Braidlocks

Out of the woodworks

2009-11-05T13:43:00.003-05:00

Well ladies it's been quite a while. My last blog was in August shortly after my 1 year loc-versary. I must say it's been an interesting experience. I'm reminded daily of my choice not only to grow locs but to go back to being natural. There are millions of blogs, books, sites and now even movies that cover the topic or at least attempt to. It's amazing to see how once the veil is lifted from our eyes what can be accomplished as a human. My decision to go natural, repeatedly, left me questioning myself. Why am I choosing to wear my hair natural or straight? Will it affect my profession? What are the right locs? Even in all of our natural self righteousness we've managed to condemn one another about what's natural and what's not. Who's locs are better? As if it made a difference we ask Small medium or Large? Many of us look down on those who choose to still perm, texturize and color their hair forgetting that we were once there. It takes years to condition yourself that you need a perm in order to fit in and it takes years to realize that you don't need one to fit in. Especially if you don't have a support system. Suprisingly many of my close friends in the past year have decided to stop getting perms. When I ask why they simply say it's just not working out as they want. I'm sure my natural influence has nothing to do with their choice, however if I made the choice to verbally punish them about their permed hair they probably wouldn't have made the switch. Be courteous to those with non-natural hair They'll make the switch when they feel the need. I'm predicting that within 5-10 year 75% of my close friends will have made the switch. Time will tell.

Facing Giants

2009-08-22T17:58:00.001-04:00

Courage

2009-07-20T07:44:00.002-04:00

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. ~2 Timothy 1:7 ~

Part of my 60 day reflections, in order to prepare myself to truly do what God has planned for me i must become better. No problem is resolved at the same level of consciousness at which it is created. In other words change your thoughts and perception towards your challenges. Learn to embrace them and take then head on. Go after something so big and ridiculous that you're guaranteed to fail unless God is backing it up.

In other news, it's been 11 months for my braidlocs. I honestly can remember sitting in my living room parting my hair on my couch and trying to make straight parts. I've had so many thoughts during this whole journey. Did I make them too small? Did I make them to big? Should I have made this decision at all? The one decision that matters is that I'm not growing locs so that I can have long hair down my back, if it was about that I'd would've just gotten a long hair weave or braids. Also it's more than the simplicity and flexibility of a hairstyle, although those are great bonus points. It's a decision to humble myself, to let go of all these meaningless "things" in life that we put on pedestals and prioritize. It's been a constant reminder that I'm beautifully made on the inside and outside. It's a symbol that God makes no mistakes and no junk and that if we simply step out of his way he'll show up and show out.

Thanks for the support from all the women who Blog and inspired me to take the big leap.

2009-06-29T23:20:00.001-04:00

The thoughts in your mind will always be more important than the things in your life.

Natural or Not?

2009-06-10T20:52:00.002-04:00

Methylparaben, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamide DEA,Sodium benzoate,cetrimonium chloride, PROPYLENE GLYCOL just to name a few of the ingredients that I found while browsing the aisles in the Beauty Supply store. What's more interesting is that a lot of these ingredients I found in products that claimed to be natural, for natural black hair and even in some "Loc" products. Now I know I can be a little slow sometimes to understand some things...but most of us who decided to go natural whether wearing locs, a fro, or twists & braids, decided this route for a reason. In doing so we enter the realm of the unknown with hair care products. When I went natural my hair products did not. I still used products that claimed they were natural and had a black woman with nappy hair on the label but failed to understand fully what I was putting in my hair.

Growing up the trademark product for little black girls hair is grease. And back in the day it came in two choices Blue or Green Burgamont Hair grease. Not only did it smell, but I felt weighed down after getting my hair done. If you were seen with a dry scalp it meant your mamma didn't love you, so the greasier the better. Fast forward 20 years later we're now learning that petroleum and mineral oil found in most hair grease is bad for black hair care. We need to become more educated about our hair. Choosing to wear your hair natural means so much more than what's on the outside. The chemicals in shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and loc sheens are harsh and dangerous. They only produce a layer of buildup which if you're a loc wearer in a few years you'll be complaining of your hair being dull & dry.

