This is to confirm that our next contributor is Realnaijabloke. He's going to be writing from Chinedu's point of view. Was he really an armed robber or was it a joke? Will he call Iphey again or did she fail the test? Check back tomorrow to read and vote for the next chapter. Remember, the first to comment on it will win an ebook. If you're no good at stalking but you want the book, head over to LULU and download your copy now! Mynewhitman's Storefront
While we wait, enjoy the poem. TO THE ONE I LOVE
I love to drink and dine
And I’ll love to feed you fine
I love to dance in line
And I’ll love to make you mine
I love the number nine
And I’ll not see you pine
I love any joke funny
And I’ll make your life sunny
I love an exciting journey
And I’ll love to call you honey
I love but it's not for money
And I’ll love to make you bonnie
I love a good story well told
And I'll love your virtues extolled
I love to see two lovers old
And I'll love to give you a ring of gold
I love you to have and to hold
And I'll love you till my bones are cold
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Get out of my dreams ....By Isha
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
“What?!” Iphey spluttered.
She could have sworn that she just heard her supervisor tell the entire operations staff and their managers that the procurement schedule template would be available at the armed robber meeting.
“I said it would be available at the advisory board meeting,” Funmi spat at her.
“Yes ma,” Iphey responded, suddenly finding something very important in her notebook. She wiped at a bead of sweat that wasn’t there, trying to relax. She passed her notebook to Bisi who was seated next to her, “Please, help me take notes. I’d be right back,” she whispered and she excused herself.
She didn’t exhale till she had shut the bathroom door behind her. “Oh dear, I’m losing my mind!” she said to the empty bathroom with her hand on her chest. She walked up to the sink, and washed her hands though they weren’t dirty. The running water provided some kind of solace.
It started when Funmi called on the intercom at about 10am, asking for a client’s armed robber, which was actually the client’s asset report. She felt like her mind was playing tricks on her. It had been a few days since she met with Chinedu, and she thought she had wiped him off her mind; only, to wake up this morning and find him sleeping peacefully next to her. She screamed and then woke up, and realized that the first wake-up sequence was only a dream.
She didn’t understand why this thing with Chinedu bothered her so much. After all he'd said it was in the past. Could it be that this hit so close to home because she refused to accept she was attracted to him? The finely chiselled frame of his face fluttered in her head as it had done every so often since her date, and gave her an instant thrill.
"But how could someone with such an honest demeanour have ever used a gun in his life?’ she thought. She shook her head rapidly like it was the proven method of clearing ones thoughts and winced at the headache she gave herself.
“OK,” she spoke to the washbasin this time, with new found determination, “I’ve had enough of this. I have a job to do.” She straightened her empire waist dress in front of the mirror and looked herself straight in the eye. “You can’t let this worry you. He’s not important. You’re probably never going to see him again.”
She looked around to ascertain that no one else was in the bathroom, ignoring what it seemed her conscience was saying to her. She didn’t want to become ‘office gist’ for having a nervous breakdown in the bathroom.
She pulled open the bathroom door holding her head high with square shoulders, but weary about how far the pep talk she had just given herself would go.
* * *
She got home that evening and finally decided to return Aisha’s missed calls. Her friend had tried to reach her non-stop since the night of the date, and she had ignored every one of the calls, because she couldn’t decide what to tell her. What if her well-meaning friend didn’t know of Chinedu’s past? What if it turned out that Aisha’s brother had a history of armed robbery as well, since they were so close?!
Her friend picked up on the second ring and didn’t bother with the perfunctory pleasantries. “I know what you’re trying to do,” Aisha started with a tone that made Iphey feel that she was furious, “you want me to drop dead in suspense!”
Iphey managed a believable chuckle before responding, “No be so now. I’ve been busy. How body?”
“Body dey as you leave am. No use that one waste time. Give me all the juicy details. Did you guys hit the club after dinner? Is he a good dancer? More importantly, is he a good kisser? Did he take you home? How was it?”
“It was nice,” Iphey replied. The silence that followed hinted that Aisha was waiting for more.
Aisha spoke up when he friend said nothing else, “Come on! Who do you think you’re talking to? Your Mum? I’m asking for gist, you’re giving me the version for the people who still believe that you’re a good girl.”
“It was just a regular date now, abi?” Iphey replied, “I met him at the restaurant. We talked about our backgrounds, our families, secondary schools; etcetera. The food was good sha.”
“Ehen?”
“And I went home after the meal!”
“As in? Did you ask for his number?”
“He gave it to me but I’m sure he can call me if he really wants to.”
“Hmmm. What are you not telling?”
“Nothing important, I’m serious.” She decided that she would not be the one to tell Aisha about Chinedu’s past if she didn’t already know.
“OK o,” Aisha replied, in a resigned tone, “but be sure that I don’t believe you completely. Do you want to see him again?”
“I don’t know,” Iphey laughed to lighten the moment and avail herself a change of subject. “Meanwhile,” she continued, “Ayo PM’ed me while we were sitting across from each other at a meeting this afternoon.”
“Who’s Ayo again? I know Tunde the flirt...”
“No, this is my branch manager now. The one who wants me to schedule my leave at the same time he’s taking his, so we can travel together.” She emphasized the last two words to stress the idiocy of the idea.
“Wait, are you sure you’ve told me about this guy before?”
“Yes now, Mr. You-like-me-but-you’ve-not-realized-it-yet.”
Aisha burst out in peals of laughter, “He said that?!”
“Well, maybe not in those exact words, but he might as well have. In his message today, he was like: ‘so why do you look so sexy this afternoon. I’m trying so hard not to be lustful’. This man is married oo...”
“OK, that’s just nauseating. You need to teach him a thing or two about appropriateness.”
“Oh, I sent him a very nice email, which is probably why he didn’t stop by my desk to say goodnight when he was leaving. There's more gist oo...”
