Sisterlocks-Look I am a beautiful butterfly

The FLU

2008-02-23T23:22:00.003-05:00

I have the FLU. Yep. On Tuesday it started with an itchy throat and what has followed has been pure and utter madness! I feel so yucky...but it did not stop me from getting my hair retighten today :) (Priorities, friends...Priorities) Here is my hair after retightening. My hair is growing like a weed! I will soon post on my new consultant...she is so fabulous!!!

Guess Who's Back!!

2008-02-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

I can not believe it has been almost a year since I have blogged! (I had a very hard time remembering my password!) I must first apologize to all of my locked sistahs. It has been a CRAZY time as of late and blogging seemed to be that last thing I had time to do. However, today two women at work approached me about my hair. One young lady wants sisterlocks the other wants to start her own sisterlock business. I recommended that both women to check out a few blogs...and in the process remembered just how much I missed blogging and all of you! Anyway, enough of that...starting Saturday I promise to carve out some to visit some sisterlock sites and post some new pictures! Promise. (The picture posted is old it was taken around Thanksgiving)

The stork brought me presents!

2007-03-15T18:14:00.000-04:00

This has been a crazy few weeks! Whoa....

My very best friend had her second son a few weeks ago. (My second godson...I am going to be a very po' woman) I went to see the new baby and the first voice I hear...."Auntie, look what we found at the doctors...a new baby brother!" My first godson is three and precocious as all get out!

Then, my sister had her little girl on Monday. This is my Mama's first grandbaby and my first niece. I really do not think I was prepared for what I felt seeing that baby. She was absolutely beautiful. (I know people always say that...but she truly is) I did not know if I wanted to cry or jump for joy! It was all so overwhelming. (I am certain those of you who are parents understand) I was and still am at a loss for words.

In the meantime, I did get my sisterlocks retighten! My consultant tells me that they are maturing well! That is always good news.

Freedom

2007-02-23T18:23:00.000-05:00

I am one of those people who is not happy unless I am using my hands, painting, sewing, making cards anything creative. I rarely "create" for myself. Growing up both of my parents put a huge value on creativity. To this day the biggest gift for my mother is something that comes my hands. More than eight years ago I painted this picture. The painting is titled,"Freedom." Unfortunately, most of the painting is cut off. The woman in this painting has her hands outstretched and she has on ballet shoes, her feet are in "fifth position." Again, I do not know what inspired me to paint her but, it seems funny that it took me eight years to get the the "freedom" shown in this painting. I am so glad I woke up!

You can't eat everybody's cooking...

2007-02-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all. On Valentine's Day a huge snowstorm hit the Mid-Atlantic region. As I awoke early Wednesday morning I felt like a little kid. Snow Day!!! While my SO on the other side of town had to brave the cold. I had to shovel myself out. It took forever! (I looked like the Abominable snowman) After such hard work, I was ready to eat. I made a Valentine's Day reservation at a Restaurant for two. I was excited and ready for good cooking, feel me. I love to explore unique favors and diverse cuisines however, we have been dining out a lot lately and I had a craving for some home cookin'. (I was tired of foie gras, and blah, blah a top of a bed of rosemary puree)

Well...I am still in the mood for some good cookin'. I ordered the Chicken Gumbo as my starter...big mistake. I know what good Gumbo is supposed to taste like, and this was not it. (Creyole you feel me?) Above is the picture of my SO's second course...the shrimp looks as surprised to be on the menu as we were with our food! (He looks like he is saying, "Ya'll gonna eat me? I am not really that good...Dang, I was supposed to be in that Gumbo with the rest of my buddies...)

I spoke to a few girlfriends about my dining experience. The reactions were hilarious!

Girlfriend #1=See my grandmother taught me how to cook...you can't eat everybody's cooking...
Girlfriend #2=Girl, it is hard to find good cooking in this area...I know what good cooking taste like cause I throw down!

Lessons learned:

1. Obviously, Valentine's Day has nothing to do with good or bad food; we had a fabulous time regardless.
2. If you want good cooking... go home:)

The Pain of Motion

2007-02-12T23:25:00.000-05:00

I saw Alvin Ailey on Friday night. After such an inspirational performance I decided to recommit myself to my love of dance...therefore I bought this pain on myself.

I am recovering from a brutal Jazz dance class. Brutal. You know it is going to be bad when the teacher says,"I am going to work every muscle hard... you may wish to stretch good." Mind you I have taken: ballet, African, tap, yoga, pilate...but I have never seen anything like this class. I thought he would teach the fundamentals of Jazz dance?? Nooooo. He believes in "hittin' the ground running." So for Valentine's day, I may have to bring out my clutches from this summer (I will blog about this at a later date).

