My Scriptures for 2013

So these are my Scriptures for 2013, as given by the Holy Spirit in December (mostly paraphrased). As I meditate on them and read the Bible, I’m seeing more verses that relate to my current circumstances. I’ve been digging my nose or should I say my eyes (?) in the Bible these days. It’s like eating the Word in its raw state like one would eat raw, organic veggies. Salad, anyone? :-)

This was certainly, adulterated salad, lol! I was trying out a new salad cream and just had to splurge.

2 Peter 1:3-4 – God has given me everything I need that pertains to life and godliness through his very great and precious promises…

Ephesians 1:8 – God has already blessed me with wisdom and understanding in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 – God will provide ALL my needs according to His riches in GLORY in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do ALL THINGS through Christ Jesus, who strengthens (who gives me strength).

Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer, petition, with thanksgiving… peace of God will GUARD your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  

Philippians 4:8 – Whatever is pure, lovely, admirable, true, noble, right, excellent or praiseworthy … think on those things.

Isaiah 54:17 – No weapon … shall prevail/prosper. 

Direction/Guidance – Psalm 32:8-9, Isaiah 48:17, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 26:3

Psalm 23- the LORD is my SHEPHERD, I need no thing or I lack nothing. Goodness and mercy shall follow me – ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.

Romans 8: 28-32 – All things work together for my good… to the glory of God.

Psalm 34: 17-19 – Promise of protection and deliverance

Psalm 91 

They may or may not make sense to you, my dear reader. Or some  or all may speak to you. But that’s okay because they are meant for me in the season of life that I’m in now. Some speak of protection (physical, mental and emotional), deliverance, direction/guidance, the certainty of my future, (which is good), empowerment to do what I’ve been called to do, provision (past, present and future), etc. In essence, my security and my future are good and assuredly granted in God through Christ Jesus. I need not fear or be concerned about the uncertainties of tomorrow. 

What I really want to encourage is the habit of asking God to speak to you about whatever is on your mind or whatever concerns you through His word and by His Spirit. The Holy Scriptures are solid and firm. You can, like a lawyer, always refer to the constitution (the Bible) to justify your petitions, requests or claims. Again, like a lawyer, you must have studied or prepared in the specific area before you stand before the Judge. But even if you are unable to, you can always start as a baby would in simple, imperfect language and the Holy Spirit will teach you to stand on God’s word. Step by step. It’s a process. Nobody grows to be an adult in a day.

Little by little, eat the Word,

Lady Akofa.

Please click here to read part 1 of this post.

The LORD is my Shepherd...

The LORD is my Shepherd,

I walk with Him always.

He leads by still waters, 

I walk with Him always.

Always, always

I walk with Him always.

Always, always

I walk with Him always.

I woke up in morning with this song (above) in my heart sometime last week. I let it play in my mind as I relished the memories of the times I sung it at Sunday School and with my sister and cousins at home when we were kids. Then I took out the electronic keyboard and managed to find the rights keys and played it. Worship mode: activated.

This is a song that I haven’t sung or heard in years.  No, we don’t sing it (not this version) in church these days. And I don’t recall hearing it sung in Sunday School in the past five or so years, now that I teach Sunday School. Lesson preparation in this song: activated.

The song is based on Psalm 23. It is one of the Scriptures God gave to me at a friend’s wedding. And it’s one of the most recited prayers in churches, Christian gatherings and schools (even public schools) in Ghana. It is usually learnt in KJV. I figure, most kids can recite it in their sleep, lol! : - ) I remember, a lady in our church gave a testimony  of how God led her sister to pray aloud the Psalm while she was in labour. Wow!

Interestingly, there are many musical renditions of Psalm 23, check out youtube.com and you will see.

to be continued...

Please click here to read the second part of this post. 

Christmas Hampers

20 years ago in Ghana, there wasn’t anything like “Christmas Hampers.” People would give notable gifts such as a live chicken, a goat, a cow (or parts of a cow), large quantities of meat or a bag of rice or sugar, Danish butter cookies, etc.

