Time-out With Cathy

My Daddy and I!👨‍👧💕🥂

2021-06-20T11:53:00.003+01:00

It's Father's day today!... there have been talks on how Fathers' are not celebrated as much. The jealousy could be perceived from a thousand miles away!. 😂😂😂

I also realized I have a post for Mothers' on Mother's day but none for Fathers'. So, I have decided to change that narrative.

Everyone who knows me personally can tell I am closer to my mum. Lol... but what they don't know is, my Dad was my first best friend and I was his person 🤭 As a matter of fact, I used to see my mum as TOO strict especially when she was helping with my assignments😏 or asking me to stay indoor instead of going outside to play with my friends😭 It wasn't funny because I was the only child at the time before my sister decided it was time to show-up😏

My dad's return from work always felt like an 'escape' for me. The excitement I'd get when I hear his footsteps was like magic... you could literally see my face light up, the way I would jump at him and how I'd start downloading all that happened that day. My gist was never without a gain... it came with a few naira note and/or Ribena, CapriSonne, Maltina or Yoghurt☺ I think my mum was jealous at some point but durrrhh, I couldn't be bothered...🥳

I remember there was this red basketball jersey (two-piece) he bought for me. I was always so excited to change into it when I got back from school. I wore that Jersey for yearssss. ☺

It also helped that I was doing well in school. Once my result was out, I was always sure of premium pampering.

There was this song he self-composed and would make me dance to. That song used to get me pumped until it didn't!😂😂

My dad has in a way influenced my choice of music too because of what I grew up listening to. My kind of music would be one that's not rushed, passes the right message, has a good beat and pleasing to the ears.

As a child, I knew for sure Thursday evenings after watching the news, the radio was tuned to Cool FM for some chilled RnB music☺ For Fridays, I can't remember the particular radio station we vibed to but it was some good Hip-hop music 😀 Saturdays, I was sure we would listen to either "Chief Commander" Ebenezer Obey, Sir. Shina Peters, Onyeka Onwenu, Bob Marley, Majek Fashek and of course or Fela Kuti!.

However, the most played was 'Chief Commander'. The ironic thing is, he doesn't understand Yoruba that much (Honestly, if I was to rate him, he would still be in the beginners stage) but the way he loved Chief Ebenezer Obey. Lol

By the way, to know how much my dad loved and still loves his Saturday jam, if he misses it for any reason on Saturday, definitely Sunday would never pass us by.

Sunday before church, we do it the gospel way. There was this cassette he had, it was an Igbo gospel music. I never understood what the woman was saying but I dey sing am like that. My favourite used to be a disc that contained a mix of foreign gospel artistes... my sing-along game used to be topnotch (or so I thought 🤭) especially when the song, He lives in me🎼 was playing.

Sunday afternoon was and still is, Ray power FM... there's this program where they communicate in my local language.

Till date, his Radio remains his favourite item.

Oh... yes! I remember Dolly Parton (coat of many colours and Jolene are the two tracks I vividly remember from my dad's music collection).

My dad enjoys seeing us (my sister and I) read. Good thing, I was able to hack this code much earlier in life. The best time I could ever ask him for anything and he would oblige without batting an eye would be when I'm with a book or he has seen me reading for days. That used to be my way of asking for 'extra' money from him. I taught my sister this and she's doing well with this information. Lol.

I remember how I never had to be sent back from school for non-payment of school fees in my senior secondary school days. My fees were paid before resumption and all I needed to do was show the bank teller I got from my dad to the school bursar who was usually stationed at the gate. To think, we never had it rosy then but I never lacked.

My dad was always in charge of Christmas shopping for my sister and I. We knew it was time for Christmas shopping when he (my dad) uses a broomstick to measure our legs!😂😂😂

I had a great childhood because of him. I probably didn't have the best but my dad gave me his BEST and for this, I am truly and eternally grateful.

My Dad is not perfect, and truly, no one is. We are all flawed and in another's story, we remain the villain... Knowing this fact has been a coping mechanism in understanding and managing people.

Though, we don't agree on certain things but I am happy I still get to do life with him and with each day, my subconscious registers a memory of him.

To every father out there... we raise a glass in celebration of Father's day to you and we say, Thank you for being our first call of defense! We love you!!!🤗💕❤

Happy Fathers' Day!🥂👨‍👧‍👧👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👩‍👧‍👧👨‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👧👨‍👧👨‍👧‍👦❤🥳

The KEEPER'S words...

2021-04-13T19:20:00.001+01:00

Have you ever been in a situation where it feels like there is a battle between your mind and the voices in your head?. It's like a supremacy battle. However, you want to be careful to follow the right voice, lest, you may stumble.

You know that moment when you really want some 'quiet' inorder to take that next step... you can hear the voices in your head screaming in support of what it is beckoning you to do but the mind says otherwise and you wonder why can't these two agree! Why do they have a mind of their own?.

You say to yourself "I am in charge" to the point that you now totally believe you truly are but are you truly in charge?. You actually look helpless😏

In a way to caress your ego into believing you are indeed in control, you run straight to your arsenal (forgetting to say hello to the one who is in charge of that arsenal). You pick up all the necessary weapon you figure you might need for your show of power.

The funny thing is, now you have the sword, you have the shield, you have the helmet and the entire arsenal at your disposal but you are lost as to what to do with them. Pheeww... clown much.

You are still confused as ever. Still broken. Still powerless. At this point, you know there's no winning. The voices in your head asking you to go left haven't stopped and the mind still screams RIGHT!.

While in this dilemma, the ONE who is in charge of your arsenal calls your name. Now, you are shocked. You know that voice but how could you have forgotten to at least say "hello" that sweet subtle voice before rushing for the weapon?!. Oh no! Have you forgotten your manners?! If disappointment had a face, yours would have fit in perfectly without question.

In this moment and at the wake of the realization of how bad things have become seeing you have no control over them and wanting to fix things your own way is gradually moving you to a place of self-destruct... Geez! the tears wouldn't stop flowing!!!.

The impact of that voice has rendered every ounce of your vulnerability useless. You realize all you needed was a hug... not from just anyone but from the one who is in charge of your arsenal. Shamelessly, you crawl to Him and He lifts you with his outstretched arms. He smiles and calls you "MY OWN".

Your chest burdened, you pour it out to Him without asking if He was in the right space to receive all you are about to dump at His feet... but, He doesn't mind. He listens, regardless. How sweet!😍

With a comforting relief, you say to Him... "there's indeed no hiding from your love but I need to know, I'm dying to know... should I rise or should I fall? Should I sing from the mountains or should I make my bed from the valley? One word is all I need".

He's mute for a while but His gaze still fixed at you... it pierces deep to your soul and you can tell He knows and sees it all.

He finally speaks but not with a word as you requested... He responds with a sentence!. How generous of Him!🥺

He says... "be still and know that I am in charge".

Now, you are relieved 😌 the voices in your head and your mind don't get to destabilise you no more. Oh! Of course, they try to mess with you every once in a while but the words of the Keeper have become your shield, your entire armour and sword. How bliss!.💃🎉

Silently, you still wonder... does this mean I don't need to go left or right? Am I expected to do nothing and just stay still? Again, the KEEPER visits and says TRUST ME.

TRUST the Keeper. Wow!.

A letter to my Older self.

2020-12-25T04:29:00.002+01:00

Dear Catherine,

You have no idea how excited I am writing you this and it's not because it's Christmas today. I have been wanting to do this for the longest and today just seemed right!. Also, I have seen posts from a few people writing to their older selves and I figured you deserve one too. You think so, right?. Indeed.😊

So, how are you?... uhmm, first, hollup! I will need you to take a deep breath before answering. I'm curious to know how my older self is faring. Tell me...don't hold back...let it out and be honest. How are you?. I want to know everything! *rubs palm*

Currently... I think you are a sweet soul. You love a positive atmosphere. You love good music... it doesn't matter if you don't understand the lyrics but good music always finds a way of lifting your mood. You sing the loudest even when you are sure of not getting the notes right. You are focused yet nonchalant and playful. You are a loyal friend. In friendship, you appreciate honesty at its fullest. Every day for you is a chance to be better.

