Dreaming When Awake!

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“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” T.E. Lawrence

***

John Parker threw the cheque into the river Thames, his eyes darting everywhere like a man on opium. He dug his right hand inside the pocket of his chinos trouser and brought out a rumpled paper, he stared at it for what seemed like ages, then tentatively, inched forward, staring down at the dirty muddy water. He held the railings of the Tower bridge and contemplated his actions. Tourists trooped by, some gave him quizzical looks while others swept him away with the views.

He swallowed hard and heaved himself up but strong pairs of hands held him back. John Parker was stunned, he struggled but the hands stayed firm, locked, clasping his shoulders in a bear grip.

‘Let me go!’ Parker screamed like a trapped animal. Quickly, a crowd had gathered. Some lifted their phones to film the unfolding drama while the hands which held Parker spoke rapidly to someone in German, ‘Annette , könnten Sie bitte die Polizei rufen ? Nein, rufen Sie 999 ,’ (Annette, could you please call the police? No, call 999) Parker realised his plans had gone awry and he hung his head in shame. The strong hands gently led him out of the crowds.

Twenty minutes later, John Parker sat in a hotel with the hands which actually belonged to a huge bear-like fellow with a weather-beaten face, scattered brown hair and very kind eyes.

‘My English no good, but me understand well,’ The man said quietly.

Parker nodded, wiping sweats off his face with the back of his hand.

‘Thanks for saving my life, it was a stupid thing to do,’ John Parker said, trying to avoid the eyes of his rescuer.

‘Okay, okay, my name Anselm.’

‘I’m John Parker.’ They shook hands and Parker began his story…

****

Hello friends, I hope everyone is okay. I’ve not written short stories on my site for a while, and I thought, why not? So this is a story that’s filled with life’s truths. I would post the penultimate part on Friday. Mull on the quote before the story and please, don’t stop dreaming positively!

Much love, always! 🙂

Out Of The Ashes

Jul8

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I believe in life after death, not every one does, but I do. Human beings aren’t merely flesh and blood, we have souls, and soul are indestructible. I’ve got friends who are atheists, so I’m not going to expand too much on this before I start a debate that would rival a sitting in the House of Commons.

Yesterday marked exactly ten years when people with warped views of life took the lives of 52 Londoners, they also left almost 100 people with life changing injuries and scars. Yeah I know, my post is a day late but the topic isn’t. After work yesterday, I caught a few glimpse on the news and was sad at such wanton destruction of human lives. But I was proud, (in fact, I still am) to be a Londoner. Years has passed, but we’ve grown stronger as a city. More tourists visited London than ever before, I love travelling on the tube, bus or on a private car. It’s testament to the fact that evil will and cannot win.

If we read the news, there’s always stuff that would make our tummies churn (my daughter always says that), but life isn’t all gore and horror. There’s the incomparable breath of fresh air, there’s the sheer joy of clean water, what about the juicy goodness of an orange? The list is endless, life is good, and it’s tough, I won’t dispute that.

The relatives of the 7/7 bombing and the senseless and needless attack in Sousse would be comforted by the love and prayers sent their way. I believe in prayers but I also believe in living each day with a heart of thanksgiving in spite of my circumstances, that, I believe is what would keep me sane and out of the ashes of stress and despair. My husband used to say that everyone has problems, it’s just our ways of dealing with life’s daily grind that’s different.

I would end my post with this simple quote from Groucho Marx, ‘I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.’ NP: I’m still writing, albeit slowly. I’ve informed my publisher of my inability to submit my manuscripts until next year. Life seems to have a way of sending many distractions my way and I always oblige 🙂 I hope everyone is fine. Please, stay safe! Much love to you guys, always! 🙂 🙂

Change

Apr2

To live well we must adapt to change

(Photo credit: Flickr)

The most constant thing in life is change. Sometimes we may try to fight it, other times, we could do the wise thing and let nature or life, as the case may be, take its course. As Heraclitus, the Greek Philosopher would say, ”there is nothing permanent except change.”