These days, the corporate world and individuals have become creative in the way Christmas gifts are packaged and given.

ENTER: Christmas Hampers.

The hampers are usually filled with assorted foods and drinks, sometimes a pen here, a towel, there. But… it’s not everybody who gets these hampers. If you have friends in influential places … say a CEO/ MD, a top government official you might find a clerk or a driver delivering a Christmas hamper to your office or to you at home. Or if you have a dollar account with a bank or some huge stipulated amount of money in your bank account you’re likely to receive this Christmas Hamper.

In recent years, I look forward to ‘receiving’ these hampers at Christmas. I say ‘receiving’ in quotes because it’s my parents who get these gifts but I am the chief consumer, haha! I’m not mad that the same bank ignores my teeny tiny Ghana cedis and doesn’t show me love at Christmas. Nope, I’ll get there soon!

In which she blog about Christmas hampers on 31st Jan… : - )

Blessings,
Lady Akofa.

Of Randomness and Randomities

I know, “randomities” cannot be found in the English dictionary, don't you think I know that? I created it! Ain’t I so brilliant?! Let me tell you a secret. Sssh.. don’t tell anyone, okay? Just between you and me. By the time your grandchildren are born, you’ll find “randomities” in any Standard English dictionary, haha! : - )

Eating pleasures: Eating hot Koose (fried bean cake) with spring onions stuffed in it.

Bumper harvest: Of mangoes, mangoes, and MANGOES! Hahaha! Psalm 67: 5-7

Unwelcome skin spots: Mosquitoes bites. I refuse to get malaria!

Humpty Dumpty moment: In which I tripped and had a GREAT FALL but by God’s grace didn’t shatter into pieces, haha!

Scary thoughts during my Humpty Dumpty GREAT FALL:
“What if I roll down the staircase and end up in the hospital with major injuries?”
“Oh, God! My head! Don’t let my head get smashed down the stairs!”
“Oh, my legs! It seems like I’m going to break one of them!”

Of friends in trying seasons:
Wishing that I could be there 24/7 with each of them.
Wishing that I could take away their pain or at least lessen their pain in some way.
Wishing that I had the right answers that will calm their uncertainties.
Yet... what a joy to encourage them with the WORD: Romans 15: 4-6
And what an honour and privilege to pray for them when we are not together and pray with them when I do get to be with them.

An Unexpected, Pleasant & Affirming Compliment:
Gentleman: Do you work out?
Me: No. Not really. Apart from the usual house chores, I don’t work out.
Gentleman: Well, you’ve always looked fit.
Me: : - ) Thanks!
Note *** While I wouldn't call him a friend, I’ve known this gentleman since childhood.

Randomly Yours,
Lady Akofa. :-)

2 things!

I’m sooo not over the Christmassy-New Year season, although I’ve been back at work since the 4th day in the year. I’m still in the reflecting-resolution mode, learning to be at peace as I trust my God for each day.

2 things I like about Christmas season. : -)

1. Piccadilly Biscuits



See, the Piccadilly biscuits are made in Ghana. It’s an annual tradition for lots of Ghanaians to have this goody at Christmas.


Updated: Below is what the Piccadilly biscuits look like. Hi! :-)







2. Danish butter cookies

I love the set with sugar sprinkles and with chocolate cookies.

I don’t know where the biscuits go when Christmas and New Year season is over but you hardly see them on the Ghanaian market the rest of the year.

Yes, I’m that vain. : - )

And yes, I have a sweet tooth,
Lady Akofa.

Only in Ghana! MJ Wafer

So, so, so.... One of our lovely moms gave this to me in church last Sunday. She is always giving small gifts to people at Sunday services. I was so amused to see the label: Michael Jackson's initials and an image of him moonwalking. Hehehe! And yes, that's a made-in-Ghana product.

