The Chocolata's Sisterlock Adventure

New Install - Leelee48207

2011-09-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

This beautiful lady allowed me the pleasure of escorting her into the land of the free - Sisterlocks! Her installation was done over two days. She looks amazing, and is loving her locs. She is the reason I do what I do....

Waging War on Weight!

2011-09-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

I ought to be ashamed to call myself a blogger. My posts have been few and far between, but it's only because the Lord has been blessing me to be busy helping other sisters set themselves free with Sisterlocks™. Anywho, I'm back and am embarking on a new journey. I have been battling the bulge for about 2.5 years now and am officially declaring war. In 2007, I had surgery to reconstruct my ACL (a ligament in my knee). The surgery was absolutely debilitating beyond anything I was prepared for. My health insurance (Blue Shield) afforded me only 6 physical therapy sessions which was ridiculous. I was limping and gimpy for months afterwards, and was absolutely devastated. I couldn't wear my high heels, which at 5 feet 2 inches are just part of my drill. Walking was uncomfortable, my knee was still hurting. Desperate for relief of any kind, I started taking yoga classes at the gym on my lunch hours, twice a week. I could barely do any of the postures, but my size zero, blond haired, blue eyed instructor continued to encourage me to do what I could and each time, try to take the stretch a little further. I hung in there, and low and behold, within about 2 months, I was able to fully straighten and stretch my leg. I was gradually able to resume wearing my heels. I was feeling so good, I started adding cardio and weight training to my routine. I managed to lose about 20 pounds, but plateaued.Because my husband has high blood pressure and cholesterol, we eat fairly healthy as a practice. Fish, lean chicken, turkey, fruits and veggies. We only drink freshly prepared juices, nothing bottled or in a carton, water, wine. The only time there is ever soda in our home is if we're having a family function and only if someone brings it, in which case they are required to take it with them when they leave. We exercise daily at 4-6 times a week, and still can't seem to loose a pound. I'm declaring war now! I've been exploring vegetarianism and raw foods for some years now; dibbling and dabbling. Well, today was my first day eating a totally raw diet. Unbelievably, I'm not weak or hungry. Here's how my day went:7:30 AM - Banana & Water9:00AM - Hot Yoga (90 minutes)11:30AM - Fresh Juice (2 Apples, 2 Carrots, 1/2 inch piece of Ginger Root and a squeeze of Lemon)6:00PM - Spinach greens w/ sliced strawberries and golden cherry tomatoes tossed in a strawberry vinegarette; 1/2 cup dry roasted, unsalted almonds64 ounces of water consumed throughout the dayIt's 11:30PM, and I feel great. Getting ready to call it a night, and try it again tomorrow. I'll probably go for a 2 mile run in the morning - not enough time for yoga :o(. Stay tuned!

2011-02-21T03:57:00.000-08:00

So, my locs are now 5 years old as of 12/29/2011. I just love them more and more with each milstone...

Dr. Cornwell Responds to Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

2009-12-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

This is Dr. Cornwell's new video, soon to be released for sale in DVD format on the Sisterlocks website. Dr. Cornwell addresses the fact that no natural hair care options were researched in making the movie, and were very marginally discussed. We are trying to spread the word and have our voices heard by Oprah, Tyra, mainstream media. We realize that natural hair poses a threat to many of their sponsors who promote the thought that "normal hair" is chemically altered and is certainly not "nappy"; heaven forbid. We must however have our voices heard. Chris Rock opened the door for discussion we have been waiting centuries to have.

I once thought that when women reached a certain age, they just wore wigs. I had no idea that my Great Aunt, Mother, several other Aunts, and I'm sure numerous other women, were wearing wigs to hide the fact that years of chemically altering thier hair had caused significant damage to their scalps, and in some cases extreme thinning, even balding. It was just not something anyone ever talked about, so generation after generation, the women aged and behold - without question or any discussion,the wig showed up. The wig was hiding an ugly skeleton. No one EVER discouraged me from perming or coloring my hair because I could end up 60 and bald. It was just a necessary evil. How sick is that?

"That Hair Thing" is serious business. We have got to teach each other to first practice self love and that certainly means not putting toxic chemicals on our scalps. I can't love myself and hate my hair which is so very much a part of me. Sisterlocks might not be the answer for everyone, but we have got to learn to deal with "our hair". I love that Chris Rock put it on blast that the black hair care industry is far from being black owned. We are the only peopole in the world who can use the products, yet we have minimal ownership interest. Wake up people!

