Hair (R)Evolution

"Black Gold" Esperanza Spalding ft. Algebra Blessett

2012-02-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

Black Schools A Matter of Life and Cultural Death dvd preview

2012-01-29T13:21:00.000-05:00

Brazilian Blowout - Dangers Behind Beautiful Hair

2012-01-19T18:19:00.000-05:00

14yrs Loc'd~Meet Natasha

2012-01-15T18:34:00.000-05:00

NATURAL HAIR: YO BOYFRIEND DONT LIKE IT??

2011-12-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

BSEI PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

2011-12-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

Freeform Loc Love Update

2011-12-06T19:27:00.001-05:00

Okay so I thought I would catch you all up on what my hair is looking like and how I'm feeling about it these days. There have been a few times when these girls have almost bit the dust. I was having issues with keeping my hands out of my hair so I would just shampoo when I felt the need to "fix them" or otherwise manipulate them. The turning point was when my husband told me how in love he is with my hair and that he thinks this is the best style I've ever had. Well, that sealed the deal. So my next problem was/is that I have 2 that aren't defined locks, but rather little bunches of hair. I have to be honest. I molest the mess our of those little bunches of hair, but feeling them lock is quite interesting.

At the end of the day I am having to learn to trust my hair which is what I have been telling people for years. The other day one of my "clients" came over to get her hair styled. I put quotes around client because she is a freeformer. OMG!!! Her hair was straight LIONESS!!! I was SO JEALOUS and SO MOTIVATED!!! Her hair is gorgeous. We braided it and she sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes which is her time limit, and then we just pinned it up into a style. She called me today to tell me that the style even ALMOST won her aunt over which is a BIG deal. lol The funny thing is that I am learning a lot from what here hair is doing. For example the front ones want to join and because she was popping them they were getting weak. I told her to that she could pop some but let the weak ones marry for strength. Y'all I am so excited. We'll being going out of town this weekend and it feels nice not to have to worry about making sure that my hair is done any particular way. It is what it is...literally. Hope you enjoy the update pics. There will probably be more when we go out of town. I'll try to remember to post them in a timely fashion.

I know you can't really see my hair, but I looked cute. ;)

This is what I do when I wanna be super cute OR when I am going to be around folks what I don't care to explain the process to. No, I am not one of those people that likes to have those discussions about what I'm doing with my hair.

I was beaming from watching my lovely children in a performance of the Wizard of Oz.

I will be removing those beads because I am using them to cheat and train some locks to grow together. :(

Dr. Cornwell's review on the movie "Good Hair".

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000-05:00

What say ye?

Locs in our DNA???: My 32nd video

2011-12-02T09:59:00.000-05:00

The Black Woman & Her Hair.

2011-11-06T14:13:00.000-05:00

Naomi Winfrey

2011-10-26T15:13:00.000-04:00

Freeforming Update...

2011-10-24T21:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, so it's official. I LOVE MY HAIR!!! I still feel self conscious because freeform isn't the norm, but I think I look cute. I do separate them gently as suggested by Cupidvalentino1 on youtube. I don't rip, I just run my fingers through when I shampoo or wet my hair.

I can't take credit for the love affair with my hair because really it was my husband's input that made me feel gorgeous. One day he looked at me and said, "I like your Bob Marley hair." Talk about a compliment!!! I do wear my tams when I am around people that are going to ask a lot of questions or be judgmental if I'm not in the mood to deal with it. I find that most judgmental people are like lower primates, once you cover something up they think it just ceases to exist. I know that wasn't the nicest thing, but it's true. There is a preacher that gets her hair done and she is constantly on me about having too many holes in my ears, the hole in my nose, my tattoos (which happen to be about 12+ years old), and now my hair. I just explain that since we don't sleep together her opinion doesn't much matter. Again, not the nicest way to say it but sometimes people are unable to hear kind gentle words and only respond to artistic sarcasm (I'm a pro at that).

Here's a picture since I know that makes the blog better and because I love y'all so much!!!

At a local park off the trail of course. Anyhoo, that point is so you can see my hair. Ignore the fact that I am smiling so hard that I look psychotic. lol

BONUS PICTURE OF MY SON!!!

So, my son has always fought to freeform because he is SO tenderheaded. We agreed to twist it every 2-3 months and shampoo it weekly. Well, needless to say, he's won the battle. He is a freeformer and VERY happy about it. If he feel comfortable with the way his hair is then why should I force him to conform?

Updates for Proud2banurse

2011-10-20T17:42:00.000-04:00

Troy Davis = Naomi Winfrey

2011-10-02T19:28:00.000-04:00

Solove Concord,NC police brutality

2011-10-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

Freeform Update

2011-09-21T17:16:00.000-04:00

Locking...again

2011-09-21T17:15:00.000-04:00

Really Quick Hair Update

2011-09-21T17:14:00.000-04:00

Really Quick Hair Update

2011-07-31T21:15:00.000-04:00

Kujichagulia!!! Let's support this brotha!!!

2011-05-05T15:08:00.001-04:00

CLICK THE BLUE LINK
He is truly a support for the community so now it's our turn to support him!

A lil something different

2011-04-26T18:55:00.000-04:00

Natural Dreadlock Tea : Aloe & Rosemary

2011-04-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

Freeform Support Group

2011-04-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

Um...yea, so about that freeform. I have created a support group for myself, via youtube, of other freeformers. To be honest, I think my hair looks gorgeous. I did twist it for a wedding, but shampooed when I got home.

I'll give you this pic of the Queen Mother for free. Although, this pic is not that clear, I wanted to brag on Mama's hair. This was the first time I ever braided it, and I LOVE IT ON HER!!!

Fly, ain't she? Yes, she is.

Locks in the White House: My 5th video

2011-04-15T17:31:00.000-04:00

Unhappy Twisting

2011-04-14T08:37:00.001-04:00

I twisted my hair because I have a wedding to go to Saturday. I don't feel weird about my hair, but I don't believe in doing anything to draw attention to myself during someone else's wedding. We come from a smal circle and I just don't want to describe it. I'm so excited about it. Anyway, it's done now. I must admit that I was suprised by the growth. I will take a pic of it untwisted when I shampoo.