I envisage you are happier now. I believe those things that bother you currently have been taken care of with TIME. Time definitely has a way of fixing and putting things into perspective.

I'm curious to know if all the plans for your career, family, finances and your relationship with God are thriving. Hint me on the new goals you set for yourself, will you... you know that wasn't a question?.*wink*

I wonder how far you are in your choice of career. I wonder what other business(es) you eventually delved into... did you ever consider real estate?... Your heart currently gravitate towards it sometimes.

I wonder if you ever got optimal confidence with driving... did you get to go on that road trip with the 'absolute love your life' in that beautiful car on a 120 to a place you have never been and stopping at strategic places for a break or chill-out... I can imagine how adventurous that would be for you. I'm excited to know the number of good memories you are both making.

How was your last holiday? How was Greece? Was it as I have seen in pictures? What was the experience like?. Any culture shock?. I will also like to know the impact Paris left on you... and not forgetting Maldive.

Currently, there are not many friends. But the ones I call friends are so special to me. I can literally move the mountains for them. Same feeling for family. I love hard like that and I think it is a good thing. Don't you ever stop!. .

Did you get to host that dinner with friends and families? How did it go?

Did you go big on gifting/giving?. Tell me how this is going. Please don't relent. I think it's beautiful and amazing at the same time.

Like I had mentioned earlier, it's Christmas 🎄 here and I wonder what your Christmas tradition is like. Is it the normal cooking, eating and staying home?... knowing you, there must have been an upgrade!🥳

Picturing you to be much older, I hope you remember not to second-guess yourself.

Always remember that being successful is not about gathering wealth but finding happiness in what you do. Trust me!... there's no better feeling.

Baby girl, you should know you are not doing yourself any disservice losing opportunities that do not define your existence and purpose.

Never let the pressure of over-performing get to you. I hope you always remember to give yourself some amount of grace. Know that, it is okay to have a few things on the table so you can achieve more.

Sweetheart, remember you have your lane and that lane should unapologetically be YOU. Always be on the level of you. Embrace yourself. No comparison... comparison is the thief of JOY. Do you. Do your best and leave the rest to God's grace.

My darling, you deserve good things and all its associates. Don't you ever get scared to ask for what you deserve. Show people how to treat you.

You are beautiful. Don't stop being beautiful.You are glowing and you are even just starting. I love you in your silly, playful, naughty, emotional, nonchalant, serious, cry me a river moments... I love you at all times.

Protect your space. Be kind to all. Give as much as you can. Stay happy. You work hard but I hope you get to play harder.

Make mistakes; you are human and can never be right at all times... the blemishes are part of the entire package and there is always a lesson to learn from every mistake.

Go out more. Just continue to be happy...light up the room with your smile. As always, allow people enjoy the beauty in the sound of your laughter.

Stop hiding your light. Stop downplaying your awesome. Allow people experience the gift of you!. You are peculiar.

Time is precious... use it well. You should try harder about keeping to time.

Never ever forget your identity in Christ. You are His and He is yours. You are a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. You are the light of the world. The salt of the earth. You are His special possession and through Him you have been given the mandate to dominate, succeed and be glorious.

Catherine, the world is for your taking... take it!.

I look forward to hearing from you. Until then, I'm sending my love, prayers and everything nice your way! Cheers! I love you too much and I'm not sorry about that. 💓💕💖💘.

From:

Your amazing younger self.

Let's be more VULNERABLE

2020-10-05T01:42:00.007+01:00

Hello my beautiful fans!. Yes, if you are reading this... You are a fan and I love that you are!!! 😁😉 It has been a minute! I missed doing this with you, you know?😌...that wasn't a question, by the way.😉

How have you been since my last post? I truly hope with the whole situation happening , you are doing well. I hope your smile still brightens the room. I hope your inner light still shines so bright for the world to see. Continue to exude that grace you carry. You are doing well.🤗

Let's dive straight to the topic of discussion.

I was strolling on the streets of Twitter recently and I saw this (please forgive the picture quality).👇

My first reaction was "Uhmm... what's with the over-calculation?". I mean, why do we have to play this card just to get the attention of the 'other person'?. To what end and is it even necessary?.

It just means that whenever a party feels the need to "increase the spark", a DELIBERATE faux gap is created just so the other person can rate them more😒. Very selfish, toxic, unhealthy and unnecessary, right?... I didn't think otherwise either.

These days, it is obvious people fear not to do too much just so they don't get to be seen as being 'too mushy', 'too clingy' or be taken advantage of.

I have heard people say "too much familiarity breeds disrespect", but the truth in my opinion is, in a relationship where both parties are reasonable and are happy to respect each other, there's nothing as "overfamiliarity".

"Overfamiliarity" in this context, might just be your ego taking over your emotions. It could be those insecurities you see when you look in the mirror. So, instead of addressing the issues with "the man in the mirror", you fear and you run from the truth... YOUR TRUTH. Now, you ponder on the best way to win this battle with yourself. To you, you believe the sure way to save you from your own reality is to project your truth on the other person. Tragic, right?. Fix it. Fix you.

Darlings, it's 2020!. Life is beautiful and its beauty should be experienced so why not take the bull by the horn... be happy to own and address your truth, show love and kindness as much as you can, be intentional with your relationships, be happy to love without restraint, allow yourself to love and experience love, allow yourself to be vulnerable, avoid mind-games; communicate more.

If you do all these and the other person doesn't appreciate it, be happy to go where you are appreciated. Be happy to know that sometimes, it is necessary to let things go and let people be... not because you have stopped loving them but you understand that holding on depreciates the love you have for yourself. So wish them well and embrace peace. You deserve peace and genuine happiness.

To be fair, I acknowledge this is easier said than done but in the end, be assured that you will be doing yourself a whole good. You will be more in tune with yourself whilst realising that the love you showed and haven't stopped showing has magically find its way back to you... permanently in your arms and forever within your reach. Now, for every unit of love you show to this person, it is reciprocated in quantum leap. A win-win. 😁

So, keep loving with reckless abandon. Be intentional about it and be happy. Stop with the over-calculation... life isn't that hard.

Until next time, I'm sending love, light and everything nice your way. Please continue to stay safe.

Thank you so much for reading! God bless you!. I love you!.🤗😘❤

What do you PRAY for?

2020-07-02T10:37:00.001+01:00

Happy new month!!! 🎉 Trust you have been good since my last post.

I woke up yesterday with the brightest of mood... might be understandable because it is a new month and the start of the second-half of the year 2020 but in introspect, I realized we get so caught up with so many endless life's activities that we underrate or neglect the "seemingly small blessings". We consider it a right and not a privilege. We stay focused on how, where and when we would receive the "big blessings" without realizing that's not even our place to start with.

After all these thoughts, realizing through it all, especially in this pandemic, I can still be in the mood of thanksgiving!... my excitement increased. Even my mum had to ask what the good news was and I couldn't think of a better response than "... is my life not enough good news to you?"😅

So yeah, I was on facebook for the first time in a while and thanks to Facebook memories, I was reminded of a post I shared sometime in 2016. I read it and figured it is still very much valid. Here it goes;

"As each day comes to a close, I pray life becomes all that I envisaged it to be if not more but most importantly that God's special will and purpose play gloriously with me... that my goals and aspiration stay big, my fears and worries remain small.

I pray that I never need to bear more than I can hold and I never need to hold on to what was never meant to be mine.

When confronted with choices to choose from, I pray that my sense of discernment never fails; that I should be able to differentiate a favourable choice to an unfavourable one.

When it is cold outside, I pray that I will have the grace and strength to show to everyone the sincereness and warmth of my smile.

