About “WILLOWY CHRONICLES”

Hey guys,

Here is a little something something from my next book!

If you have been following my blog and reading it, you will notice that I have posted a chapter of the book. That is how special y'all are to me.

Watch out for this amazing and thrilling story.

Below is just a summary of the book.

Susan is a young sophisticated yet simple business tycoon who didn’t have life easy. She discovered she had to fight for everything in life because life enjoys playing expensive jokes on her. 

And fighting for everything she did…her life, career and above all “Love”.

And that is the case, when she found herself in a whirlwind love triangle…

In love with two men, both disappeared one after the other but reappearing after many years to reclaim their love. 

But the truth is that just like the willow tree; beaten, bent and broken by the raging storm of life, she survived and was stronger because undeniably what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.

So who will be the man to win her heart…….is it RONALD or is it TONY!!!

Trust me on this one..you won't be disappointed!

I promise you a lot of emotions.

So watch out...coming soon!

Your gal, 

Real Gentlehawk.

Peace

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Okay guys, 

How are we all doing? Lots of things going on right now. The good, the bad and the ugly.

I had better point out the obvious just in case you fail to see or just not into it.

I'm sure a lot of you know what's up around the world...these famous terrorist attacks, killings every where, war, famine and all. Be it in Africa, Europe, America, Middle East, well...Now Asia has joined the endless list...which by the way is sicken.

And there is also the senseless killings of black people, senseless and baseless wars, Kidnapping, Child prostitution and pornography and all the other madness.

The terror and craziness these extremists on leach on the world, is freaky scary and worrisome, which makes you imagine what must have happened during world war 1 & 2 (I'm so sure whatever is depict is nothing compared to what really happened).

Have you noticed that even the so called 'head of nations' don't have any real answers to these terrors raging everywhere. Everyone seem to be confused and powerless. The more we speak of peace, the more the war rages. The more we speak of love, the more we see hate related crimes.

So this got me thinking, that if indeed the stories told about rapture is indeed true, then my friends, I believe it is high time we need to re-evaluate a lot of stuff. 

I'm sure for some of you, you don't know what the heck I'm talking about.

So for those of you who are clueless about what I'm talking about! Let me give you a quick run down. And please don't row those eyes at me, just open your mind. You need to just hear me out, I mean Seriously! Now we are talking theoretically here. "If" is the key word now, okay?

So, according to bible scholars, after rapture happens, a lot of things will kinda look the same but really it isn't. But prior to that event, people will become meaner, more selfish, harsher and lot of other crazy stuff (Which I believe is what we are now experiencing). 

Now after the so called Rapture, people will become worst. Why? According to bible scholars, this due to certain things that will also be raptured. If you really what to know, do your research. Anyways, it's known as "Grace". Seriously, you really need to research this stuff.

Okay guys, I have possibly lost a lot of you. I'm really trying hard not to use all theological jargons. 

Anyways, what got me worried is, if grace is still very much available now and people are inflicting this so much unfathomable pain and horror on each other, I refuse to think of what will happen after rapture? 

I don't want to think of the fact that every Hitler will have the power to unleash the dragon in them. Because evil is now the new normal. Wow, if this doesn't scares you, then nothing will.

The thing is, I love to read all kind of books and I enjoy watching movies...a lot. They take me to places , meet people/characters may never have the chance or means of meeting. They expose me to things that only my dream can and I love it. They also teach me lessons no one has the time to teach me. In view of this, I am going to use movies as illustration to buttress my points.

Movies like "Divergent" or "The Giver", shows how man always want to dominate through lies, half truth and constrains. Now imagine a world like those where we are cajoled into believing that evil is good and necessary, as long as it is for the good of the community. Individuality is not allowed, it is a group thing and anyone who questions authority is the enemy and most be esponged. 

Every nation is saying that ISIL and ISIS is bad and dehumanizing. That's because a few believe in that sick ideology. Now imagine, when majority believe in that kind of ideology as being right? And only a few refuse to be part of the sickness? 

Honestly I really don't want to think about it because it scares me from hell to heaven. 

Just a thought! 

Love and Peace 

Real Gentlehawk!

PARENTING IN THIS CENTURY

Having kids is the most amazing experience for anyone who have them. Whether you are tight-ass person, a thug, straight or crooked, rich or poor, whoever you are, seeing your kid for the very first time, bring up some unexpected emotions in you, you never thought you had. Yep! A kid can do that to you. 

Now, don't think I don't know there are some off - people (here I put a question mark), who have traded their hearts for rocks - this very people never get any reaction from this experience - well, all I can say is, 'Y'all need Jesus!

So back to the real and true people...so kids can make a 300pound man behave silly or even force an irresponsible guy to grow up.  So you get the gist, right? 

Becoming a parent forces us to reevaluate our own relationship with our parents (the lucky ones who still have theirs around) and we then begin to see everything they did for us or to us through a parent's eye and not through a child's.

Here is the thing, being a parent is a privilege and even more being a parent in this technological century is a great blessing.

However having said that, parenting in century is the hardest and most challenging thing ever. Is it the drugs, cults, bullying, identity manipulation, sexuality and sexual orientation,social pressure, cultural diversity, looks, education etc, the list is unending and to top it up, the world is new a global village. So now you have more pressure and problems not only from your immediate society but the big world.

