Chanell J. Wilson

How to walk away from people and situations that no longer serve you

2024-09-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye on folks that gaslight and take your natural reaction to something and try to attribute that to your character. Knowing darn well if shoe were on other foot , they too would react the same. They are creating that proverbial gaslight to start stuff because they already don't like you.

I am in a phase now where I have to release folks in love. People going out of their way to take your natural smile away because of their evil, jealousy, or insecure issues.

Folks are messed up, doesn't mean we have to lose peace and join them. Let them do them but do it over there.

I am going to keep shining and smiling and writing and singing and living and loving and pursuing a joyful disposition inspite of....I have empathy and enough to understand but I am not joining the pity party or the game

It's been a very long time- but I am back!

2024-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to? Making Music, Making Wigs, Trying to rest, and Exploring My Creativity. Oh yeah! Also, spending more time with my kid- who made the big 10 this year.

2024 was the year of the forever punches and heartache. I learned that heartbreak corrects your vision and makes you see life from the right perspective. With some of the things I endured, I was able to really learn to love me more and really focus on key things Value and Worth.

Value and Worth and having self-value, self-worth and really correcting the self esteem from low to healing can really allow you to embrace a new sense of confidence. I see myself differently.

Here are the cliff notes: most of my comfort zones got kicked. I had to rely on courage in those moments and really look at my own intestinal fortitude. I cried a lot. A lot!!! 😥

I experience income loss, a health scare, a disappointing situation that didn't turn out the way I thought it would, and the death of a family member.

I learned a lot about cortisol and fight or flight mode and triggers. I realized through each situation, I had been isolating. In 2021; I broke my leg and had a heart attack and I was forced on disability for four months and was in a hospital bed in the middle of my living room. I made myself vlog to do something with my time. Instead of saying I was on my "death bed"; I decided to call it my "Health bed" Vlogs and I made myself create to keep my mind right and my perspective clear.

After I made a new normal recovery; I had to make so many adjustments. I was slower. Like tortoise and the hair slow. I walked differently couldn't do things I used to and had to relearn my whole body again.

This year, I realized since the ordeal; I sort of became a recluse- I was working from home, socializing through zoom and social media. Just becoming this wallflower. I had to get back out there and try.

And I did. I fail forward as best I could and in that I had both heart ache, some loss and some gain and found myself back in my writer's heart again doing the one thing that empowers me and gives me meaning in life- I found my voice in my pen.

Our creativity is connected to our heart and we have to pursue what is in it.

I experienced something this year with the loss of my final grandparent. My Nana. I had to find healing peace and even make some decisions about the lessons I learned and the many habits I still needed to unlearn at 43. In that experience, I realized that I have to watch who I let in my personal space. After years of people pleasing, tap dancing for love, always short-changing myself in work and creative situation where others try to use or siphon my talent but treat me like I am nothing ; I had to really deal with Chanell and her confidence. I also had to deal with that good ole' value and worth. That put me on the right track.

Renewing the mind, great blogs, therapy, self-help books and just listening to women and men who have overcome and are learning to live and cope in life vs surviving and tucking their pain shame and misfortunes deep down only to be resurrected at the first trigger and harm.

I am still committed to being a humanist and observing, study,ing and learning from human behavior. In some cases, forgiveness means agree to agree, agree to disagree, and agree to disagree from afar. I learned that in my clergy ministry experience early in life and I live by it until this day.

Today, I am on the up and up. Content creating, forcing myself to rebuild and refine and heal- the most important part Health is Wealth. I had an unexpected health scare in the middle of the year and had surgery. That experience made me really cherish life and my little family - my son and be appreciative of the family I have. I can only handle what is in my control anything else I just have to be okay with it, let go and "let them"; yet always release in love.

Overall, I am not done. I have two singles coming out in the coming months and am working on my second installment to my EP Project that I released in 2021. Here is the link if you would like to hear it, Entitled "Black Heart on the Table Vol 1: Short EP a Warrior's Lament"

Black Heart on the Table Vol 1: Short EP a Warrior's Lament

Now is the time to push for Reparations for Black Americans that Descend from Chattel Slavery

2020-06-02T17:48:00.003-07:00

  #blackouttuesday #blackinnotout #theshowmustbepaused #blacklivesmatter #blm #reparationsnow   

After spending all morning trying to understand #BlackoutTuesday and finally getting confirmation on how to participate; I decided to curate information on Reparations for Black Americans that descend from Chattel Slavery. The organizers of #BlackOutTuesday asked  the community to share information on demands that can aid in our cause to push for Equality. I believe everyone should study and research Reparations for Black Americans that descend from Chattel Slavery. I also believe that we as a country really need to understand the data and depth of why Reparations needs to be included in our lists of demands for full equality in this country.  I have curated a list of links below:  

A few days ago, Bob Johnson spoke about Reparations on CNBC in an interview and has a 14 Trillion Dollar plan on his website.  Overall, he expresses that now is the time to go big and the short term resolutions are not going to solve the long systemic inequality problems. Watch the video below of the complete interview:

BET Founder Bob Johnson calls for $14 Trillion of reparation

Here is also an article from  Yahoo.

Another place to research is The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), which has a museum and a memorial, is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States and also challenges racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for Black Americans. I appreciate this initiative because it curates stories from our past and present in regards to the Inequality to Black Life in America and the importance of fixing those Specific Issues.  

Watch the videos below and for more information visit their website https://eji.org/ 

Equal Justice Initiative video discussing Racial inequality

Slavery to Mass Incarceration

Terror Lynching in America

Research #HR40 (which needs additional Edits) which is a Commission to Study and Develop a Reparation Proposal. Write letters to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and encourage your Rep to co-sponsor it. I spoke with My Rep last year about it and provided him information at a meet and greet here in my town

  #HR40 https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/40/text 

Also, look up the companion bill as well Sen. Corey Booker heads this one #S1083 S1083 the Senate Version also https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/1083/text 

Dr Sandy Darity talks about HR 40 and the Racial Wealth Gap

I used to listen to 2 podcasters who created a roadmap to reparations. Even though I don't listen to them anymore due to a political conflict of interest, I still agree with the information research and data provided on their study with Economist Dr. William Sandy Darity and will share the link here (sharing information is NOT an endorsement). https://ados101.com/roadmap-to-reparations 

Also, Economist, Dr. William Darity wrote The Case for Reparations which deals with Acknowledgment, Redress, and Closure  https://www.thecrisismagazine.com/single-post/2019/09/09/The-Case-For-Reparations 

There are other sites to look up Reparations Now, NCOBRA, IBW21.org, and Also the Ta-Nehisi Coates article in the Atlantic The Case for Reparations  

I have included a few videos below of Ta-Nehisi Coates:

CNN The Case for Reparations

IOP Ta-Nehisi Coates The Case for Reparations

 Overall, I think we should all become aware for the Case for Reparations. It is a repair and not a soapbox militant talking point. There are many groups that are attempting to push the Reparations Conversation to Completion; but due to racial terror, political differences, factions and discords the Conversations are stalled and never get that critical mass to Complete the Goal. We must provide a specific list of demands for Black Americans that will make us whole from a Systemic Place and Not a Symbolic Meaning place. 

 Now is the time to be Specific and really Complete the work of our Civil Rights.  We were only Emancipated we were NOT set free from this System. It is our American Right to pursue full justice and express grievances and seek restitution.

The campaign will have opposition, there are a lot of groups that don't agree and believe narratives of "I wasn't a slave owner and you (black person) were never a slave" or  "Blacks don't need reparations because it was a long time ago....". The reality is Non-Blacks benefit from the system and has access to wealth even the poorest Non-Black. Jane Fonda recently spoke about this on CNN with Don Lemon. I have included the video below:   

Jane Fonda on CNN

Also, check out this article from the first round of Presidential Candidates from last year when Reparations entered the conversation . We need a Real Black Agenda with Specifics Demands and policies and initiatives that will protect black life and allow us also to have our full Civil Rights. Research Organizations to join or support. We need to have a campaign implemented and the government needs to hear our confident demands on it.

How to Cook for a Quarantine / Kid Friendly Meal Prep Edition Tips

2020-03-19T22:19:00.001-07:00

How to Cook for a Quarantine / Kid Friendly Meal Prep Edition Tips

I asked my Mom, Chef Janetta Beaver, for a few Kid friendly Meal Prep Tips for a 14 plus-day Quarantine. She gave me a cliff notes list that I thought could help many people and parents with children home from school to streamline the meal prep process.

These are just a few suggestions to help keep the flow of the family going during these Quarantine COVID-19 Shelter in Place days. Children can get anxious when food is not readily available and they can definitely escalate behavior quickly. These tips can help parents streamline their meal prep and cooking process and help the family stay automated in their home dining experiences.

Meal Prep Ideas

1. Pre-Cook Meals in Advance

Pre-Cooked Meals in Advance can be a fun way to meal prep with the kids and create building stations. After the meals are prepared, they can be set aside for future breakfast lunch or dinners.

2. Put food in Deep Freezer

Put Pre-Cooked Meals in Deep Freezer. This can streamline the day and help break up the stress of having to prepare meals on a daily basis.

3. Make Individual Snack/Meal Bags for kids

Make individual Snack Bags for kids. Buying in bulk is a dollar saver, pick a time and set aside reasonable portions of chips, snacks, fruit snacks, and even special candy into ziplock bags and ration them during the day. Kids are fickle, they may want a few pieces and then save them for later.

4. Get Foil Pans, Freezer Plastic Bags, Saran Wrap

Purchase Foil Pans, freezer Plastic Zip Lock Bags, and Saran Wrap. To keep the food from perishing use these products and instruct older children on how to prep them for the oven, convection oven, microwave or even in some cases air fryer.

Kid-Friendly Meals

Chef Janetta also suggested a few Kid-Friendly Go to Meals to help streamline the cooking process and time.

1. Pancakes

Pancake Mix goes a long way. Just add water (and an egg) and cook on the stove. Makes for quick breakfast.

2. Oatmeal

Look at stovetop or instant depending on your budget.

3. Cereal

Both Dry and Hot Cereal work well for children in the mornings when we just want something quick to eat.

4. Fruit Snacks

Fruit Snacks are good lunch or afternoon snack for kids during reading or technology time?

5.Raw Fruit

Apple, Bananas, Oranges, Strawberries, etc. Set on the counter away from the stove or on the breakfast table for easy access for children.

6. Burritos

This kid-friendly meal can be made in advance. Some tips are pre-cook meat, chop tomatoes and onions, and place in the fridge. Children can assemble during meal times.

