Desperate Greed and Ambition

In Lorenzo's wife, chapter 4, Silvia overheard when Isabela demanded that she should be sacked by Empe. She pleaded with Empe not to sack her, but Empe waved her away. After her departure, Empe felt bad that she had to sack Silvia in order to woo Isabela.

Laura had to send Tony and Mimi out of her company, when she met them quarreling. She said that their attitude could drive her customers away. She was later surprised to know that the boy was Giacomo's son.

Lorenzo was gisting with Nati about his birthday party and how Orlando came with fiancee, Gloria. He told Nati to alert him whenever Gloria calls.

Once again, Sonia and Alex met at the gym and she told him not to worry because, Laura was the opposite of Lorenzo, her husband, whom she was sure, would give him employment as a model at the boutique.

In a heart-to-heart talk, Laura confessed to Giacomo that she was taking contraceptive pills to avoid the embarrassment of pregnancy. She said she never wanted to, and Lorenzo did not know about this deception. Giacomo advised her to be truthful and tell her husband that she was not ready for pregnancy now. Laura expressed her fear, that if she told Lorenzo the truth, he may divorce her, and go to marry Isabela.

Silvia, on her way out, said farewell to all the young women working in Empe's garment workshop. They all loved her and declared with affection that they would miss her dearly. Empe came in to hurry her out, shouting on the workers to face their work, or face the same fate as Silvia.

Tony and Mimi went ga-ga to musical concerts in Lima, because of their common interest in rap music.

Hercules tried to discourage two young ladies who came to learn the martial arts in his gym. He believed that boxing and martial arts should strictly be for men, and not women. When Conan arrived, he told his father that he had registered for the upcoming championship competition.

Hercules was not too happy with Conan's decision because he needed that registration money to pay some outstanding bills. At that moment, Silvia entered, carrying a mournful countenance, but refused to tell anyone about what just befell her.

Laura advised Giacomo to use opportunity of the probational six months to give proper guidance to his son, Tony, before going to Europe with his mom. He told her that he hoped to introduce him to the modeling career, because he was good looking.

Nati confronted Orlando with the fact of his relationship with Gloria, but he lied by saying there was no relationship between them. When Nati revealed to him that Lorenzo also confirmed that he came to the birthday party with Gloria, he was evasive and gave her a deceptive kiss again.

Lorenzo notified Orlando that his fiancee, Gloria was calling him on phone. Orlando was worried by this public notification because, Nati heard it. He excused her, saying that Gloria was just a friend.

Silvia finally got the strength to announce to Conan and Hercules that she had been sack by Empe. When she told Alex on phone, he promised to talk to his mother to rescind her unpopular decision. Silvia told him not to bother.

Laura told Giacomo of her displeasure at the lunch date of Lorenzo and Orlando with Isabela. Giacomo advised her not to contest the date, but rather organize her own business date. So Laura told him to call Alex for a lunch date, to discuss prospect of his employment at the Boutique.

Silvia was told by her cousin, Conan, that Hercules was at the verge of loosing his business because of outstanding bills that were crippling it.

While waiting for Isabela at the restaurant, Orlando asked Lorenzo about the nature of relationship between him and Isabela. Lorenzo told him about the 4 year courtship he had with Isabela that was almost resulting in marriage, before Laura suddenly appeared in his life.

Orlando was shocked to know that Isabela was that close to him in the past, and warned him to be careful, and not foolishly take Isabela's new raproachmore for granted. Just then, Isabela arrived, apologizing for her lateness. During the business cum lunch meeting, Isabela assured them that her exports would double their profits in two years, if they accept her proposal.

When they asked for the bill from the waiter, Isabela told them not to worry, because she owns the restaurant and would write off their bill. They were both impressed about what they witnessed.

In preparation for the upcoming championship fight, Conan and Hercules were practicing in the boxing ring, Silvia came along and insisted, despite Hercules' objection, that she wanted to practice with Conan. After the sparring session with Silvia, Conan told her that winning the prized fight would pay all the outstanding debts and save his father, Hercules, from financial bankruptcy.

At last, Gloria came to Lorenzo's office to drop her CV, in the hope of picking a job there. Nati collected her resume and told her that Lorenzo and Orlando went out to a business lunch.

Giacomo and Alex had a business lunch together, where Giacomo told him that Laura was ready to employ him now. Alex told Giacomo of the gossips in the magazines that said Laura was incapable of bearing children.

When they returned to the boutique for trial photographs, Giacomo was informed that his son, Tony had been arrested by police. He had to pass the assignment to Laura, to handle the trial photos of Alex.

Laura drove Alex in her car to where the photographic session would take place. On the way the two of them became friendly, and Alex made passes at her.

Isabela came to inspect the manufacturing facilities and capacity of Lorenzo's textile factory. One of the engineers claimed he knew Isabela from photographs in the magazines and newspapers.