The days of 'It takes a village to train a child is fast becoming over'. Trust issues are becoming the norm.

Not to forget that kids these days are smarter and wiser...thanks to Google - the brain most parents don't have. How can I motivate my child to study hard in school just like my parents did, by telling me the oldest trick in the book. Remember when our parents use to say, 'I always took first position in school, never second'. But you can't use that, now that everyone's results are just a click away. Parents these days are so confused and delusional when it come to their kids. There's the question, "should I be a friend or a manager or a parent? 

Yet the greatest gift this century brings is technology has also made it easy...not easier, to bring up a child.

All it takes is modesty and balance. Giving a child a balanced life.

Parenting is sure becoming tougher as the years roll by, but the amazing thing is that once done rightly it is the most rewarding and beautiful thing ever.

So shout out to all the 21st century and beyond Parents, thank you for being so true and real. YOU ALL ROCK!

A open letter to the one my heart beats for.

My dearest love and king,

The one who has captured my heart. The captain and lord of my world. My very own. The one who sees beyond my filth and baggages yet choses to love me and make me is very own. My music and song!

To the only one the rhythm of my soul plays an unending tune of love and passion!

The only star and moon in my sky, words fail to express the beauty and love we share. 

The love you give so freely knowing well how broken and battered I was. 

Just like the insignificant rock, a shadow of what I was made to be, you saw far behind my demur and saw a gem. Polish and refine me, lovely and delicately, you turned me into the rarest gem the world will ever see. 

And indeed you kept to your promise and still keeping the promise of those unforgettable words, "To me you belong, to me you were made! I will cultivate, nurture, honour and love you with every breathe I breath!". You love me like only you can, nurture my very existence, honour my body, spirit and soul, cultivate my land that it flourished! 

Oh my love, how can I not be decide to love you and adore you? Yes, decide...it is a decision i make and not one with my emotions. My emotions don't matter with you, because regardless of how I feel ( and you know, my emotions is like an alternating current...you can't blame a girl for being a girl) I will always love and serve you with my spirit, soul and my body.

I'm grateful to God that you were made specially for me and no other. Everything I went through and went through me, was but for me to know and worship you when you showed in my life. 

Your every glare, smile, touch and words leave me breathless. No one can love me the way you do and no one will ever will.

My own Prince, I adore you with every colour of my body and with the silence of every word of my soul. I am forever yours! 

What more can I ask for? 

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.

RAPE BY MY COUNTRY

If I may please have your attention, I promise not to take much of your precious time as the piece will change your perception of me!

I tried to do good in my life, really I tried but the more I tried the more worse I become. Never thought I would be there. Well, a lot of people would say some people went through it to but the survived...became better! 

True! But not everyone got the same will-power, that's why we are so different and are required to balance one another out.

That's why we are beings, we need one another because we can't do it alone!

So how did I end up here and why did I end up here? 

Firstly, this is not an excuse, however, I will ask you not to please judge me until you walked a mile in my shoes. 

My dignity, integrity, dreams and aspirations were all striped from me within a twinke of an eye. Yet my assailants didn't stop, no one to call to for help, because even the so called "help" are good friends with my assailant. My assailant didn't even look back to see if I lived or died, instead my assailant is having fun, partying and looting at my predicament.

My assailant is someone I look up to, love and respect, trust and obey! Will freely give up my life if asked to because my assailant is part of me and I, of my assailant!

But my assailant betrayed my trust, love and respect...my assailant raped me! 

Though I fought back, really I did but it was all in vain because my assailant is bigger and stronger. And when I asked why? My assailant only laughed!

So I am asking again, why do you rape me! Your own flesh and blood! Your very own, why do you keep raping me? Taking everything that make me human...degrading me to an animal! 

No, I take that back, not animal. Because even animals show compassion to their own kind. You degrade me to what is less than an animal.

You are suppose to be my protector, my defender and my warrior but nay, you are the predator, the taker and destroyer. A killer of dreams, a changer of destinies, and mower of lives.

Why oh why, do you not see what you are doing to me when you rape me over and over and over again? Every time, I think it is over, and begin to pick up the pieces of a life that is left, then you come back charging at me once again and the latter worse than the former. Why oh why?

Why do you keep raping me, my dear country? All I want is to live and let's live! Love you with all my heart and might. Be a doctor or an engineer or even a teacher. I just want to have a right to good living even if I have to pay for it, a right to a good school, a good meal and a good warm bed. And as I said, I am even willing to pay for it because I am ready to work to get the money. 

You have taken away every bit of patriotism in me, cos you have taught me never to trust in you. Every day I wake to a self esteem that is lower than the low! I try to run to other countries, alas, I run in vain because the ones that ain't your allies, are so mean/atrocious that even their goodness looks a lot appealing than yours.

So again I ask, why do you rape me, my country! 

I am not asking for much, all I am asking for is my right to live, my right to dignity, a right to integrity, a right to love, a right to hope, a right to much more BUT most of all a right to be HUMAN! 

Stop, please stop, because I can take this no more!

Don't forget that the same letters in RAPE are contain in REAP. Need I say more!

To everyone who have been raped emotionally, physically, intellectually, and mentally...this is to you!

You are not alone!

