What's Goin' On???

Alright Ya'll, I have to VENT. Pictured on the left are my 3 sons - the picture was taken in September '08. At that time the two big boys were 6 months into their loc processes and my little one was only 1 month into his process. Both big boys are two weeks away from their 1 year mark and they are progressing extremely well. Bryen (the one on the left) has learned how to maintain his own hair. He is a music education student at University of Louisville, plays tuba and is preparing to march this summer in a drum corps. He's marched with them before and it was a great experience for him. He definitely understands that a certain appearance must be maintained during competition - but this drum corps thing is the cause of my now having to VENT.

My son was just informed via an extremely unprofessional email that in order to march, he must cut his locs.....WHAT??? Yes, he must cut his locs. Needless to say, Mama and Daddy ain't happy about this at all. I have emailed the director and also requested a copy of the participants contract that he recently signed. He was told that the corps has an 'image' that their board of directors wants maintained.......do ya'll see where THIS is going?

I am typically NOT the one to holler discrimination or racism - but I do feel that this is an issue that we cannot let just pass without at least questioning the reasons, the process involved, etc. Wearing locs is something that he's wanted to do for a very long time. My son has done his research and knows that this rule is unique to a few corps and is not a part of the national governing body that all corps' participate in. Needless to say, I do plan to press this issue if for nothing more, than to cause some necessary discussions to take place. Ultimately it is HIS decision to make and, of course, I will support his decision (even though my position is that he just doesn't march) - and yes, I do understand that it's just hair and he could easily start over with a fresh set of locs after the season ends in August. However, I do feel as though they are encroaching on his right to self expression. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Peace Lovies!!

Second Retight Complete

So What's up??

I am not my hair but I definitely LOVE my hair!!

I completed my 2nd retight and things are progressing pretty well. After washing my hair, I always braid it so when it dries, it has it's own wavy crinkly thing going on - which explains the lumpy look you see over there. Still haven't purchased a new digital camera so, this horrible pic from my camera phone will have to do.

What have I learned so far:

1. I have learned that I truly LOVE my hair - Crooked parts and all!!!!!! One thing I am definitely NOT concerned about is having perfect - gyometrically straight parts. I am more concerned with the overall health of my hair than the parts within it. My hair is so thick - no one will ever see my scalp anyway so who cares. Not to offend anyone, but I had to get that out because in a couple of the groups that I'm in, I've witnessed people taking down their beautiful locs and starting over simply because their parts were crooked. Everyone has to do what they have to do - so if you are not satisfied with your hair for any reason, and your feel you need a fresh start then you should DEFINITELY do it. For me, imperfect parts fit my overall imperfect personality.

2. There are no BAD hair days. Every day is a new adventure as well as a new opportunity to learn something different about myself and my hair. This daily newness has helped to awaken my creative side. I have made several pair of crochet earrings - here is a pic of the first set:

My mother made sure I knew how to knit, crochet, take care of my own hair, cook, run a household, etc. It was her mission that I never have to rely on anyone else. Appreciating my hair for what it is has bled off into so many other areas of my life. I've been working on starting my business designing jewelry and purses. Everything will be launched soon - so stay tuned. This pic is my first attempt at crochet earrings. Hubby made a joke that they look like coasters.....LOL!! Then I put them on, and he was pretty impressed and encouraged me to make more of them.

This is my second pair. You probably can't tell, but it's a cream yarn with a metallic gold weave. I saw the yarn at Walmart and just had to have it. I will post pictures very soon of my beaded jewelry

3. My hair LOVES water. It's funny that we told all our lives that water is the 'enemy' of black hair. We learned to avoid it when we were little because we didn't want our hair to go BACK and have to get it washed and pressed again. Now, water is my best friend. I have my own mixture of water and a few drops of rosemary oil that I spray on my hair daily. I have no dandruff or itching. This may not be a good idea for everyone, but for me - in these cold midwestern winter months, the moisture is exactly what my hair needs.

4. I am not concerned about length at all. This journey has helped me even more to let my hair do what it do. I have tightly coiled hair that shrinks up a lot - I spent my first natural year doing everything in my power to un-shrink my hair so I could show off length and volume. Well, in retrospect, that's pretty darn STUPID. Thank God for deliverance!!

5. I've learned to embrace un-learning. I would say that the most important thing to learn in this journey is that you have to un-learn everything that you learned growing up. Doesn't really make sense does it?? In order to take this journey, everything that you once thought was wrong, or bad, must be embraced as GOOD. My hair is strong, stubborn and makes NO apology for being what it is - coarse and coily. I've learned to listen to my hair and let it tell me what it needs instead of me telling IT what I think it needs.