Silvia proposed to Conan to let her help him in the championship fight, by substituting for him during the fight.

Lorenzo Chapter 3

Isabella's arrival at Lorenzo's birthday party caused an agitated stir and stare. Very elegantly dressed and delectable, Lorenzo expressed his surprised to her at showing up at his party. She quickly replied and lied that it was Laura who invited her that she must not fail to come.

Orlando and his fiancee, Gloria, had a sharp disagreement. She wanted him to help her, by giving her a job at Lorenzo's company, Textiles Paracas. Orlando was not favorably disposed to the idea, because, he had his own romantic but hidden agenda for Nati, which may ruin his relationship with Gloria, if she has a job there. She angrily left the party and went to her hotel suite.

Hercules and Cónan were in hot argument when the TV advertised the upcoming fight at the gym. They both want different camp to win the fight.

At the office next day, Orlando arrived and went straight to Nati, with the intention of kissing her good morning, but resisted his amorous touch. She warned him not to touch her because she doesn't want co-workers to gossip that she was flirt or had any relationship with him.

Orlando persisted in toasting her, telling her that she was the most intelligent and pretty lady he has mat in a long time. He gave her a peck when she calmed down.

Laura protested to Isabela for daring to attend the birthday party without invitation. She even threaten to send her out of the venue, when Isabela warned her that she just bought the restaurant and, as the new owner and hostess, would not hesitate to send Laura out of the premises. Laura was shocked, furious and humbled.

As the night wore on, the guest began to sing "happy birthday" songs unto Lorenzo. This brought the memory of the engagement night when Lorenzo was snatched from her by Laura, she was saddened.

Madam Emperatriz was at home counting a load of money when her son, Alex, arrived. She quickly began to convince her son to befriend and marry Isabela, because she was a rich lady. Alex initially told his mom that he was not interested, but after much maternal pressure, agreed to visit Isabela next day.

When Empe got to Mimi's room, she was angry because her mother was scheming to make her brother befriend a woman whom, Mimi already considered to be a witch. Empe scoffed at the strange ability of Mimi to see through the skin of a person and know if they were witches.

Mimi despises the loafer and idle life of a gigolo that her brother, Alex, was living. This only made Empe to be angry but Mimi's anger and insult drove the old woman out of her room.

When Lorenzo and Laura got back home from the dinner, he thanked her for the successful dinner, but also reminded her that, she did invite those guests to avoid the subject of bearing him a son. After much pleadings, laura agreed that she would conceive and give him a son. Lorenzo was happy and gave his wife an affectionate kiss.

The next day, while Silvia was training, Cónan asked her if Nati came home overnight. Silvia told him that Nati slept out. Cónan asked her not to disclose this secret to Hercules. talk of the devil, Hercules interrupted their chat and Nati was the first person he asked after. Silvia protected Nati's secret by telling him that she was still sleeping.

Meanwhile, Nati woke up on Orlando's bed and asked him to drive her home in his car. Orlando replied that he does not want risk their secret love-affair, by being seeing publicly with her, and therefore she should take a taxi home.

At the breakfast table, Conan and Silvia tried to hide the fact that Nati did not sleep at home during the night. Hercules got angry and accused the duo of making a fool out of him, so he stood up and withdrew from breakfast.

After a passionate love making, Lorenzo woke up from bed beside his wife, believing that Laura has begun to cooperate with him, so she could conceive their expected or promised child. After Lorenzo left for early morning jogging, Laura quickly opened the bedside drawer and swallowed contraceptive pills to neutralize any possibility of conception.

Silvia confronted Nati, asking her to disclose the mystery lover that has been taking her out every night, and causing problem at home with Hercules. She promised that she would soon come to introduce him, and he was a married man.

Giacomo's ex-wife came with his son, Tony, and told him that she would leave Tony, to live with him for a probational poeriod of six months. Giacomo was not too comfortable with this proposition.

As Alex left the house after breakfast, Mimi began to trail him to know his movement. She saw that Alex was picked up by Sonia and driven to Laura's boutique. After Sonia presented Alex to Laura as a prospective model. Laura told them that it was only Lorenzo that has the power to employ models. Alex requested that she should recommend him to her husband, but she said she cannot recommend strangers for hire by her hubby.

As Alex and Sonia were leaving, Sonia introduced him to Giacomo, who was pleased to meet him. Giacomo asked Alex to come back in the afternoon for interview. Tony caught Mimi spying out on her brother. They started chatting, as Alex walked pass them, Tony shielded Mimi from being discovered by kissing her. She was initially offended, but that was how a romance was inadvertently triggered on, between the two youngsters who have so many things in common, rap music inclusive.

The workers in Empe's garment factory were not convinced by Silvia that Empe would give them a raise for the overtime they worked. At that moment, Empe came in and announced that Isabela, a prospective investor and partner would be visiting, to inspect the factory, so the workers should clean up the factory and be ready.