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Pre-Prep Cheese and Bread in Ziplock bags. For older children, set the butter aside and they can cook on the stove. For younger children, Parents can pre-cook and pop in the microwave when ready to eat.

8. PBJ Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!! This is a fun lunchtime meal. It can be served with fruit and chips.

9. Hot Dogs & Fries

Turkey and Beef Hot dog Packs can go a long time for children at home from school. Set bread and condiments out and create an assembly line after boiling hot dogs and serve with french fries.

10. Chicken Nuggets

Pre-Packaged Chicken Nuggets cooked in an air fryer or oven are a hit with young children. Set Ketchup and other dipping sauce choices with the meal.

Stay Safe and Vigilant during this time and up to date on COVID-19 Updates via CDC website: CDC COVID-19 Latest www.chanelljwilson.com

3 Tips for Quarantine Grocery Shopping / What to Expect

2020-03-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

My family and I went on our first Quarantine Grocery Shopping Experience a few days ago. We had to visit 4 stores just to complete our simple grocery list for our family of 6.

After our visit to the stores, we came up with these three tips that can help other shoppers while going out into the public to stock up on household items.

Good Luck and Be Safe!!!

3 Tips for Quarantine Grocery Shopping

1. Go Shopping Early

Shopping Early during the Quarantine is the way to go! Stores are newly stocked, so a shopper can increase their chances of purchasing items that will most likely sell out quickly (rice, toilet paper, ramen noodles, hand sanitizer, & Lysol).

Also, check your local stores for early shopping hours for Elderly and Special Needs Customers. Some stores open as early as 2-hours exclusively for the Elderly and Special Needs to ensure shoppers are able to not be bombarded by the rush and also to decrease their chances of coming in contact with someone who may have the COVID-19 virus.

2. Accept that not all stores will have everything

Make a list for yourself and go in with an open mind that some of the items of interest may not be in stock or will quickly sell out do to need/demand.

3. Be Patient and Cooperate with Grocery Staff

Be Patient, Take deep breaths if needed. Lines can be wrapped around the parking lot during these times and some wait times.

Some of the COVID-19 Social Distancing rules are: keep a 6 ft distance from fellow shoppers. Also, the lines will be managed by Store Clerks/Security to ensure that line jumping and rules are being adhered to while waiting to enter the store. Most stores have been limiting their entrance and certain sections of stores, to keep a streamlined flow. Adhere to the rules set by the store to ensure a safe shopping experience and that no incidents are escalated while in the public during the Quarantine.

The quarantine can cause higher levels of stress, concern, and worry and the constant reminders of Supply Hoarders buying more toilet paper and other items than needed can create a burden for those who may need it.

As always be safe and vigilant and check COVID-19 updates with the CDC

COVID-19 CDC

How to handle Family Gatherings and the Holidays; in this mist of Toxic/...

2019-12-23T00:56:00.001-08:00

As the Holiday approaches and we prepare to visit family and spread holiday cheer; I began to think of lessons and notes I have learned throughout the years in regard to toxic human behavior and how that toxic behavior can impact our closest relationships. Our interactions and exchanges with our family are important. Family Bond and Family interaction are also vital for our sense of wellbeing, but when there are lingering dysfunctions present great damage can take place- especially in holiday family gatherings. I decided to create this Vlogmas Episode based on some teachings I have learned from my studies in Mental Health and when I worked as a Clergy Minister.

I created an itemized list below:

1. Choose your battles

Pick and choose your battles when certain conversations arise at Holiday Events. Make a decision not to engage in Drama or escalated toxic behavior. The purpose of Gathering is to celebrate the Holiday and create new good memories.

2. Stay Positive

Pick 1 good thing about your family to focus on for the entire event and make every effort to focus on the positive aspects of your interactions with family. The Christmas gathering is not the time to hash out issues and incidents, so do your best to remain focused on the positive attributes of the humans that may want to participate in escalated behavior.

3. Know your Limits

Take an honest assessment of self and how you interact with others. Literally, take the time to observe your limitations. Go out of your way to prevent engaging in toxic behavior. If there is someone that plans on attending that you don't connect with; make an action plan on what steps you want to take to walk away and not engage with that person. Make the decision to go to another room or even go to the park with the children or hang out on the patio. Remember the Gathering is not the time to Hash out an issue that needs to be resolved at a later time.

4. Watch Your Alcohol Intake for the Event

If wounds are fresh; limit your alcohol intake. Sometimes liquid courage can remove our filters and sense of awareness and can escalate unnecessary incidents. Always be aware of your self and your surroundings when in these types of gatherings.

5. Have the "talk" with yourself prior to the event

Literally, look in the mirror before going to the event and have the pre-talk with yourself that you will be determined to not engage in toxic behavior. This talk is like a "Game Prep", never go in mentally cold. I live by the phrase "I'm not going there today.". What that phrase means to me is; I am not going to let anyone else's action take me to an uncontrolled place. Unfortunately, in some situations, there are people who just want to be dramatic and escalate an incident for various reasons. Make every effort to not engage.

6. Know your triggers

Triggers are unexpected internal pain bodies that can impact our mood, judgment, sense of well-being, and perspective. When pain is present; we enter fight or flight mode. Triggers are different from the "Know your Limitations" conversations because they are internal pain bodies of previous incidents that have happened in our life that left a scar or wound. Make an assessment early on, on what those triggers are so that when unexpected trigger moments happen you can easily rely on your tools to stay in a place of self-control of the situation and not get out of control and engage in some type of dysfunctional behavior and escalate an incident.
Triggers impact moods and can cause great behavior shifts.

7. If wounds are too fresh; don't go to the event

In some cases; the wounds are too fresh and interacting with some family may not be in either party's best interest. Maybe make a phone call or send a card expressing your well "Happy Holiday" wishes and create a new Holiday Tradition with friends or immediate family members. I always believe in agree to disagree and move forward in the relationship or in some cases agree to disagree from afar and simply part ways.

Always remember there is a time and a place to respectfully resolve incidents. Conflict Management is a necessary tool to help Humans handle the conflict in most relatively good and reasonable relationships. The untreated dysfunction is the problem that has to be resolved. Every effort we make to seek solutions to resolve the dysfunction and make amends starts the process of healing and mending broken relationships. Both parties also have to be willing to work together for the sake of engaging in a healthy matter.

Hope some of this information helps,

Happy Holidays,
Chanell J. Wilson

www.chanelljwilson.com

Dirty Diana/ Dirty Iyanna: A Commentary on the Original & the Remakes & The Art of Songwriting

2019-12-22T19:04:00.003-08:00

With #DirtyIyanna trending; I decided to curate a youtube playlist of various attempts remixes, remasters, & mashups of Michael Jackson's Dirty Diana.

Whitney Houston "Queen of the Night"

I first went to the Queen herself, Whitney Houston, with "Queen of the Night" from The Bodyguard Soundtrack. Houston and her writers' team sampled the lyrics from the originals pre-chorus and made it the hook. The song is like a Dirty Diana response. I love Whitney's version! She says it so eloquently, " I just want to get it loose and turn it up on you". The musical turn up is real--High, rock energy, amazing vocals, & just bold.

Pastor Troy Dirty Atlanta

Next on the list is Pastor Troy's "Dirty Atlanta". I really enjoy the bass riffs, the vocalist on the hook actually makes the MJ "hee hee" attempt. It reminds me of when genres collide correctly. Proper use of crunk, rap, rock/metal. The guitar riff is important & drives that raw metal energy. The syncopated slap hits at the right time too w/ the 808 and gives me the same bounce that I get when I listen to a Big Krit song (thinking about My Sub 3 ..can't twerk to the hi-hat). But I like the delivery on this one and it still sticks to the same topic/subject matter.

Doe B Ft King South's Dirty Diana

Next is Doe B Ft King South’s Dirty Diana. I like the attempt because it reminds me of trap meets rock. The bass, the 808, synth, electric piano sound with the build and the drops. I almost hear/feel Carol of the Bells playing in the treble mid of the mix. This song is all about playing off of dynamic sound waves and good use of higher frequencies. I would love to see the mix on this. I think of that Jay Z gif when he is bopping from side to side, I found myself doing that. A lyric that popped out to me was in the vamp from the vocalist in the end “Got these junkies dancing like they are on Soul Train”. I chuckled.

D-Ace Mashup of 2Pac and Michael Jackson

The next song is a D-Ace Mashup of 2Pac and Michael Jackson. D-Ace takes the rap from “What’s your phone number?” {which samples The Time's 777-9311 (Chilli sauce lol) guitar riff}. D-Ace pulls the elements of the lyrical content of What’s your Phone number? "Lick them lips, shake them hips...God…." It is like two guys sharing a story about Diana and how they are immediately pulled by this brilliant vixen. It is ART- it is storytelling. D-Ace uses all the right parts of Dirty Diana to finish the storytelling by jumping into the pre-chorus hook and that crazy guitar dual battle in the end. I like songwriting & storytelling. This mash-up makes me wish 2Pac & MJ actually got in the studio together and did a specific in sync remix of this, with added song elements...RIP 2 Pac MJ.

Michael Trapson's Durty Diana

The next song is Michael Trapson's “Durty Diana”. I have really grown to enjoy Trapson's creative work. As we adapt to this new normal of knowing there will never be another consummate performer like Michael Jackson again; Michael Trapson fills a void. His imitations/parodies actually melodically highlight great Michael Jackson moments. It is a new Art and very creative interpretation. I enjoy his randomly felt but strategically placed “Shamone” moments. They make me laugh from a good place and provide that MJ joy. Trapson expands the Dirty Diana saga with creating a completely new modern song. He plays on the unexpected with the song's hook & instead of belting out the usual “Dirty Diana!” chorus; he uses the pre-chorus to tell the story. “You'll never make me stay...I know your every move you are just trying to get me”. I think that was clever, genius creative songwriting. The video also pays homage to the Legend. Take a moment and Juxatopse the two opening shots: the low light dark alley, the car, Diana getting out of the car; I think Michael Trapson’s team paid great attention to detail and that gets a certified A on filmmaking/cinematography in my book. The guitar runs, the trap sounds, the choice & use of chord progression elements, the bass provides that great depth in the song. Someone in the comments said, "this is supposed to be a parody but it actually is fire and I am bopping to it."