This mean little man pushed my poor unexpecting body to a new low. ( I am being dramatic...) He was like a little energizer bunny...meanwhile I just kept my eye on the clock...8:00 p.m. could not come soon enough. In the middle of some complex mind-boggling set I asked him if he was certain that this was the beginner class? He said, " Work BOO, Just work it, let me see those hips move!" I started sweating' (during stretching mine you) and the Mean little teacher caught a glimpse...he said, "sweating' already...that's okay cause you ain't seen nothing yet." ...I swallowed hard and tried to remember why I wanted to put myself through this torment in the first place... I will subject myself to any torment just to get as far away from the gym as possible. With few notiable exceptions, the gym tends to be a meat market...not quite my bag baby:)

After class was over...I actually felt good but during... I wanted to scream, "make it stop Little Mean Teacher! Make it Stop!)

Darn, Alvin Aliey...and Judith Jamison for making a gal dream.

On an positive note there were more than seven sisters with Sisterlocks at the Alvin Ailey performance! And by the way, my girls held up well during Jazz dance I wish I could say the same for my body!

I got tagged!

2007-02-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

1. I have a tattoo on the left side of my lower back. It is a ancient Ghanaian symbol called, "The Gye Nyame" There are a several translations of the literal meaning for this symbol. The one that I use is "Love GOD and Fear no one." I got it in one of my favorite cities New Orleans in 2000.

2. Last year while visiting my Aunt in Hawaii. My Aunt begged me to go on a glider ride with her. She is very tricky this Aunt, she would not let me get any information on-line about what the ride would entail. For those of you who may not know what a glide is. A glider is a small plane without an engine. It is hooked by a cord to the back of a larger propellor plane. Once you reach a certain altitude the cord is cut and the small plane "coasts" on geo thermal air currents. It was one of the best experiences of my life!

3. I ran on stage and hugged D'Angelo at a concert in Philly! It was the end of his set and I seized the moment...it still brings a huge smile!

4. I sing and dance all the time. In the shower, while cooking, while cleaning, in the car, all the time!

5. I do not like deep water. I fell off my Jet ski in Puerto Rico...this was not very fun. I was very calm. But, my SO almost drown me trying to keep me afloat. (mind you I had a huge lifejacket on) I had to calmly say..."PLEASE GET OFF...YOU ARE GOING TO KILL ME, smile." Needless to say it was a very dramatic rescue!

My sisterlocks are a' changing!

2007-01-30T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am not certain if you all can see. My babies are changing. I had my second retighting last week and my sisterlock consultant confirmed the change. They are starting to lose their "very" curly ends. My locks now have a waved pattern with more straight pieces. I am trying to enjoy all of the phases as they come however, I do love curly hair and do not wish to loose this look so soon. But, what are ya' going to do?

I am starting to get questions about my hair "style." A few months ago a few friends just believed that I had a perm...now it is, "do you have those...sis..sisterthings?" This question actually tickled me. I said, " they are Sisterlocks." The great thing is that women are starting to ask questions. All of the women who have had question are "permies." They are asking, Who, What, When and Where questions. I have tried my best to answer all questions as well as direct them to the Offical website. I am keeping my fingers crossed that more women get the message and stop putting that "Lye" mess in their hair.

You are my Mirror...

2007-01-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

This poem was given as a part of Nelson Mandela's inauguration speech. It is one of my very favorite pieces. It is a poem that I reflect on often when I feel as though I am not living up to my promise.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other
people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

** Authored and published by Marianne Williamson

When I was a little girl my aunt sat me down and said that each person in the world carries a light. She explained that it was my job to reflect that light to others and much like a mirror the light is then transferred to another person and from that person to another. She explained, that this was how one person could change the world... I can still remember her saying those words to me like it was yesterday...

This little story makes me think about our blogging community. We are women (and men) who share our triumphs, sorrows and joys with one another. With a simple hello or note of encouragement we can serve as the catalyst to lift another spirit. We each carry "cyber mirrors" making one woman's triumph another woman's joy.

Be brilliant!

More hair pictures

2007-01-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

A new do!

2007-01-11T21:57:00.000-05:00

On Sunday as I styled my hair I started to get a little unsettled...why you ask? Well I was a bit tired of seeing my hair in the same style. As much as I love my sisterlocks, I need some variety. I love a nice sleek ponytail. I think it is chic and sophicated...I am not quite there yet but a gal can dream. On Sunday I determined to try something different. I used bobbie pins top pull and secure the sides and I used a lone stick pin to secure my "bangs." I ended up really liking this look and I got many compliments.

