Nappy By Nature

Highlights of 2011

2011-10-09T16:37:00.000-07:00

During this year of celebrating 3 years of being locked, I also got married on Valentines Day in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica and I have a third grand child my beautiful grand daughter Daisha Anaya who is now 8 months...yes my oldest daughter has been BUSY..

Our wedding day & Daisha

Time Fly's 3yrs 2 days still loving my locs everyday

2011-10-09T16:23:00.001-07:00

So its been a year since blogging, I think I am coming back Facebook is becoming boring and not very informative majorityof the time. Here I am at 3yrs and 2 days.

Two Years Two Months Two In Love

2010-12-07T18:33:00.001-08:00

As usual I have been MIA.. busy being a grand-mother twice and another on the way, going to school and being a mother to a teen aged daughter.. planning a wedding, and of course work, work, work...LOL I need help from my SL sista's I need hair style ideas for my wedding which is in 67 days and suggestions for a good moisturizer, shampoo and conditioner other then SL brands.. So now for the pics..here I am positng my initial installation in 2008 and my growth during the past two years of my journey...

Start of my journey 2008

Continuing my journey 2010

Remember my first grand-daughter "Tinkerbell"...soon to be 2yrs old

My handsome grand-son whom I call "Cookie"..just turned a year old

Wow Lost Count on Re-tigthenings

2010-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

I was retigthened yesterday, my original consultant move from Arizona to North Carolina she referred her clients to Naimah who is originally from Washington now in Phoenix. I use Naimah for styling,products and as my back up consultant and Niki of Phoenix as my main consultant they are both great. Niki usually takes 2 hrs to re-tighten, she is so quick. This re-tightening was completed by Naimah it took about 4 hrs we have such great conversation it seemed like it was 2 hrs. I had noticed my locs were looking a little dry and of course Naimah picked up on it right away, she questioned if I had been using permanent hair color and my answer was "yes" she recommended I go back to semi-perm which is a suggestion well taken. Naimah carries the Sister Locks products and kindly gave me a bottle weight of the SisterLocs moisturize free of charger along with other conditioning and moisturizing tips.. I so love my consultants...I am not one for experimenting with products and I really appreciate the knowledge of my consultants.

Naimah, braided the front of my locks, I wanted the back braiding up into a pony tail but time was cutting short on us as we both had other engagements. Therefore, Naimah just pinned up the back. As you can see I need some color, those little grays are sprouting which makes my scalp look like I have bald spots(trust me I do not). I am still loving my lock and happy that I can finally style them, I started 20 months ago with locs that were about an inch long. Enjoy ....

Cute up braided locs

Profile of locs up braided

Top view of locks braided to the crown

Another view

A different angle

Loc Water Fall (top back view)

Totally from the back view

Thought I would drop a line 20 months and growing

2010-07-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, I just happen to be showing my co-worker where my Sisterlock journey began and came to grips I miss my Sisterloc/Brotherloc blog family. Like many others I have been sucked into Facebook, however I am not a regular there either. Been busy with life like most of us, Gee so much has happen since the last time I blogged. I have a new grandson my daughter didn't waist anytime and I just found out she is pregnant again talk about wanting to choke your child...LOL Well she is married, speak of marriage I am getting married myself and planning a destination wedding in the beautiful Caribbean Island of Montego Bay, Jamaica on Valentine's Day 2011.

Ok I have not blogged in awhile, so I may have gotten a little rusty with posting etc. The pics I am posting today are from my blackberry curve only 3megs (and its been dropped a few times)so forgive me if the pics are a bit fussy. I probably will not post again until my 2 year anniversary or I get a better camera device.

I am due for a re-tightening this week in, its been about 8 weeks between re-tightenings this time around.

Boy has my hair grown

Ahhh, so full of life

Let it Flow

My beautiful grandchildren they are ten months apart
Chavea who I call Tinkerbell and Aundre who I call CookieMonster

My little Man*** CookieMonster aka Aundre

One Year SisterLoc Anniversary

2009-10-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hello all of my SL Sister's, I have been away for sometime now. My job requires me to type most of the time on the computer and I have started my Master's online, so go figure I haven't been browser the web much for anything other then homework.

Enough of that, Yes it has been one year since getting my lovely SL's there have been times when I wished I could get other styles you know during that in between stage. Consider I started my SL's with just a 1 to 1 1/2 inches of natural hair my in between stage probably lasted longer the others.

Needless, to say I am still in love my SL's. The growth is phenominal, I just started wet setting this past weekend and have gotten so many compliments from family and co-workers as well as strangers and ladies at church.

Have been a little upset this past month,my original SL Consultant has decided to move back to North Carolina. North Carolina SL sister's your about to receive an excellent and informant consultant Mrs. Laura Cummings is coming to you. I am fortunate enough that she made sure to find a very suitable replacement Ms. Nyema who just moved to Arizona from Washington State. I am happy to have Nyema as my new SL consultant.

Ok Ladies, I tried to upload more pictures of my Year Old Babies but blogger and my computer are not communicating very well. I could only upload one picture that was taken with my blackberry. Hopefully I will add better pics soon.

