They Say The Darndest Things

I live with my cousin and her family. Her kids are nine, seven and six years old(boy, girl, boy) and most times, when I need a laugh, I simply listen to them talk.

They are hilarious.

"Mummy, when are we going to go to Nigeria?" Seven asked my cousin once.

"One day", her mom assured her.

"What?!" Seven complained, "Just for one day? Aww men!"

On another occassion, my cousin took Six and I to her office and introduced us to her colleagues. When we were about to leave, one of them said bye to Six.

"Bye!" Six replied, "See you when I'm old!"

This is an example of a conversation I have with Six almost everyday:

"Aunty, can I- can I ask you something?"

"Yes".

"You know how...you know when, like, you know...Aunty, can I ask you something?"

"Yes".

"This is my playstation game".

".....okay".

I hear things like these on a daily basis. I'm used to it now. But sometimes, kids can surprise you.

Last Wednesday was my cousin's birthday, so the kids and I cleaned up the house and made dinner to surprise her. We bought a card, baked macaroons (there was no margarine or butter to bake a cake, macaroons were the only thing in the cookbook that didn't need butter) and arranged the dining table all fancy like. By now, Six was fretting about how hungry he was. Usually they ate before their mum came home. But he waited.

When she came home, she was happy (the house was clean, of course she was happy).

After all the greetings and picture taking, we finally settled down around the table. Six reached out to grab a spoon.

"Can we pray first?", my cousin asked. Six groaned and sat back. "Come on, Six pray for us".

He groaned again, "Aww men! Why can't Nine do it?"

"I'm asking you, Six", she replied.

"Okay", he said. He closed his eyes, clapped his hands together and bowed his head. I waited for the usual 'Bless this food, Oh Lord' that they normally said.

But, in the calmest, most innocent, most solemn voice and in a surprisingly adult manner, he said,

"Jesus taught us to pray

Jesus taught us to love one another

Jesus taught us to help each other...every day

Jesus taught us to [always be together]

Jesus taught us to ()

Thank you Jesus for my mommy

Thank you Jesus for our food
Jesus is our only father and

God is our only father and- and

Mary and Joseph are our only Mum and Dad.

Thank you Jesus for this meal. Amen".

"Amen", we chorused and opened our eyes. For about five seconds, no one said anything. We just stared at him.

It wasn't just what he said, it was the way he said it. He wasn't reciting something he was taught, he was actually talking to God. Yes, some parts of it are funny but mostly, it was genuine.

"Six, that was so good!" his mum said.

"I know!" I said.

"Yeah, where did you learn to pray like that?" Nine asked, looking at his brother like he didn't know who he was. If you knew Six, you'd understand why we were so surprised.

As we praised him, he just sat, uncharacteristically quiet, looking at his plate.

"Six, where did you learn that?" his mom asked.

A small frown formed on his face as he looked up.

"Can we eat now?" he asked, returning to the six year old we knew.

So we ate.

When I was writing this post, I asked him to say the prayer for me again.

"I can't remember", he said. I urged him to try and remember.

"I can't", he said, "I don't know, I just said it".

In adult lingo, "It was straight from his heart".

Maybe it's not such a big deal.

Maybe it's normal for six year olds to pray like that without being taught.

But for me, that was a first. It was the most honest prayer I'd ever heard from...anyone really, not just a child.

True, kids say the darndest things. But they can also say the sweetest things.

**** Permission was taken from their mother to write this.

****The () and [] mean I can't remember what he said.

Something to Look Out For

With all the nonsense that we are known for nowadays - yahoo, 419, silly underwear boy...Jos - it feels good to find something positive coming from Nigeria.

I love mythology and legends and fairytales and all that kind of stuff. Greek and Norse mythology are great obviously and everyone knows that. From 'Percy Jackson' and Thor' to 'Clash of the Titans' and even 'Lord of the Rings', their stories have been used in all kinds of ways and they never get old.

Still, nothing beats a good Nigerian folktale. I miss 'Stories my mother told me' and 'Tales by Moonlight'

The tortoise was always cunning, the lion was always hungry and the forests were always filled with evil spirits (and maybe one who took the form of an old woman who changed her mind about eating you because you were nice and helped her carry her heavy water pot to her hut, and so she gave you riches and showed you the way home - remember that story?)

But in recent times, the popularity of folktales has died down and there is no home grown story that the new generation of Nigerian kids can get excited about.

Until now.

I was invited to this group on Facebook called Chicken Core and I'm so glad I checked it out. It is amazing!!!

Basically, its a folktale/fantasy cartoon series about the animal kingdom (because you know Nigerian stories are not complete if the characters are not animals, lol) and how the smaller animals are treated as inferior by the larger carnivorous animals. Nature wants to rewrite this and a prophecy about a Chicken warrior called Kiki, that will rise against the oppressors to rule the animal kingdom is about to come to pass, so the chicken race is being killed off (of course, Kiki survives and...the battle begins).