I have yet to eat it though.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Only in Ghana! - Abro ne nkate

Okay, I'd like to think there are some things you'd only find in Ghana like my latest delicacy: Abro ne nkate (corn and groundnut/peanut). Like you see at the side. It's roasted corn (you can see the popped corn) and roasted peanuts. When I bought this I asked for lots of peanuts and little corn. The corn is usually hard.

It's considered a snack for the average Ghanaian, and it's not what you'd see the rich or well-to-do Ghanaian eating but this to me is a delicacy. Why? I just don't get it everyday, lol!

So when you decide to visit Ghana one day, try this. And let me warn you, be ready to crack your teeth.... just a little. :-)

BTW, watch out for my new series: Only in Ghana!

Glod bless ya,
Akofa.

Brown Gold

Ghana, formerly called the Gold Coast, is one of the world's mine for gold, you know that? Cocoa has also been a major incoming generating product for Ghanaians. My late grandfather (maternal side) was a cocoa farmer. I remember eating cocoa with my cousins from our grandmother's farm as a kid... Fresh cocoa handpicked from the farm, busy mouths and licking fingers......ooooooh! Oh, I'm loosing track of my thoughts with memories of childhood farm adventures... sorry! :) And soon, the world will be clamouring for Ghanaian crude oil.

We are one blessed bunch of people. I do hope we know that and appropriately show our appreciation to the Giver of All things. Oh, I hope so.

I'm gonna introduce you to one of our local products and I'm recommending it hands downs! No arguments...Drum roll, please....!

BROWN GOLD

This is natural cocoa powder, no sugar, no malt, no milk added but processed to retain the natural ingredients. For a sweet tooth like me, I normally add a lil' milk to my beverage to neutralize its bitter taste. But I don't even add sugar. So I've shelved Nestle's Milo, Ovaltine and all other beverage products for Brown Gold.

Nutritionally it's good for your blood. For ladies who try this product, you're likely to tell the difference at that time of the month.

BTW: I know the PR person for HORDS, the company which produces Brown Gold. She's gonna have to pay me BIG time for free online publicity! Hellooo.... where art thou? I'm waiting.....! LOL!:

Well, I'm only recommending a good food product... I've not yet found a side effect except a good sleep when taken at night as real, hot cocoa, especially without sugar! Take it from a sweet tooth! :)

hot Brown Gold + cool weather = my utopia world,
Lady Akofa.


My good friend... the first commentor has prompted me to add this: The farm trips were vacation days trip, to the village okaaay? Not my regular lifestyle, which is why they were fun trips to the farm. Sort of like the reality series, Survivor, lol! Now I'm making it worse.... Bye, bye! :)

'Blogless' bringing you food-FULL links

It’s been a while I know. You definitely miss me too, don’t ya? These days, I’ve just been speechless, wordless… ‘blogless’, although there are lots things of happening. I have too much on my heart to share but just don’t know where to start from. If you ever come back and see mumbo jumbo on this blog, know where it’s coming from… hehehe!

So being ‘blogless,’ I would compensate by recommending these links, on one condition! You have to promise to return to my blog, okaaay?........ Deal?......... Okay, we have a deal.

At For Love of Cooking, the author combines her love of cooking, photography and blogging to create yummy looking posts. Do I see mouths watering? Hehehe! Have fun while you’re there.

And then check out Nududu for African dishes. While you are there, do note that a few recipes include unmeasured ingredients. That’s typical of most African cooking that I know, we just know what will be enough for any number of people. If you ask any African woman to give you a recipe listing quantities, you’re likely to get, “add a lil’ sliced tomato or pour a lil’ oil in the pan but not too much and let it sit for a while,” etc. The African woman just knows, hehehe! You get my drift, don’t ya? But that shouldn’t deter you from visiting Ndudu, and possibly trying out the dishes.