True and real

Real Gentlehawk 

Love, Life, God and Everything in between - (A Collection of Poems)

Well guys,

The long awaited book is finally out! 

Wow, it wasn't easy but who says good things are easy anyway, right?

I finally got the nerves to open up my heart to someone...YOU! 

Yes, I finally did open my heart to you all because that is exactly what this book is all about. 

The imperfect ME, with all my emotions and all.

But truth be told, this book will change you as It did me. It will heal you, build you and most importantly,  it will reveal to you what matters most...BEING THE REAL YOU!

The collection of poem, addressed each word of the title.

Love, as we know it, is a whirlwind emotion that for most people, it will take forever to go figure.

Life, well, is a two phase thing though it could also be what is known as "Garbage in, Garbage out" kind of thing.

God, oh goodness, is simply awesome.

And finally, Everything in between, from friends, to family, to parents, to colleagues, e.t.c. That makes the cycle complete.

These poems, as someone puts it, will definitely make you reflect one way or the other on your own Love, Life, God and Everything in between. It will help put to words, feelings you have been wanting to express. 

Better still will help you believe in them once again.

So as you get your copy ( believe me you would want to) and as you read them slowly and leisurely, try to relax and open your mind to the possibilities this book will bring you.

So, be you! Be real! Be true!

Peace!

Gentlehawk!

BRUISED, BUT NOT BROKEN - By Forlah

Well Guys,

I would like to discuss a serious and sensitive topic with you...a topic that I find intriguing and compelling.

Today, I would like to share some stuff on relationship and women. This topic came up whilst I was gisting with one of my girlfriends and she mentioned that a friend of hers is contemplating adoption because she is tired of men and their schemes. That adopting a baby is a far reliable option since age isn't on her side. So i decided to get someone else's perspective on the subject, so here is Forlah, with her views being someone who knows heart ache and pain...

So without much ado, Forlah, explains to us things women do/ feel after been broken...here is Forlah!

   "Many a times, I have heard and seen women miss out on life’s blessings, because they have refused to let go and Let God.
So many women live empty lives today, because they have failed to accept that the past ought not to be dragged into the present. Yes, pain hurts and rejection hurts but, take it from a woman who has “been there”, loneliness hurts even more.

Dear woman, I know what it means to feel pain. I have felt it. I understand you feel betrayed. I have felt it. You are angry. Oh yes, I have been Mad as hell. But, do you know that those things happened for a good reason? There is a reason that relationship, or THOSE relationships you have passed through did not work.

Now, let’s get real here.

“He cheated. He is so ungrateful and inhuman. He was so mean to me. After all I did for him, he messed around with someone else, and even when I forgave him, he ended up dumping me. I cannot forgive him, ever. Men are evil. I HATE men”….. Ladies, kindly pick from the list above. How many of these words have you uttered in anger? Do not be shy, for Yours Truly has said ALL. Yes, take it from a woman who has loved and hurt.

Some of you might have said these words too many a time and now feel that you are better off without the “evil species” called Men. I hear some women have even decided that they are not going to ever try any relationship again. After all, the relationship would definitely end like the previous ones (hmmmmn, already with the mindset that it won’t work out). Some women might say, “Hey, I don’t need a man. I’d just adopt a couple of kids and we would live happily ever after”….. Wake Up Miss Thing. You are living in denial and the earlier you woke up from that hellhole of a dream, the better for you.

Now, some of you are getting angry right? “Who is this woman and what gives her the right to talk here?” So, let me introduce myself to you. I am your reflection. I am that angry voice in your head cursing and screaming at all the men out there. I am that evil look in your eyes that flashes when any man walks up to you to say a simple “hello”.
I can identify with these feelings because I felt the same way. When you love one man for 10 whole years, tie your life around him, become his wife ( well, almost), even when you are not married to him, only to have him wake up one day, look you in the eyes and say “Baby I love you, but I’m not good enough for you.
I’m sure there’s a man out there for you. You deserve to move on with your life, (bla bla black sheep)”.

Your reaction would be a range of these options:
A- Shoot this guy abeg (violence).
B-What da Hell? (Anger)
C-Please God, tell me I’m dreaming (total confusion)
D-Baby please, tell me what I did wrong and I’d fix it (Stoop to beg) and finally:
E-How can you do this to me? Where am I supposed to start from? Who would I love? After loving you alone for 10 years of my life and waiting for you? (Unanswered questions).

Then, there are those friends, those ones who have helped you plan your dream wedding with this your “dream man”.
How do you tell them it’s over? They would be so shocked.

And your family? The ones who have asked you for several years if indeed you know what you are doing, waiting for one man while rejecting numerous suitors. How do you look them in the face and accept defeat? For a while, you’d hide the truth from them. Till it becomes obvious there’s an issue and you are forced to spill the beans.

Days become weeks, weeks turn to months (and, in some cases, years). You lose your spark; you bury yourself in work (and might even get promoted for the extra performance). You become a shadow of yourself. Uninterested, unmotivated and with a big hole in your heart, you tell yourself “Never. Never again will I let myself feel such pain”. So, you do what I did.

You carve a very fine key, lock up your heart, throw the key into the Atlantic and become anti-male".