Chicken Core is the name of the group of surviving chickens that join Kiki in the war against the higher animals.

You have to admit, it sounds good. It's creative and modern without sacrificing the main elements of Nigerian storytelling. And with characters with names like 'Ngozi One Connect' (pictured above), 'Ojekiri' and 'Pius Ogadinma', you know it cannot be dry, lol.

The character whose storyline interested me the most was 'Skinned Yellow Monday' and I thought I'd put it here, just to give you an idea:

According to Chicken Core's facebook page, "Monday is the enigma of 'The Core'. Although little is known about his origin, rumors say he is the only surviving member of the Iragule Clan, a highly specialized rebel unit; whose luck ran thin when they were ambushed, chained in their hideout and set ablaze. Monday's feathers were torched, burning holes into his pores. Hearing the anguish of his comrades, he broke free from his shackles shattering his beak in the process. His captors noticed his escape and hunted him to the edge of a cliff. He was rescued by Kiki who was training nearby. Monday swore his allegiance to Kiki for saving his life.

He uses a scarf to hide his broken beak and his choice of weapon is a pot cover branded 'Made in Aba' ".

Honestly, I think it sounds so brilliant and if you can, please support How Now Studios by joining their facebook page or watch their sneak peak videos on Youtube or watch the series when it comes on TV in Nigeria.

Good job, by the way, to the creators of Chicken Core.

Good job and Good luck.

This is a goat called Nnkpime. I don't know what his storyline is, this picture just makes me laugh. I hope he is the clown of the show, lol.

Do you remember your favourite folktale? What was it?

It's A Beautiful Thing

The scent of love is in the air

Valentine's day is finally here.

*sigh*

I love Love.

Yes, I understand when people say that such holidays are just business propaganda, meant for commercial use so that businesses can make money off of love sprung couples.

Yes, I understand that you don't need a day to tell your partner you love them, when you can do that everyday.

Still...

What does it hurt?

If you look past the roses and cards and perfumes and teddy bears and chick flicks...Valentine's day is truly and simply beautiful.

It's like Mother's day. Of course, we love our mothers all year round. Still, if you think you don't have to tell your mother you love her on that day because you already said it yesterday and the day before...are you crazy?

I think we can spare a day to celebrate couple's love.

A certain someone I know :) will be celebrating her first Valentine's day in her current (and last :) ) relationship.

It's amazing, I've known her most of my life but I think this is the first time that I have ever seen her truly and completely happy.

Love can do that.

It's a beautiful thing to see, even more beautiful to feel.

So, in the spirit of Saint Valentine and for anyone who's in love, here are a few of my favorite love quotes, just in case you need help in telling that special person how you feel tomorrow. Beautiful, *swoon*-worthy words from people who have felt love and know what a magical thing it can be:

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" - Songs of Solomon 6:3

"There are sixty queens and eighty concubines and virgins without number. But my dove, my perfect one, is the only one..." - Songs of Solomon 6:8-9

"In my dreams, you were perfect. When I woke up, you were perfect" - Vanessa Amorosi

"Robin is not the girl of my dreams...Robin is better than the girl of my dreams. She's real" - Paul in '500 Days of Summer'

"Stop talking about love. Every asshole in the world says he loves somebody. It means nothing. It still doesn't mean anything. What you feel only matters to you. It's what you do to the people you say you love, that's what matters. It's the only thing that counts" - Stephen in 'The Last Kiss'

"When you're in love, there is no way on earth to hide it. When you're in love, really in love, you simply let your heart decide it" - Millie in 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'

"How can you tell what's in its spell? How can you tell unless you've tried it? Wait for that kiss you're certain of. And let your heart decide when you're in love" - Adam in 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'

"Never could imagine there were only ten million ways to love somebody" - Shakira, 'Whenever, Wherever'

"You own the place where all my thoughts go hiding...Because of you, I'm running out of reasons to cry" - Shakira, 'Underneath your clothes'

"Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one" - John Keats

"You are what I never knew I always wanted" - Alex in 'Fools Rush In'

"Other men said they have seen angels, but I have seen thee and thou art enough" ~ G. Moore

"I'd like to run away from you, but if you didn't come and find me ... I would die. ~ Shirley Bassey

"Don't get it twisted, love is a beautiful thing...See, I never thought that I would find someone like you, that could capture my heart and there's nothing I can do" - Dbanj, Fall in Love

"You must be true to your heart, that's when the heavens will part, and shower you with my love. Open your eyes. Your heart can tell you no lies. And when you're true to your heart, I know it's gonna lead you straight to me" - Mulan soundtrack

Yes, there are just as many quotes for the broken heart...but we can do that some other time.

