Yada... The second Issue

Hey guys. I have decided to share the second issue of Yada when we were still an online magazine. Also check out my latest spoken word piece here.

Open publication - Free publishing - More yada magazine

Enchanted Love

I don't know if I am walking down the path of Nicholas Sparks but it seems I am now a sucker for all things love and love stories. So guys, here is another love story. I have no idea why I called it Enchanted Love but I hope it works for you. The song was inspired by a certain song by a certain R&B singer and an episode from a particular TV show. Can you figure them out? :)
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Love is magical. At least that's what they say. Michael Jackson even wrote a song about it. Truth is, I feel love is magical. It is that connection you feel with someone. That thing that makes your heart beat faster. Well, I don't know much about love but meeting Jide was magical.

I love hanging out at Legends. It is a cool eatery in Surulere with awesome meals. My best friend, Tola knows I can eat there all day long. That is not an exaggeration seeing as I did it when I broke up with my ex.

It was a saturday afternoon and it started to rain. I had decided to go to Legends to have lunch because I was feeling lazy and I really wanted to go out in the rain. So slipping into a leather coat and black boots. I took a short work to Legends, which is just down my street.

On getting there, the place was packed with people. Some came to eat while others seemed to be drying up from the rain. I walked across the room and went straight to the counter to order a hot cup of coffee when I saw him for the first time. He had on a well ironed blue long sleeved shirt, with black pants and a gold wrist watch. He had an iPod in his hand and the earphones were in his ears. He was listening to music, nodding his head and whistling to Kiss Me, my favourite song.

I didn't know when I walked up to him. As soon as I saw him, I knew I had to meet him. I knew in my gut that we had to meet. I wasn't sure what I was going to say to him but it was good to try.

"Hi"
"Hello" he pulled out his earphones and looked at me
"Where you just whistling to Kiss Me?" I had to be sure
"Maybe" he was smiling now "who wants to know?"
"Helloooo. Me?"
"Yes. I was listening to Kiss Me"
"Nice. My name is Ava"
"Jide"

It may see like any other ordinary meeting but it was the day I found true love. Jide and I click on many levels. From how we talk, to our take on culture. I can't really explain the mystery behind how our thoughts are always in sync and how we don't argue over stupid things.

Jide kissed me the day I met him. He even kissed me in d rain. And I had one feet up. I never knew it could happen but it did. Being with Jide has shown how God can use someone to shower you immensely with love. To find someone like him in the world today... Well I don't know how it is.

I am in bed writing this in my journal waiting for Jide, my husband of 13 years to leave the shower. People have different marriage testimonies. Well, I married my soul mate. My love, our love is magic.

Hope you liked it.

Trotcha!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Going Anonymous

Hey guys

I am going to start another blog and I am going anonymous with it. I don't know how long the blog is going to last but I'll give you a hint.

It is about popular culture.




So, watch out for the blog. If you find it, good. If you don't, I really hope you do *grin*

Have an awesome week

Trotcha!

PS: Dyu like my new haircut?

Save me from myself

Me.

I should be the most selfish person on earth. Everyday I spend, I spend thinking of me. What I can do for me. How can this work for me. What is in it for me.

How can I be selfless?

God's word encourages us to be selfless. To always pray for others, encourage others, be there for others, love others. If there is one thing I want God to teach me it is how to be selfless. Anytime I read the scripture where he says to get into heaven we should feed the hungry and clothe the naked. It send chills down my spine. I am not doing my part. I need to be selfless

Save me from myself Lord

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Are you running?

Are you running?

You are hurting. You are going through pain. Your world is spinning.

Are you running?

You are broke. You are sick. You lost someone you loved.

Are you running?

Life is bitter-sweet. Sometimes we love it. Sometimes we don't. I know one thing for sure. I cannot go through this life on my own. I am running to His arms. 

What are you going to do? I hope you run to him.

And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the spirit of God
Yes I will run the race
'Till I see Your face
Oh let me live in the glory of Your grace

Trotcha!

