THE NEW YEAR: LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD

As soon as the clock strikes midnight and the first day of the New Year emerges,everyone is always filled with the optimism that the fresh new year will be a whole lot better than the previous one. There's also that scary feeling on that last day of the Old year; that we'll never see that year again and what the New one would bring. 

This time last year, I prayed that all my hopes and aspirations will come to pass; which included a stack of new manuscripts ready to be submitted to publishers, a place of my own and finished preparations to move out of the country for a new life. When you've spent most of your life doing what you are told and constantly under pressure of doing what's expected of you (like I have) you wouldn't feel guilty about wanting a life of your own and the means of putting food on the table and a roof over your head- without relying on anyone. Instead, I spent months writing my final project and taking care of the remaining carryover courses I had in my course of study (English Education at the University of Lagos) and nursing the fervent hope I will finally graduate.

 Afterwards, there was job hunting which was a harrowing experience since I decided not to take up the reins of teaching again and no one seemed to want a writer; freelance or otherwise. Money wise I didn't do so bad because I had an allowance. I guess I should be grateful but when you're in your mid thirties, there's the strong feeling of shame and embarrassment within you and being reminded of your dependency is a strong fuel for depression, of which I experienced now and then. 

My spirits got lifted on getting an email from my publishers that the manuscript for my third children's book had been accepted, (still have no idea when it will come out). The feeling of depression however  came back when- because of  generally poor book sales, I didn't receive any royalties. No job, no money of my own; I felt a huge sense of failure and wished I could just find some solace. 

This morning, while getting my hair done, I stared at the mirror and it hit me, this year I'll be three years away from 40. No lines on my face  or strands of grey in my hair yet but it was still discerning to realise I'm in my late thirties and yet to finally reach the pinnacle. I won't bore my readers on how my home life really is, but one thing I can say, it's not the life of a typical 36 year old woman. But I only have myself to blame for maintaining the status quo for so long an letting it define my life in many ways. I said earlier that on the first day of a New Year, there's the great feeling of optimism that the  fresh New Year would be different from the old one, positively of course. But it's not enough to JUST wish and pray, you have to work towards it too. 

And it's what I intend to strive for, work my way to achievement and change my life for the better. Because, there might come  a time I would look in the mirror and find a 40 year old woman and (God forbid) still unfulfilled, bitter and resentful. Looking back on your life motivates you to move forward, in the hope that you will do things differently and experience better things- with God's help. I believe wholeheartedly in God and I believe He will guide my footsteps in whatever I do. 

So here's hoping and praying for a very happy 2016 and beyond.

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL

NEW OONI OF IFE CROWNED

Photos: See Prominent Faces At Coronation Of New Ooni Of Ife Today https://t.co/G2bS2sMXY3 #OoniCoronation pic.twitter.com/5Xp24oO98O

— Naij.com (@naijcom) December 7, 2015

Today was the formal coronation of the 51^st Ooni of Ife; Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.  The splendorous ceremony was held at the Palace Square in the ancient city of Ife, Osun State and attended by Nigeria’s elite, which included the Vice President of Nigeria; Vice president Yemi Osinbanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Amirul Mumineen Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar IV; Governor Akinwunmi Amode- current governor of Lagos- former governor of Lagos state; Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several Nigerian artistes.

The new Ooni, looking regal in his royal robes, made a speech after giving the staff of Office by the Osun State Governor; Governor Aregbesola and watching him speak with so much sincerity and charm, it’s no wonder he was chosen as late Oba Sijuade’s successor. Sincerity and commitment are two main virtues of any ruler and that is what his majesty has. Like he said, this is a new dawn for Ife and I wish him a long and prosperous reign. 

Built in 1930 by the 49th Ooni - Oba Aderemi, will be the new home of the 51st Ooni - Oba Ogunwusi. #Oonicoronation pic.twitter.com/ANmyNWkBt6

— Oluwatomi (@torioke) December 7, 2015

ACTOR ANTHONY VALENTINE PASSES ON

On the 2^nd of December, 2015; English actor Anthony Valentine passed away after living with Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was 76. The news shocked me because on that very day I was watching a few videos of a show he starred in many years ago and afterwards researched the cast members to see what they’ve been up to since then.

Valentine played a notable antagonist in the 1980s British T.V series Robin of Sherwood, the sinister sorcerer and devil worshipper Baron De Belleme; who sought Lady Marion’s (Judi Trott) hand in marriage from her guardians but in actually wanted to sacrifice her. My brothers and I loved that series as children so we remember just how scared we were of that particular character from the moment we saw him. But that’s just to show what a brilliant actor Valentine was; I believe it takes more hard work and effort to play a villain than a hero and Valentine played it very well.

