new posts in all blogs
Viewing Blog: , Most Recent at Top
Results 1 - 25 of 63
Statistics for
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap:
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 9/10/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
September 3rd! Finally the day had arrived when I would find out whether I was chosen as a mentee (or alternate mentee) for the Pitch Wars challenge. It was 6:00 a.m. and as I prepared for the day, I grabbed my hubby’s phone. I pulled up the link and anxiously scanned down the list of names. Would this be the day? Would this be the day when I would find myself leaps and bounds closer to my dream? The farther down the list I read, the more dread I felt. To my disappointment I was not chosen.
Yes, disappointment is the stock-in-trade of a writer. I have never heard of or met a writer who hasn’t faced some sort of setback during their journey. None of us come out of the womb with the knowledge it takes to become a true writer. It is something that is taught, learned and practiced. But it is also something that you feel. A lot goes into the process and many of us gain and lose parts of ourselves in equal portions.
I really wanted to believe that I was finally there; that my work was ready for the next level. To my surprise the mentors that I chose reached out to me and explained in different ways why I was not chosen by them. (some gentler than others LOL). Though I received some positive critiques, what stood out to me most were words like ‘focus’ and ‘organization’. This of course was a hard pill to swallow. I decided to reach out to a mentor who I knew would be fair but straight-forward.
With everything that she shared with me, one thing really stood out. She referred to a published writer who said in so many words, that one should write, finish and put aside their first manuscript. Start on your next story but use all the things available to you such as critiquing groups, professional editors, social media etc. Do things write, LOL I mean right the second time and work on getting that book published. Once you’ve done that, go back to your first book. You will have a different outlook on publishing. You may in fact be more skilled. You’ll be able to look at your old work with a more objective eye. You’ll be able to see the glaringly obvious mistakes; all the things that you could not or would not see before. Then perhaps you’ll be able to get that piece of work published.
When I read over her response to my correspondence again, I knew that she was right. I was forced to re-evaluate my position. ‘Amachi’s Hope’ is a great accomplishment for me. But I believe it is time for me to give more attention to my second story ‘The Grand Design’. The characters there also have something to say. Perhaps this book will also help in the diversity struggle. It is hard to walk away from Amachi but she will always be there. Her voice will not be forgotten and the light at the end of her tunnel will stay bright. Her ancestors will also have their say one day.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me and ‘Amachi’s Hope’. And though this will be my final blog post for Amachi Is Hope, I hope that you will continue to read what I have written in the past. I hope that the messages, fun and bits of knowledge I have shared will continue to be useful to you.
In regards to the Orunsaga, who knows perhaps it will become my third book! J This is not the end but a new beginning so I won’t say Od'abo, Good Bye! But I will say Pade orire, Good luck!
Thanks again!
Sharon-
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 9/2/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The entity with no name swiftly returned to the Ina and awọn dudu village. The forest was eerily silent. Creatures of the night were without voice. Kekere Kan and Aparo, Folami’s little messengers, huddled deep within the hollow trunk of a tree. Whatever moved through the gloom felt like a predator and they had no intention of becoming its next meal.
The tribe had settled down for the night and the shadow slid soundlessly across the dry land. It slithered up the side of a hut and listened to the conversation inside.
“Sisters I have a bad feeling about this. This Kukoyi, this stranger, could not possibly mean us any good. We’ve lived peacefully without connection with the outside world for hundreds of years. Why should we welcome him in? Who knows what danger he brings!” said Folami weakly. Lying down on her cot, she was not completely well and the day’s activities had taken their toll on her body.
“I understand Folami, I do.” responded Temitope. “But besides the fear I felt from our people, I also felt curiosity especially from our youth. If we deny them even this smallest pleasure, this glimpse of the outside world, they may one day leave and never return.”
“What do you think Ayotunde?” asked Temitope.
“I too have some misgivings about this.” she answered. “When he arrives, let us be welcoming but cautious. Perhaps our people can learn something from him.”
“I’m sorry sisters but I do not agree.” mumbled Folami.
Temitope and Ayotunde looked at Folami with sad eyes. “Don’t look at me that way! Don’t look at me as if you pity me or think me paranoid. The loss of my abilities has not made me any less insightful!” bellowed Folami. “I know what I feel!”
“Peace sister, peace.” whispered Temitope as she rested her hand upon Folami shoulder. Folami sighed as the tension that was building within her dispersed. “He is not here yet. Let us discuss this more in the morn. Get some rest.” she whispered once again.
Kissing Folami on her forehead, the sisters left. Allowing Folami time with her thoughts. Modupe was on the other side of the village and Folami was glad. She needed a few moments alone. Turning over on her side, her back faced the window. She did not see the shadow as it slipped into her room. A small wooden bench directly behind her, held a goblet of water. Within the goblet, the still water changed from clear to black and clear again. The only indication of movement was the tiny bubbles that rose up and escaped their liquid home.
Just as the entity slid out of the window once more, Modupe returned. “Are you alright?” he asked. “I’m not sure.” answered Folami. “You blame me don’t you?” he queried. “I blame you for nothing.” She responded knowing full well what he was referring to. “You only forced me to face my feelings for you. You did not force me to make my choice. That was my own.” Looking up at him, she smiled and squeezed his hand.
Reaching out for the goblet, and raising it to her mouth, Folami took a deep swallow of the poisonous water. Within moments, Folami clutched her stomach and yelled out in pain. “Modupe something is wrong! Fetch…” Before she finished the rest of her thought, she passed out. Modupe had not taken two steps towards the door before Folami’s sisters burst in.
“By the goddess what has happened?” yelled Ayotunde. The very instant that Folami drank the water, the sisters could feel her pain. Modupe rehashed the last few moments before the incident. Moving swiftly towards the goblet, Temitope grabbed it and knew automatically what it was. “Oleander.” she whispered fearfully.
“What!” That plant has not been seen in hundreds of years. I wouldn’t know where to begin to find a cure. Even the plants needed to combat this poison no longer exist!” yelled Ayotunde.
“Who would do such a thing? Folami has no enemies.” asked Modupe in a voice that was heavy with concern.
“We will explore that later. Right now we do not have much time. The longer it takes for us to find a cure, the deeper her sleep becomes. Soon we might not be able to awake her at all.” cried Temitope.
***
“It has been done.” whispered the entity to Kukoyi. “Good. Good. I will make my presence known in the morn.” responded Kukoyi with a sinister smile.***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 8/26/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
As Kukoyi plots his destruction of the Inaand awọn dudu through what he believes is their weakest link, let us take a moment to see where Ekundayo’s thoughts took him during the gathering with the Elders.
***
The day before the gathering… “Sisters it is time that we share the full story of our past. Our people deserve to know the truth.” said Folami to Ayotunde and Temitope.
“Why now?” asked Ayotunde. “You were never compelled to do so before!”
“What has changed?” seconded Temitope.
“After centuries of silence, the Mother Goddess has forgiven me!” cried Folami as a tear rolled down her cheek. “She came to me in a dream! Stretching her arms out to me, she spoke. “Welcome home daughter.” I ran to her and she held me as our mother did so long ago. I did not believe she would ever show herself to me again.”
“It is a sign!” yelled Temitope.
“Does this mean that the High God has forgiven us all?” asked Ayotunde.
“It is said that when the mother goddess appears to you in a vision, it means a new beginning for the dreamer. My dreams have never been just about me. It always involves all of us. Perhaps the High God is ready to let us to start again.” answered Folami.
***
Opened now to possibilities, Ekundayo continued to listen as the Elders shared their tale. Images of the past moved before him. With those images came a new part of the story that the Elders had never revealed before. “Ebi! For generations we have been separated from the Ina. But we have never shared with you the reason why.” said Folami. “The Ina” said Temitope “are of your blood.” There was a gasp and many of the awọn dudu whispered among themselves. “Is it possible? Do we really have ancestors, descendants that live above the clouds?”
“The Inaand awọn dudu were once a great tribe.” continued Ayotunde. “They lived as one. They worked as one. They worshipped the High God as one. We were a happy people and we lived quietly. Away from civilization; away from conflict and away from war. If we had a disagreement among ourselves, we settled it peacefully without harsh words or lifted fists.”
“We traded goods with one another and exchanged plants that gave us food and medicine. Each tribe had people with special talents. Able to create beautiful, useful things that made our lives easier. Everything was as it should be until I fell in love.
Ekundayo watched as an image of the man she loved appeared before him. He looked so much like his great grandfather that it frightened him. "Is it possible that this man was my descendant? The same bold, dark eyes, the same trusting smile?" he wondered.
Sighing Folami continued, “I fell in love with a great man. I tried to fight my feelings for him but once I realized that I was incomplete without him, the decision was pretty much made for me. The High God warned that I must stay on the path he had laid out for me. But I failed to do so and after that, nothing was the same. Choosing a mortal above everything else, caused me to lose my abilities. I was no longer immortal.”
“Soon after,” continued Folami, “I fell ill for the first time in my life. I did not think I would survive it. Just when I was mending from my illness, when I was at my weakest, a devil in sheep’s clothing appeared. He called himself Kukoyi. We did not know what his true intentions were until it was too late.” whispered Folami.
“Before my eyes” said Ekundayo “the image of Kukoyi appeared. His face looked round and kind, at least until you reached his eyes. Looking at them made me shiver. There was something within them; something swimming behind them. Looking at his eyes made me think that there really was evil in the world. And it hid within the shell of this man.”
“I would like to lay the blame completely at the foot of our enemy, but to do so would only make me as guilty as he was. I made a choice long ago that altered the future for us all. If I had an opportunity to change the past, I’m not sure that my decision would have been any different.”
“Many of our people were fearful, scared of the unknown. While others secretly held a longing in their hearts. They wanted to know what existed outside our home. What adventures awaited them.” continued Ayotunde. “Kukoyi used our flaws against us and found his way into our home and lives. Using what he believed was a weakness in our strong foundation. And though it was not weak at the beginning, his corruption and deceit caused cracks to develop, weakening what was once a great people.”