When Isabela arrived, Empe asked Silvia to take her around for the inspection. By the time Isabela came back, she promised to do business with Empe, but she must first dismiss Silvia, because of her close union activism and affinity with the workers.

Lorenzo Chapter 2

Nati came to save the embarrassing situation between Lorenzo and Silvia, by telling Lorenzo that Silvia was her cousin from whom she ordered the special wine for his birthday.

When Empe arrived at the garment factory, she learnt afresh from Silvia that hoodlums attacked and robbed her of the money paid by a client. Silvia however told her that the money was recovered and used to purchased more raw materials like threads.

Laura warned Orlando not to disclose to Nati, the plans of inviting more people to the Lorenzo's birthday dinner. She said that Nati would tipoff Lorenzo if Orlando should make the mistake of telling her. Orlando asked Laura if the news of the arrival of Isabela into Peru, worried her. Laura said no.

A family business is in the making, Hercules and his children, including his niece, Silvia, were discussing how to start a fashion and garment company. Conan had begun to put up sketches of designs on paper.

While Orlando was chatting with Lorenzo and his wife at the office, Nati came in to announce the arrival of a woman who insisted on seeing Lorenzo. Alas! it was Isabela. After exchange of greetings, Orlando took excuse to leave, but not before Lorenzo introduced him as his business associate to Isabela.

Isabela apologized to the couple, and expressed her regret for breaking friendship and keeping grudges against them for several years past. She assured them she had forgiven and forgotten her bitter memory of past betrayals, and ready to forge new friendship with them like matured adults.

Lorenzo agreed with her submission, but Laura distrusted Isabela's new 'friendship' overtures. Isabela demanded to speak privately with Lorenzo alone, so Laura stood up to go to the outer office, but gave up her lips for Lorenzo to plant a warm romantic kiss on. This was to send signal and tell Isabela that: "NO VACANCY, He STILL BELONGS TO ME!"

Isabela gave a precious gift to Lorenzo and offered him some opportunity of garment exports to Europe. Lorenzo was not interested in the exports offer but agreed to have lunch with her in company of his partner, Orlando, next day.

Laura was so tensed and angry outside the office, Orlando had to calm her down. Her scheming mind could not bear to leave Isabela alone, with the man whom she snatched from her, some years past. When Isabela came out, Laura declared a silent war and warned her to leave her husband, Lorenzo alone!

Isabella rebutted her subtle attack by telling Laura that she was no longer the innocent girl that could be cheated or threatened, like it was in the past.

Orlando invited his fiancèe to the dinner, telling her that he wanted to celebrate the good fortunes of the company where he worked with her. He did not tell her that it was originally, a romantic dinner for Lorenzo and Laura.

Silvia and Alex returned from an outing. He told her of the suggestion by one of his client that he would be successful if he choses modeling as a career. Silvia saw the magazine with Laura's picture on the cover page. He told her that it was given to him by the client. He did not mention Sonia's name, he also lied to her that there was no one else in his romantic life. The two started kissing, until interrupted by Nati, who just arrived from work.

Lorenzo inquired from Nati if there was any affair between her and Orlando. She avoided giving him a direct answer. She told him that she suspected Orlando to be a first-class womanizer. Meanwhile, Isabela stepped up her espionage by recruiting a staff of Lorenzo's company. She paid substantial money to get the spy to monitor and report back all activities in Lorenzo's company.

Lorenzo was surprised to see a crowd of guests and friends, at his supposedly private romantic dinner, to mark his birthday in company of his wife. Laura told him that she was responsible for inviting all the guests and he should move round and greet all of them.

Laura enjoyed the rowdy dinner and never really gave Lorenzo much audience throughout the dinner, hiding under the excuse of greeting and attending to the guests. In the middle of the partying, Isabela appeared. Laura was furious, not knowing how Isabela got information about the party.

Chapter 1: Lorenzo- The Long-Awaited Hour Has Come!

Silvia (Adriana Louvier), was training very hard in her uncle's boxing gym, called "Gimansio Olympus". The punching bag fell under her hard blows. She called Conan, her cousin, to come and help her hang it again, and also to join her in training. He was reluctant because his father had warned him to desist from going back to the boxing ring, to avoid a fatal accident. Silvia promised him that she would not let Conan's father, who was her uncle, to know about the sparring session.

Laura (Carolina Tejera) beaming with joyous smiles, and day-dreaming that she was wrapped in the muscular arms of her lover in bed. She thought aloud, wondering when her dreams would be fulfilled. By her bedside was the handsome picture of Lorenzo, her husband, whom she had grown bored with, in recent times.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo (Guillermo Perez), was diving and swimming in the palatial pool. Silvia and Cónan continued training together in the gym. It took the arrival of Hercules, (Eduardo Cesti), Cónan's father and Sylvia's uncle, who owns the gym, instructing Cónan to release Silvia from the vice-like grip, which he had over her. He disapprove of women in the game of boxing, but Silvia insisted that she trains in order to equip her for self-defence.

