S.S. David's Blog, page 13

In The Beginning… There Was Nothing…

 

That was how it was.

The Beginning of time. Time is predominately the controller of our destiny, but then, I believe that in life, time would not have meaning without proper documentation. Therein lies the work of a writer. I’d always told all who cared to listen that I would die a writer, and I mean it. If I become the Prime Minister today, I won’t feel fulfilled if I stopped writing. It’s like the air I breathe. Almost all my friends knew of the recent event in my life, and that really crippled me somewhat because I sort of lost that desire to write… I simply lost interest but now, I’m back and it’s as if I’ve never taken a hiatus, I guess I simply needed to rest.

With that out of the way. I’ve been graciously invited by Sherri Matthews of www.sherrimatthewsblog.com to join in a blog hop, she splashed my shy face on her blog a few weeks ago and today, she’s my muse! :)

Here’s the lovely Sherri!

Isn’t she gorgeous?

Sherri has worked in both the legal and medical fields but her defining and most fulfilling career was that of full-time mum for many years to her three, now grown children. Widowed young, remarried twice more, Sherri has faced many challenges, both in her home country of England and in California, where she lived and raised her family for almost 20 years.

The call of the pen beckoned throughout but it wasn’t until 2011 when Sherri lost her job due to office closure and her daughter was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome that she began to pursue her writing dream.

Now, while writing her first book*, Sherri writes articles, poetry, short-stories and flash fiction, some of which have been published in national UK magazines (Prima and Your Cat), as well as writing on her blog, ‘A View From My Summerhouse’.  She also guest blogs for a variety of websites.

Today, Sherri lives, writes, walks, gardens and takes endless photographs in the West Country of England, happily with her husband, daughter, two cats and a corn-snake called Charlie (her daughter’s, acquired after many years of persuasion).

In Sherri’s words, she passionately describes her writing career as progressive: Read that here:

”I can best define my writing process in a few short words: I fly by the seat of my pants. I struggle to rein in my writing discipline and have yet to attain a working balance, even though on an ideal day I get all my off-blog writing completed first thing in the morning before I dare check my emails.

However, ideal days don’t happen very often. So many writing projects vie for my attention and I know this is all-too common for many writers. I am learning, I hope, to listen to the writing voice that yells the loudest!

The problem is that I could write all day (on my book) and nothing else would get done. When I decide to take a ‘quick look’ on my blog, the day is lost. Certainly, I write every day. Just not on my book.

This is something I am working on changing and hope to achieve in the very near future. A cottage by the sea for six months without any internet would be very nice…maybe!

Still, I am making progress, albeit slowly! As I press on with my book, I am soon to have a poem and a ‘slice of life’ story published in two anthologies. I am also pursing ideas for putting together some of my poems, photographs and musings borne out of my private struggles (in pain and joy) while helping my beautiful ‘Aspie’ daughter navigate through life. 

It is only recently that I dared to call myself a ‘Writer’. Ultimately, I pursue the holy grail of writing so that I might, one day, be able to say that I am a ‘Published Author’.”

You can find a lot about Sherri on this awesome sites:

*Memoir Book Blurb: http://sherrimatthewsblog.com/memoir-book-blurb/

Blog :  www.sherrimatthewsblog.com

Facebook   Page:  https://www.facebook.com/aviewfrommysummerhouse

LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sherri-matthews/60/798/aa3

 

Sherri is a fantastic friend and a precocious writer. I can’t wait to devour her book when it’s out, hope you would too. Do me a favour and stop by her site to see what I’ve raved about! :)

It’s good to be back blogging fully. I would still be stopping by your blogs as soon as I could! Much love to you my friends and do enjoy the rest of this rainy week (at least in London!)

Peace! :)

Seyi David

Filed under: Blogging, Books, Writers Tagged: Blogging, Books, Earth, Friends, History, Writers

Finding Solace…

 

 

My dad, always with a smiling face! I got my giggles from him. I can remember him now with fondness!

