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"Norse Mythology" is a 2017 book by Neil Gaiman that retells the ancient Norse myths in a captivating and accessible manner. Gaiman, known for his masterful storytelling, draws on his long-standing fascination with mythology to present these tales in a novelistic format, weaving together the stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures into a cohesive narrative.

In this work, Gaiman explores the lives of iconic figures such as Odin, the all-father; Thor, the thunder god; and Loki, the cunning trickster. He brings to life their adventures, conflicts, and the intricate relationships between them, all while maintaining the essence of the original myths. Gaiman's rendition is noted for its humor, vivid imagery, and humanity, making the characters relatable and their stories engaging for modern readers.

The book serves not only as a retelling of classic tales but also as an introduction to Norse mythology for those unfamiliar with the source material. Gaiman's unique voice and perspective breathe new life into these ancient stories, making "Norse Mythology" a celebrated addition to both his body of work and the broader literary landscape.

"Let go, or be dragged."

This Zen proverb encapsulates the idea that one has a choice when facing challenging or undesirable situations. It suggests that clinging to something that needs to be released will result in a more painful and difficult experience, while consciously choosing to "let go" allows for a smoother transition.

The proverb can be interpreted in several ways:

Acceptance:

It encourages accepting the present moment and the things that cannot be changed. By resisting reality, one is "dragged" through unnecessary suffering.

Change:

It highlights the importance of adapting to change. Holding onto old patterns or relationships that no longer serve can hinder personal growth and lead to stagnation.

Control:

It addresses the illusion of control. Trying to control every aspect of life is futile and often leads to frustration. Letting go of the need to control allows for greater peace and flexibility.

Resilience:

It speaks to the ability to bounce back from adversity. By releasing negative emotions and attachments, one can move forward with greater ease and resilience.

The Zen tradition often emphasizes mindfulness, non-attachment, and living in the present moment. This proverb aligns with these principles, offering a practical approach to navigating life's challenges with wisdom and grace.

UNBELIEVABLE

( He's a virgin)

Episode 17

Dean

I barged into my room as mum and dad followed me...

Dean,ask no questions just go to bed!" Dad said

No! What the freaking hell is going on?,franka is your daughter? My sister? And from the previous scene,you guys didn't deny that fact! But you sent her away!.why?" I asked really confused

Enough Dean! You mustn't know all,just forget that she ever came!" Mum scolded

Wow,I never knew that parents were this annoying!

Well,I'm stubborn too!

Okay,if you're not going to talk,then I'm leaving this house,I can't live with heartless people such as yourselves!leave my room" I said

Dean,pls don't leave.." Mum was saying when

Get out you two!" I said and they both left!

What heartless people!

I parked my things,and headed to Bianca's...

Gabby

I turned and there she was- bleeding

Oh my God!

I rushed to her immedietly..

Vance! Vance I'm sorry! Plss forgive me..wake up!" I said holding her

What have I done!

I had to call an ambulance that took her to the hospital at once

..

The doctor came out after a while..I rushed to him...

Doc,how is my Girl?" I asked feeling so restless

Mr Gabriel,she's having a slight migraine,she'll have to be admitted,but don't worry she'll be fine..." He said and I breathed out a bit..

Migraine isn't a good thing but thank God,she's not in a critical condition...

I went to her room and sat on her bed close to her,holding her hands..

I'm so sorry Vance,I didn't see you enter..forgive me,don't leave me,you know you're the only one left for me in this world" I said in tears..

Bianca

Who the hell are you?" I heared my dad's voice from downstairs

Oh you're the thief from the slums! Well I'm back now,so your service is no longer needed with my daughter! Get the freaking hell out!" Dad snapped

Dean is here!

He's here!

I came downstairs immediately and saw Dean with my dad...

Dad,let him be pls,he's my fiancee" I said holding dean's Hand that was shaking

Fake fiancée!" Dad chipped in

I thought you didn't like this guy!" Dad added

That was before!" I said and he rolled his eyes

Alright,run along...better get some sleep" dad said and I smilled and hugged him before moving upstairs with Dean

You never told me your Dad was back,and that he was this scary!" Dean whispered and I chuckled

We went upstairs to my room,after eating,just relaxing as he was telling me everything that happened in the Charles house...