“As a result, the Inaand awọn dudu were divided.” said Temitope.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected]. Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 8/19/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Just wanted to share my continued journey in the world that is Amachi's Hope. I took a few more steps towards publishing. I sent in a submission yesterday to Pitch Wars. For those of you who are not familiar, Pitch Wars is an opportunity to have your unpublished (finished) novel read by an agent. But first you need to be chosen by a mentor. This mentor can be an author who has already been published or perhaps an editor etc. He or she will work with you to tighten up your manuscript, making it the best it can be before it is presented to an agent for review. The process (once chosen) will be two (2) grueling months.
I use the word grueling because the mentors will be no joke. You will be shining up your pitch, strengthening your first chapter, making your words hit the ball park (if it doesn't already) LOL! You will be opening yourself to critiques and revisions. (This is nothing new.)
The genres represented are YA, MG, Adult, and NA. Seventy-five mentors in all! Isn't that insane?! Each mentor has a bio which talks about themselves, the genre(s) they write in and why you should chose them as a mentor. Some of them are seasoned (meaning they've been involved in this competition before) and others are first timers. From what I gather, a number of unpublished authors (in the past) have received opportunities for representation. DEFINITELY A PLUS!
As I mentioned before, if you don't put yourself out there you'll never know what great opportunities await you. I have sent my positive energy out to the universe and I'm hoping that I get it back. The way I see it even if I get chosen as an alternate (they choose one, plus an alternate in case their first choice drops out) I would still see it as a huge compliment. To be considered, means that all my hardwork was not in vain. That my work has caught the 'right' kind of attention. And the light at the end of the tunnel is just that much closer.
Wish me luck guys! I sent in my first chapter and the infamous (cue the Jaws theme music) query letter. LOL! It will be about two weeks before I know if I was picked. And the agent round will be the first week of November. (twenty-five different literary agencies ARGH!!) Lets see what happens :)
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 8/12/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
“Ebi! Family! We must be calm!” yelled Ayotunde. The fear and tension coming from the crowd almost stifled her. She needed to gain control. “Let us not assume that this Chief Kukoyi comes with ill intent. I know that you've never seen or met another outside our tribe, but perhaps the High God wants us to change that!” As quickly as she made that remark she threw a hard look at Folami and Temitope. She did not want them to express their disagreement in front of their people. It would only make things worse.
“Why is he coming here? How did he even find us?” bellowed a young man. “We are simple people. We have nothing to trade! Nothing of real value!” yelled an old woman.
Because Folami was still weak, the gathering occurred outside her home. From where she sat she could see the faces of her people. They were full of fear, concern and even anger. The three sisters have seen much in the centuries they have lived among mortals. Mortals are capable of hate, violence and even death. But they are also capable of love, compassion and great acts of valor. Folami hoped that they would not have to test this theory.
Folami felt helpless. Now when her sisters needed her the most, she was without power. Knowing her well, Modupe took her hand. She looked up at him. Her eyes were full of sadness. “You should know better than anyone that there are many types of power.” Modupe said in a gentle voice. “Just as there is mystical power, there is power in being courageous, power in being resourceful, power in being loved. Have you given up before anything has begun?” he questioned.
“We have not heard of this Chief Kukoyi before, but we will be more than ready to greet him when he arrives.” bellowed Temitope. As the crowd began to settle down, a shadow dissolved into the woods. As it darted through the trees, it startled the birds and frightened the deer. The animals of the forest began moving around restlessly. They sensed danger in the air but they could not figure from whence it came.
The entity moved from place to place. Jumping from shadow to shadow, it moved in and out of different dimensions to help it reach its destination. It slithered across the ground and up the side of a tent just as the sun went down for the night. It materialized behind a man who seemed unconcerned for his safety.
“Report?” he asked. In a deep, gravelly voice it responded. “They know you are coming. Someone or something got word to them. The people fear the unknown and therefore fear you. Folami is no longer a threat.”
“Rubbing his hands together, Kukoyi plotted his next move. “I believe the weakest link will be the key to my entrance into the tribe. Take this with you.” Kukoyi pointed to a black vial on a small table near him. “Put exactly two drops into her drink. She is already weak, so no one will question why she has fallen ill again.” The vial disappeared as if made of mist. He smiled cruelly.
“They will need my help. They will need me and soon I will walk as freely among them as a dear friend.”
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 8/5/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
science fiction,
diversity,
authors,
fantasy,
writers,
Caribbean,
Jamaica,
independence,
Hugo,
Nebula,
Karen Lord,
Nalo Hopkinson,
emancipated,
Tobias S. Buckell,
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
As a Yardie, it is only right that I acknowledge Jamaica’s 52nd year of independence from British colonial rule (August 6, 2014). In addition, August 1st marked 176 years since Jamaica was emancipated from slavery. (Though it came with certain conditions. But that’s not something I intend to address today).
As Jamaican’s all over prepare to celebrate these important dates in our history, it occurred to me that though we have many powerhouse authors who originate from the Caribbean, I have not heard of many authors (from Jamaica in particular) who have written books influenced by the genres of science fiction and fantasy. I decided to do a little digging to see what I could find out.
I only came across three authors from the Caribbean who write in those genres. Only one of them is from Jamaica.
Nalo Hopkinson
- Jamaican science fiction and fantasy writer.
- Author of novels such as Skin Folk, The Salt Roads and The New Moon’s Arms, works of short fiction and anthologies.
- Recipient of many awards including the World Fantasy Award (2003), Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic (2003, 2008), nomination for the Nebula Award (2007) and the Prix Aurora Award (2008) [Canada’s reader-voted award for science fiction and fantasy].
Tobias S. Buckell
- Grenadian science fiction writer.
- Author of novels such as Crystal Rain, Ragamuffin, Sly Mongoose, and Halo:The Cole Protocol (on the NY Times Best Seller list in 2008). Wrote numerous pieces for magazines, anthologies and contributed to a short story collection for Halo in 2009.
- Nominated for the Nebula Award in 2007.
Karen Lord
- Barbadian writer of speculative fiction.
- Author of Redemption in Indigo, The Best of All Possible Worlds
- Received the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript (2008), Carl Brandon Society Parallax Award (2010), Crawford Award and Mythopoeic Award (2011), World Fantasy Award (2011) and Kitschies Golden Tentacle Award (2012).
It is hard to believe that this list is so small. With all the stories I heard when growing up or books I’ve read where Anansi the spider caused trouble, or duppies (ghosts) roamed the Earth, or conjurers of Obeah (dark witchcraft) afflicted the unwary, and even a talking tiger stirred up and seasoned his pot of soup J you would think there would be more stories of the incredible.
Perhaps one day, I may be able to add my contribution to this short list. (My story Grand Design is based in Jamaica). In the meanwhile, I extend this challenge to you. If you are an author of Caribbean descent and you find the genres of science fiction and fantasy of interest, try your hand at it and see what develops. “We Lickle But We Tallawah” There may not be that many of us, but we always have alot to say! See this as another way to increase the diversity we so desperately need in books. Who knows you may become the next Nebula or Hugo Award nominee!
Thanks for coming through Ebi and Happy Independence Day to all my JA massive!
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected]. Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon @ AmachiIsHope,
on 7/29/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The sun was rising. Folami could feel its warmth upon her face. Taking a deep breath, she slowly opened her eyes. Folami was thankful that the High God had blessed her with the gift of life once more. The past few days were unsure and Folami feared that each day would be her last. But it seems that the High God had more in store for her. “Perhaps he will use me as his vessel once again.” Folami thought to herself.
Turning her head to the left, Folami looked down and saw Modupe stretched out on a pallet beside her. He was sound asleep. She stretched out her arm and lightly brushed the curly, dark hairs upon his skin. She could feel his warmth as it rose up from his body. Folami felt a combination of pleasure and exasperation as she looked upon his handsome face. Her heart leaped as she thought of the love they shared. But she was frustrated because she desperately wanted a moment alone.
Day after day, she was visited by well-meaning members of her tribe. If they were not there, then her sisters would materialize as if summoned. Modupe refused to leave. “He acts as if my sickness was his doing.” She mumbled to herself. Folami wanted a quiet moment to think about her future. Now that the haze of new love has been lifted, Folami wondered: “How will I survive without my immortality?”
As Folami’s thoughts travelled to the future, she was startled by the frantic sounds of two birds chirping at her window. She recognized the birds as they were her constant companions for as long as she could remember. It gave her great joy when she realized that she could still understand them. “Not all of my abilities have been stripped from me.” She whispered to herself. “What’s wrong little ones?” Folami asked.
The older of the two, a brown eyed sparrow named Kekere Kan peeped out, “Sister, sister there are a group of men approaching the village! We have never seen them before!” The younger one, a little quail named Aparo, was impatient to say his piece and darted back and forth on the window’s ledge. Before Kekere Kan could finish, Aparo cheeped out in a staccato-like fashion, “I overheard their leader talking. He calls himself Kukoyi!” Kekere Kan gave Aparo a hard look; silencing him with one hard “TWEET!”
“How far away are they?” Folami asked Kekere Kan. “About a full day’s journey, sister.” “Thank you so much for the warning. Quickly, as fast as your wings can carry you, go to my sisters and tell them what you told me. Tell them we must call a gathering!”
As Folami looked down once again her eyes connecting with Modupe’s. With lithe movements he rolled over and sat up on the pallet. Stretching out the kinks in his neck, he questioned Folami. “Who do you think these people are?” “I know not.” she responded. “In my 100 years here, we have never received a visitor from the outside world. We have lived in a cocoon of solitude never needing exposure to others. Now these people approach and I fear what albatross or danger they may be bringing with them.”
