The Choice is Yours

One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.
~ Aristotle, Greek critic, philosopher, physicist, & zoologist (384 BC - 322 BC)

Before you fall for the temptations of having fun no matter the risks, think of your future and make sure that what you do today will not haunt you tomorrow.

What benefit do you gain when you have lied, cheated and stolen to catch up with the Joneses among your peers who are actually prostitutes and gigolos pretending to be girlfriends and boyfriends in romance.

Have you not seen the consequences of brazen acts of FAKE LIFE, because others are doing it anyway?

Well, would you prefer to be others or BE YOU, walking with your head raised up and not hanging your head to hide the grimace of shame on your face whenever you come across or run into someone who knows your past?

Why not let people have good memories of you instead of bad records of your evils in the name of name of relationship?

Have you noticed how many of the Fly Girls have become shadows on the walls of history while the ones who appreciated the values and virtues of life are still walking tall.
Who cares about a good name?
Well, only a street dog does not care about whatever name you call it.

‘Oh, nobody is perfect,” you often blurt in defence of your deliberate acts of ignominy.
You are caught cheating and your lame excuse is Nobody is perfect.
You are caught lying and again it is another Nobody is perfect.
Well, our foolish excuses for our fraudulent ways of life have given Nigeria a bad name. And Nobody is perfect has not made the rest of the world to feel sorry for Nigerians online or offline.

419 is 419.
From 419 lovers to 419 fraudsters.
Call a spade a spade.
It is not only the corrupt politicians who are destroying Nigeria, but every cheat, liar, thief, prostitute, gigolo and other ignominious dogs of the earth.

Four great things make great people for the benefit of humanity.
Dignity, humility, integrity and nobility.
Without them, you would end up in the junk yard of history.

What you do today will follow you tomorrow with either joy or sorrow.

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
The choice is yours.

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:16

Elyse Taylor in O'Neill Girls Spring 2011 Collections

Elyse Taylor in O'Neill Girls Spring 2011 Collections

O'Neill Girls Launches Spring 2011 Collections Featuring International Supermodel Elyse Taylor




Taylor to Appear in Creative Campaigns and Co-Design Limited Edition Swimwear

View all images

IRVINE, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Neill (www.oneill.com), the original California surf, snow and youth lifestyle brand, today announced international supermodel Elyse Taylor as its brand ambassador to be featured in the marketing and consumer advertising efforts for O'Neill Girls through 2011. As part of the collaboration, O'Neill Girls will also be unveiling an exclusive swimwear collection, Elyse Taylor for O'Neill, later next year.

Born in Vaucluse, Sydney, Taylor is one of today's most coveted young models. Since her career began, the Australian beauty has worked with high fashion brands including Victoria's Secret, and appeared on runways for Marc Jacobs, Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana, and Roberto Cavalli. For O'Neill Girls, she will be included in retail and online videos, digital and print advertising, product hangtags, and other promotional content. Imagery from O'Neill's Spring 2011 photo shoot, shot on location in the Virgin Islands by Kyle Alexander, will debut at the Miami Swim Tradeshow this weekend.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with someone as talented, creative and down to earth as Elyse," said Cedar Carter, Marketing Director for O'Neill Girls. "She's a laid back beach girl who also has a lot of energy and style. She not only embodies the O'Neill Girls lifestyle, but also loves fashion and design, and has walked the runways for many of our girls' favorite brands. She is a wonderful addition to our team."

"I've always been a huge fan of O'Neill and am excited to be working with the company on various projects for 2011," added Taylor. "Growing up along the coast, the water and the beach were always part of my life, so it's great to work with a brand that represents so many of my passions. I'm really looking forward to collaborating with the design teams, drawing inspiration from O'Neill's California roots and my own experiences travelling around the world."

Scheduled for release in 2011 at specialty retailers and boutiques, Elyse Taylor for O'Neill will complement the brand's 2011 lifestyle collections that merge 1970's retro surf styling with indie culture and ethnic influences.

For a sneak peek into the O'Neill Girls Spring 2011 photo shoot, visit www.facebook.com/oneillgirls.

ABOUT O'NEILL GIRLS
O'Neill Girls is dedicated to and inspired by the adventurous and free-spirited young female. Driven by O'Neill's heritage as the original California surf brand since 1952, O'Neill Girls stays true to its roots, while offering a unique fashion perspective that is modern and fresh.