Instead stick to Water(daily moisturizing), Olive oil, Black Soap(shampoo), ACV rinses monthly (small amounts). Also don't get caught up in thinking your hair is supposed to shine like a freshly waxed Cadillac. Figure what your hair type is and appreciate it and be grateful you've got it!

Peace.

Let's Get Church!

2009-06-04T20:26:00.003-04:00

Okay two weeks ago after our long hiatus from our church home, we decided as a family to go back. During our hiatus I must say I felt disconnected somehow. I wasn't reading the Bible much and felt out of touch. I also didn't feel like I was setting a good example for my kids, which by the way is very important. My daughter attends a Catholic school and my 3yr old is in Pre-K so we need all the Godly instruction we can get!

This past Saturday we agreed that we would go to morning service which starts at 8am. Which means that all of us (2 adults & 6 kids) would have to get up at the crack of dawn get dressed eat some type of breakfast and be out the house no later than 7:15 to arrive by 7:45 and get good parking, which is quite a feat with our church's 4000 members of which 10-20% show up every Sunday. Again this isn't that difficult we've gotten used to herding the kids in a timely fashion.

So when I woke up at 8:30 I realized that we probably weren't going to make it there until 9:30 and by that time Service is almost over. So instead my Snoopy suggested we have Church at home. So out came the Bible and the kiddies gathered in our bedroom and read the story of the Great Flood. They each took turns reading and answered questions and boy let me tell you I was not expecting it to go so well. I'm not saying we'll make it a habit of waking up late for service but at least we have a backup plan for it now.

Let it be.

2009-06-01T16:31:00.003-04:00

Ever feel awkward being somewhere? As if you didn't belong? Not only do I stand out because of my skin color, hair, and religious beliefs but my lifestyle as well. My views on life probably seem a little strange to those that know me. I read self improvement books, I watch very little TV, I don't eat certain foods and this is nothing new.

I've developed a level of tolerance to those around me in order to become a better person and develop patience(Thank God). Yet there are these situations where I feel like I really just don't belong. Something in my spirit just doesn't feel right. I know this is my God given common sense telling me...Nope Tunisia you don't belong here or Tunisia you should not be in this conversation. I don't believe in trying to change those around me by arguing or debating words won't change a person's mind. However improving my way of life will and how I interact with people by setting an example.

--I pray that the example I set is worthy.

Hadn't Noticed

2009-05-28T16:02:00.004-04:00

My hair has grown! Yay! Hadn't really noticed simply because it's not that serious :) It's just hair. Life is Good and God is Great.

Random Photos

2009-05-04T14:48:00.000-04:00

Peach Head

2009-04-20T16:11:00.004-04:00

Or Fuzzy Wuzzy is what my son calls my hair. He really likes to run his little hands through it and laugh and giggle. He and my daughter also comment on the fact that all of my locs are not the same size or length and question if I'm going to fix it. I just smile and tell them no. I'm going through the fuzzy stage. Not really sure when it started but noticed it a couple of weeks ago. This is good news and means that my locs are coming along nicely and losing the braid pattern. I'm not really even concerned about that as much as I was in the beginning. I often now even forget to latch and have to count back when the last time I did a latching. Is life moving along so fast? I don't think so, I've got so many plates spinning that hair is really the last thing on my mind. Which is why I haven't blogged much about it. However I will get back on track and post new hairstyles and concerns that I have so don't fret!