Before I start on my ramblings, I want to use this medium to appreciate everyone who left a message on my website/blog, sent me poems, visited me at home when I was the least sociable, took me out to the cinema, sent beautifully written and thoughtful letters, dedicate a whole post on their blog to my dad ( Rosy, you have a heart of gold) I thank you all. From the depth of my heart, I am grateful.

 

I found solace in God and my friends!

My dad wouldn’t want me to mope around the house in drags, besides, the old pal was, well, old (76, I thought he would at least hit 80) He didn’t die young, that thought and the simple fact that he loved life in all its entirety makes me want to live with one singularly purpose in mind, leave a footprint in the sand of time and make people happy than they would otherwise have been.

I’m certain I have missed loads of uplifting, hilarious, thoughtful, engaging, entertaining, and simply awesome posts. I would dive in with the force of a whirlwind and read to my heart’s content; though you’ll all bear with me, it may take a while to catch up and I had started already!

I have lots of things to share, some are pretty mundane (I’m even writing a book, not on death, but living) and others, well, I would make them up as we continue on this race of ours called living!

Thanks once again my friends, your friendship and kindness made my time away bearable. I found my solace in God and You my friends

I love you guys! :)

Seyi David

Filed under: Life, Musings, True Story Tagged: Dad, Home, Kindness, Life, Love, Men, Peace

Circle Of Life

 

Goodbye Dad!

 

Life is a circle and my dad has completed his own. He passed away from this realm this morning, free from pain at last.

I appreciate every one who has prayed for me and my family at this difficult time. I would be taking a month off, to prepare for his burial. Thank you so much, I am grateful for your love, God bless you all.

Much love,

Seyi David

Filed under: Life Tagged: Death, Family, God, Life

The Gift

This man reminds me of my dad. Fiercely optimistic of the future…

Everyday is a gift.

A chance to begin again.

But what would happen when you’re facing the imminent loss of someone you love very much?

I’ve been scarce for a while because my dad is very ill. Although he’s pushing towards 80 and has been ill for almost 13 years, I can’t seem to release him. His illness made him very weak and saddled with old age, he’s sinking away fast. Unlike the hunk of a man I remembered growing up, he’s now withered and grey but still, I just don’t want to let go. The  poem below is just a kind of tribute, to summarise how much I love him.

Skating towards the sunset

Your smile melts my heart.

Scooping me up in your arms,

my heart danced with joy.

You said you’ll not let me drown,

that life is like a river.

But when I surround myself with kindness,

I would find help in the storm.

That I would ride on the back of love and rest on the crest of kindness

I don’t want you gone dad!

Stay with me a while.

Please!

I have missed many posts, please bear with me and I’ll be back soon. I would appreciate your prayers friends. I hope this month would be peaceful, joyous, and prosperous!

Much love, always!

Seyi David

Filed under: Life, Musings, Poems Tagged: Dad, Family, Home, Hope, Kindness, Love, Old Age, People, Sickness

The Professor’s Dilemma!

(Photo credit: Flickr)

 

A very brilliant professor with multiple PhD was in a village and wanted to go to the next village, and the only way was through the river. He spotted a boy manning a canoe and hired him to take him across. As the boy paddled on, the professor stared at the water and his eyes strayed to a leaf floating on the river.

‘Do you know anything about botany?’ The professor asked suddenly.

The boy looked at him and replied,

‘No sir!’

‘You’ve lost five percent of your life!’

The poor boy was saddened by the news. A few minutes passed by and the professor asked again,

‘Do you know anything about hydrology?’

The boy looked on in despair and replied slowly,

‘No!’

‘Then you have lost another five percent of your life!’ Came the verdict.

The poor boy continued paddling down the fast-moving river. The professor looked up at the bright blue sky and asked with a self-righteous grin on his bearded face,

‘Do you know anything about astronomy?’

The boy merely shook his head.

Gleefully, the professor declared, ‘then you have lost another five percent of your life.’

The boy ignored the professor as he battled with his canoe because the weather had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. The Professor watched uneasily as the wind howled and ripped through the tiny canoe, sensing fear in his passenger, the boy asked with a mischievous grin on his flushed face,

‘Do you know anything about swimming?’

