Tandem Post: Through the Looking Glass

He loves her. She makes him happy. Their home life is perfect in it’s imperfections. There’s nothing lacking. She fulfills his every need. Their marriage is on track.

He’s a good husband. She’s the good wife. A homemaker. They have a great marriage. They get each other. Their love story is that of a match made in heaven.

Through the looking glass…

Someone is sitting with a rope. Waiting to reel him in. Climbing into his head. And he is the willing participant.

Through the looking glass…

It’s not physical so surely there can’t be anything wrong with it, right? Besides, it’s a viral thing. No strings attached. It’s not like they ever talk to each other in person. He can break contact at anytime. He’s done it before. In fact they haven’t had contact for months.

Through the looking glass…

Someone is bored. Someone’s been busy and had no time for pretending. Hasn’t had time to escape her mundane life. The rope has gotten dusty. She wonders if Mr. Willing Participant will rise to the occasion. Time to play she thinks as she types…

To: Gramps
From: Me
Subject: Ellipses

Tupac’s mom passed away this week.

PS: It usually indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning.

She smiles knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist.

This was part of a weekly Tandem blog where 3 bloggers and 1 topic collide. Please check out my bloggers in crime’s interpretation of this week’s topic “Through the Looking Glass” by clicking on their links below.

Chevone : Chevslife

Shelley : The Deal Is

PS: This topic made me go back to a book that I’ve been writing for the past few years. It’s about the web of adultery and just how far people are willing to take it. Needless to say, I’ve been editing it a whole lot. The bit about Tupac’s mom’s passing (and I’m sad about it because ‘Dear Mama’ is on my daily playlist) was added this week. Not really sure if it’s appropriate but it kind of fits in with the characters.

PPS: Thanks Shells! I finally have the name of the book 😉

Thank you for reading.

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Tandem Post: Beauty Beyond Bounds

“You will never begin to understand how happy I am.” The woman sitting across from me said, when she finished telling me her story. Tears glistened my eyes and I knew the moment I would open my mouth the floodgates of my heart would open too.

Her story sounded oh so familiar. It was the story of my life as I know it right now. A life of unemployment and rejections all round. A life where focus was misdirected, despair reigned at times and feelings of worthlessness prevailed. A time where hope was momentarily lost and joy nowhere to be found.

Never once did I interrupt her when she was telling me her story. I felt all her feels and shared her pain. The one thing that stood out for me as she was this woman’s smile. Even though her circumstances were dire at times she always had her smile. One of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen her plenty of times before, yet never once did I know the extent of her problems. This woman had a strength about her and possessed a beauty beyond bounds. Looking at her, a passerby would not easily notice her pain.

Her story now had a beautiful ending or rather, a beginning. She got a permanent position at a company with a great salary. Listening to her and watching her beam with joy encouraged me. It renewed my hope. Soon I’ll be sharing her joy too.

“I may not be experiencing the same joy you are right now, but I can tell you that soon I’ll be able to understand just how happy you are feeling.” I eventually replied. Seeing her confused expression, I explained that I am not the polished professional with a high income she’d thought me to be. What I was doing for her and others, was in the capacity of a volunteer and stemmed from a place of love. A place where I’ve come to realize that I am worth so much more than I give myself credit for. Where I’m confronted with real need and it makes me thankful for what I have and what I have to offer others.

I have long since decided to not allow my circumstances to define me. Instead of wallowing in my misery, I have accepted that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be in my life. My life is not empty. I’ve got life, love, hope, joy and I know that at the end of this chapter there is a whole new adventure awaiting.

“This too shall pass”

My only hope is that during this time I too possess beauty beyond bounds 🙂

This was part a weekly Tandem Blog where 3 bloggers unite. To see what my partners in blogging has written go check out there posts:

Chevone

Shelley

It can be said that I talk too much… Say it ain’t true by sharing your view. All comments are welcome 🙂

CJ

Tandem Post: The Young and The Restless

A Letter To Today’s Youth

Hi. Hello. Awe. Whatsup. Hoe lyk hulle.