I pray that God continues to show His Grace towards me.

I sincerely pray that I do not forget those who helped and encouraged me in my down times.

I pray I would always remember that people love me and want the best for me.

I pray that God keeps directing my every step whenever it seems I am going astray.

I pray that I forgive whoever made me feel bad at one time or another and that I get forgiveness from whoever I may (have) offend(ed).

I pray I always remember that patience is a virtue and that I do not need to run faster than life itself.

I pray that I am always surrounded with good friends.

I pray that I always be the best I can be even when the chips may be down.

I pray that when it comes to things I cannot get nor situations I cannot change that I always remember to "Let go and Let God".

And above all of this, I pray that God never leaves me nor all the people and things that concerns me and that His purpose be forever made manifest in our lives.

What is your prayer???".

That's it and I sincerely hope this moved you to always stay thankful even for the seemingly small blessings and to say a word of prayer today.

Until next time, I'm sending my love and everything nice your way!. ❤💫

Have a wonderful month!🌸

The only justification is THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION

2020-06-03T19:04:00.006+01:00

Hurray! It's a new month already. Time really does fly when you are "having fun".😐 I hope the remaining days of the year shower us to greater glory, joy, happiness in good health. Can I hear an Amen? Amen. *wink*

Before I continue with the topic of discussion (though not what I planned on publishing today), I sincerely want to thank you all for always taking out time to read all of my posts on the blog. You have no idea how that makes me feel. The reviews have been amazing. Thank you!.

The recent happenings (asides the COVID-19 pandemic) have been really overwhelming. From the racial profiling to police brutality in our dear country to the rape culture that has obviously eaten deep and has become a full-blown social menace!. Thanks to social media, in a way, our voices can be heard.

Let's take it one after the other.

RACIAL PROFILING (#BLACKLIVESMATTER):

This particular issue reminds me of the movie, 'when they see us'. The movie is a true-life story that centered around five teenagers who were falsely accused of a brutal murder all because of their skin colour. You should see the movie if you have not.

To be honest, I still don't get the rationale behind rating a human lesser than others just because of his/her SKIN COLOUR! I mean, how much do blacks have to reiterate that "we are humans first before anything else" How much louder do we have to scream that 'my colour does not depict the colour of my heart'... that I am black does not mean I am capable of a far greater evil than others. I am black does not make me a monster. Just like 'you', I have feelings too and I am very much capable of loving and being loved.

I came across the video of the recent known victim, George Floyd and I could not bring myself to watching the full clip. In case, you are wondering what video, you can click here to watch.

#JUSTICEFORTINA

Tina (a teenager) happened to be another victim of a system that has continuously failed the people it was created or designed to protect. I believe I would be speaking the minds of many if I say, there is a lot of reform to be done in the Nigerian Police Force.

I hope Tina gets justice and that this is not another cycle where the force detains the culprits, sacks them and that's the last we hear of the case.

To have a full grasp of what happened to Tina, click here to read.

#JUSTICEFORUWA

It is extremely sad to think of how prevalent the issue of rape has become. I feel the society has successfully written a very lengthy manuscript and guidelines for the female-child to adhere, yet, these guidelines have failed to garner a lot of success.

The female-child at an early age is handed a rule book of so many 'do's and don'ts'. She is groomed to be the "perfect wife" for her "husband". She must know how to cook the best meal because the way to the "man's" heart is through his stomach else "who will marry her?". She must not dress in a certain way so she doesn't attract rapists. She must be mindful of her male friends whereas, the enemy might be "that uncle or family friend".

Very useful piece of information like;

"DON'T VISIT YOUR MALE FRIENDS".

'DON'T YOU EVER WALK ALONE IN A LONELY AND/DARK PLACE".

"DON'T WEAR REVEALING CLOTHES"... but, that hasn't stopped the cases of "uncles" or "trusted family members" raping the girl-child, it hasn't stopped the girl-child from being raped in her home, it hasn't stopped the fully-clothed girl-child from being gang-raped.

I consider it very insensitive when people try to justify rape.

Some will say, "what was she wearing? She deserved to be raped". This, I consider the flimsiest excuse. "justifying rape because the victim is not properly dressed or because she is passing the night at a man's house is quite the same as you saying it is okay to just walk into a 5-star restaurant and eat their buffet without paying because you are hungry and the food is just out there staring at you...", that's me quoting a dear friend, she went further to add "STOP BEING STUPID" and to be honest, I couldn't agree less.

It's also annoying when you see a group of boys catcalling a lady who is obviously minding her business... the conversations afterwards would most likely hint rape, they will be like "what exactly is wrong with her, if I catch her with that thing she thinks she is carrying about"... a subtle way of saying she would be raped if they have a chance to.

Oh ye rapists and rapist apologists!, can you clearly see that SHE is not the problem... the only problem here is YOU. YOU have chosen to be the animal. YOU may not know the trauma you have inflicted on her, but, would you be happy if it hits home; if your sister or any female you cherish too dearly suffer same fate. Will it fuel as much excitement you felt/would feel when you RAPE(D) that girl or those girls (as the case may be)?.

The society has obviously scored a goal against the female gender. I agree. But, didn't your parents groom you right? They didn't? Oh right! Are you not aware you can actually take time to re-groom yourself.

In the case of UWA, it was reported she went to church to read!. Yet, the monster raped her and like that wasn't enough, killed her! What justification will the rape apologists give for this. Oh my bad, I saw on Twitter where a user mentioned "...of all places, why did she go to read in a church?..."

If you are a rape apologist (click here to see meaning) you deserve as much punishment as the rapist.

I love it that we are evolving to an era where victims are more vocal. I look forward to seeing our parents educate the boy-child;

about morals beyond BEING A MAN

that he has no right to anyone's body

that NO means NO,

that the girl-child is not a sex object,

that rape is an evil act,

that consent is important,

to always value, respect and protect the girl-child,

to be responsible and not place the whole responsibilities on the girl-child.

Leave women alone! Leave people alone!! We are tired!!!.

If after reading this post, you still believe there is a justification for these evil vices... you might be right! I can agree with you that the only justification is THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION!.

HE blamed ME

2020-05-02T18:24:00.000+01:00

Photo credit: Google image

It is the wish of most young ladies to meet the man who will effortlessly sweep them off their feet. The man, who does the right thing, says the right thing all at the right time. The man we can boldly call "The true love of my life", "My knight in shining armour", and all those sweet and mushy names that are dear and special to us. Did you just fantasize about it? Of course, you did. Lol.

That was my case when I met Andrew.

Andrew was a perfect gentleman although he had few flaws but he could do no wrong in my eyes. He always had the right words to say and I loved it! It was even more beautiful whenever he tells me sweet nothings. Believe me when I say I was swayed and my heart only beat for him... there were other suitors but Andy (as I call him) was second to none.

It wasn't a surprise when I started dreaming of a beautiful wedding with Andy. What fantastic memory and what beautiful life we will have with our kids. Andy also helped to fuel the fire as he joined me in this fantasy process... Damn! I love this man; this was me every time his thought crossed my mind.

Oh well, like I always wished and hoped for, we had a beautiful wedding. It was such a delight that major wedding tabloids had mind-blowing things to say about it.

You must be thinking my beautiful fantasy was gradually becoming my reality... *sigh* I thought so too but what came after that was a huge shocker; it was nothing close to what I had thought my marriage to the love of my entire life will be.

After the wedding, Andy changed! The unsolicited insults, the fights, the beatings, the late nights... each day came with an updated version of torment. I became the shadow of myself, I had to be indoor most of the time because how do I explain to everyone the bruises on my swollen face and broken arm every now and then.

I hated the realization that I married my enemy... how can someone who once professed undying love to me look straight into my eyes and plunge a knife right into my heart without any remorse. Even the Devil will fright but not this one.