“OK, hold it for me." Aisha's voice was hurried, "My dear, I have to get off now. TJ just drove in, and dinner is almost not ready.”
“No starve my broda o,” Iphey replied with a laugh. “OK then, goodnight!”
“Goodnight hon.”
* * *
So who's our latest Contributor? It's ISHA, and she has the following to say on her blog. Does this mean she is team Chinedu? LOL...read on. Voting resumes after the next chapter.
"Anyways, I think I find myself drawn to bad guys. I'm a complete fun lover, and I don't mean to be 'racist' but those plain-and-simple looking guys don't seem like they can be as exciting as I like my men. Then again, I often hear that people need comfort zones to really express themselves. That's all good, but I've learnt from experience to be weary of those quiet guys, many of them become beasts in their comfort zones.
I'd rather deal with someone who's openly daring and tough-looking, than find out that my quiet, serene lover is a wife-beating freak. You know what I'm saying?"
She could have sworn that she just heard her supervisor tell the entire operations staff and their managers that the procurement schedule template would be available at the armed robber meeting.
“I said it would be available at the advisory board meeting,” Funmi spat at her.
“Yes ma,” Iphey responded, suddenly finding something very important in her notebook. She wiped at a bead of sweat that wasn’t there, trying to relax. She passed her notebook to Bisi who was seated next to her, “Please, help me take notes. I’d be right back,” she whispered and she excused herself.
She didn’t exhale till she had shut the bathroom door behind her. “Oh dear, I’m losing my mind!” she said to the empty bathroom with her hand on her chest. She walked up to the sink, and washed her hands though they weren’t dirty. The running water provided some kind of solace.
It started when Funmi called on the intercom at about 10am, asking for a client’s armed robber, which was actually the client’s asset report. She felt like her mind was playing tricks on her. It had been a few days since she met with Chinedu, and she thought she had wiped him off her mind; only, to wake up this morning and find him sleeping peacefully next to her. She screamed and then woke up, and realized that the first wake-up sequence was only a dream.
She didn’t understand why this thing with Chinedu bothered her so much. After all he'd said it was in the past. Could it be that this hit so close to home because she refused to accept she was attracted to him? The finely chiselled frame of his face fluttered in her head as it had done every so often since her date, and gave her an instant thrill.
"But how could someone with such an honest demeanour have ever used a gun in his life?’ she thought. She shook her head rapidly like it was the proven method of clearing ones thoughts and winced at the headache she gave herself.
“OK,” she spoke to the washbasin this time, with new found determination, “I’ve had enough of this. I have a job to do.” She straightened her empire waist dress in front of the mirror and looked herself straight in the eye. “You can’t let this worry you. He’s not important. You’re probably never going to see him again.”
She looked around to ascertain that no one else was in the bathroom, ignoring what it seemed her conscience was saying to her. She didn’t want to become ‘office gist’ for having a nervous breakdown in the bathroom.
She pulled open the bathroom door holding her head high with square shoulders, but weary about how far the pep talk she had just given herself would go.
* * *
She got home that evening and finally decided to return Aisha’s missed calls. Her friend had tried to reach her non-stop since the night of the date, and she had ignored every one of the calls, because she couldn’t decide what to tell her. What if her well-meaning friend didn’t know of Chinedu’s past? What if it turned out that Aisha’s brother had a history of armed robbery as well, since they were so close?!
Her friend picked up on the second ring and didn’t bother with the perfunctory pleasantries. “I know what you’re trying to do,” Aisha started with a tone that made Iphey feel that she was furious, “you want me to drop dead in suspense!”
Iphey managed a believable chuckle before responding, “No be so now. I’ve been busy. How body?”
“Body dey as you leave am. No use that one waste time. Give me all the juicy details. Did you guys hit the club after dinner? Is he a good dancer? More importantly, is he a good kisser? Did he take you home? How was it?”
“It was nice,” Iphey replied. The silence that followed hinted that Aisha was waiting for more.
Aisha spoke up when he friend said nothing else, “Come on! Who do you think you’re talking to? Your Mum? I’m asking for gist, you’re giving me the version for the people who still believe that you’re a good girl.”
“It was just a regular date now, abi?” Iphey replied, “I met him at the restaurant. We talked about our backgrounds, our families, secondary schools; etcetera. The food was good sha.”
“Ehen?”
“And I went home after the meal!”
“As in? Did you ask for his number?”
“He gave it to me but I’m sure he can call me if he really wants to.”
“Hmmm. What are you not telling?”
“Nothing important, I’m serious.” She decided that she would not be the one to tell Aisha about Chinedu’s past if she didn’t already know.
“OK o,” Aisha replied, in a resigned tone, “but be sure that I don’t believe you completely. Do you want to see him again?”
“I don’t know,” Iphey laughed to lighten the moment and avail herself a change of subject. “Meanwhile,” she continued, “Ayo PM’ed me while we were sitting across from each other at a meeting this afternoon.”
“Who’s Ayo again? I know Tunde the flirt...”
“No, this is my branch manager now. The one who wants me to schedule my leave at the same time he’s taking his, so we can travel together.” She emphasized the last two words to stress the idiocy of the idea.
“Wait, are you sure you’ve told me about this guy before?”
“Yes now, Mr. You-like-me-but-you’ve-not-realized-it-yet.”
Aisha burst out in peals of laughter, “He said that?!”
“Well, maybe not in those exact words, but he might as well have. In his message today, he was like: ‘so why do you look so sexy this afternoon. I’m trying so hard not to be lustful’. This man is married oo...”
“OK, that’s just nauseating. You need to teach him a thing or two about appropriateness.”
“Oh, I sent him a very nice email, which is probably why he didn’t stop by my desk to say goodnight when he was leaving. There's more gist oo...”