There are a few things you really should know about life. Things that your parents probably have told you. You know, the things they say when they speak in that nagging whiney voice that confirms that your parents just don’t get you. You’re probably right on that score. On the other hand your parents must be wondering what kind of monsters they’ve created. And they’re probably right too. I’ve seen some beautiful monsters around though 🙂

Well let me tell you a few other things I witness when I see you beautiful monsters…

I see you walking down the street like you own the world.

I see you disrespecting your parents, neighbours, peers and elderly.

I see you experimenting with substances like alcohol and drugs.

I see you wasting away with the “adult” choices you think you’re making.

I see you know more than enough to bother about trivial things like school.

Well, let me tell you a few things you really should know.

You have the world at your fingertips but you don’t own it. No one on this earth ever will. What do have is a place in this world but it’s up to you to live your legacy.

Respect goes a long way. Funny thing about respect is that it is earned and cannot be bought. Not everyone is worthy of your respect but you’ll find that the way you treat others has more to do with how you think and feel about yourself. Ever hear the saying: “Don’t be mean to the geek in your class coz they may end up being your boss one day”? Well that’s true. Don’t limit respect to one group of people though. We live in a small world and you never know when you’ll need someone.

It’s great to out new things. Always bear in mind that a few experiments has cost people their lives. Drugs are of those experiments. When people say don’t do drugs, they’re giving you the best advice ever. It’s addictive and destroys your life and tears families apart. Alcohol is no innocent bystander either. It makes you lose control and often makes of a fool of you without your help.

It’s crazy how you guys want to be adults and how adults want to be kids again. Enjoy the freedom youth provides. It comes only once in our lives. When you become an adult there’s no going back. You’ll have plenty of time to “Adult” later on in life. You have tons of responsibilities and you have to work. Work is no walk in the park.

Read. Learn. Read some more. School may not always be fun. I get that. But it prepares you for the life you’re meant to live one day. Sure, you won’t necessarily use the knowledge you learn in some subjects, then again you’d be surprised to find that you actually do. Between you and I, I don’t think many adults realize this. For good measure I’ll just remind you to read again. It increases your knowledge and makes you well versed.

I know it sometimes feels like no one understands you, but trust me, there is always someone who does and can give good advice. The people I’m talking about are not your friends, it’s your parents (yes your parents) and other adults.

Guys and girls, if you take nothing out of this, I at least want you to know that it’s OK to be young and restless but always remember that what you do today will impact all your tomorrows. You are our future. Reach for the skies and always remember that you can do and be anything you apply your mind to, unless you apply your mind to being an iPhone; that’s just crazy 😀

This was part of a tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s story click here and Shelley’s story click here

It can be said that I talk too much… Say it ain’t true by sharing your view. All comments are welcome 🙂

CJ

Tandem Post: Smackdown

I read a quote once that said:

“YOU DON’T HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY FIGHT/ARGUMENT THAT YOU’RE INVITED TO”

The thing with quotes is that it makes perfect sense and in most cases rings so true but when faced with a situation, impulse often overrides logic. Well, at least in my case.

Last night I had a dream… Not the Martin Luther King kind. I’m ways away from there. Also not the rainbows, butterflies and fair wings variety either. I save those for daydreaming. You know, those moments you see all the ugly in the world and you just want to block it all out. Or those moments when you stand in a long queue with one item but you can’t exactly leave the store without because you really need it.

Anyhoo, in my dream, I had a smackdown with someone I haven’t been seeing eye to eye with for a while now. It was like all those ninja/warrior games rolled into one. I tell you, I haven’t been this charged in a long time and it had me waking up with a smile on my face. Why a smile, you ask? I won obviously. Just like I win all the one-woman arguments I have with people in the shower. Yeah, while the rest of the population have impromptu concerts in the shower, I fight. I destroyed this woman and it felt good, but what would a fight be if she didn’t get in some good punches too. It’s a give and take after all. Don’t worry I’ll live 😀 The downside to waking from my dream was the knowledge that things were not sorted. The elephant remains in the room.