As the Ina and awọn dudustirred from their slumber, awakening to fear and a possible threat, Chief Kukoyi stood inside a majestic yellow tent. He stretched his arms out as his servants dressed him for a new day. Wrapped in a beige colored robe, he was then draped in a brown cloth etched with designs that represented his tribe and rank. A little boy quickly tied a matching sash around his waist to finish the effect. He never once looked at the chief’s face. Flashing a trusting smile at his advisors, he asked them, “If I presented myself to you for the first time, would you trust me?”
“Oh yes!” said one of his advisors in a nervous tone. “Most definitely!” said another as he smooth away a crease on Kukoyi's sleeve. Kukoyi called out to one of his generals. “Akinbode! Ready the horses! Let us finish this journey. I am more than ready to meet our new neighbors. Kukoyi’s advisors shivered. The tone of his voice dripped with dark intent.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 7/22/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I can’t believe it has been one year since I started Amachi Is Hope!
When I decided to start this blog, I rocked back and forth between excitement and fear. Excited because this was something new but terrified because I might fail. I’m not quite where I thought I would be, but I’m still proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.
Today I’m posting my 56th blog entry and as of this moment, I’ve had 5,228 page views. For those who receive thousands of views a day, this is minute. For me it is a “really big deal”! LOL! It means that over 5,000 people found what I said interesting, or insightful, or funny, or maybe even thought- provoking. Just enough to fill up a small venue for an awesome concert! You guys continue to visit and I greatly appreciate it!
I decided that the best way to celebrate this milestone was to re-read everything I’ve written since I begun. I am taken a back on how much I’ve grown in just one year. When I read my words, I see confidence, determination and a broadening of knowledge. I’ve learned to push past doubt and believe that the path to my goal (publishing Amachi’s Hope) is closer than ever.
A family trip gave me the inspiration to create a new tale and characters who have demanded a voice. (Check out my short story ‘Orun’). I’ve pushed forward on my next book where Jamaica awaits and an illustrator has given Amachi something more than a voice. (I hope to share my book cover in the near future!)
Since I begun, I’ve learned and shared much. I’ve made new friends and re-connected with old ones. I’ve discovered that the fight for diversity in books is a daily battle; that more MCoC are needed (especially in books for children).
I understand that a Pitchapolozza has nothing to do with sports or lemonade. :)
My journey as a writer has been time-consuming, a bit stressful, and pretty intense. But it has also been life changing, fulfilling and enlightening. Will I be published? Boy I hope so! Time can be a deterrent, but as I’ve said more than once, Just Keep Pushing Forward.
All and all, I’d say this has been an awesome journey so far. I may not talk about Amachi in every blog entry but she is foremost on my mind. I know now more than ever, that it is time for her story to be brought into the light! Thanks again everyone J
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 7/15/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
After days of expecting the worst, Ayotunde and Temitope sighed with relief. Folami’s fever had finally broken. A tear of joy fell down Modupe’s brown face. He was too happy to be embarrassed. Modupe stayed by Folami’s side the whole time and looked almost as frail as she did. The worry that was heavy on his mind and heart had taken its toll on him. The connection that they shared was more than just love, it was spiritual. And for that reason, Modupe suffered just as much as Folami.
The people of their village rejoiced. They too had feared the worst. Everyday Folami received a visit from someone coming to wish her a speedy recovery. She was still weak, but with help she was able to sit up and feed herself the “special” broth that was made to help her regain her strength. Knowing that she was in good hands, Ayotunde and Temitope now needed to deal with more important issues.
Ayotunde was furious with herself. Once again she had failed in her duty as the oldest of the three. The High God had stressed the importance of keeping them on the right path. How their decisions would affect the future of their tribe. Already the future he foretold had become a reality. Folami not only fell in love with a human but she has lost her immortality. “She barely survived this illness. Who is to say that she will survive the next?” Ayotunde asked herself. “I feel lost. What should I do?” she wondered.
In the meanwhile, Temitope was also frustrated. It has been many moons since they met with the High God and the peril he predicted for their tribe was still unknown. The change in Folami’s life was the first omen. Temitope could feel it; a heaviness, a negativity in the air that had nothing to do with the weather. It pressed down on her. Wrapping her arms around her body, Temitope fought to regain control of her emotions. “How can I help if I don’t know what the danger is?” she demanded as she looked up towards Orun.
***
As the sisters battled with their inner turmoil, the danger that the High God foresaw was on its way. It would come as Confusion, Mistrust, Deception and Suspicion. It would come in the shape of other humans. It would come in the form of another tribe.
They are called the Pipinand destruction covers them like a shroud, following them wherever they go.
Their leader, Chief Kukoyi had heard of the Ina and awọn dudu and the strong kinship that held them together. He also heard of the goddesses Temitope, Ayotunde and Folami. How the High God had sent them to Aye to rebuild the tribes and strengthen their belief in him. He was aware of the crack in their foundation. The youngest of the three, Folami (according to his spies) fell in love with a human. He found this preposterous and thought her a fool. “Who would give up immortality for a human?” he asked himself. “I would kill for such a privilege!” Kukoyi bellowed out loud. “I want to live forever!”
His followers cringed, distancing themselves from him. Should you look upon him, you would think him perfectly sane. Wrapped in the majestic blue cloth of his tribe, Kukoyi walked with the carriage of a king, moved with the pride of a lion and stalked his enemies like a cheetah. His complexion was dark and smooth and his eyes were clear and direct. It is only when he speaks of immortality that one sees the cracks in his veneer. His insanity lurks below a calm surface, waiting for an opportunity to show its ugly head. Only a few knew just how broken he really was. But none were brave enough or foolish enough to confront him. There were however, attempts made by others to end his life, with no results.
Kukoyi means “death rejects this one.” No one has been so aptly named. Time and time again, he has come back from deaths door. He was attacked by a lion and survived. He was thrown in a lake as a baby. His people believed he was too small to live. The next day he was found on the shore. Bitten by a poisonous snake, Kukoyi’s body expelled the venom. Kukoyi believed he was invincible. But he did not believe that he was blessed by the High God. In fact he did not believe in him or any of the Orisa. He believed only in himself and that he was above them all.
The Pipin were only two days walk from the Ina /awọn dudutribe. Kukoyi only travelled with a small group consisting of himself, his advisors and a handful of his followers. The powerful army that he built over the years awaited his orders only a day’s ride away. Kukoyi believed that cunning and patience would lead to the Ina and awọn dudu’s downfall. He would be the blow needed to break their foundation apart.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 7/8/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
And so it began. What was once unrequited love, bloomed into a forbidden love. A love that would change Folami and mark the beginning of a dark future for the Inaand awọn dudu. By embracing her love for Modupe, Folami slowly began to lose the traits that separated her from her people. At first, it did not seem that obvious. Folami and Modupe were so caught up in each other that they failed to see the differences.
By the moon's tenth cycle, Folami could hardly conjure up a storm. If she wanted to hover above ground, it now required concentration. She found it more difficult to communicate with the animals and her healing abilities began to dwindle. But the joy and love she experienced with Modupe, made those losses seem minimal.
The real test began when Folami fell ill. She did not understand what was happening. She was shaking with cold, roasting with fever and her mouth was as dry as the desert sands. Folami’s body had become victim to the very illnesses that sometimes invaded her people. It was never necessary for her to develop a resistance to them and now she was unable to heal herself. Finally, the truth hit. It cut through Folami’s haze of love and brought her crashing back to reality. “I have lost my immortality.” she whispered.
Folami knew that this would be a consequence of her decision. But it was hard to face. When Modupe held her hand, she had the greatest urge to push him away both mentally and physically. But she knew that was wrong. “I cannot lay the blame solely upon his shoulders. The only thing he is guilty of is falling in love with me. I was just tired of rebuilding my wall each time he knocked it down.” Sighing, Folami looked away from Modupe. For the first time, she began to question her decision.
***
The high god was saddened by what he saw. Folami now suffered as a human. There would be no turning back for her. His vision of the future was beginning to come to pass and Folami’s bad health was just the start. He too questioned her choices. Though the high god created his people, he did not truly understand them.
***
Temitope was deeply shaken. Were they about to lose their sister? They did all they could to help her; everything from healing herbs to deep prayer. Temitope and Ayotunde were not great healers like Folami. The decision to save her life would fall upon the Mother Goddess and the High God.
Though she felt a deep connection to her people, there was nothing and no one in Aye that would compel Temitope to give up her godhood. Ayotunde on the other hand was not surprised by Folami’s choice. She saw the signs and she knew the exact moment when Folami lost to Modupe.
“Ayotunde we must speak to her!” Temitope yelled when she realize what her sister had done. “Has she already forgotten the consequences her decision will bring?” she cried. “There is no point. Have you not seen them together? The only thing that will separate them is death.” Ayotunde responded.
After tending to their sister once more, Ayotunde led Temitope to a nearby rock and motioned for her to sit beside her. “I have a story to share. Perhaps this will give you some clarity. One day, and I am embarrassed to admit this. I actually felt something odd within my soul. I could not understand what it was or where it came from. And then it dawned on me, it was a human emotion that I have felt and seen in different forms. They call it envy. I envied what I saw whenever I looked upon Folami and Modupe together. Then I felt anger. Angry that Folami would give up so much for a human. Suddenly, I wanted to know what was so special. I wanted to know what was so important that Modupe would try to drown himself and Folami would flee Aye to get away from it. I wanted to experience love!” I knew that Temitope was shocked. Her brown eyes were wide and a slight gasp had escaped from her lips.
“A few nights ago, I found Folami and Modupe by the lake. It was the exact place where Folami finally acknowledged her love for Modupe. They were talking quietly and laughing. Their lyrical sounds travelled towards me. It made me think that perhaps they were reminiscing about Folami’s stubbornness and the drastic measures Modupe took to finally win her heart.”