Featuring a range of styles for all seasons both on and off the beach, O'Neill Girls includes a blend of effortlessly cool prints, dresses, tees, denim, fleece, jackets, accessories, swimwear and wetsuits.

Featured in hundreds of magazines and available in more than 85 countries around the world, O'Neill Girls reflects its personality through innovative collections, signature events, and exceptional athletes. With talented team riders including surfers Malia Manuel and Sage Erikson, the brand continues to push the envelope of performance and is committed to providing today's most advanced and authentic youth lifestyle products. Connecting fashion, surf and youth culture, O'Neill Girls introduced "Generation Next" in 2008 with Teen Vogue, an annual high school design program to foster tomorrow's fashion talents and create inspiration for future product lines.

For more information, visit www.oneill.com and www.facebook.com/oneillgirls.
SOURCE O'NeillBack to top
RELATED LINKShttp://www.oneill.com

She Is So Irresistible, But She Is Dangerous Too

She Is So Irresistible, But She Is Dangerous Too


She is so irresistible, but you know that sleeping with her will do you more harm than good, FLEE before she lures you into her loving arms and wraps you with her charms.
In fact if you have to drive her away, do so.

You have to do this if,

1. You know she has a jealous and dangerous boyfriend or she is married.
2. You know she is a material girl who will be a devourer of your heart and soul and leave you broke when the cookie crumbles.
3. If she is a shameless cheat and lies to you that she loves you, but she is only using you to make ends meet or using you as a dummy to spite a rival or another guy.

Angela Bassett and Paula Patton Star in new Wedding Comedy "Jumping the Broom"

Angela Bassett

12 Jul 2010 19:53 Africa/Lagos


Ageless beauty Angela Bassett and Paula Patton Star With Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Loretta Devine and Meagan Good in TriStar Pictures' JUMPING THE BROOM

The Wedding Comedy Begins Principal Photography in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia Today

LOS ANGELES, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Principal photography has begun in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia on the TriStar Pictures' production of the wedding comedy JUMPING THE BROOM directed by Salim Akil from a screenplay written by Arlene Gibbs and Elizabeth Hunter. The film is slated for theatrical release on May 6, 2011 and distributed by Sony Pictures.

Paula Patton

The film stars Angela Bassett (NOTORIOUS, MEET THE BROWNS), Paula Patton (PRECIOUS, DEJA VU), Laz Alonso (JUST WRIGHT, AVATAR), Mike Epps (THE HANGOVER, RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION), Loretta Devine (DEATH AT A FUNERAL, FIRST SUNDAY), Meagan Good (STOMP THE YARD), Tasha Smith(COUPLES RETREAT, WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?), DeRay Davis (OLD DOGS, SEMI-PRO), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Romeo Miller (HONEY), Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, PERFECT STRANGER), Pooch Hall (The Game), Brian Stokes Mitchell (THE PRINCE OF EGYPT), and Valarie Pettiford (WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO?, STOMP THE YARD).


T.D. Jakes, Tracey E. Edmonds, Curtis Wallace, Elizabeth Hunter and Glendon Palmer will produce the project.


JUMPING THE BROOM focuses on a weekend wedding in Martha's Vineyard where two families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds clash during their first meeting before the big event.


JUMPING THE BROOM will shoot in Lunenberg until August 13, 2010.


Source: TriStar Pictures

CONTACT: Karen Tyrell, +1-416-516-6218, for TriStar Pictures

8 Finalists Top 'Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star'

9 Jul 2010 19:00 Africa/Lagos


'Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star' Announces Top Online Finalists Coming to Hollywood

Over 15,000 People Auditioned Over 143 Million Votes Were Cast in the 7 Week Online Contest

LOS ANGELES, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The online votes for the "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" competition have been verified, and the top five finalists have been chosen. And because of the overwhelming response to the online auditions (over 143 million votes), OWN has decided to select the next three vote getters to join the other finalists at the final auditions in Los Angeles. The online finalists, in order of verified vote count, are:


1. Jacqueline Wattimo of Waterton, MA with 9,360,096 votes.

2. Dr. Phyllis Tucker-Wicks of Tampa, FL with 8,453,803 votes.

3. Stacia Pierce of East Lansing, MI with 7,604,501 votes.

4. Kornelius Bascombe of Raleigh, NC with 5,856,075 votes.

5. Dr. Tony Roach of Abilene, TX with 3,842,648 votes.

6. Maria Holloway of Miami, FL with 3,796,219 votes.

7. Zach Anner of Austin, TX with 3,484,018 votes.

8. Jasbina Ahluwalia of Oak Brook, IL with 2,728,232 votes.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO )


From the total pool of hopeful superstars coming to Hollywood, 10 will be selected to participate in the reality series, "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star." At least one of the top five from the online popular vote is guaranteed a spot among the 10 on the series.


