician looked down at his patient, the Prince, and struggled to hide his revulsion. He hoped that the disease – it was unlike anything he had ever seen – was not contagious. Rumor had it that the Prince had forced himself on a witch and she had cursed him as she took her own life.

The vicious and arrogant prince was now a shriveled lump in the center of the bed. The shallow breaths he took made a wheezing sound. His skin was dry like parchment, clinging to his bones and flaking as if covered with dandruff. He was in immense pain, unable to eat or drink because his mouth was full of sores, and boils covered his groin. The Prince’s hair had fallen out and his once handsome face was gaunt with sunken cheeks, but his eyes were open, very much alive and trapped in a dying body.

Hey guys! As promised my flash fiction collection – Snail Story is up and cruising. And I want to do a lot of things with it, I feel butterflies in my belly just thinking of it. This is the first and I hope to have close to fifty or more before the year runs out, that’s roughly 10,000 words. Wow! Nice.

Thank you guys for reading. I really appreciate it. You can share and comment, I’d love to know what you think about my first attempt😂

Photo Credit: Pexels

Read Thursday Talk Series here

Kernel Seed

Posted in Photography, WritingTagged , , , , 7 Comments

Hey guys! Pretty excited to have another featured writer. It’s almost two weeks since my last post, and I have looked forward to coming back from my self imposed hiatus. Life can really throw curve balls, it’s a wonder how we still manage to get up, dust off, and move on. My inner yogi is getting a rush out of that one. It brings to mind what a friend told me a while back, that it is not so much so the destination, but also the journey. I’m glad to be able to move on, and I derive a huge satisfaction from knowing the novelty of a new day still holds my attention. So yay me!!! 

KERNEL SEED
 I come to you as a shock not a friend
 I come to you as a thing you crave
 I do not come to you lightly
 I do not come from a place faraway
 I come from a place inside you
 I do not come bringing light
 I do not come bringing power
 I come to show you you are light
 You are power
 I come to you as a thing you do not use
 I come to you as a reminder
 I come to you as thing you own
 Use me.

Uzezi Ologe

Uzzi Ologe (Uzi for short, exactly like the military grade weapon) is a writer and friend. Our conversations swing from humorous to alarmingly serious, in a heartbeat *goosebumps*. Those eyes will look at you as if he sees into your soul, and yet you are left wondering if maybe, just maybe you grew a mole on your face. It’s really hard to tell, and what’s amazing is that he shared this photo poem with me (that’s what he tagged it). Neat! Check out his blog here

Until next time! Stay safe! 😊

Photo credit: Pexels