“It was then that I made my decision. I would open myself to it.” “To what?” Temitope queried. “I would open myself to the emotion. I would open myself to the feelings that they share. I would open myself to their love. So while they spoke, I sat down in the bushes behind a large boulder. Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths and visualized myself opening a door.” As I spoke, I mirrored my actions from that night. “I was terrified. Terrified of what would happen if I did this. I have kept my door, my emotions, under control and closed for over 100 years. To be an unbiased decision maker, to be fair to our people, I needed to keep myself separate from them.”
Ayotunde laughed and continued. “I conveniently forgot all the beautiful things that made humans, human. I was afraid that if I opened that door, I might not want to return to Orun or to our family. Sister there are not enough words to tell you what I felt, when I pushed open that door. It was like a roaring flood of sensations. For a moment, I thought I would drown in it. It was so deep, so full, so rich and beautiful that I cried. I cried so much, that I did not feel Folami and Modupe when they laid their hands upon my shoulders. Modupe picked me up and carried my weeping self, back to the village.
They brought me to my hut and placed me on my mat. Folami kissed me on my forehead and cover me with a cloth. She had no questions. It was obvious what I had done. The farther away they were from me, the easier it was for me to regain control. By the time they reached the other side of the village, I was able to close my door and batten down those feelings once more.” Temitope looked upon me with awe.
“Now I understand what she feels. Why she was willing to give up so much. And yet in the deepest part of my soul, I still question what she has done. It hurts me to see her suffer,” Ayotunde went on “and I wonder, would I have taken the same path?”
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 7/1/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
“I never thought that you were a coward Folami,” murmured Modupe to himself. Ten days had passed since the return of the sisters and Folami continued to avoid Modupe as if he was a sickness she did not want to catch. He decided that he had had enough. “I will confront her tonight. It is time that I have answers!” he mumbled to himself as he marched into the dark forest.
It was late and the moon was bright. As exhausted as she was, Folami could not sleep. Restlessness had taken hold of her and as a result, she rarely slept through the night. She sat at the edge of the lake hoping that mother Yemoja would lay her healing hands upon her. Stretching out upon the shore, the lulling sounds of the water began to have a mesmerizing effect on her senses. She closed her eyes and continued to listen to nature’s nightly melody. Folami did not hear Modupe when he stepped out of the woods.
Modupe leaned against a tall, wide tree and watched Folami. He wanted to feel sorry for her. The emotions and turmoil within him stirred like the riches of stews simmering in the greatest of pots. His eyes moved back and forth; caressing her features. Dark circles were etched under her lids. They stood out against her beautiful, dark complexion. Even in rest, Folami looked troubled. Even in sleep, she denied the truth. “Well not anymore!” Modupe barked as she stormed towards her resting form. Upon hearing the footsteps, Folami jumped up as if she was ready to do battle. When she saw Modupe she did not relax her stance. This battle, this confrontation would place her at a crossroads. She would no longer run. She would not cower. She would stand her ground and face him no matter the consequence.
“Only cowards run Folami!” Modupe bellowed as he stopped before her. “You dare! You would insult me because I will not give you what you want!” Folami yelled. “What I want is to make you happy. What I want is to give you love. Is that so hard to except?” He questioned. “It is when it is not possible. You know what I am, what I am capable of. You overstep Modupe!” shouted Folami. "You would have left! You had no intention of returning did you?" he asked. Folami felt guilt and even more, she felt his pain.
“Step aside…” she warned. “I will not!” barked Modupe. “I will not.” He repeated again, with a gentler tone. “I see what you have tried for years to conceal. I know your true heart and on this night, you will finally give it to me.”
Reaching for her arm, he slid his hand down from elbow to wrist. Even with the sleeve of her kaba covering her skin, she could still feel it. A heat she had never known, had invaded her very soul. She did not think it was possible to feel so much and she desperately wanted to feel it again. The heat; the emotion; the sense of completeness. This was the first time that Modupe had ever touched her. And yet Folami still refused to bend.
Walking away from her, Modupe began to approach the still water. His feet led him deeper and deeper into the lake’s depths. The water was pitch black. Yemoja’s rays had retreated for the night and Folami could barely see before her eyes. He did not look back. Soon all she could see was the top of Modupe’s head and then he was gone. Folami started to exhibit another human trait. Fear. “Modupe is a strong swimmer. Why does he not move?” she asked herself nervously. Folami found herself moving towards the edge of the shore. “Why would he do this?” she asked herself. She began to march back and forth. Still there was no sign of movement.
Folami called out. “Modupe! Modupe! Stop this you fool! I will not come after you!” When she could not take it anymore, she went in after him. “Using my power might do him more harm than good.” She thought as she dove into the dark lake. As she descended, her body started to illuminate. Folami had become as bright as a small sun. As she reached the bottom, she saw him. He was spread out upon the sediment as if he was taking a nap. But she knew that he was not breathing.
She grabbed him and swam swiftly to the surface. She dragged him across the water and onto the shore. Her hands and body shook as she searched her mind for the right words. An ancient spell began to form. They tumbled out of her lips and into the air. Only an Orisa, a god, would have understood the words. They took shape and began to circle Modupe’s body. He began to glow. Folami watched with dread and hope as the water within his lungs began to rise up and out of his mouth.
Immediately, Modupe began to cough. He turned on his side and expelled the last of the water from his body. When he caught his breath, he turned to Folami and said, “I knew you would come for me,” and smiled. Folami teetered between, joy, relief and great anger. “You fool! Why would you do such a thing? You could have died!” Tears trickled down her face. It was the only way to free her anger without giving in to the urge to throttle him.
Getting up on his feet, Modupe reached out to Folami. Taking her hands, he said, “You would not have allowed that to happen. You saved me.” “I would have saved anyone who was drowning.” She responded stubbornly. “You saved me because you love me.” He responded laughingly. “You are mistaken.” she answered. He wrapped his arms around her and Folami thought that she too would drown but for a different reason. “Say it.” He whispered. As powerful as Folami was, she had no power here. The words were stronger and demanded a voice.
“I love you too.” Folami whispered back.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 6/24/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Modupe had a battle going on within him. He was livid and yet he felt relief. He was bitter and yet he felt elated. Modupe’s brain and heart fought for control. His mind told him that he was a fool but his heart could not help but skip a beat. “She was going to leave you!” echoed one of the many thoughts that ran through his head. “Not without great pain.” whispered his heart. Modupe heard what the others did not. Saw what others refused to see. Ayotunde only shared part of their story. Had they gotten their way, the sisters would not have returned.
Knowing Folami’s origins did not stop Modupe from loving her. For as long as he could remember, his heart had always belonged to her. Folami did not encourage his feelings. If anything, she rebuked them. “Modupe find someone your own age! Find someone who will grow as you grow, age as you age. Find someone you can have children with. Find someone who will not have to watch you die!”
Modupe could never see himself with anyone else. He would say, “One day you will see things as I do. You will weaken and you will let yourself love. On that day, I will be waiting.”
At the beginning, Folami did not take him seriously. As she watched him age into a handsome, virile man she expected him to find a wife. She even went so far as to introduce him to women who found him to be more than good husband material. Her attempts to remove him from her life only made him more tenacious. The women, who thought they had a chance, just gave up.
No one was aware of his love for Folami; no one except Ayotunde. For years she watched his feelings grow from admiration to the first blossoms of love. But she never bothered to warn her sister. As Modupe’s feelings were one sided, she believed he would eventually out grow them. Ayotunde was mistaken. She watched Modupe as he watched Folami. The intensity of his emotions was frightening to someone who had never experienced them. Ayotunde warned Folami.
“Folami are you blind! Do you feel and see so little that you do not understand what is going on before you? Modupe is no longer a child and he only has eyes for you. You must deter him. We both know that nothing can come of his love for you!” Folami was not a fool. Short of hurting him, nothing she did worked. Modupe was just as stubborn and determined as she was.
Folami realized that if she did not leave Aye soon, she would be forced to re-evaluate her feelings for Modupe. Her once strong resolve was indeed weakening. And she found herself watching for him. Listening for his voice; working hard to ignore her too human response to his presence. She observed the couples of her village. The ones who were newly in love, gravitated to each other. A touch, a kiss, a caress. The linked couples were comfortable in their love. They knew each other as only couples with history would.
As a goddess, Folami knew that a relationship with a human was impossible not to mention forbidden. So Folami did what she witnessed some human women do. When they were scared to face the truth, they would find an escape route. They would run. Leaving Aye was the only answer.
When Folami realized that her path was blocked, she was distraught. So much so, that her emotions manifested into the powerful storm that almost flooded the entire valley.
***
He watched, Folami and her sisters as they tended to the needs of the tribe. Moving from home to home, they listened as their people voiced their woes and concerns.
“Jenrola has not paid me a fair price for the goods we have traded!”
“Efe will not do her share of the work!”
“My Yaya has been ill. Can you see to her?”
“The baby is coming soon. I don’t believe I will be a good mother.”
They pushed up their sleeves and helped to till the earth in preparation for the new harvest. Ayotunde sat with the little ones and taught them about the orisa. Temitope called a meeting between the leaders of the Ina and awọn dudu. She was bound and determined to avoid the future that the high god foresaw. Folami on the other hand was distracted.
Since their return, she avoided Modupe at every turn. She could feel his eyes upon her back. Feel his love and anger in the air. So did her sister. Ayotunde was not sure how much longer Folami could hold out. “If she hasn’t already admitted it to herself,” Ayotunde thought. “Folami is in love with Modupe.”
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 6/17/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The sun had just spilled over the horizon when the sisters crossed into their territory. There was a sudden shout and someone yelled out. “Ti wọn ti pada! They have returned!” Folami laughed as a young boy ran through the village. He announced their arrival like an abeng horn would announce danger.
Within minutes men, women and children began to flock out of their homes. The sisters were instantly surrounded and bombarded with questions and accounts of things they missed.
“It has been three days, where did you go?” bellowed a young man.
“Why did you disappear like that?” demanded others.
“You missed my born day!” yelled a little girl.
“Were you caught in that horrible storm?” queried another.
“We thought you would not return…” murmured an old woman.
