So...whatchu doing?

At this moment, I am loosening my braids; I have water on the fire for noodles, and I am all set up to give Baby Z his evening bath.

This is my life now - extreme multi-tasking. So extreme I get cross-eyed with feelings that range from self-pity to rage to 'I want my mummy' homesickness. Sad, since this is my home.

Depressing, if I think too much about it.

So I don't - I think instead of the dishes that have been in the sink for the past 3 days...at least, we have eaten.

I think of the clothes that have been in the machine since yesterday...no be my mates they use hand wash.

I think of...my daughter dancing like a white chick to Britney Spears.

I think of Papa Goo playing video games with her while Baby Z sleeps and Mummy is in a timeout. Sssh. Do not disturb,

I think of my Dad. I wish I could call him.

I can't complain.

Actually I can but I don't want to. At least, not right now. cos The Goo is dancing like a white chick. Papa Goo is bathing Baby Z, and I'm smiling cos I've been giving a reprieve from the crazybusiness of it all.

For now.

Delightfully Inconsistent

Show of hands if that describes you in any way, form or manner.

*raises hand and waves*

Yup, I thought so. I'm a card carrying member of that merry band, along with Procrastinators Anonymous. I'm also the mother of The Goo, who when she says the magic word, "@*%"x@" transforms into Super Goo, The Nocturnal Terror.

(PS. The Nocturnal Terror is only one of her many aliases)

Anyway, I'm part of this Blog Tour, invited by my good friend and fellow mummy-writer, Sifa Asani Gowon - www.sifushka.blogspot.com . The deal is she mentioned me on her blog (last Monday) and answered some questions, and then (This Monday) I mention her and three other bloggers, and answer some questions.

It's like a chain letter for blogs, men, dude!

(Does it show that I am sleep deprived?)

So first, the questions:

1. What am I working on?
I am working on (putting the finishing touches on) Anthology 2. It's a collection of stories by female Nigerian writers invited by yours truly to give us Nigerian happy endings. Why happy endings? I'm glad you asked - 'cos the world is depressing as it is. I would like to read something that gives me hope, that tells me it's okay to dream a way out of this pit we've dug ourselves into (talking to you, Nigerians!). So yeah. We're basically done, and in a couple of weeks, I'll be sending it to the publisher, and then going to pray :D

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I don't know. Happy endings, I suppose.
(That makes no sense)
I don't know - I haven't really decided on a genre of choice, so I can't say. Feel free to call me Madam Gender-Bender.
(Wait. What?)

3. Why do I write what I do?
Ah!
I like to make people feel. If I can tug at an emotion then I'm happy. Oddly enough, writing happy endings is not exactly easy. (It's not easy, Period!) But it's worth it.

4. How does my writing process work?
That's a funny question.
Hmm. Well, first my internal discipline lever is broken so yeah...but external pressure (I'm ashamed to say) like deadlines are great. That's why the anthologies plan for the year 2014 is so great for me. But my process specifically - I ignore everything else - The Goo, Papa Goo, Meals, Housework and so on - and write. If it's good, yay! If it's not delete, and try again. Later...

So that's me (gosh, I'm entertaining). Next week, you'll hear from:

Kiah, who reads and writes, and likes to eat fried plantain, every day, all day.
www.kiahsscript.com

Pamela Agboga, who writes poems, playlets, short stories and articles.  She recently published her first novel, Weekends are For Loving, and is currently working on a movie script with a friend. She loves reading novels, and watching movies as much as writing, maybe even more, and hopes to beat her writing deadlines this year...so far so good.
www.chowilson.wordpress.com

Xavier Ighorodje, who is a writer of weird fiction, and has not seen it fit to supply his photograph or a bio. So hopefully, this will do (and shame him a little. Muah ha ha!)
www.mrxavierighorodje.wordpress.com

How's Your Saturday Going?

Holla!

At this moment, I've got a load of washing in the machine, well, just my very red towel that will destroy every other item of clothing, actually...anyway, I've got my towel in the machine, I'm making a Peanut butter and Jam (Pineapple, if you must know) Sandwich for myself, I'm dancing to my Dance Playlist, I'm also reading China Mieville's Kraken and getting ready to do the dishes before I make lunch - Pasta and Chicken Stew.

The Goo says hi!(not really). She found some 3D glasses and is hanging out with Agent Mickey Mouse in the parlour.

Papa Goo is out getting the bacon.

Update: The Goo is now lying on the as yet not mopped floor of the kitchen (ugh) wailing because I will not give her The Jam Jar.

How's your saturday going?

PS. The Dance Playlist
Saved - Third Day
Rome wasn't built in a day - Morcheeba
Sweet Lorraine - Frank Sinatra
I Will Bless The Lord (Reprise) - Byron Cage
Sahj Dhaj Ke - From The (Bollywood) Movie Mausam
Pracatatumba - Cabo Snoop
Om Shanti Om Medley Mix - From The (Bollywood) Movie Om Shanti Om
Potential Breakup Song - Aly & Aj
So Inspired ft. Muna - Waje
Let's Dance - Pastor Hezekiah Walker
Every Teardrop is a Waterfall - Coldplay
Cousins - Vampire Weekend
Idola - From The (Bollywood) Movie Devdas

She's still on the floor. Excuse me...

Q1: A Review

Hey Everyone,

Yes, I know I disappeared for a bit. No, I still haven't gotten any writing done. I did read a lot of books. Some wonderful and mind blowing - 26A by Diana Evans, The Dating Detox by Gemma Burgess, The Mrs. Club by Ekene Onu, Miss Match by Erynn Mangum, The Other Woman's Shoes by Adele Parks among others.

I did not register for the writing course. I tried to pay online for 3 days and did not succeed and as a result missed the discount window. Will I still take the course? Oh yes, but now there's no hurry. Besides, the money has gone to other things like rechargeable standing fans, and car repairs, and replacing the sliding door.

Anyway, it's April and I should start writing short stories. I may or may not put them up. I haven't decided yet. Maybe I'll let Cho decide. However, for now, here's a little something from me.

Enjoy!

PS. If this post seems brusque, it's because The Goo isn't feeling well, and won't eat, and therefore can't take her medicine...I'm pulling my hair out over here. Say a prayer for her, will you.

A Day in The Life: Mother, Writer, Music Lover

This morning, The Goo dallied at breakfast. It was weird.

I'm not saying she doesn't savour her meals. She does.

I think.

It's just that this morning she had been in Diva! Mode flinging herself on the floor and repeatedly throwing my phone so when she smiled at her Peanut Butter and Jam (nope, not Jelly) sandwich and said, "Triangle"...I didn't know what to expect.

I certainly didn't expect her to take her time to nibble and chew with contemplative pleasure. I could have taken a picture but she doesn't like paparazzi and I didn't want her to toss my phone. She went late to school, holding a sandwich in her hand. She was happy. I was relieved.

Right now, I'm listening to Maria Mena's single Just Hold Me. I love it. Favourite line - If I like rejection, I'll audition. I'm having a Coke from The Can. I'm not supposed to, but I was out in the sun, and this is how I choose to celebrate surviving it. Tastes good. I may have another.

In about two hours, I'll be out in the sun again to go pay for a 6 month online writing course. I hate being blocked, and for someone who has always had fear as a bed fellow, I've decided I would rather write than be afraid of writing utter crap.

What's the antidote for fear? Information. Knowledge is Power. I used to be able to say that in Latin (thanks to Catholic Boarding School). Anyway, writing course to be paid for today. I made a deal with Cho (my BFF) that I would start writing short stories come April 1st.

Am I the only one who sees the irony in that?

Maria Mena is on repeat. I really like this song.