WILLOWY CHRONICLES- Chapter 1 Cont'd

CELCO Inc. is owned by Susan though bought off the hand of a family who could not hold it together and needed to sell the company to a proficient hand who could. She needed to try her hand on something new after working for Logistics and Management for more than seven years. How she could make something out of nothing is still something the media is trying to solve like a mystery. But her mother knew that the company had cost her a lot – her life – and she knows why. Susan is a strong, dedicated, and hard working woman who loves what she does. She had worked – still working tirelessly to ensure her company is one of the leading company in town.

After several hours of tedious meetings and going through documents she decided to take a break by calling up her mum. 

“Hi mum, what are you up to?” Susan said. 

“Hello darling, how are you? You sound exhausted”, her mum replied on the other end. 

“Yes mum, I think I maybe coming home early today, should be finishing all meetings early”, replied Susan. 

“That’s good. I guess we can have your favourite dish together tonight”. 

“Okay mum, that’ll be fantastic and thanks. How is Chico and Dora? Back from school yet?” 

“Not yet but they should be walking in any moment now”. “Okay, just needed a break that’s why I called”. 

“Okay dear, take care and see you”. Hanging up the receiver, she returned to work. 

Closing the day with a meeting with her Asian representatives, she decided to call it a day. Buzzing her secretary Lucy, she asked her to inform Joe to get the car ready. 

“I would be closing early today”, she said. 

“Right away, Ma’am”, replied Lucy her secretary for almost three years. Fifteen minutes later, she was down the hall, walking towards the elevator. 

“Good night Miss Billy!” someone called and it was Paul the Chief Operating Officer.  

“Good night Paul. I hope all logistic and procurement documents will be ready for my review with the Board by Monday morning”, replied Susan 

“Yes, they will be on your desk first thing”. “Okay then, see you on Monday and have a good weekend”, she said as the door of the lift closed.

As she got outside her office, her driver was waiting with the car, getting in, he drove off.

“That’ll be all for the day, Joe. But I would appreciate it if you could come round tomorrow let’s say about ten o’ clock”, Susan said to Joe before stepping out of the car. 

“Okay Ma’am, it won’t be any problem. Goodnight Ma’am”, Joe replied and left. 

Ding dong….. 

“Will someone please get the door, oh God, do I have to do things round this house all by myself”, cried a voice from inside. 

Susan smiled, imagining how her mother will look right this moment, the kids are driving her crazy again but the nice thing is that she enjoys every moment of it. 

“It’s me, Mama”, she call with a laugh 

Opening the door, her mum gave a hug and ushered her in. 

“Oh my…mmm, that smells good”, Susan said getting caught up in the aroma coming from inside the house. 

“…and you look worn out”, replied her mother looking worried. 

“…and very hungry too”, added Susan cheerfully as she stepped into the house. She drop her bag and files on the closest cream sofa on her way to the kitchen but meets a well-bred, beautiful, black and white collie on her way.. 

“Hey Chelsea girl, how are you today. Missed me…hope you've been a good baby to mama today?” she said playfully hugged and stroked her. 

“Woof, woof”, replied the dog. 

“That’s my girl and if you keep this up all week, you will be winning a trip to the park”, Susan said holding Chelsea’s face in both hands. And with that Chelsea licked her face and gave her a little dance. 

“Yeah I know, I am a weakling with good behavior and now if you would excuse me, I’m famished”, Susan added laughing out loud. Just then her Ma steps into the kitchen and said, “Sit and I’ll serve your meal. You know, seeing you with that dog one would know that you are going to be a wonderful mother, one day”. 

“Oh Mama, you know Chelsea and I have come a long way”, she sighed. 

“You know it is the truth”, her mother said as she placed the meal in front of her.  

Taking a mouth full, Susan mumble, “Hmmm, this is so tasty mum”. 

“I know you will like it”. 

“And that remains me; mum, I hope your schedule is free tomorrow because I want to take you all out. It has been a while we went out as a family, don’t you think?” Susan said taking another bite.

“Ok, I wanted to give you the good news on a full stomach but since you are impatience….as usual, I will tell you”, smiled her mother excitedly taking her seat adjacent to her daughter. 