Well, if you want to know what happened next...BRUISED BUT NOT BROKEN

Forlah's next blog will give you the concluding part of this heart-felt and life changing story. So I leave you all with this last words

"We are human and emotions are our defence mechanism, necessary for our survival. But when we dont guard them or control them, they tend to destroy us. So be careful to let your emotions control you". 

So remember, let's keep it real and true.
Gentlehawk
www.realgentlehawk.com

IS NATURAL PHENOMENON NOW OBSCENE!!!

Okay this is madness…now, this is totally unbelievable!!!

Please, does civilization mean that we now neglect what is right for what is wrong or that this technology age is making our hearts operate like the machines and computers/systems we use?
I am not sure what to make of all these craziness when the unnatural is considered as not obscene and the natural is considered as obscene.

HELP! HELP!! HELP!!! Or is it just me? I am still living in the early age…would someone please explain this to me, maybe I am missing something people?

Please could someone explain to me how BREASTFEEDING could be considered as obscene, even if it is done in public?
Okay let me explain to you what this ranting is all about…before you stop reading this article.

I read an article where a couple were thrown out of a club or something like that, why you ask? Okay now, they were thrown out not because they were terrorist or did something stupid like walked in naked but because the wife was breasting their baby.
They were asked by a female supervisor to leave the diner (Can you imagine, that! A FEMALE supervisor – my guess is she never ever feed a child in her entire life). After a back and forth between the couple and the supervisor, the police department which was notified earlier, arrived with one of its officers who had his hand on his gun and the other on his teaser. Police department arrived – how silly, in a developed world! I’m disappointed.


All these paparazzi because a mother performs her natural duty to her child. But pardon me if I am wrong, I just do not get it, and how can that be considered as disturbing.
Also I read that one spokesman considered what happened as a cultural misunderstanding, please (I beg) what is the difference between this man and our “Oga at the top”.
On seeing this article, I decided to do some research on what is going around on this topic. I was curious to know if this is just a one off or there is more to this article, but to my amazement, I discovered that this topic has a lot said on it but it ain’t funny stuff despite the fact that in a lot of countries there are laws and regulations protecting women against this type of harassment and discrimination.

I read some comments on what some people (mostly men) have to say on this and here they are, you can make your own conclusions:
1. “I don’t pee or masturbate in public, so why should a woman breastfeed in public”
2. “Just go in another room. Stay home, nobody wants to see that”
3. “That’s what breast pumps are for”
4. “Just bring a formula”

Now I see why the world is the way it is….why some people’s knots are so out of place.
My guess, because I do feel so sorry for them, is that these same people missed out on this amazing yet indescribable time of their lives and they want others to do too.
If breastfeeding is so indecent, so should be kissing or hugging in public especially if it is happening between same sexes. I don’t know if you know where I am going on this.

The funniest thing is that these same people who have problems with breastfeeding in public, are the same people who will pay anything to play with one.
Please get over yourselves and pervert mind…breastfeeding is a natural phenomenon that your little mind can’t and wouldn’t understand. You can’t understand the magic or the bond that occurs between a mother and her child during breast feeding, so please do everyone a favour, and keep your opinion to yourself.

Therefore, when breastfeeding is done discreetly and decently there is nothing wrong or obscene about it, so please if you are not wearing the shoe don’t tell us where it hurts or doesn’t.

So be real and true to yourself and let these wonderful people be.

Gentlehawk 

www.realgentlehawk.com

@gentlehawk

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHT

I was young when I first heard that phrase, “A penny for your thought”. I’m not sure who used it first, my mum or dad but the first time I heard and understood it, it was like music to my ears. I practically used it in every sentence I made for a week…and you know how it goes with kids when it come to new toys. You play with it none stop until you get a new one then you dump the old one.

Not until last week while a couple of my friends and I were discussing some issues facing the young adults of today that the phrase came to mind again.

Śādī – love the Hindu word for marriage. I love the way it's pronounced.

Marriage, a very sensitive yet exciting topic that most people forget that it is not just all about the D-day but the moments after the D-day that is the real deal.



Though the statistic of divorce rate in the world right now is dropping but few years ago the high rate was so alarming to the extent that a lot of young adults would rather have a relationship known as what my mother would call "Why get the cow when you are getting the milk" kind of arrangement. It was safer that way, young adults weren't longer risk takers.



Everywhere you look, there is always a failed marriage, reminding you that "You had better play it smart and safe or you are going to get hurt". As my friends and i continued with our discussion, we discovered that the reasons why there are a lot of failed marriages which most times end up in divorce, is that people fail at communicating.

Now, kindly let me explain what i mean by this form of communicate, because it is definitely different from the usual communication required of any couple.

This form of communication requires one to talk about all crazy stuff before, during and after marriage and the interesting part is that this communication is not only with your spouse but with people around you. Where best can one get information if not from people who have been there and done that. Someone once said that "You can't know more than the OLD, because the OLD has more experience at being YOUNG and being OLD, whereas the YOUNG only has experience at being YOUNG".

What i am trying to say is, A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHT and maybe it may save a life or two and help bring joy to homes.

Many at times, i hear married women/men hide by lying about their marriage. They pretend that all is well and rosy, knowing well that it isn't. This makes me wonder why they do what they do?

Don't they realise that they are kind of an ambassador to that institution called marriage? Don't they realise that some group of people are watching to learn and see how it is done? Or maybe, it is just out of spite to those who aren't married, or maybe they just want them to make the same mistakes, so that the world would be a better place.