‘No son!’ The hapless professor replied as his countenance fell.

‘Then you have lost hundred percent of your life.’ The boy said as he bailed out of the stricken canoe.

 

******

I don’t know your take on this story but I find it a bit funny. We can’t all know everything about life, and we shouldn’t look down on people less fortunate than we are. I wish you all a lovely, fun-filled week!

Much love, always!

:)

Filed under: Life Tagged: Humour, Kindness, Knowledge, Life, People

Memories Of Time Past!

(Photo credit: Flickr)

The lashes fell on my skin, burrowing holes through it

My hands gripped the tree as blood flowed freely.

The ground soaked and groaned.

My tears mingled with blood as hope fled.

 A quick gaze upwards and the sky mocked me.

What sins have I committed?

What atrocities would call for such retribution?

Then like a glimpse in the night,

I saw a new world.

Different from my present.

Free from pain of the field and labouring for the proud.

A spasm, a breeze, a sound.

And mercy reclaimed my soul in a faint.

………………..

On Saturday, I went to watch the acclaimed drama, ’12 Years A Slave,’ directed by Steve McQueen. I wished I hadn’t watch the film, it was brutal. I ran out twice, it was very difficult to watch. As a writer, I’ve got a hyper imagination, and as the lashes landed on Patti’s (played by Nyong’o) bare skin, I flinched, I saw myself tied to the tree in her place, my cries of mercy rending the air. The horrors of slavery would live forever, and it’s even inconceivable that over 21 million people are still enslaved today!!!

I know we live in a very complex world but one by one, day by day, we can make a change, reclaiming sanity on our streets and nations. Thank God slavery is officially abolished. Thank God Hitler is dead but changing our world is everyone’s responsibility. A change to obliterate slavery, poverty, racism, murder… All sorts of evil lurking beneath the soul of men.

I WILL do my part. Will you?

Much love, always!

Seyi David

Filed under: History, Life, Motivation, Poetic Thoughts Tagged: 12 Years A Slave, Change, Freedom, Hope, Joy, Kindess, Laughter, Life, Peace, Sanity, Slavery

Against All Odds!

 

 

Have you ever lost anything? Loved ones? Material things? Have you ever found something you lost? Then you would be able to understand me; the feeling of exhilaration and relief would have surged through your being. But not many of us find things when we lose them, most times, we hardly do.

On Tuesday, I lost some money. I knew it was on my person but by the time I got home, it was gone. I rarely lose things, I am always very careful but after going through my bag and jackets, I knew the money was gone and it was a blow.

Then yesterday, I lost one pair of my gold earring and my heart dropped to the floor; it was a gift from my husband. How could I have been so careless? I tried to retrace my steps; wondering where it could have fallen off, but it was hopeless.

My son felt sorry for me and asked if he could help, I told him there was nothing he could do. In the evening, I decided to pray. Believe me,  I prayed and asked God to help me find my earring.

This morning, I had an impromptu meeting in the office, so my husband had to take the kids to school. Before they got to school, my son spotted the earring on the ground. Someone could have easily picked it up but nobody did. So against all odds, I found what I thought was gone forever. I was happy, first, God answered my prayers, second, I lost two things but found one.

Like Rumi would say: “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.”

You can listen to this song; that’s how I’m feeling right now!

I hope none of my friends would lose anything this weekend. I wish you all a happy, peaceful Friday!

Much love, always!

Filed under: Life, Motivation, True Story Tagged: Family, God, Gold, Home, Joy, Life, Loss, Peace, Prayer, Relief

Miracles!

(Photo credit: Asteric 21)

A miracle is when a single mother work at two jobs to train and keep her kids from the streets.

A miracle is when a young man said an emphatic ‘NO’ to drugs and decides to go to school or look for work.

A miracle is the man who works as a street sweeper and not a fraudster.

A miracle is when an impressionable girl refuses to take part in prostitution.

******

William Hazlitt believes that a miracle is - ’a gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.’ I hope we would be agents of miracles throughout this week.