Isabela Frugone- (Andrea Montenegro), the elegant stallion and ex-fiancee of Lorenzo, arrived from Europe into the lobby of ... Hotel and her luggage was transfered to her hotel suite. Full of vengeance and perfected plans revenge against Laura, for snatching Lorenzo from her a few years ago, and also against Lorenzo, for marrying Laura and believing the lie of laura against her.

Isabela's plans sprung into action as she secretly planned with a journalist to propagate her return to ... as a distinguished and successful industrialist, after a streak of successful investments in Europe. The front pages of newspapers were agog with the stories of her European exploits and return to ...

Hercules was at home, anxiously reading letters with Cónan and Silvia when his daughter, Nati arrives (Milene Vasquez), entered on her way to work. Silvia covered up for Nati when Hercules queried why she came late yesternight, saying she was not too late.

Mimi was dancing on her bed, practicing her rap music concert. The radio announced the arrival of Enrique Iglesias in Lima at the Hotel Holiday Inn.

Still in Lima, at the garment factory, handsome Orlando arrived and greeted Dulzita, the receptionist before conducting interviews for many girls who seek job at the factory.

While having breakfast, Mrs. Emperatriz (Empe for short) Zambrano (Camucha Negrete), told her two children Alex (Yul Burkle), and Mimi of the newspaper column that announced the arrival of Isabella, the "wealthy industrialist widow, who inherited a great fortune from her late husband, 6 months ago". She told them that Isabela was her late friend's (Eugenia), daughter and would love Alex to get married to this lady.

Silvia went to visit her fiance, Alex at home, the couple kissed as Alex opened the door for her. Silvia normally transacts business with her future mother-in-law, Empress, by taking orders and helping to sell the fabric from her garment factory.

After the couple left, Empe asked Mimi to escort her to the hotel where Isabela was staying. She had dreams and ambitions to get business patronage from this "wealthy industrialist" and also for her son, Alex, to 'dump' Silvia and get married to this "wealthy" lady.

Lorenzo arrived late and apologetic to a dinner with his wife, Laura, to mark the latter's birthday. Laura stood up, saying she was going to the boutique. She also advised her husband that she was bored with the traditional and romantic celebration of his birthdays alone with him in cozy restaurants, and this one should be celebrated with friends.

When Lorenzo arrived at his factory, called the "Paracas Textiles", he was welcomed by the receptionist, Dulzita, who informed him of the messages awaiting his attention. He instructed his secretary, Nati, to make reservations at a high-brow restaurant for a romantic dinner for two, to mark his birthday ceremony.

Orlando also arrived and informed Lorenzo of the newspaper reports of the flamboyant arrival of Isabela to Lima from Europe. Lorenzo showered praises on Isabela and Orlando asked him if he was still in love with Isabela, this was denied by Lorenzo.

At the boutique, Laura returned the romantic novel she borrowed to her Fashion designer friend, Giacomo. He told her that the adult content was too explosive for a married woman. Laura told Giacomo of the strains in her marriage to Lorenzo, because Lorenzo wanted her to bear children, but she does not want to have children because it would disrupt the serenity of her blissful life. She does not want to sacrifice her life for the burden of motherhood.

Laura was afraid of a romantic dinner with her husband tonite, because Lorenzo might raise the terse subject of child-bearing again at the dinner. Giacomo prophetically warned her that something may happen to abort the romantic dinner.

Alex was busy training his lady clients at the gym. One of the ladies, Sonia, suggested to him that he should change his career from Physical Fitness Trainer to Modeling. Alex replied that it was a very competitive industry, and he did not have any connections there. Sonia, assured him that she would introduce him to a VIP in that Fashion and modeling industry. Sonia promised to introduce him to Laura Benavides, and showed him a cover picture of enchanting Laura on a magazine.

Silvia instructed the tailors at the garment factory of Emperatriz that they would put in additional two hours of overtime, but they were angry because the old woman never paid overtime and was an exploiter of labor. Silvia assured them that she would convince the old woman to pay them their due, this time around.

Nati made an urgent call to her cousin Silvia, that her boss, Lorenzo, has ordered for the special wine and flowers which Silvia sells, to mark his birthday. Silvia assured her that she would rush home to bring them.

Cónan frankly told his father, Hercules, that much as he likes boxing, he has not yet decided his future career, between professional boxing or his other talents. He asked his old man to give him time to decide, and not to pressurize him.

Silvia soon had opportunity to practice her fighting prowess, when two miscreants snatched a briefcase of the money she just received from a client that owe her. She ran after them and caught up with them. A fight ensued, and she beat the two of them black and blue, based on her kick-boxing and self-defense prowess, the miscreant fled for dear life after being dealt with by Silvia.