The time for the conversation is here. The door has been opened, and we need to take advantage of it. Help Dr. Cornwell get the message to mainstream media. Forward the videos to Chris Oprah and Tyra; E-mail them. Order and read hew new book "That Hair Thing" and the Sisterlocks Approach (Second Edition) http://www.sisterlocks.com
I bought 6 extra copies to give as stocking stuffers to family and friends who love my hair but are still dealing with issues about how others will perceive them. Nevermind that people perceive them as looking crazy as hell with weaves sitting like helmets on their heads; tracks showing, matted ends bunching up. Are they seriously looking in the mirror and thinking that looks good? For real? It's not who they are and they're failing miserably at who they're trying to be. Just be yourself! It's a recokoning one has to come to on one's own terms though - the book is a great place to start.

Click to Read My Review

2009-11-16T08:04:00.001-08:00

Title: Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire Review: Precious

Posted using ShareThis

Sisterlocks Homecoming Photo Shoot 2009

2009-07-18T17:55:00.000-07:00

Well y'all, I did it! I was blessed to have finally made my way to this year's Sisterlocks Homecoming. Having been locked since December 2005, it has long been my desire to attend however, I also wanted to take the Sisterlock Consultant training while I was there, and had been unable to do so until now. I can't even convey to you in words how much this pilgrimage meant to me. I met so many beautiful spirits on my trip. Hundreds of beautiful locked sisters (and brothers), and much like our locks NO DRAMA! Dr. Cornwell has not only created a hairstyle which allows us the freedom to be ourselves and enjoy long flowing locks without artifical additives or preservatives, she has created a culture in which we can co-exist, share, grow and thrive. Well, if that don't beat all!

I stayed on an additional three days to take the Consultant Training. What an eye opening experience. The science of Sisterlocks is truly amazing. I have always admired and respected Dr. Cornwell, and my locticians (the one who installed my locks, and the one who maintains them), but after having taken the class, taught by Master Trainer, Michelle Bryant, I have a whole new respect for them. Not only is the Sisterlocks system a beautiful and empowering hairstyle and lifestyle, it is a business, which by sharing this freedom with someone else, I can also earn a living. It does not get any better than that.

If you have never been to a Homecoming, do yourself a favor - go! If you have an interest, and the means, take the training or at least a re-tightening class. It's an intense few days, but so, so worth it.

So you know I had to do a photoshoot while I was there. I don't get very many opportunities lately to get pics of my locs despite having a daughter who is a photographer (why is that always the case?). My camera was having technical difficulties, so I am waiting for some people to send me copies of their photos so I can share the full experience with you. In the meantime, here is my photo shoot. I had fun shooting it, I hope you enjoy it!

I'm Still Here

2009-07-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back on the block. I fell off there for a while. It was just becoming too trying and much too boring to try and chronicle every millimeter of my Sisterlock's growth, so I decided to give it a rest. I did not however intend to stay gone so long.

I've been keeping busy, working, studying Egyptian Belly Dance, working out - swimming, weight and cardio training. I've lost 20 pounds since I started September 1, 2008. It's been a wonderful journey and I am blessed beyond measure.

Thanks to my consultant, Lana of Braids by Lana, who retightened my locks on Friday, I have some new pics to post. She did a bantu knot set on me using Wrap A Locs. I kept them in from Friday to Sunday, and on Sunday she took them out and showed me some styling options. Like to see it? Here it goes...

Mother's Day

2009-07-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

My mother, daughter, aunt and I started our Mother's Day at church, followed by brunch at Khana Peena, a wonderful Indian restaurant in Oakland. We ended up at the mall where we decided to do a photo shoot.

Travel Channel Trip-A-Month Sweepstakes

2009-03-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

LOVE HIM LIKE I DO

2008-10-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

33 Months Locked up & Retightened

2008-09-16T00:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, time flies, and hair grows faster than you think. I don't post often as the main focus of my blog is my Sisterlocks, and waiting for hair to grow is sometimes like watching paint dry...B-O-R-I-N-G!

Initially, I was super juiced and wanted to chronicle every moment and detail of my locking experience. I was taking pictures every 6 weeks after my retightenings and began to notice that the pictures were looking pretty much the same. Oooh, look, my hair grew half an inch. For real? Who gives a rip? I mean, don't get me wrong, I still ooh and aah over my hair. As soon as I get home I'm in the mirror monitoring my progress, but I like to think that I have sense enough to know that I'm the only one looking THAT closely at my hair.