Young Boy Never Broke Again Dirty Iyanna

Last is, Young Boy NBA’s new release "Dirty Iyanna". Twitter was trending with Michael Jackson's reaction gif from Bad & Moonwalker. After getting passed the heavy use of autotune on NBA's voice; I was able to get into the storytelling of the song and I felt that this was a creative twist on the topic by using a subject from his own life. This song is about the complications of a love/hate relationship-this was a clever twist. I like some of the rap delivery where he plays on MJ's melodies & then goes into a mumble rap trap flow in the end. I feel the song needs proper tension & release, using another vocalist in the hook singing the higher harmony could have broken up some of the tension of the song. I also would have liked to hear other dynamic elements in the song like in some of the other examples.

The burning question on twitter is: IS the song trash? I can't call it trash, it is ART- I'd even say Art for Art sake.

What are your thoughts?

Eddie Murphy's Triumph Return to SNL 35-years later

2019-12-22T16:49:00.002-08:00

Last night, I logged onto twitter while uploading my vlogmas Christmas episodes and noticed #EddieSNL trending. I was reminded immediately that last night was Eddie Murphy's triumphant return to the SNL show where he literally used his creative comedic genius skill sets and timing to brighten his Hollywood Star. The sketch comedy show was the perfect platform for him to showcase and refine his talents. The cast that year also brought SNL back to life after a few low-rating seasons. I awoke the next morning to finish my work and in my break time, I was able to watch the replay sketches of last night's show on youtube.

For me, it was a true joy to see Eddie Murphy in this space again. I remember watching SNL with my parents on Saturdays when Eddie Murphy was on the show in the 80s. I wanted to see how they would spin and reintroduce characters this go-round.

Here are some of the highlights and my takeaways from the show:

The Opening Monologue

Immediately when I watched the opening monologue, my mental Rolodex went to the time when Eddie Murphy hosted the show as a Cast Member. I believe the scheduled host that night, his co-star in 48-hours Nick Nolte, fell ill so he had to host the show as a cast member. Instead of saying, "Live from New York it is Saturday Night Live" Murphy screams, "Live from New York, it is the Eddie Murphy Show!".

As I watched Eddie approach the stage to a round of applause from the audience; I examined his stature and presence among the SNL Holiday Decorations and Decorum. It was a nice composite. He opened his monologue with a discussion of him being "America's Dad" when he referenced his 10 children. He also brought up that if he had placed a bet 35-years ago that Cosby would have been in jail and that he, himself, had ten children in 2019-he would have placed the bet. Thinking about the history and processing all that has happened from the timeframe Murphy was on SNL up until now made me immediately both chuckle and then pause for thought. Processing that statement; was mind-blowing.

He spoke about his current Netflix Show "Dolemite" and also announced that they are filming the Sequel to "Coming to America". I grinned and smiled widely at the mention of both projects. I remember reciting many lines with my sisters and cousins while watching the "Coming to America" Videotape we owned. I also began to long for Eddie Murphy to consider doing another stand-up special. I remember watching RAW and how much of a big deal it was when it came out. Then, in great timing Tracy Morgan (another SNL Alum) came out and sparred with Murphy. Morgan alluded to the fact that he was conceived on one of Eddie Murphy's stand up tours. I laughed because I knew that wasn't true and then Murphy said something of the same matter. As the crowd chuckled, Chris Rock (Another SNL Alum) joins the stage and shares how Loren Michaels told him he would be the next Eddie Murphy and then the Next Season he said he was wrong. As we chuckled, Dave Chappelle (A former SNL Host) walks onto the stage. At this point, I was really excited to see Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Dave Chappelle, & Chris Rock on the same stage together. Throughout the years, we have lost so many comics and entertainers it was good to see them and both reminisce in the nostalgia of all the comedic moments, pop-culture stories, and even movie moments they created with their talent and the lives they have lived.

Chappelle made a joke about following Murphy's Blueprint to become the biggest star on television and then quit. I thought that was brilliant. And then the scene wrapped with Kenan Thompson joining the men on stage in a very bright "for the culture" moment.

North Pole News Report

I enjoyed the many sketches of the night. One, in particular, is the North Pole News Report and Christmas being Cancelled. I laughed really loud at Murphy screaming to the reporter the Polar Bears are eating Elves and it looked like a scene from Jurrasic Park. I like how they brought in topics about Global Warmings and even played on real-life events and turned it into an interestingly creative storytelling moment. One line Murphy said and even broke character a bit and laughed through was "Polar Bears were popping Elves like Skittles" and also, "Santa knew".

The Masked Singer Buckwheat & The Holiday Baking Sketch & Other

Another Sketch I enjoyed was the Mask the Singer and the Reveal of Buckwheat. I was wondering how were they going to creatively introduce Murphy's older characters in this era. Some of the references of Tinga Nadies, Aneese Nameena, Dine Teal Tawibba had me slapping my leg in laughter. Also, the Holiday Baking sketch reminded me of the many hours of watching Holiday Baking shows with my Mom on the Food Network. Also, the Black Jeopardy episode with Velvet Jones and the many politically incorrect book titles he displayed. It was a good play on the changing of the times.

Weekend Update Gumby

I have always enjoyed Murphy's ability to impersonate and re-enact other cultures he has studied. Even as a kid, I remember the various characters that he said he remembered listening to growing up and being in coffee shops. The Gumby character on Weekend Update is a classic example. There were many cultural references and topics discussed that made you think, laugh, sometimes cringe and push the envelope, but in the end, it was just a great comedic moment.

Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood & Gentrification

The Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood really hit home as Murphy revisited his older character from the perspective of Gentrification. There was a joke where he said, Gentrifiers are buying up property everywhere and making black people scatter back to where they came from Atlanta. I immediately thought of the nuance of this New Migration back to Southern Regions due to higher rents and living cost and no increase in wages or jobs and juxtaposing that to the Migrations that happened during Jim Crow times for safety from racial terror and also better job and employment opportunities with the new jobs created in places like Illinois and California. Mr. Robinson even brought up how Squatter's Rights is what allows him to remain in the newly gentrified building. I enjoyed the creative sarcasm and how Murphy's delivery took on a Tragic Comedy feel. It made me think this is Art imitating life.

Lizzo and the Epic Performances

Lizzo's two performances of Truth Hurts and Good as Hell was an amazing display of live showmanship. I can tell the group was professional and paid great attention to performance detail from a "Let's put on a show" place. Lizzo had great creative energy and I enjoyed the interaction with her bandmates. The ensemble was decked in Dapper Dan originals that made a very nice visual palate and presentation. I enjoyed seeing the women rock the stage. Her next performance felt like a winter wonderland with ladies doing pole aerialists routines on Poles decorated like candy canes. I enjoyed the fog in the performance and the dancers and also Lizzo's energy, Suit and presence. It was like watching great performance Art on stage.

Overall, it was a great episode and I thoroughly enjoyed the many moments of the show. What were your favorite moments of the episode? Did you enjoy it? Did you have a lot of nostalgia moments too?
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Creative Gift and Wrapping Ideas

2019-12-22T15:36:00.001-08:00

#CreativeGiftIdeas #CreativeGiftWrappingIdeas #Vlogmas

In this Vlogmas, I wanted to talk about Creative gift and wrapping ideas. Sometimes picking gifts for family and friends can be difficult. Sometimes our budgets do not allow it. In this vlog/blog; I discuss some of my Holiday safe zone wrapping and gift ideas. Wrapping Ideas 1. Wrapping Gifts in Traditional Wrapping Paper 2. The Gift Bag and Tissue Paper 3. Wrap Gifts with Receipts 4. Christmas Stocking 5. A box inside of a Box 6. Newspaper Scavenger Hunt (Fun way of opening gifts on Christmas Day) Gift Ideas 1. Candy Holiday Assorted Chocolates 2. Fruit Cakes and Baskets 3. Gift Certificates 4. Hand Made Items 5. A nice Holiday Card 6. Cash or Money Cash APP Hopefully, these ideas can spark your creativity on what to give family and friends this Holiday Season. Happy Holidays!
Chanell

You can Gift my song, "Draw Near to Me" https://song.link/i/1423654038 www.chanelljwilson.com for more information on the products and books mentioned in this vlog/podcast visit my website I have been invited to go to NAMM in January and am raising funds for accommodations and travel. Any amount helps. Fundraiser for Travel and Accommodations to NAMM Conference & Trade Show

Chanell J. Wilson's Favorite Christmas Movies

2019-12-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season my family and I have been watching a lot more Christmas movies to lift our spirits up and get into the Holiday Cheer. I decided to create my Christmas Movie List. I guarantee these Christmas Movies will make you laugh, cry, sing, think and just feel the great goodness of Christmas and The Holidays.

Some movies include The Preacher's Wife with Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. We discuss the feel and look of the movie in my Vlogmas Commentary with my Sister Jade of Jade's World on youtube. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation we discuss the funny moments with the storytelling and the various versions of the Griswald kids Rusty and Audrey. The Santa Clause 1,2,3 and how the story just makes you laugh at various moments. Christmas with the Kranks and the children demanding frosty and Jamie Lee Curtis's epic farce over getting the Christmas Glazed Ham for her daughter. We even discuss the cute little moments in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street. And also the beautiful Character Arc of Queen Latifah's character in Last Holiday.

Also, check out my commentary Vlogmas with my Sister Jade of Jade's World.

1. A Preacher's Wife

2. The Bishop's Wife

3. Last Holiday

4. A Christmas Story

5. Christmas with the Kranks

6. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

7. Friday After Next

8. Die Hard

9. The Best Man Holiday

10. Almost Christmas

11. This Christmas

12. Any Hallmark Movie

13. The Santa Clause 1, 2, 3

14. The Christmas Toy

15. Elf

16. A Muppets Christmas Carol

17. A Diva's Christmas Carol

18. Ms. Scrooge

19. Home Alone 1, 2

20. Miracle on 34th St

21. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

22. Frosty the Snowman

23. Jack Frost

24. Charlie Brown Christmas

25. Santa Claus The Movie

26. Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer

27. Prancer

28. All I want for Christmas

29. Black Nativity.

Chanell J. Wilson's Ultimate Christmas Spotify Playlist

2019-12-20T16:42:00.003-08:00

Chanell J. Wilson's Ultimate Christmas Spotify Playlist

My Youtube Commentary

Boyz II Men's Christmas Interpretations

I love everything about this project. It has the tune Let it Snow! with Brian McKnight. Boyz II Men always plays on the wonderful styles and range of Take 6 and in this lovely Christmas Interpretations Album, the group takes us on a musical story about love, cold winter nights, a few standards and beautiful ballads that bring great memories.

My favorite on this is "I never thought I fall in love on Christmas Day". Wanya, just puts his heart and soul into the song.