I agree, the only constant thing in life is change. George Bernard Shaw also penned that ”progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

However, how do we enjoy the changing seasons of our lives? How do we glide seamlessly through the seemingly unknown tides of change? We could either attune our attitudes to conform to whatever changes are before us or despair which would do us more harm than good. Not all changes are bad, actually, some things needed changing to ultimately give us a breather in the chaotic life we sometimes lead.

Using myself as an example, I’d deliberately changed some aspects of my life, and life has thrust some changes on me too. Like when my dad passed, or when I left my job, or when I decided to go solo on my career. Those were necessary but not all changes are pleasant though; the death of a loved one, betrayals from people you love, not been able to keep up mortgage repayments, illness, financial worries…

The list is endless but there are good changes too; the chuckling of a baby, the miracle of new birth, finding love, nature, the beauty of life in its entirety. I could go on and on about changes. I don’t think we should shy away from it. Most times, a seemingly bad change in fortune could well be a catalyst for a better and more productive life.

When our situation changes, it will do us well to live in spite of it. Sir Pratchett said it best in the above picture. I think we should live well before it’s too late.

I’ve missed you all, and I hope you’re all well. I’ll be popping by your sites as time permits! Have a great Easter, and if you’re not a Christian, have a great holiday!

Much love guys! 🙂

The Mist…

Sep12

Pain Is Easy To Hide! How Sad!!

Dean’s (name withheld) right fist landed with such ferocious force that his wife’s head almost bounced off her neck, she screamed, making feeble attempts to defend herself but blows after blows landed on her body; her children watched in fear, unable to move. Janet (name withheld) ran out of the room but Dean followed, his eyes bloodshot, his blood raging with tyrannical fury. She tripped and landed on the floor as the orgy of violence continued, and then out of the blue, tiny fists landed on his back. The children couldn’t take it anymore, they felt they had to defend their mother. That was when he stopped. He stood up, his chest heaving up and down, staring at his wife on the floor, he spat out coldly,

‘If you come to the room again, I would kill you!’

Janet knew it wasn’t a bluff, she tried to control herself as her children wept beside her, their tiny bodies shaking with sorrow. She stood up with difficulty and reached for her phone. The police would save her, she thought with shaky hands as she dialled 999 and waited…

This is a true story, and I felt compelled to share it. If you are Janet, what are you going to do? Would you stay for the sake of your children or run for dear life?

This woman has faced years of abuse in the hands of her husband of nine years, yet, she stuck to him like glue. I told her to do what she thinks is best, I found it difficult to tell her what to do, even though I knew what I would do if I were in her position. However, if this beast in human clothing kills her, what would happen? He would probably get five years for manslaughter if he got a good lawyer. We all knew that Oscar Pistorius who killed Reeva, his girlfriend, is now on the verge of freedom, a suspended sentence, or would probably serve few years in jail.

I love happy endings but humans are such complicated creatures! Tonight, I wished Janet would leave that monster with her kids, but things are easier said than done! So I’ll be praying along with her and hope that she comes to a realistic decision soon, for the sake of her own safety and sanity.

******

Someone once said that life is like a mist, we appear and soon disappear afterwards and I believe that to be true. I want to appreciate everyone who left a comment on my last post ‘Unknown,’ https://seyisandradavid.org/2014/08/19/unknown/ I couldn’t pick the best answer, they were all sensible and great. I had wanted to send one of my three books in print to the winner, but because I couldn’t make up my mind, I decided to give three books instead with free postage and all that. The only thing is, if you want a copy of any of my books, you would read it and leave a review on Amazon. If you’re interested, please leave your email on my contact page and then I’ll be able to send you a message and get the details on how to send the said books.

I apologise for my protracted silence, I didn’t plan it but life just gets in the way all the time! I wish you all a beautiful weekend! 🙂 Whatever you do, just stay out of trouble and be good!

Much love, always! 🙂

Circle Of Life

Apr7

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

The Gift

Apr2

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

Against All Odds!