Well,when I got home tonight from my retightening, put on my jammies, and actually felt hair on my back, I had to grab my hand mirror and check it out. Yep, it's there. I was looking back at my 2 year pics, and 14 months, and there is definitely a measurable difference. Something worthy of sharing.

This is the hair I've been waiting for all of my life. I can swim, work out, shower, wash my hair and go with the best of them now. Gone are the days of running to get out of the rain, or having to stay out of the pool for fear of having to face a major hair crisis. Sisterlocks are insurance against a bad hair day, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Check it out...

Sisterlocks Photoshoot

2008-02-23T15:26:00.000-08:00

Dr. Cornwell and Sisterlocks came to the Bay Area on February 16-17th, complete with a photographer. You know I had to take advantage of the opportunity to update my photos, and my blog.

I celebrated my 2nd locversary on December 28-29th, but had no pictures to commemorate the occasion. Well, here they are...

I am finally beginning to have some length - yea! I am so greatful to my fellow bloggers. Everything you said about having patience, following the proper care guidelines for my locs, braiding and banding when it was appropriate, kicking the product junkie habit and letting my hair just do what it do. It's working, and I love it! Thanks yall!

Just Fine!

2007-10-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Go Ms. Mary! I've been a Mary J. Blige fan since day one, and I am so pleased that she has grown into such a beautiful and classy lady. Ya'll know Mary was a lil thuggish when she first came out. I'm not knocking her swagger at all, cause like I said I was a fan day 1. It's just nice to see someone of her caliber and talent, evolve and realize her full potential in such a positive light. Get your shine on girl!

American Gangster Trailer

2007-10-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, yes, my man is back and I am so there! I am always interested in movies which are based on true stories, and well, I would watch Denzel floss his teeth, just to look at fine self. I'ma stop now before I get in trouble with the mister. Enjoy the trailer!

The Miseducation of Chocolata

2007-10-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

Back in April, I received notice that Lauryn Hill was going to be at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, CA. I was juiced! I loved the Fugees, I loved the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (the rawest female album of the 90's), I love Lauryn!

The day tickets became available for sale, I was right there, perched on line, on both my laptop and desktop computers. I had cleared my schedule to make sure that at 12:00 PM, when tickets went on sale I would be right there, and so I was. I jumped right in and purchased 4 tickets, 3rd row from the stage, cause that's how I roll. $400.00, later, I called my son, daughter, and my BFF Kim, to let them know that we were in the house for the June concert. We were all excited and anticipating the date.

At long last, the date comes. We arrived at the venue ready to get our grooves on. The opening act Jupiter Rising, was great but after about an hour of them playing, the crowd was getting restless. We all came to see Lauryn. They cleared the stage and we waited...and waited, and waited, and waited. People were leaving, booing, chanting Lauryn - Lauryn - Lauryn. It was beyond ridiculous. Finally after two hours of sitting and waiting, this is what showed up

What the Hell? My kids were like "Mom, who is that?" I was speechless to say the least. She looked like a homeless Ronald McDonald starring in Tim Robbins, The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was just stunned. My son was saying, "she on that powder man", and I could not justifiably argue his allegations. It was insane. She fell down on stage at one point, and continued singing from the floor. She did manage to recover, blaming the fall on the very high (5 inch) heels she was wearing. Ok, I could give her that, but her sound was raspy and crackling, very staccato. She played a lot of music that was completely unfamiliar to the crowd, who did not know how to react. She then began barking at her band to "give 'em something they can recognize." Yes, please!

Later in the show, she very coherently shared with us her woes with the industry trying to sculpt and mold her art into a product which is not reflective of her, and her rebellion to that process. Now, I don't want to see anyone oppressed but damn, I didn't spend $300 to see this ghetto hot mess.

I told my children and my friend that Lauryn needed our prayers, and proceeded to pray for her on the spot. It seemed the only Christian thing I could do. I was sorely disappointed with her performance and appearance, and will not spend two cents to see her again. I should have done my homework because there is a ton of information out there attesting to her having a reputation for showing up in this fashion. My bad! I will however keep her in prayer, and just keep listening to my Miseducation of Lauryn Hill CD, and reminiscing over better days.

22 Months Sisterlocked - Girl, where have u been?

2007-10-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I tried to hold out until my two year lockversary, but my absence had some folks thinking I had fallen off the face of the earth, so I figured now that I have some down time, it would be a good time to post.

It's a long story...