Destiny's Child's 8 Days of Christmas

I like the wordplay and the theme play with this Destiny's Child project. Great revamping/re-imagining songwriting with a modern twist. The ladies look lovely and the album brings great Christmas joy cheer and Holiday Spirit.

Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

I used to listen to this Christmas Album in rotation as a little girl. It is a storytelling presentation. I like the Overture: A Partial History of Black Music and how it starts with the drum and percussion sound; then the moans of the Spirituals and the marching of the feet depicting African American's experience being captured and then sold through the transatlantic slave trade middle passage and then enslaved into the American Institution of Slavery. Then the music goes into the Jazz and Harlem Renaissance Period, then moves into a Gospel Motif, then the hip hop and contemporary section and then glides into the more modern sounds and prepares us for the remainder of the album. I really enjoy this musical education, ear candy and the soulful celebration substance it provides for our hearts. Honorable Mentions from the project Rejoice O'Greatly Daughter of Zion with Richard Smallwood and I Know My Redeemer Liveth with Tevin Campbell and the Hallelujah Chorus.

Luther Vandross's A Classic Christmas

I enjoy anything Luther Vandross sings. Luther can sing the alphabet and I would just wave my hand and say "Sing Luther". This project "A Classic Christmas" has various standards and also "The Mistletoe Jam". In the opener; is a woman explaining the last time she stood under the Mistletoe with her husband- she had twins! I recently heard this on the airwaves of Sirus XM radio Holiday Soul Christmas and just was tickled with the many memories from this project.

Any Motown Christmas Project

From the Jackson 5 Christmas- where you will literally sing- every song on the album to the various Compilation, Projects Motown has released throughout the years; this Continuous album is sure to fill our hearts with holiday joy, sounds, and memories. Stevie Wonders "Ava Maria", It's Christmas Time Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Kevin Ross; Go Tell It on the Mountain /Ain't No Mountain High Enough Medley Gregory Porter and Anita Wilson, Mary Did you know? with India.Arie and Gene Moore Jr.; O Holy Night With Smokie Norful to name a few.

LA FACE Family Christmas

I love this lovely LaFace Family Christmas Project Album. Usher singing This Christmas, TLC's Sleigh Bells and the many references to Christmas memories like Left Eye's rap of Jingle Bells-Batman Smells, and Toni Braxton's The Christmas Song (I love her timbre on this particular song). I remember this was on heavy rotation in my Mom's car when I was growing up and I sang right along with each track. It was also my first introduction to Outkast.

Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas

I love this project because it is just in your face Christmas Music. #MariahCarey recently did an interview with Amazon explaining her writing process and presentation with this project. She said she set out to write a timeless Christmas Song that would expand to generations to come and to just celebrate Christmas in a way that had not been done before. The vocal arrangements on "All I Want for Christmas" and song placement and choices were strategic. So Strategic, that years later the song is charting and creating history every Year. Check out the interview on Youtube. Link Below.
Honorable Mentions Jesus What a Wonderful Child

The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack-Whitney Houston

I enjoy this entire album and have played it all year long. I am thinking about songs like "I believe in you and me" and "Joy to the World" specifically. #WhitneyHouston just sings to the depths of your soul and fills in the dark places with good Gospel soul Christmas light.

Any Pentatonix Christmas Album The Best of on Spotify's Playlist

I like their version of "Mary Did you know" with how the opening brings in oohs and aahs and then the verses float on a bed of dum dum dums and other vocal percussive acapella scats and runs. #Pentatonix has a way of making you want to sing with to the top of your lungs. The music is pure, right, in pitch and just rich with joy, Christmas Spirit and well thought out arrangements. Honorable Mention with Winter Wonderland/Don't worry be happy featuring Tori Kelly and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

The Best of Pentatonix Christmas

BJ The Chicago Kid's A Soulful Christmas

#BJTheChicagoKid did a youtube/mixtape A Soulful Christmas a few years back. It is a simple presentation that brings great storytelling of the complexities of life and love. It opens with "Santa Clause is coming to the Ghetto" and then "This year I want you". It also has this interlude conversation about a man away from his family. The sounds used present warmth in the midst of a cold longing environment and the desire to be close to family and/or the one you love. BJ just croons through the melodies delivering great heart and passion as he drives the story home about this father and husband wanting to be close to his family. BJ ends the mixtape with The Christmas Song. I found myself smiling widely through BJ's various runs and riffs. This mixtape will not disappoint. BJ needs all the awards.

BJ The Chicago Kid "A Soulful Christmas"

Kirk Franklin's A Family Christmas

I love the cover with the family in the sequence, golds, and holiday decor. It just feels really good and regal and lets me know that the album is about to be good. I love the song "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". I have sung this song in Choirs and I love all the parts and the party Christmas Praise Flavor, the Worship Atmosphere and the Jolly joy the Christmas Story brings. The Worship songs Silver and Gold, Now Behold the Lamb and others just warms the heart and brings the whole families' heart and spirit ready for the Holiday.

Other Honorable Mention Songs on my Ultimate Playlist

I used to work in retail for many years and we had three Christmas Approved Playlist from Corporate. I was introduced to so much music and have grown to love some of the traditionals like Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time", Nat King Cole's "Away in The Manger", Wham's "Last Christmas", and The Drifter's White Christmas and my ultimate favorite The Pointer Sister's Santa Clause is Coming to Town"

What are your favorite Christmas Songs? How do the songs lift your spirits, bring up a great memory, or just create a great festive mood?

Post in the Comment Section

Happy Holidays!!!!

Grow Grow Baby & Kids Channel -Nate's ALPHABET ADVENTURES

2018-05-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

Grow Grow Baby & Kids Channel

My Family and I have created a Children's YouTube Channel. If you have infant, pre-school and early learning age, check out the channel for quality children's content.

Grow Grow Baby & Kids Channel is a Channel created by Beaver-Wilson Girls Media. 

This Channel hosts content for learning and growth for children. 
We will host nursery rhymes, original songs , fun little game sketches, and other tools to promote fun & learning. Check back for new content weekly.

"I want to grow & grow until I get real big and strong!!!!" -- excerpt from our Theme song Palm Palm Tree written by creators Jameilla Beaver, Mary V. Beaver & Chanell J. Wilson

Free Ebook Download 3-Days!!! Romantic Urban Tale "Weekends Only"

2018-01-13T09:27:00.004-08:00

Download Free ebook "Weekends Only" Here

Romantic Urban Tale "Weekends Only" by Chanell J. Wilson is available for free ebook download on Amazon for the next 3-days. 1/12/18-1/14/18

Bonnie is done with her "It's complicated" Relationship Status. After being called Thirsty by her ex for desiring the most basic human need love, Bonnie is done. When True Love Finds her, she can only access it on the Weekends. Come Explore a story about a woman determined to overcome her generational crutches and barriers and dig deep into finding functionality of life and wholeness.

"Weekends Only" Book Trailer

Author, Chanell J. Wilson discusses Running Themes in the Book "Weekends Only"

Quick Thanksgiving Ideas for people like me who don't like to cook but want the taste #Semi-Homemade Cooking Rocks!

2017-11-18T13:17:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is Next Week. If you are working Mom like Me (who is stumped with a whole lot of overtime and not enough time); Semi-Homemade and Quick Fix Meals are King in our household. I am satisfied with the taste. As long as I have the taste of the memory of Thanksgiving I am happy. It is about family, getting together, giving thanks and just being able to consume good creative foods and recipes. Today's blog is dedicated to the hard working Mom and Dads out there, college kids, or Working Professionals who don't have a whole lot of time on their hands but want a semi-homemade Thanksgiving taste. These idea if well planned can be done within 3-4 hours of prep time. Some of the side dishes could be prepared the night before and may be fun making with children. Even small children with the dressing recipe. I am titling this: Quick Thanksgiving Ideas for people like me who don't like to cook but want the taste. Semi-Homemade Cooking Rocks!

I would like to preface these are just things I do, double check recipes and increments, portion sizes, calories etc for your own personal choices and diets. Also, there is more than one way to boil water. If you feel like adding to or taking away from the recipe by all means do so...this is just a template for someone who usually doesn't use their kitchen and needs something to help give them a blue print to get started. Think of things you like to eat and memories that you'd like to create and springboard from there.

Let's get started.

Turkey

My Turkey recipe is a combination of two techniques I found online almost 7--years ago. I decided in my apartment that I was tired of coming home with left over plates of food from other peoples' houses and I wanted my own dinner at home with some of the taste from childhood. So, I went online to find recipes that I could cook and combine to get that taste but not spend all day in the darn kitchen. I stumbled upon these two recipes and combined the process.

I prepare my turkey with some of the ingredients of the Do Nothing Turkey and then add some of my own creative seasoning combinations and I bake the Turkey using Alton Brown's Perfect Turkey Method. (The video link is below)

Do Nothing Turkey

The Seasonings I use are pretty modest:

Pappy's Choice Seasonings
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Thyme
Salt
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Poultry Seasoning

Next, I gently lift the skin of the breast and rub butter and seasoning under the breast for taste as well.

I place three celery stalks like a rack in a pan and then plop my seasoned bird on top of the celery stalks. The celery acts as a rack to raise the turkey for cooking and makes the best broth ever when the bird is done. I mean pan gravy for days....that will have you licking the pan.

The next step is very important...Watch Alton Brown's Perfect Turkey Video below....

Alton Brown's Perfect Turkey Saved my Life

This process saved my life and now I am responsible for making the turkey every year this style. It is so juicy and the bird has the perfect crisp outer layer. People will think you roasted it for hours.

Place the bird in the oven at 500 Degrees for 30 minutes exactly. Yes! you heard me right...500 Degrees for 30 Minutes....As soon as that timer goes off, place your foil triangle hat over the breast of the bird and put it back in and turn the oven down to 350 Degrees and leave the bird in for 1 hour to 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the weight of the bird.

After that, your bird is done!!!!! Like, I said it is the most juiciest succulent Turkey.

So, I have a confession....Since college and budgeting and being a working woman ....I am the Queen of semi-home made...But I have since perfected it to the point where you will think it is the real thing. Now does it fully compete with my Mom's or Grandfather's (my grandfather and Mom are the Chefs of the family by profession) No....but people still lick the platter clean....

Pan Gravy

Take the pan drippings from the Turkey. Place that in a pan, sift in your flour and whisk. The Gravy is perfect because it is already seasoned from the turkey.