Happy Valentine's day.

A Good One

As my first official post for this year, I thought I'd talk about something positive. It's only been a month but this year already feels like it's going to be a good one. I didn't make any resolutions (I never keep them )but I've already done a couple of things I promised myself I'd do. I hope I keep up the pace (I hope).

For anyone who's looking forward to having a good year, I thought I'd share a few sentences my Mama gave me to recite when I pray:

"This year 2010:

The error in my life has been corrected.

My jar of oil will never run dry.

All my hidden blessings shall manifest.

I will be a subject of discussion in the meeting of the great."

P.S: Sorry I disappeared again. See you in February.

Hello

Hello again.

An Unlikely Cohort

As some of you might have guessed already, her name's not really Tobi. We'll just say it is. I don't know exactly how we became friends. We couldn't be more different people.

The thing about human beings is that we all go through difficult times. That's life, sometimes it throws crap at you. And at that moment, there is nothing more assuring than finding someone who is going through the same crap as you. Situations really do make people bond.

That was the case with me and Tobi. We lost things...but found so much more.

Our friendship may have been short, but I will remeber if for life.

Tobi is one of those people who come into your life for one fleeting moment...to teach you something...and leave you with the most unforgettable impression.

I can't write about most of our conversations or stories, I might reveal more than she would like.

But some things I write from now on will definitely have been influenced by her. Maybe, once in a while, when I remember something funny or nice that I just have to share, I'll put it here.

And maybe, one day, we'll cross paths again...

Back Home

Hello. It's been a while. I hope this year has been good for you, my dear one - or two...maybe three - reader(s). So much has happened over the last three, four months. Hopefully, I'll get to share it with you over time. Don't worry, I won't disappear again. I promise. For people like me (or us) who don't have the skills to live or interact properly in the real world, blogging, writing, imagining, silence...these are my sanctuaries. That's how I know for sure that I won't disappear again. Because for me, this is home.

And now that I am back home, I'd like to share with you some of the adventures that I've had lately. Some were good, some were bad. But most of them involve a new friend. Her name is Tobi. I think you'll like her...

British Invasion

Wow. When my friends convinced me to start blogging, I didn't realize just how popular it was. I don't know why I thought I was the only one who had something to say. I guess everyone does. Let's just hope people think what I have to say is worth listening to.

So, I thought I'd choose something interesting for my first topic, and what could be more interesting than boys! lol. Ok, I don't mean to sound like a boy-crazy teenager (trust me, I'm not), but ladies of North America, we have been invaded! Don't get me wrong, I love my Nigerian brothers, but these skinny white British boys just keep on coming! Forget Jude Law and Orlando Bloom, that's old school. I'm talking Bin Bones and Spunk Ransom!

I had been hearing all the hoopla surrounding Twilight but I never really took notice. Then I saw the movie, and like my sister said, "mmm mmm mmm. I need an Edward Cullen in my life". I never thought the one thing I would want from a boy is for him to bite me, but that's what I think anytime I see Robert Pattinson (or Spunk Ransom as he prefers to be called). He can act, he can sing, and he can play the guitar and the piano. What's not to love?

And then, there is James McAvoy. Well, technically he's Scottish but you get what I mean. all join. He is the brooding, quiet stranger who isn't necessarily your cookie cut idea of handsome, but is shrouded in mystery. And you know girls love a little mystery in a man. Technically speaking, he's Edward Cullen brought to life. Minus the vampire part. Who else can make playing a goat in the Chronicles of Narnia look sexy?

Speaking of Chronicles of Narnia, I come to my personal favourite British export, the man I am going to marry (seriously), Ben Barnes aka Bin Bones aka Prince Caspian. Lawwd Jesus, I freeze and melt at the same time whenever I see this fellow. He is so beautiful, it's almost annoying. He's so beautiful, infact, that he was chosen for the role of Dorian Gray. Dorian Gray is the Oscar Wilde story about a man who was so handsome, that a wish was granted for him to never age so that he's beauty could be preserved. Now, you know they won't pick just anyone to play that part (can't wait for the movie, by the way). But it's not his beauty alone that makes him attractive. He is humble and talented. *sigh* You couldn't ask for more.

These three are just a few of good ole England's hot commodities (I didn't forget our favourite gossip guy, Ed Westwick and Bond Girl Gemma Arterton for the boys).

I don't know, maybe it's the accent. Maybe it's the hair. Maybe it's the fact that they all have beautiful voices (has anyone heard James McAvoy sing? And Bin Bones was in a boy band...thank God that didn't work out). Whatever it is, I better be careful, I just might move across the pond and get myself a white bloke!