nilichoandika

A personal recap of 2015

December 5th, 2015
It is 26 days to the end of this year. I have had quite the year of my life and consider this one of those posts that reveal just how far off I was on my resolutions. These are the 26 highlights of my absolutely epic life!
1. I registered a domain and went from wordpress.com to nilichoandika.co.ke
2. Got serious about the writing and published 3 books in the Currents Series : Fire, Water & Wind
3. Reached out to my friends, and I’d say I have attended more weddings this year than I did in the previous three!
4. Talking of weddings, I’m still single and my aunts have stopped looking at that clock they consider when they say “time is running out on me.”
5. Deleted my Whatsapp account: Give tired of those groups, with endless streams of messages that I couldn’t keep up with. Got tired of the chain messages promising me a miracle if I send them to the next ten people and the videos that ate up all my internet bundles!
6. Started working on the implementation of a Teens Organization that I have been talking of for two years: Teens for Teens-Kenya
7. Failed to buy a red pair of heels. I got a sexy pair but the joy of buying books had me looking the other way.
8. Turned down two proposals, lost a good friend and still don’t know what is going on between me and the other one-it’s complicated.
9. I read The Complete Trilogy: Fifty Shades of Grey and then…Grey. #smh
10. Lost 5kgs in four weeks, was so sick I had to check into a hospital only to have the doctor tell me that the drastic weight loss shook me up! I have since gained it!
11. Taught the Sunday School kids at our church for a while before work took me out of town.
12. Bought a camping bag, and now I am all set for a life on the road: 3 white tee shirts, two pairs of jeans, a pair of boots, a pair of ngomas and 1 litre water bottle!
13. Took the 21-Day challenge: Did squats for ten days and then I stopped! Successfully did the 25 second plank…that’s it, I cannot go beyond 25 seconds.
14. Completed my 2015 Goodreads Challenge: Read 180 books this year 🙂
15. Embraced my love for hair color: had purple, red, maroon and bronze braids this year- and dyed the hair medium brown!
16. Was invited to three schools as a motivational speaker to encourage this year’s KCPE candidates.
17. Started writing for Jabulani.
18. Visited Java (as often as my love and need for coffee arose)
19. Lost my Great Grandmother, and it reminded me of how much I still grieve for my Dad eighteen years on.
20. Discovered my love for BDSM novels…I’m not really into Kink, but something about reading those books just makes my day…and thank heavens for Kindle!
21. Developed a love for Photography
22. I did the Hotline Bling dance…#thankyouDrake
23. Fell in love with the TV Shows: Scorpion and Mr Robot (I am a sucker for geniuses with messed up lives!)
24. Got so invested in watching Hannibal that whenever I visit hotels and watch people eat meat- and reach for their glass of wine, I cannot help but see Dr. Lecter staring at his guests as they eat someone’s tongue!
25. Set “Sorry” by Justin Bieber as my ringtone! I know this has got to the most eye-rolling thing I have done, but that song is stuck in my system- and yes, I’m old but I love his songs!
26. Avocado! Yes, that fruit goes with everything! I put it on bread, in my sukumawiki, I eat it for lunch, I just eat that stuff-like seriously, what a way to end this list…
There’s more, but all in good time.
Lunch with the Lady.

November 25th, 2015

“It’s okay, I am really glad you agreed to come I know you must be tired having worked like a slave the whole week. I mean, don’t you get tired of being around tables and food and restaurants in general?”

“Sometimes I do, but it’s my job and it pays the bills so I tend to let it be what it is.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. Okay, so what do you want to talk about?”

“You.”

“Okay, what do you want to know about me?”

“What do you do and what do you like?”

“I am in HR. I have a couple of side gigs and all mainly doing exhibitions. I like dancing and shopping, that’s what I can think of right now, but I also like to meet people get to know them and things like that.”

“Great because I cannot say that I like dancing, or shopping-but since I love to bake I always find time to shop for ingredients and cooking utensils.”

“You bake? Like cake cake?”

“Yes, cake cake.”

“Sheesh! That is great, like I don’t know any guy who bakes, like seriously, do you also cook and stuff?”

“I do stuff, and yes, I cook sometimes. I have never slept hungry with food in the house.”

“You are serious Walter, aren’t you?”

“You find me funny?”