“What’s it?” Susan said looking anxious. 

“Oh nothing, just that Dick …...well, he just made me a Grandma”, her mother said excitedly. 

“Oh Mama, that’s so fantastic!” Susan exclaimed. “But why didn’t you tell me when I called earlier?” Susan stated. 

“The call came twenty minutes after you called and beside her labor was a very quick and easy one. Dick said it took less than forty minutes and since you said you will be coming home early, I wanted to break the news to you in person and at home where you will be more relax but I guess not ”, her mother explained

“Still mum, you should have called me. He should have called us to the hospital”. 

“Yes I know, but he called at least”. 

“But that’s so unfair”. 

“Susan, please dear, let’s not make a big fuss out of this, okay? You know your brother, he will not hesitate to call on any of us if need be and you of all people should understand how considerate he is”. 

“Okay mum but can we go to the hospital now”? 

“Why not, he will be waiting for us anyway, told him you will be back home soon and as soon as I break the news to you, we will be on our way”. 

“Okay mum but where is Dora and the little one?” 

“In their rooms I guess. That boy is one handful. He was so thrilled when I told him the news, been on the phone with his friend. Your bill is going to double this month, believe me”, her mother smiled adorably. 

“And I will trade him to the telecommunication house if we can’t pay”, Susan replied with a laugh. And as the laugh subsided, she stated genuinely, “But you know mum, that I do appreciate all you have and are doing for me with them”, she said reaching out to place her hand on her mum’s who is now sits on the chair closer to her. 

“I know dear, I know, but you know I love it…..I should be thanking you for giving me another chance at being a mother again”, replied her mother giving her hand a little squeeze. 

“So, when do we go to the hospital to see the newest addition to the family....my niece?” 

“…and nephew, Dick gave us twins for a start”. 

“Oh! Gosh Dick really outdid himself this time”, Susan said looking dumbstruck. 

“So what do you say we go see the new additions to the family?” Mrs. Billy said beaming with joy. 

“You need not ask. How about those two, aren’t they coming?” 

“Nope, they’ve gone to see her besides I don’t think the best time to call for a family reunion at the hospital is at this time”. 

“Okay, I would freshen up and be ready in 30minutes”. 

“15minutes”. 

“20minutes”. 

“Okay, 20minutes”, her mum agreed loving it when they negotiate things especially time. 

WILLOWY CHRONICLES - CHAPTER 1

A bright and sunny Friday, the last day of a working week and it is lunch time for workers at “CELCO COMPANY”. An elegant woman walked out of the company. “Good afternoon, Miss Billy”, said the young chauffeur who opened the car door for her. She smiled and replied, “To the usual place, please”. 

“Sure”, smiled Joe. Driving down the busy city on a hot afternoon is one thing everyone tries to avoid but what can one do when your favourite spot is way off your work place. Susan Billy is a famous face in town, a friendly rich lady who always had a smile for everyone. But she is also a very fierce and shrewd businesswoman. Many articles have been written about her successful progression up the business ladder. How she conquered in the so-called field where only men dominated. The petrochemical industry isn’t particularly a lady’s thing, too much cat fights and dirty dealings so why venture into it. But Susan isn’t an ordinary lady. Her mother always told her, “If you want anything in life, you have to work extra smart to get it because life won’t be handed to you easily”. And that is exactly what she did, she wanted to be different and she worked to make a difference.

“Here we are, Ma’am”, said the driver without looking back, as he pulled up in front of a small Chinese restaurant. This place has been her favourite spot since the day she arrived in town. He got out of the car, walked round to open the door for Susan. 

“Thank you, Joe. You can go for lunch and pick me up in forty-five minutes, okay”, said Susan as she stepped out of the car. 

“Yes, Ma’am”, replied Joe. He got in the car and drove out of sight. As Susan walked in, a waiter walked up to her to take her to a table which had a perfect view where she could see people walking in and out yet won’t be easily seen. As she sat herself down, she thanked him asked for a glass of water then her young friend walked up to her beaming with a smile and said, “Hello Miss Billy, May I take your orders, please?” 

“Oh! Hello Lu Chang, how are you doing today”, she said, looking up seeing who it was. 

