Its been 4 years!

This picture turned up in my notifications yesterday. A reminder that I have been in the wordpress community for four years now. I remember when I first started, I Was 18. I didn’t have any plan for the blog, hence it’s unfortunate name “randoms by a random”, and now that I am… (I’ll let you fill in the gap), i’ld like to believe that as I got older, my writings have evolved.

In the past four years, I have come across some phenomenal poets, I have fallen in love with many amazing poems which I try to share on writer’s poem Wednesday. And most importantly, I got to build a connection with so many incredible people.

And what’s more, many of them have gone on to publish their own books: My girl Rosema published (Between my bleeding lines), my Sister released her book “Soul Unraveled”, Jodi wrote a children’s book (Klaus the mouse and other silly animal tales), Colin chappel has published three books and the latest addition and my very good friend Carolyn , just recently releases her book called “The Odessa Chronicles”, which she co-wrote with Colin Chappel.

As writers, we support other writers. Go ahead, contact the writers above, get their books, leave a review and show some love.

To mark my four years here, (even though half the time, I am AWOL),  I would like to host a bloggers Q&A. I can’t believe I’ve never done one before. So, drop me your questions below and and I will be more than happy to answer them in a post.

Thank you for supporting. For reading, for dropping your two cents and for always welcoming me back whenever I go away without notice. ❤️❤️

Drop your questions below in the comment section.

Blogger Q and A

The lovely blogger at Accidentally inked nominated me for an award. I honestly don’t do them anymore, but I loved the questions she put forth. And anyway its been a long time since I did one of these so I thought, I’ll give a shot.

What’s the best thing you like about your blog?

Ohhh lets see. I actually love everything. The fiction because I never thought I could actually do one of those “flash fictions” and now, I look forward to writing them; certainly pushed me out of my comfort zone.
The poetry because writing them have been such comfort and therapy at the same time. And the writer’s quote/poem because it gives me the opportunity to share with all of you, the reason why I fell in love with poetry.

What do you tell yourself to convince yourself so that you stay positive when something bad happens?

Honestly- I try to remember that everything happens for a reason and things could have been worse.

Do you like books? If yes, what did you last read?

I Love books, but then again I am a picky reader. I tend to stick to the same kind of genres. Don’t judge me, I’ve branched out but I just don’t enjoy them and i’ld rather not read what I don’t enjoy.
I’m currently reading a book by David Baldacci- The escape. It is the 3rd book in a John Puller series.

Do you think it’s okay to be scared of cats?

Hahaha, I am one of them. Of course its not okay to be scared of cats but thats why they are called “phobias”. They are irrational fears after all. 

What do you say, lets get to know one another? I am throwing these questions to anyone/everyone who reads this:
1) Coffee or Tea
2) summer or winter
3) Vanilla or chocolate
4) crime novel or Romance novel
5) Documentary or movie

You can answer in the comments below or in a new post. Lets do this 👊🏽

 

Am I a writer?

Somedays, words flow from the tip of my fingers, sprouting springs whose waters seem to last forever. somedays, the pool dries up, leaving no trace behind ever, of the presence of water. And I wonder, am I writer?

Somedays, tears form lumps in my throat, stuck, at the tentacle of falling out, transforming into anger on pages. Somedays, they descend in torrential downpour forming cavities upon my face and dampening blank pages. And I stare at the glistening droplets, am I a writer?

Somedays, memories come knocking on the door of present. I hold the door open, only slightly, letting it walk in a sequential pattern, straight through the ink across paper. Somedays, they come knocking down my door, and my hands hang helpless to their force. They form muddles around my mind, and I wonder, can I be a writer?

Somedays I edit, most days I erase, on occasion I delete the words I had previously placed. Somedays it takes everything within to choose to write, somedays writing chooses me, like I’ve been doing it all my life- it seems. And I wonder, what It takes to stake a claim on being a writer? 

The above image is courtesy of The odyssey online.com

Interview With Ameena K.G.

I have been friends with this amazing lady and writer for two years now, and It was such an honour to be interviewed by her. I couldn’t be happier with the way the interview turned out. She is one of my biggest encourager with her constant support and it’s been such a blessing getting to know her. If you want to know what she asked, go go go check it out. 😄

Mandibelle16

Welcome to another edition of my bi-weekly interview series. I’m excited to share with you a talented and beautiful poet, writer, and interviewee — my friend of many years on WordPress — blogger Ameena K.G. The way her poems flow and the lessons they teach, often amaze me. You can visit Ameena’s blog here: Randoms by a Random.