Having this dream made me realise how bothered I really am by the situation. It really isn’t of any consequence and I almost never see this woman either, but the fact that she’s a bit of a loose end bothers me. Sure I know that not everyone we meet in our lives are meant to like us. I honestly do get that. I suppose it’s just a matter of being judged by someone who doesn’t know me. Another quote comes to mind… “Other peoples opinions are their business, not yours”. Yet sometimes they manage to creep their way into your subconscious and it bothers you a bit. You being me, to be exact.

After coffee I had some more realisations. Even though I’m not completely satisfied with the matter, it really is resolved already. Gran always says that silence is an answer too. Damn old people and their wisdom sometimes but combined with dreams, coffee and some life experience, it makes a lot of sense. Sure there has been many occasions where I could have lashed out and started an argument with her (or other people over other things) but whenever I’m tempted to do so I hear gran’s voice on replay. Some fights are really just not worth it.

Lastly, I realised that I wouldn’t want to be in any fight with this woman or anyone else. Verbal or physical. Besides, what would I be teaching K3 if I do? I would like to however be able to kick the living daylights out of someone in self defence. This is the part where you all touch wood with me for my safety.

So what if I don’t win at every argument? So what if I don’t ever get an apology for someone doing me wrong? So what if others have bad opinions of me?

Smackdowns? No thank you.

I am, and will continue to be unapologetically me!

This was part of our weekly tandem blog where, this week, it’s 2 bloggers and 1 title. Go check out what Shelley has to say.

Tandem Post: Extra Fries

A sharp light pierces through the window rousing her from her slumber. It feels like she’s making her transition to the afterlife. Surely it must be, because it feels as though her head has been hit by a truck. The blindingly bright light makes it difficult for her to identify her surroundings. Her body feels like it’s floating and she feels warm. Maybe she’d just died.

If she did then surely the pain should be gone, she thinks to herself. All thoughts comes to an abrupt halt when she feels the warmth embracing her even more. It’s like there is another body wrapped around hers. It feels soft and comfortable and she relaxes until she feels hot breath in her neck. Suddenly she’s alarmed.

She struggles to open her eyes in the bright light. The throbbing in her head doesn’t aid her in any way but she has to know what’s happening here. She manages to half open one eye to take in her surroundings. She’s in a room. Obviously in bed noticing the angle of her vision. Confused she closes it again hoping to try again in a few seconds…

“Babe… I asked if I must order some extra fries?” It’s the husband’s voice that snaps me back into the present. I’m annoyed. He looks more annoyed than I am. Shucks! I should probably play nice for the next few days before he becomes a “NaNoWriMo widower” for 30 Days.

Now to finally decide on my story and do some more plotting…

This was part of a weekly tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s post click here and Shelley’s post click here

It can be said that I talk too much… Say it ain’t true by sharing your view. All comments are welcome 🙂

CJ

Tandem Post: Never stop…

Today I wanted to give way to literary abandon and write some amazing story for the Tandem post. Nanowrimo is coming up and I’m getting geared up for that so I’m writing everyday to get into the swing of things. Last year I participated as well but due to time constraints and lack of discipline I never finished my novella. Well, I kinda did but never got round to updating it on my profile. Guess I should do that before 01 November. Come hell or high water, I WILL write some story with 50K words.

Back to the present…

As I washed the dishes earlier I heard a funny scratching noise outside and went to investigate. My official report: I came across the little birdie (featured in the pic below). I’m not entirely sure how big birds are when they hatch from the eggs but this little one looked like it just hatched. The image is not that clear but he had some fluff on his feathers that made me believe he’s a new born. Or at least a recent born. If that makes any sense.