Back in May when I realized that the real estate market was going totally crazy and a sista has two daughters, both in their last year of college, (translation: bills, bills, bills), I applied for a JOB. Yikes! Having been self employed for several years now, that was a trip. I was really just testing the waters but as it turned out, I interviewed, and was offered a position that I could not refuse, and the company, despite the fact that they needed someone ASAP, was willing to wait two months for me. Great!

Well in June, three weeks before I was to start my new position, I was leaving for Las Vegas to attend a family reunion. The airport shuttle was minutes away from my door. As I was walking down the stairs with my "overweight" suitcase, I took a step and dislocated my knee, tearing my ACL. The pain was excruciating. I let go of the suitcase and immediately sat down on the stairs. Just in that moment, the doorbell rang. It was the shuttle, there to take my son and I to the airport. I had to make a quick decision. Do I cancel this vacation and go to the emergency room? Or, do I man up and keep it moving. I decided that if I could stand and hop, I would go, and so I did. I had to be escorted through the airports in a wheelchair, and I flew from Sacramento to Las Vegas hobbling all the way. I arrived in Vegas, and hobbled to the rental car terminal, drove to my condo and looked up the nearest pharmacy store I could find. I went to the CVS and purchased a knee brace, stopped by my aunts hotel to pick up some Vicodin, and was cool for the time being. I was only there from Thursday to Sunday, and once I got home, I saw my doctor on Monday.

I was diagnosed with a torn ACL which was going to require surgery. Wondering how my job was going to take the news, I hobbled in to my new position on July 2nd and assured them that they had not gotten a two for one. Now, mind you, I'm the only black, hell, the only minority in the office. I might meet their EEO requirement, but they could not double count me for ADA credit. I told them what happened and that I would be needing surgery in the weeks to come. They did not so much as bat an eye. I worked from 7/2 until 9/20, and had my surgery on 9/21/07, job still in tact. Is God good or is God Great?

So here I sit, re-learining how to walk, going to physical therapy, and having my son and my husband wait on me pretty much hand and foot. Just waiting until I can go back to work.

By the way, I work for a very upscale, conservative, high end life insurance company, and never have my locks been an issue. Now I will admit that I did wear them curled to my two interviews, and it was curled when I started the job. I would say about two weeks after I started and my curls started to fall, I went freestyle. I was swimming quite a bit and it did not make much sense to have to wash and roll it every couple of days. No problem!

North Coast Sisterlocks Gathering #2

2007-04-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

Mad props to GiGirl, who once again took the lead in organizing our second North Coast Sisterlock's Gathering. We met at Sofrito's PuertoRican Restaurant in Oakland - which was a last minute plan B, as our originally scheduled gathering place did not open as planned, and could not accommodate us. It was all good though, Sofrito, while definitely in the cut, proved to have delicious food, and one of the very handsome owners, Ali, himself attended to, and served us.

It was wonderful to see most of the ladies who attended our first gathering there, and some new faces as well. My dear friend Eileen although not yet Sisterlocked, came through sporting her braids. I'm working on her, and have enlisted the help of my Sisterlocked community to help her work through her OPH issues. She actually has a beautiful shoulder length head of natural hair which would look amazing in SL's, but those of us who've been where she is, can attest to the fact that it's not easy making the decision, and even harder seeing it through. Going from a glamour weave to plucked chicken baby locks, can be heavy duty on the self esteem.

Overall, we had a good time. My consultant came out, which was a first, and two of her other clients were there as well, as well as their sister, who is also locked but has a different consultant. My consultant has the most beautiful locks - she is featured in this year's Sisterlock Calendar for this month (April). Two of the ladies had a mini reunion as they went to college together and had not seen each other in years, but were brought together for this event through Sisterlocks.

What an awesome group of ladies! I can't wait until the next event.

Bible Drill

2007-03-14T08:26:00.001-07:00

I can remember back in the day when church was a weekend long event. Saturday we had Usher Board meeting, choir rehearsal, BTU (Baptist Training Union), which included the infamous Bible Drill. Sunday we had Sunday School, Morning Worship Service, we had lunch in in the Church Dining Hall and went back for Afternoon Service or Pastors Anniversary, or some other acknowledgement service. We went home for dinner and came back for the Evening Service.

At 7 and 8 years old this was not exactly our idea of weekend fun. My cousin and I would always try to sneak off to the corner store to buy candy and would inevitably get busted. Our aunt would catch us on our way back in, and re-introduce us to the "switch".