Emperatriz and Mimi arrived at the hotel but were declined audience with Isabela. The old stubborn woman refused to go back. She wittingly obtained the suite of Isabella, and secretly made her way there. On getting to the door, she pretended to be a hotel staff and called out "Room Service", by the time Isabela came to open the door, she was surprised to discover that it was Emperatriz at the door.

Empe recounted the story of her childhood friend, Eugenia who was Isabela's late mom. Isabela recalled the betrayal of Laura, how she snatched her fiancee, lorenzo, several years ago.

Sonia succeeded in seducing Alex while he was taking his bath, after the fitness training at the gym. She stripped naked and before Alex could resist her, she told him that she 'wanted it' there and then in the male bathroom.

Laura came to Lorenzo's company and begged Orlando, the legal adviser, to invite more people to the romantic dinner, because she did not want to be alone with Lorenzo at the dinner. Then, Orlando gave her the shocker that Isabela has arrived in Lima and the news was in all newspapers. Laura was afraid, she shouted that " ...it cannot be ... "

By the time Silvia arrived in Lorenzo's company wityh the special wine order, which Nati requested, she told nati of the attack of the hoodlums which she survived. nati asked to go and wait in the conference room.

Lorenzo came to ask the receptionist about the whereabouts of Nati, Dulzita told him that Laura was in the company premises, probably in the conference room. Lorenzo happily tip-toed into the conference room which visibility was poor, to surprise his wife, Laura. He caressed the shoulder of the lady siting with back to him, thinking it was Laura, saying: "... my Love, you are here ... "

Before Lorenzo could comprehend what happened to him, he was already sprawled on the floor because of the judo-throw that Silvia technically gave him. Lorenzo was shocked and realized that that it was a stunningly beautiful lady whom he had never met before. He clenched his fist in retaliatory anger, wanting to hit her. But he was enraptured and hypnotized by her beauty, Silvia too was thrilled by his soft and gentle touch on her neck.

Befriending Mariana Ochoa

I recently came across Mariana Ochoa, a.k.a Luisa Fernanda of the Gardener's daughter fame, on her MySpace page. She has visited our Telenovela Garden here.

In her correspondence, she admitted her joy at the sheer number of fans that write her from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. I don't need to woo her for a concert tour of Nigeria and possibly Ghana and South Africa too. She already admitted that, saying, "... I would love to go to Nigeria ... "

She is however busy producing her next musical album. She is also looking at how to integrate more English versions of her album with Warner Music, so that she could promote her musicals during the concert here.

We are already in talks with her and her manager over this package. I am also looking at how we could bring one of the latest telenovela here. I am thinking of "La Heredera" or "Amor sin Condiciones". She has referred us to the distribution/marketing company in charge of that. This is big money, not just blogging.

Sentimental Gamble

Gambling is one game I hated because of its unpredictable and sometimes, anomalous reward patterns. Lottery is one thing that I abhor, because it carries along with its surprise winnings, a womb of inconsolable sorrow.

I believe in honest labor that earns an honest income. That is predictable and inevitably rational pattern. I am comfortable with that logic, but gambling? count me out.

On Friday 13th April, 2007, under the euphoria on the eve of Nigerian elections, I made what looked to me then, some cool and safe choices of about six 'governors-in-waiting' list, and went to sleep, forgetting about my choices for the moment.

Two days later, by yesterday, Sunday 15th, I was rudely woken up from my telenovela electioneering fantasy with reports of an election marred by violence and unspeakable atrocities.

I had compiled a "Wish-list" of Fashola, for Lagos, Adams Oshiomole for my State, Edo, Dr. Fayemi for Ekiti, Theodore Orji for Abia State, Mimiko for Ondo State, and Aregbesola for Osun State. Three of these guys were my husband's personal friends or comrades, and that was why I call it a sentimental gamble.

I suffered from the mirage of a peaceful transition of power. A mirage which turned out into a migraine, when my favorite candidates who were supposedly leading and electorally doing well, suddenly suffered a violent invasion of their dreams as political hoodlums hijacked ballot boxes, and the magical outcome we all know now.

A level playing field is a modern prerequisite for a fair chance of winning in any game, but that was precisely what has been conspicuously missing since 1999, and has not been restored, even in this 2007 elections.

So much for my gubernatorial fantasies. I am not a politician, but instead of burying my head in shame for the brazen gangsterism and blood-letting, been celebrated by the powers-that-be, as a 'Free', 'Fair' and 'Sucessfool' elections by INEC, I would rather bury my head in an avalanche of telenovela stories that have been missing from this blog in the last two weeks, particularly, Lorenzo's Wife.

I am not ready to gamble away my Presidential sentiments, now that I know that my wishes could easily be distorted by the crude wielders of power in the land.