Talking about measuring and quantities, that’s one of the reasons why it’s seems exacting to cook foreign meals, apart from the unavailability of the ingredients. Getting out those measuring instruments and measuring out ingredients takes the fun away from the cooking process...sigh… but I would love to try out foreign foods more often soon.

See? The ‘blogless’ lady has said a mouthful!

Heeey, what’s for lunch?
Lady Akofa.

Not a Word... from the Mango House

:) ,
Lady Akofa.

Book review: Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough

Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts by Elmer L. Towns, Regal Books, CA, US; 1996

I repeat my disclaimer: I’m not an expert in fasting and I think I would pass away if I ever tried Moses and Jesus’ 40-day fast. Leave it to the fast-perts!

I’ve read several books on prayer and fasting, most of them borrowed from friends. I was searching for something new and different sometime last year and I found Elmer L. Towns’ book at the bookshop. I’m glad I bought it even though I’d never heard of Elmer Towns at that time.

Towns gives several definitions of fasting, with insightful historical backgrounds to fasts. Based on Isaiah 58 he classifies fasts using 9 biblical characters and their aims for going on a fast. So there is the Saint Paul fast for major decisions, the Widow’s Fast for helping the needy, etc. This categorization was refreshingly new to me. At the end of each fast chapter, Towns gives helpful guidelines to steer the reader to make definite decisions and take purposeful notes. This has been useful for me, although I must say that I still have a looong way to go.

I know this is such a brief book review... but that's the point. To get you to buy or borrow and read the book! :)

I highly recommend reading Towns’ Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough: A Guide to Nine Biblical Fasts, if you’re seeking to enrich your experience in this discipline of grace.

Now I leave you with a quote from the book:

“If you say you will fast when God lays it on me, you will never fast. You’re too cold and indifferent. Take the yoke upon you.” –Dwight L. Moody ----Page 212.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Note: I hope to answer Stephanie's question in my next post.

Adventures in “Nkↄm Kyere”

As a kid, I was a skinny, underweight girl who had to be coaxed, scolded and beaten to eat her food. I simply didn’t like to eat. Not until I went to the boarding house in secondary school. The food often consisted of two ladles of rice or less, to my dismay. There was no food to waste like I did back at home those days. I remember the first vacation, I came home and savored the homemade groundnut soup and like Oliver Twist, asked for more. It’s said that you sometimes don’t value some things until you’re deprived of it for sometime. It was then that I began to appreciate and value meals. And today I do enjoy my meals, although my friends still think I’m a bit picky about what I eat. Ahem... let’s just say, I’ve improved?

But I do want to discuss another perspective: abstaining from meals for spiritual purposes. Yep, I’m talking about the ‘glorious’ spiritual discipline known in English as ‘fasting’. Before I go any further: I make a disclaimer, I’m no expert in fasting, I’m just sharing a few thoughts on my experiences so far.

I like the way “fasting” is expressed in my mother tongue. We call it, “Nkↄm Kyere,” transliterated as “hunger engage.” Pronounced, "N-korm chI-rI." One engages hunger as a discipline for a higher purpose. I remember a friend used the expression, “putting my stomach down; sacrificing my stomach for prayer.” These expressions in no way suggest passivity; one has to take on this activity. See the image above? At the time of taking the picture, I was... uurm... heavily pregnant with mangoes. Hehehe! :) But there is a reason to periodically "put my tummy down".

When I started fasting, it wasn’t out of a personal conviction rather I fasted along with my Hall (Dormitory) fellowship group. It was a once in a month call to fast mid-week and meet at lunch time in the Hall Chapel to pray. Those were incredible times of student corporate prayer as God showed up in power and we, in exchange, were spiritually nourished.

I remember the terrible ways of breaking my fasts; sometimes eating roasted peanuts and banana, other times eating too much solid food to break the fast as if to make up for all the food I didn’t eat during the day. Pathetic wasn’t it? Oftentimes, I woke up the next day with stomach aches knowing very well I would have been better off had I broken my fast with juices or porridges instead of solid food. If the advice from the great Christian authors didn’t deter me from such foolishness, experience has definitely taught me better.