Andy also had a beautiful facade he showed to the world and this made it difficult for anyone to believe me when I talked about the dangers I was facing in my marriage. To everyone, he was a saint and was loved. They all believed I was exaggerating!. If only they took time to dissect the true nature of his soul and discover the filth and maggots that were stored in there. I wouldn't blame them, I obviously fell in love with his facade without taking time to also discover what was beneath his beautiful.

There were days, I would cry to my family, friends and even my Pastor but they all kept saying the same thing!!!. They will say "...I don't believe all you have said but if this is true, you have to go back to your husband. Show him more love. Adore him but most importantly, be patient with him. You see, men come with a lot of gabbage, it is the duty of the woman to mould the man the way she wants... she has to prune him with patience, love and understanding. There is no family without a bad side. My dear, this is your cross, you have to bear it"... they went further to say "marriage is an institution of learning, you keep learning. You need to keep praying for your home. On no account must you allow the enemy have a grip over your marriage. Pray on your knees, pray while sitting, pray while standing, pray without ceasing. Fight for your marriage".

All those words of "encouragement" but none managed to explain to me why my marriage had to come with so much battles to overcome. "Why did it have to feel like a battlefield...".

I stopped seeking counsel from people, because, the more I applied their words of wisdom, the worse Andy treats me.

With time, I learnt a special Endurance skill that can only be acquired through years of pain and suffering. I learnt to live through all the stress, pain and torture. If there was a course that had to do with Endurance, I should be the Professors' Professor. It also helped that I began to read books related to Endurance and Patience in marriage (reading these books was a safe haven for me).

Our marriage was blessed with two beautiful and smart kids; Chris and Isabel. The kids gave me more reason to stick with Andy but it was sad knowing my kids were seeing all the events happening in the house.

With time, Chris began to stand up against his father whenever he tries to hit me. The hatred Chris had for his father was becoming too overwhelming and disturbing. There were times, I would beg Chris to let go of this hate and leave me to bear the torture but he will always object to my plea.

On a particular day, Chris walked up to me and said "if things get out of hand than it already is, you will be the one to blame. Why can't you read between the lines and leave". It was a rude shock to me because never in my history of trying to seek solace from friends and family has anyone ever come out straight with me this way. I didn't know what to say, think or how to react. I was numb.

Everyday, I'll say to myself... I survived today, I should be able to survive tomorrow. Except for this particular day, survival wasn't in my place to decide.

Andy was home earlier than usual. The kids were home too. He called me to the bedroom. This was strange. Everything felt strange; I could sense that something was about to go wrong but my intuition was too weak to show me signs of a possible scenario. However, nothing prepared me for the event that unfolded.

The kids must have heard my shout from their room with the way they rushed in.

Few minutes to this time, Andy broke a strange news to me. Would you believe, Andy told me he was getting married to his Secretary and mentioned she had to live with us except that "us" was excluding me, his wife!. That wasn't the shocker, he asked that I leave without the kids and offered me a cheque of N2,000,000.00 (Two Million Naira).

How wicked can he be to think my marriage to him of over 20 years with the most amazing kids was worth such amount. No amount can compensate me for the sacrifice I put into the marriage, the endless physical and mental torture Andy put me through, the cries that made me change my pillow cover every morning because it was wet with tears from the night before. How did we get here? I had hoped and prayed someday, he will grow to truly love me like he used to before we got married.

I objected to his offer and in the heat of the argument, Andy became the real "Undertaker", the one we watch in WWE fights except Andy was in the ring unopposed. Yet, he saw me as his wrestling competitor. This was the moment Chris and Isabel rushed into our room.

Chris pushed him away from me. Andy grew furious! I can swear that in the many years I have seen the brutal side of Andy, I have never seen him with so much fire in his eyes. Something was going to happen but again, my intuition was scattered to know what exactly. I couldn't focus. All I just wanted to do was to leave this house with my kids in peace. I was tired. Maybe, it was a little too late for me to be indeed tired and ready to throw in the towel.

Andy in his fury got hold of the flower vase and was looking straight at me. It was evident I was his prey. Chris must have noticed and he came in the way.

Suddenly, everything went silent and the movement that followed was Chris falling to the ground. My boy was covered in the pool of his own blood. Andy had hit him with the flower vase. I rushed to him whilst asking his sister to call the ambulance but my son could only mutter few words... he blamed me. In his words, "Mummy, I blame you for this. If only you listened to me. If only you left... you caused all of this. You brought this upon us. I blame you"... those were his last words.

The ambulance got in shortly but we already lost Chris. I had just lost a child, my child. This realization made Andy run out of the house.

Suddenly, my friends and family who ignored my call for help have become my advocate but they blame me for not trying hard to let them know what I had been going through. All the blame and accusation flying round, none could compare to knowing my dear son blames me for his death. If only I had listened to him.

As for Andy, he died in an accident days later on his way to the airport after trying to elope with his Secretary. Good riddance.

My worst regret has become my greatest pain.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Hey lovelies, please know that I tried to make this as short as possible. I hope you had a good read and you could pick one or two valuable lessons from it.

Please don't forget to share and subscribe.

Until next time, remember to stay safe, find your happy, protect your mental space at all cost, rest on God's promises to mankind. This too shall pass and we shall be victorious!

Sending my love and everything nice your way.💕

N.B: The above story is a work of fiction, all characters and events depicted in this are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Can we start afresh?

2020-04-12T18:55:00.000+01:00

Photography: @meaches_photography_

Can we please do this again? Can we start afresh? Will you be happy to have me back? Please say "yes". Say "yes" and take this guilt away from my heart. 🥺💔

Not to be dramatic but thank you so much for hanging around. Thank you for reading. To those who have been providing feedback and useful insights, you are doing well and I appreciate you. Thank you for giving this relationship another opportunity. *Okay, Catherine you may need to stop now... you are gradually being too dramatic and we don't want that, yeah?* 🤭🤗

Lol. It's my first blogpost in the year 2020. We are already in the second-quarter. How time flies! Didn't we just scream "Happy new year" like few days ago? 🤔 Wow!!!.

It might be late to wish you a happy new year... I mean, so much has been happening this year and to be honest I still feel positive that things will turn out well by God's grace.

Whoosh... thinking about it now, I'm excited and can't wait for the positive plot twist this year holds. So, yeah! in that same euphoria, I pray the remaining months in the year 2020 give to us all an all-round peace, joy unspeakable and blessings unlimited in good health and wealth. Amen!🙏

From me to you and yours... Happy year 2020! Happy Sunday!! Happy Easter Celebration!!! Christ has risen that we may live!!!😊🥰 Awesome stuff, right?!🤗

At the moment, the song "What a beautiful name" by "Hillsong Worship" fully expresses how I feel and it is successfully sending sweet vibes to my soul. You should listen to it too. Trust me, you will love it! Enjoy 😉

Oops! Thought it necessary to share this... My mum recently got a panic call from my grandma and when she (my mum) told me, I was so scared. I feared we may lose her. It wasn't funny but I am thankful with the turn out of things and it made me realise how much I needed not to be far from her and the people in my life. Also, the importance of giving those around us their roses while they can still smell it. She's much better now... thankful to God for this.

Please always check up on the elderly ones around you. It means so much to them and it gives them more reason(s) to smile each day. Now, be happy to pick up your phone and make that call. You know you want to *wink* Dial that number. You can always come back to this. You are welcome and I love you too! 🤗

Lastly, during this period, I know it's hard and things might be tough . Please stay safe. Find your happy. Protect your mental space. Rest on God's promises to man; His promises are "YES" and "AMEN"... He will not leave you nor forsake you. Just like others, this too shall pass. Amen, somebody? Amen 🙏🤗

Do have yourself a wonderful Easter Celebration.

Until next time, don't stop smiling, darling... Jesus loves you!❤💯

With a GRATEFUL heart!