“No, yes. Wait, no, it’s just that…ghai! You love baking, I am impressed!”

“Do I get the job then?”

“What job?”

“It’s just sounded like an interview right there.”

“Now you are being funny! But listen, you know I do exhibitions and events like that, so how about we have some of your stuff for our clients to snack on and things like that, I’m sure it could be great.”

“Thanks, we can work on that.”

“Sure and hey is it cool if I ask you something, I mean, we barely know each other and I don’t want to offend or get in your business or something, but do you smoke?”

Walter looked at Ruth, her brown eyes that had once held him in his place were on her milkshake. She used her straw to swirl the drink around, but in that time she did not meet his eyes.

He thought of Bella, that chick he’d dated in campo, who kissed her anywhere they were. They had been voted best couple the night before they broke up because she felt like he was going to die of cancer and leave her behind. Bella had clearly never watched A Thousand Ways to Die! He looked at Ruth thinking of all the ways he could get past this, but he was done with secrets. If she was into him then he would not pretend.

He pulled out the pack of Embasssy Lights he had in his pocket and pushed it towards her glass. She looked at it and slowly lifted her eyes to meet his.

“Is it a turnoff?” He asked.

“No, I am not sure. I haven’t been around a guy who smokes, it’s just that I saw you some day in town and you were smoking, and it was like…”

“A blow?”

“No, like an hallucination.”

“So…”

“You are an Embassy Lights kinda guy…okay, but you do know that cigarette smoking is bad for your health and cancer is real and stuff like that.”

“It’s written on the pack. I read it every time I pull out a stick and light it. I hear it in my head when I take my first drag, and when I puff, It’s there in that white cloud of smoke, and it goes on until I step on that stub and continue with my work. I also believe it’s “cigarette smoking is harmful to your health.”

“I’m sorry. I did not mean to piss you off.”

Walter shrugged and took his pack of cigarettes and tucked it neatly into his pocket careful not to mess it up. He wanted to say it was okay, but the words could not make their way past his throat. He could see it happening, being high on love and then down when it went wrong. It was Bella and campo all over again and he was not doing that again.
Earth: Book Four Currents Series

November 24th, 2015

The story of Prince Ustawi began with the desire for a legacy and it burned like Fire.

The one who crossed the river daily marveled at the strength and determination of water, for it made its way across the strongest rocks and with time it became nothing but the earth beneath the river.

Ustawi came as a gift wrapped up in a vision that kept his uncle awake every night. He was born after three daughters: Amani (Peace), Amina and Alipo (The one who is present)

As the years went by even the tree could not tell when it would fall, but the wind swayed and even the strongest of trees swayed.

And so:

A boy was born in Leo

He grew up in Leo

He was banished from his own land by his Father, and now…he wants what belongs to him.

He is coming for his throne and no one…not even the gods, The Mighty Mie would stop him.

Earth is the final book in the Currents Series. So, how do I feel about it?

I am not okay.

I have been working on this series since last year and to have gotten to this point seems more like a milestone to me regarding my writing. I have always been one to write about romance and to have ventured into literary fiction and folk tales was never in my mind. So, I started with Fire and let it take me deep into a land where I met an intelligent drunk, a brave daughter, a tormented Seer, a loyal Warrior and most of all- people full of love and understanding of how a society should be.

I still have a long way to go before I release Earth– but one thing is certain, I am giving this my all because the curtain closes on the Land of Leo with this book. So, if you have been following the story of this young Prince and cannot wait to know what he makes of his life, then you will wait for a while as I let him lead me into his world.

Until then,

Grab a gourd of royal wine from the land of Leo by visiting The Currents Series page on this blog. I hope Ulioko entertains you 🙂
Walk with Me

November 23rd, 2015

Writing a letter is breathing the crisp cold air in the morning when my feet hit the cold cemented floor.

I must have been a Scribe in my previous life, or an old soul, or just a soul who gets what it means to bleed on a piece of paper and seal it then send it. So, here’s what my heart says, I will walk with you to the end of the world for you chose to let me walk away knowing I would be back. You would see me pack my bags and hit every town in this country knowing I would be back.