In Robin of Sherwood, Valentine had a presence from his  very first scene, slowly moving across the room like a serpent as he listened to a bewitched Little John’s (Clive Mantle)  prophecy of “the hooded man, Herne’s son” seeking the silver’s arrow and the “Master”  demanding the sacrifice of a young virgin (Marion). He spoke in a quiet, cold voice; only raising his voice occasionally; even the hot tempered Sheriff of Nottingham(Nikolas Grace), his brother Hugo (Phillip Jackson) and Sir Gisburne (late Robert Addie) were intimidated by him. 

 And the part where Robin Hood (Michael Praed) stabs him in the stomach, he let out the most terrifying scream we ever heard; I  can never forget that scream in a million years! It was so realistic we even had to cover our ears as we watched that death scene; I’m yet to see another actor scream like that. 

Valentine starred in other T.V shows which included the World War II drama series Colditz. 

"MUST SEE" MOVIES IN 2016

Nia Vardalos and John Corbett starred in the 2002 romantic comedy; My Big Fat Greek Wedding about a  Greek woman who fell in love with a handsome American school teacher, much to the dismay of her father (Michael Constantine) as Ian Miller was not the full blooded Greek boy he hoped Toula would marry someday. Ian's determination to be accepted by Toula's family and the cultural clash between the Millers and the Portokalos made the movie even more hilarious. My favorite scene was when Toula's brother Nick and their cousin Angelo tricked Ian into saying something very funny: 

However all well that ends well; the movie ending on a happy note for Toula and Ian after all. Which was a relief because Toula's family drove the couple so crazy I envisioned Ian eventually running away screaming! But no, the wedding went well and the last scene- in a several years later jump- showed Toula and Ian escorting their little daughter Paris to Greek school. 
In 2003, there was a T.V continuation of the movie; the  CBS sitcom; My Big Fat Greek Life; but sadly short-lived  as it was cancelled after 7 episodes. As it opened with Toula (actually her name was changed to Nia, the actress' real name) and Ian (changed to Thomas and now played by Steven Eckholdt) coming back from their honeymoon, their daughter Paris was not featured. However, there were a few notable guest stars while it lasted- veteran actor John Aniston  and International composer, Yanni. And personally, while I liked the sitcom, the movie was a lot better and I really don't see why Toula and Ian's names were changed and why Toula remained working at the restaurant instead of Aunt Voula's travel agency like in the movie. 

Now on March 25 next year, we are going to be treated to My Big Fat Greek Life 2; hence we are to brace ourselves for another wedding, besides witnessing Paris Miller's own struggles with her loud and interfering (but well meaning) family. OH... we must definitely brace ourselves!

The other movie to watch out for is RISEN, directed by Kevin Reynolds, a movie about Jesus Christ but with a different approach; instead of another screen reenactment of   his birth  or the crucifixion ; the move depicts the aftermath of the Resurrection. 
Joseph Fiennes  (Shakespeare In Love, Elizabeth)  and Tom Felton (Harry Potter 1-7, Belle)  play Clavius and Lucius- a Roman centurion and his aide who are ordered by Pilate to  find Yeshua's (Jesus Christ) body after it disappeared from the tomb and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.  As this story is told in the perspective of a non believer for once; this is sure to be a gripping movie, for once it deals with the later events instead of events before the crucifixion and centered on a main character whose outlook will be changed forever. 

 RISEN will be released on January 2016.

IN LOVING MEMORY: PAUL WALKER REMEMBERED

Tyrese Gibson remembers Paul Walker on anniversary of his death: 'It's still not easy': https://t.co/LNQghPOKeN ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iRtKWWwm4J

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 30, 2015

Two years ago today, the world received a terrible shock at the news of Paul Walker's death from a ghastly car crash. The American actor who was 40 at the time of his death was notable for appearing alongside Vin Diesel and then later Tyrese Gibson as the character Brian Conner in The Fast & The Furious and  its sequels (except for The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift).
Walker also appeared  in the 1999 teen movie- She's All That- and several other movies including The Skulls, Flags of Our Fathers, The Lazarus Project and Vehicle 19. Furious 7 was his final movie.

Vin Diesel honors Paul Walker on anniversary of his death: 'You will always be my brother': https://t.co/uCWzyjmFHd pic.twitter.com/uINudNloGa

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 30, 2015

Paul Walker is greatly missed; not only for his versatile acting skills on the big screen but  for his charity work; he was the founder of the charity organisation "Reach Out World Wide" (ROWW) which provides relief  efforts for areas struck by natural disasters. His family, past colleagues and fans of course will always remember him at his best.
May he continue to rest in peace.