2019-12-31T13:50:00.000+01:00

Hurray!!! It's the last day in the year 2019 and I'm so excited! The year wasn't all rosy as it came with its own thorns but I'm grateful for the wonderful experiences that exceeded the challenges.

I'm equally using this opportunity to thank all of my readers. It amazes me that even with my inconsistency, the blog recorded over a thousand clicks with just nine (9) posts!!.🥳🥳🥳 I can boldly say I have a strong support system!. Thank you so much!.

The article with the most click was my first documented fiction titled "the transformation to a beast". This particular write-up was a very quick one and was borne out of anger. I remember going through posts on "instablog" and most of the highlights for a week were posts relating to pedophiles and a lot of sodomy acts with children! It was crazy!.

This made me decide to write about it and I wanted to publish it that same day (Lol! I didn't want the anger in me to die down), which I did by the way but without taking out time to proofread. I am glad I wrote it considering the number of reviews I received. I never knew I could pen down any work of fiction. Lol. It is safe to say... 2019 is (was) my year of discovery!.

If you have not read the article (the transformation to a beast), it is just a click away.

Darlings! I am not here to bore you on how my 2019 went, I am just here to show the world how grateful I am to God for a wonderful 2019, not just for me but also everyone in my corner.

I remember earlier in the year when I was worried about everything surrounding my career, family, friends, relationship, finance and a number of issues. I didn't know the "how, when, where and why" particularly in my career path but I heard a tiny still voice in my head say... "He who started the good work in you will be faithful to complete it". Another one was "It is settled". Fam! that was all the assurance I needed for the year 2019!.

I am not perfect and if I am being honest I am greatly flawed. I still do not have it all figured out. I am still trying to discover so much about myself because I think there is still so much I can do that I haven't explored yet. I still make mistakes. I still doubt myself but in ALL of these and so many uncertainties, I am grateful to God that I can rest on Him and His promises for me.

I am grateful for God's faithfulness even in my unfaithfulness. I am grateful for the days I forget to hold His hands, yet He pulls me closer and He calls me "mine"!.

I am grateful to God because through it all, I can smile and laugh so passionately. I am grateful for not wallowing and worrying too much over issues that could have drown a lot of people, I am not saying this is easy, as a matter of fact, this is the reason, I try as much as possible to protect my mental space so when the chips are down I can pull up positive energy from that space. I am grateful to God for this.

The wonderful people God brought my life and the friendships I redefined this year is something I am very grateful for. I look forward to more meaningful and impactful friendships in the new year.

I am grateful for how God had a hand in the upliftment of the people in my life. Promotions, positive increase in their finances, wedding bells, safe delivery, good health and the good things in life were not far from them. I pray for a better 2020 for all of them!.

I am grateful for good health for me and everyone that concerns me.

For the good, bad and ugly, I am grateful to God.

I am entirely grateful for God's mercy and grace through it all.

The lyrics of Nathaniel Bassey's "Imela" is giving me the necessary vibe I need at the moment and my heart is jumping and excited for every word!. My heart is grateful!.

I haven't made any plans for the year 2020. Although there are certain milestones I would love to reach and surpass but I will be happy to let Him have His way. I'm willing to let Him take the wheel. As someone once said "wetin concern God with your plans?".😂

So lovelies, as I end this write-up... I leave you with these words:

When in doubt, rest on Him. Let him lead you.
He who started the good work in you, will be faithful to complete it.
Know for sure that the Glory of the latter (2020) will be far greater than the former (2019).
Lastly, "nothing concern God with your plans" 😅

See you all in the year 2020! Once again, thank you so much for hanging around. I love you all and I wish you love and all the good things that matter in the new year!!

I'm guessing, it's not too early to raise a glass and scream "Cheers to the good life!"🍾🥂

Have a wonderful 2020!! ❤😘

Not so "Random" facts about me.

2019-08-21T18:33:00.002+01:00

Hey Kings and Queens! Long time no post, yeah? I know and I sincerely apologize. Please do not take it to heart. I missed doing this. I miss you also. Thank you so much for your love and support thus far (yes, YOU reading this). I appreciate you and do not take you for granted. Xoxo.

How have you been since my last post? How much lemon has life thrown at you and how many jar of sweet lemonades have you made from it? indulge me, please darling!. Well, as for me, I have been sailing above the tides and life has been good to me with the opportunities, lessons and privileges it has brought my way. I have also found myself taking deliberate moves and I can only pray it brings forth good fruits. Did you just say an 'Amen' on my behalf?. Thank you so much. My heart is grateful to you for that gesture.

You see, couple of times, I have noticed that after conversations with people, especially, if it is a first-time, it usually ends with words like “it was really nice talking to you, I didn’t expect you to be this receptive and free-spirited”. I have also had instances where first-time conversations ended with “you are so attentive”. Let’s just say, there are days... there are days that I am really really engaging in conversations and days, I would rather be the listener. I guess, it really does depend on the basis of the conversation and the other party(ies).

To somewhat fill the void I have unintentionally created (I apologize again), I am excited to thrill you all on a journey where you get the chance to see through me, peep into my soul and maybe come to terms on who I am.

So here goes --- not so random facts about me! *drum-rolling***

1. I am from Edo State. I love to tell people this while I give that "yes dear, this babe is from Edo State and I am sorry there is nothing you can do about it" smile. And yes, I am Yoruba (by association). I still wonder why people find it difficult to swallow the fact that I can actually speak Yoruba (it's not so hard to learn, you know? Lol). Another Nigerian Language I would love to fluently speak is Hausa and I am seriously on the look-out for Hausa friends who are willing to teach me. Lol!

2. My native name when translated in English means "Mine". I don't enjoy people calling me by the name. This is not because I do not like the name, I actually do love it a whole lot but I feel it is very personal. Safe to say, it is reserved and exclusive to my very very close-circle.

3. I am the first child in a family of four (parents inclusive).

4. I am a spicy foodie kind of person. If the food does not give a spicy feel, please be happy to MISS me with the tray. I will certainly not get offended.

5. I consider it a slander when people say “I do not like Amala” or “I have never eaten Amala!” Lol! If you are reading this and you are one of them? Oh dear, do not miss on one of the goodness God has provided for mankind. In fact, as fast as you can, go have yourself a wrap of Amala (for a start), a plate of Ewedu soup and the golden touch of Gbegiri (Beans soup) - People like me who are lovers of this delicacy call it “Abula”. Do this and thank me later. However, you are welcome in advance.

6. Some will call me an Introvert, while others will scream Extrovert. But, the thing is I am shy yet outspoken, love my solitude yet enjoy company, enjoy small talks or none at all yet love to have deep one-on-one conversations, prefer to work independently yet still do well working in a group, trusting yet can be withdrawn. I am an Ambivert.

7. It takes a longer time for me to make up my mind on big decisions. I am one to get opinion from much more experienced persons on a certain issue. Weigh the odds and do what I feel is right. Whether it turns out good or not, I take full responsibility for it.

8. One type of outfit you will most likely see me on is a trouser and a shirt. I find it very convenient.

9. I never for a minute liked the Debit and Credit part of Business Studies in my Junior Secondary School days. The opening and closing of ledgers was something I never loved. I cradled the thought of wanting to Study Medicine or Pharmacy in the University. So, I looked forward to seeing myself doing well in Science class in Senior days. However, I found myself in Commercial class (story for another day. I thank God for the change of heart) and I was going to face my fears! It was not a good experience in the first two terms.

On a fateful day, my then Financial Accounting Teacher, started a conversation with me. I felt comfortable with her and I explained to her where I had issues in the subject. I told her what I felt was a huge problem for me back then. She simplified it in a way I never thought was possible. Let’s just say I moved from being an average student to an A student in that subject. Guess who also had an A1 grade in Financial Accounting when the WAEC result was out and ended up bagging a Diploma and a Degree in Accounting.