It was more difficult to keep on with this discipline on my own when I left school. Since then fasting hasn’t been a steady practice but a seasonal spurt. I remember one work day, I purposed to “put my stomach down.” I had to go for an impromptu meeting out of the office and there was this secretary bringing in trays, tea cups and lovely pastries. I simply forgot when I saw all the goodies and helped myself. Oops! And this is not the only time I’ve slipped. But the fallen toddler always rises up again to walk, isn’t it so? So do I, grace being on my side.

I’m wondering, do Christians really fast at all as a personal discipline? Or are they just silent (Matthew 6: 16-18) about it when they fast? What has your experience been? I don't want to start a bragging discussion about who has fasted longest and what not, so just think about it, you don’t have to comment.

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

I thought I was done….

….but I’m not done with my mango blog series yet. Can you stomach just one more post about mangoes, pleeeeeaase? Imagine a BIG, cheesy, toothy, molar to molar smile from Mango lady. :)

After lamenting on the slow mango season, which is so, well this weekend, 3 mango trees decided to go on a speedy ripening session over the weekend. Talk about overflow. I spent Saturday morning and afternoon distributing mangoes to friends, only to come back to see that more had dropped on the ground, waiting to be picked up. Neighbourhood people came knocking asking for mangoes. We are only happy to give them away.

See this full bucket…



... and there was another one too.

At church on Sunday, one of our teen neighbours delightedly thanked me for the mangoes… she said she ate 6 at a sitting. Knowing that there were several children in her household, I packed lots for them. I remember, one of her little brothers badgered me a few weeks ago, asking if he could get ripe mangoes. So it was a pleasure to knock on their door late Saturday morning with a basket full of mangoes. I can only imagine the sheer delight when they saw the fruits after I left. My pleasure!

My mom’s lunch after Sunday church service, yesterday consisted of this… tea and two slices of toasted bread. No big deal, it's normal for my mom to eat light after church service. But desert? A bowl full of mangoes. I laughingly told her that it seemed her desert was more than her lunch. Sometimes, just mangoes is supper for me and my mother. The other members of the house do like mangoes but they are not as passionate about them as my mom and I, I think.

Talk about Mango Fever!

I’m hoping to blog next about refraining from food, including mangoes. … Sssssh… Gasp! How can I ever part with mangoes when they are in season?

Up with Mango Flu, not down with Swine Flu,
Lady Akofa. : )

Note: I’m not promising that I’m done with the Mango blog series; there might be more stories to tell sometime soon. Sorry, but… ahem… but… I do looove mangoes, so bear with me!

Yellow Mango Story

I intended getting some pictures of yellow mangoes as promised as a sequel to my Green Mango Story and ended up doing fun self-portraits in front of the mango trees. : )

Look at this fruit basket….



…. it used to be full and overflowing at last year’s mango season. This year the harvest has been slow, so it’s not uncommon to see a lone yellow mango amidst plenty green ones, like this:


Now to the fun picture…



Here ends my mango blog series for now. : )

God bless ya.
Mango lady.

Green Mango Story

Did I tell ever you, I looove mangoes? Then let me say that again... listen well.

"I heaaaaaaaart mangoes!"

Alrigh-dee. You really didn't have to listen to me, although you might want to see some mango shots from my home sweet home.


Can you see this picture above? That's our border wall with one of the mango trees leaning towards the wall. So that particular corner has been a source of fun, contention, prank among neighbourhood kids who love to throw stones at the this tree in hopes that one of the spotted yellow mangoes will fall on their side, outside the house. But you'll never know whether your shot will be successful or not, in the first place.