When auditions closed June 26, 2010, there were more than 9,500 online videos and more than 6,100 contestants who came to open casting calls in New Jersey, Texas, California and Georgia. Over 143 million votes were cast online and the results were carefully verified by a third party before the winners of the online competition were announced.


During the verification process, the final vote counts fluctuated, as votes that could not be authenticated were eliminated from the competition. The verification process did not change the top 8 applicants with the most votes online.


"The response was amazing with over 15,000 people having auditioned," said Executive Producer Mark Burnett. "Oprah Winfrey is such an inspiration and motivates people to seek their dreams. This response shows the enormity of those who wish to communicate their ideas on television."


"Your OWN Show," presented by Kohl's and premiering on OWN in January 2011, will be a reality series in which contestants compete in a "host boot camp." Challenges will range from booking interviews and researching story ideas, to successfully completing an actual screen test. The person selected to be the winner will receive a 6-episode commitment for his or her own show, executive produced by Mark Burnett, and scheduled to premiere on OWN in 2011.


About OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK


A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, LLC, OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut on January 1, 2011 in approximately 80 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own.


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091120/PH15283LOGO
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

CONTACT: OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK: Nicole Nichols, SVP,
Communications & Strategy, +1-323-602-5511, Nicole_Nichols@own.tv; Beth
Gebhard, Director, Publicity & Communications, +1-323-602-5516,
Beth_Gebhard@own.tv; or Janet Daily, OWN Publicity, +1-323-602-5624,
Janet_Daily-cw@own.tv


Web Site: http://www.oprah.com/own

Wendy's® Raises the Bar on Salads

9 Jul 2010 11:00 Africa/Lagos

Wendy's® Raises the Bar on Salads

Four New Salads Deliver High Quality Ingredients, Freshly Prepared

DUBLIN, Ohio, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Wendy's, the chain that first brought the salad bar to quick service customers over 30 years ago, then pioneered the premium salad offering with their Garden Sensations line in 2002, is reinventing quick service salads once again. The new fresh and flavorful line-up - Apple Pecan Chicken, BLT Cobb, Spicy Chicken Caesar and Baja - is now available in restaurants nationwide.


The four reinvented salads combine real ingredients and fresh preparation to deliver an unrivaled taste in every bite. With Wendy's new salads, customers can experience real high-quality ingredients and flavor combinations similar to what they get in a cafe or casual dining restaurant, but with the great value and convenience they expect from Wendy's.


The salads are prepared fresh in-store and topped with a variety of premium ingredients not usually found at fast food restaurants: 11 types of greens, including a spring mix; fruits like cranberries and two types of apples; real blue cheese crumbles and shaved Asiago cheese; fresh Pico de Gallo and guacamole; roasted pecans and warm chicken. Then each salad is served with Marzetti's all natural and preservative-free dressings, made especially for Wendy's, including Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Avocado Ranch, Lemon Garlic Caesar and Creamy Red Jalapeno.


The new line-up was first tested in Nashville, TN, Columbus, OH, Salt Lake City, UT and Richmond, VA, earlier this year and produced strong results. Sales of the salads exceeded expectations and customer reviews were highly favorable, spurring Wendy's to launch the salads as a permanent menu item.


"We are raising the bar on salads again," says Ken Calwell, chief marketing officer for Wendy's.


"Wendy's new premium salads offer the high-quality ingredients and choice that our customers crave. After a successful round of testing, we are thrilled to bring these new salads to consumers nationwide."


Wendy's new salads are available nationwide at the suggested retail price of $5.99. Prices will vary.