Whatever the reason, A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHT. Please make sense of what marriage is by discussing what you are going through with 'us' and maybe 'we' won't be as judgemental about it as we are.

We live in a world that is so hypocritical of a lot of stuff and due to that people aren't true to themselves any longer. And how would they, when the society will be so quick to judge them. The truth is that Marriage is like training a child - an old african adage says that "a woman gives birth to a child be the whole town helps to train that child".




So again, i ask pleading, A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHT!!!!

Real n True
Gentlehawk

A LETTER TO MY UNBORN CHILD

Hey little angel,

Here is your mummy, she loves you so, so much and therefore decides to write these letters to you because you mean the world to her and you are her world.

My prayer is that you won’t be more confused than you already are because child you definitely will, every day of your life.
You will always want to have a sense of belonging and a sense of acceptance in this crazy world that is so hypocritical.

However, before mummy goes on, let me first say I am proud and honoured to be your mother and no matter what the outcome of your life, I will forever be proud of you as my child. You are my angel and the best thing that ever happened to me.
If I am not reading this to you, it simply means I am no more with you to hold you, care for you, tuck you in and kiss goodnight, take you to your first school, be there when you come home, cried that you are going off to college, comfort you when you get your first heart break, help you with your homework, and so many firsts……but my love, my little angel, I will always be with you because my blood flows in your veins and not just that I am in heaven watching over you.

My love, my unborn child, there are many things I want to tell you, so many things you will face as you grow but irrespective of all this, you will overcome them by LOVING AND STAYING TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Never feel a need to be liked by all but always feel a need to be like by yourself and you will see others liking you.

PRE-HIGH SCHOOL could be fun and great but also it can be painful, like falling from your bike or a tree or pavement or even worse, losing your favourite toy. But don’t let it change you, be true to what you believe deep inside. Stand for what you believe in, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise and you will see with time they will come to accept you for who you are. Pre-school has a way of molding you but it is the best part of your school years because it is the year you will be able to get away with everything cause you are still cute and adorably looking. But most importantly because you are still open in heart and mind, for you then, there should always be a reason why you can’t do anything. Meaning with you, everything is possible until you are marred.

HIGH SCHOOL years are the years in your life that if you do not know who you are and what you stand for, you will be toss to and fro with difference doctrines out there. Remember, you would meet others with different thoughts and behaviours.
School life is not the end of the world; believe me when I say that it is just a beginning of great things. Never ever judge yourself based on how or what you are, in school because life won’t judge you on that. School is where you build your true self. It is like seeing yourself in a bad mirror and thinking that, that’s your real self. So you need to stay strong because the real deal is AFTER SCHOOL.

That is when you will understand that those who portray themselves as strong or cool are not as strong or cool as they look and AFTER SCHOOL will have sieved the chaff out, so don’t sweat it.

With RELATIONSHIPS, your mum is the bomb when it come it this…or not (joking my love, my sunshine). Mum messed this up several times but irrespective of it all, she got you. Really, when it comes to this don’t let anyone tell you how to go about this, even me, your mum because no one has the answer to this one. You have to experience it to love it and want it.

On this, one hug doesn't fit all but instead one hug is for one. Uniqueness is the key to all relationships and when you try once and it doesn't work, try and try again, till you get the special one for you...remember FOR YOU, not for anyone but for you. Well child, the truth is that, for it to be true LOVE it is going to hurt, REALLY HURT. If it doesn't, how would you learn to appreciate and fight for it? However it goes; never ever give up on it and most importantly on yourself. It may tarry but believe me baby, it will surely come. Life will suck when you are looking for true love but once found; you would forget all the pain it caused you to find it, it just like the pain of having a baby. But before I move on from this, true love is not Cinderella or Princess Jasmine love story. Trying not to say that those kind of love doesn't happen because it does happen but don’t base yours on that. What I'm trying to say is that, don’t box your love, give it wings to fly.

FAMILY should be very important to you because they will always stick with you no matter what. When world turns it’s back on you, don’t turn your back on the world because you still have your family who are part of the world. Your family should always supersede every other thing. They help you root your life and besides they are the one thing you can’t change or choose.

Your father is an amazing person and he loves me and you dearly, when everyone stopped believing in me, he stood strongly behind me. He is my anchor, my shield, my lover and he is my friend. He is the reason why I am proud to call you my very own. He loved me like no man could. Messing up and giving up on my life, he found me and restored me to my glory. I love him like I have ever loved any other.

I remember the first time I felt love for your father, crazy it may seem, we were not even dating then just friends…
The night at a bar, just having a drink and he was so sweet and funny, I love to hear him talk which was weird because I get bored easily with guys who tend to talk alot. Playfully that very night he kissed my forehead and I don’t remember any man ever doing that to me before and it felt good and I mean really good.

Duh! You may say but for me it wasn’t. There and then, he possessed my heart and mind. Without even realizing I was in love with him, I spent every free hours without him. I wasn’t looking for love but love looked for me.
It is best thing that ever happen to me was meeting and loving him because it made me very happy indeed.
So I tell you, if it seems that love is not close to you, please my little one, don’t give up on you and your God.

