Old Post I always look back with nostalgia to my teen years back in the 90s. Nikky Christmas was fun on another level back then especially because it was a time for eating delicious delicacies, wearing your Christmas cloth, enjoying a bottle of drink alone instead of sharing it with others, watching masquerades and dance troupes to exhibit their skills. My big dream was to join a masquerade group and get to be the masquerade. So i was excited when some boys in my class who also lived on my street decided to form a masquerade group and asked me to join them. My dream was coming true and I gladly became a member. We turned into designers and picked rafia from the bush, colored, sewed them together to make a garment for our masquerade. 

Happy Pic story..🥰

Hello Nikky, I love the pictures you have been sharing with us this season. But I just want to share this my first experience Of White Christmas with you and everyone. As a teenager, I always loved watching or seeing Hollywood Christmas movies especially on Hallmark movies Channel. Its something I looked forward to every Christmas. The best part was always the part they play in the snow, build snow men or when I hear stuff like; "its white Christmas!" I remember I used to wish we had snow during Christmas in Naija. I would have given anything to convince God to change our yeye harmattan to winter.

We are now in the second week of December and I'm guessing that you are already screaming; where are the days rushing to?" I understand that feeling. Infact, I recall when I used to wonder if December was indeed 31days because it always ended before you were even ready for the month to begin.  Once schools close for the holiday, everything starts spiraling out of control and down hill. Items become annoyingly pricey especially at a time when your pocket is tight and you need to buy new decorations for the house, gifts for everyone and fuel the car for your trip. Even airplane tickets skyrocket, leaving you wondering who we offended in this country. 

Repost Due To Popular Request **** I remember my first night at Camp...hmm. I arrived late and like other late comers, I had to sleep outside without a mattress, on the chilly fine sand of Adamawa with my bag for a pillow. That night was a nightmare.  I was depressed, disillusioned, heartbroken, alone and lost. Even the glittering stars dancing in the night sky could not obliterate the discomfort I felt from the stones piercing my skin, the soundtrack of the mosquitoes and the cold that seeped into my bones all night. I don't even know how I managed to sleep. I just know that I woke up with sand in my mouth and hair. Those were the days. Read On  

Christmas is in the air!  Hello NIB family. As you all know, we usually run exciting Christmas stories, documentaries and articles from the first week of December every year. You can check out our Seasons greetings label for all the Christmas selection. The good news is; this year we will be celebrating Christmas in a special way! Oh Yes! So, don't forget to get into the Christmas spirit with us this year and we promise to make it worth your time ❤️💕 ******************************************* The  Advent Season Reflection For an in-depth reflection on the Advent season,  Read More

“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open.” ―  Frank Zappa ___________________ Brad ignored me and grabbing my hand, he pulled me towards a vacant table. Pulling out a chair he mouthed "please" at me.  I was furious. Scratch that, livid is a better word; "I asked you a question. What are we doing here?"  Just then a waitress dashed over with a thick menu and welcoming smile.  Brad waved her off with a quick “Just a moment, thanks,” before turning to me. She hurriedly placed the menu on the table and walked away without a word.

" Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness"  James Thurber ****** Who could have told Brad about my love for fashion designs? Something was definitely off. “Do you like Chinese?” Chinese? I snapped out of my thoughts and tried to figure out what the man was talking about. What has my feelings for the Chinese got to do with anything? "Does it matter?" He laughed lightly and turned on the Ac of his car before driving off. The cool air calmed my rattled  and skeptical nerves but my stomach was beginning to hurt from the self imposed fast. “You mentioned you were hungry so I was thinking we could get some Chinese food before going to pick up the costumes.” My frown deepened as I re-arranged my backpack at my feet. Mr. Brad had obviously fallen under the category of people who presumed that I was a naïve teenager or a dumb girl.  I used to blame my petite looks or blank face for that misconception but I was no longer petite as was confi...

  “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” ― Plato ******* “ Miss Dapper! He sounded excited like we were old friends; "Sorry for keeping you waiting. Yes, I wanted to inform you that we would be picking up the costumes together. I hope you don’t mind?" Wait! What? This must be a joke , I thought with indignation. Mabel must have hit his head too hard against the wall during their make out session because there was no way I was going anywhere nor picking costumes or anything with the man. “I think you are confusing me with someone else sir. I am not in the logistics unit. I am a dancer." I explained firmly. “I know who you are.” He said and took a step in my direction. "Sir it’s late and I am supposed to be at home at this moment ...” His smile widened and he nodded as if in agreement with me; "Allow me to apologise for the short notice." He explained camly; "actually...

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are" Chinese Proverb ********** She let out a low scream and scrambled up while attempting to cover her exposed skin with shaky hands. She was a mess and I had never seen her as disoriented as she was at that moment. She spurn away from the direction of the door, not once looking at me. Brad acting the gentleman stepped in front of her, obviously trying to shield her almost nude state from whoever had entered the room. He mustered some courage and looked in my direction. I could see relief wash over him as his eyes met mine. I fought the overwhelming feeling of disgust rushing through me as they toppled down the pedestal I had placed them on. “You asked for me... Sir?” I tried to conceal my emotion but as always, I failed because my tone gave away my disgust. “Oh, yes! Yes. Ermm, can you give us a minute? Thank you.” He stuttered, still shaken by my sudden appearance and discovery of their folly. Will a min...

  “The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.”  – Martin Luther King Jr. ***** I watched as he walked over with a wide smile on his face. The man had never said a word to me ever since I joined the troupe. That he knew my name came as a huge surprise. "Is your name Dapper?" His voice was deep. Very deep. He was obviously one of the lifters and definitely the one all the girls were crushing on. They claimed he had Abs to die for. I think they nicknamed him muscles or something. "Who's asking?" I queried while balancing my backpack on one shoulder "What sort of name is Dapper?" He asked on a short laugh. His question threw me off. I could not believe that this guy stopped me from going home because of a stupid conversation! I was hungry but instantly, I became angry.

“ Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” ― Mark Twain ****** For a clearer picture, I will tell you more about Mabel and Brad and how my dilemma started. Mabel was once the most sought after lady in our community especially due to her history of leading our local team to victory at the popular Calabar carnival. She also won an individual award as the queen of the carnival. Eventually, she found love with a wealthy international businessman. Their wedding was flamboyant and almost a celebrity wedding. They relocated to the city but a year later, they returned home when her husband won the Local Government Chairmanship election. But, before the Chairman, there was Brad. Not Brad Pitt ofcourse, but our very own tall, dark and handsome local general business investor. Brad was in the same troupe with Mabel back in the days. As expected, he started a small troupe tagged the Achievers but had no financial strength to achieve any victories with his grou...