HAPPIEST NAPPY™

2011-09-16T19:16:00.014-05:00

60M SL

I am STILL digging my Sisterlocks. 5 years, 4 cuts and a completely different perspective on hair like I've never understood before and I LOVE my Sisterlocks. I have been to countless natural hair care conferences, Sisterlocks and/or Lock meet ups around the U.S., and indulged in classes on styling, maintaining and promoting natural hair through Locked styles. I have met and continue to converse with numerous Locticians who are AMAZING with their talent and creativity. You know what? I made the right decision 6 years ago when I decided to stop altering my hair texture by putting chemicals and straighteners in it. My regimen is simple. I retighten my hair every 5-6 weeks (I actually schedule an appointment with myself in my own studio chair). I wash my hair every 7-10 days. I don't use any products outside of shampoo and a dark brown rinse that I MUST use until I decide I want to rock grey Locks. :o) I have been wearing updos, braid outs, roller sets...you name it. Even my sweet grandbaby loves my Sisterlocks. It's the first thing he goes for when I pick him up. ;) I just wanted to do a quick post. My clients have been very fussy about my blog. Take a look at the pictures and you can tell...I am Happiest Nappy. Blessings to you from my heart!

2011-01-29T22:24:00.028-06:00

52M SL
Wow! I haven't blogged in over 6 months. So much has happened since I have been away too. Before anything, you should know that I am carefully considering my blessings each and every day. Nothing is promised to us. Nothing. With that being said, I encourage you to live your life to the fullest.

In 6 months...we had a flood. My Mother passed away. My very first Grandchild was born (pics below). He didn't get to meet my Mother before she took her flight, but he was right there with her through my daughter until the very last moment. She would have fallen in love with him! I took a few risks only to appreciate my courage later. Through it all? I have not one single complaint. God has the best plan for me and my family. His course is mine and I am satisfied with it. RIP Mom. I miss you and cry everytime I pick up the phone to dial your number from work. I miss our morning conversations that end up with both of us cracking up at family & life situations.

Hey! How is your natural hair journey coming along? I am still enjoying my Sisterlocks! I "trimmed" my SLs and gave myself a deep cleansing and twist set today. The results are the pictures in this post. I love providing Sisterlocks as well. To my clients, are you keeping your SLs clean and covered? Are you shampooing properly and using the techniques we talked about? Are you sitting in my chair for regular maintenance and upkeep? Are you eating properly and drinking lots of water? Those are all key steps to healthy SLs, but you know that right? :o)

I just needed to swing through my blog. I still enjoy blogging and plan to make more time to do so now that things are calming down a little bit. Hey! God bless you! Blog you soon.

2010-07-10T16:17:00.063-05:00

46M SL

Hi! It's been a while huh? Life has been super busy and fast moving. Just wanted to drop by and let you know that I am still enjoying my hair peace! I have so much respect for those of you who decide to go chemical free. It's not an easy thing to do.

Guess what? I am now a Certified Sisterlocks® Consultant. I must tell you that I LOVE sharing this Lock experience with others. I want to say a very special thank you to ASKIA. You were the one who convinced me that SLs was the answer to my hair issues back in 2006. After many years of perms, braided extensions, cornrows, kinky twists, buns, ponytails and what not, I was able to gain quite a bit of knowledge about Sisterlocks from Abena, Blaqkofi and Creyole. I will NEVER forget their encouragement and willingness to share information with me once I reached out to them. They blogged their own experience which made me start this very blog.

Through my own Sisterlocks journey I have encouraged/referred nearly 40 people to get them and they have followed through. 3 family members are now rocking SLs that I installed personally. Quite a few personal friends...and let me say this. THANK YOU SHEILA & JEWELL! Because of your loyalty and patience with me, you two are the very reason I am certified to install Sisterlocks as a professional! I could NOT have done this without you. You trusted me with your hair and knew I would never do anything other than provide you with the highest quality kind of service. No tricks, games or lies. Just an opportunity to give you Locks from a well trained and informed person. You will never know how much your support means to me. That is why I love you guys so much. Plus, you had my back no matter what I was dealing with and we know that the enemy presented some foul things to try and prevent my blessings. God is real. I thank God for praying friends like you two who sincerely believe in the power of God.