Ayotunde did not know what to say. Their people looked to them for leadership, counsel, dependability, direction and even fellowship. “How can we look them in the eyes knowing that we were about to betray them?” she thought. “Given the opportunity, I would have left without a second thought. What does that make me? What does that make us?” she asked herself.
Guessing at her feelings, Folami whispered just loud enough for her to hear. “It makes us more human than we realized.”
Knowing that the truth could never be shared, Temitope slowly raised her right arm into the air. As the long sleeve of her seeti , shirt slid down her brown skin, silence descended upon the village. Everyone anxiously awaited her words. To soften the blow, Temitope was about to exhibit another human trait. She was going to lie.
“Ebi, Family, hear me! It was not our wish to be away from you for so long. Three moons ago, we marked 100 years since our arrival here on Aye. As elders, we believed that our job here was done. That you had outgrown your need for us and our purpose here was done.” “That’s not true!” they yelled. “We believed that the high god had plans to return us home.”
“When he summoned us, we were not prepared for his news. He has asked that we begin a new adventure; one that will keep us together.” Taking her sisters hands, she raised them above her head. “I cannot share his vision for the future but it is more important than ever, that the Inaand awọn dudu continue to be of one mind and one spirit! Should we continue to do this the future will be nothing but bright!” With a roar of approval, the Inaand awọn dudu also raised up their hands. Clasping them together, they showed their unity.
At that same moment, a tall, powerfully built man of mid-age stepped out of the forest. Through all the commotion, no one noticed his arrival except Folami. Their eyes connected. His intense brown eyes, took in everything about her. They slowly travelled from her head to her feet. In all her 100 years, no one had ever made Folami feel what she now felt. Confusion, desire, guilt, and joy all engulfed her at the same time. She had an overwhelming urge to run but she did not know if it should be towards him or away. Just when she came to a decision, she stopped.
He too seemed to be experiencing similar emotions, but the one that stood out the most was anger. He was absolutely furious with her and she knew exactly why.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
It has come to my attention that some of my readers have been unable to comment as they do not have google accounts. If you would like to comment, I welcome you to e-mail me directly at [email protected].
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 6/10/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
As water from the powerful storm began to recede, the sisters three began walking through the errie, silent forest. The sounds that were once so familiar to them were missing. No birds chirping, no leaves rustling, no squirrels scampering up the trees.
As they glided by, the forest creatures warily peeked out from their hiding places. Beavers hesitated to rebuild their damns. Mother bears lingered near their caves in case they needed to rush their cubs to safety. A woodpecker after taking in his surroundings, tapped out a rhythmic tune on the trunk of a tree. “It is safe to return, the worst has past,” it said.
Folami was furious with herself. She completely lost control of her emotions. She never wanted the high god to know how much his decision hurt. She was filled with so much anger and bitterness, that she was blind to the destruction she was causing. Now the animals feared her. She could feel their confusion and tension. And she knew not how to soothe their anxiety.
As they reached the other end of the forest, Ayotunde, Temitope expected the worst. They did nothing to stop Folami’s fury as they too shared in her despair.
So they felt equally guilty for what they were about to see. What they saw instead was great beauty. Land beyond the forest was always dry and barren no matter how much rain it saw in a season. This time was different.
The once dry land was now filled with foliage and the river that was once a trickle, now roared with energy and teamed with life. What the sisters saw before them was a gift. The high god turned their pain into joy for others. They watched as the animals flocked to the abundance of water and partook of nature at its finest.
Ayotunde, Temitope and Folami sat down upon the soft, brown soil at the river’s edge. Ayotunde looked upon her younger sisters. It shamed her to know that Folami had taken on the role of older sibling. The lines that resided under Folami’s eyes belonged on an older woman. She kept so much inside. “No wonder she erupted!” said Ayotunde to herself. “It’s time to change that.”
Closing their beautiful, dark eyes, they stopped and listened to sounds that surrounded them. The cry of the flying hunter as it called to its mate. The splash of hippos bathing. The beat of the water as it slapped against the shore.
Slowly they began to feel lighter. As if a weight was being lifted from their hearts. Their once cluttered minds began to clear. Fatigue had taken hold and the sisters felt themselves falling both body and soul into a deep slumber. It was there that they heard a voice…
“Little sisters, little sisters, please do not despair. What you have been asked to do is considered a great privilege. We love you and will never forget you. When the time is right, you will return to us and we will be waiting for you with open arms. Our love is infinite. Never forget.”
Jumping up, the sisters were shocked to see that it was nearly night fall. As the last of the sun’s rays spread across the sky, they watched in awe as Yemoja, the mother goddess, orisa of water, moved across the huge river towards them. Hovering before them, the sun’s light passed through her and surrounded her; causing her to glow as if her inner light had pushed its way through. Her slender form and flowing garb made her look as if she was one with the water she was known for. Looking down upon the sisters with a gentle smile, the mother goddess spoke once more. “Never forget,” and blinked out of sight.
***
The sisters began their trip back to the tribes that they helped to build. It would be a half day’s walk back to the village and they have been gone for three days. The trip back home was a silent one. Though their hearts were lighter, each sister was deep in thought.
Ayotunde wanted to strengthen her role as older sister by keeping them all on the right path. Temitope wonder about the misfortune that awaited them and the tribe. And Folami picked up her steps in anticipation. Something awaited her and she was more than ready to see what it is.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 6/3/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The story of Oruncontinues…
Ayotunde was confused by what she just heard.
Temitope shook her head in denial.
Folami clutched her hands together. The anger that churned within her was trying to claw its way out. She no longer questioned the emotions she experienced.
“I do not understand.” murmured Temitope. “You promised that we would return home once we accomplished this latest task.” said Ayotunde. Folami stayed silent.
Noting Temitope and Ayotunde’s distress and Folami’s uncharacteristic silence, Olodumare responded. “My sisters, I apologize for breaking my promise to you, but your work here is not yet done.” “Not done?” Folami finally answered with an angry whisper. “It has been 100 years since you sent us here; longer than we’ve ever spent with any tribe. One hundred years since we’ve brought the Ina and awọn dudu together. One hundred years of the love, admiration and respect that you so richlydeserve from your people.” Folami continued sarcastically. “Tell me Father, what is left to be done? We have been away for so long that we no longer know our true selves!”
Ignoring the tone in Folami’s voice, the high god, started again. “Sisters, I have seen the future. A calamity awaits the Ina and awọn dudu. One that you may be able to save them from, should you all stay on your path.” The high god looked them all in the eyes, but his sight rested upon Folami the longest. If anger was a tangible thing she would have held it in her hands.
Olodumare was taken aback by the change in them. So much emotion should not come from goddesses and yet he felt despair, loneliness and bitterness; very human feelings indeed. If there was another way, the high god would have made a different choice. Perhaps send others to continue in their stead. But it was too late to place others in their place. A decision he would later regret.
“All your work will soon be in jeopardy. The Ina and awọn dudu will stray and so will one of you.” He whispered. “But this future has not been set sisters. You have it within your power to adjust this course. I ask that you return to Aye and fight to change this future. Or not only will you fail your people, but fail yourselves as well.”
Resignedly, Temitope answered. “High God. It is obvious that we have lost the option of choice as well as our freedom. What once was duty now feels like a prison.” “Tell us father,” continued Ayotunde, “How much longer are we expected to stay here?”
With a conscience rarely seen, the high god looked upon them with sadness, “Until the broken has been fixed, the wrong has been righted, and the dark is brought into the light.”
“That will be forever!” yelled Folami just as they found themselves back on Aye. At the top of Mount Ase, the sisters, Temitope and Ayotunde held each other tight. Tears trickled down their eyes. They may never see their loved ones again. Folami marched away. They did not bother to call her back. They watched as her temper began seething and rolling above her head like clouds during the darkest of thunderstorms.
They watched as lightening hit the ground by her feet, blackening the soil before them. Huge rain drops fell to the Earth dousing the forest floor in seconds. The sisters did not fear her wrath for they too shared in her pain.
Folami raged for a long time before she thought of the destruction she had unleashed upon the land. Filled with guilt and remorse, Folami reeled in her anger and the storm. Looking upon her sisters, she reached for their hands and spoke. “Let us begin.”
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
It’s nice to connect with you all once more. Before I continue Ekundayo’s story I thought this would be a good time to give you a little background on the awọn àgba, elders. Ayotunde, Folami and Temitope were sent to Aye, Earth, to bring together the people of the Inaand the awọn dudu. Olodumare, the high god, wanted to strengthen their belief in him. But he also wanted to develop their respect for one another and unify them as a people.
In order to do this, they would need leadership and purpose. The high god believed that the sisters Ayotunde, Folami and Temitope were the perfect solution. He knew that such an undertaking could not be done by one individual. The time it would take to reach such a goal was unknown. And the connection between the sisters was unbreakable. This bond would help keep them on the right path. Olodumare saw the road ahead, and he knew it would not be easy for his people or the goddesses.
On the night of the harvest moon, the high god called upon the goddesses. “Arábìnrin, sisters, I call upon you for a great task. I am giving you an opportunity to mold and shape what could become a great civilization. The Ina and the awọn dudu are capable of becoming more together than they ever will apart. But they need direction and guidance; a strong belief in their gods and themselves.
“We are humbled by the responsibility you have bestowed upon us.” said the eldest Ayotunde. “But what of our duties?” continued Temitope. “What of those who we have led, the ones whose goals are just within their reach?” whispered Folami. “You have done all you can do for them.” responded the high god. “Their paths are set. Not even I can change them.” he smiled. “For centuries you’ve taken it upon yourselves to give our people a better future. I now place a new burden upon your shoulders.”
***
For the first twenty years, the sisters worked diligently to bring the tribes together. Where there was war, there was peace. Where there was hate, bloomed respect. Where there was poverty, grew wealth. Within fifty years, the Ina and awọn dudurealized how much they could benefit one another. That knowledge brought with it a greater respect for the Orisa. They realized through the teaching of the sisters (who were now elders) that their prosperity could not have occurred if it wasn’t for the high god.