“OK, hold it for me." Aisha's voice was hurried, "My dear, I have to get off now. TJ just drove in, and dinner is almost not ready.”
“No starve my broda o,” Iphey replied with a laugh. “OK then, goodnight!”
“Goodnight hon.”
* * *
So who's our latest Contributor? It's ISHA, and she has the following to say on her blog. Does this mean she is team Chinedu? LOL...read on. Voting resumes after the next chapter.
"Anyways, I think I find myself drawn to bad guys. I'm a complete fun lover, and I don't mean to be 'racist' but those plain-and-simple looking guys don't seem like they can be as exciting as I like my men. Then again, I often hear that people need comfort zones to really express themselves. That's all good, but I've learnt from experience to be weary of those quiet guys, many of them become beasts in their comfort zones.
I'd rather deal with someone who's openly daring and tough-looking, than find out that my quiet, serene lover is a wife-beating freak. You know what I'm saying?"
Friday, November 20, 2009
The Results are in + Wishing (Poem)
Posted in:
Romantic Poems
Hey people, thanks so much for voting.
So the results are in again and this time we have a tie. Same number of people want to hear about Iphey's talk with Aisha and also from Chinedu's POV. Rather than choose one over the other, we're gonna have both branches of the story before another vote.
Therefore the story will continue by tomorrow with a chapter by ISHA and on Wednesday with another by REALNAIJABLOKE. In that chapter will be the options to vote for the next chapter of the story. BTW, how come no one wants to hear about her family? We too like love gist sha, and I'm the chief culprit. LOL...
In the meantime, enjoy the poem. It was written back in the day when love was oceans apart...
WISHING
Wishing you were here
So I can hold you tight
Wishing you were here
So there’ll be no more night
Wishing you were here
So you can make me bright
Wishing you were here
So I can face any plight
Wishing you were here
So I may see the light
Wishing you were here
To gladden my sight
Wishing you were here
To make all things right
Wishing you were here
To make up after a fight
Wishing you were here
To protect me with might
Wishing you were here
To lift me to the height
Wishing…
So the results are in again and this time we have a tie. Same number of people want to hear about Iphey's talk with Aisha and also from Chinedu's POV. Rather than choose one over the other, we're gonna have both branches of the story before another vote.
Therefore the story will continue by tomorrow with a chapter by ISHA and on Wednesday with another by REALNAIJABLOKE. In that chapter will be the options to vote for the next chapter of the story. BTW, how come no one wants to hear about her family? We too like love gist sha, and I'm the chief culprit. LOL...
In the meantime, enjoy the poem. It was written back in the day when love was oceans apart...
WISHING
Wishing you were here
So I can hold you tight
Wishing you were here
So there’ll be no more night
Wishing you were here
So you can make me bright
Wishing you were here
So I can face any plight
Wishing you were here
So I may see the light
Wishing you were here
To gladden my sight
Wishing you were here
To make all things right
Wishing you were here
To make up after a fight
Wishing you were here
To protect me with might
Wishing you were here
To lift me to the height
Wishing…
A Heart to Mend: Love Happens (eBook)
Posted in:
Book Hype
Finally, the eBook is ready as promised. This is the cover as it appears on Lulu. The print version of the book and the sequel to Love Happens will be out next month either in time for Christmas or soon after.
The price of the eBook is $9.99 but as a promo and a compliment to my blog readers, I will revise the price down. For the rest of this weekend, the new price will be $5.99. So if you've been hungering and thirsting for the Gladys and Edward story, this is the time to download your copy. The link is on the left side bar beneath the poll.
To those who have already purchased the book, Thank You! I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. If you want to email them to me, depending on whether they could spoil the story for those who have not read the book, please feel free to do so. My addy is mulan.mine(at)gmail. If you can also leave a review on the Lulu page, I'll really appreciate that.
The last entry on Gladys sickness and "I go love oo" was a very small peek at the sequel but will be the last here. I will be opening up a second blog which will only be accessible to those who have purchased and read this eBook for more drafts. As you may have noticed, the URL of this blog has changed. It is now mynewhitmanwrites.com. I decided to customize the name thanks to GNG who provided insight and my SO as usual for his support.
The new site will be Mynewhitman.com and will morph into my website when the print book is ready. Don't be left behind, join the train now and be the first in the know of everything good that is coming. A second book is in the works and I will start posting excerpts from January.
In the meantime, the blogsville community story will continue here. I want to appreciate all the contributors and those who have expressed interest. I see a lot of talent here and that is giving me ideas. Please keep coming folks, and don't forget to vote for the story you want.
Thanks again.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Office Politics: It's complicated ...by Fabulo-la
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
“Cucku-roo-koo!” 6 am, and the cock had barely finished crowing as Iphey walked into the bank premises. ‘Click-click-click’ as her heels hit the concrete.
Truth is, Iphey was nervous about meeting with her boss Funmi again, which is why she was at the office early to take a closer look at her work. She had no idea what she could have done. Funmi had called her ‘unprofessional’. Why? She couldn’t think of a reason. Since she started at this bank, she has consciously been professional about everything.
She hurried to her desk in the common office and began shuffling through files and to-do lists making sure she had left no stones unturned. As she began to work, she turned on some music to keep her company. She had another hour or so to herself before the first set of bankers began to arrive. The crooning voice of Michael Buble will work wonders to calm her nerves.
“..Somehow I know that it’ll all turn out, You'll make me work so we can work to work it out, And promise you kid, I'll give so much more than I get, mmmm....I just haven't met you yet..” she sang to herself, bobbing her head to the music.
“Well I have certainly met you.” A voice said behind her. Startled she dropped the file she was holding.
“Oh I didn’t mean to startle you” It was the bank manager. Her bosses’ boss, Ayo.
“Oh its not problem sir. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. I’ll just turn the music off”. She replied. She was a little uncomfortable being in the same room with him.