“Fine, Mam”, smiled the young Chinese-American boy. “The usual please and kindly get me a cup of strong coffee too. Make it plain”, she requested. 

“Okay Miss, I will be right back”, replied Lu Chang. 

Lu Chang has always been fascinated by her looks. At first, she felt uncomfortable every time the boy pops out to take her order and ensures she was comfortable while he chats with her, she later realized that the boy just has an innocent crush on her and with time they became friends. As he left, she brought out some document to flip through. She vigorously read and cross-checked the documents, she needs to ensure that they were alright. She can’t afford to lose this particular project again. 

“You know you work too much, Mam”, said Lu Chang as he returned with Susan’s orders. Susan looked up and gave him a beautiful smile. 

“Well I have to, if I want people to do my work. My mama use to tell me that if you want your workers to work hard, you’ve got to be hard working yourself”, she replied pushing aside her files to create room on the table for her meal. 

“I’m sure your mama is pretty smart and lucky too”, Lu Chang replied 

“Why is that?” she asked. 

“To have you as a daughter, if I were older, I would have asked you to marry me. Well, I could ask my big brother to marry you. Will you, if he does?” said Lu Chang. 

“Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?” laughed Susan 

“Yea, my big brother”, he smiled “I’ve got to go, my brother wants me to be the grilling boy and soon I would be heading this place just like he is. See you later Mam”, said Lu Chang and left. 

Susan simply smiled and shook her head has she watched the boy disappear through the entrance of the kitchen. After having her lunch and certain that every report has been double checked, she stood up, paid her bill and stepped out. So back at the office, she was very busy with various meetings with the departmental heads and quality committee, she also went through all the reports sent to her before attending meetings with prospective clients.

KRISTINA BOBBI BROWN IS DEAD - ANOTHER EPIC FAILURE ON THE PATH OF HOUSTON AND BOBBY FAMILY!

A Sad story to start off a week, don't you think? 

For those of you who don't know who she is. She is the only child of late WHITNEY HOUSTON and Bobby Brown. 

Their marriage - another tale for another day - was one fueled with drugs, abuses, alcohol etc and a bit of confused/blind love on the part of Whitney Houston.

Well, for those who think this is a condolence message, you are so wrong. I am outraged by the stupid and senseless death of this very young woman.

The Houston and Bobby family have both failed Whitney (may her soul rest in peace) and this young woman. I don't care whatever reason they have for just letting her live her life the way she did. It is so irresponsible of all of so called members of the family not to take a stand against a grieving girl and help her through the hard time.

Now she is gone-the only one important thing that WHITNEY asked of y'all, take care of my baby, yet you didn't deliver? Shame on y'all!

You all have failed - again! Just as you failed the mother when she cried for help and none of you listened! (Read my analysis of her song "LOOK TO YOU" on my blog, A CRY FOR HELP - wrote it months before her death).

Rest in Peace, little dove...and in the arms of the Lord and your beloveth Mother!

MOLTEN SADDNESS ( Excerpt)

A cosy but squelchy day it is.

A beautiful day for lovers as they walk and look into each other’s eyes saying all love and true words to each other.

It’s a day a lonely man walks along unnoticed, walked ‘cos no one really cares whether he has eaten or asks where his destination is.

It’s a day the old woman next door gazes out of the window into her world. It’s been years she saw them…fifteen solid sad years. Though it seems like yesterday, they promise to call but…hope everything.

A day the young couple downstairs shouts and yells at each other.

But the old woman doesn't mind at all, in fact, the young couple seems to be happy though they have been doing that for years. Her own life hadn't been like that at all. It was peaceful though tough….raising three boys with a love-full husband. Stephen was always been there for her; every Thanksgiving and Christmas was always an occasion to look forward to. Stephen always gets the big turkey while she stays home to take care of the boys. Their home isn't large but it was comfortable and homely. Anyone would love to return to it after a hard day’s work.

It is a day that the Chinese family few blocks away makes those funny noises, chatting away and singing those folk-songs about spring as a little Chinese girl plays the violin and plays pretty good too.

The puddles made by the rain runs across the road and pavement in a beautiful yet rare pattern.

A day the trees all gaze up to the sky and their leaves shed the after tear-drops of the rain.