It is the fact that you stood and waited that makes writing this the easiest and most frustrating task ever. It is easy because I know what I want to say. It is frustrating because I desire a tug of war to exist within me when it comes to you. I need the should I or should I not feeling and it’s been a year and it is not coming forth, so I give up! I will end this year on a high unless God help us, you decide to do something stupid like forward me a whatsapp message telling me to send a paragraph to ten people to receive God’s blessing.

Or you decide to call me past 10 pm. Or you decide to stare at another girl like she is a delicious piece of cake on your plate. Or worse off show up late to a date. Or you call me ‘wifey,’ or ‘babe,’ or ‘honey.’ I’m just saying. You have been politely cautioned.

So, walk with me and do not hesitate to stop once in a while to watch how my feet leave a print on the ground or how the wind ruffles up my sweater and blows dry leaves on my face.

Walk even when you feel like I am leaving you behind and you are struggling to catch up. Walk when you seem uncertain of yourself because no matter where you step I’ll always be there, not just to help or comfort you but to most definitely laugh when you slip…at least once in a while.
Niko kwa jam, nacome.

November 21st, 2015

Ruth knew the flats looked good but she would have worn the converse instead. It was cold and wet as she made her way to Pizza Inn before one.
She couldn’t believe they were finally meeting.
It was too much too soon but she wanted to know. Her mother always told her she thought with her feet while her brain was still wearing shoes gearing to work.
There was nothing special about Walter.
He was a man.
He was working like most men in Nairobi.
He knew the streets, and knew how to use his words and smile. She had often wondered how easy it was for women to smile. If they thought of something they smiled. If they were complimented they smiled. Men on the other hand, reserved their smile for a goal. They unleashed it like a Canon ball to get what they wanted.
She walked to the counter and ordered a milkshake.
It was ten minutes past one.
She paid for her milkshake, secured a seat and then pulled out her phone to call Walter.
“Hi.”
“Hey, are you already there?”
“Yes, and you?”
“Stuck in traffic, give me ten minutes, I will be there.”
“Sawa.”
Walter alighted at Muthurwa and made his way past lots of people to Kencom. He realized he was sweating when he brushed past a woman as he was crossing the road which made him stop for a minute to catch his breath. He looked around and then straightened himself and slowed down as he walked into Pizza Inn.
He pulled out his phone from his pocket and dialled Ruth’s number.
“Where are you seated?”
“I’m upstairs.”
“Sure,will be getting there. What can I get you?”
“Am good, maybe a vanilla milkshake.”
Walter approached the counter and placed his order and then paid the lady. He made his way upstairs looking around hoping to spot Ruth before she spotted him but luck was not on his side. She smiled and rose when he approached her table.
He gave her order and she placed it on the table and reached out for a hug.
“You look great Walter. Ulikuwa wapi?”
“Imagine kwa jam, when you called I was hapo Muthurwa thinking, I should just walk, so I was like nacome.”
Oh, Walter, what did you do?

November 20th, 2015

Walter arrived at Maureen’s place to find that she had gone out.

He called her and after two rings she answered, her voice barely audible on the other end. She was coming. He had to wait for like three minutes.

He set the boxes of donuts and kaimati on the step outside her bedsitter and pulled out a cigarette. It was eleven o’clock.

At half past eleven, Maureen came dragging her feet bearing the longest lasting grin he had ever seen on her face. He stood and took a step back inhaling the whiff of cheap liquor on her.

“You couldn’t even buy PK? Ama Fresh?”

“Shut up! I was at this cool party in the next court. Free booze and nyam chom! Hebu get my keys from my bag because I swear I think my fingers have tripled in size, aren’t they just fat?”

“You can drink the whole of EABL but your speech can never be slurred, I don’t know how you do it. So, who invited you to this free cheap booze party you went to?”

“Eish! Wacha kucatch feelings, you are not my boyfie.”

“Good! Come in, and have a seat, or maybe just go to bed. I will deliver these to the houses, just give me that list and I will get right on it.”

“Check on the stool, next to that stove in the kitchen.”

“You put a client list next to the stove?”

“It’s on the wall! And go away, I don’t need you judging me and acting like some god, when you are as nasty and the chairman of team mafisi here in Nai! Just go.”

“Look…”

“Don’t Walter. Just take a picture of that list or pull it off the wall, whatever, and leave.”

“Thanks Love.”

“Yeah, whatever!”

He took three pictures careful to zoom in as much as he could to get all the names and their pastry of choice before he left. It was noon and he had to make it to town for his date with Ruth.