Idk what's with that one on the side...it doesn't like being twisted I think. lol

Lemme know whatcha think.

Dreadlock Culture

2011-04-10T21:20:00.000-04:00

My Jewelry

2011-04-08T19:37:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share a slide show of my jewelry. The majority of what I create is one of a kind and intended to be as unique as you are. If you like what you see and would like to purchase some piece visit me at http://www.etsy.com/shop/abenaevolving?ref=si_shop

My hair update vid...

2011-04-07T20:58:00.000-04:00

Sorry this vid sucks so bad, but I really don't feel comfortable in front of a camera. Anyway, hope you enjoy if for what it is...lol

A new start...

2011-03-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

Idk why I always look like a plucked chicked...smh

Startin' my locks again...

2011-03-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

I know I said I was gonna wait, but I can't do it. I keep saying that I want to get all this stuff done to the fro, but let's be honest. I didn't style my locks so I know good and darn well that I'm not going to style a fro. I've done all I'm gonna do and right now I'm wearing penitentiary braids under a wrap everyday...not cute.

Now that I've updated you all

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-04:00

Okay, now that you've been updated. I gotta tell ya, I am so tired of waking up with eraser head it's not even funny. I love the way the 'fro looks and all the styles, but I just don't like having to think about my hair. For instance I have a really old twist out and my husband loves it. I, however, do NOT like having to wet my hair to make the sides and back fluff out. I have to wet like 3/4 of my head! I really want to make it through the summer, but I just don't know.

I am wearing a wrap right now and should have a bonnet on underneath, but I don't. Do you know why? Because my locks would at least hold a little oil in them, but the 'fro? Nope, nothing...I love the look, but I'm a lockhead at heart...

Update pics...I know I been slack.

2011-03-21T08:19:00.001-04:00

Twist Out

Braided front

Braid out 'fro

white wrap

2 strands

2 strands with clips. lol

Classic nature meditation pose. lol

Best friends with marital benefits! ;)

The day I remembered I was 20 feet tall...

Da Puff

No he is not mine...lol

Green water and really old twist out...

3 generations of natural love!!!

God's gift to the world...no need to thank me. :)

Teaching at Kwanzaa

Blue Black

2010-09-02T07:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, so in about 2 months I have gone from natural to cinnamon to faded cinnamon to burgundy to faded burgundy and now to blue black. I was so excited to find this color. I have always LOVED this color and couldn't find it. Then I just stopped looking for it. Well, we have been reunited. I put it in last night, and had the usual problems that you have when you color your own hair. I didn't get too many spots, but I have a really weird looking on on my forehead. lol I'll take pics and upload them when I get 2 seconds of free time.

Surprise!!!

2010-06-27T10:29:00.000-04:00

Yep, they're gone. I guess I should change the name of the blog huh? LOL I might. That was my third set of locks. Each time I have started over it was for spiritual reasons the same way other people fast or cleanse I guess. I thought I would feel something that was similar to grieving, but I didn't. I felt elated each time a lock was cut. I almost felt high. I felt a release. I felt connected to my husband who is literally the best friend I have because this was such an intimate act. I can't remember everything that has happened in the 7 years since I had them, but it was time to let it go. I am happy. I feel absolutely beautiful. I've matured. I've evolved and will continue to do so. I am loved, I love myself, and I am basking in the afterglow.

Update...I think

2010-03-04T06:52:00.001-05:00

Idk if I told y'all this, but I found a lock about a month or two ago that was weak. Just so that you understand the gravity of the situation, if I lose a lock I'm cutting them all off. If I cut them all off, I'm thinking it might cause a problem with Big Daddy. Needless to say I am tending to this lock like I did when my daughter was born premature. Really it just came down to laziness. I was doing thing for other people's hair while mine was being neglected. Not because of the freeforming I was doing, oh naw, wasn't that. I was just plain trifling. No oil, no water oil spritz, no massage, just not caring. Anyway, I'm back on track and have even styled it a few times. Those that know me personally know that is a pretty big deal. LOL I guess I should've taken pictures because idk how long this styling thing is going to last. Now when I say styling I don't mean rollers and all that. I mean bun on top loose in the back, or like this morning I have a ponytail with hair wrapped around. These styles are mostly to keep my hair out of the way during my busy homeschooling days. Anyhoo, just thought I'd up date you. I might even take pictures later. Probably not, but I can dream...

More Mari Unleashed! LOL

2010-01-16T17:13:00.000-05:00

So, Mari is going to spend the night with Grandma tonight along with her brother so I decided to try and make it easy on my Mom and braid some of her hair back. Mari loves it and so do I. She is still complaining about getting her hair combed, but what do you expect from someone who has not had their hair combed in about 6 years? Anyway, she said that she loves the cornrows and that made me feel really good, because I haven't had an opportunity to do them in a while on an older child that I can have fun with (you know little girls don't like to sit for all the details. LOL). It's also funny, because with her afro she and I are the same height. Anyway, hope you all enjoy the pics.

Why I went natural vid

2010-01-15T20:03:00.002-05:00

Mari Unlocked!!!

2010-01-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

Just so we're clear

2010-01-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

Someone posted an anonymous comment that they thought my locking my 2 year old nieces hair "was a terrible thing to do because she will never know her natural hair". Okay, just so we're clear...

I don't mind people's opinions and love diverse opinions, however, I don't deal in punkery. If you are going to disagree with me don't do so anonymously.
If her hair is locked, it is natural.
If she decides to take them out later and get to know what you consider to be her "natural hair" then she can take them out like everybody else. I just got done taking my daughter locks down.
Don't be so dramatic, it wasn't child abuse. We all make hair choices for our children. My sister has a relaxer and did more for her daughter than many relaxed mother do for their children.

Just thought I'd share my thoughts with the lurker that signed on anonymously.

Kwanzaa 2009 slide show

2010-01-03T20:11:00.003-05:00

My 1 year old niece!

2009-12-12T19:38:00.002-05:00

My sister asked me to lock my niece's hair. She stays with us during the day so I was able to take my time. It took about 4 days to finish. It could have been a shorter time span, but no rush since she is home with us all day anyway. When we started them she was about 1 1/2 and now she is 2 years old. I have done 1 tightening and she is due for another soon. She always asks me to shampoo her hair and afterward like many of us she commences to swinging her hair. LOL These pics are from the initial installation.