“Ah, but I didn’t ask you to turn it off.”
“No, its ok. I will turn it off. I have to run to the basement anyways."
“Why are you avoiding me eh Iphey?”
"Ah no its nothing sir." She got up to put the files away. As she walked by him, he grabbed her by the waist and held her close to him.
"I don’t bite." he whispered in her ear.
"Ahem!" A voice said behind them. It was Tunde, her colleague. She hurriedly released herself from Ayo's grip.
"I will see you later ok Iphey?" He smiled at them both. "Good morning Tunde."
"Good morning sir," Tunde eyed their boss as he strolled out.
"There is nothing going on, before you start to accuse me abeg!" Iphey began defending herself.
"Have I said anything?" Tunde laughed in her face. He ran a finger down Iphey’s arm and caught her palm in a lingering handshake.
"Now if only you will agree my own…." He let the words hang and then turned away. "See you at lunch?"
He smiled on his way to his office on the other side of the hall. He was in marketing where as she was in clearing operations. Oh lawd. Why did she attract all these men? Chinedu, Ayo and now Tunde. The latter was her friend but he would get her in trouble soon if he didn't stop.
Tunde had just gotten engaged but would not stop his flirting with all the girls in the bank especially her. Other staff began to arrive including those who shared her office and they all settled down to the day's grind.
Knock knock! She spun on her seat. It was Funmi. "Meet me in my office in 10”.
Great the day just got worse, Iphey muttered under her breath. She tidied her desk, as she got ready to head over to Funmi’s office. What could I have done? She wondered to herself trying to figure out what it was. As she approached Funmi’s office, she heard voices, so she stood outside waiting.
“Why did you call this meeting Funmi?”
“This girl is not doing her work Ayo! Her work is sub standard, not up to par. She needs to be taught a lesson.”
“But you know this is not the company policy. You need to tell her privately first before bringing me into this.” Pause. “ Are you doing this because we are not sleeping together anymore Funmi?" He queried her.
"What we had was more than sleeping together Ayo and you know it!" Funmi yelled.
"You're married now Funmi. YOU went and got married but decided NOT to tell me..."
"Did you tell me when you got married three years ago? And did that stop us?"
There as silence in the room and the sound of Funmi's heavy breathing.
"Funmi, I believe you're being harsh on your staff because you're frustrated more than anything else. So leave the girl, she has done nothing wrong. You know, the transfer offer to be with your husband is still open. I think you should consider it. Me and you are finished."
The door swung open and Ayo nearly ran over Iphey in the doorway. Iphey avoided meeting his eyes. He smiled at her.
“I’m guessing you heard all that then?” he asked her. She looked everywhere but at him.
“It was bound to come out sooner or later,” he muttered, almost to himself. "But you should keep it to yourself." Ayo gave her a look-over, with a knowing twinkle in his eyes as he walked away.
Iphey rubbed the back of her neck feeling very uncomfortable. Just then, a visibly shaken Funmi opened the door.
“What are you standing there for?” she snapped.
“Err..you asked me to come and see you?’ Iphey answered.
“Forget it. Let me just warn you that I will not take kindly to any silly mistakes from you again. You hear me?”
“Yess ma,” Iphey answered sheepishly.
“Now get back to work, before I change my mind”. She spat at her.
Iphey spun on her heels and raced back to her desk. Its wasn’t yet 10am and the day was already off to a rocky start. She still had to call her mother when she got home that evening. Thoughts of Chinedu had chased it from her mind last night...
>>>>>>>Vote on the right side bar for More on; Conversation with Mother, Phone call from Chinedu, Talk with Aisha.>>>>>>
***********************************************************
Who is Fabulo-la, our latest contributor? She had this to say on her BLOG. Click on the link and go show her some love.
"Its amazing.
Barely 4 months ago all Brokeass wanted to do was bare her thoughts
and just release all the mental tension suffocating her.
But she got more than that. With all the encouragement she got,
Fabulo-la was born. And I can honestly say it has been pleasant
I am not going away"
Truth is, Iphey was nervous about meeting with her boss Funmi again, which is why she was at the office early to take a closer look at her work. She had no idea what she could have done. Funmi had called her ‘unprofessional’. Why? She couldn’t think of a reason. Since she started at this bank, she has consciously been professional about everything.
She hurried to her desk in the common office and began shuffling through files and to-do lists making sure she had left no stones unturned. As she began to work, she turned on some music to keep her company. She had another hour or so to herself before the first set of bankers began to arrive. The crooning voice of Michael Buble will work wonders to calm her nerves.
“..Somehow I know that it’ll all turn out, You'll make me work so we can work to work it out, And promise you kid, I'll give so much more than I get, mmmm....I just haven't met you yet..” she sang to herself, bobbing her head to the music.
“Well I have certainly met you.” A voice said behind her. Startled she dropped the file she was holding.
“Oh I didn’t mean to startle you” It was the bank manager. Her bosses’ boss, Ayo.
“Oh its not problem sir. I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. I’ll just turn the music off”. She replied. She was a little uncomfortable being in the same room with him.
“Ah, but I didn’t ask you to turn it off.”
“No, its ok. I will turn it off. I have to run to the basement anyways."
“Why are you avoiding me eh Iphey?”
"Ah no its nothing sir." She got up to put the files away. As she walked by him, he grabbed her by the waist and held her close to him.
"I don’t bite." he whispered in her ear.
"Ahem!" A voice said behind them. It was Tunde, her colleague. She hurriedly released herself from Ayo's grip.
"I will see you later ok Iphey?" He smiled at them both. "Good morning Tunde."
"Good morning sir," Tunde eyed their boss as he strolled out.
"There is nothing going on, before you start to accuse me abeg!" Iphey began defending herself.