Macaroni & Cheese

I use a combination of three different ideas and recipes depending on if I want to cook or not...
If I feel like cooking I use a combination of the

Patti Labelle's Over-The-Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese

& then I add Kraft Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese to the recipe

So, I boil a bag (1 lb) of Macaroni and then I prepare my sauce in the pan - Butter, Milk, half n half, and I season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper and let simmer. I throw in the Macaroni from the Kraft Deluxe Box as well into my bag of Macaroni and then I set the seasoning Packets off to the side. I grate all my cheese and set it to the side. Once done, I put the cooked Macaroni in a Pyrex pan, sprinkle salt and pepper. I beat two eggs and pour that in to the mix and then layer my cheese, the seasoning packets and the sauce from the pan, I top it off with more cheese. Put it in the oven at 350 for at least 35 minutes.

It taste pretty good and is very creamy. Mix different recipes and try it.

If I don't feel like making Macaroni and Cheese at all, but want a good taste...
I just go to Trader Joes and buy Trader Joes Mac and Cheese The Best!

Dressing

I love dressing! In Fact, my favorite thanksgiving leftovers are dressing, gravy, yams, and cranberry sauce. I can eat that for three or four days straight for breakfast, snack, lunch, and dinner with a glass of Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cider Martinelli's Gold Medal Sparkling Cider

So here is a recipe a Box of Jiffy Cornbread Mix, Sourdough Bread, Chicken Broth, Green Bell Peppers, 1/2 Garlic, 1 Onion, & Celery.

Chop Green Bell Pepper, Garlic, Onion, Celery and Sautee it in a pan with butter or olive oil.

Follow the Jiffy Cornbread Mix recipe and make Cornbread

Take the cooked cornbread and tear it up/pull apart and then take the sourdough bread and tear that up /pull apart and place into bowl, season with salt, pepper, celery seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pour in the chicken broth, and the Sautéed Green Bell Peppers, 1/2 Garlic, 1 Onion, & Celery. Stir the ingredients together adding extra bread if too soupy. Once mix is to taste, bake at 350 Degrees for 30 minutes.

Yams

So, I just buy two cans of yams in light syrup from Glory products and then I doctor it up with sugar, brown sugar, a little salt to taste and marshmallows :-). I bake them at 350 Degrees for 25 to 30 minutes because they are from the can and once again I get the taste I want. It is not my Mom's recipe but it is close to it.

Ham

I buy a pre-cooked ham and add cloves, pineapple and then for my glaze I mix brown sugar, mustard, and a little molasses (not a lot). It should be syrupy. I smear all of that on my ham and bake it at 350 Degrees for 10 minutes per pound. I usually buy a small ham or a half cut. Since the ham is pre-cooked I just want to it to get that roasted pig flavor. Once again this is to recreate the taste.

Mandarin Orange Jell-o Salad

My family does the below recipe but instead of cottage cheese we use cream cheese. That's the only difference and this Jell-o Salad is one of those staples in our family.

Make the Orange Jell-o. Mix the Jell-o and Cream Cheese add your pineapple and mandarin oranges. Fold in that cool whip. Put it in your bowl and let sit in fridge for an hour. It gets firm and molds a little and is so good, makes you lick the spoon.

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Not your Mama's Banana Pudding

Your Mama's Banana Pudding

Paula Dean sold me on this version of Banana Pudding and I just can't let it go. It does not replace my grandmother's baked version. I love the old school warm version of banana pudding, but when I need a quick fix and no bake method this is my go to... follow the above recipe to the letter. You won't be disappointed.

Cranberry Sauce

Buy and chill the can. Open and place in jar and serve

Collard Greens

Glory Canned Collard Greens

I usually take these canned Greens and doctor it up with seasonings, turkey neck, and a green chile pepper. Or I will buy 2 bags of Collard Greens from the produce section of the grocery store and cook those down with a pre-cooked smoke Turkey Neck, chile pepper and salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Pappy's Seasoning.

Once again, not the old school homemade grandmamma style but it gets you the taste.

Rolls

Buy a Bag of Rolls from some where and be Thankful

Here is my last minute 2012 Thanksgiving. That is not a Turkey, we just baked a chicken and called it a day because it was last minute. Originally our traveling plans were cancelled and we had to improvise. On the table Macaroni and Cheese, Pre-Cooked Ham with cloves and maple Syrup, Pot of Greens, Dressing, Yams with Marshmallows, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy, Mandarin Orange Jello Salad. We bought two Sweet Potatoe Pies from the store and Canada Dry. We got the Taste of Thanksgiving and were good and full and enjoyed the company and impromptu festivities.

Poverty's Finest by ME by Chanell J. Wilson

2017-11-04T20:17:00.001-07:00

So I don't just have this blog...I am a writer and I have a few books online that I'd like to share information on:

View Poverty's Finest Here

"Poverty's Finest"

One Five-Dollar Bill, Four People, A Series of Life-Altering Transactions

by Chanell J. Wilson

Disclaimer: This Novel contains graphic and explicit material. Reader Discretion is Advised.

In the novel Poverty's Finest, by Chanell J. Wilson, Mac, Reesha, The Kid and Evie find themselves wrestling with the conditions of being poor. Each character has their inner strength tested as they journey through trials & tribulations. Their stories are told through various interactions with the same five-dollar bill.

I enjoyed writing this book back in 2008. I got the idea from a writer's block book where the exercise asked to follow the journey of a five-dollar bill and write about each transaction of the person. I did a little essay/short story and met some of these characters in the story. During the time, I was two-months unemployed from a customer service position and was doing different temp jobs to make ends meet in my little apartment in Concord, California. Several years later, after motherhood and after the changing markets and our Post-Obama society (since I wrote the book during the Bush Administration); I had a different view on poverty, my black American Conditioning in this society, crime and poverty and its relation to how it built the very societies we live in, and chattel slavery and that we lived in a country that was founded in freedom but gained most of its independence through the economics of slavery. I decided in 2017 to revisit all of these characters and keep the frame work of the same story but breathe a little more life and humanity into these four humans having an American Conditioning Experience vs. observing from a distance stereotypical characters in a stereotypical drama filled habitat.

After studying the economy and wealth, I learned crime and poverty go hand and hand with economics and our American Conditioning being unresolved is sometimes created by design. The system has been set up this way for a reason. The irony of Abraham Lincoln Emancipating the Slaves has to do with saving the Union and not because of the human conditions of the actual act. His face on the copper penny is facing the opposite direction then the other Presidents on the other silver coins is symbolic because he emancipated blacks. Yet, once again it was only done, to save our Union as said in the Letter to Greenly. His (Lincoln's) face is on the Five-Dollar Bill that is passed through the hands of the four characters- four descendants of enslaved humans. Four Black People and this is their modern-day story. All their stresses were passed down from experiences and situations that came from Lincoln's and societies decisions.

I introduce to you these characters from my heart: Mac, Reesha, Evie and The Kid (a.k.a. Rufus).

Mac wants his family back and his livelihood back after losing it all over one mistake. Reesha thrown into involuntary pseudo single parenthood working two-jobs, enduring the rat race, and trying to make ends meet; wants to take her husband Mac back but is not sure she can trust him. The side baby changed the entire game. Evie just wants to live that LIFE! She sees dollar signs and wants to hook a baller, rapper, or business man that can finance her alimony or child support dreams. She and her four children live on the child support checks that she frivolously spends, her issue is she is aging out of the Sugah Baby Category. She knows it too and all the games she used to get away with just aren't cute anymore. She needs one good come up and her sugar Daddy Elwin is just the target-so she thinks. And then there is The Kid a.k.a Rufus who lives his life in a lucid dream. He gets high and self-medicates to escape the trauma of his past and to slow his mind down. One bad night and few bad memories change everything and for once he is forced to listen to the broken record tape inside of his soul that he has been trying to escape and make a decision to keep chasing the high or come back down to earth and reclaim Rufus.

Poverty's Finest
One Five-Dollar Bill, Four People, A Series of Life-Altering Transactions

Story Time: The Fall, The Fall vs.The Swimming Pool (excerpt from my book Identity?: A Black Girl's Hair Memoir)

2017-11-04T14:37:00.006-07:00

The Below Blog is a story excerpt from my book Identity?: A Black Girl's Hair Memoir.

In this memoir, Chanell J. Wilson revisits her hair journey; in hopes of finding peace with her image in an American Society.

Purchase Identity?: A Black Girl's Hair Memoir Here

The Fall

Chanell J. Wilson age 12 or 13. I am sporting a slicked back hair style with three ponytail holders and a fall (rolled into bun).

As spring break rolled around; my Grandmother had given me a hair piece called a Fall. Other names for the Fall are: The clip on ponytail, hair extensions or the phony pony. She took me into the bathroom and showed me how to attach it to my hair. I had to smooth my hair into a bun, tuck my natural hair under the rubber band, insert the comb attached to the Fall to the middle of my hair and then wrap the hair piece around so that the two end pieces could snap. I liked it! It was definitely something I wanted to try when I took my braids out. She took The Fall out of my hair and placed it in a brown paper bag so that I could take it with me to my mom's house. At my Mom's, I would attach The Fall to my braids and walk around the house with it. I liked the flowing look. Then; I had an idea. I told my mom that I was getting tired of braids and needed a change. We had just come back from a camping trip and were sitting in my Aunt's kitchen. The three of us made plans to style my hair with The Fall as the focal point. We took my braids down, Mom bought a perm kit and mixed it and then she and my Aunt permed my hair together with mom had one side and my aunt took the other. Since I had worn the braided look for an entire semester; I had a lot of new growth. When the perm was complete, I could fling my hair around again and it touched below my ears. Mom then pulled out two new products: Lotta Body Hair Setting Lotion and Prostyle Gel for my ends.

During this time, the hot look in school was wearing buns. Any variation would do, but it had to be done in a specific way.

Step one: Slick back hair into bun.
Step two: Insert one scrunchy to hold the ponytail into place.
Step three: Place another scrunchy around the ponytail.
Step four: Separate the hair within the ponytail so that it can fan around the scrunchy.
Step five: Insert another scrunchy around the fanned hair.
Step six: Tuck all loose ends under that scrunchy.

This was the bun of all buns and we teens during this time were serious about this look (and black lip liner). For ambiance, we would wear the bun with a piece of hair 'Shirley Temple Curled' in front of the bun. And if we did not have enough hair, we would pin some fake hair over the bun so it could hang over to the side. I finally was able to join the ranks of my fellow teens. Mom slicked back my hair and sat me under the dryer. Once the hair molded, she then fixed my Grandmother's Fall to the look and tucked it into a bun. The bun look lasted for the rest of the semester and I even got compliments at school(woo hoo!).

