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.

Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

I've been using Pantene Pro-V's Relaxed and Natural shampoo, conditioner, and daily moisturizer. I read somewhere (I believe it was at www.motowngirl.com and another site) that sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl ether sulfate are harsh on your hair. The Pantene Pro-V products I'm using have both of these ingredients, so I'm going to try something else. When I searched the Internet for natural hair care products, I came across Burt's Bees. I found a product called More Moisture Raspberry Brazil Nut Shampoo and Conditioner. It's 98.12% natural and there is no sodium laureth sulfate or sodium lauryl ether sulfate in it. I usually wash my hair twice a week (sometimes 3 times a week if I notice product build-up or if I've been to the gym), so after I've used it for a while, I'll post an update and let you know what I think about it. It's suppose to leave your hair shiny, soft, and smelling nice (but what shampoo/conditioner doesn't claim that). Wish me luck! I hope to be able to come back and rave about this stuff!

Had the urge to post.......

Hey all! I just felt like posting something, so here goes. After reading Brandy's last post, I read the article stating "the disadvantages to cutting off your hair". That article hits the nail on the head. A lot of people asked me if I was scared to cut my hair and I told them no. To be honest with you, I was ready to get it cut. I got tired of fighting with natural roots and relaxed ends. It was hard. I surprised myself when I told David (my hubby) I was ready to cut it off. I thought I would get nervous and back out while in the middle of getting it cut, but the more hair I saw fall to the floor, the more excited I got. I can't remember when I started getting relaxers and I don't remember what my natural hair looked/felt like, but I know now and I LOVE IT! I would recommend going natural to everyone. I did it because my hair needed a fresh start. My last relaxer was on 5/27/07. After being around all my aunts over the summer, I saw how easy it was for them to just get up and go with only running their fingers thru their hair (they all have sister locs). I initially wanted to get locs, but after seeing my hair grow over the past 2 months, I've decided to just let it grow wild and free. I know I won't be able to get up, run my fingers thru my hair, and go with an afro (some taming will be needed), but having that option is a great thing. As I've said before, I'll decide what I want to do with it after a year. I want it to have a good, long chance to get strong and healthy. I've only put heat on my hair 3 times since getting it cut (and that was to dry my hair before going to bed). I'm planning on getting rid of my curling irons and flat iron. I'll hold on to my blow dry JUST IN CASE. As my hair gets longer, I might actually need to dry it (on a low setting, of course). I've gotten mixed reviews on what people think about my haircut. Some don't care for it, but a lot more really like it. In the end, it only matters what I think (and I know this) and I've said it before and I'll say it again, I absolutely love it! :)

So happy.....

I'm so glad that I get to take this journey with two of my closest friends. I think there is so much we can learn from each other and it's always good to have some support in whatever you do. This site is pretty cool. http://www.naturalhairphotos.com. Check it out. It' pretty good and there are some good links on there too. There are just people like us that upload there photos and chart there progress basically. I like the links on this site too....http://www.naturalhairdigest.com. I think that Amber Libby sent me this before. There is even home recipes for hair conditioner. You should check out the "Going Natural" tab for an interesting essay about the disadvantages about cutting off your hair.

Unrelated info.....Amber is Libby and Nicole is Cola or Cole. FYI so yall understand who I'm talking about :-)

Libby's Big Cut

I initially whacked it all off on Friday, November 9, 2007. I stopped relaxing my hair in July. So, I actually had more hair than that, but I allowed a “Negro” to cut it . . .and well that’s what you get. Nevertheless, I love it, and look forward to the growth-mentally and spiritually.


These are aerial pics of me on the 'big cut'.

The first blogging. . .

I plan to add more stuff about me and my journey to true "blackdom"!

This is a picture of me and Tommy during a trip in Long Beach, CA.

Some new pictures.....

I took these last night. Damn....I'm fine.

Here's My 2 Month Update

OK, so It's slow at work and I forgot I had a camera phone (DUH!) that I can use to take pics of my hair. Here is a top shot and a side shot. It's not fully fluffed out. I usually pat it down a little after combing it so any straight ends aren't sticking out.

Nicole's Big Cut

Like my buddy, Brandy, I have also cut off my relaxed hair. I got my hair cut on 9/19/07. I've just passed the 2 month mark and I'm still loving it! The freedom that comes with having a TWA (Tiny Weeny Afro) is so great. It's been raining in VA all day, and I've been outside in it and I don't have to worry about my hair. The rain actually feels good. It's moisturizing my hair! lol This picture was taken a few days after getting my hair cut. I'll take another picture tonight and post it to show you the growth I've had. I had about half an inch of hair after my hair cut and now I've got about 1.5 - 2 inches of natural hair! It's so great. I hope my hair continues to grow and get stronger and healthier. Like Brandy said, if you don't like it now, give it about 6 months and then tell me what you think. GO NAPPY HEADS!!!!!

Brandy's Big Cut

I just did my "Big Cut" on 11-24-07. I'm loving it so far and can't wait until it grows more. Amber and Nicole helped inspire me. :-)