And can I tell you that I have the very best clients in the world? They respect my honesty and passion for this hair lifestyle. They will personally tell you that I am a perfectionist. I love providing SLs. Come get your hair done too! LOL! A quick comparison shot for my clients. My SLs at 3 months and 46M. See? I told you. I went through the same thing you are going through. It gets better every day. Just stay encouraged and trust me. Listen to your Consultant! LOL! Follow all instructions. I would never tell you anything that I have not tried myself. It's so true! I am Happiest Nappy! Blog you later! Be blessed.

2009-11-03T20:48:00.011-06:00

37M SL

It has been a while since I posted on my blog. Face Book happened and...well, I like it. I just wanted to do a mini post update and say that life is happening and evolving. I have had some painful and devestating losses since I last came through here. At the same time, I have had some beautiful and amazing things happening in my life. I thank God for it all. I know I am nothing without Him. He keeps me and that is enough for me to continue to give thanks.

My Sisterlocks are coming along. And, guess what? I took the Sisterlocks training here in Milwaukee so now you are looking at an "Official Trainee". Celeste Geary (in the picture below) was our Master Trainer (she is Dr. JoAnne Cornwell's sister). I learned so much about our hair! I have been working with clients and I must say it is extremely gratifying for a person like me. It is not like in my hairbraiding days when I would add bags and bags of hair to another person's head at all. This is more personal and it feels good to educate others about Sisterlocks and natural hair in itself. You will hear more about Happiest Nappy, LLC in the near future. I am very excited about going back into this line of work...and so are people from my earlier days of braiding. It doesn't take long for me to have them considering Sisterlocks.

I did a little poll a while back. I recieved nearly 50 responses in all since I did that here and presented the questions to other contacts I communicate with. The overall impression that was given to me is that we actually love our hair in a natural state. Some of us will NEVER pay over $300.00 for a straight style and some will never do the same for a natural style. A big majority admitted that they were subjected to perms/relaxers at a very early age (sad huh?). Some of us will never go to a natural hair care specialist. Unfortunately, some of us don't think they are needed at all. Surprisingly, very few knew much about the different types of Locks (which means that we really do need more natural hair care specialists even if it is for educational purposes...IMO). I was very pleased to learn from this small pool of people that more people like their hair in its natural state vs straight. And...some of you made very clear distinctions between Nappy and Kinky and shared that your hair is NOT nappy. Me? I am Happiest Nappy™. It took me a very long time to accept that and roll with it.

Getting out of here, but not before I tell you that God is real. I mean it when I say I really want you to be blessed. Life is so short and I hope you can appreciate each moment that you have with your loved ones. Take care!

2009-08-03T08:35:00.002-05:00

NATURAL HAIR TESTIMONY-EPISODE 1
Cuz...I have to let you know! Stay tuned...

2009-08-03T08:14:00.004-05:00

JUST POPPING IN...
...with something to muse about. Be Blessed!

2009-07-15T23:27:00.008-05:00

34M SL

Just sliding through with a quick request. Wondering if you would be so kind as to respond to a few statements? Real easy. Copy, paste and email your answers to happiestnappy@yahoo.com. I am interested in gaining a little insight to things I wonder about. Thank you ahead of time if you do this. Be blessed! (BTW, I have some great news to share soon. Getting things in order first. Stay tuned)