Images from hubpages.com and bumperart.com


Song Lyrics: Hillsong- I will run to you

Our Prayer

I usually send my spoken word pieces to the Anani Speaks blog but today, I'll make an exception. Enjoy
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Father, my father, dear father, I pray
Save me from the pain I am feeling this day
The world is crazy, we've all gone astray
With sins too numerous and debts we must pay

Father, my father, dear father, I ask
For your grace and mercy to carry out this task
I am desperate and longing to pull of this mask,
So in your presence and glory I'll bask

Father, my father, dear father please show
Your love, your grace, your mercy that flows
We promise we'll change, we'll let your light glow
We're picking our pace, we aint moving slow

On our knees with heads bowed, we offer this prayer
With our hearts to the heavens, we ask you our Maker,
Accept out offering, please hear our cry
Father, our father, dear father, our Lord
Amen

Have an awesome week ahead

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

How far I have come

My friend sent me this picture. It is from my high school year book. Looking at the picture brought back so many memories. From how we hated the school uniform, to how much we really wanted to graduate from high school and go and live our college lives to the fullest.

When I was in high school, I was a completely different individual. I wanted fame and popularity. Had dreams of having my university education abroad or at the University of Lagos. I wanted to be an entertainment journalist and have a show like TRL on MTV or Channel O.

Its 5 years later and the guy I wanted to be in high school is no where to be found. I attended Covenant University and discovered another side of me I didn't know existed. I am not as popular as I hoped I was going to be and I run a website.

Do you know the weird part? I feel fulfilled.
I look at my life and realize that God always has a greater plan and no matter how we plan and hope for things, His plan will be paramount in our lives. My life is not perfect and it is not bliss but still I hear Him say "Before I formed you in the womb I knew and approved of you as my chosen instrument and before you were born, I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; and I appointed you as a prophet to the nations"

I am just an actor in His play. I am just a character in His story. He knows the thoughts and plans He has for me. They are of welfare and peace and not for evil, to give me hope in my final outcome.

Look at me. Look at how far I have come.

You cannot begin to imagine where He is talking me to.

Trotcha.

PS: I am on the third row. The guy on the extreme left :)



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Random Discussion: Facebook or Twitter

Hey guys,

It has been a long time since the last random discussion on this blog and now we will be talking about the two of the biggest social networks now: Facebook and Twitter. There has been the debate which network will survive and not go out of style like Hi5 and Myspace did. Ever since Twitter became popular in Nigeria, most individuals have moved from Facebook to Twitter and the increasing popularity of smartphones in the country has boosted the popularity of the latter social network

Image from http://blog.watch.tv

These social media are clearly on the top of their game and looking closely are alike in some ways. Still, can we say one is better than the other or that one will soon be history while one will remain strong and popular. Matthew Ingram, in his post titled "Facebook vs. Twitter: An Infographic" in Giagom.com presented a few findings

Here are a few of the key findings represented in the infographic, which was based on data from a Barracuda Networks survey as well as an analysis from Razorfish and other demographic breakdowns from a number of sources (although the data on Twitter in particular is a little old — the service now has 190 million users).

• 88 percent of people are aware of Facebook, while 87 percent are aware of Twitter
• 12 percent of Facebook users update their status every day vs. 52 percent for Twitter
• males make up 46 percent of Facebook users, and 48 percent of Twitter
• 30 percent access Facebook via mobile vs. 37 percent for Twitter
• 40 percent follow a brand on Facebook vs. 25 percent on Twitter
• 70 percent of Facebook users are outside the U.S. vs. 60 percent for Twitter

In the words of Colette Martin "Twitter and Facebook are both good at what they do. Twitter is like Times Square on New Year’s Eve – noisy and open to all. Facebook is more like a party invitation with an RSVP. Where would you rather go?"


Lets discuss away

Be Inspired

Hey guys!

How has your week been? Just want to say a quick thank you to all the comments you guys have dropped on the blog. I really appreciate it. Also, appreciate your comments on the Yada website. Anytime I see them, I smile, grateful for how awesome you guys have been. Thank you again.

