Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak—Sun Tzu, The Art of War Let people underestimate you; the best moments happen when no one sees you coming!
Category: reflection
Love is a Choice
Love is a choice, so I chose it—not because I had feelings that fade over time. Not because I notice your height or weight, but because I decided to. Not because I think I should, but because I made a decision to. Most times, there won’t be butterflies; other times, misunderstandings may occur. Sometimes, it… Continue reading Love is a Choice
Roses
One bright Sunday, I came across a beautiful rose blooming unexpectedly in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho. It was a simple moment, but the charm of that surprise flower made it truly unforgettable. The striking beauty of the desert landscape shows that a single event or element can transform the… Continue reading Roses
Random Thoughts 1
Here are some random thoughts I’ve been jotting down over the past week.
Writing Between the Lines of Life
Well, ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, it’s been a while since I’ve looked this way. I was getting ready for school and also traveling recently. So, I’ve been away trying to sort out my things and thoughts. I haven’t even had the time to watch the sunset. Additionally, I’m back in a big city… Continue reading Writing Between the Lines of Life
The Quiet Mirror Within
To discover your true self, focus on your inner journey rather than seeking answers externally.
Ina Murna – Obi n’atọm
Would you dance to the beautiful rhythm in your heart and soul, or because of the warmth and smiles of loved ones and even strangers? What about the gentle breeze that caresses your body and mind? Or the encouraging words from good friends? Take a moment to look closely—there’s always something to be grateful for!… Continue reading Ina Murna – Obi n’atọm
Life
What are you curious about? I’m curious about life, and everything in-between.
Quote on Grace
Being gracious does not mean you are weak. Choose to be graceful regardless!
A Month-Long Stay in California’s Nature Reserve
Describe one of your favorite moments. One of my favorite experiences was my month-long stay at the Blue Oak Nature Reserve in California, where I worked on ecological projects. The beauty of the ranch was captivating, and as a nature lover, I truly cherished my time spent alone. The highlight of my stay was befriending… Continue reading A Month-Long Stay in California’s Nature Reserve
Morning Rain: A Welcome Relief for Albuquerque
Summer night rain has its charm, but morning rain brings a different vibe. I think everyone can relate to the refreshing coolness it offers and the extra time it gives to those with plans. Often, it is a perfect excuse not to do anything. Morning rain, dark clouds, chilly weather, and gloomy skies make me… Continue reading Morning Rain: A Welcome Relief for Albuquerque
Quote on Perspectives
We need to realize how big but little everything is, how deep and shallow arguments can go, and that perspectives matter. We might be wrong or right, but we should give people grace. ~ Oke Iroegbu
Ojibwe Proverb: On Resilience and Gratitude
May you be strengthened by yesterday’s rain, walk straight in tomorrow’s wind and cherish each moment of the sun today– Ojibwe Proverb
Maybe 5
Maybe prints left by crawling wormsare Earth’s remarkable autographs.Maybe trails left by snails and serpentstell anecdotes of curiosity in the dirt.Maybe we discover the beauty of letting things grow by cultivating gardens.