Our Blended Family

2009-04-10T17:35:00.004-04:00

Totally off the subject of hair for a moment. I had to post this, especially after watching the Duggers. Which is a family that lives in Arkansas and they couple have 20 children and counting...which means they have no intentions of not having more children. Most people would be outraged or appalled that a couple would choose to have so many children, however Psalm 127:3says Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. My husband and I have 7 children, five of them came with the package deal and the youngest were recently added. I cannot imagine my life without them. They are truly blessings and it's a privilege to raise them righteously and in the teachings of the Lord. 5 boys and 2 girls and Lord willing when our income increases significantly I wouldn't mind having another one. I honestly believe as long as you can take care of them you should have as many children as you want and I'm grateful to live in a country where this is not dictated by the government. Again not hair related but I had to mention it...Here's a link of the Duggers

It's Been Six Months!!

2009-03-04T08:36:00.001-05:00

Does Size Really Matter?

2009-01-13T17:01:00.002-05:00

Large, Medium, Small, Micro all the various choices for sizes of locs. Does it really matter. I'm astounded for every positive comment on someone's locs of choice there's always a negative one. Locs are locs for goodness sake! There is no right or wrong choice of loc size, whatever one likes is the right choice. What is this new loc conformist organization that is growing??? Where did it come from? Oh I know....it comes from the human Ego. That thing that always needs to be right. That's all that is !! phew!! for a moment there I thought I had lost it.

To all loc wearers and those thinking of getting locs please trust your instinct and go with what's right. If you're unhappy with what you've got there's always the scissors...it is only hair and it will grow back. Trust me on this.

Holy Braidlocs Batman!

2008-12-30T16:37:00.003-05:00

Has it been a couple weeks since I've blogged...ooh must be a case of the holiday heebee geebees! Okay it has been extrememly busy, a loved one in the hospital, Christmas, New Years, party throwing,business functions, lots of get-togethers and the list goes on and on. Is this what it's all about? There's something about the holiday season, even for people that don't celebrate, that makes people act different. What is it? Anyway I've been tagged...again. Seriously by now yall are probably like c'mon sis...more random facts about yourself...lol. Anyways here are the rules.
1.Link to the person that tagged you..... I was tagged byNiki
2.Post the rules on your blog
3.Share 6 non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself that have not been shared already
3.Tag 6 random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs
4.Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog

I'm tagging

1.RockinLocz
2.Mai-ty
3.Dr.LocsII
4.Fuchsia
5.Iasade
6.Bored Nappy

Now for the foolishness...

1. I'm going to be a millionaire one day, not because I want to buy fancy stuff, because I want to help a lot of people and need the funds to do so.

2. I love painting. So much that my husband refuses to paint when it's time to paint a room in the house. Honestly I feel like it relaxes me. Maybe it's the fumes...lol

3. I love ethnic food. Please don't eat at my house if you don't like seasonings..especially garlic.

4. I like reading self improvement books. If you don't like where you're at right now it's because of decisions you've made in the past. Why not educate yourself on how to get your most potential.

5.I multi-task too much. Sometimes it prevents me from getting stuff accomplished.

6. I can't wait to see how my kids will be as adults. They're pretty awesome now just imagine how they'll be in 20 years.

I have noticed more changes in my hair. It's been 4 months and I didn't even realize it! I think it's grown a bit as well. Most of the ends are sealed. I've continued with my same routine of weekly washes on Mondays and daily water moisturizers. I have not used any products....at all. Just water. I'm sticking to it unless I find some other miracle solution that makes my hair grow down to my butt in 3 days.

That's all for now.

Happy 09 People!

Random Pics

2008-12-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

So I just happened to look in the mirror today and realize that I need to latch my hair. It will be four months on the 16th of December. Typically I'd be itching to latch, being very impatient and wanting to do it too early, but something has changed. For some reason I'm not so worried about latching now. I've stopped styling it, the HILD has gone away and the most I do to my hair is wash it once a week and spray it with water daily. I've had the chance to connect with some loc'd sisters over the weekend and they too use only water. Seems the more product you use the more your hair becomes dry and brittle and full of dirt. I guess it's true what they say. Less is more.