So here's a flashback installation 10/6/08

My SL's one year later 10/06/09 Top view

10 month photo's

2009-08-09T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ok I couldn't resist it, I got the bug again. I just had to show off my SL's at 10 months. These pic are the best I can do for now they were taken with my daughters cell phone.

Hello My Sister Loc Sistahs 10 months in Still "In Love"

2009-08-09T08:10:00.001-07:00

Sorry I have been MIA...I am back in school working on my Masters, I gave my oldest daughter my digital camera therefore I haven't been able to submit pics but they are coming soon. Equally I have been so busy loving on my grand-daughter that I just haven't had time to blog. By the way I am expecting a grand son, yes my Tinkerbell is 6 months and her mom is 5 months pregnant. Considering all the invites to facebook,tag,twitter etc. just haven't had the time.

Ok,so I am 10 months into my Sister Loc's and still loving them, for a minute I was getting frustrated I went about two months without retigthening (finances)boy was I not digging my hair with all the new growth and grey showing. I just got retightened last weekend so much growth has occurred, I also colored a natural black but with the red tone in my hair it turned out to be dark brown. My consultant finally gave me the ok to use permanent color WHOOOOWHOOO!!! and no more banding to shampooo YIPPPPEEEE ( I so hated banding)She also gave me the ok to start using other products to soften my locs and to daily moisturize.

I am locked down Ladies..... Here a picture three months ago (taken with my cell phone) see all the grey highlights LOL...it's grown since this pic will have new pics soon (hopefully) for sure at my 1 yr anniversary.

I'm Still Around

2009-03-20T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody,

It's been a few weeks since my last post, I have been busy being a grandmother. Now that my oldest daughter is back home with my grand daughter she hoggs my lap top, which of course I don't mind because I hugging and loving the grand baby. According to her mother I am spoiling her...Doesn't she know that's my job..LOL

I am still enjoying my locks however I am at the in between stage where its growing yes but I can't do much with it, not long enough to use any of the jewelry so many of you have posted on your blogs. I am a little frustrated with that, and the fact that I want color and can't get it rite now.

I would say those are some of the draw backs for me, not being able to color my hair and banding. I use dry shampoo with a non shedding round cotton pad I haven't actually shampooed in awhile, I have conditioned as my consultant gave me the ok to do that. I am also frustrated with using temporary hair color that's gone in two weeks so I have just said forget the temporary color. Which annoys me to know end I do not like my grey hair at all.

I just texted my consultant today to ask if I can get permanent color when I come in for my fourth retightening session it will be six months. I should have had a retightening this weekend I was actually schedule but had to push it back two weeks due to funds...

Well stay strong sista's...pics coming soon hopefully with new color.

4 Months, 3rd Retightening

2009-02-14T17:41:00.000-08:00

As you all can guess I have been busy enjoying my grand daughter whom I call Tinkerbell however her name is Chavea.

Well as I embark on 4 months of this wonderful journey, I have not many disappointments this has been a great journey for me. I think it is because of several reasons but I have to give props to my consultant for having faith that I would take great care of such short locs when they were first installed. The normal length for installation being 3 inches where I only had 2 inches with 1 1/2 in some areas.

Sometimes I wish my locs were longer so that I can style them like I have seen so many of my SL sisters do, I am patient as I know in time I will be twisting, roller setting and most of all using permanent color soon enough.

I have notice a great deal of growth in the past 4 months, more growth then I thought I would experience. My Honey,Daughters and Co-workers are always commenting on how much my hair has grown in these four months. Its amazing how much others are watching my hair, my co-workers even notice when I get my hair re-tightened both sisters of color and Caucasian co-workers alike take notice of my locs its growth and when I color...(how could they not notice when I color being over 50% grey)...LOL gotta love those greys one good thing about the grey I definitely know how much my hair has grown.

If you notice below I posted prepping for semi-coloring dated 12/27/08 however I actually colored the morning I was retightened, which made it a little difficult for Ms. Agape Locks to see the parts as she was retighting my locs...Sorry Agage Locks much love.

It took us about 5 hours to retighten as some of my locs in the rear love to hug each other, but not as bad as with my 2nd retightening. Guess that means I getting better at separating after shampooing, actually I think it's because I shampooed during waking hours as opposed to just before retiring for the night.

I have not had to much slipping thank God as I have read so many blogs about the slippage. I am progressing well on my journey, I can even condition now to get a softer look which I am so happy about because my locs are a little stiff, soft but not as relaxed as I would like (probably mostly due to the grey, as my consultant keeps kindly telling me grey hair does what it wants to do when you want it to lay down it wants to stand up).

If you notice on my pics there is a section in the back that just will not come together always leaving a bit of a gap between the locs making it look like I have a bald section back there and I don't....so I am hoping that conditioning will help those locs lay better. Here are the pics of my 4th month with SL....and Yes I am still in love with my Lovely SL's..

My First Grand Daughter Makes a Unexpected Entrance

2009-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

We were expecting our little bundle of joy the week of Feb 10-14th 2009. Unfortunately my dear baby (Brittany) had to be induced due to our little bundle of love not receiving enough nutrients via the placenta. Our little girl was only weighing 4#'s at 37 weeks gestation showing that my daughter should be due around March 10th. My Brittany confirmed her dates where correct and the Ultrasounds were compared hence the need to be induced as Mommie knew best...