Yeah, you guessed right... Yours truly 😌. May God bless Mrs. Bamigboye for that conversation she initiated with me on that day.

10. My pet-peeve is seeing someone bite their nails. Worse is, if I am standing close to the individual.

11. I actually enjoy the idea of hang-outs but in the event when I have the chance to, I tend to think of the reasons why staying at home is so much better and I mostly cancel. I am trying to change this. I really am.

12. I think I have a social battery somewhere in my sub-conscious especially when I am out. The frenzy of having the courage to say "not today" to my solitude fuels my excitement for a moment but after sometime, I just want to go home!! For this not to happen, the outing has to be spectacular and mind-blowing.

13. I can be a talkative and a fast talker when I am comfortable with you.

14. I am easily drawn to kind-hearted people. These set of people always have a special place in my heart.

15. I do not like people who are extremely rude, bossy, deliberately try to take advantage of another individual, quick to pick faults and are bullies. No matter how hard I try (especially if there is need to coexist) the relationship is never really deep. It shows. It shows in how hard I am trying and most times, it can be draining. What I do, is to avoid such persons.

16. I am a very inquisitive person. I always want to know the "why", "where", "what", "how". It can be annoying but the thing is, I do not like to assume. I love clarity.

17. I find it hard to hold a grudge. I rather talk about it than having myself disturbed over something that can be ironed out. My way of addressing possible issues that may lead me not talking to the other person is; I try to analyse the situation critically (oh, I am an over-thinker), sometimes give myself possible reason(s) why the other person has acted that way, address the issue with the person and pour out my thoughts and opinion. However, if there is no change or the situation still arises even after addressing it, I tend to find myself withdrawn from the person to a considerable extent. That way, I am no longer offended or disturbed by their actions or reactions. A good coping mechanism, don't you think so?

18. I prefer having my phone on silent mode. Bad habit.

19. In my low moments, good music and desserts bounces me back to life.

20. I don't like walking alone (Lol! I am not a Liverpool fan). I always want to have a "walk-mate" and if I can't find anyone, I walk fast without looking sideways.

21. I have been told that I am a good hype person. I do it so well without trying, they said. Lol!

22. I was born on a Monday with the date 22nd August. Yes!, my birthday is tomorrow! It has been a journey and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate another year. I will be delighted to receive your birthday wishes in the comment section.

Bonus Facts:

For this, I had my contacts on Whatsapp and Instagram ask me random questions and I have carefully streamlined the questions to three.

1. A lot of my contacts wanted hints about my relationship - Lol! Darlings, that part of my life is already in the hands of God and He is definitely working great wonders in that area. It would be "untrusting" for me to have to always check up on what I already let go for him to take charge. You get me?🌝.

2. My deepest fear and why? - Losing loved ones and realizing I didn't get to give them their roses when they could still smell it.

So guys, it is a wrap and I hope you all have a better insight about me 😉. Please do well to let me know the not-so-random facts about you. I want to know. I will love to know 🙏.

Thank you so much for taking the time-out with me (Cathy). I truly appreciate it and I won't stop saying this... I love love YOU all.

Until next time, keep being YOU and do YOU whilst working each day to be better than you were yesterday. Sending love and light your way. 💝🌟

Please do not forget to like, share, comment and subscribe. That can pass as a birthday gift.😊😊

P.S: The beautiful portrait photograph of me was taken by a good photographer (as you must have noticed). To reach him or check out his works, kindly follow and/or contact him on Instagram @meaches_photography.

The BEST of me.

2019-05-05T21:00:00.000+01:00

My heart got the weird sensation first

It felt divine

I knew I always wanted you around

Our first meet confirmed it.

I mean, I prayed for you

And He blessed me with you

Then, it happened...

We had commitments on different paths

We fell apart

It was the best for us... I thought

You kept rooting for us

But... I had intentionally strayed.

I devised a means to forget about you

I thought I finally had every bit of you distant from me

But... I lied!

You never left the special place you had in my heart.

You unconsciously had a way to undress my soul

And make love to my thoughts.

Then life happened...

Fate wrapped its hands around us,

Made us snuggle up to each other’s embrace.

It felt like home...

like I never left

This certainly was the universe writing a better love story with our names in it.

Your gaze plunged my heart

You begged that I never give up on us again

You wanted me to fall back in love with you;

How do I do that... if I never stopped loving you.

If I never stopped thinking about you.

What am I trying to say?

You were and still is my one true friend

The answer to my prayer
You have always been the very BEST OF ME.

———————————————————————————————————————

Hey Kings and Queens! How are you all doing and trust your weekend has been great . Mine was good, although, I had my own share of our flawed economy lol but as the cool kids always say... we move! And I’m adding the hashtag #Icannotcomeandstressmyself. I mean, my peace and mental health is more important.

So, the above piece, though fictional was inspired by a movie I recently watched with the title “THE BEST OF ME”. A 2014 production.

I really really hope you had a good read!😌😘

As always... I send love, light and strength your way. Keep being you. Don’t stop doing you and continue to do whatever gives you peace and saves a healthy smile on your face.

With all of my heart, here’s wishing you a wonderful new week and a great start to becoming so much more than you were yesterday.

I love you and please do not forget to like, share and subscribe. I’d be more delighted! 😁

Toodles! 🤗

I’m counting my BLESSINGS!

2019-04-27T02:09:00.001+01:00

Hello wonderful people! Trust you are doing great but if this didn’t meet you well, that’s okay but would you believe me when I say... there’s definitely light at the end of every tunnel and He who has brought you this far, will never fail in His promise for you. Would you? I sense a YES. Cheer up darling! You are a star... you are meant to shine bright and you will! I love you too. ❤️🤗

I sincerely want to express my profound gratitude for the reviews and comments on my last post. It gladdens my heart that the message was well received and my prayer is that may we and the children within and around us not cross paths with people like Uncle Seun or Damilare (fictional characters in the story). Amen. Thank you all. You have been nothing short of amazing!🥰

This particular post is long overdue, to be honest, even at the point of wanting to write. I truly wanted to write about something else but the lyrics by Sinach in one of her tracks titled “He did it again” kept beeping in my head and before I knew it, my mouth and body sang and danced to the melody (you needed to see my dance-steps, you will literally spray me plentyyyy money! It was too pleasing to watch. Dancer l’omo! I joke!😂) In that euphoria, I knew there was no postponement anymore.

And am I excited to share this personal experience with you? Yes, of course and without hesitation anymore!.

So, here goes, on a particular day, in my quiet state, my thoughts ran wild! It didn’t feel like I was thinking of anything in particular. My thoughts just decided to go on a journey and at some point, I realized I was in a particular space and I found myself doing something that brought so much tears to my heart first. Yes, my “heart first” because at that moment, in that confined space, I felt heartbroken with... myself! And before I could touch my chest to feel the extent of the heartbreak, I was teary! I found myself crying so much. It was so emotional.

I felt terribly weak yet strong, painfully broken yet so at peace.

The whole gush of emotion was as a result of me counting MY BLESSINGS! And in that state, I realized I could not keep it to myself. Nothing mattered anymore! because all I wanted to do was say THANK YOU!.

Like I literally had a lot to request for but I couldn’t bring myself to ask. I felt my spirit, soul and body come together in unison just for one purpose... to say THANK YOU!

I let myself go and the tears would not stop coming. It was bliss!.

I thanked Him for everything... For my family. For His divine protection and guidance. For the highs and lows. For every mistakes and challenges faced. For His love and faithfulness. For tomorrow which isn’t guaranteed. For the future He promised and I see. For the beautiful people He has strategically placed in my life. For every answered and unanswered prayers. For good health. Generally, for everything and everyone that concerns me.

I felt so grateful. I mean, who am I? A very unworthy person yet He looks down on me from Heaven and thought I deserved His love, care, affection and attention. This type of love...!

The lyrics of Nathaniel Bassey’s “Imela” which means “THANK YOU” speaks so much to me at the moment and I’m loving it!.