Aww Skate...Aww bounce!

2007-01-11T21:32:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I am just getting back from a conference and I figured I would check in with my blogging sistahs! I forgot to post these pictures last week. A girlfriend of mine called and asked if I wanted to go skating. I love to skate, so I was all over the offer. It was adult night at the rink we attended, pretty cool. (You know things have changed when you pull up to the rink and all of the cars are mini-vans) However, the night ended up being a lot of fun and great exercise. Thankfully not one of us fell. Ya'll, there are folks who take skating too the next level. I have never witnessed some of the stunts that were performed, on skates no less. I remember when backwards skate was the, "it" thing to do...not anymore!

My sisterlocks held up pretty well considering I skated for more than two hours....

DreamGirls!

2006-12-27T19:05:00.000-05:00

I had to blog about my DreamGirls movie experience. Like most, I have heard the music all of my life however, I was not old enough to truly enjoy the fullness of the Broadway musical 25 years ago. This movie experience was really, fresh for me. Two words… Jennifer Hudson! This is the issue people; I went to see the movie TWICE in one day. You read right, twice. Both times I got my tickets in advanced, good thing, the lines were out of control for both showings.

When Jennifer Hudson sang, “And I am telling you”…my glasses were foggy, during both showings. No words, just tears.... She puts her “foot” in that song. The raw emotion is palpable.

So, why the second showing? I needed to see Jennifer’s performance again. I called, my sister to tell her I was going again, and her response was, “Of course you are.” My family knows, when I love something, I love it. My best friend reminds me on our undergrad days often, it would be time for bed and I would put in my Boyz -2-Men CD. I only played, “End of the road,” before I went to bed. (Every night …”we belong together and you know that I am right, how could you play with my heart, how could you play with my mind?”) Then, I would be lulled to sleep…hmmmm.

So this Christmas, in anticipation of another big crush, my three year old godson (he always picks out the best gifts for his Auntie), gave me the DreamGirls double CD. I have been playing this CD all today, looping all of Jennifer Hudson songs. She better get an Oscar, period.

I found Funmi!

2006-12-21T23:26:00.000-05:00

This week I was feeling like a hot mess in the hair department. My hair just was not acting right. Do not misunderstand me. I love my sisterlocks. But my girls were acting a bit unruly. The back of my hair grows much faster than the sides. What does this translate too you ask? A mullet. (not the look I am going for) I don't take myself too seriously but, on the second day of this, my confidence started to falter. (sign)

On Tuesday I went into one of my favorite stores, to boost my spirits and do a little shopping. Have you ever gone into a place that just feels like home? This is the way the store that I visited feels. The proprietor, a young sistah has the warmest spirit and the biggest heart. It feels like you have walked into your Aunties, all she needs is a slice of sweet potato pie and I would take up residence. I digress, in Home. Body. Spirit, guess who I ran into? Funmi! It was so pleasant. As I was smelling some yummy handmade soaps, I look up a see a woman with sisterlocks. Being the lock stalker that I am, I walk over to this young lady and strike up a conversation. Little do I realize, it is Funmi, our Funmi! (it is so funny when you meet someone you only know online, I said hey I know you...but, I don't know you:)

If you have ever read her blog, you know that she is starting a products company. Well friends, I am here to tell you, the products are off the hook! Her sumptuous vanilla hand creme', is fabulous. It was so smooth and creamy. (Funmi, I am not playing I really want some!)

We discussed our hair, she told me her hairstory, and I shared mine. Unknown to Funmi, I was feeling yuck for two days with my mullet and all , she helped to boost my spirit with her kind words. She loved my hair and of course I loved hers. That was that...thanks Funmi. ( I will be looking for your products, girl do not make me get on I95 to get some! (lol)

A Par-tay!

2006-12-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

I am finishing graduate School as some of you know soon and very soon. Yay! Well one of my classmate's SO had a little get together for her over the weekend. For the party I wore my new brown suede shoes (an early christmas present) and I pinned the top of my sisterlocks up. I kinda like this look. Anywho, the party was just too fun. There was good food, good drink and good music. Her SO rented a small room at a Hotel in downtown D.C., (the setting was very intimate, with a few close friends and family) so there was not enough room for me to dance like I really wanted too. I am ready to throw down (two years of papers, analysis and talking about feelings, group dynamics, consulting and race relations has got me ready...all I need is to hear a beat, a shame but true) None-the-less, it was a great time!