I have a good news though for you. I got the result of a new website. STORY-STORY DOT COM, registered and hosted by my hubby and my brother, from Ireland, during this election and for the next 12 months, for our entertainment.

I discovered that fellow bloggers like me, who didn't put in 20% of my efforts on this telenovela blog, were making TEN TIMES of what I earn monthly from this passion. So, when I told my hubby about my observation, he set the ball rolling and, thank God, we are set to explode, any moment from now.

Blind Love

Another piece of story from Toun in Port Harcourt.

"There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she's blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He's always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then, she can see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?"

The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend is blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying. "Just take care of my eyes, dear."

This is how humans change when their status changes. Only few remember what life was before, and who has always been there in the most painful situations.

Today before you before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another, remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one Maker."

Coffee or Cup

This is from Toun Mustapha my Port-Harcourt-based friend for your morning delight.

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversationsoon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.

Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and
returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups -
porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite. He told the group to help themselves to the coffee.

When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.

"Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups ... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.

Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change, the quality of the Life we live.

Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups ... Enjoy your coffee!"

The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply.

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly,

Leave the rest to God.

You are the miracle, my friend. Your life either shines a light - or casts a shadow.

Over to you now. You can decide to be cup and not the contents or vice versa.

As for me and my house we shall worship the GOOD LORD, who has blessed us with a fragrance and aroma sweeter than even coffee.

Adieu Consuela!

The chairlady of wickedness, Consuelo Alcantara, met with divine Justice yesternite. At exactly the same spot where Amelia died in a tragic auto accident, she met her divine Waterloo. Amelia's ghost appeared to Consuela, and she lost control of her speeding car and somersaulted into the deep pit, where Amelia vehicle had tumbled 3 years earlier.

Luisa Fernanda had gone to Consuela, threatening to open her can of worms, Consuela got frightened and decided there and then that she would kill the young lady. After Luisa Fernanda stormed out of Consuela's office, but not before cursing Consuela that, a terrible retribution of divine justice, would overtake her soonest, for all the evil she had done to her and her late mother, Amelia.

Consuela picked a gun from her drawer, pursued and trailed the taxi cab that was carrying L.F. Consuela's aim was to kill Luisa Fernanda before getting to meet the old man, Don Fernando Alcantara. Her car exploded on hitting the bottom of the pit.

Orlando was able to follow and witness the death of Consuela. He was heart-broken and good hearted enough to even described Consela as his mother-in-law. When she lost control of the steering, due to fright upon seeing Amelia's ghost, her car plunged into the deep pit and exploded.

Carlos Eduardo was foolish enough to tell the tale of his latest break-up with, and purported reunion of L. F and Alfredo, to Jennifer de la Serpent, as she made a quiet attempt to crawl back into Carlos emotional turmoil. He went to a bar, to get drunk and found Jenny. She seized the opportunity of his depression to become his miserable comforter.

It Depends Whose Hands

Sister Adesola Izekor, my esteemed sister and fellow gardener, sent me this inspirational piece among the many mails I received during the Easter break. My internet access expired during the break, I had to wait till this morning to renew my monthly subscriptions. That was why I could not post Lorenzo's wife and others. I welcome you all back from the Easter holidays.

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.
A basketball in Michael Jordan's
hands is worth about $33 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.


A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.
A baseball in Mark McGwire's hands is worth $19 million.
It depends whose hands it's in.


A tennis racket is useless in my hands.
A tennis racket in Venue Williams'
hands is a Championship Winning.
It depends whose hands it's in.



A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.
A rod in Moses' hands will part the mighty sea.
It depends whose hands it's in.



A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy
A sling shot in David's hand is a mighty weapon.
It depends whose hands it's in.



Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my
hands is a couple of fish sandwiches.
Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in
God's hands will feed thousands.
It depends whose hands it's in.





Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse
Nails in Jesus Christ's hands will
produce salvation for the entire world.
It depends whose hands it's in.



As you see now it depends whose hands it's in.
So put your concerns, your worries, your fears,
your hopes, your dreams, your families and your
relationships in God's hands because...


It depends whose hands it's in.


This message is now in your hands.
What will YOU do with it?

The Only Heir To The Estate ...

What a sin! To be so hated and persecuted for being the only legal heir to a multi-million Dollar estate, and that, you were even ignorant of, for over two decades! That was the story of that young and beautiful girl called, Luisa Fernanda.

Rigoberto, the guardian angel came an apologized to Luisa Fernanda for her cowardice and silence for so long. She exposed Consuela's evil schemes all these years. She also warned Luisa Fernanda that Consuela was planning to kill her, in order to disinherit her.

It was moment of sober truth, to discover that where you have worked as a maid, was actually your inheritance, and the boss whom you have worked for, was not your boss, but your grandfather who had left all his fortunes, hundreds of acres of land and houses, factories, mortgages and properties willed to you, his unknown granddaughter.