Olodumare was moved by the acknowledgement he received from his people. Not just for him but for the other Orisa as well. His people would pass on their knowledge, teaching their children about the Orisa. A new cycle had begun, one that would not be easily broken. A strong belief in something they could not see; recognition of faith.
The sisters had more than accomplished the goals set before them by the high god. Each wondered why they were still on Aye. They decided to present their concerns before the high god. Decades of exposure to their people, to their emotions, to their life experiences had begun to change the sisters in ways they did not understand. They desperately missed their kin and wanted to return to their realm.
One hundred years to the day, the sisters found themselves before the high god once more.
“Praise Almighty Olodumare!” bellowed Folami respectfully. She was no longer the quiet goddess of the past. “We have more than fulfilled the goal you set before us.” continued Ayotunde. “Tell us high god, when do we return home?” questioned Temitope. After a moment of silence, the high god responded, “I’m sorry my sisters, but you will not.”
***
Join me next week! I look forward to sharing more of “Orun” with you.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 5/5/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The fam and I got a black, Labrador Retriever puppy today. His name is Onyx. He’s a beautiful dog and my boys are in love with him. It took my family years to finally talk me into letting them have a dog. Personally, I did not want the extra responsibility. Having a puppy is like have another baby. But my boys are now at an age where they can contribute to Onyx’s care. He is now a new member of my family.
Speaking of family, I want to continue Ekundayo’s story in Orun. His immediate family and the elders of his tribe, the awọn dudu have helped him to see that there is something to the stories of their past. Through the mystical storytelling of the elders, he was able to run alongside wild animals, feel warmth upon his face, and experience the light. He never believed it existed. And now he wants to see it up close and personal.
I have not started the next part of this story yet. But I hope you will take this time to share your thoughts with me. I would love to incorporate them into MY NEXT post. See you all in two weeks ! :)
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken with this story so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 4/28/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Amachi's Hope,
Orisa,
Orun,
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
AMACHI’S HOPE:STATUS UPDATE:
For those of you who have been following my journey, you should know that the critique group is going very well. If you haven’t already realized it, a second or third set of eyes on your work can really open the door to new ideas or suggestions that you may not have thought of yourself. I know it can be nerve-wracking at first but it is well worth it! I’ll keep you posted J
ORUN
When last we spoke, I was working towards outlining certain parts of a new idea that bloomed from my visit to the Red Leaf Territories (Canada to be specific). Orun which means “sunlight” in Yoruba is the name I decided on for this story. I have not given my characters names yet, as I’m sure there will be more. But some of them have already asked that I give them a voice. J
***
The tribe known as awọn dudu, (The Dark), were preparing to meet with their elders to celebrate their once happy past and remember what it was like to be a part of the Light. One of the tribe members, (let us call him Ekundayo, which means “sorrow becomes joy” in Yoruba), is frustrated that he is being forced to share in a time that has never been a part of his memory. He was born under a cold, unyielding sky and that is all he has ever known.
The elders are the only ones who have ever seen this thing they call the sun. According to them it gives light and heat. And even though we can’t see it, it exists! ‘I'm supposed to put faith in and believe in the existence of something that I cannot even see?!’ But the children of our tribe, including my own, believe that there is a sun above the clouds.
It is said that the elders are special. That they have power but it has been weakened since the light was taken away. It is said that they are of the Orisa. But the gods have not communicated with them since the destruction of the path etched into Mount Ase. But each year when we gather to remember the past, the children say that they can see shapes in the smoke that comes from a mystical fire that’s conjured specifically on this night.
We gather around a great tree. It is one of the few things I know of that has been around longer than I have. It stands proudly in the middle of our village and grows high above the clouds that blocks out the light and heat that I’m expected to believe in. I envy this tree as it lives above all of this. It is able to exist in the dark and in the light.
The elders (let us call them, Ayotunde (joy has returned), Folami (respect and honor me) and Temitope (enough to give thanks)) await us as we approach the tree. In the dark, they seem to glow. I shake my head and rub my eyes. I am more tired than I realize and my eyes are playing tricks on me. The children rush ahead and dive into their arms. The elders are well loved by them. And even though it is said that they are hundreds of years old, they look younger than me. Their skin is as dark as the sky that surrounds us and as smooth as lake water undisturbed.
“Children! We are so happy to see you!” yelled Ayotunde.
“And you as well!” Folami bellowed as she hugged and shook hands with most members of the tribe.
Temitope moved from person to person, asking about their health and wellbeing. The elders lived near us but it still took many footsteps to reach their home. It is located at the foot of the mountain.
Everyone sat in a semicircle around the tree; the children at the front and the adults behind them. Folami raised her hand and silence descended upon our group. “As you well know,” she started. “We ask you here at the beginning of every summer solstice,” continued Ayotunde. “To share in the story of what has been, what is and what will be.”
I looked around. Had no one noticed the way they finished one another’s thoughts? It made me uncomfortable and I couldn’t understand why. When they spoke, it felt like they spoke to me alone. Their dark eyes were piercing, intense even. And their voices stayed with me, stayed within my head, long after their words were uttered.
“For hundreds of years, our people were a prosperous one. We flourished in every way possible,” said Ayotunde as she walked among our group. “Knowledge, Trade, Health, Family and Love; we had it all. We grew boastful, we grew unappreciative,” continued Folami. “We forgot our beliefs, put aside our traditions, and angered the High God by not acknowledging all that he had done for us,” whispered Temitope.
“Finally the Orisa had enough. They decided to take away the one thing we did not truly appreciate until it was gone. Sunlight.” said Folami. “I watched,” continued Ayotunde, “as dark, stormy clouds rolled in from the valley.” Temitope went on. “I heard a thundering roll.” Ekundayo jumped. He too could hear the rolling thunder.
“I thought a storm was coming in with the clouds and then I realized that the sound I heard was coming from the mountain. Lightning struck the giant rock, over and over again until the path between two tribes was no more.”
“Time passed and the dark clouds never returned from whence they came.” whispered Folami.
Before my eyes, I watched as images of our story took shape. Even though my children shared their experience with me, I was still frightened by what I saw. I watched as images of our past appeared before me. We were a strong, vibrant and happy people. I saw images of bountiful crops and animals I have never seen before. But most importantly, I saw a bright, round shape. The light it gave off was blinding. I could hear the children gasp with pleasure and the adults yell out with a combination of fear and wonder. I could even feel the warmth from that yellow shape upon my face. I could feel its energy deep within my body and I knew that I wanted to experience such a thing every day. We all did. I wanted to really see the sun.
***
For all of you who have been visiting my blog each week, I greatly appreciate it. I hope that you’ll continue to do so. But I would really love to see more of your comments. Whether it is today’s post or entries in the past. Tell me what you think of the direction I’ve taken with this story so far or any thoughts or suggestions you may have J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 4/21/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
After many years of anticipation, the family and I finally made it to Niagara Falls.
It is absolutely breathtaking. I bet that most Canadians have become jaded when it comes to seeing the “Falls”, but I don’t believe I ever would. It’s a bit overwhelming being that close to such a powerful body of water. The effect is very different from being at say Virginia Beach and the railings that warn of danger to the fools’ stupid enough to attempt to go over, didn’t seem tall enough. But they were. J The closer we got to the water, the colder it got. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like over there during the dead of winter. SHIVERRR!!! Spring at the “Falls” is tolerable, but my hands pretty much cramped up when I took pictures of the fam. Father Winter still rules in Canada.
When I looked down to where the water fell, I felt like I was in an episode of National Geographic. Below was one of the biggest blocks of ice I have EVER seen. I compare it to a giant glacier at the North Pole. (No I’ve never been there LOL, but that’s the best I can do.) With everything that we saw there, one thing that stood out was the thunderous sound of the “Falls” as they hit the water below. As caught up as I was with god’s spectacle, I still managed to think of the story I created last week. “Orun”.
As I mentioned, both tribes (the Ina and awọn dudu) believe that a deity carved steps into the side of the mountain with his finger but took it away when the tribe members stopped worshipping him. When you visualize such a scene, what comes to mind? Here’s my vision:
It has been over 200 years since the destruction of Mount Ase. It is said that the gods were angry and took back their gift because we were not grateful for all they gave to us. As a result, they took away our light. The awọn àgba, elders, have shared and passed on this story with the hope that our people will one day search for the light once more. I have never believed in the existence of a colored shape that gives heat. My life, my world, consists of never ending gloom and a cold, unyielding sky.
These thoughts that I have, take so much energy from me. Instead of suffering through the monotony of my life, I could be sleeping, dreaming of a better place. If there is such a thing as day and night, I have never experienced it. I sleep not because it is dark, but because my body tells me when to rest.
But when the elders describe what once was, a story that has been passed down through generations, I can almost visual it. The clouds above us part. Bright beams of light cut through the gloom and return life back to our frigid land. As I know such a thing will never happen, I can only see their past through their eyes.
The elders have demanded our appearance and attention. Their word is law. We celebrate (or they celebrate, our past). My children, who have energy to spare, run ahead of me to get the best seats. My people gather around a colossal tree that has grown so high that it is the only thing that has ever reached beyond the clouds. Its limbs are as bare as my skin and yet it stubbornly holds on to life.
My children want to be as close to the elders as possible. It is said that they are of magic. The children swear that they can see pictures each time the elders share their story. My little one said that “the shape was a color called yellow and the ground was a color called green.” She said that, “there were trees that bared a thing called fruit and if you tilted your head up towards the sky, you could feel warmth on your face.”
It vexed me to hear my daughter talk in such away. In my heart, I felt that the elders were wrong to tell such stories to our children. To give them hope where there was none. When I look up, all I see is where the mountain ends and the sky begins. My eldest daughter is disappointed in me. “She asks, “How can you see what we see, when you do not believe?”