Here's one more pic

2009-12-11T22:57:00.000-05:00

2009-12-11T22:39:00.005-05:00

How about my husband shampooed and twisted my hair. I know y'all jealous. LOL

I'd like to introduce you all to a sister that does some beautiful work. Mahogany homeschooler is her screen name on FB, but she is a true artist. I will be adding more pictures of her work, but in the meanwhile this is a picture of a simple copper piece. Here is her link http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sterm=earths+finest&cb=8&name=hypersearch. Go check her out! You won't be disappointed.

Check these brothers out

2009-10-11T09:40:00.002-04:00

Here are some brothers that I ran across on youtube. Even if you don't agree with every word they speak they are sure to make you think and that is the whole point. That is how we learn and discover truth...by questioning the established belief. http://www.youtube.com/user/redmoonrabbit98#p/u/0/wyRgwReHe94

Here is a link to the some tee shirts that they have created. Check them out if you like it buy it. If you don't at least pass the info on.
http://conscioustees.spreadshirt.com/us/US/Shop/

Lock Earrings

2009-10-07T10:25:00.002-04:00

I split a 2 headed dragon the other day. I cut one of the heads off and made earrings out of it. I am going to post a pic whenever I can get more batteries for my camera. I wrapped them in red, black, and green thread. I think they are kind of cute, although one of my clients laughed at me. LOL Anyway, I wore them to belly dance class and thought I was a little flier than usual.

500 Years Later

2009-09-09T19:57:00.002-04:00

Color Purple...Girls Night Out!

2009-09-04T19:42:00.010-04:00

My Mom got us together to go see the play/musical "The Color Purple". When I tell you that it is marvelous, honey please believe me! I left the theater wanting to see it again!!! We had so much fun together. We need to do this more often. Oh and as a side note, my husband bought my outfit for me awhile back on his own and I must say...I wear it well. Big Daddy has good taste.

My sister, mother, sister-in-law eating before the show.

Me, Mama, Sister

I forgot the take pictures when the food came to the table. It wasn't all mine, but I thought I'd share. LOL

Mama, Me, Sister-in-Law, Sister

Mama and The Aunts (I have dubbed my Mom's sisters The Aunts)

Nappy Hair in the NY Times!!!

2009-08-28T08:19:00.001-04:00

Y'all, please read this article and get back to me with your thoughts. I don't care how long your post is, I would love to know your thoughts.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/fashion/27SKIN.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2

New Pics!

2009-08-14T10:25:00.007-04:00

So I washed my hair last night and used some Qhemet Biologics that a friend donated, because they didn't like it. I love it, but I don't like the smell too much. Anyway, I thought it looked really good last night, but didn't take any pics 'til this morning. Enjoy.
Of course now I see some lint that I need to get rid of either by pulling it out or by Sharpie. LOL

I don't know why I always look like a plucked chicken from this angle. I'm not going bald...I swear.

Okay, that's a better angle.

I am only 5'2" so my hair isn't that long, but just thought I'd show the length. Also notice how long my loose roots are, and that the lock has been joined. Actually, I have joined all of my locks.

The Politics of Black Women's Hair by Duron Chavis (?)

2009-08-03T18:21:00.003-04:00

I know you all will love this. This brother is the bomb. He is in charge of Happily Natural Day, and his name is Duron Chavis. Enjoy.

Oh by the way, husband found this for us.Check him out at www.listenclosenow.blogspot.com

Late Post From Mother Day's

2009-08-03T16:12:00.002-04:00

Sorry for being so late. These are the the earrings that I made for my Mom for Mother's Day. I didn't have much money, but I had a new skill and a mother that is a jewelry lover. She loved them. The black ones are made of wood and the other set is made of shell.

Self Hatred...Today!

2009-07-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

Sick Hair

2009-07-17T15:17:00.002-04:00

I don't feel well and my hair looks like a cat has been licking it. I shampooed it and then got sick, so I didn't let it dry. Instead I just put it in an ugly ball atop my aching head. I look a mess and I don't care, because I don't feel good. *pouting like a pro, because I'm the youngest child*

Just Curious

2009-07-05T19:15:00.002-04:00

How long do you want your locks to get? I think I will let mine reach my waist and then I will either keep them there or cut them to mid back/bra strap length. My mom on the other hand just got her cut again on Saturday to a cute short layered look. Perhaps I'll take some pics and post them. Anyway, let me know what you think you'll do with your locks.

Wedding Hair...Well After Wedding Hair.

2009-06-13T18:39:00.003-04:00

Now keep in mind that this is after the wedding so my hair was in a rebellion stage and my makeup was on it's last leg so forgive me.

Holdin' On!

2009-06-09T09:58:00.003-04:00

I am still sticking with freeform and enjoying. I have to tighten and crinkle my hair for a wedding this weekend though. I will probably keep it for a week due to the work involved, but then back to doing absolutely nothing to my hair. .

Freeform AGAIN!

2009-05-17T20:51:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I am trying this again. I can't even remember when I started, but I am doing better with it this time. The other day, my niece and I were riding in the car and I noticed her looking at my hair. I asked her if it was driving her crazy and she said yes, but I just laughed.

Our National Anthem

2009-04-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

Learn It!
Know It!
Live It!

Absentee Blogger

2009-04-19T18:18:00.002-04:00

I know I have been slacking, but we have decided to homeschool the children next year and I have had to get into some books. I have been reading A LOT! I also added another blog for that purpose. www.learningorganically.blogspot.com Feel free to check it out. I have to be honest. I might be slack for a while because I know that this is going to be quite different, but please be patient with me.

Errors on my page!

2009-03-25T22:35:00.001-04:00

My page keeps loading with errors. I am NOT happy. Does anyone know what to do about this. My whole info bar that should be on the side is at the bottom of the page! Please help me if you know anything.

John Henrik Clarke--Remember this name!

