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!

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)

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)

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.

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?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.