Here’s the thing. I hate waking up early but I’m a morning person. I know. It doesn’t make sense. I love mornings because the sun is just rising
Cardi B inspired this post. Yes. You read that correctly. Cardi B. I draw inspiration from a lot of powerful women and
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I have always been a fan of poetry. We have heard about new age authors like Rupi Kuar, who gained her popularity on instagram and went on to write two New York Times bestsellers and sold out international book tours. When I discovered Odera O'Gonuwe, a phenomenal up and coming author released her collection poems under the book title, Life as It Is, I was excited because I also see her gaining great success like Rupi Kuar. I am not new to Odera’s work. A few years ago, I read and wrote about her work and I am a huge fan of her writing style (read here). I got a chance to ask her a few questions and get some insight into her writing process and love for literature.
GET YOUR FREE EBOOK - HERE
Odera and her team decided to release the ebook for free during these tough times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, her book can be a good escape from the pandemic happening around the world.
1. Your work evokes a lot of emotion. Each poem causing the reader to self-reflect or question societal norms. Do you think good literary work forces the reader to be a little uncomfortable?
First, I would have to define what good literary work means to me. It is seamless. The words flow on their own accord, and the author’s machinations are unseen. The reader has complete trust that the story is as told, turning each page with conviction in where the book will go. Does that mean that the literary work must be uncomfortable to read? In my opinion, no. Literature is only uncomfortable when you are an outsider peeking into a worldview unfamiliar to you. As a Black woman, when I read works meant to be engaged by Black women, I feel more affirmed than uncomfortable. Likewise, when I engage works centering people unlike me and see the inequalities they face, there is a discomfort in realizing the power that I do wield and how I must dismantle my biases if I truly wish to build an equitable world.
2. What was the first book that made you cry or feel overwhelming emotion (good or bad)?
I have read a lot of books in my lifetime, but the first one that I remember making me feel overwhelming emotion would have to be Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Rick Riordan was my Favorite author as a child. I re-read his books numerous times. I felt as though Percy Jackson was real. I was immediately drawn into the riveting tale with the first sentence in the first chapter. I remember laughing along to the dialogue and fearing for Percy, Annabeth, and Grover as the plot thickened. I eclipsed the act of simply reading and lived within the pages until the story’s end. I discovered the magic of good storytelling with this novel. I write each book with the hope of evoking this emotion with my readers.
3. How important is it to bring a touch of humor into serious topics? In the poem, “People are Dying, Susan” I noticed that was the case and it allowed me to resonate with the overall message.
Humor allows us to ease tension. Sometimes my intention is to dial up the heat rather than extinguishing the fire. I attacked each poem with a unique perspective. I was blunt, nostalgic, whimsical, and humorous. However, I think it is best not to force humor as one is writing. Follow the natural voice that comes from within because there is nothing worse than a joke that falls flat.
I am saying goodbye, au revoir, arrivederci, adios to skinny jeans. Well... kinda. I think a more realistic way to put it is, I am saying hello to high-waisted baggy jeans but I might grab my skinny jeans if the occasion calls for it. Better? I have always had a tomboy edge to my style. I love feminine silhouettes with a masculine touch. This summer (once the pandemic is over) get ready to see a lot of girly tops with baggy bottoms. I have always been in love with this style. Pulling inspiration from the late 90s and early 2000s.
The pair of jeans, I am wearing are from ASOS and I get most if not all of my jeans from ASOS because they have a wonderful tall section. Being 5'11, finding jeans that flow all the way pass my ankle is difficult. I love that I can shop the ASOS brand as well as other brands.
Sunglasses - SheIn (here) | Shirt - Thrifted | Top - SheIn (here) | Jeans - ASOS (here) | Shoes - Nike (here)
Boredom… a blessing and a curse. I personally hate being too busy. I love having down time to do absolutely nothing. I even schedule time during the week for 'me time'. Due to the pandemic, we have no choice but to have alone time. I am realizing that it is all about balance. I like staying busy but also like having time to relax. Too much of everything is bad. Since, we are all stuck at home I wanted to share a few things I do to pass the time.
1. TV SHOWS | Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon Prime,
Elite - if you are looking for a show with a lot of 'WTF' moments. This is the show for you. It is the perfect mix of preppy teen drama and murder mystery.
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The Witcher - missing Game of Thrones? When it was good... let's not talk about the last season then this is the perfect filler. It is a great medieval era show and it is hilarious.
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Westworld - I LOVE Sci-Fi and this show is one of my favorites. If you like shows that make you question, 'what makes a human consciousness or what is humanity?' then this is for you. It is also beautifully shot and the graphics are amazing.
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Watchmen - I didn't expect to like HBO's watchmen the way I did but I was shocked in the best way. It is an interesting take on the classic comics. There are also a lot of 'WTF' moments.
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Ramy - truly comedic gold while addressing important topics. This show had me laughing through out. Being Nigerian American I could relate to a few situations the main character, Ramy was going through being Egyptian American.
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The Boys - looking for an action packed show with a good amount of comedy? Then this is for you. I love how they portray superheroes in a very realistic way.
2. BOOKS
Children of Virtue and Vengeance -Tomi Adeyemi
"After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could've imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too."
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Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
"Ifemelu and Obinze are young and in love when they depart military-ruled Nigeria for the West. Beautiful, self-assured Ifemelu heads for America, where despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with what it means to be black for the first time. Quiet, thoughtful Obinze had hoped to join her, but with post-9/11 America closed to him, he instead plunges into a dangerous, undocumented life in London. Fifteen years later, they reunite in a newly democratic Nigeria, and reignite their passion—for each other and for their homeland."
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Becoming - Michelle Obama
*I recommend listening to the audiobook because Michelle Obama writes it to you and it feels like she is telling you her story on a personal level
"In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare."
*I love storytelling podcasts and these are my favorite right now. I recommend listening with headphones to truly feel like you are a part of the story.
The Left Right Game
The Left Right Game
The Edge Of Sleep
4. SNACKS
Pretezels & Hummus Dip
Natural Valley Biscuits with Almond Butter
M&M'S MINIS Milk Chocolate Candy
5. MISC.
Tik Tok
Sims 4
I wanted check in and see how you are doing? It has been a crazy few weeks and things are not going to go back to normal right away. I hope you are staying safe and healthy. Below, you will find a quick video on what I have been up to during this age of social distancing and self isolation. COVID-19 will not get our spirits down. Let me know what you are doing to stay positive and passing the time.
Bodysuit - Pretty Little Thing (here) | Joggers - Pretty Little Thing (similar here)
These are the best tights I’ve ever tired. A bold statement… I know but it is the truth. When the team at Sheertex reached out, I was very excited because I have heard amazing things about their products. Although, hearing and seeing are two different things. Once, I got my hands on their Opaque Tights, I knew that Sheertex lived up to the hype. I made sure to put their tights to the test and I teamed up with my friends, Odera and Morayo (before the days of social distancing). We spent a full day in our tights and the comfort we felt while hanging out was unmatched. We even went a little crazy with tugging and pulling our tights like we have seen people do online. We didn’t see any rips or tears. We were honestly in disbelief but in the best possible way.
Me - Opaque Tights, Odera - Classic Thigh Highs, Morayo - Polka Dot Sheers
*use code: MARVELING10 for $10 off your first purchase
PUT YOUR SHEERTEX TO THE TEST!
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About Me
Hey there! I'm Feyi and welcome to my blog. Marveling Mind is a creative space where I can post about my life, places I've been or want to go, things that interest me, fashion and beauty.
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