Maureen stood as soon as she heard Walter shut the door behind him. She looked at the kitchen and smiled. There were these feelings that she’d summoned and kept locked in her heart when she started working as Walter’s partner. She could look forward to seeing him every Saturday morning with his boxes of pastries smiling at her, but today was different. He was going to see Miss Boss.

That girl had better treat Walter right, or else her friends could make her not drive that posh car of hers again. It was almost one when she got into the shower and took in the cold water as it merged with her tears giving her the warmth she needed.
Hello World, meet Elly!

November 19th, 2015

I love a good romance, and I remember being online some time in June in 2014 (yes, seems like a while back, but with Elly it’s not) looking for a short read. I wanted something that was sweet, and could get my writing juices up and that’s when I came across Save my Heart by Elly.

We would chat once in a while but nothing as in depth as being engaged in the East Africa Friday Feature– her brilliant brainchild by the way, this year. Elly comes off as warm, determined and always willing to try out new stuff and so I thought, why not introduce the world to this brilliant Writer I know (who loves a good cup of coffee, pastry and buying books along the streets of Nairobi like me :-))

Hello, would you please give us an insight on yourself in terms of what comes to mind when I say or mention in each category what resonates with your personality:
Movie: Bridget Jones’s Diary – ‘Coz you gotta have a sense of humor to get the blue soup…
Pop song: Sippin’ on Sunshine – Avril Lavigne
Pastry: Pumpkin Swiss roll (I had a very good friend who’d make this and bring it in to work…it was divine, and I think of her when I see one now)
Beverage: Black Coffee with sugar
Character in a book: These change with the book am reading…lately Bridget Jones has been on my mind.

Me: So, would you rather ebook or paperback?

Elly: I love both. Ebooks are great when you’re on the move, but I love paperbacks because they remind me of libraries. Love the scent of books.

Me: Cool, and what would you rather do, read the book first or watch the movie?

Elly: Read the book first, they always leave out the best stuff.

Me: You have written great novellas on romance and each portrays a level headed heroine, and more often than not some great male leads too (hint hint: Picture Perfect), what inspires you to create such heroines?

Elly: Level-headed heroines in my life inspire my characters. Women who know what they want, women who work for what they want, and women who face down their worst fears and still keep going. Sort of feels like I’m tooting the Miss Independent horn, but I think we need more strong African women in fiction.

Me: And is there a heroine who did not turn out or do something you expected?

Elly: Yes, as you mentioned Picture Perfect, Victoria has taken on a life of her own, and she often surprises me when I write her. I started out thinking her story would end in ten chapters, but she’s gone ahead and led me on a longer journey. She’s witty, very wary of love, and is very loyal to her family. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Me: What are you currently working on? Would you share a bit of it with us?

Elly: I’m writing Koya’s Choice. This story is running on my blog. Check it out.

“I have to tell you something?” Kim said, placing his napkin on the table. “This isn’t easy. Someone has to tell you before you meet.”

Koya stopped eating and met Kim’s gaze. “You’re driving me crazy. What do you have to say?”

“Charlie is back in town.”

Koya stared at Kim. Suddenly the restaurant sounded so loud, her ears wouldn’t stop ringing. She shook her head, her gaze on the busy waiters tending to customers who ate without pause; couldn’t they hear the deafening explosion?

“Koya,” Kim said in a gentle tone.

His voice drew her back from the edge. She grabbed her napkin and dumped it on top of her mixed rice. Taking her handbag and cell phone, Koya pushed her chair back and got up.

“Come on, Koya,” Kim said.

She didn’t stop to see if he followed. Once outside, Koya headed to her car, holding on to control as it slid away fast. She tripped on a stone, her heels still too new and almost fell, managing to catch herself on her car’s bonnet. She gave in then, kicking the curb with the tip of her new grey heels. Damn it, she still needed to finish the payment on them, but…damn it, she kicked the curb again. A soft cough caught her attention and she looked up to find Kim standing a few feet away.

Koya pointed a finger at him. “Jokes are the last thing I need today, and you’re playing one that is too cruel.”

Kim crossed his arms against his chest.

“I’m not joking. Charlie is in town. Will you stop taking it out on the curb and listen to me.”