Abqs Chill Weather
I’ve noticed that the sunlight often plays hide-and-seek, like a game of “Now you see me…” I appreciate the unpredictability of the weather here. Sometimes, I see bright sunshine out the window, so I wear a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts, only to find it chilly outside. Other times, the day looks gloomy, and I assume… Continue reading Abqs Chill Weather
Count Your Blessings
Listen to the beautiful rhythm in your soul I am an avid listener and greatly enjoy the sounds of nature and the world around me. I find joy in the soothing sounds of rainfall, the rumbling of clouds, and the intensity of raging thunderstorms. I appreciate the gentle flow of waterfalls and the melodic symphonies… Continue reading Count Your Blessings
Muse: Albuquerque
Celebrating uniqueness is a valuable treasure; it creates a unique refuge in one’s soul for peace and self-discovery. Now, let’s take part in a fun word challenge. Think of a term or expression and replace the emphasized words in the sentence below with their closest synonyms and then with their antonyms. Afterward, reread it. Nothing… Continue reading Muse: Albuquerque
Visionary
What’s a secret skill or ability you have or wish you had? I can see events before they occur, but it is exclusive to me. Sometimes, I foresee my success months before it is realized. Initially, I thought it was déjà vu, but I eventually recognized it as a pattern about myself. I believe this… Continue reading Visionary
Quote: Live in the Present
Remember to take a moment to appreciate the beauty and smell of flowers and the feel of wet clay. Smile is the best ornament you can wear. Take the time to watch the sunrise or sunset while you still can. Life is fragile, and nothing lasts forever — Oke Iroegbu
Patterns 4
It’s the weekend and the last day of February 2025! What better way to start than by appreciating the beauty around us? This morning, I captured white-lined patterns in the dreamy blue skies. I also noticed shapes that resemble fingers on the tree branches. The blue clouds today seem so surreal that I can’t help… Continue reading Patterns 4
Tale of the Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived
I’ve got a little adventure planned! I will take you, my readers, on a delightful journey where I’ll reshare some of my favorite past blog tales and poetry (I like to call them Poetales—because a tale got married to a poem, and they gave birth to… shhh, it’s our little secret!). Tonight, I’m super excited… Continue reading Tale of the Wildwoods: When Summer Arrived
Chill Winds
Chilly winds in New Mexico carry fine particles and dust, which are common wherever strong winds are present. I will discuss this in more detail in the following paragraph. In contrast to California, where I often see deer, squirrels, birds, coyotes, insects, and various species, there is little wildlife or plant life to observe here… Continue reading Chill Winds
Colors and Tales
Do colors tell stories too? I would say yes. Have you seen a field of ripe wheat or a bunch of yellow mangoes? The golden heads of wheat tell stories of a potential harvest. The murky water rushing down the hills conveys tales of pollution. From my personal experience, a dusty stream suggests that a… Continue reading Colors and Tales
Beauty in Nature
Welcome to February 2025 Happy New Month, friends! Let’s talk about writing about nature and how it can be a pleasurable experience. Writing is a remarkable and deeply personal experience. I am amazed by our ability to craft beautiful expressions with words. This month, let’s focus on writing about our preferences and sharing our thoughts… Continue reading Beauty in Nature
Soar
Glide gracefully across the horizonand listen to the sound of your wings. Majestic talons against the gentle skies, a lethal mix, a juxtapose of fierce tenderness—strength and tricks. Shadows cast on the ground magnify,causing critters to scatter for safety. Spread your wings and soar;the sky and the world are yours to explore.
Maybe 4
Maybe heartbeats are drumsticksRolling out beats for loved onesAnd each moment we get a hugIt’s an assurance that we are home
Santa Fe 2
The highlands and homes are ancient, surrounded by a uniform hue of brown light. Santa Fe stretches across the valley, showcasing its abundant daylight and beauty. The crisscrossing roads create uneven patterns, while automobiles scuttle through the intersections like cockroaches. The blue, inviting clouds of Santa Fe is unique, awesome, and cherished.