By the grace of God, all of that church training, bible drills and such stuck. A friend sent me this on line Bible Drill, and I was amazed at how many times I answered 10 of 10 or 8 of 10 questions correctly. Each time you answer 10 questions, it will give you your score, and the opportunity to answer 10 more questions. It's pretty cool, check it out! Just click on the Bible Drill heading above, and let the games begin.

I'm It, I've Been Tagged!

2007-03-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

So, Linda http://lovinitnappy.blogspot.com/ tagged me like a month ago (bless her heart), and well, here I am, better late than never. This is not easy, I had to dig a little cause I like to keep it real. Here I go...Five things that make me who I am:

1. I love, love, love the Lord, my Father, my Savior, Jesus Christ. I thank him for his mercy, his goodness, and his saving grace. You don't have to believe me when I say that I was wreckless and wretched from my teens to my early thirties (God knows). Through all of my trials and tribulations, he never left me nor forsake me, and because of that, today, deliverance is mine. Thank you Jesus! (I'm also a Christmas baby 12/25/67).

2. I am the only child of Precious and Myrna Allums, and am consequently spoiled, but not rotten.

3. I am married (5.5 years), to my soul mate (second marriages for both of us). Between us we have 7 children; 2 mine, 4 his, 1 adopted. Only one lives at home, my 16 year old son, who I home school. My husband is Mexican (born in Mexico) but I did not find that out until 2-3 months into dating him when I overheard him speaking Spanish on the phone). It didn't matter to me though as I believe there is only one race - human, but different cultures within the race. His brother used to be married to my cousin on my father's side who I had never met until after I married my husband. All three of them work for the same employer - but in different departments.

4. I am a loving and nurturing person who loves animals second to people. We currently have 2 dogs (a Toy Poodle and a Pitt Bull mix), and a Kentucky Mountian Horse. The pets I have had in the past: Birds (Conyer, Parakeets); Rabbit, Guinea Pigs, Cats, Tropical Fish, Turtle, 2 quarter horses.

5. I love to travel, and am trying to see the all of the places I want to go which are farthest, while I'm young and have stamina and endurance, and save the United States for the RV when we retire. So far, I've been to: Egypt, Australia, Thailand, St. Lucia, Mexico, Canada, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, New York, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Nevada, Oregon, Florida, and Georgia. Where I want to go: Africa, (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa), Vietnam, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Jerusalem, Mecca, Jamaica, Martinique, The Maldives, Micronesia. Too many places to name!
***
Ok, that's a little bit about me. I'm tagging Sony, Ree-C, and Leighann

Sisterlocks on the Red Carpet - Styling or Freestyling?

2007-02-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

Ok so the Red Carpet thing is only in my mind! See that's the coolest thing about the Internet, you can live out your wildest dreams, travel the world, all while sitting in your living room, wearing pajamas, using a laptop computer. But I digress...

This post is about Styling or Freestyling locs. In the past 14 months that I have had my Sisterlocks, I have never, until now freestyled. I was persuaded to try it by my loctician who duly noted that every time I go for a re-tightening, my hair is freshly washed, and always curled. She was like, "don't you ever freestyle?" Um, how bout no! I have still not gotten used to having short hair, or the perception of having short hair (see the last photo in the slide). I started wearing makeup (much to my husband's dismay and disapproval), big earrings, and felt compelled to at least coif the little wild locs sticking out of my head in order to preserve my femininity.

This all stems from a childhood trauma. When I was about 3 or 4, my mother cut her hair into a short afro. Being my mother's daughter, I asked if I too could have my hair cut into an afro, and she said "yes", though having no intention of cutting my hair. I would ask weekly when I would get my afro, and she would appease me by saying "we'll get it done soon." Well, soon was not soon enough for me, and one afternoon while quietly watching Sesame Street, I took a pair of scissors from the drawer, and proceeded to cut my ponytails at the rubber bands, and fashioned my version of an afro. My mother came home and was horrified! She blessed out my aunts and uncle who were supposed to be watching me, and marched me down to the barber shop; No, not the beauty shop, I said the barber shop, to clean up my fade.

Between my mother's horror at my appearance, and being constantly referred to as "what a cute little boy", I had/have some issues! I had to constantly reply "I'm a girl, don't you see my earrings?" That worked pretty good until we were in the grocery store one day and I spotted a man wearing an earring. I don't remember this part but according to my mother, I gasped, and flung myself into her legs crying and screaming "look mommy, that man has earrings, he can't wear earrings." And so the saga started.