That was the Will drafted and sealed, which caused the fears and schemes of Consuela. Luisa Fernanda later confronted Pedro Perez and challenged him for hiding such vital information about her heritage and maternal grandfather. Pedro was speechless, caught in his own serlfish schemes by Rigo's revelation.

Water Runaway Me Eyes

This morning, I made a 'costly mistake', I cursorily checked through the pattern of the 40,000 visitors to our website here, for the month of March 2007. The price I paid for that 'mistake' were tears of joy, that welled out of my eyes, when I saw the mammoth crowd of visitors all over the world from the geo location map of Google Analytics (above).

I had always thought that Nigerians, and other Africans, were my dominant visitors who read the gardener's daughter. It was a shock to me when I found visitors originating from 253 cities, districts and county areas, from over 41 states of the U.S.A. I also saw visitors from 63 regions and 23 cities of the U.K. Not done yet, I saw Europe became dotted with a swarm of telenovela fans like bees, who visit this blog, as could be seen from the map above.

I knew Nigeria had a chunk of my traffic, but I never knew visitors from 18 states and innumerable cities, towns, villages were my visitors. I knew that a high population of Lagos axis came but I never knew there were 33 diverse areas of Lagos who visit this telenovela garden.

Please, hold your laughter and don't mock my ignorance, where in Nigeria is Ankpa and Keffi? I know of Zaria, Kaduna, Kano, Benin Sapele, Umuahia, Uyo, Enugu, Offa, Ilorin, Dutse, Awka, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Osogbo, Ondo, Bauchi, but I was embarrassed with my ignorance of Arigbabu, Ijagbon, Oresanya, Mobo, Magboro, all in Ogun State. Abeokuta was easily identified along with Ikenne, Ogere, Owode, Isheri, Mosimi.

I salute all the 33 areas of Lagos megacity - Lekki, Mushin, Ogudu, Coker, Tinubu, Igbobi, Iwaya, Ofin, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Oregun, Obanikoro, Apapa, Ojota, Sogunle, Oke-Ira, Oshodi, Abule- Ijesha, Onigbongbo, Okoko, Magbon, Idi-oro, Omole, Orile and Lagos metropolis, ... Whao, that's a telenovela army! No wonder unconfirmed rumour mills whispered that the tripartite of AIT, the Banks and CMA, smiled home with 51 million Naira each (a token U$D 400,000), at the end of Cuando Seas Mia, last year. How much would they go home with, at the end of La Hija del Jardinero? your guess.

From the corner of my living room, I wonder, who are these people? I am just a housewife and mother of three children, trading my passion for glory, but I never knew I had this much people in our modest telenovela community.

It was like Jack Bauer and Chloe of 24 Hour thriller fame monitoring movements on computer through satelite.

For example I knew Cherish visits from Huston, but I never knew that 20 other cities, counties and towns in the state of Texas alone visit this blog. Who are you out there, in San Antonio, Dallas, Irving, Fort Worth, Midland, Brownsville, Beaumont, Austin, Leander, Mound, Richmond, Thomsons, Portland, Paluxy, El Paso, Mission, Coppell, Grand Praire and Mesquite? I thought TGD was mainly an African affair, since it was being shown in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa.

I knew mamaJ is our friend from the U.K, but I was shocked to see 63 areas of U.K, including 23 cities and innumerable counties, visiting this blog to track TGD. Who are these fellas from London, Warwickshire, Bromley, Slough, Buckinghamshire, and other shires, too numerous to list, Merseyside, Bristol, Bradford, St.Helens, Milton Keynes, Havering, Somerset, Aberdeen City, Redbridge, Conventry, North and South Tyneside, Portsmouth, Cardiff, Newham, Kent, Stockport, Sheffield, Manchester, Essex, Birmingham, Windsor and Maidenhead, Brent, Hackney, Derby, etc

Many of this places, I have never heard of, and would never visit. That is the power of an idea exploded on the internet! I never thought that my passion for blogging stories, which essentially is, what telenovela blogging is all about. It never crossed my mind that 40,000 people would visit my works from over a hundred nations on a monthly basis. That was awesome for a jolly good housewife pounding the key of a P.C connected to the internet. I AM HUMBLED!

This would only spur me to achieve more. 91% of this crowd came because of the gardener's daughter telenovela. My real ambition this year, as you already know, is to have 20 best telenovelas posted on this blog. We are still 5% of that target, and that is a genuine failure so far, and not even a pass mark.

I am afraid what the statistical picture would be if we can even achieve a 50% success of this goal. All this noise and talk is just on one and a half (Esmeralda was less than half), telenovelas so far!

So, to you all our friends and particularly the old gardeners, who have turned this blog to a kind of social interaction (network) site and the enthusiatic new ones who have identified with our humble but noble efforts, I salute, Hail!

Child-Like Faith!