I don't have much to say today but I was in a fix for a while. There were times I tried to write or do a few things I am passionate about but I couldn't do them because I lacked the right amount of motivation or inspiration. These times left me angry, frustrated and unable to focus and do what I needed to do.

Until I had a breakthrough.

"Be inspired"

There is a reason God gives us different gifts as a source of inspiration. There is good music, a good book (fiction/non fiction), the amazing outdoors, listening to the silence (‎​​​​Lol), a good talk with friends, The Holy Bible, The Holy Spirit... etc

If you are in a fix right now and you need a way out. If there are things in your life you want to forget out. If you are carrying out a project and don't have an idea how to move on with it. Just be inspired. There are a lot of things that can inspire you and you know them (I just listed mine). With inspiration comes revelation and with revelation comes a solution.

Be inspired

Trotcha

www.yadamag.com




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The things that are really important

When I saw this picture I remembered Stacie Orrico's So Simple. The song talks about how much less is more and how the important things are some of the things you see in this picture.

If there is anything I am praying for now is for me not to lose sight of the important things in life. I mean, I spend time obsessing over how I need money or how I need to achieve this or that. I realised that I forget to give thanks for the little things.

Whatever it is you might be going through, pause for a few seconds and take a deep breath. After that, thank God for the chance to be able to do that unassisted. Also, close your eyes and open them again. Thank God for the ability to open your eyes. Some people have closed their eyes today and they are now blind or dead.

I just want to end with this. Life is short. Way shorter than we think. In our journey to chase the money and live the dream, remember to enjoy the little things because in the end, all is vanity.

I didn't say it. Solomon did. He was the richest man to ever walk the earth.

Trotcha!


Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

On the new blog look

Hey guys,

How are y'all doing today? I have a quick question though. What do you guys think about my new blog template. How does the blog look? What is the feel you get when you actually read the blog? Please, I will love to hear your feedback.

Thanks

And please, pray for Japan... They need our prayers now

Trotcha!

"I will wait for you" by Official P4CM Poet JANETTE...IKZ

P4CM made me love Spoken Word poetry. From Blair Wingo, to Canden Webb the words and the delivery always leaves me in awe. They inspire me and I hope that as you watch P4CM Official Poet Janette...ikz share a beautiful piece during Lyricist Lounge 4 on "Waiting" you will be inspired too.

Happy Blog-Versary to The Talkaholic

Wow!

I cannot believe that it has been 4 years already. When I started this blog 4 years ago, I did not know how far the blog was going to take me. Some people ask me why am I so excited over a blog turning 4. I really don't blame them as they would not have an idea of how God has used this blog to bless me.

I didn't start this blog because I wanted to make money. I didn't start it because I mistook it for another Hi5 or Myspace account. I didn't start it to boost my popularity status. I started it because I wanted to write. I needed to write. I was inspired on a daily and I needed to share my thoughts with anyone who cared to read. In 2007, I blogged 10 times that year and it didn't really matter that no one was reading my posts. I just knew I was growing, someway, somehow.

Its 2011 now and I have been so inspired. In April 2009, I started my second story blog, Kiss and Tell. In May 2009, Yada was born. In January 2010, I added two blogs to my belt; Anani Speaks and The Eden Project. And now all of them are doing good in their own way.

It has not been easy, but whenever  I take time out to write an article or a poem. Or whenever I think about Yada's future (which is everyday by the way) I realize that God is not through with me yet. The Talkaholic is not just a random blog. Every idea or concept I have been able to come up with since 2007 has found its root in this blog one way or the other. I am so excited and joyful that even now, God continues to inspire me daily and that the best for The Talkaholic, Yada and all my other projects is yet to come. That alone is motivation enough.

