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.

AFRICA FASHION

Fashion has been with man as long as man can remember...it is an identity, culture, a way of life. Everywhere you look you will see fashion, in the way we wear our hair, the way we build our homes, in our looks, even to the way we cook our meals and eat those meals. Fashion is every thing, it defines who we are , from generation to generation.

Fashion a way of Life and African Fashion, a glamour to associate with. Beautiful, elagant, nourishing, refreshing, soulfull, warm, intricate yet balanced just like its people.
Have you ever wonder, where this idea of fashion came from? If is as old as man then Fashion is man just like language food culture etc.Who was the first designer? Who was the first model to show case the first designed clothes? Fashion in my own option is a necessity just like the air we breathe or the food we eat or the need to sleep.

African Fashion has evolved and still evolving just like its people. A Fashion with a statement, with purpose and reason. From the ancient Egypt to ancient South africa, all the way to Senegal and Mali, one thing hold so sure, hat African Fashion is so diverse and unique and it will take another life time to exhaust its diversity and unquieness.

So the world had better watch out because Africa and African Fashion is here to stay...it is the next big thing.
THE WORLD CAN'T WAIT anymore for this great GIANT to surprise the world with it richness.

Maybe there is a lesson here to be learnt, never ever, look down or underestimate nobody. There is an old adage that says, "Be careful of how you treat people as you climb up the laddar because you may need them on your way down", well, something like that, i think.

Anyways, i'm so glad to be part of this wonderful continent and most importantly, part of the era when the whole world looks to Africa for inspiration.

Be Real, Be True
Gentlehawk
Always with you

HAPPY 2012

Hey guys,

It is a New Year, a New Reason to live that dream, a new reason to be the best we can be, a new dawn and a new beginning.

But wait a moment, is it me or it is that the 2011 was one fast year...pregnant and giving birth to so many events, some wonderful but the most parts, catastrophic events, but fast nevertheless.

I am so sure alot of us looked forward to 2012 with a New Zeal, New Desire, New Anticipation.

However, for Nigerians that zeal was damped by their president's new year announcement - the removal of fuel subsidy without even consulting the people who made him the president in the first place.

Going on few days strike that was resultless, if there is any word like that, and returning to business as usual. Typical of Nigerians

The country is at a point of meltdown so alot of people say but the truth of the matter is that, what is keep that country from rising as a shinning star that it is, is exactly what is holding that country together and from not crashing or falling apart.
So hopefully, keeping our fingers crossed and looking above to the only one who interfers in the affairs of men, i can't wait how things turn out this beautiful year of 2012.

So my lovely darlings, kisses blown to y'all.
Wishing a fruitful and daring 2012.

Remember, do it your way and Live it right and True.

Your Gal....Gentlehawk!!!

LIFE!!!

Got this new job and as terrific as i think it is, it still has it's challenges. Kinda like life, no matter what or how life looks or be, it is not the way we think it is or see it. it is much more, no matter how sweet or how sour it is, life is alot more than that. we just need to experience it to know exactly what we are getting into.
Infact i had the opportunity to see first hand that people could look tough and aloaf but they are not all that. Some people call it "Perception". And so is Life.
Sometimes life could be an illusion but be careful, not to be thrown off the board.
How prepared are you is as important as the location of where you want to be.
This new work place is like being another planet on ET. Their look at life and people around them is so queer that some times i want to scream and pull out my hair and shout "I want to go home, back to the real world which is Earth" and at the same time i feel complied to teach them the beauty they are missing, which is, each other. We are here now, this very moment....simply enjoy and live the moment. As the saying goes, we are here today: who is sure about tomorrow.
To just simply enjoy the moment and see beyond the now.
Despite feeling scared of what is ahead of me, i am determined to live this life(WORK LIFE)differently from the rest. Above all be true to what i believe and be the best, the very best i can.
with Hope, my in heart i really pray i succeed

Wish me Luck!!!;)

Peace y'all
Be true and Real

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