My Soap Box

2006-12-10T18:37:00.000-05:00

I know this blog is about my sisterlocks and my progress thereof however, after going to a benefit this past weekend...I felt I needed to post about this:

I went to a benefit for a Pediatric HIV/AIDS home in D.C., the Wright House. This house is a sanitary for children who are infected/affected by this raging epidemic. The children are picked up after school; they are feed, receive counseling, art therapy, tutoring and love among a range of other services. This home represents so much for the children it serves. All of the children are African-American and they range from just 5 years of age to 18. The director explained that though they serve a large volume of children, they could clone themselves 10X and not serve the need in the DC. There are many children who are on the waiting list to get into the Wright House, these are children who are just looking for a place to be at peace, where they can be what they were intended to be...a child.

For years I did clinical laboratory screening/research for Pediatric/Adults HIV and I am still greatly disappointed in the sheer volume of people who continue to be affected/infected by this disease. I am deeply angred by rates of infection as it relates to the Black community. For a disease that is 100% preventable... it is overwhelming to look at the statistics for the District and I am sure many other cities around the country. After this benefit I sat in the car for a very long time...I really can not comprehend how in the Nations Capitol, in one of the greatest Nations on earth this disease continues to rage with virtual impunity:

* The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimate that more than one million Americans are living with HIV. Up to one-third of them do not know they are HIV-positive.
* It's estimated that one in every 20 adults in the District of Columbia is infected with HIV.
* D.C. has the highest rate of new AIDS cases per 100,000 population in the United States -- a rate that is 10 times the national average.
* In D.C., the greatest increase in AIDS cases is occurring among people of color, women, injection drug users and through heterosexual contact.
* In D.C., 82 percent of all AIDS cases are among African-Americans.
* More than 15,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area live with AIDS. Tens of thousands more people are estimated to be infected with HIV.
* Nationwide, someone under the age of 25 is infected with HIV every 30 minutes.

As I saw these numbers I concluded that there needs to be a paradigm shift in the Black community. We need to wake up and realize there is a generation that is being decimated right before our eyes. We can not afford to be asleep at the wheel..the consequences are too real.

My First Retightening!

2006-12-05T21:30:00.000-05:00

I had my first retightening on 11.30.06! O-kay ya'll did not prepare me for the pain (lol). I am not tender-headed however, this retightening hurt:) My consultant said that my hair was locking well and that I should get used to "feeling" of having my hair retightened. (Being that I scheduled appointments from now until December 2007, I guess I will have to get use to the "feeling.") (For those of you who may be new to retighening...do not dismay I tend to be dramatic:)

As ya'll have read I have been getting a few inquiries about what I have in my hair from sistahs who have SL's? Dang, after these encounters I was a tad bit nervous about this appointment, I was afraid I inadvertently messed up my hair. My consultant allayed all of my fears! I got a good report card. (I felt like I was in kindergarten...I was so excited when she told me I was doing a great job with my sisterlocks) Yay!!

There was a sista however who was getting her locks reinstalled! Yes reinstalled! Something about vigorous washing?? What?? I would have lost my natural mind if I had to have "my girls" reinstalled...

I stepped out of the house with my new tighten locks, thinking I was cute, unprepared for the sudden change in weather. We literally went from 70 degree days to 39 degree days in a matter of nanoseconds (lol) The wind whipped right though my scalp....BRRRR! After running to my car and cranking the heat...I got myself together. Can I just say I love my sisterlocks!

The Nutcracker

2006-12-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

I saw the Washington Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker this past weekend. It was fabulous. George Washington was the Nutcracker and the stage was set with symbolic cherry blossoms! (see picture) The Washington ballet performed the principle movements and they incorporated area dances troupes into the performance. (There were well over thirty small children in this show) Picture the cutest little kids running around in some of the most elaborate costumes ever. Cute little bumble bees and flowers all waiting for their moment to shine. There were two classically trained African-American children (they were both awesome!)

Secondary to the Washington Ballet there were multiple dance troupes that showcased their talent. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of classical ballet performed by the minority dance troupe. When the troups were on stage they all seemed to have a non- minority principal classically trained dancer center stage and then the minority dancers were the “backup.” As this happened several times it was quite an obvious situation. There may be many reasons for this apparent disparity nonetheless, in the future I would like to see more African-American principal dancers center stage.