The little one’s movements were slow and unsteady in its haste. I could tell him testing his wings too by flapping it slowly at first and the faster and it jumped for lift off. Failing miserably at first and getting better and better. Practice makes perfect.

I stood in awe for a while until I thought how much more perfect this moment would have been if my kids could see it too. I couldn’t run inside to grab my phone for a picture fast enough. Last year we had a permanent resident at our home which we named Stompie. It was a feisty, camera shy bird with an amputated leg. The kids really enjoyed having him around and would place seeds for him to eat everyday. They’re kind of hoping Stompie will return but I don’t think that’s going to happen.

Witnessing this little one struggle to take off in flight was a rare occasion I will treasure forever. As I stood some distance away (to not scare it) I realized once again how fast paced our lives are and how we hardly have time to “stop and smell the roses”. There are so many good things on this earth and miracles happening all around us all the time. We’re just too busy to notice it. Life happens.

What I’m really trying to say is NEVER STOP MAKING TIME FOR THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE. Those are the moments that may bring you the greatest joy.

PS: The pic also made me notice the weeds that needs plucking from the paving. Something that’s kind of escaped my notice. Small things I tell you, small things 🙂

This was part of a tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s story click here and Shelley’s story click here

Tandem Post: Hell Hath No Fury

“How to get over a cheating spouse?” she read the heading of the
article in the woman’s magazine. For a moment she was tempted to read
the advice and guidelines offered. It would be interesting know a
thing or two about it, but what was the point now. It was much too
late. Where was this article when she needed it a few months ago. As
she tried to focus on the words in front of her, her mind drifted to
that time a few months ago.

“Are you sure about this? Think about your kids.” her mom said. “Kill
the SOB.” her friends suggested. “Get revenge on the woman” her
sisters told her, laying out their carefully thought out plans. Nobody
understood what she’d been going through at that time. Heck, she
didn’t understand it either. All she wanted was for the pain to go
away yet she’d felt numb at the same time. She wanted to feel.

He obviously didn’t know that she knew about it yet. She wondered what
he excuses he would come up with. Men always made excuses. He’d kiss
her on her cheek as he left for work each day and came home at the
same time every night. He’d let her sleep in on Saturday mornings
while he tended to the kids. They’d go out for “date night” once a
month and never argued about trivialities. Everything was normal. She
would not have believed it if she hadn’t seen him with her own eyes.

Disgust rolled around in her belly as she forced herself to lie down
next to the man who promised her forever and betrayed her in the worst
possible way. When had she become such a brilliant actress? What
sickened her more was that he didn’t even notice that anything was
wrong. If he did then he simply ignored it but she knew him far too
well to believe that he’d ignore any kind of “trouble” in paradise. As
far as he was concerned there was no trouble.

On that cold winter morning as she kissed him goodbye and bid him a
good day, her mind was finally made up. She could throw a tantrum.
Bring on the histrionics. Lord knows she wanted to physically hurt
him. She knew she could take him to the cleaners. Knew what a blow
this would be for him. His reputation was too precious to be marred
with scandal. She laughed at the possibilities.

Instead she set her own plan in motion. She only had twelve hours to
accomplish her goal. Finally with her and her kids bags packed in her
car, the house empty and removed of all furnishings she put pen to
paper and wrote him a note.

“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”

Her marriage was over.

This was part of a tandem series where normally 3 bloggers and 1 title collide but this week it’s a party of 2. For Shelley’s story click here

Tandem Post: Pick Me, Pick, Me!

Your caress makes me gasp,
Leaving me breathless.
My body shivers and my toes curl.

You know what gives me pleasure and what causes me pain.
A more intuitive lover I’ve never had.

Your love… Can I call it that?
Your love makes me want to be a better me.
To be the person I’m meant to be.

Your embrace leaves me longing…
Longing for the life I had and the life I planned
A hope for the future.
Did you mean what you said when you promised forever?

You’re devotion to me is unbelievable.
Never do you leave my side no matter how many times I send you packing.