2009-03-17T11:39:00.002-04:00

Earrings

2009-03-08T13:56:00.008-04:00

Hey! Look what I can do! Well more like look what I did. I saw these pieces in Michael's and thought "I like those. Somebody should make that into earrings". Hope you like them, but feel free not to hurt my feelings if you don't. LOL

Relaxers a.k.a Creamy Crack

2009-02-26T06:57:00.003-05:00

This will be really short. The other day I had a client that had a protective style in for some time. Of course when we removed the style there was a lot of shedding, because she hadn't been combing her hair over the past few months. Anyhoo, my drain got clogged. Guess what I put in the drain last night to clear it. You guessed it. Relaxer. I got up this morning and ran some water in the sink and it was clear. It's like I have a brand new sink. Thank you creamy crack. For once it saved me some money. Oh and by the way if any of you use curling irons. If you heat them up on the low setting and apply relaxer it will clean them like new.

400 Years Without A Comb

2009-02-23T08:45:00.004-05:00

I tried to embed the video, but I couldn't. I also put it in the video bar or quick reference in the future. Please view these videos and let me know what you think.
Part 1
http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1660

Part2
http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1659

Part 3
http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1657

Part 4
http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1656

Part 5
http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1655

Part6 http://www.rbgtube.com/play.php?vid=1654

Head Wrap

2009-02-20T21:15:00.006-05:00

Kay Exquisite, I am going to post the pictures tomorrow if I have the chance. I finally bought some batteries for the camera. Here are the $5 head wraps that bought from Walmart. Well, they are supposed to be worn as scarves, but y'all know how we do. LOL

So this is one of the stretchy ones that is new for me, because I haven't had one like it before. It doesn't hold all of my hair, but I like it this way because it still keeps my hair out of my face and off my back. I never thought that hair down my back would bother me, but when you are sitting (especially driving) and your hair keeps getting stuck behind you it can become quite the bother. Anyway, I know you all will let me know what you think about my new look. LOL

Good Hair?

2009-02-10T16:54:00.003-05:00

We have all said this phrase at least once. Being that I have always LOVED hair, I have probably said it more than the average person. I must admit, however, that my view of "good hair" has change immensely. Since I have fallen deeply and passionately in love with natural hair, I love to see thick, tightly coiled, course hair. That is the kind of hair that does exactly what I want it to do every time like clock work. I, however, don't have this hair, my hair is just weird and middle of the road. It is so strange how our opinions changed when freed from the ideals that have been presented to us in our culture. It doesn't mean that we should hate other hair textures, it simply means that whatever God has given us that is still on our heads is good.

There is a very special lady that is part of the the lovinlocs forum that I am a part of that is Caucasian and has adopted two beautiful African American princesses. She has experienced first hand the nasty attitudes that people have toward tightly coiled hair. She is one of the few, the proud, and the brave however. Many people of other cultures have a difficult time understanding what the big deal is. I was a little offended at this conversation that is so sensitive taking place in such a public forum (a movie), but then I thought maybe it will change some minds, tell me what you all think. I may post some other vids on this subject, because we all have our stories. Let me know what you think.

More Wraps

2009-02-09T17:32:00.009-05:00

I just wanted to share these pictures with you all. I bought some $5 wraps from Wal Mart (the pink one). They are a lightweight summer fabric with sequins sewn on. The brown one that my daughter has one is more of a lightweight sweater fabric. It is really easy to wrap because it stretches so much. Anyway, enjoy.

Neem Oil Stank!

2009-02-05T13:56:00.002-05:00

Yes, I said "stank" and I mean it. I have never smelled anything so raunchy. I see now why it is at the bottom of most ingredient lists. I put a very small amount in a skin oil that I made for my husband and it is the baseline smell in the oil. Baseline meaning that you don't really smell it at first, but it is that lingering odor after the obvious smell. It seems to be good in my OCM oil, but of course I don't keep it on my face. Just thought I would share.

By the way if you are considering buying some, it is cheaper at the garden store than if you buy it from the cosmetic section. It is the same stuff, but it is almost twice as expensive.

Head wrap pics...more to come.

2009-01-31T20:20:00.004-05:00

Nothing special. Just wanted to post some pics of me with a headwrap. I wear them about 50% of the time. I wore them for the full year that I was engaged to my husband. I don't know why other than the fact that I God told me too. I didn't question it I just did it. I had to do it one other time to keep my hair vanity in check. I also wear wraps when I go to the movies. I am so paranoid about putting my head where other people's heads have been. I will post more pics later on when I have time. I hope you enjoy these. Y'all have Thandi to thank, because she was the one that told me she "felt strange reading the blog of someone she couldn't see" or something similar. LOL So Thandi, these are dedicated to you. LOL

Must Read!

2009-01-30T15:34:00.000-05:00

Please! Please! Please! Read your bible. I had to say that first, before I say this. Please! Please! Please! Read this book called "The Shack" by William P. Young!!!

Issues and Creativity

2009-01-22T18:03:00.010-05:00

Okay first let me point out what happened to my skin when I put down the OCM. I stopped it for a minute, because I thought "My face looks so good". Then, I had a breakout. It makes sense, because my face had plenty of oil and then...nothing. So it panicked and made a bunch of extra oil. Add to that I am a picker and so that would explain to two marks on my face. My picking problem subsided because there was nothing to pick. Make sense? Okay. Let's move on to greener pastures.

I made a mixture of horsetail, nettle, chamomile, and sage tea and used it as a rinse. Immediately followed by jojoba, grapeseed, rosemary, and lavender oils. When I tell you that my hair is soft and the cornflakes are gone...honey the NAPS ARE BACK! It looked so good and felt so good that I didn't twist it. I am so happy!

The Back

2009-01-07T20:09:00.003-05:00

I realized that I didn't have a pic of my hair from the back. Please excuse the glow from my shirt. I tried to adjust the picture on the computer, but this was the best I could do. Funny, I thought my hair was longer than this. LOL

I am ashamed.

2009-01-07T10:08:00.005-05:00

Okay, so let me go on and admit my guilt. I twisted my hair. Now, let me be clear. It was because I was unable to keep my hair moist and I started noticing breakage. My hair is not very thick to start with, so that last thing I need is breakage. Well, maybe breakage is a little dramatic, but there was shedding and as a long time locker I am not accustomed to seeing that. It made me quite uncomfortable. I will, however, give this another shot in the spring, summer, and fall (I am a descendent of a tropical people, so my genetic code is for warm weather. LOL). My intention is to twist when the weather is cold and freeform when the weather is nice. I know, it sounds a little indecisive. Maybe even a little double minded, but there is a method to my madness.