All-in-all it was a very diverse performance. The performance is normally held at the Kennedy Center or the like however; this year it was held in southeast D.C. at THEARC Theater. The significance being that southeast D.C. is a predomately African-American area of the district that for years has been historical underdeveloped and neglected. I was so excited to see THEARC hosting this event!

While at the show I ran into a woman with auburn colored sisterlocks. Me being a lock stalker and all…I went over to this woman and started a conversation about her hair. She was very sweet. She has had her locks for six years and she recently cut them. The slightly troubling aspect of this story is she did not realize that I had sisterlocks. (how is this possible(lol) When I told her that I had sisterlocks she seemed very surprised. The same thing happened when I ran up to a woman in Restoration hardware. She loved my hair but she did not realize they were sisterlocks. What is the deal? Maybe these sisters were locked so long ago that they do not remember the curly stage? Dunno? Anyway if you are in D.C. please check out the Nutcracker, you will not be disappointed!

My hair's journey

2006-11-28T21:54:00.000-05:00

I decided to take a trip down memory lane ,that and I just got a scanner. Anywho, as I looked over some of my old pictures I had to laugh at where my hair has been. (Honestly, I am just grateful to still have some hair on my head!)

There is a picture of my Jeri Curl below, it was sooo dry (yes I am wearing fruit covered shorts!) I am surprised I was allowed to walk out of the house...it looks like it could catch fire at any time! O-kay take a look at the Prom picture (there is one where I am wearing a blue dress and one wear I am wearing a green one) Will you look at the hair, people? I was extremely fond of hard updos..however on the day of my senior prom (the green dress that I still have) my hair dresser informed me that she could not do hard updos! What??? I almost passed out. So she finger waved my whole head. Yes, you heard me right, finger waved my whole head and then picked it out at the top. Needless to say this is how my bride of Frankenstein look occurred.

One of my favorite pictures is of me in Louisiana, my mama's hometown. I am actually in New Orleans in July 2005 (Just before the destruction of Katrina) I was there as always for the Essence Festival. I am in a door frame and in the picture I have "sistertwists" that is a story in and of it self. There is a picture below that was taken at a convention in ATL, I was trying the wash and curl look...hmmmm, enough said. ( A very mean man called me a Chiapet in downtown ATL, a Chiapet?...I am not certain what else to say) It was an ignorant and quite unnecessary comment. I was way too busy having a ball to care about his nasty tail! What are you doing to do...but go to Glady's Knights and get your groove back with a fried chicken omelette:)

My mama came to visit me!

2006-11-26T11:09:00.000-05:00

In the previous post I mentioned my Mother. Well she came to visit me! I decided to do a brief post about her. My mother is creole from Louisiana. In the late 1950's her mother followed my grandfather north. But, my grandmother never really adjusted to the "climate." And upon her wishes she was flown back to Shreveport when she passed. Talking to my mother you really get a great idea of how it felt growing up and being different. Blonde hair and fair skin were very rare traits among my mothers friends in the North (back home she fit in like a glove). I think we all go through that stage where we are trying to find who we truly are. Needless to say there are plenty of pictures with her hair dyed black or brown to tone down the blonde. After years of hiding her natural color she accepted her hair for what it was, uniquely hers. She went to my first sister-locks consultation with me and loved my consultant and the process...let's keep our fingers crossed:)

I inherited a cross between both my parents hair and skin. My mothers hair is naturally blond and very course. Her afro's were beautiful and full. I remember her being very afro-centric and proud as I grew up, she helped foster this characteristic in me. My fathers hair is dark, soft and fine (like most daddy's in the seventies he rocked the huge side burns) The picture above is the two of them at senior prom.

I am not my hair?

2006-11-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

This is a subject that has been on my heart and I felt that I had to post about it. I find it extremely divisive to debate the true and right-way to wear our natural hair. I recently read a post that discussed cultured dreads vs. manicured locks. This debate, to me harkens back to the light vs. dark skinned mess. Did we forget "Willie Lynch??? Willie Lynch Letter
At it core is the assertion that one is better than the other. As a creole woman born in Louisiana my mother has told me stories of brown paper bag parties and the things done to her friends to make them feel less than because of hair texture, completion or just the wrong pedigree or the way children and families were pitted against one another on the basis of outward appearance ( including hair texture, type, appearance etc)....I do not think we are naive enough to believe that these type of things do not still happen but, one would hope that in our community at least we could just accept the differences that make us beautiful...o-Kay I will get off my soap box:) Below is the post I wrote:

I am actually a sisterlocked sista and I have to say that I am a bit disappointed in discussions that have a premise around the “right way” to wear our hair. As a proud woman of African decent I have chosen a route that I deemed best for my hair. I would like to think that each of use has the right to choose what works well for our lives. I am not looking to win the “most” authentic title. I did not choose my hairstyle for the approval of anyone except myself. This discussion on hair seems to be as divisive as discussions of light skinned verses dark skinned in our community. What is this? Instead of being so critical about our natural hair choices it would seem to me that we would try to embrace one another. “Dread-yankee?” How is this label helpful? What purpose does it serve?