Survey
The following simple survey is not meant to be scientific and was created by me. This poll on natural hair care is to accumulate a consensus and the outcome may have elements of truth to it. Please answer the following statement with a True or False response.
My hair is unmanageable.
1)I like my hair in its natural state.
2)I am satisfied with the state of my hair.
3)I hate my hair in its current state.
4)I love my hair just the way it is.
5)I prefer my hair straight.
6)I wish I never straightened my hair.
7)I prefer to cover my hair up.
8)Someone put chemicals in my hair when I was a child.
9)I maintain my own hair care.
10)I prefer someone else care for my hair.
11)My hair is nappy.
12)My hair is Kinky.
13)The cornrow style is a professional hairstyle.
14)I have worn braids with my natural hair in the past.
15)I have worn cornrows with my natural hair in the past.
16)I have worn hairstyles with “added” hair in the past.
17)Natural hairstyles can have a professional appearance.
18)I am familiar with the different forms of “Locks”.
19)Locks are “dreads”.
20)“Locks” are natural.
21)I am interested in “Locks”.
22)I would pay more than $300.00 to get a natural hairstyle.
23)I would pay more than $300.00 to get a straight-looking hairstyle.
24)We need more information on natural hair care maintenance.
25)We need factual information on “Locks”.
26)I know how to take care of my natural hair.
27)We need more natural hair care specialists.
28)I have had my hair “done” by a natural hair care specialist in the past.
29)I would go to a specialist for natural hair care if the opportunity were available.

Definitions
Nappy - Covered with nap; Kinky.
Kinky - Full of kinks; Closely twisted; Closely or tightly curled.
Natural - Not treated, tanned, refined, tinted or colored, etc.; In its original or raw state.
Cornrow - To arrange or style hair by dividing into sections and braiding close to the scalp in rows.
Lock or Loc - Tress, curl, or ringlet of hair bunched or tied together in some way.
Professional - Appropriate appearance as it pertains to a profession.
Dread - Greatly feared; Frightful; Terrible.

2009-05-10T07:18:00.008-05:00

OPEN LETTER TO MY DAUGHTER

July, 1985. I went to see my physician for what I thought was a severe case of the flu and doubled as a follow up to a strep throat infection I recently had treated. Boy, was I in for the shock of my life. After routine procedure, the physican had a couple of questions for me. So, in my nonchalant way I answered them. The doc left the room and returned to inform your father and I that I was pregnant. Just like that, "You are pregnant...that is why you are feeling ill...I'd like you to get this prescription filled for vitamins...". I had tuned out at "pregnant". Never quite heard anything after that. Instantly, my life changed. I learned of you right in the middle of attending college, planning goals, life and a career. I was so scared. I was petrified. I thought, what am I going to do? I knew I couldn't panic because in the instant my life changed, I was worried about you! I knew I had to try to keep my cool and think rationally. So, what did I do? I cried. That was the first of many more crying "spells". How rational is that? I wanted things to be perfect and right and I had some decisions to make QUICKLY. It took me less than 2 seconds to acknowledge my impending motherhood. I was going to be a Mother. I wanted to be the best one possible, so by the time I got home I already had a plan in place. I would eat right, not hang around smokers, stop going out to dance clubs, stop entertaining nonsense and stop engaging in anything that would affect how I brought you into the world. Afterall, I was preparing to be the best Mother I could be. My home environment was not the most stable one I must say. So, I moved into a small apartment and made it as comfortable as I could. I actually worked all the way up to two weeks before you were born. I can't begin to tell you how nervous I was though I had taken care of many children in my young life. I fed you healthy foods while I carried you and I apologize right now for the not so healthy. You had your share of Vienna Red Hot Polishes topped with the hottest peppers found in these parts. It's true. That along with two cans of ring pineapples a day was what I had to have. I was so sorry when I layed eyes on you and realized, your little system was just not prepared for all that garbage I ate the night I went into labor (A combo mix of Hot Stuff Potato Chips/Doritos/Cheese Popcorn with a Welch's Grape Soda and that was only behind Chinese Food, Tuna & Oatmeal----I know disgusting right?). But, you taught me to not be selfish when I did become a Mother. That labor episode lasted from 9:30 p.m. until 5:57 a.m. At 5:58 when I was able to put my eyes on your face, I had yet ANOTHER crying episode. The moment you cried, so did I. It was the sweetest sound I ever heard. I had become a bonafide MOTHER. Your father in his effort to support me during the delivery tried to offer comfort, but he himself was overwhelmed when he saw you. He assisted the doc and was so proud that he held you before I did. I could not wait to hold you. Nothing mattered in the world to me anymore because I had you and I knew my quest to be the perfect Mother was on. Fast fowarding, you started walking on me. Literally, you scrambled up my legs to get in my arms. Funniest thing ever. You were so tiny and fiesty! Barely ten months old. I used to wonder, what kid does this? Then, you starting singing to me. ~Let me tell you how I feel bout you night and day...~ Al B. Sure had a hit single that made you wiggle, dance and sing. So funny! The books I read to you...I still have them. Your very first book, you read back to me at right around 18 months old. It's true! How can I forget how sweet you sounded when you said, "Cape Capes and Sausage Please-No Ro Ros Mommy" in your request for breakfast! So, Pancakes & Sausage-no Cheerios it was. And the peeled grapes and watermelon that I had to make sure no seeds were in! Cocoa Beauty, you had me making sure you had your snacks in front of you before Sesame Street came on! Fast fowarding, you threw a tantrum in Kohl's Department store because the outfit I picked for you was "ugly". Your words, "It's uggggggly". Just because it did not have matching ribbons, barrettes and socks. The color was a different kind and hard to find at that store Ms. Lady. Wheeeeewww, just a mess! Fast fowarding, you went to Louisana for the summer. I was sick every day about it. It seemed like the summer was two decades without my Baby! How am I supposed to be the best Mother I can be if you are down there in the Bayou catching frogs and firing shots in a makeshift range? Fast forwarding, you joined the high school track team. My my my...all those years of putting you in sports programs actually paid off! So cool, calm and collected before the starter pistol popped. Then, you got all grown with your lil job at Fun World. Hilarious. Got your lil paycheck and couldn't wait to go shopping. Got the nails and hair done. Just too grown. Then you hot tailed it to Parkside. Slipped right past me on your way to college and got all "Sisterly" with the Deltas. Fast fowarding, now you are planning your wedding. Okay, I am crying. Must be one of those spells that comes along with being a Mother! Who would have thought that I would let anyone get close enough to you to steal you away from me? Well, I must say I am still seeking to be the most ultimate Mother I can possibly be. Happy Mother's Day to me. I celebrate it every day! It has been an extreme pleasure and I would do it all over again if I were promised you! I love you so much Pumpkin! YEJIDE! And that is a beautiful thing! LOL (The throwback is of you at right around 2 months old and below is at the First Saturdays Comedy Show we surprised you with. We got you good for your birthday! Comedian B-Flat & Your Best Friend!)

