AUGUST AND THE END OF ...?

 It is the 31st of August, and the clock says 10:55 p.m. I am typing this in a bit of a rush, but with so much emotional kaleidoscope in my heart. Tonight feels special because I have officially completed the first year of my third degree. It still feels unreal to write that out. Who would have thought I would make it this far? The photo was from my Professor’s birthday. We celebrated with cake, and  I loved every bite. I am already planning to bake mine soon. Oh, I have a hand mixer now! Let’s just hope that it would taste the same.   

There are certain periods when I feel like stopping everything, as if the path hurts more than a seizure. But then I remember the research idea burning in my mind, and I know I cannot just walk away. So I leave it in the hands of my Maker, trusting that if the idea is meant to flourish, it will. Through this degree, I have been blessed to meet six incredible women. They amaze me with how well they juggle their personal lives, families, and studies all at once. Watching them makes me admire their strength and balance. Meanwhile, I feel as if all I am balancing is my “crisis” and my writing career. My aunt once joked that my writing is “taking longer than Judgment Day,” and though it stung a little, I laughed too because sometimes it feels true. However, in the middle of it all, I can proudly say I have finished my manuscript and written three full-length plays. That alone makes me pause and thank God for giving me the strength to continue. Beyond my writing, I have also picked up new skills in the kitchen. I can now bake meat all by myself without asking Aunt Joyce or Miss Abi for help. The only thing I still struggle with is shaping the pie crust so it fits perfectly in the dish. One day, I’ll master that too.

Another source of joy for me right now is music. I am counting down to October 3rd because Taylor Swift’s new album will be released. She is my favorite musician in the whole world, and I love her so much. I think I say that a lot that people associate me with her. Anyways, I will say that again. Another thing is that she is engaged to Travis. 

This year also brought me the joy of finishing my very first directing project. For those who missed it, I have attached the video of my actress’ performance. It is hard to even explain what it felt like to see the project come alive before my eyes. And also we used Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis. We adapted it to fit the concept of Me and the Self.  I have to pause and give thanks here. To Koku Alade and Seraphine, whom I have never even met but who showed up to support me. To my dearest friends Angela and Sheila, who have been with me through everything. To Jessica, my actress, who deserves endless gratitude for pulling off such an amazing task. To my coursemates, each of whom added something to my year: Mrs. Guddah and her triplets, who disturb my peace but always make me smile; Pearl, to whom I owe more thanks than I can ever express; Betty, who still has to endure my constant disturbances; Elikplim, who helped set my costume; and Favour, whose personality and attitude I admire and sometimes even envy, because I aspire to have the same enduring passion for the arts.  And of course, to my lecturers, who have been present, encouraging, and supportive throughout the year, I owe them more than I can say.

This is where I draw the curtain. I’m already looking forward to writing again in September because I have so much news to share with you. I also hope you’ll return to read the next post. In the meantime, don’t forget to watch the video of my actress below.