We headed off to the hospital both of my daughters (mommie to be and my youngest), we were admitted on 1/20 at 1pm... We were hoping to have a Inaugration Day Baby...

Brittany handled her labor well with I has her coach (as I am a trained labor/delivery doula) she did absolutely wonderful No SCREAMING or acting out. At 3:19pm 1/21/09 she delivered Chavea Entenye Coyle-Hodges a beautiful little might I add tiny little girl whom I call my Tinker Bell...as for me I am now SweetieGrams...not ready to be called Grandmom just yet though I am sure I will admire this term of endearment later. LOL

Tinker Bell (Chavea) came in weighing 4#'s 1oz. 18 inches... she now weighs 3#'s 13oz she has spent her first 48 hours in intensive care, she is now in continued care as she is a little jaundice hopefully she will be able to come home by weeks end. She is doing well, eating and pooping she's a strong little girl..Thanks God there are no major worries....Send Prayers for our Baby Girl... Thanks

Truly Three Months 2nd Re-Tightening

2009-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, All....I spent the New Year alone Mediating and Praying by choice, I needed some reflection time and what better time is there to reflect then ending one year and beginning another by the Grace of The Holy Spirit.

My three month anniversary is actually Jan 6th & 7th, just a few days away. This is my second re-tightening you know the 1st one thats not included in the SisterLock package.. hahaha. Fortunately I have a very gracious SL Consultant God Blessed me with Ms. Laura of Agapelocs blogspot. It took 6 hrs, I had quite a bit of fused locks in the back that Ms. Laura had to seperate...Guess I didn't do such a good job seperating after coloring...Thanks again to you Ms. Laura for not draining a Sista's pocket and taking your time to make my babies look Good!!!1

It's amazing how many people stop to take a look, when I am in Ms. Laura's chair in the Salon where she currently works. There was a lady there on this day who kind of just watched from behind, slowly she began to ask questions and another Sista walked by realizing Ms. Laura was doing SL's...this young lady was familiar with SL's as she had worn traditional locks in the past. Back to the previous Lady, she seemed very interested so Ms. Laura and I began to tell her about my journey starting with 2 inches of hair how much my hair has grown in less then 3 months.

Ms. Lady seems like she will be taking a journey to SL's website and viewing the many Bloggers journeys with SL's. She was the first person who actually asked to feel my hair while getting it done in the salon, which I did not mind one bit. If it means helping a Sista stop the LYE (Perming)I am there to assist.

Now onto my older sister who wants locks badly, of course money is the issue with SL's. My sister is a self taught braider who micro braids her own hair. I suggested to her why not start braidlocks/micro braidlocks.....Again bless her heart she asked me "what did your SL consultant put on your hair to lock it" Again I told her "Nothing" "Notta" mind you my Sis has asked me this every month since I got SL's locks....Her computer is down...I can't wait til she gets it running or another one so she can research all the sites I have given her....I swear if she ask me again what was put on my hair (chemical) one more time I told her I am taking the next plane smoking to Florida,and strangle her...LMAO

One more amazing thing, I guess my man has been paying more attention to my journey then I realized. I noticed New Years Eve he kept running his fingers through my locks, I just let the man play to his hearts content.... (I know TMI)As I was putting on my lip gloss (you know it was popping) ok back to adult life...LOL I walked pass my Sweetie and for the first time since getting my SL's he said..."Your hair looks good Baby"....I was like OMG...shocked.

Here's Angel Locs Truly Three Months, they are getting some length I think I need to start training them...any suggestions?

2nd time coloring on my own using semi-permanent color

2008-12-27T12:37:00.000-08:00

The 1st time I colored, I did not post any prepping information for those who have not reached six months and are not yet ready to use permanent color and who are afraid they will mess up their locks. I here what I did to prep, with the help of my 14 y.o. daughter who got my scalp, neck,ears etc. Bless her Sweet little heart, she was helping her Mom.(this coloring was actually done 2/7/09)

Regarding hair coloring, my SL consultant is also a licensed cosmetologist for many years therefore, I trust what she tells me...to prep for my color since my hair is shorter I use baby hair clips to band my hair however I did use the rubber bands on the longer sections.

My consultant adviced me to use Kiss as it has no ammonia, no peroxide or ingredients that will cause your locks to swell and slip. This product is recommended for Natural Hair,Gray Coverage and Chemically Treated Hair(but we are not concerned with that)...LOL

Supplies: rubber bands to band your hair as you would in prepping to shampoo. And baby hair clip for shorter/delicate lock.

Perm/Color brush
Bowl
Gloves
Kiss semi-permanent color

To begin I clipped the shorter locks and banded the longer locks (with the help of my daughter, Wyvolen)

After sectioning and banding, I put a(small amount) of the Kiss Color into the bowl.

Using the brush I applied color only to the roots of my hair. (make sure you use gloves as the color will definately stain anything it touches)

After applying the color I left the color in to set for 25 minutes. You can sit under a dryer, which was recommended by Laura my SL consultant, but because I hate sitting under a dryer I just waiting 25 minutes.

After waiting 25 minutes, I rinsed my hair until the water ran clear.

After rinsing, I shampooed my hair with SL's shampoo. Then let my hair air dry.