2009-04-29T07:44:00.023-05:00

31M SL

….and I am STILL embracing my hair peace. At this stage in my SL journey, I am learning how to accept imperfections of an unruly lock as well as continue to nourish each and every one of them. This hair lifestyle takes one to have patience and care for the process. I am getting there!

Guess what? Remember when I fell in love with the Man who stole my heart and then I said yes to his proposal? We had this COUPLES’ WEDDING SHOWER. It was sooooo much fun!

Then we got married. Guess who was one of the FLOWER GIRLS?

Well, she is really more like and ANGEL. She is so precious!

My Sisterlocks Wedding Hair. LOL. And this is EVEN after it got RAINED on. (It rained the entire wedding day and few days after during our "honeymoon")

Kissing cake off of my Husband's lips. THAT was sweet!

Pray with us for continued love, harmony, peace, laughter and growth!

Oh, and my Sisterlocks Wedding Hair (LOL), the curls lasted the ENTIRE day long!

Be blessed! Blog you soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COCOA BEAUTY! MOMMY LOVES YOU!

Click the images for a closer view!

2008-12-16T11:27:00.017-06:00

27M SL

Just about to retire to bed...but not before coming through to blog at my SL family. You know what? The last time I blogged, it was on top of things I had been thinking about and needed to let go of. Little did I know at that time the incredible blessings God had in store for me. I want you to know, when I decided on the things posted back in July, I was dead serious. I opened my heart to a few things. Some things I have fallen short on and I have much work to do before getting it right. What I do want to share with you though is that while this is a little off topic, I have fallen in love. LOVE. LOVE! I have a Love Jones. I was not planning it. I was not looking for it. I was not chasing it. I was literally minding my own business. Remember? I decided I was going to love others harder. What an extreme pleasure it is to give it to someone who gives it right back---even harder than I do. A Gentle Man has walked into my life and single handedly changed it. Okay, I will admit this. Maybe I resisted a little at the very beginning of this love affair. I was afraid. Scared of what has happened in my past that affects me today. I STOPPED RESISTING WITH THE QUICKNESS when his heart was revealed to me. I don't know a more tender heart or a sweeter Man. So, I am sharing this with you to say this. I have learned how to give and accept love that is genuine, pure and unconditional. THAT is a BLESSING. So is the Man who has made his way into my heart.

