Changing of the Tides. . . .

Okay! I know its been over my one-month anniversary date, but it's better late than never. So, what can I say??? Well, as the year comes to a close, I take the time to reflect on the past 12 months, and ponder on the future of the upcoming year. This blog signifies the physical, spiritual, and mental growth of being a Black Woman. As we shed the 'chains of Western Colonialism' by cutting off our processed hair, we embark on a new chapter of Blackness and Womanhood. Embracing 'tru' blackness is key for our progress and elevation! I'm excited and blessed for the opportunities that will be presented to me in 2008! However, this past year has been a world wind of events.

I look forward to my "Refined Mind" this year! Included in this newness of being refined is the expansion of my gratitude and thanks. Giving thanks for all who've influenced the growth and change; intensionally and accidentally!!!! The following are topics that we should all keep in mind for the new year:

• What does spirituality really mean to me?
• How are you really impacting the lives of others around you?
• What does it take to make and to keep you happy?
• What are true measures of success? (are you living by others' concepts of success?)
• When is the last time you helped someone without thinking of how it would benefit you?

These are just a few valuable questions that deserve hours of contemplation, and a thorough answer. We can no longer continue to 'wallow' in complacency and laziness. Let's get it together and make it better!

Stay tuned to the next special edition of the Las Vegas Blog Entry. Its gonna be Spectacular!

This is the hair product that I've been using until I go the Deep Roots market to see what products they have. I actually like it. I've always liked Africa's Best Organic products. This was actually something that I bought for Kayleigh's hair, but her hair absorbs it to fast because she got her family's extra-Kunta like hair. LMAO. I still get a white residue. I think most cream moisturizers are going to give you that residue until they dry. If you don't want that or to have to wait, then look for something that is more oil based. Like a carrot oil or something.

Me trying something new....two strand twists. It came out pretty well considering that I'm impatient and I only let it stay twisted for about 20 minutes so that I could see how it looks.

Okay....this is my 1 month picture (December 24th).
Not bad for a month, but I see what you're talking about Nicole. My sides aren't growing as fast either. I'm gonna be rocking a gumby soon. ;-)

About damn time.....now if we can get Amber to put her new pic up....that would be awesome.

3 Month Anniversary Picture

Ok, B, here you go. Here is a picture of my hair. I just passed my 3 month anniversary (12/19/07). To me, it looks the same length as my 2 month anniversary photo. My sides don't seem to be growing as much as the top and middle, but it is growing (slowly). I attempted to take some pics of the back of my head, but that didn't work, so I'll get David to help me when I get home and I'll post those, too. I'm still loving my natural hair! I've discovered that my hair REALLY likes water. I'm only able to comb through it all the way while it's wet. I tried putting more of my daily moisturizer on it instead of water and I always end up with a white film all over my head. I just put water on it in the morning so I can comb it and then I spray it during the day or in the evening. Yes, I'm still wearing the same hair style. I'm trying to figure out what else I can do to it. I want to get it styled, but I haven't found a place that specializes in natural hair. I might get braids over the summer. Well, that's all for now. Look for pics of the back of my hair later. Peace!

Looking good....

Kayleigh and I took this picture when I took her for Christmas pictures. I actually didn't fro out. I just washed it and put conditioner on it and let it curl up. Still cute.

Dang...Why I gotta be so sexy?!?!?

Response to B

First, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone! The "why did you cut your hair" question does get old and a bit annoying after hearing it so many times. I just told people that I was giving my hair a fresh start and left it at that. I knew some people wouldn't understand even that simple answer, but that's all they got from me. The people that needed to know why I cut my hair knew why. Don't get frustrated. Like so many websites that I've read say, a lot of people don't understand why someone would want to have "nappy" hair. I (and I'm sure Amber and many others, too) think you look wonderful and as your hair grows out, more people will think so! Just wait and see; after a few months, all those people who asked you "why did you cut your hair" will be complimenting you left and right.

I don't wear the headbands with the elastic in the back. The ones I have are like a stretchy, cloth material. I got mine from Target (your favorite store!). They come 6 in a pack (I think). After a few days of wearing them, they get stretched out, so I throw them in the washer and let them air dry and they're back to their normal shape. I try not to wear a headband on the weekends just to give my hair a break from being pushed back.

I LOVE the picture of Eryka Badu! That's how I want my afro to grow - big, thick, and all over the place! I love her shoes, too! lol

Work it.....

Okay....my hair is gone...

Okay....I'm still loving my hair, but yall both know how easily I get irritated. Why do people ask...."Why did you cut your hair?" I want to just answer "because I wanted to." It's like why do you really care that much to need to know the reasoning behind my decision. I guess I can understand it coming from some family and friends, but co-workers or neighbors.....Why care? Is giving them the answer going to somehow better there life? I don't think so. I'm just tired of the question because most people don't understand the explanation. And this may be a little racist, but white people have been getting the same response....."I just needed a change." They are not going to understand what I am talking about. I think the last couple of people that have asked me this have gotten a little attitude in the tone of my response. They will be okay. I needed to vent that out a little bit.

Oh...the other thing. I went to see my regular beautician the other day so that I could get her response from my hair cut. She liked it, but I had on a head band with elastic in it (similar to the one Cole is wearing in her pictures). She said to try to limit how often I wear those because it can cause Alopecia (which is just a nicer name for baldness). Usually you will start seeing the baldness around the back where the band normally hits. I wear this about once a week...so I think I'll be okay. I thought I share this. I know that you wear these Nicole....I haven't really seen Amber wear them (or at least not in her pics). Maybe use some type of headband without the elastic around the back of the head??? Okay...gotta go back to work now. L8r.