GOD – some people say that he doesn’t exist, some say he does but what does he care, some even say that he is partial; some even say there is a higher power up there who is just having fun with humanity.
My little angel, I wouldn’t tell you if he does or doesn’t exit. Why not, you may ask? Well, because you need to search for him to know if he exists or not. He is better found by one self for you to appreciate if he does or doesn’t. Forget what you have been taught in school, church, mosque, on TV etc. search for him yourself and you will find more than you bargained for.

So my baby, I will stop here but not for long, because you will get the next letter soon.
Mum loves you from here to the end of the earth and back and there again and back again, until to the end of the earth.

Yours Sincerely
Forever and ever Mummy

DREAM BUT TRUE

Well, i can't remember when exactly i wrote this poem but i think i was in my late teens and i was going through some really crazy emotions. I didn't feel enough and i was missing the only person that made me feel enough. You know how one person makes you feel on top of the world when he/she is around you, probably because you know they've got your back and everything, the world is so beautiful because you've got them in your life. But all of a sudden you lose them because life got to do what life got to do. Then you lose yourself and everything that comes with it. That's pretty much how i felt before i wrote this poem and then, i found the only one who won't let go even when i do. The one i simple feel safe with. he filled the void that i thought people and things could but low and behold, nothing compared to his loyalty and love. So, knowing me, i felt it was simply too good to be true. This 'thing' will leave me just as people have been and it won't last. Funnily, i thought i wasn't worth his time, loyalty and love. But, nope, he simply just held on to me and told me "the more you push me away, the more i will stick with you". What more can i say, somethings are meant to last forever. So enjoy the letter, i wrote to him, saying thank you.

Your love is more like a dream So real to me than the rainbow’s blue Your grace is an amazing touch So smoothen than the richest balm You’re my life and breath Living in me so real You’re my beauty and spring My charming prince that’s why I sing My lovely pearl which is my treasure Holding unto you, can’t let go Cause you are my everything When all my hopes are gone When my heart is left shattered When all my dreams fade away Your rays of love Shines and radiates into my heart Why ……. But why Do you love me so much? And I give you so little of mine But you never mind Sometimes I think you are a fool But now I know you’re true So true ……..And so is your love Sometimes I threw your love away Into a dirty filthy trash bin And go out searching for “true” love But you dust it and hand it Over to me with more truthful words How can I never …… never see The true and real love that you gave to me. (c)Nabel