BTW, my SLs are growing. Can someone tell me what to do with all the lint that wants to stick to my hair?! Milwaukee weather demands a head covering. Suggestions?

I sincerely hope you are enjoying this Holiday season. I am. There are so many things to be grateful for! One more thing...it's love. It's real. It's on. AND...I said YES.

I am in Love...and it is AWESOME. Peace & Blessings! Blog you soon!

2008-07-01T20:55:00.020-05:00

JUST FELT LIKE BLOGGING...
After much contemplation, I have decided on some things.

I have DECIDED to: Be HAPPY. Love HARDER. Forgive myself AND others. Indulge in things that bring me PURE JOY. LAUGH MORE. Give more. Learn more about GOD. Respect more. Have random conversations with strangers. SHARE my blessings. Be more considerate. Acknowledge EVERY SINGLE one of my flaws. Correct my wrongs. Give proper honor to my birth Father & Mother. Reminisce. Spend more time with children. Use my creativity more. Not allow people to get in my way. Be still and listen. Talk less and do more. Continue to SPEAK the TRUTH, no matter what the outcome.

How about you? Have you made any decisons lately?

This is the love of my life...hold on. Let me do this right quick...I LOVE YOU COCOA BEAUTY! YOU ARE MY WORLD AND MY EVERYTHING! I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A MORE BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER! HOW LUCKY AM I? I GET TO HAVE YOU AS MY VERY OWN FOREVER! PRAISE GOD!

This is the INFAMOUS J.Q. who likes to play with my SLs. She has me completely wrapped around her fingers. Between this baby girl and my daughter...life is beautiful. LOOK at her face! JQ has figured out very early that I am a total pushover and will give her the world.

See there? She knows how to use expressions to convince me to pick her up! She accompanied me for a retightening session one time. WHEW! I won't do that again. LOL. She is simply my favorite baby. For real. People say I have her spoiled rotten. I say BOOOOOO. She is not spoiled nearly enough.

Well, my SLs are coming along and I am happy with them. I don't feel the urge to dye them, but I do have to use a dark rinse to keep those "light" colors from showing up. Know what I mean? I did a little "trimming" to my ends recently because...well they were on my nerves. SHHHH, please don't tell Symone. But I did trim/cut my SLs...LOL. I felt better too. I am absolutely 100% chemical free!

Well, that's it for now. I will say this in parting. God has shown me He is faithful to me. Why shouldn't I be to Him? Can you think of ANY reason? I sure can't! God bless you. Blog you soon!

(The pics in this post are between 20 & 21 months old. My SLs will be 22 months old in just about two more weeks)

2008-05-20T21:00:00.025-05:00

20M SL

*EXHALING...* I want you to know that I am a very relieved SLd Sister. I believe my SLs look quite cute underneath THIS particular cap! Bless God with me...this was a challenging journey. BUT, it is behind me now! That is proof of a Master of Science Degree you see me holding. *SMILING* I DID IT! I am OVERJOYED that I am done with this phase of my academic pursuit. Next stop? Doctorate in Psychology...with a detour of a SL course to become a trainee. I am praying about that... Okay, now that I got that out of the way, I want to share my SL progress. The pictures below are of my attempt to do an "up do" this morning. LOL. I had fun trying. I am really starting to enjoy my hair because I have been experimenting a little. I still need to be patient because I miss the length of my hair, but I can still be clever with SLs in progress, right? Any suggestions or tips you have for me are welcomed. Anyway...be blessed! I am going to enjoy a movie for once---and not have to write a paper about it! *Still Smiling* Take care!

Curled all over below...