Remember this is a rinse (semi-permanent color) therefore a little color will wash out with every shampoo. It depends on how often you shampoo how long the color will last. Thus determining how often you will need to re-color,until you can use permanent hair color.

Don't be scurred (LOL), If I can do it and not screw my locks up you can to!

Two Months Three Weeks Twice as Nice being Naturally Me

2008-12-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

This is my Two Month 3 week anniversary and I am still loving my SL's, I think I am more in Love now then I was on my installation day. I am enjoying this process, although at times my SL's want to go into directions of their own. I guess its training time...LOL

I spoke with to my SL trainee last night, after she viewed my blog.
She informed me that she is no longer a trainee, she is officially a Certified Sister Lock Consultant therefore I have to send a shout out to Ms. Laura of
Agape Locs blog. Congratulations Laura, I will stop calling you my SL's trainee you are the Best SL Consultant this side of Arizona. KUDO's to you.

CORRECTION THE PIC'S BELOW ARE MY LOCKS AT TWO MONTHS NOT THREE

Many things to Celebrate..This Christmas

2008-12-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

First and Foremost I would like to say Merry Christmas to all My SL/Trad Lock/BraidLock family I pray that all had a safe Christmas Celebration, equally I pray that all will have a safe and happy 2009...HAPPY NEW YEARS TO YOU ALL!!!!

This Christmas I was given a precious gift, as I have mentioned in older post I am expecting my first GrandChild on Valentines Day (of course we know the baby will come when its good and ready) It's a Girl....

During the course of my daughters pregnancy my daughter decided she wanted to move back to Cleveland, Ohio to have the baby....Can you imagine my devastation (19 year olds, just want to hang them sometimes)...LOL...

Well my baby decided to come back to Arizona to have the baby...The wonderful man in my life knew I did not have the funds to bring her home(back to Arizona)...so he suprised me and purchased her a one way ticket to fly back home (at 32wks of pregnancy)....This was one of my Christmas presents...what a wonderful gift...to be able to have my daughter back here to experience the last phase of her pregnancy and to be with her to go through Labor...(Ladies we all know she was going to need her Mommie) I just started a new job and wasn't sure if I would have been able to get to her in Ohio....Praise God, I will be able to be with her....

Here is my Expectant Daughter on Christmas along with her Sister, and The Expectant Grandmother..

Look at the Belly of Love...She's going to Kill me for Blogging this,maybe not its all over her MySpace...

Am I loving this soon to be Grandma thing or What....LOL (check out those Locks)

Had to Color

2008-12-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Ok Nubian1 and I have been trying to deal with our silver as best as we can. Sorry Nubi I could not take it LOOOOOONGGGEERRRR. After consulting with my SL trainee, following her guidance I decided to color my SL's myself using a semi-permanent color by KISS I used Sienna Brown which actually darken my hair just a tad bit, I look forward to permanent color in three month...Going Red..Stay Tuned...

New Addition To My Household

2008-12-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Meet Kirby...

Kirby is a purebreed toy schnauzer,born Sept 1st 2008. He found his new Mommie on Nov 29th, 2008. These are his marketing photo's, Isn't he the most beautiful puppy you have ever seen. His Breeders knows how to sale a puppy with all her props...

We (my daughter and two of her friends) took a scenic drive from Glendale, Arizona to Camp Verde Arizon a 1hour and 45 minute drive into the mountains reaching altitudes of 4000feet. Below are some pics my daughter took with my cell phone while I was driving on one of the pictures you can see the snow on top of a mountain in the distance.. We have lived here for 4years, this was our first road trip to Northern Arizona where it snows...

We reach our destination I have my new Love!!!!Kirby

Kirby in his new home lodging in his Mommie's bed with his Big Sis.

SPOILED ALREADY!!!!

My First Retightening

2008-11-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I would first like to apologize for not posting and responding as much as I had in the past, at that time I was out of work with a lot more time on my hands. I'm finally back to work after being off for 4 months with limited income and on assistance..But I am back to work Praise God, I am working in the field of my studies as a Mental Illness Case Manager so far I am excited although everyone keeps talking about burnout...My plan is to stay in the Spirit...and help those who need my help.

Ok, back to the topic. My retightening was done on Saturday Nov 22, 2008 at 1pm with Ms. Laura aka blogger name "Agage Locks" we had a full session of laughter, conversating about all of wonderful sisters from our SL blogging community, spirit filled conversation, no napping from me...no breaks from her, Oh yeah and more laughter.

We finished around 7:30 pm approximately 6 1/2hrs a lot better then 17 hrs I am loving this, I think maybe if I stop making her laugh so much we just might get done in 5 hours...

I had a get deal of growth and lots of that DARN GREY stuff, don't get me wrong I am glad that God has a since of humor reminding me of the wisdom that I have gained with age in the greying of my hair,Equally I appreciate the awareness of my hair growning by the showing of grey hair... But I can't stand the grey in my hair at least not right not..just not ready to embrace it...