"Have I said anything?" Tunde laughed in her face. He ran a finger down Iphey’s arm and caught her palm in a lingering handshake.
"Now if only you will agree my own…." He let the words hang and then turned away. "See you at lunch?"
He smiled on his way to his office on the other side of the hall. He was in marketing where as she was in clearing operations. Oh lawd. Why did she attract all these men? Chinedu, Ayo and now Tunde. The latter was her friend but he would get her in trouble soon if he didn't stop.
Tunde had just gotten engaged but would not stop his flirting with all the girls in the bank especially her. Other staff began to arrive including those who shared her office and they all settled down to the day's grind.
Knock knock! She spun on her seat. It was Funmi. "Meet me in my office in 10”.
Great the day just got worse, Iphey muttered under her breath. She tidied her desk, as she got ready to head over to Funmi’s office. What could I have done? She wondered to herself trying to figure out what it was. As she approached Funmi’s office, she heard voices, so she stood outside waiting.
“Why did you call this meeting Funmi?”
“This girl is not doing her work Ayo! Her work is sub standard, not up to par. She needs to be taught a lesson.”
“But you know this is not the company policy. You need to tell her privately first before bringing me into this.” Pause. “ Are you doing this because we are not sleeping together anymore Funmi?" He queried her.
"What we had was more than sleeping together Ayo and you know it!" Funmi yelled.
"You're married now Funmi. YOU went and got married but decided NOT to tell me..."
"Did you tell me when you got married three years ago? And did that stop us?"
There as silence in the room and the sound of Funmi's heavy breathing.
"Funmi, I believe you're being harsh on your staff because you're frustrated more than anything else. So leave the girl, she has done nothing wrong. You know, the transfer offer to be with your husband is still open. I think you should consider it. Me and you are finished."
The door swung open and Ayo nearly ran over Iphey in the doorway. Iphey avoided meeting his eyes. He smiled at her.
“I’m guessing you heard all that then?” he asked her. She looked everywhere but at him.
“It was bound to come out sooner or later,” he muttered, almost to himself. "But you should keep it to yourself." Ayo gave her a look-over, with a knowing twinkle in his eyes as he walked away.
Iphey rubbed the back of her neck feeling very uncomfortable. Just then, a visibly shaken Funmi opened the door.
“What are you standing there for?” she snapped.
“Err..you asked me to come and see you?’ Iphey answered.
“Forget it. Let me just warn you that I will not take kindly to any silly mistakes from you again. You hear me?”
“Yess ma,” Iphey answered sheepishly.
“Now get back to work, before I change my mind”. She spat at her.
Iphey spun on her heels and raced back to her desk. Its wasn’t yet 10am and the day was already off to a rocky start. She still had to call her mother when she got home that evening. Thoughts of Chinedu had chased it from her mind last night...
>>>>>>>Vote on the right side bar for More on; Conversation with Mother, Phone call from Chinedu, Talk with Aisha.>>>>>>
***********************************************************
Who is Fabulo-la, our latest contributor? She had this to say on her BLOG. Click on the link and go show her some love.
"Its amazing.
Barely 4 months ago all Brokeass wanted to do was bare her thoughts
and just release all the mental tension suffocating her.
But she got more than that. With all the encouragement she got,
Fabulo-la was born. And I can honestly say it has been pleasant
I am not going away"
Monday, November 16, 2009
Giveaways + Poem
Fabulola: So I have just confirmed from Fabulola. She is giving us the next chapter of the story by Thursday morning. The votes say most people want to know what happens between Iphey and her Boss Funmi.
Giveaway: And since the e-version of my book is almost ready, the first bloggers to comment on the next three chapters will get free copies of the ebook. So keep your eyes peeled. And if you've not updated your blog list, do so now. Goodluck.
While we wait, enjoy the short poem.
WHAT IS LOVE
Is it a feeling or an action?
Is it to love or to be in love?
Can one do without love?
A cool love or a fast love?
Which is the better love?
Why do we even love?
When does love start?
Where does love end?
Have you ever loved?
How will you describe love?
Giveaway: And since the e-version of my book is almost ready, the first bloggers to comment on the next three chapters will get free copies of the ebook. So keep your eyes peeled. And if you've not updated your blog list, do so now. Goodluck.
While we wait, enjoy the short poem.
WHAT IS LOVE
Is it a feeling or an action?
Is it to love or to be in love?
Can one do without love?
A cool love or a fast love?
Which is the better love?
Why do we even love?
When does love start?
Where does love end?
Have you ever loved?
How will you describe love?
Do you live in Nigeria?
Posted in:
And more specifically in Abuja and environs? The above is a flyer for a home makeover show created through a company run by my sister and friends. The company is Klasik Nigeria Ltd and it is billed as Dress My Home They also sell and deliver high quality fabric sofas in most parts of the country.
For enquiries, please call any of the following lines from Nigeria or add the codes as necessary. 07025032642, 07028380777, 07027851480.
Tell them Myne Whitman sent you. They'll be distributing my book when it lands in naija too.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Date ....by Atala Wala Wala
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
She had just returned from seeing one of her clients about an overdraft facility he wanted on his account, and was walking back to her office when her manager beckoned her into her office.
Funmi gestured to a seat. "Good morning, Iphey. Please shut the door - this won't take long."
Iphey sat down, wondering what was up; she got on reasonably well with her, so she couldn't figure out why she sounded unusually curt. Her apprehension mounted as Funmi went on to talk about the unprofessionalism she said she had observed in Iphey's work, and how she preferred to let her know about it first rather than writing a query. Iphey was quite shocked; she tried to ask her to be more specific, but Funmi cut her off, saying that she had said everything she wanted to say.
Iphey responded by emphatically stating that Funmi was being unfair in not giving her a fair hearing, and things went rapidly downhill from there. The encounter left her really rattled, she was certain that there was more it that met the eye. "Best not to think too much about it", she muttered to herself. After all, there was this date to look forward to.