There are hundreds of women/men who have finally found a way to embrace their God given beauty. Who have struggled through and jumped over 400 years of brainwashing and negative self-imagery. There are more women/men who are looking in the mirror today and loving the beautiful black cloud that grows from there roots…who are we to tell them how to love it?

Give me a brake?

2006-11-19T19:13:00.000-05:00

I decided to try a rod set once again. On October 24 when my SL's were initially installed, my consultant styled my hair much like the pictures posted here. The only difference is that she used "Crinkles and Curls" and I used water. After my hard work I really liked the initial look however, after sleeping on my hair I awoke the next day and much to my horror and dismay, my hair did not remotely look the same. The rod set did not hold as long as my consultants', meaning that my curls were no longer spirals they were evolving into...not a good look, i.e., a hot mess. I think that I need a little "C and C." But, I have decided that I will be patient and wait to start using any products on my hair until told further. So ladies and gentlemen I have decided to slow down on the "heavy" styling. Yup, you heard me right. As hard as it is to keep my hands out of my head...I feel that I need to give them a little more time to "mature."

"The Bluest Eye"

2006-11-13T01:28:00.000-05:00

Today I saw the Toni Morrison's, "The Bluest Eye" performed at a local theatre in DC. I really did not know what to expect. Toni Morrison is by far my favorite writer and I have read this book more times than I would like to admit...needless to say my expectations were very high. I have to say the performance was excellent! I was blown away by this powerful performance. I was throughly impressed and surprised at how true the performance was to the book. Next stop for the show is NYC for an off Broadway run. I think tickets are selling out quickly...

P.S...note to production manager: two hours is a wee-bit long to sit with no intermission. I am just saying...

The pictures are as follows:
1. Me on the way to the theatre ( I am still free-styling my SL's and loving every moment)
2. "The Bluest Eye" set...(at the end the eyes light up blue, it is very eery)
3. H Street Playhouse marquis
4. I love D.C. architecture...this is a shot of the theatre entrance...

Dump 'em

2006-11-11T23:15:00.000-05:00

Much like Brunsli...I had a bit of a stressful week....

But, while going through the ritual of washing my hair. My eyes caught sight of several former products lying aimlessly around my bathroom. (You know how ex's are...they show out just as soon as you have moved on) I started to examine the litany of ingredients listed in these products and decided…I was done! When has yellow dye #5 ever been a necessary additive? Do not get me started!

I digress. If you ever have a stressful day, this is what you do. Get a glass of wine (fruit juice for those non-partakers) play some nice music and rounded up the suckers.

You know, the shampoos, glazes, straighters, curling crème, conditioner, the do-grow, won't grow, can't grow and what- not. We are talking about the junky ones…you know with the blah, blah, blah and then thirty lines and a serious migraine later you get to the 6% tea tree oil or something of that nature.

I dumped all of the products... I was like a little mad scientist in my bathroom. (Take it from me, as a woman who worked in the clinical laboratory for seven years I was formally in character, wooo-hooo-ha ha!!!) To end my night proper, I used the empty containers to play horse. (My shot is a little off)

Not to worry, cause I am an environmentally friendly kinda gal; I recycled all of the containers. If I had to take a guess I would say that I trashed over $200.00 bucks worth of product. Two hundred smackers! Do you know what I could do with two hundred dollars? I detest wasting money...think I can get a refund?

My "check up"...

2006-11-11T22:25:00.000-05:00

I went for my two-week check up with my consultant Sharonne Jackson-Little. She was very proud of her work. She explained that my hair was exactly as it should be and that I was doing what was needed. She did retighten my nap (i.e., soft spot, it is the only place on my head that does not curl) Anywho, I have posted some pictures about my "wash, wrap, and wear" routine. I do what most of the veterans do. I did in fact have to stop using the SL's starter shampoo. My hair started to become, itchy all over...We no likey.

1) I braid and band
2) I wash gently using a zig-zag motion (per my consultant instructions)
3) I dry with my.... Aquis hair towel (thanks Brunsli this works great)
4) I tie my head with the LB soc and off I go too beddy-bye.