A few months ago, my mom asked the gardener to pick up all the stones the house, some of which are leftovers from house construction materials. Those stones are now in front of our gate.... really, we don't know what to do with them. :) I guess a few of them will find their way back, until we properly dispose of the stones.

One day, I was back from work quite early and I met two kids standing, looking at this tree for yellow mangoes. Harmless. As long as they are able to get what they want, they can continue. After all there are 6 other mango trees inside the walled house. So I rang the bell waiting for the door to be opened so that I could enter.

But then one of the kids walked up to me with super confidence and said, "Madam, I threw a stone and my mango has fallen inside. Let me go inside and get it," as if he had every right to claim that one mango. My mind was like, "Hahahaha! What a comic scene! He really thinks he has a right to the mango!" But I smiled and allowed him to go inside the house grounds with me and wasn't at all bothered that he picked from the ground more than he had worked for. After all, this is just one time, I don't think he will be back again.


We lived in our previous house for some 20 plus years and it always brings some good memories when I think of those days. We had incredible neighbours and great relationships with most of them, some of which are still flourishing, although we the kids have grown up and have busy lives of our own, and have all moved out of that old neighbourhood. Today, when there is an occasion, we try to honour the invitations and celebrate together. There is nothing good as observing the faithfulness of God in a family friend's life.

We didn't have a mango tree in our previous house compound. There were 2 mango trees, if you ask me, malnourished and heavily in demand by some notorious kids, including yours truly. Where were the trees? Standing at the borderline of where 4 houses intersected, so it seemed like nobody really claimed ownership of them. But the boundary lines were clear, we knew who the rightful owners were.


Although they were malnourished trees, they were a source of a competition and chidish squabbles as to who would get the ripe mangoes first. And woe betide you if you didn't live in one of the four houses and you wanted to claim the fruit of any of these 2 mango trees. Hahaha! :) In our teens, we somehow lost interest in climbing those trees in search for fruit. You know teenagers have constantly changing interests, right? "Yeaaah...," that's sounds like a teenager's disinterested response. :)

Anyway, there is something I learnt from the book of Ruth and from my not-so-90-day Bible reading challenge about God. God has a soft spot for widows and orphans, the needy and vulnerable. And he wants us to remember them as well. I wonder whether the universal Church is living up to this calling today? Had not Boaz allowed Ruth to glean from his farm, I wonder what other hardships Ruth and Naomi would have had to face? And that love story? It would never have happened. But thank God for wise men.

And for me, although lil Mr. I-have-right-to-the-mango-that-has-fallen-inside-your-compound appeared audacious and mildly rude, I knew that he clearly didn't have money to buy a single mango at the market. And besides, we have several trees and often times give the mangoes to friends and family. We can't eat them all.

But I'm glad the lil' boy dared asked and he got even more. The TNIV calls it "shameless audacity." Thinking about it now, I wish somebody had videotaped that interaction between me and lil' Mr. Audacity. He was incredibly confident that he'd get want he wanted.

Next time, I'll post pictures of ripe, yellow mangoes. Stay tuned!

God bless ya,
Mango lady. :)

Ask Me Anything: Moi

Ok, I'm back. I'm alive and kicking! My work trip was the most fabulous ever. I met some fantastic people in "!ncredible India" as we learnt, shared and had fun together.

But where did you go? I hope I haven't been abandoned? Ooooh, but I missed you!

Just to make amends, here is a picture I took of the sunrise at our top floor dinning area. I just looooove nature images. Makes me feel closer to the One who created it all. Click the image to view a larger size.

So here we go with my "Ask Anything" answers as promised. Stephanie at Thirsty Soul asked 3 questions and I'm gonna answer all 3. So here are my responses:

1. What is your favourite meal?

Hmmm... urm, when somebody starts with, "Hmmm," you know there is a bit of cracking brains, right? A simple thing as your favourite meal? Well... I tell you, what used to be my favourite at 8 years was different from what used to be when I was a teenager and now. So let's just say that my favourite food changes every decade, on the average. And since, I'll soon be turning into a new decade age-wise I'm likely to tell you something else in 10, 20 years. So for now, my favourite meals (I just can't choose one!) are foods that I don't often eat at home by relish them with great delight when I have the opportunity to eat them. And finally, they are: Waakye (rice and beans cooked together usually with tomato sauce), pizza and McDonalds' Big Mac. Yum, yum!