Her friend, Aisha had been pestering her forever to go out with this friend of her brother's. She wasn't exactly filled with confidence; the last person that Aisha had recommended had not turned out so well. She’d almost refused, but Aisha pleaded that this guy was really good. The truth was she doubted that Aisha even knew the kind of person she wanted.
Iphey sighed as she put finishing touches to her makeup and prepared to step out of her flat. Aisha had managed to persuade her this time, but only after she swore never, ever to trouble her with her randomly picked blind dates if this didn't work out.
She had also agreed because of the impression she had got when her date called to set up the time and venue. He had appeared charming, intelligent and well-spoken - definitely no red flags. He seemed a bit reticent to give more information about himself, though. All she knew was that his name was Chinedu, and he "ran an engineering business”. Well, at the very worst, it sounded like she might have a more interesting time going out than staying in, even if nothing happened.
******************
The skies were already darkening when she stepped out of the cab in front of the restaurant that they'd agreed to meet at. She looked around, wondering if he might be waiting outside, but she didn't see anyone who looked like they might be him. Maybe I'll have more luck inside, she thought as she walked in. Again, she scanned the dark interior.
"Is he late?" she wondered aloud. She hoped not; one of her pet peeves was people who disrespected others by not keeping to time.
"No, he's not. In fact, he's been watching you since you entered, and he's quite impressed by what he's seen," she heard a voice say in the same deep baritone she had heard on the phone.
She turned round, startled, and saw someone who looked to be in his early thirties, of average height, a bit slim and medium complexioned.
He smiled at her and continued, "Sorry for the unusual introduction... I shouldn’t have chosen a table out of sight, but I usually find the view outside the window provides interesting things to talk about. I don't think that will apply this evening, my eyes will be taken up with a much more beautiful spectacle."
She smiled back. "Thank you, Chinedu - that's a very nice compliment."
He led her to her table, and they ordered their entrees straightaway. The evening passed pleasantly; she told him all about herself, her schooling, how she got a job at Diamond Bank, what she would really like to do if she had the money, places she would like to travel to, her views on the different places she had been to, and so on. Chinedu seemed genuinely interested and impressed by her ideas and her views; the more she talked, the more he wanted to know. She was definitely enjoying herself.
Iphey leaned back and smiled at him. "You sound like a very interesting person. I'd like to hear more of your views on the world; you've not talked a lot about yourself."
Chinedu smiled. "What business does the moon have in the sky when the sun is out shining? My life these days is not that interesting; you'll agree that we've both enjoyed ourselves listening to you talk."
"But what if we could enjoy ourselves even more by listening to YOU talk? Oya... spill the beans!"
He made an expansive gesture. "OK, what do you want to know?"
She grinned back mischievously. "Tell me your deepest, darkest secret."
Chinedu appeared to think for a while. Then he leaned closer to her and whispered, "I used to be an armed robber."
Iphey stared at him. Then she laughed. "Be serious now."
"I am being serious."
Iphey shook her head. He must be joking - who would come out openly and say such a thing? Even armed robbers wouldn't do so. "So assuming you're telling the truth - why did you go into armed robbery?”
"For the same reason that most other people do - lack of opportunity elsewhere, and a friend drew me into it with the promise of making a lot of money from it. The honest truth is that back then, I felt that I had to do what I had to do. I saw people as objects rather than as human beings with feelings, so I didn't feel bad about doing what I did. But that was then."
"I don't understand how you can be so open about your past."
Chinedu smiled, and made the same expansive gesture as before. "Well, you wanted to know my deepest, darkest secret... there's a saying, 'beware of what you ask for, because you may get it'."
They continued chatting, but the earlier pleasant mood of evening for her had definitely soured. After a few more minutes, she stood up and announced that she had to go.
"What a pity. I feel that we were really enjoying ourselves. I came with my car; I can drive you home if you like."
“No, but thanks anyway.”
He insisted, but she was firm. She did assent for him to wait with her while she hailed a taxi, but responded to his chat in monosyllables. Eventually, a cab turned up, and as she got in, he gave her his number and said that he would like them to meet again sometime.
"Let’s see how it goes," she murmured.
As the taxi sped off towards her flat, she reminded herself to call her sister and update her mother. Aisha would have to answer about Chinedu later.
Vote on the left side bar for the story to continue in any of the following directions;
- The event at work with Bisi;
- Iphey's sister/nephew or;
- Conversation with her mother.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before I depart, I should introduce myself. You probably know that I'm Myne's Signficant Other. Here are a few other random facts about me:
- This is my the third continent I'll be living on, after Europe and Africa. But I don't think I'm cut out for the 'Ajala' life, so I have no plans to move to Asia or Australia (but then again, two years ago I didn't know I'd be moving to Seattle, so who knows?).
- I love listening to the sound of a well played piano. Whether the notes are being played in spartan isolation, or whether I'm listening to a concordance of chords, I get caught up in the performance, especially if there's feeling and melody to go with it.
- I don't get Facebook. I've tried, but honestly, poking and messaging on walls is just not my thing - I'd rather correspond via mail or phone. I guess I'm old fashioned that way.
Funmi gestured to a seat. "Good morning, Iphey. Please shut the door - this won't take long."
Iphey sat down, wondering what was up; she got on reasonably well with her, so she couldn't figure out why she sounded unusually curt. Her apprehension mounted as Funmi went on to talk about the unprofessionalism she said she had observed in Iphey's work, and how she preferred to let her know about it first rather than writing a query. Iphey was quite shocked; she tried to ask her to be more specific, but Funmi cut her off, saying that she had said everything she wanted to say.