My friend who is a Sisterlock Trainee sells loc jewelry, so I bought an Adinkra charm for my locs, to dress them up a bit. Low and behold, though very lightweight, it stretched my loc out to it's true length which you can see in the back view on the last photo in the slide show where I have on a black shirt. Now that was encouraging!

I am still tempted daily to break out my Soft Spike curlers and hook it up, but I kind of like spritzing, shaking my locs and being on my way. This is just another stop on my journey, and although I am not 100% comfortable with how my hair looks freestyled, I defy mainstream America's standard of beauty, and dare them to tell me there is anything wrong with it! I will love, honor, and cherish my locs!(shoot, they cost me $525 to install plus maintenance, thought I wasn't?). :o)

I've gotten mixed responses from family and friends, I'd love to hear what my natural hair family has to say... (place cursor over photos to read captions)

How Can A Woman Not Love The Lord?

2007-02-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

If you are dating, this is the best check list that I have ever seen. And believe me, I have seen plenty. Please share this with someone you know who may still need a check list.

How can a woman not love the Lord?
He is a gentleman,
He is confident
He is a provider and protector
He is rich and powerful
He owns everything, there is nothing He wouldn't do for me
He perfects all things concerning me
He anticipates my wants and needs
Every day He tells me and shows me how much He loves me
I don't have to perform in order to earn His love
He keeps all of his promises
No one can influence His opinion of me
He is the ultimate intimate partner
He can't "disown" me because I am a part of Him
He prepares a table before ME (Selah)
He covers me and doesn't expose me
He wrote his loving words down so that I'll never forget how He feels about me!
NOW THAT'S LOVE!!!

Any man, who wants pointers on how to love a woman, should study GOD!
Wake up every day and thank God for being the best "man" in your life!
TO ALL THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL WOMEN I KNOW!!! BE BLESSED!!!

- Author Unknown

My New Life Plan

2007-02-07T20:41:00.000-08:00

I want to live my next life backwards:

You start out dead and get that out of the way.

Then you wake up in an old age home feeling better every day.

Then you get kicked out for being too healthy.

Enjoy your retirement and collect your pension.

Then when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.

You work 40 years until you're too young to work.

You get ready for High School: drink alcohol, party, and you'regenerally promiscuous.

Then you go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, and you have no responsibilities.

Then you become a baby, and then...You spend your last 9 months floating peacefully in luxury, in spa-like conditions - central heating, room service on tap, and then...

You finish off as an orgasm.

I rest my case.

- Author Unknown

LOCK IT UP - WEST COAST

2006-12-29T20:30:00.000-08:00

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On December 16, 2006, seven of the West Coast Lock it Up ladies met for lunch at the Plantation Restaurant in Sacramento, CA. GiGirl put this together and did a fantastic job. She has more photos on her blog - I forgot to charge my battery so my camera was acting up :0(

Sisterlocks - A Year in the Life

2006-12-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of my Sisterlocks. I remember the day they were installed like it was yesterday. Desperate to have my Sisterlocks installed, and to be liberated from OPH and chemicals, I contacted my consultant Wendy Irvin on December 26th (the day after my 38th birthday). We scheduled a consultation on 12/27, me wearing tree braids and all. I stayed up all that night after the consultation taking down my tree braids, washing my hair. Wendy started my installation bright and early the next morning on the 28th and finished on the 29th.

What had I done? With more permed hair than anything, I was a little apprehensive about the shortness of my hair and the lack of fullness I was used to in wearing microbraid extensions and tree braids, but I held it down like a souljah. There was a new person staring back at me in the mirror, and I was anxious to get to know her. My brown hair which had been permed since I was 10 years old, I learned was not brown at all. It was "permed brown" from the chemicals. Wow what a revelation! What I had always referred to as my nappy go back to Africa hair was actually soft, spongy, had body, and was more than willling to lock.

I turned to my sisters in the lock it up group for support and inspiration, and did they ever deliver. A group of women so open, so giving, and so real could only exist in cyberspace (or could they?). I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading blog entries and looking at pictures, all the while gaining the strength and confidence to go on. I could see through their examples, that I would grow into my God given beauty. I tried to chronicle and share my journey even when I did not feel that my pictures represented me at my best. I was determined to keep it real for myself, and anyone else who might be interested.