The day a little lost puppy cries out ‘cos there’s no one to keep him warm and dry. It cries out to everyone…anyone who walks by but no one cares about a lost wet little creature. Poor lad, all he wants is a loving hand to keep him warm and dry in a cosy home.

A day a poor girl wraps herself up in her rags and sleeps peacefully on that long hard bench in the public park, as she pillows her head with her hands. Dreaming that someday she will grow up to be a beautiful maiden and a charming prince will come and rescue her from all her misery.

A day where three horrible and terrifying looking men in the big tunnel plan to rob the “BIG” bank; sitting round a croaked table with a big dirty paper in front of them, talking all at once.

It’s a day a woman finds out her husband have been unfaithful. Anger mixed with rage mixed with frustration and hatred forced her into precocious labour. Still clenching to the letter she found in her husband’s breast pocket written by another woman informing him about their new baby as she is rushed to the hospital.

A day a man sees no hope in his life. His dreams come crashing down every day he wakes up to see the sun setting.

A day a young lady had her life taken from her when she was diagnose of having cancer.

It’s a day the church bell preaches the good news of heaven to everyone who cares enough to listen.

Oh yes, it is a day that remembers the days!
A day that everyone will never ever forget!!
A day that never forgets the day!!!

Excerpt from my new book, 'Molten Saddness'
Real and True
Real Gentlehawk.

WHO YOU BE

Don't worry guys it's not grammatical, I know but how best can I express this specific thought I have in my head.

If you are from my side of the world, one way or the other, you would have been asked or probably heard someone asking someone or even you this question, "DO YOU KNOW I AM?" And the other party may answer, "WHO YOU BE?" (Okay! English translation, is "WHO ARE YOU?" Satisfy now, so can I go on? *eye rolling* gush!)

The truth be told, a lot of us walk around not knowing who we really are - and I mean REALLY IS! When asked this question, people mainly want to know who your father is and where you come from. They believe that knowing who your father is and where you are from, throws more light on your status, where you've been, what you are about or accomplish, blah-blah stuff like that.

Conversely, many have never even consider that thought and many of us simply go about with this feeling that I am JUST! Well, I am just a teacher, engineer, worker, janitor, doctor etc! 

Flash news people, we are much more than we think we are. We are much more than the jobs we do, the houses we live in, the cars we drive, friends we hang with, qualifications we have, all that nonsense by which the society define us. 

We are not JUST anybody. Oh dear! did I hear you say that I don't have this or that? Now listen and listen very, very carefully; material things or probably having the richest dad doesn't define who you are or better still the country or state doesn't have anything on you. Even animals don't think they are JUST ANIMALS. If you don't believe me approach a lion or a snake or even an unfamiliar dog.

Just the other day I was reading an article and coincidentally the music I was listening to was playing a track that reiterated this article. It was a story about a conversation between two birds. Here goes:

"Perched on a tree branch, two birds were observing passers-by rushing from one place to another. Looking at their faces, one bird asked the other, “Why is man so full of worries and cares?” The other bird answered, “Maybe they don’t have a heavenly Father like we do.” Shrugged their wings they both flew away.

I guess what I am trying to say is that, knowing who you are may and will definitely help you get ahead! Changes starts from the inside. It will motivate and even propel you into doing stuff you never thought you were capable of or also push you in taking decisions that will drastically change you and where you are. Don't worry about people, they will catch up with time (People could be very slow a times, if you get the point).

So "WHO YOU BE?"...

You alone have the answer to this question and getting it right, maybe as well, lead you to a path of discovering the amazing you. 

It isn't about arrogance but about taking pride in knowing who you are and what you stand for. What makes him or her so thick? It is not about the mistakes you have made but more about what lessons have I learnt from them? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

And so when you stand in front of the mirror and ask your reflection "WHO YOU BE?"

Answer yourself not in the light of what you can see but what you really are meant to be. 

Be true and real to you! 

And you will see amazing things happen for you.