***
Fam, I’m looking forward to hearing from you. If you were an elder of a tribe of people, how would you keep the history of your people alive? How would you tell your story? I would love to hear it! Come on by next week as I continue. J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 4/14/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
awọn dudu,
Inu,
Canada,
new story,
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
It’s 1:30 in the morning and the family and I are in route to Ontario (Canada to be specific). I can feel it. It’s excitement rolling off of my boys. As tired as they are, they are giddy with the thought of going somewhere different for spring break. This will be their first foray outside the U.S. and hopefully not their last.
Looking at their passports, I am tickled by their expressions. I was informed that they could not smile when posing for the photos. This was a task, as two out of three always made it difficult for the other to be serious. There was giggling, there was snickering and I’m sure that a few silly faces were being made behind my back. But they managed nonetheless. LOL!
As we drove through Pennsylvania, I watched as daylight spread across the sky, but it did not bring the sun with it. The inclement weather brought with it a foggy landscape that freaked me out as I could barely see the road ahead of us. Thank goodness for white lines. To my left and right my boys and I saw what looked like the bodies of two huge creatures that had not awakened from their nightly slumber. (I know, it’s a pretty fanciful thought but it was 6:30 in the morning and I was running on very little rest). At a second glance, the outline of the mountains, (the Alleghenies) became clear.
We were 1,200 feet above sea level which explains the clogging of my ears and the weird cloud formations that looked like a sea of stratus and ripped, white cloth. Looking at the clouds made me think of tales of mystical lands, where the villagers lived above and below the clouds.
I gave them names. They would be known as the Ina(Yoruba for Light) and awọn dudu, (Yoruba for The Dark). The Ina would be exposed to the sunlight and awọn dudu would wish for it. Fanciful, early morning, lack of rest … hey it happens. LOL! I thought that this would be a great idea for a new story.
I think I will call it “Orun” which means sunlight in Yoruba.
The people of the Ina will be equally miserable as the people of awọn dudu. Though blessed with the sunlight, the Ina never experience night and therefore survives with little or no sleep. Their skin and hair will be toasted brown. But the dark circles under their eyes make them look like the little, dark eyed, grey-brown monkeys that were once indigenous to their home.
They will wear protective clothing to protect them from the sun’s rays. Most members of the tribe will be short-tempered and angry. Their lack of rest makes it hard to concentrate. Each day they search for ways to get below the clouds. Their path is barred due to an earthquake that occurred hundreds of years ago. It destroyed the steps that were etched into the side of the mountain. Both tribes believe that a deity carved the steps into the side of the mountain with his finger but took it away when the tribe members stopped worshipping him. The Inaand awọn dudu, traded goods and services in the past and would have been happy people.
The awọn dudu on the other hand, will be slow-witted, lethargic and pale as the clouds that hover endlessly above their heads. They sleep too much and lack the energy and/or interest in doing more. The awọn dudu do just enough to survive. Protective clothing is just as important to them as the climate is much colder below the clouds. Hundreds of years would have passed since they’ve last seen the sunlight and only the elders will still believe in its existence. The tribe members will long for warmth, but they’ll show no curiosity in what lies above or ahead. The youth on the other hand, listen to the stories told by the elders, believe there is truth to them and search for a way to reach the sun.
Family I put the ball in your court. I would love to hear your ideas on this story. What steps will the Ina take to reach below? What steps will the youth of the awọn dudu take to reach the sun? Will they meet half way? Will people lose their lives in the process? Looking forward to hearing your thought and or suggestions!!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
You’re finally big time! You’ve reached a point where your book is about to become a movie. The music producers actually welcome your opinion and ask you, “If you had to create a soundtrack for your novel, what songs would come to mind?”
Based on certain scenes in my book, here are the songs that come to mind. Remember, Amachi’s Hope is a YA novel. J
India Arie - “Strength, Courage and Wisdom”
Bob Marley - “Rasta Man Chant”
Sade - “Soldier of Love”
R. Kelly - “I Believe I Can Fly”
Queen - “We Are The Champions”
Bob Marley - “Get Up Stand Up”
Daniel Powter - “Bad Day”
Bill Withers - “Lovely Day”
Miley Cyrus - “The Climb”
Switchfoot - “Dare You To Move”
Journey - “Don’t Stop Believin’”
Kelly Clarkson - “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
Jimmy Cliff - “The Harder They Come”
Ben E. King - “Stand by Me”
U2 - “Beautiful Day”
Bob Marley - “Corner Stone”
Katy Perry - “Fireworks”
0 Comments on AMACHI’S SOUNDTRACK as of 4/7/2014 11:13:00 PM
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 4/1/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
life,
imagination,
writing,
child,
Path,
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
My earliest memory of writing was in second grade. My teacher asked the class to write a short story about anything that came to mind during the weekend. My adventurous story was about a girl who saw a car hanging off the side of the George Washington Bridge while she was on her way home from New Jersey.
(Go figure LOL!) Until now, I have no clue what I saw or heard that gave me such an idea, but sure enough I received a lifted eyebrow from my teacher and an amused but bewildered, “Really Sharon, where do you come up with such outrageous stories!” LOL! Needless to say, my next parent-teacher conference was quite interesting.
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a very vivid imagination. A large part of what fed that imagination was books. Not just books, but new books. I always looked forward to receiving a new pamphlet from Weekly Reader (For those of you who are not familiar, the Weekly Reader is today’s Scholastic).
I was drawn to the new titles; the new covers; the new book smell. I loved fantasy based books and still do. I would pull out those colorful pages at the end of the day and immediately show it to my parents. “Mommy, Daddy, can I have a new book or two?” When I was little it was Green Eggs and Ham, when I was in elementary school it was Nancy Drew. In junior high school, I learned a little about sex and scoliosis when I read Judy Blume’s Wifey (secretly LOL) and Deenie.
In high school, my interest in Judy Blume continued when I read the books Forever and Tiger Eyes. I read and discovered authors such as: Beverly Clearly, James Baldwin, and a bit of George Orwell. I wrote for the school newspaper, and wrote my way into college with the perfect (thanks to my favorite English teacher) entrance essay. I went to college with thoughts of becoming a reporter, getting involved in some area of the media. I pursued a Liberal Arts degree and after I received it, the world began to change.
I started to see the big picture. There was no money in becoming a reporter in the 90’s (at least not at the beginning). And the path before me did not look inviting. Imagine me a city girl in some small rural town, stumbling my way to recognition. I did not want it enough; I did not want that career enough to walk down that road. So I changed direction and pursued a degree in the legal field.
When I look back at it now, I don’t regret it. Everything that we do in life is meant in some way. And even though, we sometimes wonder about the “what ifs”, we get where we are, when we are meant to.
So in 2003, eight years and two children later, I found myself back on the correct path. Deciding that I wanted to write something for my children; realizing that I had a new story to tell. Something just as vivid and bright as the creative, amusing, outrageous, elemental stories that that second grader wrote those many years ago.
I no longer worry about the “what ifs”. I’m thinking about “what can be”. Do I have some pessimism? Of course, who wouldn’t? But I can’t let that be a deterrent. All those characters, those thoughts, those ideas that have been looking for a way out, have found their place on paper.
Not all of us know from such a young age that this is what they were meant to do. Life intervenes and alters our course. But we always find our way back. Did life change your course? Did it take a while before you found your way back to your true path? Becoming a writer? Have you already embraced your dream? Or are you working towards it? If so, I invite you to share your story me. How vivid is your imagination? Did you write as a child? I look forward to hearing about your journey!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I’m on Amtrak in route to Norfolk. I am exhausted and even though I should be taking a much needed nap, I feel compelled to write. Have you found yourself in such a situation? Do you find that you must write, even if it’s a simple thought or an idea? Do you find yourself doodling away on little pieces of paper, or scribbling on the inside of a paperback that happen to be at the bottom of your bag? Do you whip out your iPad or iPhone mid thought, because you were inspired by something you saw? If you are guilty of this (or other weird behaviors) then you my friend are a writer.
Here are some of the things and/or thoughts that made me realize that I too was suffering from this ailment. LOL!
The birth of a book is a labor of love. I’m still in labor.
Critiquing is no longer a bad word.
I finally found the courage to introduce myself as a writer. 
I attend conferences with activities such as Pitchapalooza and the 7 minute pitch. (neither have anything to do w/ baseball)
My computer is like a purse, it’s always at my side.
Author interviews are the best; especially when they are about me.
New and old characters battle for space in my head.
New characters take umbrage and get verbal when they don’t like the direction a story has taken.
Social Media has become an ally.
I visualize my first book signing.
The line is around the corner. 
It’s at Barnes & Noble J
Your editor can be your friend or an enemy. (Depending on the day.)
You hate the sight of red ink.
Dedication takes on a new meaning.
So does frustration.
You develop a new respect for the term “Writer’s Block.” 
You wonder if a Master’s in Creative Writing is really worth the money.
The devil really is in the details; especially when writing a book.
Illustrations are also running around in my head.
Words like genre, revisions, publishing, and query are a part of regular conversation.
You find some way to cook and read at the same time.
A closed door in a house full of children is precious.
So is silence. 
Library is a beautiful word.
Someone touches your manuscript w/o permission. You threaten bodily harm.
My spouse offered to write something on my blog. As sweet as the thought was, I looked at him as if he had two heads.
Thesaurus is a good friend of mine.
Life has become fodder. It gives me inspiration for new work.
Publishing is a goal not just a word. 
Step back and think about it. How many crazy, weird, quirky, obsessive, flighty, amusing things have you done, that made you realize that you are now among the growing ranks of writers? Dedicated to their craft and determined to reach their goals. As my process continues, I believe my list will continue to grow. As my accomplishments grow, I will look at my list and appreciate all I have done (no matter how silly) because they’ve led me to who I am and who I will become.