WARNING: Whining is about to begin.

I do not like my hair twisted. I liked my puffy roots. I liked my hair doing whatever it pleased. I don't like this at all. Look at my scalp. I look bald. Probably, because I haven't seen my scalp in so long, but still. The "Plucked Chicken" look is not sexy. I feel really stuck right now. I know that a lot of people are going to be really happy to see what seems to be a change of mind, but WAIT! It's not so. I will be a nappy headed little black child again. My hair apparently hates winter, and this is simply a protective measure.

Okay, I'm finished. Now comfort me in my time of grief at the loss of my roots.

Oh, and as for the blemish on my forehead. I am a picker. I indeed made a mountain out of a mole hill. It was a teeny barely noticeable bump...until I noticed it. I messed and wasn't satisfied until I had a mark on my face. After I made the mark, I felt like an addict that just fell of the bandwagon. Y'all pray for me, I need help. Now, we can see if this stuff (OCM) helps to get rid of marks too.

Okay, now you may resume comforting me.

Pics

2009-01-02T16:11:00.005-05:00

Okay, no matter how hard I tried the pictures ended up looking kind of goofy so grant me a pardon this time. The first two just give you a sense of what others see. It's not like my hair is standing on end, but somehow my hair is still really offensive to some. LOL I have to admit that this journey is really interesting to me, because I am learning so much about how to do nothing. Sometimes I wish that I had twice as much hair so that they could be bigger, bushier, and fuller. Anyway, the second set of pictures just show how my hair is doing up close. My hair is weird, because the front will go straight if I wear a headwrap even if it's not tight. It seems that my perimeter is a crinkle and not a coil. My hair seems to change into a coil as you move toward the middle of my head. Go figure.

OCM/PMS

2009-01-02T07:33:00.003-05:00

So this is my first cycle since I started cleaning my face with oil. My face is clear with no blemishes at all. This is exciting because it never happens. That mark is even gone from my cheek. I am so excited. I feel wonderful and my skin is getting better and better. That's all just wanted to let you all know how things are going, because the method is so different than what we are normally taught. It's working. I feel fabu!

Freeform Pro and Cons

2009-01-02T07:18:00.004-05:00

So far I have noticed some pros and cons to freeforming that I feel inclined to share with you all.
Pros

I don't have to do a thing but shampoo and go (maybe a little dryer time, but not much).
I love the look.
I love the feel mentally.
I am learning to not to be moved by the opinions of others about "the way locks should look".

Cons

Because I suffer with HIHD I still want to twist every now and again.
I notice shedding sometimes and I am not used to seeing that. It makes sense though because my roots will behave more like Afro hair as they are not in a *protective hairstyle.
People always have something to say.

*A protective hairstyle is one that keeps your hair safe from the cold in winter (or other harsh environmental issues to include heating systems or extreme dryness). If you have an Afro for example, I would suggest that you keep your hair in 2 strands, braids, or plaits through the winter months. These style help to maintain moisture and keep you from combing your hair. Obviously I am not combing my hair, but the moisture is being zapped. To add insult to injury my steamer broke. That made me just a little angry to say the least.

All that to say that I am wondering about twisting in the winter months and leaving it be in the other 9 months. I just can't seem to control the dryness and that is my main issue. Let me know what you think.

Skin before and after...so far

2008-12-22T11:08:00.010-05:00

Here are some before and after pics of my skin. On the first one (hair down) you will notice lots of little break outs. That was the constant state of my skin, so that's why I used that pic. I have only been doing this for maybe a week (I have no sense of time, sorry), and there is already an improvement. I am a "picker" hence the scar on my neck and cheek. I am actively breaking that habit.

OCM

2008-12-18T20:29:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share something that I found to be interesting. OCM stands for oil cleansing method. It is a method of cleaning your face with oil. The blend that I made was jojoba (50%), grapeseed (25%), castor (25%), and tea tree (20 drops).

First I rubbed/massaged my face with the oil mixture. I wet a wash clothe with water as hot as I could stand it and put it on my face. Once it cooled a bit I wiped my face with it. I rewet it and wiped it again. After that I applied a couple of drops of jojoba oil.This morning a bump that was on my face last night had gone down dramatically. Who'da thunk it? Anyway, just thought I would give you the tip. You can find vids on youtube if you just search OCM.

Natural Hair Products

2008-12-06T15:10:00.003-05:00

I participate in an online forum called lovinlocs. It is a really great forum with wonderfully informative discussions. Once we talked about natural hair products vs. not so natural (but good) products. Now one of the locticians talked about the chemical makeup of certain products and why they work, and why all natural products will not always give you the best result. All of what she said was true. So why, you ask, do I prefer to use natural products. Well, my reasons have to do with my health and the health of my clients. People don't realize in this day and age there are more pollutants than we care to think about. We are exposed to them on a daily basis. Most people don't do cleanses, vegetarian diets, drink clean water, and exercise. All of these things help you detoxify. These steps help you rid your body of the daily buildup of pollutants in your system. Even wearing natural deodorant that allows you to sweat, but not stink will help. Anyway, my main reason is that I want to live and help my body do what it is supposed to do.

My hair is important to me as I have expressed in other blogs, but not more important than my health. Now let me say this. My hair isn't unhealthy, it means that sometimes I have to work harder and accept somethings about my hair that others don't want to deal with. I don't use conditioner, because I don't care about my hair being super soft. I just want it to be moisturized. I use spritzes, oils, shea butter and, combinations of those products. The shampoo that I use is castile soap and it works wonderfully to remove the heavier products that I use. I take hempseed oil (pill form) to keep my hair from drying out in the winter. I know that it works because when I ran out, my hair screamed bloody murder. I drink almost solely water this helps you to keep your weight down and get toxins out. I also exercise.

All this to say that there are certain chemicals that I can't or won't give up like bleach, but I will be safer where I can. My toiletries is a good area to start. A lot of products have a cumulative affect that our government simply doesn't care about. I put this link here so that you can search some of your favorite products and see how hazardous they are and why. You don't have to give up everything, but make improvements where you can.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

If it ain't one thing...