“Move closer, so I can take it out on you,” she said, shaking a fist at him. “I need to calm down. I can’t drive like this. I’m so pissed, I might kill someone.”

“I’m sorry. This was a bad idea. I should have told you this evening.”

“You shouldn’t have told me at all, Kim. I don’t—I don’t care about him anymore. You telling me means you think I care and I don’t.”

Abandoning the curb, Koya turned to her car and unlocked it with a flourish. She threw her handbag and cell phone to the passenger side.

“Then why are you so pissed off?” Kim asked when she entered the driver’s side and opened the window.

Giving him a mean look, she started the car and put it into gear. She drove out of the restaurant parking lot at high speed. What did Kim mean, why was she pissed off? Koya scoffed. Who told him she needed to know about Charlie coming back to Nairobi? She was angry with Kim for thinking it mattered. Charles Dhali was old news. She’d let him go…

Me: Thank you, (I can’t wait to get into Koya’s world), What subject (s) do you find you cannot write about and why?

Elly: Politics, hardcore news events…there’s nothing wrong with writing these topics, but I feel people need a break sometimes. I love fiction and creating new worlds. Someone once called me a dreamer, and I agree with fully.

Me: And finally, what do you think is the future of reading in Kenya?

Elly: I think the future is already happening. We’re in a digital world, and reading cannot be counted only through physical books any more. Kenyans have a strong, growing online reading culture. Even those in the grassroots have access to a cell phone. I think Kenyans should capitalize on this, and embrace digital publishing to its fullest. Kenyan writers, write more, get Kenyan stories out there and get them read.

Me: Thank you, Elly!

You can read more about Koya’s Choice on Elly’s site here.

She has some awesome books on Smashwords, you can check them out here.

In 140 characters or less, you can tweet Elly here.
Don’t just pray, be the change

November 15th, 2015

The world has been praying for Paris since Friday.
Everywhere I go on social media Paris is trending and it seems as though everyone is closely following what is happening there like a close call on a football match.

I stand with Paris and have thought so much about those who have lost their lives for no reason other than someone’s selfish desire to impact pain.

On Facebook people are changing their profile picture to show their support. This has sparked a debate, with some saying that Facebook never had the same for other countries which have witnessed great terror attacks and what should bring out our humanity is bringing out our lack of it.
But, I remember two attacks in Kenya: Westgate Mall attack and Garrissa University.

We lost so many lives and those who lived cannot tell the tale because the horror of it makes it hard for them to look at faces or shake hands of people.

But even then people grieved in ways that they could and some in Paris did this:

So, why should we argue about who gets special treatment or any kind of treatment while people have died and others are injured? Why argue as our fellow human beings our brothers and sisters are grieving? Why argue when the one who is hurting needs to be reminded that there is hope and love and good people in the world?

Terrorists instill fear, and they shred every single ray of hope you have not in the world but in people. You ask, how can someone kill people who have done him no wrong? How can someone blow up kids and mosques and churches? They shred your hope in your fellow human being and if you let them convince you then you realize that life is not worth living for you are but ONE in SEVEN BILLION.
Don’t let them win.

But, I have also witnessed disregard for black people and also for Muslims. I have seen my friend forced to take off her hijab to enter a mall while I am told I can go in, and when I left with her I was insulted by the guard. I have heard from friends and family living abroad how much they have been sneered at, insulted or treated badly just for being black. It’s not right.

I did not want to sit back and let the world rip each other over social media because Paris has this special thing where you can change your profile picture to show your support.

I pray for Lebanon
I pray for Beirut
I pray for Iraq
I pray for Japan
I pray for Mexico
I pray for Russia
I pray for Africa
I pray for Kenya

But most of all I pray for you and I not because prayer is the only option but because we can pray all we want but unless we work on ourselves then it’s as good as nothing. I pray for you and I that we will be better human beings by truly working on our character, principles and morals.
Pieces: A short story

November 12th, 2015

Pieces is a story about love and betrayal, as told by Maria- a woman who loves her husband despite his cheating ways and disregard for her desire to have a family. It was published on February 18th 2013 and today I’m sharing it with you because it’s reminded me of how much a story needs to be told.

I hear those women calling on the radio. They say it and the whole country is ashamed of them. Well, I am not. I do not know them. I have to see this to the end. It is always the same voice-these women- they always have something to say.