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Ameena

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1.Please Tell Us About Yourself Ameena:

My name is Ameena and I am from Nigeria, although for the past five-years, Sudan has been my home. I am currently studying there.

I am a medical student in my fifth-year. When I’m not busy studying, I love to write poetry and stories. I enjoy watching videos of poetry read out-loud on YouTube and watching documentaries on YouTube as well. Comedy is one of myfavourite genres to watch. Anything which makes me laugh is…

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It’s over at Hargun’s #4

It’s both a pleasure and an honor to be interviewed by the wonderful Hargun Wahi. I had the best time, chatting with her and trying to make this work despite time differences.
Below is the interview. Please do check it out 😊

LIVING THE DREAM

Sat Sri Akal! A warm welcome to all you this chilly winter evening. OAH is finally back  and it’s a girls’ day out this time.

We all in the blogging world know a person through their blog or the interaction with them in the comments section. But many times we form a bond with these people, we often look forward to seeing them in the blogging world and then we realize we have found a great friend! Or else, there may be personalities whose works are a big inspiration to you. Though virtual, these friendships and fan followings are real. And so here’s OAH, where we more than just meet and greet a fellow blogger, we see some unknown aspects of their life and we have loads of fun doing that!

Now, I hope you all are tucked tight in the blankets because if you are not, you just might…

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Sunshine Blogger Award

I know I haven’t done this award thing in a long time, but I loved the questions posed by My nominee. Also, today is one of those mornings when I can’t go back to sleep, so… Anyway, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to Robert from”Not In My World” for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger award, please do checkout his blog. Now, in answer to his questions:

1) How many days a week do you wake up in a bad mood?
Very rarely, I find mornings to be the best time of the day. Sorry guys, I’m a morning person.

2) what are two things wrong with the world today? (1 to 3 word answers)
So many, it makes me sad just thinking about them. If I have to pick, I’d say the Injustice carried out on so many levels.

3) How strong a swimmer are you?
Embarrassingly, on a scale of ten, I’m a 1. But, I’m planning on changing that. 😄

4) what kind of music is best?
I have no idea, I don’t listen to music.

5) when was the last course you took?
I’m currently in school so, still taking a course.

6) Do you work a regular job?
No I don’t have a job. If I did, I’d have to quit blogging. What with school and work, it’d get too stressful.

7) Television or fishing
I haven’t fished before…

8) snowball fight or suntanning
Hahaha, snowball fight

9) How many languages do you speak?
Fluently, 2. Partially, 2.

10) subject of your next blog?
I have no idea yet, we’ll see what tickles my fancy to write.

11) your age when you fell in love the first time
Haha, another embarrassing one- 15. Lips sealed.

I’d like to nominate everyone of my followers for this Sunshine Blogger Award. As I don’t do this often, I hope you will accept it. P.S, feel free to answer the same questions posed to me .

You never did…

Did you ever love me,
Ever thought that we could be?
Was I blinded by delusions,
Couldn’t decipher fantasy?
Was there a moment in time,
When you thought “she could be mine”?
Was this really just a game,
And I a pawn in your chess play.

I broke my heart by loving you;
I tripped and fell- over you;
You saw beneath- the dreamer In me;
And fit it into your script.

I’ll wait for the wounds,
You burned to heal;
I’ll wait for my heart-
To be at peace;
I’ll weave out my dreams,
Into reality;
And show what a dreamer,
Can accomplish.

Maybe you never loved me,
Never thought that we could be;
But that’s okay- now I love me,
And indeed, that’s all I need.

IMAGE CREDIT

Sisterhood of the World

I got nominated again for the sisterhood of the world bloggers award by “ColdChickenSoup” and she posed some really fun and unexpected questions. Thank you so much for this nomination and I’m glad our paths have crossed even if it’s on the blogosphere- here are my answers:

1. What is that one movie that you can’t get enough of?
Ahhh, I’ve got loads of them. But if I have to choose five, it’d be- Inception, Now you see me, chak de India, Fast 5, 3 idiots.

2. Who is/are your favorite person/peeps?
My family. I know it sounds cheesy but when I’m with family, nothing else matters. And friends that become family too.

3. Beauty or brains?
If you mean which I prefer, I’d say brains. Beauty is awesome for the first few moments, but brains leave a lasting impression. So beauty fades, brains remain.