2. What is your Spiritual Gift?

Teaching the Bible, leading Bible studies, that I know for sure. If I've been functioning in other spiritual gifts, I've possibly have taken them as natural gifts or as skills developed over time. But I believe God uses all that He's given, spiritual and natural for His glory.

3. What are you talented at?

Creative writing, journaling... urm, is blogging a talent too?

Drawing smileys :) and making homemade birthday cards. I used to do quite often for my friends and family as a kid and teenager. I hardly bought cards. I should revive this!

Organizing things, administrative stuff and cleaning. Yeah, you saw that right... I love to clean, especially when the gusto power ticks in. Right now, I'm thinking about my messy office which terribly needs a bit of a clean up.

So there we go!

Hope y'all have a lovely, supa-dupa week!
Lady Akofa.











Who loves Mangoes???

Me! Me!! Me!!!


Unripe, green mangoes on a branch supported by an old bug-bitten wood. The branches droop to the ground if there's no support.

Above, mostly ripe mangoes ready for eating. :)

It's rainy season, and God has blessed us with so much rain this year in Ghana, unlike last year when as a nation we had to petition in prayer for rain because of our electricity power situation. This year, all we have to do is to thank God for the rains!

Every time, after a heavy rainfall, especially accompanied with strong winds, we come out of the house only to see all these ripe mangoes on the ground ready to eat. We sometimes can get 2 buckets-FULL of mangoes after the rains. Often, we've had to pack bags of mangoes as gifts to friends, we can't eat all of them! Yummy, but teeth-sticking!

But these bigger type of mangoes below, don't cause the teeth-sticking thing while and after eating them. You can actually eat a whole one or two and be satisfied as if it were a complete meal. I sometimes do that, or eat several small mangoes for lunch or supper.

Now that the season of mango is almost waning out, I just can't wait for the next. Thus, I will go back to eating water melon, orange or something like that. I wish mangoes were in season all year. :)

These big mangoes do cause a tummy stir!



I thank God for this season and for mangoes.

Mango Season

The joy of seeing mango trees blossom has turned me into a photojournalist. In the past, I always took pictures of people, hardly of abstract or immovable things. But now, I take scenery and nature pictures as well. I think blogging has contibuted to the picture taking thing too. Feedback from loved ones indicate that they would love to see more pictures on this blog. Ok, I hear you! :) But, know that I'm a writer first, not a photographer neither a photojournalist!

Since we are in the initial stages of the harvest season I don't have a picture of a basket full of ripe, yellow mangoes yet, partly because I and other mango lovers in my house eat them straightaway!:) I been craving mangoes for several months now, need I wait anymore? So all pictures are of green mangoes for now.

Easter = Mangoes

I’ve always associated Easter with mangoes, not eggs, because it's also the season of mangoes in my tropical land. And I happen to live in a house surrounded by several mango trees. I’ve been watching those mango trees flower and blossom since last December. It’s a joy to see the trees bear fruit. I simply love eating mangoes. See a firstfruit of the season's harvest right up.

A downside to eating mangoes, is flossing after eating them, because the fibre (depending on which type) almost always gets stuck in between my teeth.:) But I’ll still eat my mangoes.

I only know how to eat mangoes fresh and unadulterated. So while the mango harvest is here, I’m soliciting for mango related recipes through this blog. Do you have any suggestions? For those willing to share, please click on comments below and type out the recipe. I’d be very grateful. Hopefully, during or after the Easter period, I’ll post pictures of my cooking adventures with my favourite fruit.