Ms. Laura and I have discussed semi-permanent color in another week or two, pics of beautiful red locks to come in the near, very near future...Ms. Laura hope your reading this....LOL

Next retightening Dec 27th Yipppeeee !!! before New Years Eve...Can you believe we are heading into another year already...Wow how time flys when you having SL Fun!!!!! ;0)

OMG!!! Ladies I saw a Brotha w/BL's today

2008-11-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

I was in Walmart, this evening. As I was pushing my cart past the cash registers I saw a brotha walking between the cash registers..I looked then looked again saying to myself are those Brother Locks in his head....I rushed over to him asking (as if I didn't know) "What is that in your hair" The Brotha said "They are Brother Locks like Sister Locks" "I said I know I have Sister Locks, your the first guy I have seen with Brother Locks. They Look Good" gave him a pat on the shoulder and continued shopping...Now where is my camera when I need it...I would have taken that Brotha's pic and posted him on my blog...To think I left my cell with the camera in the car....That Brotha's hair was looking Good Ladies...I am going to have to stake out Walmart with my Camera like the Poppa Rotsey (guess that's how it's spelled) LMAO

After 1st ReFreshing Shampoo SL's after 4wks 4days

2008-11-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Ok,Okay I decide to go on and add the pics now....LOL..

My hair has gotten pretty gray, those stubborn grays are changing the pattern of my SL's I had this really curly SL on the side of my head just in front of my ear sitting just below the arm of my glasses when I was first installed...I thought it was sooooo cute...you know that stubborn gray made that one lock stick straight up I was so frustrated with that teeny weeny lock I would just tuck it under the arm of my glasses.

There was very little slippage(and I do mean very little) something my Ms.Laura was concerned about, I kept reassuring her that my hair would not slip and it didn't..when Ms.Laura looked at my hair she said to me..."Ms Angela your locking"..Yippppeee.. I have alot of new growth, I am so excited, Ms. Laura says I can not wait more then one more week for re-tightening...Hair vitamins work ladies....

Well, after shampooing my lovely SL's my hair curled back up soooo cute when I left Ms. Laura's chair Loving my SL's even more...Funny thing my fiance said my SL's remind him of pipe cleaners when you twirl them into ringlets....I thought that was cute...;o)

We will re-tighten my lovely tweeny weeny SL's next Saturday the 15th of November..

Of course I will have pic's stay with me on this wonderful journey as too will walk with you

Love you all....

First SL's Washing

2008-11-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first shampoo, after not washing for 4wks and 4 days. This is such a joyous occasion as I usually shampoo weekly. My appointment with my SL Consultant Laura was scheduled for 7:45am she is such a peach to come out so early for me, guess what I was late shame, shame,shame...we were actually scheduled for re-tightening however I opted for just a wash, as I had been fighting with my blood pressure which was extremely high and did not feel like sitting for a re-tightening.

We started with using baby hair clips for my teeny weeny SL's, aren't they colorful. I thought of this idea when I had my test lock put in, using those rubber bands was not an option for me due to the length of my hair. Those rubber band tangled so badly, I saw these tiny little clips at Walmart and thought this would work much better.

I told Laura about the clips and we agreed that this would probably work best when I was ready for my first shampoo. During the past 4 weeks I purchased an additional 4 packs of these tiny little clips for my first shampoo.

These clips worked perfectly, what Ms Laura does when she shampoos young SL's she takes a squirt water bottle dilutes the SL's shampoos and squirts the shampoo in the parted sections, she then gently massages the shampoo into the scalp let's it sit for about 3-4 minutes then rinses the shampoo'd solution out under a very light water pressure...Clips stayed intact. Yipppeeee!!!!!

Post shampoo pics to follow...check out Laura's blog(http://withlocsoflove@blogspot.com/)or (Ms.Laura's "Locs of Love)she has a very nice question and answer forum.

Still loving my SisterLoc's

My First Month...and Still " N" Love

2008-11-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Well ladies it's been a month, my hair is getting thicker and growing. I will have my first re-tightening next weekend as well as my first wash,I can't wait to get some water on my scalp. I am loving each little tiny curly locks, I can't wait for more growth.

2008-11-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

MyHotComments

I just wanted to post one Big Thank you to everyone who posted a comment of Congrats for receiving my BA in Psychology, it was a long hard road. Working, dealing with everyday obstacles of life and being a Mother. Thanks Again to all of you!!! Most of all I thank God for giving me the strength to keep on Keeping ON!!!

I Made it, So PROUD of Me!!!

2008-10-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

Looking like a deer in headlights, my daughter snapped this pic as we were walking out of the auditorium.

Hello everyone,

After many years of starting school and stopping, I have completed 4 yrs at Argosy University earning a BA of Psychology. I am the first in my family to obtain a BA, it was a thrill watching the upper class earn their MA/Doctorial Degress such a motivator to continue my education. As my daughter watched her mom graduated it was also a motivator for her as well. Yippeee for Me...;0)

My Lovely Daughter

2008-10-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, My youngest got me with this one. Guess I left my computer on and she decided to make a post, she is a jewel and good girl (Pray that she stays that way) at least until she completes college. When I read my suprise post from her my eyes wailed up, her words are so kind and I know at times she wishes she could strangle her Mommie.