PART OF MY LIFE

“Hey Sue, come on in. it’s nice to see you”, Dick said moving aside for his sister to step in. “How is the latest dad doing?” she replied giving him a friendly kiss. “Floating in the air I guess”, he laughed as he closed the door. Dick’s home depicts the nature of his job; just walking in one will immediately know that an architect lives there. Designed to suit the right purpose and necessity than luxury - it has a touch that words cannot describe instead it looks like a dream house. It is like something out of the imaginary, unreal yet so obtainable. The house is filled with natural plants, sculptures of various shapes and sizes and colorful furniture that gave the house a welcoming feel. Susan just love the fragrance that lingers in the air when you walk in, inhaling and smiling, she said “I feel I’m way back in the Arizona”. Smiling at her wondering why she always does that when she comes in. A question he always wanted to asked but didn’t have enough nerves to bring back memories. “So tell me, how was your day?” he asked and announce her arrival to Amy. “Fine except that I got one hell of a scare today?” “How do you mean?” Dick asked. “I thought I saw Tony…you know Tony Alexander”, she said looking lost. “Anyway, I came to see to me treasures and where are they”. “Which Tony…please don’t tell me, the same one from college. Where, how, when…what does he want?” he puzzled. Saved by Amy’s entrance, Susan pretended not to have heard his question, “Hey Amy”; she said standing up to greet her favourite and only sister-in-law. “Hi Susan, I thought you wouldn’t be coming until later today. How was your day”, Amy asked. “Well, thought so myself, but I guess I had enough time on my hands so why not stop by and spend it with my treasures”. Knowing his sister, he let her off for now but he wasn’t so sure his sister is alright. Looking at her closely he saw that she looks a little pale and she had this air around her that he remembers so well. The very one she carries when she shaken by something or someone – which isn’t often - and yet she dares to face it. Her lower lips twitches especially when she smiles, only those who know her well enough will know that behind those tough and confident looks something is so wrong. “So where are they?” Susan asked. “Your treasures, of course, here we are” Amy said playfully. “You both aren’t in that league anymore; but maybe I could change my mind if you behave”, she laughed. “Hmmm, how easy to be discarded immediately those little pinkies show up in the picture”, Dick answered as he pick up the remote and position for his favourite show. Shaking her head at her obviously jealous husband, giving him a big hug she whispered into his ears, “You are the only real treasure I will ever know and what to know”. “Oh guys, you are killing me. So do you mind?” Susan said rolling eyes. With that they all burst into laughter. A day with her brother and family is exactly what she did need to keep her sane. She noticed Dick’s silence glares but refused to acknowledge them. He’s the only one, well except her mother, who really knew and understood what happened between Tony and her. And right now she can’t stand to go through the pain and the torture she thought wouldn’t never go away but over years she has been able to work with them yet seeing him today brought those emotion all rushing back which makes her feel she has though she has been ran over by a big truck. Obviously, those emotions never actually disappear; she only succeeded in subduing them. It was a matter of time. “Are you alright, Susan?” Amy asked looking concern bringing her back. “I’m fine just a little distracted – you know how work could get”, she replied with a smile, rocking one of the twins. “I don’t think that’s all. You want to talk about it?” “Ehen nay, why waste a beautiful day talking about problems that don’t matter when there are other wonderful things to talk about”. “Such as?” asked Amy raised an eyebrow as she robs the back of her other twin expecting him to belch. “Numerous…for a start, how does it feel to be a mother?” “I can’t seem to express my feelings in words. It’s overwhelming, Susan. I feel all of a sudden I want to protect, love and live all at once cause I have a good reason to, you know”, she smiled. “I’m sorry was a little carried away”, she giggled looking more of a girl that a new mother with her chestnut hair pulled back into a ponytail. She really looked good, having babies thus suit her well. “You shouldn’t be. I’m just glad my brother found you and married you. And I would like to say that I’m even luckier to have you as a sister-in-law”. “The feeling is mutual, Susan”, Amy answered. “So are you going to tell me what’s bothering you or do I have to coax it out of you?” she asked Susan seriously. “You aren’t going to give up, are you?” “That will be a big NO, so spill the beans or else I’ll drill it out of you”. Placing the twin back in her cot, she walked over to the window and signed heavily. “That difficult, eh?” asked Amy. Closing her eyes she nodded slowly. “It’s a matter of the heart?” “I loved him once….loved him with all my heart, Amy….”. “…and he let you go”. “I really don’t know if that’s what really hurts anymore. He just left, he let go without any explanations or anything. But seeing him today… I just don’t know. I didn’t expect to react to him like I did”. “Is that what’s troubling you or there’s something else?” asked Amy knowing that she is having a tough time explaining the war going through her. Amy has always known Susan to put other peoples’ business before hers and not at all surprised she is in this dilemma. “I really don’t know and it frustrating, you know”, she said coming to sit with her on the bed deep. “Is it that or the fact that you love to be in charge of things?” Amy smiled. “Do you love him?” Nodding her head slowly and then she realized what Amy was asking she stood, shook her head vigorously and answered, “No, no…not anymore at least”. Giving her a lopsided smile, Amy simply walked up to her and replied “You alone can work this out, you know and the earlier you figure out what you want, the better. You can count on my support, whatever you decide to do”, Amy said finally patting her hand. “Thanks. So tell me, what you are planning to name these little angels”. “Henry and Henrietta, we both like the names, well not after so much deliberation”, she laughed. Repeating the names and letting it rolling on her tongue like someone testing the uniqueness of a new wine. “I like it too, I’m so glad to the opportunity to be an aunt again. I only wish…..” she trailed off. “You wish what, Susan. I wish you weren’t this stubborn”, Amy stated. “You also think I’m stubborn?” smiled Susan “As a mule, believe me. You can’t hide your feelings, Susan. It reflects in your eyes. I can see your heart in your eyes. That’s why Dick thinks you need to be protected all the time, you know. He’s so worried and wants you to be happy”. “I’m so very happy contrary to what all of you think. I have you, Dick, mum, Dora, Chico and good employees. So tell me, what else should I ask for?” she answered giving her a weak smile. “You ask for L-O-V-E, a man of your own that will love you like Dick is to me. I know you Susan, you are built for love. Your other name should have been LOVE. You have so much of it on the inside and you are suffocating because you need to give it away…..” she said honestly. “…Please stop it, stop it”, cried Susan sitting herself on the Grandma rocking chair not too far from her. “You are too strong, Susan, please for the love of God let someone take of you”, Amy pleaded. “I…I’m…I wish I could do it” she cried even more. “No one will ever hurt you again. Please just listen to your heart it will lead you home”, she said hugging her sister-in-law. “It’s just that I can’t believe my heart will still react to him this way. I thought it was over and now…” she replied. “We never understand the matter of the heart and that’s what makes it beautiful, do you think”, Amy said giving her a reassuring smile. Simply nodding her head, she wiped her tear-stained face and said, “You should be working as an FBI agent, you sure know how to drill for information”. “Believe me, I was very soft with you compare to how I drill your brother”, Amy answered seriously mimicking a military officer. “Oh dear, my poor brother”, laughed Susan. Holding Amy's fragile hands, Susan said "You know, I feel so grateful to God every time for giving you to this family. You are such a blessing to every one of us and I wish to let you know we won't take that for granted". "I know that and it's not only you guys. I'm extremely lucky to have you all in my life", she stated giving her a heartfelt hug.

Susan spent most of the day with her brother and his family. They gave her a new sense of security. The more days she spent with her brother’s babies, the more the longed for a child of her own.
As the days turn to weeks, Susan found herself spending more and more time with the babies. Almost all evenings, except if there was a meeting or a business she needs to close, she was always with Amy and the babies. Dick was sure that has much as his sister loves to spend time with the babies, he was so sure Susan was trying to avoid bumping into Tony again. Whatever happened the day she saw Tony, his sister was not prepared to do the same again. But he knows that if she wants to talk about it, she will and God help you, you had better listen. “What, why the smile, brother”, Susan asked playfully. “Nothing, just loving you”, Dick replied. “Oh Dick, I love you too, so much”, she cried, touching him gently on the cheek. “It will be okay, whatever it is, it will be okay”, he said truthfully as he cupped her hand. “Thanks, I do appreciate what you are doing”, she said quietly. “I’ve got to go. See you all tomorrow but I think Mum, Dora and Chico will be arriving without me. I have to finish up some documentation by tomorrow. Won’t be late, promise”, she said as she picked up her handbag. “You late, ha, I am yet to see that day. Just want you to take good care of yourself, ok?” “I will, promise. And kiss the three for me”. “Sure thing, bye”, Dick said as he walked her to the door and gave her a parting kiss.