(Click pictures for a closer view)

2008-01-20T20:07:00.002-06:00

16M 3D SL

Just wanted to let you know that I still blog sometimes. I regularly visit many of the other SL blogs--even if I don't post. I absolutely love looking at all the SL blogs and admiring the progress of those with SLs. I have been enlightened on many different levels. I have learned a few things since I have had my own SLs installed.

1. The SL shampoo was not my friend.
2. I can NOT go past 6 weeks without getting a tightening.
3. My gray hair is ridiculously defiant, but my SLs camouflages that most times.
4. J.Q. (my 8 month old "play" granddaughter) loves to play in my hair. LOVE HER.
5. My skater friends have finally accepted my "radical" hair change.
6. I get WAY MORE compliments on my SLs from other cultures than my own. Sup with that?
7. It's true. I don't have to put grease or oil on my SLs since my scalp generates its own.
8. I love that at this point, all I do is wash and roll my hair AND THAT IS ABSOLUTELY IT.
9. Dr. JoAnne Cornwell is brilliant. What a gift she has given us.
10. My young SLs have inspired dozens of referrals with two confirmed converts to SLs.
You know what else? I have a ready script for folks when they ask the following:

Q. If you wanted to take those out, can you...or do you have to cut all your hair off?
A. My hair is LOCKED permanently. I never want to take them out.

Q. How long did it take to get all those tiny little braids in your hair?
A. My SISTERLOCKS took about as long as it takes to get braids installed.

Q. How much did you PAY to get all that put in yo head?
A. Not nearly enough.

Q. Do you take them down everytime you get them done?
A. *Sigh* No (in the irrated voice).

Q. How do you wash those?
A. *Blank Stare* With shampoo and water while in the shower.

Oh, there is more. I have a special slap for the Jamaican woman who decided to tug on my SLs because she did not believe it was my hair with nothing added in. She is very lucky we were in church. Heifah.

I know I am being a bit sarcastic. Pray for me, OK? Mmmkay.

A few pictures. Enjoy. Remember...I am a FT student & employee...might be a while before I come up for air again. But when I do? I want to get some moving pictures like Blaqkofi & Chosen Vessel. I got to catch up with those two professionals!

Peace & Blessings!

For comparison's sake. The one at the very top and two at the very bottom I just took. The other two are some months back...don't know when. The B&W was 2 days ago with some tight curls.

2007-09-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

12M SL

Today marks 1 year and 1 day for my SLs. Finally, for once in my life I am very happy with my hair. Thank you Symone and CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SL CONSULTANT CERTIFICATION! These pictures were taken just now... I am trying. I need to work on my skills to get this blog to look like I put some real effort into it. I hope you can appreciate the SLs though. God bless you!

This picture is EXACTLY one year ago today from the one right above it. Big difference huh?

2007-07-16T10:17:00.000-05:00

TAGGED?

It has been a LONG time since I have posted. The busy one I am. I have been TAGGED by the lovely Aundrea. Sooooo, I will share. As if I really know what to do??? I will follow the lead of the other Tags I have seen.

1. I absolutely love to SKATE. No, more like I am obsessed with it. I skate at least 2 times a week. I would go every single day if I had that kind of time on my hands. My SL Consultant laughs at me if I am threatened with not being able to go skating. That is not good. So, on Wednesday, Friday and quite possibly Sunday night---don't call me...catch me on the skate floor. I am so serious.

2. Children bring me complete joy. I am wrapped around those little fingers in about 2 seconds flat. From age 0-10 years---doesn't matter. They can talk me into anything. ANYTHING. Chocolate cake for breakfast. Popsicles for dinner. Movie, Skate Session, Park, Disney Store, Swimming Pool, Toy Store, Candy Store...all in one day mind you. If you don't want your child ruined by an over attentive and nurturing force---keep them to yourself and away from Ama Alisa. Just ask my family and friends. Otherwise, I will give them candy, cookies, chips & gum while in church. I will let them rummage through my purse looking for the same. I will let them sing to me, recite the alphabet during prayer & laugh out loud with me...and spankings are NOT aloud. If your window is broken by my kid (all kids are mine) during one of our baseball throwing attempts, do not blame the kid. AND, I don't want to hear about it either. LOL.