Now, I do not have a favorite daughter and she knows that. I am a victim of that horrible treatment and would never do that to my girls, I love them both equally they are both special as they both have their own characteristics this is what sets them apart making them special in their own way. My closeness to my daughters comes from lots of hugs, straight talk, playfulness,raising them in church and prayer. The one who posted is now 14 years old, my oldest is 19 and expecting my first grand child...we know it's a girl...her name will be Chevae (which is my oldest daughters middle name) she is due on Valentines Day but I think she going to be born on my father's birthday Feb. 18th he has since pasted on so this would be a blessing.

Here are photo's of my girls years ago, present and a U/S pic of my grand-daughter.

The sneaky poster is in the middle, doesn't she look sneaky..LOL

Here's my youngest the sneaky poster, dressed for homecoming sept.2008 As you can see she thinks she's the Princess (hence the Tiara)...looking like she just got caught doing something...LOL

My Oldest just before finding out she's pregnant

Chevae's first photo

From Her Daughter

2008-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody in the blog world, I'm "Angel Locs" daughter. Her youngest, and favorite to be exact :) (Just Kidding) Well, I wanted to surprise my mom. She's gone right now, so I decided to make a blog about her.

I'm so happy my mom is my mom, I love her soo much. She's been there for me, and I know she's always going to be there for me. I love spending time with my mommie (yes I still call her mommie) even though she always say I get on her nerves, I know she loves my annoyance. I like making her smile when she's sad, I like cooking for her, and I love making jokes with her.

She's amazing I love her big cheesy smile :) And I think she's beautiful. Long story short, I love my mommie.

Stay Beautiful

xoxo,

Pooner (Nickname) haha :)

Wow My First Week with SL's and Lovin It !!!!! (click on picture to enlarge)

2008-10-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello my SL sistah's, First of all I would like to thank all of you who have made comments and sending Warm Welcomes to SisterLock-Hood...Well it has been 1 week since the installation of my SL and the beginning of this peaceful journey, my hair color looks so much darker..I haven't changed the color it's the lighting.

My family and friends have been pretty receptive to my knew look, My sister was the funniest, though she is familiar with SL's she asked me what did my SL consultant put in my hair to lock it. I guess she was thinking they were similar to starting traditional locks.

Another funny thing...while my SL consultant installed my SL's she would get to certain sections of my hair and would say "This is the Slave Master's hair in this section" I would kindly say " No that's Running Hawk's hair"....Well I logged onto ancestary.com's free 14 day trial and learned that my Great-Grand Mothers race was entered as Mulatto...(white father/black mother)...actually my Great-Great Grand Mother was part Indian..My point...I guess my SL consultant did run across the Slave Master's hair...LOL..

This first week has been a "ITCHY" week, OMG has my head been itching. My SL consultant suggested dry shampoo and sea breeze..I tried the dry shampoo..but I needed more relief..Thanks to my wonderful SL sistah blogging about the itchies and their remedies, Nihuru stated she used Listerine....I thought..."Hmmmmm, I am trying Listerine" so off to Walmart/ Wally Word to many...for a small bottle of Listerine...Thank you Nihuru it worked wonders, my itching has almost stopped completely...however I do have a dry scalp in certain area's so I will most likely still have some itching.

Final note I am loving my SL's as you can see, I am free styling these lovely locks applying my makeup, being creative with eye shadows...I am purely in love...

Much love to all of my Natural/SL's Sistahs

FINALLY INSTALLED AFTER 6 YEARS OF DEBATING

2008-10-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

I must give thanks to my SL Consultant Trainee Laura, she is truly a blessing as she did not want to install my locks at only 2 inches. The recommended length is 3-4 inches, however she trusted that I would take good care of these little wonders and she is absolutely correct. I am so thankful to you Laura for having faith in me.

During my two day 17 hour installation, I came in each morning with my bag of goodies for the day(poweraide,cheese sticks, fruit, veggies and veggie dip). We only took potty breaks a few times each day and maybe 15 minutes for a quick bite, Laura and I chatted about raising children, grandchildren, the Gospel, we laughed about life and good times,while we watched Gospel Video's Laura and I praised in the Spirit.... but she kept those fingers working.

As you can see my locks are very tiny, Laura had a bit of a struggle around the edges but she got those babies in there.

My hair is medium coily, as soon as Laura put in the locks they would spring into little coils with a exception of a few that want to do their own thing. The back of my hair is much thicker then the top and sides, but as time goes on I know this will all fill in I will just keep pumping those vitamins,drinking water and eating a better diet for healthier hair and skin.

This was a gracious experience, I am so happy to have begun my SL Journey...Nubian1 and I started our journey this past weekend this will make my journey even more exciting to blog with Nubian1 as we start our journey together.

I feel happy and free

For those of us who are Graying

2008-09-30T11:10:00.001-07:00

When Laura my SL Consultant Trainee said "you will not be able to color your hair for at least six month" I almost fell out of her chair, saying do you see the gray in my hair...OMG, what am I going to do? I gray heavy in the crown of my head.

No worry she says there are color sticks/color pencils you can use to cover the gray while you transition...My thought was "like eyebrow pencils", she said yes but Sally's Beauty Supply store has color sticks to match the color of your hair, you can use them until you are able to permanently color again.