They say love is blind and I’d have to agree.
You’ve made me believe.
You don’t care about age, race, financial situations, hair colour, height, weight and you’re not prejudiced.
Free love for all, especially me.

“Pick me, pick me!” You said.
No need for whispering sweet nothings.
I guess I had you at “Hello”.

How do I love thee, let me count the ways…

Actually, I’m not that into you. At. All.
Did you ever consider that I wasn’t playing hard to get?
You’re the jealous lover my mom warned me about.

If you can’t have me then no one can? Huh! We’ll see about that.

You selfish bastard, Cancer. You!

* OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

PS: This post was not written from personal experience at the hand of cancer. It is my observations of the illness and the effects it has on sufferers. This includes loved ones whom I’ve lost, friends and strangers in their fight against the all consuming illness.

This was part of a tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s story click here and Shelley’s story click here

Tandem Post: My Favourite Things

This week for my Tandem contribution I thought that I’d do a little show and tell. A peek into life through my eyes. Or shall I say my eyes, specs and then the camera lens.

Here are some of my favourite things…

Keith has always wanted to fish so a few years ago we got our fishing permits and started fishing. In all honesty, standing around and waiting on a fish to bite is not my idea of fun but it’s an activity Keith and I do together as a couple. To this day I haven’t caught anything besides seaweed but have developed a new level of a respect for the ocean.

I may not be able to catch a fish myself but I do enjoy sushi. Please sir, can I have some more?

The Company Gardens in Cape Town is not quite what it used to be but I quite enjoy sitting there on a sunny day and people watch when I have time. The squirrels never bother me when I’m at that exact spot.

Teaching my kids the importance of kindness, volunteering and giving back to the community are of the few things I always make time for. Lead by example. This is my favourite pic of 1st K and I because it was the last time I was slightly taller than him. It was taken at the end of February this year.

The two young ladies responsible for my worn down heels, broken lipsticks, drying my nail polish and painting their dads nails every summer with the seasons latest colour. Poor Keith never stands a chance with these two. At least he no longer has to wear make up.

I really don’t mind getting my hands dirty when it means I don’t have to hear those dreaded words “Mom! I’m bored!” Actually, I’m still a child at heart so I do it more for my own amusement.

Being bare feet. Reminds me of my carefree childhood days.

What are your favourite things?

This was part of a tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s story click here and Shelley’s story click here

Tandem Post: Not All That Bad

“You’re up next.”

‘Walk.’ I think, as I force my feet to move. One step, two step. I falter. When did something as simple as walking become so difficult. I feel someone nudge me from behind. Now my feet move automatically.

I can’t see anything in front of me. The light is blinding. Then I hear the applause and it goes quiet. They’re waiting on me to say something. I can feel the expectation. My mouth is dry. I open it to say something but words fail me. ‘Where is my carefully rehearsed speech.’ I think as I try to find a focus point. Anything or anyone to look at during my two minutes of fame. ‘Where is Keith?’ I need his reassuring smile. To know that I’m doing ok. ‘Why do I always get myself in these situations? I need to learn to say no.’

Damn this light is killing me. I feel hot. ‘How can I imagine anyone naked if I can’t even see them?’ Full blown panic mode sets in. I turn to my left and I see two of my biggest fans smiling at me. “Go mom! You can do it.” 1st K and Middle K encourages me. I take a deep breath. ‘It’s game time!’

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. It’s an honor and privilege for me to stand before you this evening…” I start. Carefully rehearsed speech completely forgotten but what is in the heart will come out the mouth. So I wing it.

The crowd cheers… I did it! I really did it! And they loved it! I smile as I walk off the stage and finally exhale. ‘You did good Celeste.’ I tap myself on the back.

I wonder if I’ll ever get used to public speaking but hey, it’s really not all that bad.

This was part of a tandem series where 3 bloggers and 1 title collide. For Chevonne’s story click here and Shelley’s story click here