About the salads:


Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

A blend of fresh lettuce and spring mix salad greens, topped with
real blue cheese crumbles, U.S. grown, hand-picked Granny Smith and
sweet red apple pieces, roasted pecans seasoned with sea salt,
cayenne pepper and sugar, dried Ocean Spray cranberries and warm
grilled chicken. This salad comes with all natural, preservative-
free Pomegranate Vinaigrette dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-a )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-a )

BLT Cobb Salad

A blend of fresh lettuce and spring mix salad greens, topped with two
strips of Applewood Smoked Bacon, freshly chopped tomatoes, real
blue cheese crumbles, chopped hard boiled eggs and warm grilled
chicken. This salad is served with all natural, preservative-free
creamy Avocado Ranch dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-d )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-d )

Baja Salad

A blend of fresh lettuce and spring mix salad greens, topped with
natural cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, guacamole made with Hass
avocados, freshly prepared Pico de Gallo, all natural tortilla
chips, and Wendy's famous rich and meaty chili. This salad is served
with all natural, preservative-free Creamy Red Jalapeno dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-b )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-b )

Spicy Chicken Caesar

A bed of fresh romaine lettuce topped with vine ripened grape
tomatoes, natural shaved Asiago cheese, French bread croutons
seasoned with sea salt, black pepper and garlic and Wendy's famous
Spicy Chicken. This salad is served with all natural, preservative-
free Lemon Garlic Caesar dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-e )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-e )


Wendy's will also continue to offer the Garden and Caesar side salads:


Garden Side Salad

A blend of fresh salad greens, topped with grape tomatoes, matchstick
carrots, and French bread croutons seasoned with sea salt, black
pepper and garlic. This salad is served with the customer's choice
of dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-f )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-f )

Caesar Side Salad

A bed of fresh salad greens, topped with shaved Asiago cheese, grape
tomatoes, French bread croutons seasoned with sea salt, black pepper
and garlic. This salad is served with all natural, preservative-
free Lemon Garlic Caesar dressing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-c )
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-c )


Wendy's International Overview

Wendy's International is one of the world's most successful restaurant operating and franchising companies with more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide. Wendy's is a subsidiary of Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc (NYSE:WEN) . More information is available at www.wendys.com, or www.wendysarbys.com.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lauren Knox, 404-879-9157 Denny Lynch, 614-764-3553
lauren.knox@ketchum.com denny.lynch@wendys.com


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-d
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-b
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-e
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-f
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100709/CL32662-c
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-a
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-d
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-b
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-e
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-f
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/CL32662-c
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Wendy's

CONTACT: Lauren Knox, +1-404-879-9157, lauren.knox@ketchum.com; or Denny
Lynch, +1-614-764-3553, denny.lynch@wendys.com


Web Site: http://www.wendys.com/

Sonu Niigaam to Make Rare Appearance in UK

PRNewswire, London, July 9. LONDON - Sonu Niigaam. (PRNewsFoto/United Business Media & Asian Awards Ltd) LONDON ENGLAND


9 Jul 2010 08:00 Africa/Lagos



Sonu Niigaam to Make Rare Appearance in UK

LONDON, July 9, 2010/PRNewswire/ -- Legendary playback singer and songwriter Sonu Niigaam has today confirmed that he will make a rare personal appearance in the UK when he tops the bill at The Asian Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London on October 26.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100708/398619 )


The variety, emotional range and sheer power of his internationally acclaimed voice have earned Niigaam a huge global following. A Bollywood icon, his many songs for movies, as well as his award-winning Indi-Pop albums and other varied musical collaborations, have put the 36-year-old firmly among India's most successful and endearing stars.


The Asian Awards, in partnership with Lebara, is a prestigious new global event saluting achievement and excellence by individuals born in or with direct family origin from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan or Bangladesh. Unusually, members of the public are able to share in the celebration and tickets are available to buy online at http://www.theasianwards.com.


"Guests at this prestigious gala ceremony, including international business and community leaders, Parliamentarians, movie, music and sport stars, will witness the honouring of outstanding individuals in eleven categories - including business, philanthropy, cinema, music and sport," said Caroline Jackson Levy, managing director of UBM Awards. "We are so thrilled Sonu Niigaam will be leading our entertainment. His pre-eminence as a popular Indian entertainer demonstrates the high quality of this great and unforgettable evening."


Winners of The Asian Awards will be selected by independent judges chaired by Baroness Verma of Leicester, a Government Spokesperson in the House of Lords. Born in Amritsar in Punjab, India, Lady Verma moved as a child with her parents to England in 1960. "I am delighted in giving The Asian Awards my wholehearted support. This remarkable event will recognise the incredible talent of incredible Asians and I am truly honoured to be associated with it," said Lady Verma.


Yoganathan Ratheesan, founder and CEO of the headline sponsor Lebara, said, "We're delighted to be the headline sponsor of The Asian Awards which recognise what can be achieved with hard work, commitment and determination. At Lebara we share and promote these important values."