Iphey responded by emphatically stating that Funmi was being unfair in not giving her a fair hearing, and things went rapidly downhill from there. The encounter left her really rattled, she was certain that there was more it that met the eye. "Best not to think too much about it", she muttered to herself. After all, there was this date to look forward to.
Her friend, Aisha had been pestering her forever to go out with this friend of her brother's. She wasn't exactly filled with confidence; the last person that Aisha had recommended had not turned out so well. She’d almost refused, but Aisha pleaded that this guy was really good. The truth was she doubted that Aisha even knew the kind of person she wanted.
Iphey sighed as she put finishing touches to her makeup and prepared to step out of her flat. Aisha had managed to persuade her this time, but only after she swore never, ever to trouble her with her randomly picked blind dates if this didn't work out.
She had also agreed because of the impression she had got when her date called to set up the time and venue. He had appeared charming, intelligent and well-spoken - definitely no red flags. He seemed a bit reticent to give more information about himself, though. All she knew was that his name was Chinedu, and he "ran an engineering business”. Well, at the very worst, it sounded like she might have a more interesting time going out than staying in, even if nothing happened.
******************
The skies were already darkening when she stepped out of the cab in front of the restaurant that they'd agreed to meet at. She looked around, wondering if he might be waiting outside, but she didn't see anyone who looked like they might be him. Maybe I'll have more luck inside, she thought as she walked in. Again, she scanned the dark interior.
"Is he late?" she wondered aloud. She hoped not; one of her pet peeves was people who disrespected others by not keeping to time.
"No, he's not. In fact, he's been watching you since you entered, and he's quite impressed by what he's seen," she heard a voice say in the same deep baritone she had heard on the phone.
She turned round, startled, and saw someone who looked to be in his early thirties, of average height, a bit slim and medium complexioned.
He smiled at her and continued, "Sorry for the unusual introduction... I shouldn’t have chosen a table out of sight, but I usually find the view outside the window provides interesting things to talk about. I don't think that will apply this evening, my eyes will be taken up with a much more beautiful spectacle."
She smiled back. "Thank you, Chinedu - that's a very nice compliment."
He led her to her table, and they ordered their entrees straightaway. The evening passed pleasantly; she told him all about herself, her schooling, how she got a job at Diamond Bank, what she would really like to do if she had the money, places she would like to travel to, her views on the different places she had been to, and so on. Chinedu seemed genuinely interested and impressed by her ideas and her views; the more she talked, the more he wanted to know. She was definitely enjoying herself.
Iphey leaned back and smiled at him. "You sound like a very interesting person. I'd like to hear more of your views on the world; you've not talked a lot about yourself."
Chinedu smiled. "What business does the moon have in the sky when the sun is out shining? My life these days is not that interesting; you'll agree that we've both enjoyed ourselves listening to you talk."
"But what if we could enjoy ourselves even more by listening to YOU talk? Oya... spill the beans!"
He made an expansive gesture. "OK, what do you want to know?"
She grinned back mischievously. "Tell me your deepest, darkest secret."
Chinedu appeared to think for a while. Then he leaned closer to her and whispered, "I used to be an armed robber."
Iphey stared at him. Then she laughed. "Be serious now."
"I am being serious."
Iphey shook her head. He must be joking - who would come out openly and say such a thing? Even armed robbers wouldn't do so. "So assuming you're telling the truth - why did you go into armed robbery?”
"For the same reason that most other people do - lack of opportunity elsewhere, and a friend drew me into it with the promise of making a lot of money from it. The honest truth is that back then, I felt that I had to do what I had to do. I saw people as objects rather than as human beings with feelings, so I didn't feel bad about doing what I did. But that was then."
"I don't understand how you can be so open about your past."
Chinedu smiled, and made the same expansive gesture as before. "Well, you wanted to know my deepest, darkest secret... there's a saying, 'beware of what you ask for, because you may get it'."
They continued chatting, but the earlier pleasant mood of evening for her had definitely soured. After a few more minutes, she stood up and announced that she had to go.
"What a pity. I feel that we were really enjoying ourselves. I came with my car; I can drive you home if you like."
“No, but thanks anyway.”
He insisted, but she was firm. She did assent for him to wait with her while she hailed a taxi, but responded to his chat in monosyllables. Eventually, a cab turned up, and as she got in, he gave her his number and said that he would like them to meet again sometime.
"Let’s see how it goes," she murmured.
As the taxi sped off towards her flat, she reminded herself to call her sister and update her mother. Aisha would have to answer about Chinedu later.
Vote on the left side bar for the story to continue in any of the following directions;
- The event at work with Bisi;
- Iphey's sister/nephew or;
- Conversation with her mother.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before I depart, I should introduce myself. You probably know that I'm Myne's Signficant Other. Here are a few other random facts about me:
- This is my the third continent I'll be living on, after Europe and Africa. But I don't think I'm cut out for the 'Ajala' life, so I have no plans to move to Asia or Australia (but then again, two years ago I didn't know I'd be moving to Seattle, so who knows?).
- I love listening to the sound of a well played piano. Whether the notes are being played in spartan isolation, or whether I'm listening to a concordance of chords, I get caught up in the performance, especially if there's feeling and melody to go with it.
- I don't get Facebook. I've tried, but honestly, poking and messaging on walls is just not my thing - I'd rather correspond via mail or phone. I guess I'm old fashioned that way.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The results are in + Poem
Posted in:
Romantic Poems
This is to say a big thanks to all who voted. The votes have been counted and the results are in. Isn't that what they say in all those reality TV shows?
More on --- Her date
Her name ---- Iphey
The place --- Lagos Nigeria.
The next contributor is Atala Wala Wala, and he will have two days to come up with the next chapter of the story. Fabulola, get ready to go next...LOL
Some have asked for each chapter to be self contained; this may not be possible but I'll request contributors to do their best. The most important thing is to keep reading and keep voting. Thanks again.