Reach out and tell me! What things have you done that made you realize who you are? I’d love to hear about them J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 3/17/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Amachi's Hope,
Chapter 1,
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I thought this would be a good time to tell you a little more about the goddess Amachi. Below is Chapter 1 of her story. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
___________________________
CHAPTER 1
There was a time when I walked the Earth in human form. My people considered me a healer but I was also known as an oracle, born with the ability of sight. I was called Amachi, Goddess of Light. Though my people were aware of my abilities and knew that I would harm none, some feared me because my eyes were as clear and fathomless as the sea that surrounded our land.
Sometimes, I would hear them whisper, “When she looks at you, it is as if she can see inside your soul.”
I have existed for many millennia. My spirit is re-born every 500 years into the body of one of my sistren. With each re-birth, I become more powerful than before. But never more powerful than the gods who created me. Sadly, my powers leave me exposed to loneliness, and it pains me to watch those I love grow old and die before I ever will. Still I continue to use my abilities to try to make their lives on this land happy and peaceful.
Through the centuries I have seen my people face many obstacles. Bound by the Orisa there was little I could do to help my kin. Assisting a human was forbidden even if they were of my blood. Breaking this rule would mean the end of my cycles; the end of my reincarnations; the end of me. I believed in my heart, that their determination and courage would always allow them to persevere, at least until now…
On the first night of each summer solstice, I cast a spell to allow me sight into the future. It is only on that night that I am able to see what the gods have planned for my people. With the use of a balefire, I call upon Olodumare the High to give me the strength I need to evoke the spell.
‘Olodumare bless me with your power; help me to see the unseen.’
But one night, my insight into the future was different from all the others.
As the summer moon glowed in the darkness, my balefire burned high into the sky. Turning a sky blue it glazed over into a sheet of solid ice. On it a vision began to form. In it I saw a hut and inside, a woman struggling to give birth to a child. Outside lurked a dark presence, angrily circling the hut but unable to get inside. Behind the hut I saw black, sinister clouds rushing towards my land and following it, an ominous wall of water. Then suddenly a bright blinding light flashed, so beautiful that it moved me; something that has not happened to me in many lifetimes. I raised my hands to the cold panel of ice, but when I tried to trace the images in the vision, it disappeared. The ice melted suddenly, and crashed onto the ground in a tide of cold water that slid over my bare feet.
I was afraid, because the premonition meant danger to my people, but it also meant that they still had hope. I rushed to the elders and told them what I had seen. But as powerful as I was, they saw me only as a woman and refused to listen to the message I was trying to convey.
‘The existence of our tribe is in peril. I have seen a great danger, one that our powers cannot save us from. But there is hope; I have also foreseen the birth of a savior. This savior will be the light of our people.’
“Amachi, that is utter nonsense, we are above all that!”
“We have nothing to fear! The gods will protect us!” said an elder mockingly.
Their ignorance infuriated me. Only Elder Shombay one of our high priests, looked beyond their stupidity. He knew in his heart that what I said would come to pass.
Though Elder Shombay was younger than most of the tribe’s leaders, he was given great respect. He was the seventh great grandson of Elder Madu, a highly sought after advisor that lived during the time of my parents. His caring nature not to mention his good looks (according to the young women of the tribe) made him more approachable than the senior members. He was the mirror image of his great grandfather who was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark skin and intense dark brown eyes.
“As you well know, the first night of harvest is a sacred one. Every 25 years on that night a child is born to our people. Upon its birth we will know whether he is the true savior,” said Elder Shombay.
‘How will we know this?’ I asked.
“The child will have an aura like no other.”
***
‘After speaking with the Elder,’ Amachi thought to herself, ‘I realized that I needed to dedicate more time to my people. My concern about the vision affected my dreams and premonitions; making them distorted. Blocked at every turn, they have become dark and unreadable. I cannot provide the clear insight that the Olorun had depended on for hundreds of years.’
Sitting in front of the Ogun River, Amachi drew upon the power of the balefire once more. Calling upon Olodumare the High, Obatala the Pure and Yemoja the Mother she asked that they give her the strength and the fortitude she needed to free her mind and to do right by her people. She chanted:
‘Fathers, mother, I your daughter call upon
you for guidance and clarity.
My fear for our people has clouded my sight.
Remove all obstacles from my path and present before me
the ability to claim all that you have bestowed upon me!’
Amachi closed her eyes, and could feel the tension draining from her body. She opened her eyes slowly and sensed the presence of Yemoja the Mother.
“She is near,” Amachi whispered as she smiled into the night air, brimming with the essence of the mighty goddess.
Satisfied that the gods had heard her, Amachi offered a quick prayer of thanksgiving; her heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. She drew bucket after bucket of water from the Ogun, and extinguished the balefire. Silver smoke billowed into the dark sky.
***
One Hundred Years Later…
I have little patience left. My enthusiasm and hope for my people are waning, slipping through my fingers like loose sand. One hundred years have passed with no sign of the ‘special’ child we are searching for. With each passing birth, my hopes have dwindling like the flame of a burning candle. Though I could not age, Elder Shombay did. His body was frail and his sight weakened. His once smooth dark complexion was lined and his eyes yellowed, but his mind was still razor sharp. I went to him with my concerns.
‘Elder Shombay, I fear that our savior may not be born in time to save us. My dreams grow darker and I awaken with the sheen of fear running across my brow. I am afraid that our time draws near.’
“Where there is fear, there is hope, Amachi. Isn’t that what you told me, that there is hope? I believe that his birth will not elude us. He is destined to be born, he is our destiny.”
On that same night, Adebanke jumped up from a deep slumber.
“Oluwafemi, Oluwafemi awaken, awaken! The vision has invaded my dreams once more! For years its meaning has been unclear. But finally, the gods have deemed me worthy enough to know the answer. At first I could only see that a woman was trying to give birth to a child, but I could never see her face. Now I realize that the woman is me!”
Unknown to the young couple, Adebanke had been an important part of the vision that plagued Amachi for many years. Amachi knew that a child would be born but she was not allowed to see the mother’s face either. Perhaps Olodumare the High did not believe that any of them were ready to know. Now that the vision was made clear, steps needed to be taken to assure that this special birth would come to pass. Adebanke and Oluwafemi would soon become creators of a new life.
“Well, Adebanke,” said Oluwafemi, “the reason why the gods put us here is because we have a purpose in this life. Not only was it meant that we meet each other, but it is meant that you bring forth this child into the world. He must be very special if you have dreamt of his birth, even before it has taken place. I hope it will be a boy, but whatever the gods bless us with will be a blessing indeed!”
Across the village, Amachi sprang up from a troubled sleep, her eyes wide, and her breath short. She yelled out with joy and relief, for her cloudy vision had cleared like fog evaporating from a field. She had seen the woman who would bring the Oloruns peace. She wrapped her arms around herself and smiled.
“The wait is over,” she whispered and began to pray and make plans for the future.
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Saturday night, my hubby and I played Spades with a few friends. For those of you who are not familiar, here are the basics. Spades is a card game where you bid how many books (books always consist of four cards each) you have in your hand before you start playing the game. Usually when you play with a partner, the number of books you bid depends on how many books each of you feel you can contribute to the bid. You usually play with four people and only 13 books can be made. In a deck of 52 cards, the cards in each suit rank from highest to lowest. (A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 and 2) Spades have the most power. They can cut a diamond, club, or heart (and sometimes even themselves). The order of the spades as far as their strength is Big Joker, Little Joker, Deuce (meaning two) of Diamonds, Deuce of Spades, Ace of Spades, King of Spades, Queen, Jack, 10 through 3 of spades. There is more to the game, but you get the point J
Anyway, my hubby and I bid 8 books between us and won those books. For that entire game, any books we bid, we won. All in all, we kicked their butts LOL. Our luck however did not last. When the next game came around we got our butts kicked! The winning and losing went back and forth. Thrust and Parry. Thrust and Parry. I’m sure you have figured out how spirited this game can be. My hubby and I won 2 games and our competitors won 2 games. We played one more game and won, thereby breaking the tie. We had a great time.
During the game, a thought crossed my mind. When you are trying to publish a book, and you receive that coveted phone call. Did you get the call because your work appeared on a publishers or agents desk just at the right time? Or was your work so exceptional that they could not help but reach out to you? Was it luck that got you that call or skill?
I’ve read a number of author’s testimonies where they’ve said things like:
“My book came across the publisher’s desk at a time when my particular choice of genre was starting to become very popular.”
-or-
“The literary agent told me that my book was well written but unfortunately, they could not find the right market to publish it in.”
-or-
“I was surprised by my rejection letter. The agent actually took the time to tell me that although she could not represent me at this time, I should continue to push forward; that I just might find an agent that’s a good fit!”
These days’ publishers and literary agents are so demanding that I really believe its 95% skill and 5% luck that get you published. There is a certain level of presentation that they expect to see and it all begins with the query letter. Depending on the genre you are pursuing, your query letter should not only summarize your book in the shortest, most interesting way possible, but it should also flow in a way that will leave them chomping at the bit, ready to read more.
But sometimes, even the query letter is not enough. The publisher or agent may ask for the first 3 chapters of your work and decide that something is missing. Perhaps the characters need more work or the location of your story is unclear or you were foolish enough not to have your work professionally edited. Writer ‘A’ and ‘B’ both have a good chance of being published, but writer ‘B’ just didn’t dot that ‘I’ or cross that ‘T’.
Issues with publishing can even become a problem after you receive representation. Perhaps your literary agent or publisher is no longer a good fit. The momentum that you both started at the beginning has dwindled. You no longer share the same interest in your book. Your agent or publisher has not marketed your book to your liking and now you are back where you started, trying to find someone new without burning bridges.
Regardless, publishing as you well know can be a stressful, time consuming, rewarding experience. And whether you are considered due to the luck of the draw or a talent that cannot be denied, getting your foot through that hypothetical or literal ‘door’ is a blessing indeed.
Continued luck fam! LOL!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
View Next 25 Posts