Secrets are best taken to the grave. I know about his. I know about mine. I hate that I have to act cool, it’s like I am an accomplice. I am an accomplice to his secrets. They will never know, not even if I can help myself. I am twenty four. I am woman. I am strong. I am me. For as long as I know those four facts I will never go wrong. I always thought I was “a woman.” I felt like I was something. It was a while before it hit me that I am not something, but someone. See, someone has “one” and that means composed or one piece, unlike “thing” which means undefined or unknown. I studied English. I believe that’s why I am going round in circles when I could be telling you the truth. For as long as there’s any will in me, I will win this. I will never get mad at him or shun him. I will watch him leave and come back. I will listen to him and still believe that he’s the one.

I will hold his hand at functions and talk well of him. I will dress well and keep working. I will listen to word on the street but not be hushed by them. She will win. She will have him. She will see me and say “she’s foolish.” I will listen to her and smile. When it comes down to the truth, no one will ever ask. For when you love someone, it is never about them- but about what is. For us, it was just him and me. He was charming and handsome. I was modest and sweet. I never came across as pretty, not the way she is, or the five others before her. I was the one who could hand him change to pay for parking tickets. They were the ones he spent his salary on. I was the one who nursed him when he was ill. They were the ones that made him sick. I was the fall back plan. They were the plan. It was simple really, but whatever happened between us was beautiful. I decided to take a business class in marriage. See, it is where I do not invest in anything-I just manage. I know he can tell the difference, any man would. I have lost weight and I am two sizes down. I went to the salon and had my hair cut. I am spotting a chocolate brown short new do. My friends love it. His friends love my neck. They say that my eyes now pop out and I look younger than him. He holds me now. He holds the wind really.

There was a time when he saw right through me. Now I see right through him and what keeps me here is his guilty soul. I have this feeling that he will take a nose dive and I will have to stand and push him off the cliff, you know just like Scar did unto Mufasa. His name is Micah. We met on a Tuesday. I was making my way around the supermarket and he was doing the same. I was buying some tampons and he pretended to be buying some wet tissues. I stood there for a while before he asked “spoilt for choice, uh?”

Download the complete free story here: Pieces on Smashwords
Updates on the writing life, and other stuff.

November 11th, 2015

It’s the NanoWrimo month and there’s a lot of writing going on in different parts of the world, except in my world!

I have been on the road for a while and cannot seem to settle down and get my thoughts on a piece of paper, and it’s starting to frustrate if not really scare me.

So, today on my way to town, I decided to stop by a cobbler and ask him to fix a pair of heels that I’d love to wear to a meeting this Friday and the man was talking to his friend about the importance of reading quality writing. As I sat down to wait for him to fix my shoes, I found myself feigning interest in their conversation. His problem was that his friend was reading The Nairobian instead of reading The Standard Newspaper or The Daily Nation. He told his friend that The Nairobian was for women who had nothing but time to gossip and read slander, and he was a man- he was supposed to read things that should concern him not go on wondering or gasping at how much someone spent on their birthday or the prominent man who was caught sleeping with a pastor’s wife.

I almost joined the conversation in support of the man, but their banter got to a whole new level when a cook and a tailor voiced their opinions.

The cook, was a young man in a dusty green apron and black gumboots whom I had passed as I was making my way to the cobbler. He held that anyone could read whatever pleased them, and even God knew that not everyone could handle the serious stuff that’s why the book of Revelations comes at the end of the Bible.

The tailor admonished him for quoting the Bible, but said that she was a woman and she couldn’t stand The Nairobian, and her concern was “who had the time to spread all this rubbish about people?” She went on to say that she would rather buy sukumawiki for her family that spend her hard earned money on gossip!

They went on for a while until the cobbler handed me back my repaired heels and I paid him his due. Their conversation stayed with me for a while because I could easily jot down what they said, but cannot sit still for half an hour continue working on my series.

My Mentor said that it happens to everyone and no one loves to say goodbye, but I know that The Currents Series has to come to an end, so I can focus on other stories.

I just need to pull myself together and get it done, and I know I have to…so that’s what’s up with my writing life, as for my other adventurous life…Supercosmetics opened a new shop in Kisumu…and I couldn’t resist the urge to get some of my favorite body products plus two new sticks of lipstick which I’ll probably never wear that much…