With this been said, I will like to thank the following people for their suppport throughout the years

To my sister, Mimi aka Wise Sage: Even when I had no followers you kept sharing my blog amongst all your friends. You were proud of me even before anyone knew who I was. I love you plenty.
To Seye Kuyinu aka my blog mentor: There were down times for me. Lots of them but it was your advice that saw me through. Thanks for being a friend and a brother.
To D-i: I have not met anyone has sweet as you. Thanks for supporting me cheering me on and always praying for me.
To my blogville family: Myne Whitman, Good Naija Girl, Miss Balance, Le Dynamique Professeur, T.Notes, NakedSha, Imsi, Jaycee, Aloted, RoseofSharon, Dosh, Ore Fakorede, GRIP, Toni Kuyinu, Tallstretch, Jabez, BSNC, Blogoratti, Rita, djhazymn, Tolu Akanni, Moyin, Bagucci, Zoe Believer Ginger and everyone else I forgot to mention... Love y'all
To my circle of friends: Bunmi, Glory, Chiago, Chiwi... thanks for your help and support through it all
To my YWAP family, thanks for all, the motivation and the words of encouragement you guys rock.
To my Yada Family, get ready because soon we will be Nigeria's hottest website. Love you guys.
To the celebrites that has shown Yada love since inception: Jekob Washington, Pablo Villatoro, Adebayo Jones, Onos, Jeff & Sean of Think International, Nwando Onyeabo, Simisola Ogunleye and many others... thank you for believing in us
Finally to The One, that has blessed me with these... I love You. So glad to be a vessel for You to use to shout Your fame...

So guys... Click on the links below to visit all my blogs for updates

Kiss and Tell

Anani Speaks

The eden Project

Yada

Also The Yada Music Project Vol.1 is coming soon. featuring music from Mr. Phisa, Jekob Washingtona nd Group 1 Crew.

Have an awesome week ahead

Trotcha!

The thing with words

I had an awesome week.

No doubt.

Got two of my closest friends around. Bonding like never before. It was awesome.

I learnt one thing this weekend though. Words are very powerful.

There is a reason why the Bible tells us that our words are powerful. There is a reason we have a God that speaks things that are not as though they were. We also have that power in us because it is the same power that conquered the grave and it resides in us.

In my devotional (Sacred Obsession) yesterday, Becky Tirabassi says "We must see ourselves as having the responsibility of regularly offering words of blessings and encouragement on the Lord's behalf! And we must be intentional."

The challenge was to allow my words to be affirmations to those around me so to you reading this post

The Lord bless you,
The Lord keep you,
The Lord make His face to shine upon you
And give you peace.

Have an awesome week guys

Remember guys, Wednesday is my blog anniversary... I hope I celebrate it well...

Trotcha


Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Looking at Anniversary Wednesday

wwwOn March 9 2011, I will be celebrating my 4th year as a blogger. Is that not awesome? I am looking for ideas as at things I can do on that day so if you have ideas. I want you to hit me up.

Expecting them ideas and comments.

Trotcha!

PS: Visit Yada now ;)

Marching Forward

What's good blogville!!!

This month I have decided to march forward and dare the dare. I am not going to be held back by restrictions... I am just going to do my thing and move forward. And I hope you guys do the same. I have a few updates for you guys though

First, I watched For Colored Girls and I loved it. I was inspired to get my poetry on so I wrote this poem. Please read it and tell me want you think. And be honest to. Read it here

Ayomide Akinkugbe of Yada Magazine wrote a feature story on the Grammys (gospel category). Read it here

New York, London and Milan’s Fashion Week have all shown the world various collections that have a similar trait in common; detailed fabrics. Yada has got the details. Read it here

Also, Morenike George-Taylor of Yada Magazine, is taking our readers on a journey through her closet. Read all about it here

In our It's a Guy thing column, Rotimi Ariwoola wrote an awesome piece called Hulk Hogan by force. Read it here

And finally, Yours Truly had the opportunity to interview Je'kob Washington from The Washington Projects. Read it here

Thank you guys for the support. Y'all are the best.

Have an awesome month

Trotcha!


PS: Picture from a road trip with my friends