The end is in sight!

2006-11-11T16:04:00.000-05:00

Blogger Snob!!!

2006-11-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

Ya'll I would like to offer my sincerest apologies. On Saturday I decided I wanted to learn more about the blogging world. What did I do? Well a lot, I was playing with everything...I mean so many of ya'll have beautiful blogs how could I resist! I ended up changing my comment settings to have me moderate all comments...you know like a Blogger Big Brother. I am so sorry for those of you who left comments and could not see them until now. One of my girlfriends call me today and said she could not see her comments...M'excuser (seven long years of French and that's all I got people)

The tale of two heads...

2006-11-05T09:58:00.000-05:00

O-kay. I decided to take a closer look at what is happening to my hair. In the first picture you will is my hair freestyled. I got up this morning gave it a quick mist with water. (this is sooo easy I am loving this) However, because of years of pressin', I have altered the composition on the nap of neck. This is the area where I have had the minor slipage. As you can see from the back picture, my hair is in spike rollers. The pieces in the back stick straight out. Before sisterlocks my nap was longer, my sides came to my jawline and the crown was almost even with the back. Now, no curl or anything at the nap...darn press! Has this happened to anyone else?

Oh heck naw!

2006-11-04T10:14:00.000-05:00

I have always had a problem with over production of oil on my face and scalp. With my skin I have struggled with acne and finally in my late 20's I got that issue taken care of however, my scalp is another issue. There have been one or two times out of nowhere when I had what looked like cradle cap. (Seborrheic Dandruff as diagnosed by my dermatologist) Yes, people I said cradle cap. Not a good look for a grown woman. I am being a bit dramatic but...you understand.

This was a worry when I decided to get sisterlocks, because I am one of those women who has to wash her hair once a week. When I first started my research, a consultant in Delaware who had seborrhea dandruff said not too worry, it just met that she has to wash a bit more frequently. My sisterlock consultant and I actually discussed what seborrheic dandruff would mean for the locking process. It was just a question that I brought up, at that point in my consultation there were no issues with my scalp at all.

Today, I took a look in the mirror and yes; the front of my hair was a bit flaky. I no likey! Before sisterlocks I used different shampoo that I loved Phytojojoba. I recently washed my hair with the SL' starter shampoo not too long ago...is there a link? What do ya'll think? Maybe not...but I do not have time to play the blame game, I had a crisis on my hands.

Under the circumstances what is a gal to do except, go off protocol? I went to WholeFoods (one of my many favorite spots to shop). After doing a little research, I purchased the following: Rosemary essential oil, tea tree essential oil, witch hazel and jojoba oil. I mixed these ingrediates in a small spray bottle. The sprayed my scalp where the offense was...and volia, no flakes. Besides smelling like a tea tree forest, my scalp is back to normal and I am a happy camper.

From this and other experiences, I have learned that everything has to be in balance. A slight change in diet, sleep, stress or exercise affects me in a major way. The book that I consult most is HealthyHealing. I like the thought of using nutrition to aid my health and well being of my body. I also like the thought of doing what my mommom did, using her innate knowledge to heal her body. (Not counting the one time she called down to Florida to get a recipe to help cure my tonsillitis...for the record I do believe I still have my tonsils...I am just not certain if they function after such an assault. lol.) Everyone gets a bit overzealous on occasion.

Memoirs of a Sisterlocked Geisha...

2006-11-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

A soror of mine had a really nice costume/birthday party last night. I dressed up as a Geisha (always fun) Anywho, a few of my girlfriends and I just happen to start discussing natural hair. (In the ladies room mind you) All of us are in different stages of being natural: one girl was pressed, one coiled, one pulled back in a natural Afro puff and I was sisterlocked, under the wig of course. There was so much excitement and energy around natural hair it was unreal. There was an exchange of hair woes and wonders and each woman had a specific moment when she said, enough was enough. We of course discussed sisterlocks and I found myself more dramatic than my normal dramatic self. A friend tried to get me to take off my wig, but that thing was plastered to my hair with over twenty booby pins. (we would need a jack hammer and a few glasses of wine to get it off) As a consequence, I am waiting for a call from her today, she wants to come over and see my hair.... maybe another sisterlocks convert.