2008-12-03T13:38:00.002-05:00

Well, I got past the thoughts of what other people thought about my freeform mane. Now is the problem of my lifelong issue with HIHD. I just feel the need to do something to my hair. It is not driving me crazy, it is just one of those things. Oh, and now that it is not twisted I have all these "showy" gray hairs. I can tell by the length that they have been there for a while, but they weren't all out in public before. Anyway, such is life at 31.
Sidebar. I have a new nephew. He was born on the day after Thanksgiving. He is so cute. He and his sister are 13 months apart. We will be babysitting him too. That should prove to be interesting. I have found that I am a better mother in my 30's than I ever was in my 20's.
Back on task. Most of my clients are accepting of the new locking process while others act as if I have stopped bathing. I just really find it strange that as soon as locking went mainstream there became a certain "way" to "do" them. I just find them to be beautiful. My only requirement is cleanliness, and I shampoo more than most.

Twist Set Result

2008-11-12T09:13:00.005-05:00

Okay so as promised, here is the end result. Hope you like it, but if not I'm wearing it anyway. LOL I think that I will like it better after my run/walk later so that my roots puff back up. Peace and love.

2008-11-11T10:17:00.004-05:00

Okay so I hope I remember to upload the end result, but this is a twist set on my locks that have not be maintained in a while as I have decided to freeform. Note the knotted ends. That is to give it a more finished look. Think crinkles with curls on the end. And please excuse the plucked chicken look on the rear view. I don't know what that's about. Anyway, I did it last night and I did actually sit under the dryer for once. I gave it about 30 minutes. That is a lot of time for me. Anyway just wanted to put some pics up. Peace, Love, & Nappiness. I have to read 2 chapters for psychology and I haven't even looked at my math assignment yet. For those who know that words of prayer just pray my strength in the Lord. Seriously, because I hate math. One more off topic thing. I am going to list my other two blogs FYI. www.thebroomsexperience.blogspot.com and www.gatheringandreasoning.blogspot.com

Tagged!

2008-11-09T12:44:00.004-05:00

I have been tagged by http://nubianlockedprincess.blogspot.com/
THE RULES!
1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 6 non important facts/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blog.
5. let them each know they have been tagged by leaving a comment.

Okay here we go

I haven't watched the news since April or May.
I wish that I could live on enough land that I could have animals and a dog that could run free.
I hope that when my husband and I are old, very old, that we will die at the same time so that we won't have to be alone.
I am vegetarian, and I actually enjoy being one.
I love my hair and it makes me feel feminine.
If I didn't have children I would by a Rottweiler.
BONUS! I love reptiles and amphibians.

Hair Molestion

2008-10-30T17:55:00.008-04:00

I mentioned this in the last post. I addressed it from the point of HIHD. However, I was reminded today by a client about being HM or hair molested by others. Let me preface this by saying that I am REALLY old timey about people touching my hair. I HATE IT!!! It is just too personal. Now I don't mean people that are close to me, like my husband, but that is about it. Have you ever experienced HM by a perfect stranger? Do people feel like it is okay to just walk up and fondle your hair? If so please share with the group.

I was in church once and this girl kept walking up behind me flipping my hair. The first time I just told her to stop. The second time I explained to her that since she wasn't the one lying next to me when I woke up that morning that she didn't have the right to touch my hair. The third time...oh the third time...I yelled "stop it" and told her what I would do if she didn't. I am not saying that the latter was Christ-like behavior, but you have to draw a line somewhere. If you have experienced HM we are here to help. For further assistance please call
1-888-4HM-STOP. If you call, we can help. PS, this is just a joke for those of you who may have missed it. Oh, and I even added pics this time. I wanted y'all to see how my freeforming is coming. I am coming out of my shell, because I love y'all.

HIHD

2008-10-29T08:06:00.003-04:00

Hand in hair disorder can be very serious for sufferers, especially lock wearers in some sort of transition. HIHD is a serious disorder in which the individual has trouble keeping their hands out of there hair. It may also be commonly known as hair molestation. In most cases of afro wearer it is mostly harmless, but it can be a more serious issue for those wearing locks. In the case of lock wearers it may actually slow the locking process. The process is often slowed by tugging at buds, over styling, and twisting to often. It can cause major frustration in a couple of ways.

After wearing traditional hairstyles in which constant maintenance is required, locking causes the wearer to have to reshape their normal behavior.
Allowing hair to go through often unpredictable changes can be a challenge in a society where we like to control everything.
Due to the stigmas that are still very prominent in this society, some may feel the compulsion to constantly twist and sometimes over twist edges.

In many cases the sufferer may have a flare up during the teenage stage of locking, when switching from latching to palmrolling or the reverse, and also when changing from traditional to free form or organic locks. I hope that this will be of some help to those that are suffering from HIHD or know someone who is. It is also my hope that this will be read with sense of humor and not taken seriously in the least. Live. Love. Laugh.

People's Opinions of MY hair

2008-10-16T16:30:00.006-04:00

Recently I decided to stop twisting or maintaining my hair. I can hear some of you gasping with disbelief. Yes, it's true. My soul's desire is the be a freeformer. I have shared some of this with clients to "warn" them of my decision so that they don't start to ask me if I am okay. Why did I decide to do this you ask? Well, it started in kind of a strange way. I used to latch my hair. I fell in love with Bob Marley and loved the freedom that was expressed through untamed locks. I liked it because I seemed to be an expression of letting God do His work. I decided that I would start palmrolling to allow myself the freedom to have the maintained look if I wanted it or to have a freeform look if I wanted that. When I wore them palmrolled, I still felt really restricted. I decided to just leave it alone. That didn't last long, because I felt very comfortable at home, but self conscious in public because of what "they" were saying. I hated the feeling of leading two different lives. I want to say this. My locks are part of a spiritual awakening for me. It's not a hairstyle. I don't fully understand the fullness of the purpose, but I love the not knowing and allowing my hair to just do it's thing. So anyway, this journey is uncomfortable for me in one way because I don't know what my hair is going to do. In another way, I know that I have to grasp this lesson in it's completeness. I see myself with locks that are full, wild, and free. Just like me. It just seems more appropriate for my personality to be freeform.
Since locks have become mainstream and legally untouchable in the work place, school, etc. everyone has an opinion of what they "should" look like. Well, I started doing this before they were an "in style" way of expressing yourself. When I moved back to Charlotte no one was really wearing them, except some people who seemed to appear from nowhere at the various Afrocentric festivals.