So here it is a year later. I celebrated my 39th birthday on Christmas. My hair is mostly all locked now - I have a few shorties around my hair line which are still soft and spongy but not locked yet. I have cut off all of my perm, and amazingly my hair has grown back to the pre-cut length. I wonder how long it will take to have hair down to there. Looking forward to 40, all I can do now is sit back and watch it grow.

No More Lye! The after photos

2006-10-29T22:36:00.000-08:00

Well, there is no question now - I'm Locked! I can wash and go - now that's what I'm talking about. 10 months strong!

Transition Accomplished!

2006-10-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

these are my BEFORE photos

Today is my 10 month loc'versary. I had my re-tightening with my regular loctician, 6 days ago, and was given the OK to free myself from my troublesome permed ends. I had my good friend, Lana Smith, also, a certified loctician, cut off my permed last night. FREE AT LAST!

In retrospect, I would not have been able to initially deal with the shorter hair, and I started with permed ends for that reason. What I found though, is that I had to constantly curl and style my hair, which meant that washing it was an all day affair. After washing, air drying, braiding and or setting it on curlers would take up the better part of a day for me - not the convenience I was seeking in locs at all! Between the bunching at the point where the two textures meet, I was not enjoying my locs to the maxx. Having had to curl it so tight, it looked short anyway, and I learned to adapt to the look.

I ran into a girlfriend on Tuesday, who I had not seen since before I had the locs installed. She was surprised to see me, but stopped and stared, when I looked at her inquisitively, she said "your hair!" This was not the first time I have had that happen. To look at my hair with the permed ends, you could never be quite sure what it was I was trying to accomplish.

Comedy!

2006-10-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

Comedian Ralphie May was in Fairfield, CA, last weekend at Pepperbelly's. My Sister-in-Law and I were looking for something to get into and ended up at his show. The man is hillarious - we laughed til we cried. We had front row seats and of being 2 of the 4 African Americans in the crowd, he integrated us into the show - it was all good though. Ralphie is off the hook! I had previously seen him on the Last Comic Standing and enjoyed him thoroughly, but in person was even better.

I love comedy! Hopefully Leighann will make it out to the West Coast one of these days. The sista's here will definitely show up.

Natural hairstyles vs chemical relaxers

2006-10-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

I do realize that since I made the decision to embrace my natural hair, and have opted for Sisterlocks as my styling preference, I have become somewhat of a natural hair advocate. I am guilty of trying to convert more than a few of my chemically dependent sista's, and a few of my weave wearin sistas to also embrace what God gave them, because we all know God does not make mistakes.

I would never ask anyone to make a life changing decision based solely on my humble opinion however, maybe what these sista's from the UK have to say might fall on more receptive ears...

ONCE A SLAVE

2006-10-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not too big on Hip Hop music basically because a lot of the messages offer very little in terms value or the promotion of progress however, someone shared this Hip Hop video from Ghana with me and I opted to share it with you. To hear our brothers from the Motherland expressing themselves on slavery and opression somehow gave me a perspective I've never before considered. We are very familiar with the impact on us as African Americans but what about the impact to those who the slave ships left behind and the generations that would come after them...

Check it out and share your thoughts.

My locs are 9 months old 9/29/06

2006-09-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

I was feeling really good about my hair today when it dawned on me that 9/29/06 marked my 9th month with my Sisterlocks. I decided to memorialize the occasion and had my son take a few pictures. Can you tell I'm happy with my hair? I've been setting it with Crinkles and Curls, and rolling it on orange perm rods which I guess are about medium sized. They're bigger than my small Soft Spike curlers but not as big as my large Soft Spikes. My curls last about a week, falling gradually. This was taken about 5 days after my wash and set.

The Roots by JustRemy7 Photography.

2006-09-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

While the rest of our family was camping last weekend, Remy, our resident photographer, was at the Roots and Tribe Called Quest concert working as usual. You go girl!

Big Hair Days

2006-09-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

These are some photos of my tree braids in Mexico - about 10 days before I returned home and had my Sisterlocks started. Two of the pictures are of my husband and I and the third is my brother-in-law.

I don't know if you can see it or not but the hair that is resting on my shoulders is balled and matted - it was a hot mess. I was frustrated and disgusted and it was there I decided to move forward in getting my Sisterlocks. I literally called the consultant the day after Christmas, had my consultation on the 27th, took out the tree braids on the 27th, started my locks on the
28th and finished on the 29th. No more lies, no
more lyes!