The Fall vs. The Swimming Pool

The bun look would have stayed into play for high school, but two situations knocked it out of the box. It was summer vacation my favorite time of the year. I had just graduated and was looking forward to high school. Dad took my younger sister, cousin and I to the community swimming pool in his suburban town. During this time; the complexion of his town was a commuter type city. It was out in the country and was not as diverse as the city. There also was not too many black or brown faces on his side of town. Before going to the pool, My cousin and I checked ourselves out in the girl's locker room. We did not have to wear swim caps this go round and was excited about it. We got in the water, swam, played, floated, checked out some of the guys and even checked out some of the bathing suit styles the girls were wearing. An hour later, the lifeguards opened the diving section in the deep end of the pool. My dad called over to me and told me to quickly get in the line before it filled up! I jumped out the pool and headed over to the diving board. I made it just in time to be third in line. As the person ahead of me jumped in, I thought to myself, "maybe I should take my hairpiece off?" I ignored the thought and moved up in line. As I watched the next kid dive off the board; again I thought, " maybe I should take my hairpiece out?" I sighed again and climbed up the ladder. I walked over to the edge, smiled at my family watching me, dived off the board and dipped my happy tail into the pool. My mind was in a state of bliss; as I dived head first into the large body of water.

As I swam to the surface, I quickly swam over to the edge of the pool and climbed out. A kid walked passed me and said, "Your hair thingy fell out." I placed my hand on my hair and turned around to the pool. All the kids in the line were all pointing into the direction of the water. The life guard even stood on his chair to check the water and held back the line for a moment. My greatest fear was that My Fall would clog the pool drains; my other was rescuing the darn thing out of the water and then dealing with the embarrassment of the non-black kids watching me. I panicked and quickly ran to the diving pool and prepared to dive back into the water from the side. The lifeguard blew his whistle to stop me and instructed the next man (a white man) standing on the edge of the diving board to jump. The Man could tell I wanted to get my items out of the water; so he yells, "I'll get your hair band for you!". I wanted to explain that it was not a hair band floating at the bottom of the water. I wanted to scream out, "NO!!!!", but before the 'N' could escape my mouth he was already at the bottom of the deep end.

It was like slow motion watching him spring back up from his dive. He first grabbed my two hair scrunchies, and the kids in line yelled, "There's something else in there!" He nodded his head to them and exclaimed, "I'll get them!" as if he were a super hero and dipped back in the water. He grabbed my other two scrunchies and The Fall, popped back up to the surface, swam to the side. He climbed out the water this time and laid each article side by side on the pool's edge in front of everybody. My hairpiece - The Fall - was laying out exposed in the open for the world to see. If I could, I would have howled out crying; but dad hated when we girls displayed certain emotions in public; so I held it together as best I could. It was the most embarrassing moment of my black life. I always wanted to represent my race in a fashion that would continue to uplift our esteem for ourselves and give a positive appearance among others.

I could hear all the kids talking and asking questions and I just wanted to leave it all there and run in the other direction. I swiftly and gracefully picked everything up and headed to the girls room so that I could stuff my hairpiece in my gym bag. I could not even put it back on when we got home. I just felt like my hairpiece betrayed me.

Funny Story Time: Shoe Breaks in Middle of the Street and I was attacked by Red Ants in Cancun

2017-11-04T13:19:00.001-07:00

Hi Readers,

I decided I have wanted to share funny stories for my childhood. I still can't believe these funny incidents actually happened. So check out the blog periodically and later I will put together a vlog/theatrical animatic on the story.

Today's Story took place in Summer of 1992 or 1993. Colorful clothes and my whole middle school world beginning were on the horizon. My family and I went on two trips that summer. First on a cruise and then we flew home for one day and went back out to Cancun, Mexico. It was a lot of fun and a lot of funny moments. I got to pet a dolphin with my sister (I will find the photo and post it. later). I swam in an underwater cave at Xcaret with my Mom and sister. (That is another funny story in itself. I will make another post for it). I got to experience a different culture from a resort tourist perspective and just relax.

Ok, so we stayed in a Timeshare and our unit was set up like a studio apartment. It was grand with marble floors. We went shopping at one of the local markets away from the tourist timeshare area with the other members of our group and took a bus into town with the locals. We went to a Mom and Pop grocery store and got a round of groceries to cover us for the next few days. I remember the experience seeing the culture, the warmth of the summer, and the difference of the society with the different people- it was beautiful.

After everyone gathered their groceries, I remember having at least three or four bags on my arm. (You know when you only want to make one trip from the car to the house after a grocery haul---that's how my arm looked) There were bags everywhere. I held on to my portion of groceries, my Mom had her portion and My sister had her portion. Everyone else in our group also had a large load. We didn't want to get on the bus with the amount of groceries we got and tried to negotiate a taxi ride back to the time share. The guy we spoke with quoted us a ridiculous price, so we told him no and started walking in the direction of the bus stop. That required us to cross the street and like some of the locals we had to quickly dart across and jaywalk to make it to the other side.

Everyone else darted in the path as everyone else and missed the quick traffic coming with the bags tightly in their arms. My Mom had already told me to wear my sneakers when going into town, but it was hot and my barefoot California antics were not budging so I wore my cute black and white wedged clog style flip flops. I gripped my four bags and darted across with everyone and then my right clog gave up the ghost and the band that connected the top portion of my foot totally broke off and I walked right out of my shoe. I screamed "my shoe!" and turned around without thinking that I was standing in the middle of the street and tried to grab my shoe with a bag of groceries in my hand. As the cars approached, my family is screaming "get out of the street!". One of the grocery bags breaks and the items spill out everywhere and I quickly gather myself out of the street and onto the sidewalk with my family. I am standing on the unpaved sidewalk with one clog on and one foot bare in the dirt. The Taxi driver was watching us laughing and still trying to quote prices to get us to take his cab. He was pointing at my shoe and walked over to gather one of the bags I had dropped in the street. My family kept saying the prices were too high.

As I stood in the dirt in the middle of the road with my family - all of us calming down from the whole ordeal; all of a sudden I notice my legs and feet start to itch and burn. I look down and we are being attacked by Red Ants. We all scream and start moving in different directions. The cab driver witnesses everything, laughs a little and finally has pity on us and quotes us a lower price and flags us over to take the cab ride back to the Timeshare. He helps us gather our items from the road and loads them in the car and we pile in to his small five-seat Nissan Seven-People deep (everyone getting in anyway they can).

It was a quiet ride back to the timeshare. All I could think of was my poor shoe gone and lost in Cancun. I was still barefoot. lol

This is for the Dreamers: Beware of the Dream Thieves

2016-03-23T20:30:00.004-07:00

BEWARE OF THE DREAM THIEVES

As of lately, I have heard a few people refer to my entrepreneurial endeavors as a Pipe Dream. I learned a long time ago to Beware of the Dream Thieves. Dream Thieves come to steal and snatch the dream before it can even be conceived or conceptualized.

I am reminded of two things: Jay Z said once in an interview that he had a relative who would always say that he (Jay Z) would not be able to become a successful rapper/person. Jay Z said he translated that as the persons projection of themselves...meaning they could not see themselves as a successful rapper/person etc. Overall, he had to believe in his own ability and not what others thought or believed about his abilities.

The other thing is Pipe Dreams are only Pipe Dreams when the efforts stop at the Dream. The Dream is simply the conceptualized idea. After the Dream, work must be done. That's really the only way we can see the Dream come into full fruition. Now Entrepreneurship takes hard work and smart work but the pay off is amazing.

Pipe Dreams are only Pipe Dreams when the efforts stop at the Dream

Never let Dream Thieves steal or infiltrate your thoughts or steal your very dream.
Never let Dream Thieves tell you what you are able or capable of doing....

It is YOUR DREAM!

Always stand firm in your convictions about yourself and make every effort to meet your heart's goal and desires because you only get one life- might as well be happy and pursue every possible endeavor instead of dreaming about the idea of it. Do the leg work, set your goals and timeframe, be mindful of who you share your information with and grind grind grind that grinder. (Yes I did steal the Mary Poppin's Song).

People to think about Walt Disney was turned down by several banks but he kept going and now his Dreams have surpassed him. The author of the Shack was turned down by several publishing companies. Now he has sold over 18 million copies through self-publishing and word of mouth.

I will end with a quote that I read today... "As many entrepreneurs say, fail fast, fail often and then go with what works....". Failing Forward in pursuit of the dream is an awesome lesson and tool! Eventually, you will figure out what works...

So what are you waiting for: Pursue YOUR DREAMS!!!!!

A Year of Healthy Hair Habits, Hair Practices and lessons My Scalp told me (Glad I listened)

2016-02-27T05:11:00.002-08:00

Simply Chanell 4c Hair, #Frolife, Hair evened out and lining back! A Year of Healthy Hair Habits

After having my son, I suffered hair texture change, a bad scalp condition and then baldness in certain areas. I was mortified, I had just done nine months of various protective styles and was going to Tex-lax (a new term for texture softening my hair with a chemical) and then the unthinkable happened-I went bald. I had to sit down and treat the scalp condition and then trim out the left over Tex-lax (texturizer or texture softner) in my hair because with the new baldness it just defeated the purpose of trying to hold on to the length when I was now going to have to start over. I literally had to relearn my scalp and head of hair.

The first thing I needed to master was regimen. "Who's the master?" (Last Dragon Pun), in this case it is regimen. I had to get back down to the nitty gritty and treat my conditions.

This time last year I had to reset my PH Balance and implement Healthy Hair Habits.

Apple Cider Vinegar Washes kept my scalp clean and restored my ph Balance. Proper conditioning with products that were made for my hair (my favorites are Shea Moisture Products or Carol's Daughter's) and then I needed three staples to help keep the scalp nice and fresh and the hair nice and moisturized: Pure Coconut Oil for the scalp (and hair too sometimes), a decent hair lotion (I have fallen in love with ORS) and pure Shea butter.

If Repetition is the mother of learning; Discipline is surely its father. This year I simply had to become disciplined with my regimen and listen to my scalp when I needed to make adjustments.

I must say listening to my scalp saved my hair.

Here are 7 things I learned on my journey to restore healthy hair habits and maintain ultimate hair growth:

1. Keep moisture in the hair

Dry hair equals breakage. There is no way around it, take time either in the morning or before bed to apply both steam and product into the hair that will actually penetrate the hair shaft.