I hope to have my digital camera replaced very soon so you don't have to be terrorized by these scary cell phone pictures. Well, time for tea. Today it's going to be a cleansing Yogi Tea.

Peace Lovies!!

Nobody can do you better the YOU can do you!!!

I am truly a blessed woman. I have 4 children and several Godchildren ranging in age from infant to grown-married-with children of their own. My godchildren call me "G-Ma" and I try to keep in contact with them as much as possible and i never fail to show up and jerk a knot in one of their BUTTS when necessary. I have even showed up at one of my goddaughters school on occasion (when she was bent on being disrespectful and acting a FOOL - she hated that....LOL! !) Having Godchildren is absolutely the best because you don't have to take their feelings into consideration like you do your own.

However, today I did get some distressing news regarding 2 of my goddaughters. Needless to say, G-Ma is now taking a very active role (more than I have been) in their overall welfare. I feel that their parents are doing a great job and I am not judging them at all.......they both work and can't be everywhere all at once. But, it does take a whole village to raise a child. So, if you have godchildren, neices, nephews or close friends with small children, GET INVOLVED. Be nosey, ask questions - if you are lucky enough to be in their school files (like I am) show up at the school once in a while, let them know that you care about them every chance you get.

Peace Lovies!!

God Bless Jennifer!!

While I didn't watch the entire superbowl, I just had to take a moment and give a shout out to Jennifer Hudson who sounded as amazing as she looked. When I think about all that she has been through.........to watch her belt out an arrangement of the National Anthem that ranks right up there with Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye, brought tears to my eyes. She has shown a great deal of faith, strength and grace through these tough times. My prayers are with her and her family.

GOD BLESS YOU JENNIFER!!!!!

PEACE!!

First Retight!!

Well,

I have good news and bad news.

The good news is, I FINISHED MY FIRST DIY RETIGHTENING. HOORAY FOR ME!!!!!!

The bad news is, my son's digital camera is broke so I had to take these pics with my cell phone. They are pretty CRAPPY aren't they??

It took about 8 hours - spread out over a two-day period. I selected this time because it's been pretty cold and snowing, so I haven't wanted to get out much. All in all, it went pretty well......if I do say so myself. I had to totally re-braid 5 braids and I had to pick apart about 3 that I accidentally joined together in the back (OUCH!!).
I made my own tool out of Art and Craft Wire:

I'm sorry that these pics SUCK, but I just wanted to keep ya'll posted on the progress. I have begun a process of re-learning my hair, which is actually pretty FUN. My hair is basically really dense and tightly coiled. However, the hair on the very top (from the crown to the front hairline) is a straighter texture and it requires different handling than the back and sides. I didn't do enough rotations to make my hair tight - because I just don't believe that's healthy for your hair overall. But, in the front, especially around the hairline, I was very careful only to do so much. I do have two seak spots on my head - my temples. The women of my family don't bald, but we have very weak hair around the temples. Originally I was going to wait another week to do the retightening one reason was because I didn't think I had enough new growth and the other reason was I WAS SCARED TO DEATH!! But, I decided to go ahead and take the plunge and found that it didn't take as long as I thought to get the hang of it. THANK GOD for Nubianlockedprincess and her video tutorial - I'm going to save some herbal to and a piece of apple pie for her!! Because of her, I was able to do the basic 4 point rotation on 80% of my head and there were spots that I could only do 3 or 2 rotations because my hair definitely does NOT grow at the same pace all over.

I'm pretty proud of myself and i'm going to treat myself to a nice cup of Spice Black Tea. I'm snowed in today - 10 inches of snow on the ground!!!!!!

Peace Lovies!!

Peace Lovies!!

Happy Anniversary

OK. OK. I know it's only been a month, but I just couldn't help it. LOL!! My braidlocs are 1 month old and they are holding up pretty well. I've only had to rebraid 2 of them and I have survived 1 washing of them thus far. I plan to wash them again tonight (after dance practice - they will really need it by then, TRUST ME trust me on that). I have blocked out time on my calendar for my re-twist. Even though I am doing this myself, I know that I must 'plan' the time, or I will get busy and won't do it right. You HAVE to really, really know yo-self to take this journey.

Our new president has really inspired me to step up and make changes in my own life. Change is an on-going process, but it takes dedication - just like stepping into the world of LOCS. So, I pledge to BE the CHANGE and I hope you will join in on the journey of CHANGE with me.

Peace Lovies!!