Sandia Mountain
Sandia Mountain This impressive escarpment is a natural beauty I appreciate more each time I see it. Sandia and other abundant mountains in New Mexico are essential to its splendor. The landscape, which is somewhat desert-like but not entirely desert, stretches against apparent blue horizons. I feel the vibes of the movie The Good, The… Continue reading Sandia Mountain
Quote: Courage
Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear — George Addair
Quote: Kings and Kingmakers
When you become a King or Queen, do not forget those who helped you to the crown — Oke Iroegbu
Thoughts: Angels
Angels live amongst us. The good thing is that we don’t have to look hard or far to find them. Sometimes, angels are good and kind people. Those who share themselves with others. Those who do good things for others. Those who don’t hesitate to assist even when they might be going through pain or… Continue reading Thoughts: Angels
Patterns 1
Look at those fascinating cloudsHow they fold, foam, and float awayA glimpse at their majestic patternsReveals the forms these clouds takeMountains poke up to meet the skiesTake a deep breath; the sky, the views are all yours
Train to Santa Fe
Verse 1: Mountains and Vast GrasslandDry streambeds in a whileLonely cattle here and thereVast plains overlooking peaksHills grow into mountainsAnd mountains touch the clouds Verse 2: Rainfall and Gloomy CloudsThere’s raindrops on windowsA lullaby of metal and rainTunnels, bridges, creaking,The clouds play hide and seekAnd sunlight is half amused Verse 3: Villages and Happy FolksClay… Continue reading Train to Santa Fe
Muse: Star
There’s a lone star up the sky,Glittering feverishlyBothered by the dark nightAnd the bright moon shine There’s a lone star up the sky,From the window you can seeHer struggle, weak and faintBut giving light to heaven
Maybe
Maybe shadows tell stories tooMaybe the beautiful patternsOf crawling earthwormsAre Mother Earth’s signatureMaybe the trail left by snails & snakesAre stories on the dirtMaybe the silhouette of treelinesIs a natural art unknown, yetMaybe we dream of being the rainOr the sun, or the moon, or the windTo travel the world and see its breadthMaybe heartbeats… Continue reading Maybe
Òkè
What’s the story behind your nickname? Òkè is a short version of my name, Okechukwu. Oke in Igbo can mean different things based on the pronunciation. It can mean rat (óké), share (òkè), male (ókē)and boundary (òkè). My full name, Okechukwu, means share from God, where òkè means share and Chukwu means personal god/God.
Writing
Which activities make you lose track of time? Writing is a useful ancient craftThat aroused my passion and museBy teaching me more about myselfIt had reminded me of my cleverness
Quote: Breaking Barriers
We never know the places we go to. We become the first pioneers when we go, opening doors for people like us and breaking down historical and cultural barriers—Oke Iroegbu
Inspiration
What makes a teacher great? A teacher’s most significant job is to inspire their students—to make them believe in themselves. The teacher holds and plays an essential role in the society. I am fortunate to have instructors and teachers who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Nothing compares to someone who… Continue reading Inspiration
Loyalty
What quality do you value most in a friend? We have to recognize that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence — Cornel West
Poem: Don’t Cry
Don’t cry when the last coal burn outAnd the little flickering fire tries to stayDon’t cry around the noise of silenceEven when it’s so loud and deafeningDon’t cry when there’s a moonless nightWhen the cold hands of twilight threatenDon’t cry, my friend, when it seems it’s overLet it be; the sun will rise, so will… Continue reading Poem: Don’t Cry
Meditation
What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like? My morning routine is primarily reflecting on events from the past, a tiny dose of pushups (though not consistent), and practicing gratitude for everything. During the first hours, I usually read uplifting books—motivational or spiritual, to start the day.
Breaking Barriers
You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence? This is a true story—of hope and resilience, of dreams, aspirations, and experiences put together. My story aims to restore hope and encouragement in humanity and to emphasize the importance of selflessness and service to others.
Writing
What experiences in life helped you grow the most? One thing that has helped me grow is creative and imaginative writing. I always enjoy expressing my thoughts on paper. One thing led to the other and I started this blog to share my poetry with the world. But it metamorphosed into something bigger. I have… Continue reading Writing
Be Yourself
What advice would you give to your teenage self? Be wild and fearless, but be kind and genuine, be hopeful and honest, and be loving and compassionate. Do things that bring you joy, peace, and laughter. Work hard, also work smart. Make acquaintances, keep friends. Care for your well-being and that of your loved ones.… Continue reading Be Yourself
Quote: Love
Travel—travel light, love—love unconditionally Happy Valentine’s Day.
Quote: Your People
People who are your people are not just those who share the same values, experiences or color but people who want to see you succeed and become a greater version of yourself — Oke Iroegbu
Relationships
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done. I learned that there’s no perfect time to start a romantic relationship but I haven’t made effort to begin with. However, it’s a priority to me now.
Fun Things
List five things you do for fun. I like journaling, reading, watching NatGeoWild and Discovery, playing online games like UNO and traveling.
My First Name
Write about your first name: its meaning, significance, etymology, etc. My first name is Okechukwu which originates from the southern Nigerian Igbo tribe. It means my portion or share from God! Most Igbo names arise from situations and experiences encountered by people. I can expand the name thus: Okechukwunyerem!—which means the share I got from… Continue reading My First Name