2. Give your scalp a long break

The scalp keeps the hair coming in and if the scalp is itchy, dry, flaky, or just hurting-- say no to aggressive styles that put too much tension on it. I am the Braid Girl my ultimate goto styles are braids--- hands down any style of braids. This year I had to really learn how to wear my natural hair out more and sometimes just leaving it alone in a nice shaped afro was all my scalp needed. I will admit it was hard a times because if the weather is doing something or even schedules or the body a good braid job can save time. But my goal was healthy hair habits so I just had to say, "no" more often to the manipulative styles and listen to my scalp.

3. Eat Better, Eat Clean

My diet was getting out of hand and a lot of the nonsense I was eating was showing up in both my skin, scalp, & nails. I altered my diet included chia seeds in the morning with oatmeal to help flush out added toxins. More vegetables and limited carbs and dairy. The allergies greatly impacted my itchy scalp. I must admit doing it was worth it and I had less hypertension sodium rushes and headaches from cutting back on the processed food.

4. Drink plenty of water

My nutritionist taught me that we should drink half our weight in ounces. Drinking water kept my skin hydrated and my hair retained and kept more moisture. I noticed the difference when I was drinking less water in my hair and texture versus when I got my proper daily allotment. (Consult physician on proper drinking amount for your weight and health…I have been drinking water (in large quantities since my youth because I was an athlete and dancer so I was used to it…)I realize some people have a hard time with this so pace yourself.

5. Exercise

This one wow! Now I know you are looking at me like how is this big plus size girl going to tell me to exercise. I know it sounds like an oxymoron or a hypocritical- but I am on a new regimen with exercise and have lost ten pounds so far. I now exercise fifty minutes five days a week with two rest days. The recommendation is 30 minutes at least 3-5 days a week. It definitely helps the skin, the scalp, the blood flow, and the hair. When the blood is flowing better, the hair has room to grow. And I must admit since I have started working out consistently (consistency is the key!) my hair has sprung back in ways that I have not seen it.

6. Pump the brakes on manipulative styles

Ok, so technically this can piggy back on #2 (give scalp a break) but it must be repeated again and given more in-depth attention. Many women go bald from just jumping into protective style after protective style after protective style. Some conditions can be avoided if we learn to master patience. I admit, it is hard, but one time my scalp was in a transition that even the comb from my favorite wig irritated it. I knew if I continued the constant tugging of that wig comb was going to attack my growth. Sometimes our scalp needs fresh air and sunlight. So push through those times where you just got to have the big box braids and asses your scalps readiness. Try and reason with a cute twist out instead to let the body heal itself.

7. When wearing protective styles please protect your edges! BE KIND to THEM….:-)

Emphasis on the exclamation point. There is a meme going around that says don't talk about natural hair if your hair edges look like this. The photos to follow were women with high hair lines almost to the middle of their scalp, patterned baldness sprinkled around the edges and then just no edges at all.

Choose styles that have less tension. Sometimes using less hair or even stationary styles are better than loose individual braids because there is less pulling. Once again, I know it is hard..Maybe try a half wig and simply lay the edges down with oil or light edge control and try and stay away from heavy gels that make the hair brittle and if you must use it, please use it sparingly.

Two-Plat Twist Out Hair Stretch (Me a the gym)

Naturally Me and my 4c bounce back hair! After a year of Healthy Hair Habits....

Side View (Me trying to be like David Banner's #Godbox cover).

I must admit going bald shortly after having my son, saved my hair. I was going to tex-lax it again because I had half-texlaxed hair and half-new growth but the baldness put me in a position where I had to just do the big chop and start a new. Some research has shown the relaxers and perms aid to fibroids and tumors. When I had my son, a fibroid was also discovered and removed. It was the size of a tennis ball! I still have some pains from it now. I can definitely attribute that to years of on and off relaxers and tex-laxes. I am not anti-relax- a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do, but maybe try tex-laxing instead to hold onto some of the texture to keep the hair strength, bounce back and pliability. It is all about healthy hair habits! In my book Identity: a black girl's hair memoir; I say My hair is happiest when it is natural and I am happiest when I am stylistically free. So not holding anyone hostage to staying natural but I do advocate staying as close to natural as possible for health reasons and I am just tired of seeing black people suffer from hair loss from too much over processing.

Health should definitely be the priority.

So say it with me: Hair on my head over anything else! Healthy hair Habits!

Here is the written Blog and Vlog on my hair journey last year...both in photos and a youtube video:

http://chanelljwilson.blogspot.com/2014/11/my-regimen.html?

Also see my six month update from last August, my hair was uneven and this was right before I trimmed and evened my hair out from growing the bald spots out:

What do you think? Share you story, journey & Process Below....

Cornrows Are Forever---"I thought you Knew!"

2015-04-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

Cornrows are a staple in the Braiding community. The style has been worn for centuries. The beauty of cornrows is they can be worn free form or as a base for Crochet Braids, Weaves, & Wig Styles.
They are the perfect protective style for natural, transitioning, & relaxed hair. Cornrows are Forever!!! And a Girl's Best Friend!!!

Here is a simple tutorial on Basic Straight Back Cornrows:

The Beauty of Dreadlocks….to Loc or not to Loc?

2015-04-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Beauty of Dreadlocks….to Loc or not to Loc

When I was a kid, Dreadlocks were around and popular. However, there was a hidden myth that people who wore Locs kept their hair in a mangled-tangled state and did not clean their hair. I have had the privilege of wearing my natural hair in a Loc'd state twice over a seven year period. Both times, I learned that Locs are fun, versatile, and very beautiful.

Here are a few things I learned while wearing locs' and participating in the Loc community:

1. Wearing Locs taught me patience

Starting Locs can take 1- 4 months depending on hair type. Each stage of length represents time of growth. When I first started they were shorter and learning their form. I too had to learn how to care for them & style them. I learned quickly! Maintenance was relatively easy, but waiting for the length to come gave me something to look forward. And when it came I was proud of my accomplishment and could swing my locs proudly…

2. There is nothing wrong with them. Locs feel like permanent braids

There is always this long stigma that locs are dirty. And people who wear them are into incense and poetry. When I entered the community, I learned cultures of all walks of life wore them. I got so many compliments on my hair styles when I wore them loc'd. Either an Updo, Curly, Crimpy, or Straight. I even put a reddish highlight on them near the end to enhance the tips of my hair.

3. They are very convenient and can be styled in almost any pattern

Read the above notation. Locs can be styled in any pattern. Maintenance is easy and can even make for a fun movie night. They feel like permanent braids without the long take down. You can get up and go and they smell nice a fresh with the right combination of products. Loc Twist Gels, Shea Butter, ACV washes for scalp, Coconut Oil for scalp & Various Oils will do the trick.

Nubian Knot Twist Out

2015-04-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here is why I love the Nubian knot Twist Out!

The Nubian Knot Twist Out can be used on Natural, Transitioning, & Relaxed Hair. When I was transitioning from my texturizer this was one of my ultimate go to styles for work, specialty events, church, performances & in between braids.

The style can be achieved as follows:

Clean and co-wash hair
Oil scalp & apply eco-gel and hair oil
Two-strand twist to the demarkation line (if transitioning)- go all the way if natural, if relaxed don't two-strand twist, just palm roll/coil with fingers
Nubian knot coil...(decide your size...the smaller the nubian knot the fuller the look)
Tie up and sleep over night or get under dryer for 30-45 minutes
Put coconut oil on finger tips and gently uncoil and untwist the Nubian Knot
Fluff as desired with fingers
Add flower or Jewelry for extra ambiance

Marley Crochet Braids in Pictures

2015-04-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Marley Crochet Braids. A Easy to install Popular Natural Look to play with during a Protective Style Hair Season.

Crochet Braids Installation In Photos....Can use any type of bulk hair to achieve the look :-)

Three things to KNOW about Natural Hair

2014-11-15T21:59:00.000-08:00

Ok, so you are considering the big chop! Tired of the perm and the demarcation line between your relaxed and natural new growth tresses? Are you just ready to go ahead and run with the wind and clip those bad boys off? Well, let me tell you a little story....

I was eighteen when I did my first big chop. The experience was life-altering. In my senior year in high school (back in 1998); I started wearing my permed hair in a braided crimped style. At night, I would braid my shoulder length hair into ten or eleven plats and roll the ends with rollers.When I took it down, a beautiful free (yet tamed) wavy style appeared. This first started my interest in going natural. When I hit eighteen and was in college, I wanted a drastic change. Getting another Bob cut was not the change I was seeking, so I took my braids out of my hair grabbed my scissors and chopped my relaxed hair off my head.

When I looked in the mirror, the smile and excitement from my new experience disappeared from my face and a big fat "what have I done?" inquisitively floated across my forehead. The only thing I could think was, "I looked like a mammy." An Aunt Jemima cherub cheek black gal, with wide-eyes, wide nose, big grin, large teeth and small ears was looking back at me. My entire life I was used to seeing my face with some type of textured hair style. Now I had a T.W.A. (teeny weeny Afro) and my smile was gone. I was not prepared for the disturbed feeling. I now understood why we (Black People and Black Culture) permed our hair, relaxed our hair, colored our hair and sat in hair salons for hours to get the hair on our heads fried, dyed,and laid to the side. It was to run from the image reflecting back at me in the mirror.

I did not know cutting my hair was going to be a culture shock and an identity shock.
These are the three things I wish someone would have shared with me at eighteen when I first chopped off my shoulder length hair. It would have helped me transition into both the style and embrace the identity change.

1. Prepare for the image/identity change from European Features to African Features

Living in a European Society, we have adapted our image and likeness to White People. It is the standard and it has been that way since this melting pot called America started. I remember when I was in College we had a math assignment where we had to measure a picture of a European Sculpture and we were given measurements of what the Ancients considered "The Perfect European Features". We had to measure the nose, eyes, ears and other facial parts and explain how much to subtract and add for the sculpture to have "The Perfect European Features". (No Lie!). We have been trained to visually see our face from the position of long hair and flattering facial features that do not stick out or cause problems. So, as soon as those long locs are chopped off prepare to see all your African Features pop and stand out. When I first did the big chop, I was not ready....which is why I resorted to calling myself Aunt Jemima.

Older Aunt Jemima ads with large cheeks, wide smile. Beautiful woman with a smile, but against European Standards my young mind did not know how to apply these features to European/American Standards of Beauty because of how I was conditioned.

Newer Aunt Jemima ad same woman with scaled down cheeks and cheek bones, grin scaled down, and no scarf but straightened out hair. The Revamp gave Aunt Jemima a more "polished/white friendly appearance".