The Asian Awards, a partnership between United Business Media and Indian businessman Paul Sagoo, supports Save the Children as its official charity partner.


http://www.theasianwards.com


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100708/398619

Source: United Business Media & Asian Awards Ltd

For further information please contact Robert Janes (Stonebyte Consultants, London), Telephone: + 44(0)7974-173-403 Email: robert@stonebyte.co.uk

The 4th of July Photo of the Year

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama watch the fireworks over the National Mall from the roof of the White House. July 4, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

From the Older Woman to the Younger Woman: Two Temptations in Calabar

From the Older Woman to the Younger Woman: Two Temptations in Calabar

You are as old as the person you are having sex with.

Having a sexual relationship with anyone in mutual consent is quite natural and an important part of life. Our choices of our sex partners depend on foreseen and unforeseen circumstances we often cannot predict. But in most cases everyone has the chance to make a choice and change the condition or situation of your relationship.
Over a decade ago, I met an older woman who was 50 plus at the time. She was about 25 years older than me. We were going for the same seminar in Calabar. I arrived at the airport before her and left for the Metropolitan Hotel. She joined me later. During the course of the five day seminar, she called me one night to see her in her room and I obliged. I have known her since 1984. She was one of the two women who interviewed me for a consultancy at the USAID in Lagos. I respected her a lot. But she never showed any interest in me until 9 years later. She really liked me and wanted a relationship, but was scared of rejection. She was a six- footer and I was taller with three inches. She had a great booty. She was married, but her husband was no longer virile. It was past 11.30 pm. I was uncomfortable to be alone with a married woman in her hotel room. I told her that I wanted to go and write an important paper. That was how I escaped that night. In fact, I was not in the mood to have fun with any woman. There were single women nearby. Two professional women asked me to take them to my room, but I refused. I was still mourning my mother after her burial some weeks ago. We returned to Lagos on the same flight. She made more overtures, but I never succumbed until she gave up.

A decade later I found myself in Calabar again, this time to meet with a younger woman who was over 22 years younger than me. She had requested for our tryst. We were in a room at the Zoo Garden Hotel, 27 Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar. She was not married and was not in any relationship. She was very pretty and sexy. So, the coast was clear. So I fell for her and we were making love for hours from the evening till we both fell asleep at midnight. She was terrific and in fact more experienced than me. It was like Nick Curran and Catherine Tramell in the first Basic Instinct film where Detective Curran was personally involved in a torrid and intense relationship with the mysterious woman. I enjoyed it all and left Calabar the following morning. And I never met her again until 2007. But it was not in Calabar.

For Love Is Sufficient Unto Love

For Love Is Sufficient Unto Love



If you have not known how much God loves Israel and often chastises her, you will never understand me and if you have never known how much Kahlil Gibran expressed love you will never know me.

Because I am sweet and I am sour, I am like fire that warms and also burns.
Chi, how would they understand the essence of romance when they have no conscience.
You see how she came waging her tail with the green flies following her. She came to lap my feet, but I removed them before her forked tongue could lick them and smear them with her scarlet lies.

I threw the fresh pieces of meat at her and she ate them all. I gave her the bones and she ate them too. She was still hungry for more. But I ignored her and she snarled and barked at me. I shouted at her. She was a greedy dog. She was soon growling at me. Later I saw her straying on the street. I saw her sniffing behind another dog. The naughty woman was in the heat of summer. She followed him to a corner of the street and entered into the den of their dog eat dog world. Phew! I heaved a sigh of relief and went home to see Chi.
I read from The Prophet of Kahlil Gibran.





When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you unclothed.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love.

I asked Chi if she has read the love letters of Khalil Gibran and Mary Haskell. She shook her head.
It should be a good birthday present to give her later this month.
She sighed. She has been reading my Language of True Love and knew how much love is sacred to me.
She said she has never slept with a man, except some pecks and kisses, but not sexual intercourse.
She said she would love to do so soon
I read her more from The Prophet.

Your soul is oftentimes a battlefield, upon which your reason and your judgment wage war against your passion and your appetite.

Would that I could be the peacemaker in your soul, that I might turn the discord and the rivalry of your elements into oneness and melody.
But how shall I, unless you yourselves be also the peacemakers, nay, the lovers of all your elements?

Your reason and your passion are the rudder and the sails of your seafaring soul. If either your sails or your rudder be broken, you can but toss and drift, or else be held at a standstill in mid-seas.

For reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.

Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing;
And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.