Till tomorrow, in years time... I’m certain I’ll never stop counting my blessings and forever be grateful to His name. So help me God, Amen! 🙏

Until next time and as always, I send love, light and strength your way. Thank you so much for taking the time-out with me (Cathy) and please do not forget to break new grounds, do great exploits whilst ensuring you count your blessings and be grateful for everything. I love you and that’s no joke! 😘🤗❤️

The transformation to a Beast!

2019-04-12T18:40:00.002+01:00

Photo credit: Google images

My name is Damilare and Uncle Seun turned the beautiful soul in me to a beast... Who will save me now?.

He (Uncle Seun) wasn’t exactly my “Uncle”. He was an orphan who Daddy employed to work for the family and I grew to call him “Uncle”. I mean, he thought me all I needed to know as a child from helping with school assignments, football, play station, prepping me for school and the likes. I believe he did that job well. Whatever he did for me and to me was very much commendable. He did it perfectly well.

The five-year old me idolized him as my mentor. He was everything to me. Well, my parents were never available. They were all up for travels and business meetings. I remember, I used to miss them initially but as time went by, the love I had for my parents was quickly replaced with the love I found in the comfort and happiness Uncle Seun provides. He was my happy place.

My sixth year birthday was coming up soon. Dad and Mum had promised me how they would be available for my birthday and the nice and interesting places we would all visit together. Safe to say, I was excited and I already set my mind, body and soul in preparation for that day. It was the 6th day of June 1986.

But something happened that changed my entire life forever.

I woke up that morning... rushed to my parents room but they were not there. I checked the whole house for them, still no trace of them. Went to Uncle Seun’s room. He was still in bed but held a book in his hands. The cover of the book was quite interesting and weird but I was more concerned about the whereabout of my parents. I asked Uncle Seun and his response was “oh dear, mum and dad had an early flight to catch up. They were supposed to tell you but didn’t want you feeling sad. However, they asked I take you to any place of your choice”.

The words shattered my heart. It felt as though an earthquake was happening in it... it could pass for an “heartquake” if there was any word like that. The sound of my cry could be heard from 10,000 miles away. I was unhappy.

I looked forward to a happy sixth birthday and now this? How could they?!. It wasn’t like this was the first time my parents were disappointing me but this was my first birthday they would ever miss!!!. You feel my sadness now?.

As usual, my dear Uncle Seun became my peace. What a sweet and kind man... when he eventually marries, I’m sure his kids will have the best father ever”. I used to think to myself.

Just then, my eyes moved to the book Uncle Seun was reading. It had strange pictorials that I had never seen and I was curious to know what it meant.

My curious self asked in the most subtle way possible... “Uncle Seun, what book is this?” as I gently pulled it out from under the pillow where he had hid it when I walked in. He looked surprised but explained to me what it was.

When I said Uncle Seun did this “Uncle thing” well, know that I wasn’t joking because he went further to show me a video on his laptop. It was the first I had ever seen or watched.

The book was a pornography magazine and the video was also a pornographic one.

With time, I enjoyed watching several related videos with Uncle Seun and it wasn’t long that he started practicing all we both watched with me.

The six-year old boy I was at that time knew it was wrong but wasn’t quite convinced as Uncle Seun always told me “this is what big boys your age do”. Yes, I was a BOY and I just clocked SIX!!!.

He never hesitated to have carnal knowledge with me anytime my parents were not home. Oh scrap that, my parents were never home.

It became a way of life for me and I suddenly became withdrawn from my friends in school. Safe to say, I had no friends except young boys. My grades dwindled but I managed to scale through all classes without repeating anyone.

The experience with Uncle Seun was about 20 years ago.

Suddenly, my parents are mostly home and they keep calling to know when I will come visit. How ironic!.

I hear Uncle Seun is celebrating the sixth-year birthday of his last child, Anu in two weeks’ time. We happen to share same birthday, 6th day of June and he happens to be my best buddy too. His children are my besties actually.

If you are reading this, please pray for me. I am broken, shattered and living with the sodomic venom Uncle Seun has poisoned me with. It’s killing me slowly but I can’t tell anyone.

You can blame whoever for this thing inside of me. I do not care! I am already who I am. I’m what you all refer to as a PAEDOPHILE. I agree! but also know that I know not what mercy is. I never got that privilege and I can’t give what I don’t have.

I walk around as a sane human beaming with the most sweetest smile but I am a beast! I destroy the life of any child who comes to me for solace with the FIRE in me. Young boys are my favourite and this sodomy does not seem like it would end for me.

Be warned! Hide your teenage boys from me. I can’t help it! I can’t save myself!. You may call me whatever but I acknowledge the BEAST in me.

In two days, I move my bags to Uncle Seun’s. His wife just called informing me of their absence on Anu’s birthday as Uncle have to attend a 6-month training while she has to go on a business trip.

How sweet because I get to plan the birthday celebration and have all four kids to myself to baby sit. Need I mention that they are all boys... You may call this Karma but I envisage fun and a temporary quench of my abominable desires. But did Uncle Seun forget? What was he thinking to have his wife invite me to his home alone with the kids? I care less now.

Take your teenage boys away from me, I warn you again!. Run! Flee!!! I beg of you! Maybe until I can quench this burning fire inside of me.

All thanks to Uncle Seun who turned my beautiful soul to a dreadful beast!.

—————————————————————————————————————

Hey people, trust you have been fine since my last write-up. I have been doing great by the way.

I know the above post was a long read. Forgive me but it was necessary.

The likes of Uncle Seun and his protege, Damilare are out there and they give no room for mercy. Let’s teach our kids all they need to know to be safe. The world is cold and full of evil.

Parents, please do well to be more careful and vigilant.

Thank you for taking the time-out with me (Cathy). I appreciate it much!🙏

Until next time, I extend my love and light to you. XoXo 🤗😘💜

N.B: This above story is a work of fiction, all characters and events depicted in this are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Mothers... The true Heroes

2019-03-31T08:45:00.000+01:00

Hello Kings and Queens!❤️ Considering that I left you in good hands the last time, I believe you are doing great and things are gradually coming to shape. Well, as for me, I have been just fine except for my recent episode with a bike man again. Lol!... definitely, a story for another day.

So, those in my close circle know how much of a “Mummy’s Girl” I am. I mean, the unapologetic one. Few, even tend to call me “omo Mummy” and to be honest I don’t even deny it or shrug. I am always like “ Yasss! That’s my name darling! Be happy to loud it!”😀

Apparently, it’s mother’s day today! Little wonder I’ve seen myself vibing to songs solely dedicated to all mothers lately. In that light, I am specially dedicating this post to ALL mothers’ who are giving their best shot daily to keep the family together, wearing their full armour of motherhood without hesitation but with pride and courage, the true heroes of all generation. Truly, not all heroes wear capes.

Here is saying a big thank you for the things you do for us. Thank you for being our perfect fan. Thank you for the love you give... love so complete!. Thank you for being there always! Thank you for turning our weaknesses to strengths, Thank you for being our shelter through the raging storm.

We see you... we see the close relationship your knees have with the ground just for our sakes’. The Kneeling Mother. We feel your sadness sometimes, though, you try so hard to hide it from us. We see and feel the little things you do for us. We love you and are truly proud of you! Mama, you are appreciated!🤗❤️

To the beautiful Queen who finds it easy to take care of her biological and adopted children without expecting any reward. May the good Lord continually uphold you for us to reap the good fruit of your selfless labour.

To the lovely Queen who is solely taking up the parenting responsibility with honour. You are doing great darling. Shortly, your effort will come to fruition. You will see.🌳

To the amazing Queen who is praying earnestly for a child. Hey mama! It is sorted... it is settled! Calm your nerves. Let go and Let God. God who has given you to mandate to procreate, nurture and build is never late.💥 Happy mother’s day, Mummy **inserts name** 🤗❤️

Happy Mothers’ day!!!🌸

Again, I leave you in good hands! Sending love and light your way! Please do well to say a word of prayer to mothers and intending mothers around you.