36 Weeks and Counting!

2006-09-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

I saw my consultant Wendy on Monday 9/11/06, for a retightening, and thought I would take the opportunity to update my blog. I am 36 weeks into my lock journey and loving it. I finally have more locked hair than permed ends, hooray! The perm is actually just coming off on it's own. I will admit to having a few episodes of loc envy, where I took a pair of scissors to a few of my locs to rid them of the permed ends. I just wanted the little curly q natural ends... I managed to regain my composure without doing too much damage.

I must give a shout out to Maryee, for helping me figure out how to create a photo collage as I had been admiring the ones on her blog but for the life of me could not figure out how to create one of my own. Thank you!

18 Weeks - CAN YOU SAY BRAID AND BAND?

2006-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Now mind you I have only been locked since December 29, 2005. I was feeling a little confident on Sunday, and pressed for time, so I decided to wash my hair without braiding and banding. My lock pattern is holding but my hair is not yet locked. Having been a long time microbraid wearer, I have a mesh hair net specefically designed for washing your hair. I put the net on, jumped in the shower and proceeded to wash my hair. I got out, dried off, got dressed for bed and took the net off to my HORROR.

I literally wanted to cry - all six weeks of my new growth had come together as one. I literally had to separate each and every single lock from several surrounding locks. I also have permed ends which had become drawn up into the tightly coiled natural hair at the point where they meet, so I had to pull each and every one of them down and try to smooth them out as best I could. Now mind you I came up with this bright idea because I was pressed for time. I had to sit under the dryer for about 15-20 minutes to dry my hair out a bit and then go back and carefully pull down 7-10 locks at a time and braid them so I could go to bed. I sleep with the Lucy Cap.

Thank God I was seeing my consultant on Monday (yesterday) for a retightening. It took her an extra hour to do my hair because she had to repair some of the locks in the back that I could not see or access very well in my effort to do damage control. Bless her heart, she did an awesome job and I'm back on the block but that was scary! Needless to say, I won't be doing that again anytime soon if ever.

On a positive note, my hair has grown. My consultant was noting that I actually have more locked hair now than I do permed ends which made me very happy.

2006-03-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

To the credit of Sisterlocks, my "Welcome Kit" arrived today - just one day after I received my "Sisterlocks Birthday Certificate" - A tote bag, lapel pin, ceramic mug and a souvenier ink pen (not pictured)

2006-03-21T07:31:00.000-08:00

My Sisterlocks Birthday Certificate

2006-03-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

12 weeks and counting

2006-03-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

12 week retightening

2006-03-21T07:27:00.001-08:00

12 weeks loc'd

2006-03-21T07:27:00.000-08:00

12 week retightening

The Last Straw!

2006-03-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

This is my husband and I, in Mexico on the island of Janitzio, this past December. I was wearing tree braids with some very expensive human hair. The weather in Mexico was in the mid to high 70's by day and in the high to mid 60's by night. This hair went completely crazy on my head during this trip. It must have been cut from the head of a mad woman. Now mind you I specifically got my hair done to go on this trip. It was here in Mexico fighting with the big hair mess on top of my head where I realized that the people there could have cared less about my hair, my skin color, what kind of designer purse I carried, or how many pairs of shoes I had or whatever. They were simple folks, hardworking, gracious and kind. Not at all superficial. I actually begin to feel self conscious about the tree braids which by the time I left Mexico closely resembled Chaka Khan circa 1977. I refused to be photographed by that point.

This is an amazing sunset near El Camiche, in Yurecuaro. It was here walking the trails and communing with God that I decided accept and embrace everything God has given me, including my beautiful kinky hair. Who was I to keep frying my hair, burning my scalp, trying to beat my hair into submission to fit someone elses standard of beauty and managability? I had spent thousands of dollars over the years on weaves (sewn in, glued in), micro braids, dookey braids, corn rows, inter locks, you name it, I've had it, and had never been happy with the fakeness of it all, yet still I tried to convert my hair away from what God has given me. I really felt the need to ask for His forgiveness. I made my decision right then and there that the fake hair was coming out as soon as I got home and I was going natural. Hence, I returned home on December 19th, my Sisterlocks were born on December 29, 2005.

2006-02-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

8 Weeks into my journey. I'm learning to love my locks. This is a braid out with bumped ends (large size soft spikes). I haven't gotten used to the length yet but It's growin so I'm encouraged.

Human hair extended corn rows. Who's hair was that?

2006-01-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

Corn Rows in December 2004

My 5 day old newborn locs

2006-01-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

And then there were Sisterlocks TM