Pictured here is a color stick I found at the local Asian hair/wig supply store. It's by kiss, you dab a little water on it and it covers the gray...it works I tried it. I informed Laura of this purchase as she was also aware of this product also you see Laura is not only a SL Trainee, she is a licensed cosmetologist x 20 years so I trust her advice on hair products. I chose a mahogany color stick, Laura said :"NO" that's to dark but it actually comes out red on my gray hair. So she was at ease with my color choice.

I also have a snap shot of the clips I used when coloring my hair, trying to find a better way then using those band they tangle so badly in my short locks, however as I have read other blogs tangling is a problem regardless of the length.

Euphoria had a good idea to use the cloth bands, if the clips are not sufficient I will follow Euphoria's idea I am sure I saw the cloth bands in a tiny version if I can't find them in Arizona for sure I know they sell them in Ohio I will just have my daughter send me some.

Just a little advice about the color stick/pencil for those of us who have to fight the gray...and those who need a color touch, until you can color again.

Be Blessed

Final Coloring B 4 Sisterlock Installation

2008-09-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Top view can you see the little clips holding the test locks

Here is a better view of the tiny clips I used to color instead of the bands, I was little concerned about the nape area, the clips are hangin on so far so good.

Drying out clips still intact.

Hocus, Pocus more red head...I love reds..Clips are still in, the clips on the test SL at the nape are dangling well just one but it's still in place letting them dry out before I unclip. Doesn't seem to be unraveld. Thank God

Scarrrrry Banding and Washing Test Locks

2008-09-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

This was a very scarry event, I did the best I could banding my 2 1/2 inch test locks. Just sitting her waiting for my hair to dry before removing the bands and decided to share my first banding experience. Here is my first attempt at banding.

Ok, this banding thing was a bit frustrating, no problem putting them in but taking them out was a chore and I only had 16 test locks banding two together making 8 bandings. I don't know if I banded to tight or what but it was a bit difficult getting the rubber bands out, again maybe because I only have 2 1/2 inches of hair.

Camoflauge Where did those SL's GO???

2008-09-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

Snap shot after Laura combed out my air, to cover the test locks.

16 Test SL's 8 crown/8 nape

2008-09-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

I met with my Sister Lock trainee my test SL's where installed Saturday September 20th, 2008. This was a difficult day, I almost cancelled this appointment. My fiance got bad news that his Mother had passed away, My beloved is the last of his immediate family exhalted before him is his father, his only sister and now his mother. He insisted that I kept this appointment against my wishes.

I have about 2 to 2 1/2 inches of hair, with several different grades of hair. My trainee consultant made a funny calling the nape of my hair the "slave master's hair". We are praying that the test locks in the back, don't come loose. If they hold up after my first wash in two weeks I might get my SL installed Oct 4th 2008 (Nubian 1 and I will start our journey's together), if not then it 's Oct 11th, 2008 bummmmmerrrr.

I am finally on my way after 6 years of putting my SL journey off. Laura my SL trainee (I finally acknowleged her by her name instead of trainee) Sorry Laura...LOL..anywho Laura is planning on doing a tight lock, we both can see that my SL's will be pretty curly as I have a tight curl pattern. I am so EXCITED!!!!!

Though my fiance and I are facing a difficult time we have each other, please join me in praying for inner peace......

Thanks Sistah's

Chat soon...Be Blessed

First test SL's Crown and Nape

2008-09-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ok another Correction

2008-09-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

Told you all I didn't know what I was doing LMAO...Nappyrina not Nihuru is on another blog FOTKI

Correction to Six SL Sistah Tagged

2008-09-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Nihuru doesn't have a blog here, so I added Nubian..Tagg your it

I have been TAGGED!!!!

2008-09-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged, I am 10 days late and have no idea what I am doing. I apologize SL sistahs for being so late. Well I guess I will be as creative as possible here, but first I have to post a few rules. Let's go

* Link the person who tagged you. Euphoira
* Post the rules on your blog.
* Share 6 non-important habits or quirks about yourself.
* Tag 6 random people by posting links to their blogs.

1. Ezme
2. KiKi
3. Nappy and Happy
4. Nappyrina
5. Nihura
6. Wandaful

**My daughter has made me a grandmother in my young age, I refuse to be called grandma so it's going to be NaNa ( still sounds like grandma huh) LOL... gotta think of something else. Maybe Sweetie that's what we called my late Great Grandma.

**I am a liscensed managing manicurist, and I love the pedegg more woman should invest because I hate to see women with rough heels in sandals..YUKKKK. I don't do clients any more because of my sinuses.

**I love to cook what my extended family calls white people food, you know the meals from the cooking channel. Things they are afraid to try.

**I used to praise dance at my church back home.

**I consider myself to interdenominational, I like what Buddha teaches about freeing the mind, body, spirit and meditation.

**My fiance has me watch soaps and the soap channel, I haven't been into Y&R, and AMC (Young & The Restless, All My Children) since I was a teenager in high school.

Got Some New Growth

2008-09-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

A little progress enough to get my test locks installed...

Wow Excuse my Absence

2008-09-17T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a long time, well my hair has grown a few more inches. I have colored my hair a brownish red have pics but you really can't see the color, I guess it's the lighting, maybe I'll go outside in the desert sun to capture the true color.

I have gotten some great advise from my SL sistah's regarding vitamins, hair care products etc. I purchased my vitamins and have begun taking them daily..they are pretty big but I will manage...hopefully I will get better growth.