From when he was at the super market till when franka came by..

I was in total awe,

so,you're a rich boy aren't you?" I said and he chuckled and pecked me

You can say that again but,I'll still keep working" he said and lay down flat on the bed and I lay on top of him...

I was in my nighties, I could feel his body vibrate at the touch of my body on him,especially the boobs..

Bianca,I want to do it the right way,after we're married, you're a woman and you need to be respected... I love you for real,like not faking it,and I'll like to marry you for real,let's wait till then okay" he said and I rolled her eyes

Just then my phone rang...

Gabby!" I said and Dean gave me a go ahead to pick it..

I put it on loud speaker..

Gabby,what is..." I was saying when...

Vance is in the hospital! Come right now I'm scared..I'll text you the address!" He said and hung up

Let's go Dean!" I said dragging dean who had a confused face,I was confused too,but I had to get to Vance first...

Dean drove me to the hospital..

Why will Gabby be worried about Vance? Do they know each other?" Dean asked irritating me

I don't know Dean, let's just get there first.

Upon getting there,we found Gabby holding Vance hands crying..

I didn't mean to hit you with the bottle love,pls forgive me,don't be angry at me,pls wake up!" He said in tears

What the! You hit her with a bottle?" Dean asked

I swear I didn't mean to! I didn't see her come in" Gabby was saying as I gave him a slap..

He can't do anything to me,Dean is right behind me..

It doesn't matter!you're going to jail right now,and nothing is changing that!" I said and started calling the police!

Bianca,Bianca no! I would never hurt Vance,I'm sorry for all I did to you,you can't send me to jail now! I want to be here when she wakes up! Dean pls convince her plss..Vance is my girlfriend,the love of my life,I would never hurt her on purpose pls" Gabby begged in tears,and for once I saw him in tears...

When did he fall for Vance,I don't get all this..

Nevertheless,he's going to jail for hurting Vance...

Dean

This is confusing!

Gabby is in love with Vance..

Its so visible in his eyes, he's even crying and begging...

Bianca,maybe you shouldn't be jailing him" I said to Bianca

No! The cops are already on thier way" she said holding Vance

man,I don't get it, you love Vance?" I asked him

Plss help me beg Bianca" Gabby was saying when the cops came and took him away

Just then Vance woke up...

Gabby!" She said waking up

Gabby? Isn't he the one that did this to you? What you love him now?or you've always loved him?"Bianca said and Vance froze..

Like she was keeping something

Where is he? He might have hurt himself from guilt..he can't do this to me on purpose" Vance said and Bianca froze..

Bianca sent him to jail few minutes ago" I said and Vance removed the drip from her body,wanting to get up!

TBC..

KUMBI'S HERBS

EPISODE 4: IS DOCTOR DAVE COMPROMISING?

All of a sudden the clinic’s generator stopped working, even though it had been serviced just days before. The technician came, checked everything, and left with a puzzled face. “There’s nothing wrong with it,” he said. “But… it just won’t start.”

This was beyond ordinary! Dr Dave muttered to himself.

After a lonely day at the clinic, he tried to catch some sleep, he had started sleeping for about 30 minutes when he drifted into a dream, he saw himself standing in a forest alone. Surrounded by shadows that whispered in languages he didn’t understand. One shadow always stood closer than the rest; tall, veiled, with something glowing faintly in its hand.

Then he heard loud voices scolding him from all angles and he started running, he woke up with a headache and sweating profusely. Then he knew he was in for a ride!

But that was not all...

On the fourth morning, he woke up with a cold sweat and found a small pouch tied to the clinic gate.

It was made of black cloth, sealed with a cowrie, and inside… a dried herb he didn’t recognize. But there was a note:

“No healing can come from hands that disrespect the land.”

The Nurses and other supporting staff added their voices and advised him to thread with caution. And surprisingly, this time he was ready to listen.

That day, he saw Kumbi from across the road. She didn’t speak. Just stared.

But her eyes said it all!

“Now you’ll learn that healing is more than knowledge. It is respect. And respect… must be earned.

At this time, Dr. Dave's confidence had began to crack. But what happens to his years of study? his beliefs? and wealth of knowledge?

What would you do if your whole village turned against you?

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