I don't think that the people that are telling me that my hair needs to be neat don't have a deeply abiding love for locks. I have never seen locks that I couldn't see the beauty in. As long as they are clean, I'm good. They can be fat, skinny, short, long, or mohawked and they are beautiful. I didn't start locking for style, so I don't have to follow the rules of "fashion or acceptability". This is a lifestyle for me. I love my rebellious kinky hair. It doesn't like to lay down and be obedient just because somebody deemed it should be so. If you think that being neat is the only way for locks to look, then perhaps you should ask yourself a couple of questions. Are you just mimicking the Eurocentric ideal of beauty, while retaining your Afrocentric street credit? Did you simply lock, so that you could have long hair like the women on television? Nothing is wrong with your nice neat locks, but nothing is wrong with my untameable locks either. If I can't be tamed, then why should my hair be beat into submission? I guess I really am my hair. Oh by the way these pictures were taken pre-freeform.

I am my hair!

2008-10-04T14:59:00.003-04:00

I was lovin' India Arie until she made the song "I am not my hair". I still love her, but that was a little mainstream for me. I tried to get down with the lyrics, but no matter how I tried I just couldn't say the words. Yes, I am so much more than just hair, but I am my hair. I am my hair because history teaches me that it is the one thing that sets me apart from other races and people...it is special. My hair is an ornament of power and beauty. If unlocked it defies gravity. Some cultures say that locks are an antennae to God. Ascetics or holy people are often known simply because the wear the locks upon their heads. If it weren't important the bible would not speak of it. It's what I cover when God takes me through certain times in my life. I covered my hair from the day that my husband asked me to marry him until the day we got married. In many ways it is the way I am identified. It is a statement of my African heritage, my political stance, and my lesson in giving God control. It was the first thing that was taken when we were stolen and even used to torture the Rasta people. I am my hair and so much more, but I am my hair. Does this mean that we shouldn't love one another regardless of the exterior, no. I simply means that we are all special in our special way. I means that I don't have to assimilate to be loved or to love. I am so much more, but I am my hair.

I got tagged

2008-10-01T21:29:00.003-04:00

I got tagged by happilynappilynish The rules are, you must list 6 non important,quirky,crazy things about yourself.You must also show the link of the person who tagged you.

I am a germaphobe and I won't eat people's cooking until I know their hand washing habits.
I still daydream at the age of 31 and will never stop.
I love walk around in the rain like a kid and I don't own an umbrella.
I don't own a watch and don't want one.
I only eat even numbers of things like M&Ms and cookies, but if it is an Oreo it can count as 2 cookies if necessary.
I love to to look at my husband and children when they don't know I am watching to catch those candid moments in my mind and heart forever.

I am new so I will tag some folks later, plus I have 2 other blogs that I have to update. LOL

My freeform spirit

2008-10-01T17:30:00.002-04:00

To update, I have joined locks together for a thicker look. I have changed from latching to palmrolling. I palmrolled them a few days ago, prior to that I latched a couple of weeks ago. I hated that latch so I took them loose. I hate the palmroll, but I am trying to leave it alone. I just don't like the feel. It makes me feel bound in some way. I feel like I am supposed to have nice neat locks, but I hate it when they are neat. When my roots are thick with no parts showing, I feel beautiful and free. The only problem is that then I become aware of what they think. You know the "they", the invisible people that we all know are there lurking with there stupid opinions. Anyway, just as my walk with Christ is deepening in ways I couldn't imagine I guess my hair, in a way, is reflecting that. I am getting more and more free in God and learning to just do what the word says and forget about the other stuff, same with my hair just letting it be what it is. It sounds easy, but man is it hard. It seems He never gives me the easy way out. The freedom, for my hair and spirit, is on the other side of peoples opinions. So I guess that once I get past people's opinions in both areas I will be as free as the wind. Thanks for "listening".

Pescetarianism & Lacto-Ovo Vegetarianism

2008-09-30T08:02:00.003-04:00

Pescetarians are people that don't eat meat other than fish and probably eat dairy and eggs. Lacto-Ovo(or the reverse) eat no meat, but do eat eggs, milk, butter, or stuff with those products in it.

Recently we watched a video on youtube called "Meet Your Meat". Don't watch it if you plan to continue to eat meat, it just won't be the same. Anyway, I believe in people being informed and so our family sat down and watched it together. Now, I know some will say that it is too violent for children. To that I say that as a society we allow children to constantly be exposed to things that are violent and not beneficial. This is violent, but it is true and beneficial. I realized that children often have no idea where their food comes from. Somehow there is often a disconnect between seeing a picture of a cow and knowing that he played a major part in the making of your hamburger. If we were in a third world country or on a farm our meat would not be so neatly and deceitfully packaged in cellophane. It doesn't even resemble the animal that it comes from.

The Bible gives us freedom to eat what we want, but people also perish for a lack of knowledge. God knows our end from our beginning. So the freedom to eat what we want or need to (I believe) was set for those who would be violently enslaved and forced to eat things that were inconceivable. He was looking out for those that wouldn't be able to honor those codes of the OT law.

Anyway, I am mostly lacto-ovo although I don't drink milk (I drink almond or soy milk), I do eat things with milk in it. Anyway, I feel a lot better and my innards thank me. I have stopped using canned veggies and I only use fresh or frozen. I would use more fresh veggies if my fridge weren't possessed. I would like to move more toward raw when I get a new fridge. My husband is a pescetarian, my son eats less meat (5 years old), my daughter is a pescetarian(8 years old), and I am mostly lacto-ovo although not completely opposed to eating fish. Nothing to do with hair, just thought I should share.

ACV

2008-09-29T06:20:00.002-04:00

Okay, I seem to be ACV retarded. I tried the ACV rinse again last night with essential oils included. I thought I had done a good job...until my husband walked in. He walked in and said,"Oh, now it smells like vinegar and peppermint. Ugh!" Thanks Babe, good to have all that support. LOL People sing the praises of this stuff, but it seemed to make it crunchy. Oh well, maybe I will try it again another day some other way.