3. I am a people watcher. I like to see how other folks interact with each other. It is fascinating. I watch people love on each other---and unfortunately hate on each other. I like when people communicate without ever talking.

4. I am a full time graduate student and government employee. I am taking courses in professional counseling with the goal of becoming a Psychotherapist one day. Once I start the PH.D. level courses---you will know because I will be MIA another 5 or 6 months at a time. LOL!

5. I love fresh cut flowers and buy them every chance that I get. I bring them to the office weekly just to brighten up the place. My favorite flowers are Tulips and Calla Lillies. They are so pretty...and "soft". You know---feminine. Know what I mean?

6. I have a very intense crush on Lawrence Fishburne, Samuel Jackson (do not laugh at his movie hair in front of me please. You Samuel Jackson fans know what I mean), and Tavis Smiley. Yes, Tavis Smiley.

7. Lastly, I can not brush my teeth without a mouthful of baking soda. I think I am addicted. Please help me? I don't know why it is so...but it is the truth. If that is TMI, I hardly care. Just try it for yourself one time.

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TAG. LOL. I will post updated pictures soon.

2007-02-07T12:44:00.000-06:00

EXCUSES...

Been a long time...I know. I have been quite busy. Grad school + FT employment = CRAZY. I will be posting this weekend though because I get retightened. I am just about 5 months into my journey. The experience is great.

2006-12-25T16:12:00.000-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

In spite of all the pain from losses, the sadness that seems to set in and linger at this time of year, the hardships and drama and any other tricks of the advesary...I have so much to be thankful for. I belong to God and His hands are on my life. Thank God for Jesus! I pray that you embrace your PEACE & HAPPINESS. Have a blessed day celebrating the life of our Risen Savior!

2006-12-22T09:04:00.007-06:00

MISSING MARC...AND SL INSTALLATION

I know I have been sharing about Marc. I love him so much. He is on my mind every day. I had a very kind and thoughtful Cousin in Marc. No one will replace him. No one. Pray with me for my family.

Ok, I am going to be bold enough to show you this installation process. It is not very pleasant to see (or even recall---you will learn that I am super sensitive), but the end results are priceless.
A little into the 17 hour/2 day transition, my consultant trainee SYMONE started taking pictures. Apparently, parts are crucial to the SL technique. Are we crucial yet? I really had to get used to the parts and shorter hair. It was emotionally challenging for me to say the least.

Here I am behaving like the big baby (IT'S NO SECRET) that I am sometimes. Just to think, I will have a PhD in psychology one day. I told you I cried, didn't I?

This is day 2 into the process, and Symone is just about done. I want you to know, that her Honey cooked for us. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS! I will tell you about that later though.

I was really concerned about the THINNESS of my hair at this point. After all the pulling, cutting and untangling just to get ready for the SL, I seriously thought about just shaving my head! Symone was so encouraging though. She kept telling my not to worry or cry, that it would all work out.

These parts are BOSSING! I guess it was strange to me to have my own natural hair parted and locked in such small sections in comparison to microbraids with hair added in with small sections. NO MORE EXTENSIONS! What a welcomed relief.

The day after my SL installation was completed. I set it with water on small rods. Curly huh? I LOVE IT! Symone was right, things turned out better than I imagined. Why must we be so obsessed with putting so many things in our hair? I am glad I am locked and letting it be.

Look at this. EVEN THE KITCHEN IS SISTERLOCKED! This is week 12 in this picture. LOVES IT! And...my hair is growing.

I am an avid roller skater. My fellow skaters did not understand me cutting all of my hair off. Neither did my family and some of my friends. Now, I get quite a few compliments on my hair. People want to touch it. I was at the gym recently and someone stopped me on the treadmill to find out what I put in my hair. I giggle every single time people do that! I really love my hair. I am finally comfortable with my Sisterlocks. I am looking forward to growth and progress.