4. What are the characteristics of your ideal man?
Hahaha, I wasn’t expecting this question at all. Well let’s put it this way- if I knew my characteristics of my ideal man, trust me I wouldn’t be single, would have grabbed him by the horns.

5. What is your favorite quote and why?
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”– this is one of the quotes that help me in my day to day life. It’s a constant reminder for whenever I am tempted to judge a person.

6. What was your family like growing up?
From what i’ve been told, my family had a pretty smooth life with two “very obedient and quiet” kids until I came along. Growing up was fun. If it wasn’t, honestly, I wouldn’t know because as a kid, I remember making the most of very moment- I lived in a bubble.

7. What’s it like when you had the best date of your life?
I’m going to save this space up for when that happens.

8. If you’re a student what do you study (course)?
I’m in my 4th year studying medicine.

9. What is your favorite flower?
I am not well versed in flowery to have a favorite, but I do love roses.

10. Do you agree that love is blind? Why or why not?
I think falling in love for the first time can be what you refer to as “blind” because most times it’s all frills and butterflies, and we’re oblivious to a lot of things especially the”love’s” faults. But eventually, we begin to see clearly and that’s the make it or break it stage. So for me, I wouldn’t say “love is blind” for people who’ve been together for a couple of years.

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And now, considering I haven’t seen a “brotherhood of the world bloggers award” in circulation yet, I believe it’s about time we have one. So, I’ld love to nominate some amazing male bloggers whose blogs I believe deserve it.

 Prakash Hegade
Richard Ankers (who hosts an award free blog but I just wanted to recognize 🙂 )
Voice ur mind
Nathan Bonilla
John Foster
The horseman hits again
Idea Dibia
Fred to the rick
Roller coaster rides

Any other male blogger who would love to spread the fun

Here are the questions:
1) what is your favorite book
2) why do you blog?
3) define love according to you
4) if you had to choose one- fiction, non-fiction, poetry, which would you choose and why?
5) characteristic of your ideal woman
6) life is- a roller coaster, mountain climb, landslide, other.
7) favorite author
8) what legacy would you like to leave.

The rules for accepting this award are:
1) Thank and link back to the person who nominated you for the award.
2) List the Rules and Display the Brotherhood of the world Award logo to your post and/or blog.
3) Answer the questions set to you and then you may create your set if questions for your nominees.
4) Nominate around 1o other bloggers and let them know about the award
Have fun and no obligations whatsoever to accept, this is just to recognize wonderful bloggers and spread love with a bit of fun.

  The beautiful logo courtesy of Frederick

Tedx: is coming to town!

       Hey guys, so I sort of really need your help. Tedx organization, which I’m sure most of you have come across; if you haven’t, it is an organization which provides a platform for individuals to share their ideas and stories for the benefit of others. Well, Tedx is coming to my university this August!

Yup, the form is out and in the open for the students. Here’s the problem, the topic is “Vision” and I am at a loss as to what “story/idea” I should talk about. At first, I thought about “Self esteem” because I feel like it’s basically the backbone to everything. We need self-esteem to build the courage, in order to take our visions places. I wanted to talk about building each other’s esteem and the importance of family in regards to it.

But now, I would love to know what other topics you feel I could talk about which is under the spectrum of “Vision”. Especially for those of my followers who have been reading my posts for a while now, what other topics do you think fit perfectly with me and vision. I would really appreciate your feedback.

IMAGE CREDIT

Flash Fiction: Blackouts 2

Allison had barely recovered from her blackout she when she noticed a poster rolled at the side table. The picture that stared at her as she opened it sent shivers down her spine. In an act of reflex, she shredded the paper violently into pieces; clasping her fingers on her throbbing head, she screamed “No, no, no”.

To an outsider, the picture would have been a picturesque location of a beautiful waterfront. Decked with colorful boats, a background of tall skyscraper buildings and slow waves on which the rays of the sun gleamed. But Allison knew better. That picture held the location of an incident she struggled to erase from her memory. That was where her sister’s cold body was found from an apparent suicide drowning.

How the picture got to Willow’s Place, Allison had no idea. She had rented the house all to herself for the time being. Before her emotions could take a turn for the worse, Allison picked up the phone with trembling hands and dialed a number.
                    “Hello, I need help!”

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Word count: 175. This post is in response to Flash Fiction For Aspiring writers and also a sequel to my last week submission, Blackouts. I hope you had a wonderful read. Credit for inspiration goes to the wonderful writers who had written beautifully for this week’s prompt and whose stories inspired me to whip my writing pen.