Me and Snoopy

Why thank you !

2008-12-02T22:50:00.003-05:00

Are those Sisterlocs? One of my volunteers asked me today. She actually has Sisterlocs but wears her hair wrapped up so I couldn't tell when questioning her about her hair. I told her that my love of Sisterlocs led to my DIY loc quest and the discovery of braidlocs. I've met more women and men this year that are loc returners, meaning they're on their 2nd set. Many of them either complained that their first set was too small or too large and opted for the opposite for their 2nd set. This is funny to me because I catch myself getting nitpicky over a loc or two that isn't the size I wanted it to be and my Snoopy reminds me to calm down and leave my hair alone..lol "You're hair will never grow right if you keep bothering it" he yells at me. I need that tough love sometimes.

Also to keep my hair moisturized I keep it simple. Water mixed with conditioner in a spray bottle shake it up and spray it on. Also my hair was feeling weird this week so I did my 1st ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse. Due to the trial and error of many other nappies out there including my mother, I knew better than to use a lot. 2 tablespoons to 32 ounces of water in a basin. My hair felt much better, less weighed down.

I'll post pics this week I promise guys !
~Blessings~

Getting down to business

2008-11-20T22:06:00.002-05:00

Has it been two weeks since my last blog ???? Oh my goodness the holi-day-itus must have taken over. I won't blame it on that, it's just I've decided to do something I should have done a long time ago. Take my business serious, instead of treating it like a hobby. Things are great ! Family is coming over for Thanksgiving, I'm really excited because I love entertaining. My hair is just doing it's thang. Honestly I'm forgetting about it more and more, which is good. I wash, moisturize and go. I haven't even styled it for 3 weeks and my HILD is lessening due to the fact that I have other things racing through my mind. Alas I must go and finish my collard greens... I will catch up tomorrow. Blessings to everyone and enjoy your Thanksgiving !

TAKE TWO !

2008-11-13T14:56:00.002-05:00

Well I must say that for a very long time I've tried to avoid it. I pretended like it wasn't bothering me. However being the semi-structural person I am, it ate away at me every day. Yes folks I redid a loc. Took it down and did it over. It's one right over my temple, for some reason it started to bother me. I kept telling myself you'll get over it, just leave it alone,it's been three months it'll get better. Yeah right ! That thing was driving me insane. So down it went. Took me about 10 minutes to unloc the lil bugger. This made me realize just how far my hair has come ! Yes they still look like little braids but they're getting there and I'm seeing some length because I constantly have to move them outta my eyes, but a sista is NOT complaining about that ! Hopefully this will be the last one I have to take down and redo. Honestly this WILL be the last one I will take down and redo.

Granny don't like it

2008-11-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

My daughter has asked for me to loc her hair on and off for the past 3 months since I've started my journey. I know most of you are like "So what's the problem ???". Personally I know my child, who is only 6 and who changes her mind like she changes her chapstick with seems like a new flavor every hour. My spirit is not moving me to loc her hair at this point, however we have talked about it quite frequently and in due time she will have them if she wants. Recently she told me how my grandmother told her that she would not want her to get locs. Honestly I was not surprised. I can't even escape a comment about letting my daughter wear an afro or afro puffs. First thing to come out of her mouth is "Oh my gawd it's nappy !" To that I always reply "I didn't know it wasn't supposed to be ?" I have had numerous talks about certain subjects mainly hair that really should not be discussed negatively with my daughter. Yet she is from the old school, the if it ain't white it ain't right school. I don't think my daughter has decided to not get them because of her grandmother's remarks. I've always taught her that what ever she was given was a gift, curly hair, big lips, wide hips whatever. Just today she asked could she wear her fro...I smiled and thought to myself how proud I am of her to have so much positive self love. It reminds me of how when I think I could be doing so much better as a mom that I'm not all that bad after all.