2006-12-21T08:39:00.000-06:00

JUSTICE FOR MARC LOVE

I know I am supposed to be sharing my SL journey. I will continue to do so, but at this moment...it is just not the major issue in my life. I WANT THE PERSON WHO KILLED MY COUSIN TO BE ARRESTED AND JUSTICE BE SERVED. That is what I want. Of all the things that are on my mind, MARC puts everything in perspective. What is more precious than life? I LOVE YOU MARC! It is nearly unbearable! I am so sorry Cousin. I MISS YOU! I won't let your loss rest. I will do all I can to make sure the person who did this to you is held accountable.

2006-12-18T13:29:00.000-06:00

RIGHTEOUS PRAYER?

Today is still not any easier knowing that my cousin MARC was the victim of a very hateful, spiteful, despicable and demonic possessed individual who decided to end MARC'S life. I wish my cousin did not have to fall subject to such a violent ending. He did not deserve that.

I know we are not supposed to pray bad things onto others. I can't help but HOPE and PRAY that whoever did this to MARC will not have one moment of rest, peace or contentment after what he has done. I do hope that he is troubled until he turns himself in or is captured.

I LOVE YOU MARC! I am so sorry and sad that this happened to you! I will miss you Cousin.

2006-12-04T19:17:00.000-06:00

RIP COUSIN

Today is one of the saddest days of my life. I have lost a very sweet man on this day and my life will never be the same. My cousin MARC SHERARD LOVE has become Milwaukee's 98th homicide victim. My heart is full of pain. My family is hurting. His murderer is unknown.

WHY?

I am so glad that Marc knew that I loved him. This is unbelievable.

2006-11-22T15:18:00.000-06:00

SL VERBAGE

You know what? I really love the whole Sisterlock transition. It took some getting used to. My hair has a very soft texture to it which makes it prone to "slippage" (look at me using SL verbage). I get more compliments than not, so apparently it suits me. Even my Pastor told me, "I like your hair, it is becoming of you". That is so funny to me considering I know he does not care about hair at all.

I promise to post pictures soon. I need to get on the ball! Please forgive me.

2006-10-23T11:01:00.000-05:00

UNLIKELY COMPLIMENT!

I am just too tickled. Today, on my way into the Courthouse where I work, I was called out by an older gentleman from a race different than my own. HE COMPLIMENTED ME ON MY SISTERLOCKS! All I could do was giggle and barely get out a "thank you" after being stunned about it. He stated that he really loved my "lovely hair do" and thought it is so pretty. Hmmmmm. Sisterlocks. I love them!

I had a retigtening yesterday. I am 5 weeks and 1 day. My co-worker is determined to get SLd now. This is a contagious hairstyle, you think?

2006-10-16T12:16:00.000-05:00

I KNOW I am TOOOOO wack (wack to the back as my 20 y/o would say) for taking so long to update this Blog. But, stay with me. ..pictures are coming soon.

Guess what? I did get SISTERLOCKED! My babies are 4 weeks and 1 day old. I LOVE MY HAIR. It was kind of traumatic due to the fact that my "processed" hair was entirely matted and tangled after having worn Kinky Twists for close to 4 months before getting locked. When I washed my hair...maaaaannnn, it was terrible. One big matted rope right across my head. My Loctician SYMONE HULEY had to cut and untangle that mess. I lot of my hair was RIPPPED right out of my head in trying to untangle it. I cried.

BUT, the end result is what I am most pleased about. My SLs are coming along and I get many compliments.

2006-08-20T22:35:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm. Blogging my hair peace. Who would have ever imagined? Well, I was born nappy...might as well go out the same. I have done the perms...the press and curl... and Jheri curl.

I have done the corn rows...

Rocked the microbraids...the box braids...Goddess braids...waves, sets and body wraps...

I have even done the waterfalls and upsweeps... Still. No peace.

I just want to lock down and LET IT BE. My first lock session is coming fast. I went for a consultation and now sit here with two test locks amongst a head full of kinky twists. My chosen Sisterlock consultant happens to be a trainee who has been braiding hair for many many years. Same here. I don't recall when I have ever NOT braided someone's hair. I will never forget being a 4 year old and my older cousin Frank in Canton, MS demanding that I "plait" his full grown afro. So, I did. He was very patient with me. I love him for that. Family, friends and strangers alike, I have braided for free and profit, for sheer love and for concern and care of someone in need of some hair assistance.