It took me some time to process this. I first braided my hair immediately (with the little bit of hair I had left on my head) and then as my hair grew out I had it texture softened (or texturized) to a less coil grad of kink and begin to transition myself into seeing my face without longer hair. Two Years later, I was finally able to do the big chop without the texture softener and I was ready to face my face and wear my 4c hair proudly.

Two-Months Ago T.W.A. basic regimen. Notice my facial features. Compare them to my straighter looks below.

Wavy Weave, Toned down features

Longer Weave for an interview, Toned Down features

Bobbed weave Style with bang...Notice Features

Flipped Weave Style...same

Another weave style

Another Weave style...Features toned down

2. Prepare to work with Hair Retention (Shrinkage)

No matter which natural style we attempt to wear be it an Afro, a wavy look, two-strand twist, etc. As the moisture leaves the hair during the day; the hair will begin to shrivel upward and appear shorter than it did at the start of the day. Sometimes Blow Drying it may help give some appearance of length but if it gets wet from sweat or water watch out it is going to Shrink. Say this to yourself "That's OK!!!!". Repeat this phrase, "I am black, my hair has beautiful coils and it does not lay down flat therefore this is apart of the style and I AM Uniquely BEAUTIFUL. Just know and understand retention comes with the territory...but it is not a bad day.

Watch videos, read up on style care and regimen, learn to control edges as best we can; but don't sweat (no pun intended) if frizz comes. It comes with the territory.

Mad, I just flat-ironed my hair only to sweat it back out. Notice the retention at the lining.

Took Braids out Needed to do something to the style. Half New-Growth and Half Texture softened relaxer

Natural Hair with Eco Gel made with Olive Oil. Helps Define the 4b/c coil pattern and holds it down and keeps the frizz down.

3. Prepare to stand politely in your Hair Conviction

People are going to say something. A Black woman walking down the street with an Afro is always viewed as Revolutionary. In the documentary Good Hair, Tracie Thoms said some thing to the effect of "it is strange that something that grows out of your own head and wearing it that way is viewed as revolutionary". People are going to give you every thing...."What's up soul-sistah?" *Raises fist in air. "So, Are you going to dread later?" "Can I touch it?". Just be Prepared and do not think that some thing is wrong with you because you have decided to wear your hair differently than the standard. Stand in your Hair Conviction without being militant.

Remember these keys things:

Going Natural is just that! It is choosing to wear your hair as it grows out of your hair.
Wear your hair confidently and proudly even if you are working through identity images. I will be honest in our society the struggle is real and there is no way to avoid it you simply have to embrace it.
If it is not for you, you can always relax it, weave it, press it, flat iron it...Just do you.... In the beginning, wearing a natural hair style can "feel" high maintenance. But with the right regimen and process that feeling will go away. Maybe take a break for a few months in between and wear braids or a weave protective style. In the summer, I love braids. And if you realize it is just too much don't feel bad about relaxing it. I believe every black woman should try to wear their natural hair once in their lifetime for the experience. I also believe every woman should shave their head at least once for the experience. Both are very liberating lessons that can teach a person about their fears and what they like about themselves.

I will end with a quote from my book Identity?: A Hair Memoir

For identity's sake, my hair is happiest when it is natural. For Preference sake, I am happy when my hair is stylistic free.

My Regimen

2014-11-14T19:51:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make I have been natural on and off for the last thirteen years. Anytime, I attempt to wear a non-natural style I am sitting back desiring my natural look. I have texture softened or texturized my hair to soften my natural 4b/c hair (some parts are 4b and others 4c) to loosen the curl pattern to a 3a and tried to pose as if I was in the 3 category only to let it grow for a few months and cut it off. It was not until after I had my baby and the pregnancy hormones started shifting within my body, that I found my scalp and hair in the weirdest state ever. Bald Spots in Scalp and Dry Straw Hair...

Bald Spot on Right Side of Scalp

More Dandruff, flakes on forehead

Bald Spot on Right Side of Scalp

Dry Hair- Half Texturized

New Growth. The Longer Part is Textured soften with perm and other part is not.

I did not want to deal with my hair at all during pregnancy. So, I went to my go to style BRAIDS, BRAIDS, and More Braids.

They were convenient, non-time consuming, and I could whip my hair back and forth into a bun or ponytail without a rubber band. I wore box braids the whole 9-months and was happy. I wore my braids the way I wore my locs; not too tight around the roots and just let them be free with a wash every other week and a good olive oil scalp rub down. I have been able to get away with that regimen for years but my Postpartum Body was not having it.

I developed a thick dandruff condition, which I later learned through various research and youtube watching that it was a fungus build up from my PH Balance getting off. I had to find a remedy. First, I got TGel Shampoo and scrubbed the itchy scalp. That didn't work the extra dandruff had come back. Then I got the TGel Tar that worked for a good week but it still came back. I had to get deeper. Then I had to pull out the good ole' APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV) off of my mother's shelf. I mixed two parts solution with six parts water and massaged it into my scalp. The tingling lifted all the flakes and soften the scalp and after a week of daily treatments my scalps PH Balance returned to its normal state and my scalp no longer itched and flaked at a moments notice.

I did my research and found some key things to repair my hair and decided I would use it for at least two-months to see if I saw results and guess what it worked!

Here's what I did to grow my bald spots out and re hydrate the moisture back into my hair:

Pure Coconut Oil (daily use...massage in and do not scratch scalp)
Shea Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla
Cantu's Shea Leave-in Conditioner

After three months of usage, my scalp is soft with no flakes and my hair is super healthy full and moist and all the bald spots are filled with new growth. At night I either twist, braid, or Nubian Knott my hair and sleep.

Nubian Knotts

I now am able to go back to washing my hair first with TGel or TGel with Tar and then the Shea Moisture's Shampoo and Conditioner and then Off and On the Black Vanilla and Cantu.....

New Growth on sides

More side New Growth

Present Day Full-Moisture

More Shine Growth and Moisture. Hair Pulled up on side with bobby pins to create AfroMohawk

Chanell J. Wilson

How to walk away from people and situations that no longer serve you

It's been a very long time- but I am back!

Now is the time to push for Reparations for Black Americans that Descend from Chattel Slavery

How to Cook for a Quarantine / Kid Friendly Meal Prep Edition Tips

How to Cook for a Quarantine / Kid Friendly Meal Prep Edition Tips

Meal Prep Ideas

1. Pre-Cook Meals in Advance

Pre-Cooked Meals in Advance can be a fun way to meal prep with the kids and create building stations. After the meals are prepared, they can be set aside for future breakfast lunch or dinners.

2. Put food in Deep Freezer

Put Pre-Cooked Meals in Deep Freezer. This can streamline the day and help break up the stress of having to prepare meals on a daily basis.

3. Make Individual Snack/Meal Bags for kids

Make individual Snack Bags for kids. Buying in bulk is a dollar saver, pick a time and set aside reasonable portions of chips, snacks, fruit snacks, and even special candy into ziplock bags and ration them during the day. Kids are fickle, they may want a few pieces and then save them for later.

4. Get Foil Pans, Freezer Plastic Bags, Saran Wrap

Purchase Foil Pans, freezer Plastic Zip Lock Bags, and Saran Wrap. To keep the food from perishing use these products and instruct older children on how to prep them for the oven, convection oven, microwave or even in some cases air fryer.

Kid-Friendly Meals

1. Pancakes

2. Oatmeal

3. Cereal

4. Fruit Snacks

5.Raw Fruit

6. Burritos

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

8. PBJ Sandwiches

9. Hot Dogs & Fries

10. Chicken Nuggets

3 Tips for Quarantine Grocery Shopping / What to Expect

3 Tips for Quarantine Grocery Shopping

1. Go Shopping Early

2. Accept that not all stores will have everything

3. Be Patient and Cooperate with Grocery Staff

How to handle Family Gatherings and the Holidays; in this mist of Toxic/...

Dirty Diana/ Dirty Iyanna: A Commentary on the Original & the Remakes & The Art of Songwriting

Whitney Houston "Queen of the Night"

Pastor Troy Dirty Atlanta

Doe B Ft King South's Dirty Diana

D-Ace Mashup of 2Pac and Michael Jackson

Michael Trapson's Durty Diana

Young Boy Never Broke Again Dirty Iyanna

The burning question on twitter is: IS the song trash? I can't call it trash, it is ART- I'd even say Art for Art sake. What are your thoughts?

Eddie Murphy's Triumph Return to SNL 35-years later

The Opening Monologue

North Pole News Report

The Masked Singer Buckwheat & The Holiday Baking Sketch & Other

Weekend Update Gumby

Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood & Gentrification

Lizzo and the Epic Performances

Overall, it was a great episode and I thoroughly enjoyed the many moments of the show. What were your favorite moments of the episode? Did you enjoy it? Did you have a lot of nostalgia moments too?Comment Below

Creative Gift and Wrapping Ideas

Chanell J. Wilson's Favorite Christmas Movies

Chanell J. Wilson's Ultimate Christmas Spotify Playlist

Boyz II Men's Christmas Interpretations

Destiny's Child's 8 Days of Christmas

Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

Luther Vandross's A Classic Christmas

Any Motown Christmas Project

LA FACE Family Christmas

Mariah Carey's Merry Christmas

The Preacher's Wife Soundtrack-Whitney Houston

Any Pentatonix Christmas Album The Best of on Spotify's Playlist

BJ The Chicago Kid's A Soulful Christmas

Kirk Franklin's A Family Christmas

Other Honorable Mention Songs on my Ultimate Playlist

What are your favorite Christmas Songs? How do the songs lift your spirits, bring up a great memory, or just create a great festive mood?

Happy Holidays!!!!

Grow Grow Baby & Kids Channel -Nate's ALPHABET ADVENTURES

Free Ebook Download 3-Days!!! Romantic Urban Tale "Weekends Only"

Romantic Urban Tale "Weekends Only" by Chanell J. Wilson is available for free ebook download on Amazon for the next 3-days. 1/12/18-1/14/18

Quick Thanksgiving Ideas for people like me who don't like to cook but want the taste #Semi-Homemade Cooking Rocks!

Turkey

Pan Gravy

Macaroni & Cheese

Dressing

Yams

Ham

Mandarin Orange Jell-o Salad

Mandarin Orange Jello Salad

Not your Mama's Banana Pudding

Cranberry Sauce

Collard Greens

The burning question on twitter is: IS the song trash? I can't call it trash, it is ART- I'd even say Art for Art sake.

What are your thoughts?

Overall, it was a great episode and I thoroughly enjoyed the many moments of the show. What were your favorite moments of the episode? Did you enjoy it? Did you have a lot of nostalgia moments too?
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