Mar14

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!

🙂

Miracles!

Mar11

(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!

🙂 🙂

If The Sky Should Fall…

Feb23

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Have you ever felt an intense feeling where you can hardly breathe and nothing else matters? Where you feel taller, more beautiful, and the mountains could take a hike for all you care? Where you seem to float endlessly in the midst of continuous, uninterrupted bliss?

I felt like that when I first met my husband. I loved him with everything and I believe I could attain the impossible with him by my side…

Pass forward…. twenty-one years later.

Do I still feel like that? Do I blush when I look into his ever youthful face? Do I shiver with emotions when I stare into his brown eyes which seemed to dance with merry? Do I have the time to skip with him and steal him away from life’s endless concern?

Oh yeah… 🙂 I still do. And I consider myself fortunate! Although we have a very easy relationship, my husband knows I’m also blessed with friends who would stand by me when I need them. Why? Because I’ll do the same. I invest a lot in my relationships – not necessarily to get a healthy return but because I enjoy making people happy. And I want to use this medium to appreciate you the reader, my friends. 🙂 I am one lucky woman to be blessed with such awesome, lovely people. So if the sky should fall, I am safe, and you are too! 🙂

If the sky we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Oh and the mountains should crumble to the sea

I won’t cry, I won’t cry, no I won’t shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NADyiuOPflw

I hope this week would be peaceful, joyful and that we would achieve our goals! I intend to have a pleasant week, and I sincerely wish you the same!

Much love, always!

🙂 🙂

Avalanche

Feb8

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Pete stared at the papers in his hands and his blood froze.

Amanda, his wife of five years wanted a divorce, what a way to start the year! He sat down wearily on the bed as his mind raced to the red-head beauty who bumped into him at Mile End underground station in London – she had apologised profusely and they got talking. Within weeks, their romance blossomed. As an Investment Banker, Pete had little time to woo her but Amanda more or less took control of his life.

Within two years, they were married, and his parents were delighted. A year after marriage, Amanda was desperate for a child, he wasn’t that bothered. After all, he’s always holed up at his office in the City, slaving away to make as much money as he could. They hardly spend time together and deep down, he knew it could be the reason she wanted out. They love each other, why would Amanda think divorcing him would make her life better? The noise of his phone disrupted his reminiscing and he grunted before picking it up from the bedside table.

‘Yeah,’ Pete drawled and listened, then clicked it shut. Switzerland. He’d totally forgotten about the holiday he’d pre booked weeks earlier. Like a slow motion, hope began a painful ascent in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, time away from their usual life in London would spice things up a bit, and talk of divorce would disappear.

Half an hour later, Amanda strolled into the room, avoiding any eye contacts.

‘Shouldn’t we at least talk about this?’ Pete asked quietly, waving the papers in his hands. He couldn’t stop staring at his wife, whose hourglass figure never ceased to amaze him.

‘We’ll talk when we get to Switzerland,’ she replied. Pete laughed and said lightly, ‘Women and holidays!’

But there was something different about her. He stood up and pulled her into his arms, he was half expecting her to resist but she didn’t.

‘Is this what you want honey?’ he mumbled into her hair, rocking her as he would a day old baby.

Amanda swallowed hard, then closed her eyes. How could she back track now after realising the root of their problems? Divorce was the only way out, or so she thought…

………

NP: I was supposed to have posted this on Thursday but I was extremely busy, I would have to make this a two or three-part series. Amanda and Pete are a couple whose story touched me deeply. It’s also a true story, but as usual, I would change their names to protect their identity and add elements of fiction to it as well. I would post the next part sometimes next week, at least before Valentine’s day. Martin Luther said something that touched me: ‘There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.’

Call me a traditionalist, but my parents have been married for almost fifty years, they had their good, bad, and excellent times but they stuck together. Now I think they’re best of friends.

I hope you would have a peaceful, restful and enjoyable week. I intend to!

Much love, always! 🙂