While awaiting our telenovela 'meals' from tomorrow, I was privileged to receive this story, (I call it 'babynovela') from Nneka Obi, my good friend and fellow gardener. A baby-like faith, almost 'stupid', is what we need at times to receive from God. He doesn't like 'too-know' people, because he is Omniscient.

This inspirational message was forwarded to me. I hope you will like it if you want to know how God answers prayers.

Subject: Isaiah 65:24
"With God all things are possible"
This story was written by a (misionary) doctor who worked in South Africa ..

"One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).

We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.

Another went to stoke the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.

"All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."

The following afternoon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orp hanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.

During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt consciousness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."

While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"

As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen"? I just did not believe that God would do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from my homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.

By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.

Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting... Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.

From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerse ys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.

Then, as I put my hands in again, I felt the ..., could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He would. Ruth was in the front row of the children.

She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!

Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water Bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."

"Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24) This awesome prayer takes less than a minute. When you receive this, say the prayer,... that's all you have to do. No strings attached. Just send it on to whomever you want - but do send it on. Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards.

Let's continue praying for one another...
Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this right now. I am asking You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength as they learn submission to Your leading.

Where there is spiritual stagnation, I ask You to renew them by revealing Your nearness, and by drawing them into greater intimacy with You. Where there is fear, reveal Your love, and release to them Your courage. Where there is a sin blocking them, reveal it, and break its hold over the lives of my friends.

Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them, and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask you to do these things in Jesus' name.

P.S. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not considered a friend is something Christ would do.

"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet."

Nneka Obi

I add also that whatever has been ordained for you by God, and it is being delayed or even buried, the God of this season, Easter Resurrection, would resurrect it and bring it to you in the manner of a telenovela surprise. Amen.

Apalara: The Voice of April

Lately, my husband has been a frequent observer of my telenovela works on this blog. He has been visiting my website from his office P.C. Yesternight as I was editing some snippets of Lorenzo's Wife, (La Mujer de Lorenzo), he approached me and whispered that word into my ear.

I stopped to asked him what he meant by that word. He patiently explained to me that, it is a Yoruba word from a proverb which indicates, you may have to trust in God and the labor of your hands for victorious outcome.

"Apalara, Ejika niyekan,
Bao ba reni gbeke le, biole laa nri,
Bao ba reni fehinti, ateramoshe eni".

That was the full poem behind that word. It literally means: "Your arms are your relatives, your shoulders are your next of kin, when circumstances seems to overwhelm you, it's time redouble your efforts (and trust God for a victorious outcome)".

For me, this means pounding the keyboard with my fingers, supported by my arms and shoulders, till the completion of 3 telenovelas this April, though that would be an uphill task. Sheer dedication of labor with trust in God would however turn the table against any forces waiting to derail the accomplishment of this goal.

I must dig and dig again, until I 'out-dig' every force that may want to stop my telenovela wells. If I can do that, I would have succeeded in giving my hubby a birthday present this April and give you a well of telenovela waters, good and clean enough to quench your thirst.

We began a march last month that must lead to definite arrival, this new month of April. This 'telenovela exodus' must not be like the 40-year wandering in the wilderness. That is why we must complete Ugly Betty, Rebeca and Lorenzo's Wife, this month.

I am going to befriend my arms (Apalara) and shoulders (Ejika niyekan), like never before, if I must accomplish the set tasks. With results of our performance in March just trickling in- 40,000 unique visitors and about 350,000 pageviews! This 81% improvement over February 2007 results, has set the stage for a telenovela explosion in April.

I dare to trust God for the results which my arms and shoulders alone, cannot accomplish this month. Every robber of my time, I put under perpetual arrest. I shall fulfill my mission this month.

Incidentally, this month, Nigeria, the most populous black nation on planet earth has an appointment with destiny. With elections around the corner in the next few weeks, I pray a strange prayer that, Nigeria would win against every forces plotting in the dark to send her into the abyss of uncertainty and turmoil.

For you my readers, I wish this month shall be a month of remembrance for you. Any good thing that you have desired or dreamt last year concerning this year, may the book of remembrance be opened, and that which you have dreamt of, become manifest for you this month.

Since it was my hubby that inspired this "Apalara" posting, I felt it would be appropriate to ask him, just before I post this work this afternoon, what his wishes were for April. I got a momentary shock when he declared with vigor in his voice saying - VENGEANCE!

He said that as Nigeria completes another electoral cycle this month, being a month of accountability, for the past four years of governance, he said may the God of vengeance arose and avenge every wrong that the last four years may have perpetrated in the lives of the citizens.

If you can see that socket, then plug into it, to some, it may be political, to others, it may be economic or spiritual. What I know is that, I saw a flash of charged sockets, loaded and ready to discharge the power to make it 'happen' as you wish, if only you can plug into it!

Happy new month! Your destiny would not be fooled nor dribbled by the forces of April. They would cooperate with your success and testimony.