Much love and signing out,

Real Gentlehawk 

ON THE FINAL NOTE - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Driving home the other day, I stopped for gas at the gas station which was a little off my route but had to get the gas for my car for next day journey. Anyway, after I getting the gas I was torn between taking a very long route (which wasn't even an option because it meant I will have to drive through the terrible traffic I just drove through) or look for an alternative route. Then I remember there was indeed an alternative route that could lead me to my destination, so I decided to trace the road leading there.

However, may be it was because I was simply eager to get home or maybe I was just damn tired or maybe I didn't even know the route so well enough, that I wasn't able to just figure out this specific turn point which will lead me to my destination. So after driving for a while, I revised the car and faced the very terrible traffic I was running away from. 

Having learnt my lessons the night before, I decided to acquaint myself with this alternative road just in case I got myself in a similar situation once again. But as I drove through the very road, I discovered that if only I had just kept going a little farther, the turning point I search for was about 200m ahead. 

So I began to laugh at myself and then it hit me...

How many times have we given up on things, people and situation not knowing that the answer is just 200m ahead of us? How many times have we gone through painful issues thinking it just the end of the world, throwing in the towel and saying we can't do or handle it anymore but not knowing that our solution, our testimony, our victory, our healing, our breakthrough, our change, our upliftment is just 200meters ahead of us? 

If only we just hold on a little longer, persevere just a little more and our blessings will be ours.

2014 has been an amazing year for a lot of people I know and for some like me, well, we are hoping 2015 will be a better year.

But regardless, we all should be grateful for everything for everything we've been through and has gone through us - good, bad and ugly, because if it didn't kill you in 2014 then we have an opportunity to improve and make the most of our lives.

So on this final note, out of 2014 into 2015, will like to leave you with some thoughts.

Things may not seem to look the way you wish or hoped for it to be in 2014, but 2015, is another opportunity to fight for and be persistent in what you want for your life. Do all you can to stand, just for the fact that you are even alive to see 2015 is a testimony that you are already victorious and you can do anything. 

Stand tall and stand high. Your now definitely don't define your future.

Giving up isn't an option and so you should never ever consider it. 

If people don't believe in you, believe in yourself because with time those that really do matter will always come around. 

2015 is a year of letting go of everything that will make you less of yourself.  Be it any relationship, environment, thoughts, emotions, etc. just let it go...fight for YOU, YOUR DREAM, YOUR DESTINY and LIFE! 

Remember just ahead you is your testimony.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

 

THANKFUL HEART!

It was my birthday few weeks ago and I look at my life, I see how far I have come and how far I still have to go. Despite this, I'm grateful for where I am. From being a naive and timid girl, to a mature and confident woman. Still growing though! And for that, I have a lot of people to thank.

Firstly, I want to thank God Almighty for creating me, someone unique and special. For making my dad find my mum. And not just that, for making my dad forget what condom was the night I was conceived. 

For designing the blue print for my life journey. For sticking with me when others forsook me. For being my anchor, rock and shield. For teaching me what true love really is and help me believe in it. Thank you!

To my family, who stood by me all these years and still remain firm behind me despite my imperfection, they believe in me regardless. Nurtured me, fought with and for me and never ever giving up on me. You guys are my rock and my platform. Thank you! 

To the my true friends, who know that there isn't any thing known as perfection and that imperfection is a great and truthful way of life - life that is meaningful and purposeful! Thank you all for having my back. To those friends, who mocked my stupidity and toughness behind me and smile sweetly in front of me, thank you for helping know what the meaning of true friendship and to cherish it with all I've got. Thanks!

To all them teachers who said I won't amount to nothing because they felt I wasn't bright enough and to those teachers who still believed and saw greatness beyond this slow learner, therefore help propelled me for success and fought for me. To you all I say a big Thank you!

To all my good, the bad and the ugly lovers, who taught me what love is and is not...who helped me discover that "I am enough". Who, through pain, hurt and disappointment, I reached that point of self discovery, strength and appreciation. Who showed me that I am tougher than I look and that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I say a fantastic thank you!

To all my bosses, for believing in me enough to give me the responsibility to show my strengths and weaknesses. Thank you!

To everyone who I have come in connect with in this life journey and will come in connect in the future...thanking you for the impact you have and will have on me.

And to those I forgot to mention, thank you too!

Kisses and Hugs

Your Gal,

Gentlehawk!