Ps. ( For those of you who are concerned my sisterlocks did survive under that nasty wig, resilient little things...these SL's)

2006-11-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

I got my very first digital camera today. I am impressed. I purchased a film camera about three years ago, it was a major investment so buckling down and purchasing another piece of equipment was not in the plans. However, I found a great deal at Costco. The purchased a Canon SD550 and printer. After the Weezy Jefferson incident, I did a braid-out. I am learning a lot about this head of mine. First, (like most African-American women) I have several grades of hair in my head. In general my hair is very dense. The crown has a very tight curl pattern, the front is straight, I mean bone straight (I have not had a perm in seven years however, during my "pressin" years my stylist gave me a double press, hot comb followed by flat iron) As I have gotten older the hair at the nap (the kitchen for those of us who know) has changed. It grows very slowly and it is baby soft (for obvious reasons I am not at all pleased this. This is where I have had some minor slippage) I do not have time for the slippage!

Who am I looking down at you ask? Why it is little Li-Li. My 3 year Wheaten Terrier. He wants brotherlocks so badly...unfortunately for him he does not have enough money to pay.

2006-10-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween.

I decided to wash my 1-week old sisterlocks on Sunday. I did everything I was told to do. No extra (that was very hard for me, but I digress) I braided and banded. I used the sisterlocks shampoo. I used light water pressure as to not disturb the hair. It is like having 400 plus newborns on my head the way this hair is coddled. Anyhoo, then I did it. I pulled out my spike rollers, all shucks! I just knew I was going to be cuuute! Ladies you all will have to help me with this one. Maybe my sections of hair were too small? Maybe the spike rollers are too small? But, I woke up the next morning looking like I had a small jeri curl. Now, for the record I did rock a Jeri curl in 3rd-7th grade so no offense, however this was not the look I was going for. How did I resolve this quandary, you ask? You do not even want to know...I came home and sprayed my hair with a light mist of water. Why you ask? I have no earthly idea. All I know is this morning when I awoke I looked like a young Weezy Jefferson, again not the look I was going for. I have not given up on the spike rollers however, I think I will be freestyling my hair for a few weeks. The picture shows my hair after I washed out Weezy!

2006-10-25T00:18:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen...children of all ages! I am officially locked. I am so tired 20 hours sitting can zap a sistahs energy! Can I just say that I love my consultant! She was so caring and she really has prepared me for my sisterlock journey. I am so impressed with her professionalism, knowledge and patience. She answered all of my questions (and believe me this in no small accomplishment) She even styled my locks before I left her salon! The only reason I have not posted pictures as of yet is unlike the rest of the country, I still have a film camera. Yes, I still have a film camera! So, until I break down and purchase my digital, I will be running to the 1 hour photo to have my pictures developed and put on CD...so very Flintstones I realize.

2006-10-22T23:10:00.000-04:00

O-kay it is count down time. I get my sisterlocks tomorrow morning. What is a gal to do!!! I am really nervous and excited. I have purchased my LB soc, my Brunsli hair tie, soft spike rollers, and my aquis hair towel. Have I missing anything... I would like to think that I am prepared. I wore my hair pressed this weekend for the last time... (I will upload some pics soon) I went to a Vineyard in Northern Virginia this weekend, it was absolutely fabulous until, the back of my neck started to sweat. It was hot as mess this weekend. (coupled with the fact the I was wearing a fleece jacket and Ugg boots does not make from a pretty picture) As my hair in my kitchen decided to do it "own thang," I determined that I would call Monday October 23 Liberation Day! Wish me luck!

2006-10-03T21:20:00.000-04:00

This is my first post! I am so excited I could just....I am not sure what I could do. But I am happy! I am getting Sisterlocks on October 23-24th and I can not wait. I have been natural for more than six years and I am so tired of the press in curl. Do you feel me? One can not work out with a press-n-curl. One can not swim with a press-n-curl. I have used my press (as I call it) for too long to support "work-out avoidance." "Work-out avoidance is classic among pressed sistahs. Year after year you realize that something is going on with your waitline however you "reason" that there is absolutely nothing to be done about it. What can you do? You have a press! It is not your fault that your hair will "go-back" even thinking about the pool! Enough with this mental slavery (thanks Bob) I am so tired of the burned ears and the heavy pressin' cream! I am done. I have struggled with the "can I get away with locks in corporate america" bull. I came to the realization that this is me. Period. I have a head full of tight black nappies that I am proud of darn it and that is it. I had to change my paradigm. Seriously, I had to think about what message I was sending to myself with this "you have to press your hair nonsense." The operative words is clearly, "have to." I had to rethink what beauty is! We all have choice and mine has been made...we are just waiting for the date...Here are some pictures from the past...