Some changes

2008-11-01T10:10:00.005-04:00

I've committed to leaving my hair alone for the past month. I've done my bantu knot-outs about twice, keeping in mind the more I mess with this stuff the longer it'll take for it to loc properly. I've also been wearing hats, one because it's friggin cold and two for HILD prevention. I have a serious HILD problem. Are there any clinics out there for this???

It'll be three months soon November 16th and I can see a huge difference. Also I've had time to focus on more things besides doing my hair, I mean even when my hair was natural I'd be fed up with doing it daily. This wasn't because I didn't like my hair, I just never felt like I had enough time to do it in the morning. Anyway with winter creeping up on me I've taken immediate action to moisturize with olive oil, castor oil treatments and drinking more water. My skin gets so dry in the winter its ridiculous. Drink your water ladies and take vitamins !

Oh and here are the costumes I made for my kids, African princess and a dinosaur Thank God it's over !

Sew busy

2008-10-26T22:38:00.003-04:00

I've been really preoccupied these past weeks, there is a lot going on. It seems that with Fall arriving I'm playing catchup with a lot of things. Home and work both have unfinished tasks and with the decision to learn a new trade just adds more quirkiness to it. My kids decided this year their costumes would be a dinosaur and an African queen. Of course me being the artsy weirdo I am decided to make these myself. So my DH bought me a sewing machine for my birthday and I've been getting used to it...slowly...lol. Besides that my DH also decided to redo our bathroom so for over a month now things have been a bit hectic, one day I came home to no walls and no sink, then no floor ( did I mention I have small kids ) Can you say disaster. I never felt so dirty after getting out of the shower in my life.

Also for the sake of my blog my hair is growing like crazy, I just latched it a week ago and already there's some new growth, funny I don't remember it being this way when i wore it in an Afro...hmmm. With the weather changing to a colder climate I'm anticipating the dry scalp and hair and here it is. I've started doing hot oil treatments, Castor oil that is. The regimen goes as follows :
1. 2 Tablespoons of Castor Oil
2. Warm in microwave for 15 seconds
3. Rub into hair and scalp
4. Wrap hair in plastic cap or towel
5. Sit for 10 minutes or longer
6. Let air dry
7. Carry on with daily duties

Really simple. You can get Castor oil from your local pharmacy. Who knew that nasty stuff was good for your hair ! I'll be blog stalking..I mean searching for more winter remedies to share, until then stay happy and nappy !

Who's that talking ?

2008-10-22T19:21:00.005-04:00

I have the habit of reading more into stuff than neccessary. This has worked in my favor most of the time. It has given me the abillity to see the light at the end of the tunnell even when it sometimes seems so dim. Some call this intuition or your conscience talking to you. I see it as God's voice gently and sometimes not so gently showing us what we need to see even though it may not be clear in the beginning. How many times have you thought,I should have listened to myself from the start. I believe we recieve red flags that we either choose to ignore or pay attention to. These are warnings like yield signs along a highway. We cruise along carelessly never thinking that an accident could occur...But when it does we somehow realize just how foolish our actions were. Some want to blame the other car for the accident and angrily lash out. Some blame themselves and carry it as a burden and become so depressed. Then there are those who see the accident for what it was. A mistake. They tell themselves that is was an accident, and from now on they'll be more careful and cautious with their ways and hopefully they are.

I know personally I have about 100 pages of accidents and mistakes...thank God for redemption and having enough compassion to look past our blemishes. I do wonder at times that without those accidents and mistakes would I be the person I am today. I don't think so. Most blemishes give us a story to tell and wisdom to pass on to someone else. Nothing is a coincidence everything is going as planned. Gosh I love life and all the wealth I've been given. We are truly blessed.

Before and After

2008-10-18T09:00:00.004-04:00

Wigged out photo shoot

The Press and Curl

Installation of Braidlocs

Braidlocs Bantu Knot Out Month One

Natty Dred Month Two

Yowzers, have I come a long way. When I look back on these pics I can remember what exactly was happening in my life, is it weird to say that my hair was a reflection of it ? Does locing one's hair mean something more than its just another hairstyle or is it a reflection that you on now on a different path ? How is this different from wearing your hair natural in general ?

