When there is nothing you can do but listen

As you grow up, and start to grasp your surroundings  and the events that unleash in front of you, you start to appreciate the beauty of being a child. The innocence and ignorance and the unconditional love and joy you used to spread all over the place. When you look at your siblings now, and where they have decided to proceed in life, you start to sit back and just watch. Sometimes you wonder "Why did they become like this, this isn't right." then you start to question "What did she do to deserve this miserable life." but then with this second thought in mind you come to learn that it is meant to be for her like this, for her future is going to be bright and she will not suffer anymore.

I have to admit that this is quite difficult to experience, yet again it is a wonderful feeling. Although there is nothing you can do to change the situation, the idea that you are actually there for them, simply just to hear them out and let them talk all they want is a blessing. In return you do want to make it better, but you have to tell them it's okay, it's going to be okay you just have to wait a little more. It's hard to do, but makes that sensation rush over you that you have done a difference, you have patted their back and made them know they're not alone.

It will get better, but it's going to take some time.

It will change, but it's going to take some effort and time.

It will make her happy, but it's going to take some effort, effort, and more time.

In the end it requires strength, and the strength god have given you has put you in these situation because god knows you're fit enough to handle it all.

Be patient, and a little stronger...it will get better...nothing lasts forever.

The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto - Mitch Albom

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    Sometime last Summer, I came across the news of Mitch's newest novel that was set to be released on the 30th of November. Having read all his books I  literally couldn't wait till the 30th, it felt like forever. It was such a long time to wait for yet another goodie of his captivating writing. Who knew I'd be super immersed in my college work from the very first day till the very last day, having that said I completely forgot what the 30th of November was all about. It wasn't until my sister told me she saw the book on the latest release section. Now what was from me to do but work on getting my hands on a copy ofcourse.  When I finally did get a copy, it was time for finals, "what finals when there's Mitch's book?" who was I kidding. I knew that if I started reading this, I was not going to stop till the very end, but then I also knew I would regret reading it first on the list, what was left for my long trip? Oh well, I eventually started at the wrong time, with no regrets ofcourse.

Who said I can wait after my finals to start reading it, boy I started the minute I got my hands on that precious.

    This book was again very different than Mitch's previous writings so far. For this time, Mitch tried a different approach and took on the story of Frankie Presto from the very first day he was welcomed into this world to the very last day he took in his last breath. Everything was connected amazingly and got you hooked till the very last sentence. This novel speaks the story of a gifted guitarist, life lessons through his mentor, and a touching story of an abandoned child that was gifted and guarded from afar. It breaks your heart to know that Frankie was abandoned and later taught by his very own father, yet his father had no clue he was passing on his one and only gift to his very own child whom he thought was actually dead. Till the last minute, El Maestro had no idea, at the very end of Frankie's heart warming story, he gets to know who his father is, but it's toooo late. Frankie is already taking his last steps, and he is already running out of time. He got nobody left. He was really alone, regardless of what he had, where he stood with fame and the music industry, nothing can replace that feeling you get when you actually know you belong somewhere and you belong with a "band". 

    Through his writing, you don't only read but you actually get to feel the pain ,misery, and everything Frankie has felt. It's just the way Mitch makes you feel through his writing, and its kind of difficult to express. You just have to read his writing to know what this really means. Everything makes sense now though it's sad and all the events link together, everybody joins a band during their life time. The number of bands you're currently part of is limitless. You're part of a family, you have got you're special group of friends, bla bla bla and the list goes on and on. 

    The best part of the novel is how the fantasy of the magic strings was appended to the progress of Frankie's life.  Those strings really held magic in them, every string was meant for a reason and the at the end the biggest shock I was anticipating was just how Frankie passed away on stage, who knew it was going to be magical like that?

    He started off in doubt, and ended with great success. Mitch yet again did not fail to blow my brains apart, why did I have to start off with his book and not another one, now I shall be waiting for yet another magical novel, this could take a few years but that doesn't mean I won't dig my way through his books yet again for another round.

    For an A to Z literal story this was by far the best, it felt like I was actually there during all the ups and downs of Frankie's life. As a reader, I watched Frankie Presto grow. 

   The only question that's been bothering me throughout this book was " Is Frankie Presto real?".Real musicians were talking about their experiences with Frankie and how he influenced them in different aspects, but then is he real? Well the real question is..was he? Sadly speaking, he was fictional. Written very grandly in a way that brought him to life. That's what makes Mitch my favorite. He made you live the life of Frankie Presto behind the curtains that not everyone can actually experience that, he was not real, but he was depicted in a real manner to the very least detail. He was not real, but he was spoken about and remembered by very real people that eventually made him real. He had the ability to change six lives with his magic strings, he was capable of making a difference in people's lives...now how can that not be grand?

A new year, after 20 years

"You're never too old for anything" -Echo Bliss

For the past 20 years, I do not real remember everything, but I tried my best to make sure I save the best I can. Because I was a blessed person and I still am, my entire life was filled with memories worth saving.  Now that I'm almost 21 years old, I would like to take a moment and thank everyone who was part of it. 

To the parents and especially mother who was always there, no matter when the timing was or where the place was, whenever I looked around the crowd I would find her in there giving me her beautiful look/ nod of assurance " Yes I'm here" . And the father who rarely made it, but was able to make me smile and laugh all the time, I forgive you and I'm glad you're trying your best to make it up whenever you can. 

To my 7 siblings whom each is closer to me than the other, thank you for everything and I'm sorry if I weren't doing my best, but I was always trying and I still am. To the young ones, I'll always be there for you whenever you feel like wanting to talk to whenever you need a push, I assure you I'll always try my best to be there. And to the elder ones, I thank you for being there for me and for always making me feel peaceful. We were all raised on the same basis and we all have the kindness of our mothers heart and the strength of our father, regardless of what our personalities are, we still share the same thing: love.

Now that the 7th of October is not so far away, and with it another year is yet to begin, I hope Allah accepted everything I've done and has forgiven me for what I didn't pay much attention too, I hope he give me the strength to be a better worshiper in this coming year. Thank you for giving me another day, week, month, and insha-Allah a year to thank you again.

With this I welcome my 21st year with an eager spirit.

Nicci French - Thursday's Children

I'm finally done with this series and boy was this year filled with excitement, horror, and anticipation for what's coming next in the series. However,however...this last book didn't meet my expectations. I thought it would finally answer all my questions from the 3 books before, but sadly nothing. I was hoping something would happen and Frieda would come face to fact with the one and only Dean Reeve whom from the first book got me hooked, but no it was just Frieda going back to Braxton and solving a 23 year old mystery...I won't refer to this book as disappointing because that's not going to e fit for it, it just didn't feel as a good ending to the entire series...I actually skimmed through the pages and lost interest midway but I had to finish it.

I was hoping for a little excitement and cliffhangers at the end of the chapters that would keep me going like the previous books, but no nothing from that.

Now that my 2014 series is read, I think I'm going to give mystery another shot!

Great work from Nicci French although this last book wasn't right to me.