I haven’t blogged for over a week due to few pressing issues and though I have visited some sites, there are still many I haven’t read their new updates. Do bear with and I’ll hop over to visit your blogs soon.

Lest I forget; Cydonia is now out on Kindle. If you’re interested, here’s the link:

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cydonia-Rise-fallen-Seyi-David-ebook/dp/B00ISD2ZZE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Amazon US:http://www.amazon.com/Cydonia-Rise-fallen-Seyi-David-ebook/dp/B00ISD2ZZE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1394543771

Don’t get into trouble… Enjoy the rest of your week my friends!

Much love, always!

Filed under: Friends, Life, Motivation, Quotes Tagged: Family, Friends, Hope, Kindness, Love, Miracles, Relationships

The Hope Journey

(Photo credit: wingmac)

Ann-Marie glared at the result in her hand, and her heart skipped a bit. That wasn’t what she was expecting. How could I beat cancer and then find out that I have coronary heart disease? she thought in despair as her eyes clouded with tears, she ground her teeth, determined to beat the new monster in her body.

‘I’m so sorry,’ the doctor said and watched her ambled out of his office…

*****

Sharon rushed through traffic, her face beaming with pleasure. At long last, after years of trying, the doctor had finally confirmed her suspicion; she was three weeks pregnant. Countless IVFs couldn’t do the trick, she got pregnant when she least expected…

*****

Roman walked through the park, lost in thought. He was still trying to cope with the death of Jake, his best friend. Jake had jumped from the sixth floor of his hotel. It was sad that he was with him a day before the tragedy; yet Roman saw nothing amiss. If only I could rewind time, he thought aloud as his eyes brimmed with tears. Then he remembered the lost look in the eyes of Jake’s mother, and his feet seemed to have a life of their own as they pushed him forward. He could still save another life…

*****

Nathan could hardly believe his ears. He is finally free, there was no more cancer. As he took out his phone, his eyes involuntarily seek out a nurse, pushing a girl in a wheel chair down the hospital hall; she was roughly the same age as his 10-year-old daughter and by the looks of things, she’s having chemo…

NP: although some of these stories are just figments of my imagination; there are elements of reality there. I’ve had friends who had gone through cancer, life – changing situations but one thing stood out: they never gave up hope, and most of them emerged victorious in the face of seemingly insurmountable problems. In the words of Emily Dickinson, the American poet, I quote:

‘Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.’

So, never give up hope…

Have a pleasant week my friends!

Much love, always!

 

Filed under: Friends, Life, Motivation, Musings, Short Story Tagged: Death, Faith, God, Health, Hope, IVF, Joy, Kindness, Life, Pregnancy, Short story

Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Months, Years!

 

                     (Photo credit: Flickr)

 

”I hope everyone that is reading this is having a really good day. And if you are not, just know that in every new minute that passes you have an opportunity to change that.”

Gillian Anderson

This is perhaps the longest post title I’ve written since I started this blog. I believe we have the will power to do something about how we’re feeling. It’s up to us really, to see the beauty of creation; or war! But before I stop and close my laptop, I remember a C.S Lewis’s quote that I stumble upon a few years ago, it goes like this:

”It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.”

 

(Photo credit: Flickr)

These two quotes means different things. I wonder what you think of each one. How do you think it applies to you and me?

Ruminate on it this weekend and do let me know your thoughts!

Also, a blogger friend plastered my shy face on his blog a couple of hours ago, please do me a favour and hop over to read it. Chris Graham has a heart of gold (we all do! ) And he did this out of the goodness of his heart. Please like and share it!

http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/2014/02/28/guest-author-seyi-david/comment-page-1/#comment-7790

I sincerely wish you all a beautiful, restful, and joyful weekend! :) ( too many ‘ful’ )

Much love, always!

Filed under: Blogging, Friends, Life, Motivation, Quotes Tagged: C.S Lewis, Change, Dreams, Flying, Friends, Gillian Anderson, Health, Hope, Joy, Kindness, Life