LOVELY MONTH OF LOVE

What goes around they say comes around....true as it may seem, i still believe that there are some exceptions. Taking for example my case, and i know same hold for a few other people, the month of February is a month i so dread because we all know it a month of Love. People look forward to the month so intensive that alot of companies make the most sale during this love month. Anyway, i dread this month not because of what is means but basically i'm running low on the people to share it with. The matter of fact is that people, and i mean families, friends and colleagues don't want to share it with me 'cause they feel i'm using them as an excuse not to have a relationship. So they figure out if they don't spend Val's day with me anymore, i will get serious and find myself a good relationship. But they are most wrong on this one.

For the pass six to seven years, it's either i take mum/dad out on val or one of them brothers/cousins whose girlfriend ain't in town. But this February has been amazing. Fun packed with great people with exhilarating events...i can barely hold my breathe. Yes indeed, February is the month of love and what better way of spending it than to spend it with someone who means everything to you. This February i don't think i want to forget in a hurry. i'm going to savor every moment of it. The Love, Kiss, Passion, Sexuality...of every moment.
This February, i got my grove back, my sex appeal and inner beauty and it is all thanks to you, my Love.

I'm keeping it real and true for you, now and always.
So what goes around comes around

THE NEW LOOK OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN

As we start this new year, i would like to look at things that are not making headlines as they should. I wish to take your focus away from disasters or awful events that seem to have come to stay. And have a look a things that happen everyday but have been sidelined because of these so called tragedies. Things likes, a beautiful smile on a child's lip, the sunset silhouetted by the building or a glimpse behind a naked tree, the wet kiss from that cute kitten or puppy, the first deal you made today, the undying love of a mother or father, those first glimpse of your baby's milk teeth and the list is endless.

Whichever way you look at it, it is important not to lose sight of those little things that makes you smile because they do matter in the long run too. You might say "What does this have to do with the title?".

Well, i was reading an article the other day on Africa and its people; and it simply occurred to me that a lot of things have certainly changed in that continent(not that there aren't any changes in other continents). It's just that African has been relegated and bastardized negatively that even Africans can't see their achievements regardless of what's going on.

So since i am an African...and a woman, I've decided to start this from that angle...which gave birth to the title of this blog "THE NEW LOOK OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN". So, if you want to know more about the African women, enjoy and if you are, an African woman, read this and understand the reasons why you should CELEBRATE "YOU". Because it is all about you.

I remember, my mother and aunts telling me stories of their young days. I've read stories telling of how women were treated back in the days. The biography of great women. The "Seen and Not Heard" policy. The background treatment of women. The "Taboo" of the birth of a baby girl. The rights of women been walked on.That having a baby girl is just a waste. It goes as far as the girl child been disowned or better still killed.

But these controversies only challenged the African woman to be free of this degrading norms and to make something meaningful out of their lives.

They gradually started to give meaning to their lives - venturing into the world that had alienated them for many, many years. The African woman is taking charge of her life and destiny.

They are opening their space and letting the world see that without them, the world won't be an interesting and great place to live. The new look of the African woman is strong, beautiful, confident and passionate. They are the real deal, they've been keep in the background for too...way too long.

The African Woman have come of age...but the truth of the matter is that, is the world ready for these wonderful and glorious women. Women who are willing to fight and take what is rightfully theirs. Women who believe in people and what they stand for. Women who aren't ready to back out of a challenge as long as it is fair. Women who are not afraid of who and what they are. They are fierce and they are ready .....ready to take the world on because they are real and true.
Ready for the world and ready for you.

So, get your socks on.
Ur Gal,
Gentlehawk

A POEM FOR ALL MY FRIENDS

They say a friend in need is a friend indeed...however, great friends are hard to find and if you are lucky enough to have them, i mean good friends, i advice you keep and cherish them.

Friends are unique people, who, despite aren't related to you by blood, many a times stick closer than a brother. Friends have helped me in my journey of life...i have been lucky to have some friends for a reason, some for a season and the best part, some for a lifetime.

So, i dedicate this to all my real and true friends - those who came for a reason, those that were for a season and those who will remain quietly for a life-time. This poem is for you. I love you and thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of your lives.


Dearest friend,
This is not a letter to be let
But one to be read
By your cute sparkling eyes
Into your tender little heart
This is to tell you how much
The things,are need to be said
but I have kept so long
truly, you are a friend
That I need indeed
A friend who is there
When you need him(her) near
You came to my life,
Quietly, like the little dove
and touched my heart
with your amazing love
you gave me encouraging words
When I needed them, so much
You give your strong and supporting hands
To help me stand out
but above all,You made me see
The most important thing of all
that you are a true friend,
and that it's meant to be and it's for real.

True n Real,
Gentlehawk