I was approached at work yesterday by a woman who said she loved my hair and she wish she had enough courage to do hers the same. At the same time another woman asked "What are those ?" I replied "I'm letting my hair loc." she gasped and said " You want your hair to look that way,Locs make you look different !" I replied "How much more different than I already look now?" It's already started to loc in the back I'm just waiting for the front to catch up. The woman who complimented me said " I love locs and I want them I think they're beautiful." She went on to say how her cousin has them and her hair is down to her bottom.

When I first cut off my permed hair I was only 17, ten years later people's criticisms don't have the same effect. Ten years ago I would've questioned myself as to whether or not I made the right decision. However I notice that no one with their hair in excellent condition has ever made a negative remark. It's always some bald around the edges, weave too tight, braids hanging by the strand woman who questions my hair decisions. I'm not biased against any one's hair choice. You do what makes you happy and what feels right to you. I personally choose to wear my hair natural, there is nothing that anyone can say to make me change my mind. I hope that others out there have the courage to stick it out and not fall under pressure. If you can't do locs at least do it natural get to know the real you.

Is 30 the new 20 ?

2008-10-16T22:29:00.002-04:00

I don't know but I'll soon find out in 3 years. Until then I'm going to continue to happily live my life. Today I turn 27 and I'm grateful to still be here living the life. I know God has major plans for me some of which I've yet to embark on. I'm so thankful to have the wonderful life that I have and all those I share it with especially my lil ones and Snoopy. I don't know where I'd be without them....

Walmart, Dinosaurs and Madness

2008-10-14T18:04:00.003-04:00

Disclaimer: Political views mentioned on this page are strictly the opinion of a well educated black woman and do not represent the views and policies of all locs wearers. lol

I've tried hard to stay away from speaking poorly about this election that is coming up but when I hear poppycock like .Walmart having meetings about not voting for Obama, that's when I get p'd off. Of course Walmart has denied these accusations saying that it would not pressure their employees in such a way but I beg to differ. Why would Walmart the glorious corporation do such a thing in the first place you ask ? Well it's simple, Obama is co sponsoring the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow labor organizations to unionize workplaces without secret ballot elections. Allowing their workers to unionize causing hefty dues, the possibility of a strike without compensation and causing fewer jobs with the rising cost of labor according to Walmart.

What I find interesting about this is that if Walmart can make time to have meetings to discuss politics with their employees why can't they find solutions to their already existing problems. As far as fewer jobs....um when did they start paying the employees so heftily there in the first place and treating them fairly, giving workers a reason to stay . Walmart has been in the news constantly about their discriminatory practices and policies Now all of a sudden they care about their employees, please spare me. The only reason why most employees stay is because they have to and face dire times without that paycheck not because they are on the Walmart Bandwagon. I will not be shopping there again,instead I'll hit up some other stores that probably treat their workers the same...uggh We need a black Walmart, maybe Jamalmart.

In other new I have taken on the task of making my children's Halloween costumes, um not really thinking about what I was getting myself into. So my son wants to be a dinosaur and my daughter an African Queen. I have managed to sew the pants and shirt to his outfit so far...by hand. The Queen outfit should be easy some fabric for a dress a head wrap and some jewelry. My outfit will be a tired mom complete with food stains on clothes and bags under my eyes with two dolls taped to my legs...I think it's creative.

Last but not least I have just been informed that I've been chosen to be a Maid of Honor for someones wedding...um yeah bring the madness on. Can i help incorporate traditions of St. Lucia and it's Caribbean atmosphere into an outdoor space in lovely Philadelphia ? Stay tuned to find out...

Hey Thandi I need some help on doing this head wrap properly help a sister out.