I am finally ready to start my journey, I have a appointment this Saturday the 20th, 2008 with my consultant Ms. Laura. Getting my test locks installed, I am sooooo excited to finally get started.

More pics coming soon, Wow I feel so great after waiting six years to be released from the bondage or perms,weaves,braids,wigs etc. I don't know why I waited soooo long.

I listen to my daughter complain about her hair, I said to her take the SL journey with mom. ... She likes SL's but doesn't want to be natural, one day I hope she will free herself as well.

We Are Not Our Hair

2008-08-27T10:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't blogged in a few weeks, I have been busy with finals and life itself. I did receive a invite to be added to the blog exchange, however I am not quite ready to be added to the blog exchange until I have gotten my test locks put in. Due to financial strains right now that may not happen until November at that time I will add myself to the blog exchange.

The title of this blog "We are not our Hair" is also one of my songs on my muzic post listen to the song digest the lyrics.

What made me post this title, a few weeks ago I was talking to my SL's consultant. We were discussing why I had waited so long to get SL's. I began telling her I waited over 6 years before finally making the decision to get SL's and now I am having financial difficulties (Which I know the Lord will guide me through).

Of course my consultant had to send me a picture of a Master Loctitians SL's who has had them for 6 years just to show me how long my hair would have been had I not hesitated. Shame on her LOL =oA

My first reason for hesitation was how will my employer or future employers feel about SL's, will I be denied gainful employment in which I am qualified for because I wear SL's. Will I be viewed as a rebel?

My second hesitation, was will I still be appealing to the opposite sex. Society has taught Black men not to appreciate the Black woman as the African Queens we are when we wear our hair natural in any form of being natural whether a TWA(teeny weeny afro), Natural short fade, Traditional Locks or even SL's.

Society has us believing that if our hair is not straight and flowing we are not beautiful..hence "WE are not Our Hair".

I was more concerned with what my Brotha's would think, moreso the man in my life up until recently I felt I had to have long weaves, pony tails, micro braids down my back etc. to be attractive to the man in my life or any black for that matter.

Hey... I live in Arizona, where Black men are preferring the White/Latino females over the African American(Black) women out here. That became a struggle as well, I was having a identity crisis for real.

Until I decided this is my hair, I can wear it short and natural and I am just as beautiful or even more beautiful being naturally nappy me.

I cut the perm out of my hair, which was breaking off from the perm and the dry heat here in Az anyway. My fiance came home asking what did you do to your hair, "I said to him I am tired of wearing wigs,weaves etc. this is who I am accept me as who I am." I then began pulling up websites with Sista's in SL's, showing him..hence still seeking his approval..He liked the SL's just wasn't cool with the TWA although when he first met me I had a TWA but according to him it wasn't as short. Funny

Needless to say I told him I want SL's, I am not putting any more perm in my hair or wearing any wigs,weaves etc. from now on I am naturally nappy me.. like it or not..of Course he liked it..

For I am not my hair I am a woman with a personality, and charm I am loving, a caring nurturing mother and woman, I am a educated spirit filled woman. I am a Black woman arriving from ancestors of the desert sands of Africa.

So sisters with this being said, let's not worry or consider what others may think about our natural beauty we need not seek approval to be who we are...from any other race, employer, society or our male counter parts.

Be Blessed My Nappy Sister Lock Sistahs

Much Love

We Are Not Our Hair.

Steve Harvey Last Respects to Bernie Mac

2008-08-23T13:48:00.001-07:00

DL hughley Tribute to Bernie Mac

2008-08-23T13:26:00.001-07:00

My SisterLock Consultant

2008-08-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

**Trainee SisterLock consultant: Laura (Laurablessed@aol.com)

**Current location: Shear Staci's Hair Designers 1425 N. Central Ave Avondale, Az

**My Test Lock Date: (soon)
**Initial Installation:(TBD)
**Installation Time: (TBD)
**Hair Type:
**Hair Texture: very soft/fine
**Total Number of SL's:

Consultation

2008-08-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

July 31, 2008 I met with Laura my SL's trainee consultant in Avondale, Arizona. Our intial meeting was blessed as Laura showed me pictures of SL's she has recently done. What I like about Laura? she is very informatative about the SL's process, she is transitioning for many years as a chemical processing hairstyles to strickly natural hair styles.

Boohoo for me,I still need some more growth before I can get my intial test locks put in,the anticipation is killing me softly..you know like his song..LOL I am thinking we should be ready to put those test locks in by the middle of September.

I have been told to get some hair vitamins to assist with hair growth..I am on my way to the vitamin shoppe...more to come in a few weeks.

Be Blessed My Sister Locks Sistahs

slide show b 4 Sisterlocks

2008-08-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sister Locks

2008-07-28T17:55:00.001-07:00

I have considered Sisterlocks for many, many years. I have finally come to a new sense of self, I have cut out the perm taken out the braids,hung up the quick weaves and wigs.
I'm ready to be free, ready to be me. A Heavenly Nappy Angel, I have my first consultation on July 31, 2008 and will begin my journey soon after. I look forward to sharing my journey and getting advice from all my Happy Nappy sisters and brothers.