Enjoy this poem in the meantime...
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
It was love at first sight
And try as I might
I just couldn’t find
A way to get you off my mind
You’ve stolen my heart
Given me a brand new start
I just want you to know
That as our love grows
Treat my heart with care
And please be fair
Don’t break my heart
By wanting to be apart
Because I’m in love with you
And I feel everything you do
Any harsh word you speak
Can make my eyes leak
You know you hold my heart
So please save it from hurt
More on --- Her date
Her name ---- Iphey
The place --- Lagos Nigeria.
The next contributor is Atala Wala Wala, and he will have two days to come up with the next chapter of the story. Fabulola, get ready to go next...LOL
Some have asked for each chapter to be self contained; this may not be possible but I'll request contributors to do their best. The most important thing is to keep reading and keep voting. Thanks again.
Enjoy this poem in the meantime...
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
It was love at first sight
And try as I might
I just couldn’t find
A way to get you off my mind
You’ve stolen my heart
Given me a brand new start
I just want you to know
That as our love grows
Treat my heart with care
And please be fair
Don’t break my heart
By wanting to be apart
Because I’m in love with you
And I feel everything you do
Any harsh word you speak
Can make my eyes leak
You know you hold my heart
So please save it from hurt
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Let's tell a story...
Posted in:
Cupid's Risk Series
Hey people, so the time to tell a story together has come. This would be an interactive story, the plot of which is to be decided by both the writers and the readers. Romance or mystery, thriller or action, it can all be here!
The guidelines are as follows… I may change, add or remove as things progress, and as needed:
-Contributors can introduce new characters whose stories can fit into the plot.
-Keep chapters consistent with previous entries along the chosen story line.
-No abrupt changes unless the chapter explains the reason for it.
-This blog is not restricted so while love scenes are allowed, no graphic descriptions please.
-For each chapter ending, there is a minimum of two and maximum of five lead offs.
-Chapter submissions should be between 750 and 1000 words.
-I will try to keep changes to submitted chapters to a minimum, but reserve the right to edit as necessary.
-There will be two chapters a week; two days for voting and same for a contributor to get a story ready.
-Contributors will be acknowledged on their chapter and linked to their blog.
-Send in expressions of interest to contribute in the comments or to my email from my profile page. I already have Fabulola and Omotee! Thanks girls.
-Please vote and let’s have fun, cheers.
Thank you all.
Myne Whitman.
**********************************
The Story Begins...
She got back from work that day sweating heavily and knew she was going to be very late for her date. It had been a hot and humid day and she had been caught in the rush hour traffic returning home from the office. She now rushed about her apartment like a headless chicken putting her stuff together for the date when her phone rang.
"Hello?" She panted struggling into a deep purple skirt.
"Hello, my daughter is that you?" It was her mum's voice.
"Yes mum, it's me." she replied with a bitten off, "who else could be answering my phone?" under her breath.
"I just heard from your sister. Her son is in crisis again and they are at the hospital."
Her heart sank and the wind was knocked out of her sails. She had thought this was one of those her mum's infrequent marriage badgering calls. The sister her mum mentioned was her elder sister who had a 6 years old asthmatic son. He had often got this sort of crises during this period but it had seemed to subside in the past year. However, this was the second within the same month this year.
"Mum, I have to go out this evening and I’m already running late. I'll call her when I get back and give you feedback later OK?”
"That's fine, talk to you later dear. Take care of yourself and be careful"
Yes mum," she replied as she pressed the end button.
She wanted to continue getting ready but the “be careful” from her mum got her thinking of the stormy events at the office today.
**********************
The guidelines are as follows… I may change, add or remove as things progress, and as needed:
-Contributors can introduce new characters whose stories can fit into the plot.
-Keep chapters consistent with previous entries along the chosen story line.
-No abrupt changes unless the chapter explains the reason for it.
-This blog is not restricted so while love scenes are allowed, no graphic descriptions please.
-For each chapter ending, there is a minimum of two and maximum of five lead offs.
-Chapter submissions should be between 750 and 1000 words.
-I will try to keep changes to submitted chapters to a minimum, but reserve the right to edit as necessary.
-There will be two chapters a week; two days for voting and same for a contributor to get a story ready.
-Contributors will be acknowledged on their chapter and linked to their blog.
-Send in expressions of interest to contribute in the comments or to my email from my profile page. I already have Fabulola and Omotee! Thanks girls.
-Please vote and let’s have fun, cheers.
Thank you all.
Myne Whitman.
**********************************
The Story Begins...
She got back from work that day sweating heavily and knew she was going to be very late for her date. It had been a hot and humid day and she had been caught in the rush hour traffic returning home from the office. She now rushed about her apartment like a headless chicken putting her stuff together for the date when her phone rang.
"Hello?" She panted struggling into a deep purple skirt.
"Hello, my daughter is that you?" It was her mum's voice.
"Yes mum, it's me." she replied with a bitten off, "who else could be answering my phone?" under her breath.
"I just heard from your sister. Her son is in crisis again and they are at the hospital."
Her heart sank and the wind was knocked out of her sails. She had thought this was one of those her mum's infrequent marriage badgering calls. The sister her mum mentioned was her elder sister who had a 6 years old asthmatic son. He had often got this sort of crises during this period but it had seemed to subside in the past year. However, this was the second within the same month this year.
"Mum, I have to go out this evening and I’m already running late. I'll call her when I get back and give you feedback later OK?”
"That's fine, talk to you later dear. Take care of yourself and be careful"
Yes mum," she replied as she pressed the end button.
She wanted to continue getting ready but the “be careful” from her mum got her thinking of the stormy events at the office today.
**********************
To start with, we have three separate polls so readers can choose the name of our heroine, the setting and the next storyline. Vote and get involved.
Romance or mystery, thriller or action, you determine what goes on!
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