Until next time, cheers and have a great week. I love you! 💕

Education has no TRIBE

2019-03-17T15:55:00.002+01:00

Hey beautiful people, trust you are doing well. I am good too. Last week was quite a busy one for me. Was literally up and about. One has to match the dots, you know?

Sometime last week in my usual busy schedule, I took a bike from a certain location to the house.

Okay, I have a subconscious habit to sometimes engage the driver of any cab I am in with a little conversation. It could be as little as “how has been your day?” “hope work is going well?” and I find out that often times, they really want to pour out certain issues. I think it somehow eases the day’s tension.

I don’t have this same energy for bike riders *frowns* Yup! I have a bittersweet relationship with bikes. I love bikes and I hate it at the same time. Maybe, that’s why I don’t give that much attention to its riders. It’s more of “please FOCUS and take me to my destination. I beg!” relationship. I’ve had my own fair share of their mishap and I dread situations that will seem to result to a repeat.

Photo: Found on google.com from dailypost.ng

On this particular date, the reverse was the case, the bike man wanted to talk. I just knew it. At first, I was going to play quiet with him but he was quite persistent.

I thought to give him a listening ear. He happened to be inquisitive about certain things and I was happy to enlighten him. He appreciated it.

Our conversation continued but what pulled my curiosity further was that, he was trying hard to deviate from speaking pidgin with me to speaking English. I realized this and asked him “what school do you attend?” His response was “I am a student of Umaru Musa University, Katsina”. I was impressed! He mentioned his course of study which relates to an Educational course (not sure of the particular course) and stated that his current cumulative grade point unit was a second-class!.

Knowing the usual stereotype with the male northerners, I asked if he was married or had an intending “yarinya”? (Too much of me?. Maybe not 🤷🏼‍♀️) He responded saying that he wasn’t married but had a girlfriend who is presently studying Science and Laboratory Technology in the polytechnic at Katsina and how he wants her to round up her Higher National Diploma before he marries her. She’s in her second year at the polytechnic. (If anyone could hear my heartbeat at that moment, it was beating with sounds of “awwwwn”🥰). I was in awe!.

He said something that wowed me. He mentioned how he will want to start his Career in the educational sector and he feels bad that most of his friends do not realize the importance of having a certificate even if they do not get to work with it. He said Education is key!.

The journey was about a 15-minute journey.

I got down from that bike impressed and realized that I have once had a conversation with another bike man sometime last year. His name was Abubakar.

In Abubakar’s case, he just finished secondary school and wanted to proceed to the university which was the reason he was in Lagos, trying to get fund to resume once his name is out on the admission list. He told me he chose Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as his first choice institution.

If I didn’t love anything from my conversation with these two individuals, I loved their passion and zeal to break all obstacles and their courage to rise above their root.

I hope to see them in the future with a fulfilled dream (if I’d be able to identify them).

I learnt a lot from both experiences and said to myself that truly, Education has no tribe... it is for all especially for whoever will embrace it.

If you read this, this is me saying a big thank you for taking that time-out with me (Cathy). I appreciate you 💕

This is where I send love, light and strength your way!💫

Until next time, please keep doing what gives your heart joy and peace ✌️

Have an awesome week. Cheers! ❤️

Election Brouhaha: House of Cards or The Missing Link

2019-02-22T23:12:00.000+01:00

Hey darlings! I did get your comments on my last post and I must say a big thank you. The comments and reviews were more than enough for me to continue with this. Thank you so much!

Trust your day was great. Mine was alright. Nothing out of the ordinary though. Had to go to work but closed a little bit earlier than usual.

Apparently, tomorrow is an Election Day after the abrupt cancellation of the election which was earlier scheduled for last week. The cancellation was a sad experience and clearly showed to the whole world that my country wasn’t ready for the future! 🤦🏽‍♀️

Not sure I am excited about tomorrow’s election. The whole tension is quite overwhelming and my WhatsApp application isn’t helping matters either. It almost feels like I’m in a toxic relationship with it. I mean, how else do I explain leaving my phone for a few minutes and return to over a thousand messages from WhatsApp (mostly from the different chat groups though with discussions centered on politics).

Sometimes, I think how Nigeria will get to her promised land. “Who is the missing link?. Are there still good leaders who are void of greed, vendetta and selfishness... I mean those who are godly in truth and in spirit, those who have a defined mission with the ability and capacity to rule, those who have that discerning spirit to discern between what is truly right and wrong, those who have a vision for Nigeria because whether we like it or not vision is a big deal. Tell me “these people” are only from my imagination and I may believe you! Can Nigeria ever be free from the shackles of godfatherism? How hard can it be to not have square pegs in round holes? Sad, yeah?... I know.

Almost feels like we would continue with the real life story of “House of Cards” where our leaders would derive every possible means to fuel their insatiable hunger for power and more power. In a way to quench the hunger, a lot will have to suffer.

The greatest sufferers of this menace are the poor masses. You see that 3-year old Adamu whose parents can’t afford to have a proper three-square meal, whose parents can’t afford to take him to school, whose parents can’t afford shelter and have to sleep in that uncompleted building or anywhere the night meets them. Can we also talk about that beautiful young teenager whose parents are digging the ground earnestly to find a befitting harvest that will last them a long time but isn’t forthcoming and she is left to hawk the perishable fruits she can lay her hands on just to support her family. *Sigh*

In all of this, I hope we hold on tight to each other’s hands in order to keep hope alive. Someday, not never, maybe tomorrow, Nigerians get to be conscious and focused in the search for the missing link.

Maybe tomorrow, Nigeria will be truly ours. Maybe we will get her back in good condition.

Before you thumbprint on that ballot paper, think of your generations to come. Would you prefer a real life house of cards or be willing to solve the puzzle with the missing link?

The choice is all ours to make.

Until next time. I extend love, light and strength to you. Cheers.

YOU are welcome and I love YOU!

2019-02-19T21:40:00.000+01:00

Hey fam! I have been wanting to do this for the longest. But procrastination had the best of me, I must confess. Asides this, the FEAR!!! the commitment! **ppffttt*... not necessarily because I am scared of commitment(s) but I feared that with the loads of "to-dos" I had and have set to achieve, romancing the thought of actually starting a blog instead of scribbling words in my journal may be quite cruel to my priority list.

Well, safe to say, I may have overcome that fear after coming to the realization that whether we want it or not, there would always be something to be committed to. I mean, life will always happen!.

So, this is my first blog post and am I excited to jump on this train? Yasss! Am I excited to having you read this? A super-duper-dapper-bubbly Yassss!

For those of you who do not know me, the name is Catherine (sometimes known as Cathy). a project administrator in one of the fastest growing architectural companies in Nigeria (you can holla me for your architectural designs and I will be happy to put you through the process). 😉

About my personality, I love my solitude sometimes (my job and family do not quite encourage that part of me often 💁🏼‍♀️). Although, I will subtly pass for an ambivert. Let me just say, I will love you to have your own perception about me in the long-run as we both enjoy this journey while I also get to meet and know you more. Awesome right? I know!😘

All the while, I was busy thinking of what and what not i’ll be writing about and for a minute it crossed my mind that just as life, chance and circumstances comes in various forms, so does our thoughts. In this light, I would be happy to share my thoughts, opinions and experiences (I am not one to have my life out "there" but I will try *giggles and covers face*) about diverse topics all for your reading pleasure.

I did take a stride before starting this and I hope to be steadfast with it and on those other stuff I still have at the back seat. So help me, God🙏

So tell me, how did you feel when you finally did that one thing you kept in your archive for a long period? What were your fears and how did you overcome?

I will really love to hear from you.

Thank you for your time. Please know that I can’t take it for granted. 😘