I spent some time yesterday undoing my last latching. I just don't like that "just done" feeling. I like to feel some roots. I know that isn't the norm, but I like it. I did twist it down last night so that it will have the chance to form into nice round lock. Now mind you, this will probably last about a week, because I hate that "just done look". "See" you later.

My other blogs

2008-09-29T06:17:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to let you all know that for the next 10-14 days I may be paying more attention to my other blogs. The reason is that I am doing that my husband and I are doing 10 days or more of fasting/cleansing. The blogs are www.thebroomsexperience.blogspot.com and www.gatheringandreasoning.blogspot.com. Anyway if you are interested, please feel free to check me out over there.

Shampooing Locks

2008-09-21T13:23:00.003-04:00

Why don't people with locks like to shampoo? I have clients, who shall remain nameless, that simply refuse to shampoo for months at a time. I have to shampoo my hair at least once a week. I just can't think of anything on your body that should go any longer than that without a little water hitting it.

I must admit that I am not a stickler for neatly maintained locks. I may tighten mine every 2-3 months. In the summer I definitely wait about 3 months, but I shampoo. We take the whole notion of freedom a little too far sometimes when it comes to being natural. If you can smell your hair, so can other people. If you work out, at least walk past some water every two weeks or so.

Water is your friend.

Merging My Locks

2008-09-12T16:49:00.003-04:00

I started this set of locks kind of small, although I didn't realize it at the time. Since *Sisterlocks(tm) have become so popular in recent years my locks have been confused with them a time or two. I was shocked. Mostly because SLs are so small, although in recently years I have noticed them increasing in size. Anyhoo, I was watching Bob Marley videos, reading about him, etc. when I realized how beautiful his locks were. I was mesmerized. I can't let my locks just grow freely can I? Well, I could have, but I didn't. I decided to marry them. Yep I made my locks larger. I joined two or three together where I felt it was appropriate. I did this by utilizing the latching technique. I like them much more now. They feel much stronger than before. I am now waiting for some of the ones in the front to grow so that I can begin to palmroll again. I used to latch, but I like the freedom of palmrolling. With palmrolling I can have that neat look when I need it, but I can be all organic looking when I want to. Either way I love my locks more than ever.

My husband told me that I get more beautiful the longer my hair gets. I don't know why it meant so much...maybe it was the sweetness and sincerity of it, but it went to the soul depth. Now, understand that my husband constantly compliments everything about me, so I can't testify to having a husband that doesn't express love to me. That one just came from a sacred place. Maybe because I believe hair and the head to be sacred.
Anyway, just thought I'd share.
*you know you have to put the "tm" with the name or you may be sued. LOL...no seriously.

It's been almost a year

2008-09-08T19:46:00.002-04:00

Well, it has been almost a year and I have to say that it has been a roller coaster ride. I still specialize in locs, but I have learned a lot in this time about natural hair. I am still deeply in love with what I do. God is blessing me with more clientele every week and I make more than I did working at the library. If you ask God for something just know that if it is for the good of others, He will blow your mind. I have developed a referral discount program in place of traditional advertising, and I make sure to offer other specials in this time of a lean economy to help my clients as much as possible. I really enjoy what I do. I will be blogging more often hopefully as the year comes to a close.

Just Locs

2008-01-26T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am in Charlotte, NC and I have decided to start a natural hair business. I have plenty of prior experience and God has already blessed me with wonderful clients. I was considering taking the Sisterlocks training classes and I am interested in knowing whether it is worth it. I have developed my own technique that is working, but some people are set on having "the real Sisterlocks". I met a wonderful sister today that wants to experiment with my technique on her Sisterlocks and I am so excited, because this is the one service that I don't offer right now. Please give me some input on this.

Hair (R)Evolution

"Black Gold" Esperanza Spalding ft. Algebra Blessett

Black Schools A Matter of Life and Cultural Death dvd preview

Brazilian Blowout - Dangers Behind Beautiful Hair

*14yrs* Loc'd~Meet Natasha

NATURAL HAIR: YO BOYFRIEND DONT LIKE IT??

BSEI PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Freeform Loc Love Update

Dr. Cornwell's review on the movie "Good Hair".

Locs in our DNA???: My 32nd video

The Black Woman & Her Hair.

Naomi Winfrey

Freeforming Update...

Updates for Proud2banurse

Troy Davis = Naomi Winfrey

Solove Concord,NC police brutality

Freeform Update

Locking...again

Really Quick Hair Update

Really Quick Hair Update

Kujichagulia!!! Let's support this brotha!!!

A lil something different

Natural Dreadlock Tea : Aloe & Rosemary

Freeform Support Group

Locks in the White House: My 5th video

Unhappy Twisting

Dreadlock Culture

My Jewelry

My hair update vid...

A new start...

Startin' my locks again...

Now that I've updated you all

Update pics...I know I been slack.

Blue Black

Surprise!!!

Update...I think

More Mari Unleashed! LOL

Why I went natural vid

Mari Unlocked!!!

Just so we're clear

Kwanzaa 2009 slide show

My 1 year old niece!

Here's one more pic

Check these brothers out

Lock Earrings

500 Years Later

Color Purple...Girls Night Out!

Nappy Hair in the NY Times!!!

New Pics!

The Politics of Black Women's Hair by Duron Chavis (?)

Late Post From Mother Day's

Self Hatred...Today!

Sick Hair

Just Curious

Wedding Hair...Well After Wedding Hair.

Holdin' On!

Freeform AGAIN!

Our National Anthem

Absentee Blogger

Errors on my page!

John Henrik Clarke--Remember this name!

Earrings

Relaxers a.k.a Creamy Crack

400 Years Without A Comb

Head Wrap

Good Hair?

More Wraps

Neem Oil Stank!

Head wrap pics...more to come.

Must Read!

Issues and Creativity

The Back

I am ashamed.

Pics

OCM/PMS

Freeform Pro and Cons

Skin before and after...so far

OCM

Natural Hair Products

If it ain't one thing...

14yrs Loc'd~Meet Natasha