Creyole's Sisterlock Exodus

Natural Friends

2010-08-01T17:00:00.002-06:00

My friend and I of 25+ years met up at ESSENCE Festival with our families and took this cute pic at the "My Black is Beautiful" booth.

Our daughters are both 14 and they have never had relaxers. They love sporting their natural hair and locks just as much as we do.

We celebrate ourselves!!!

5th Year Lock Birthday

2010-05-27T11:09:00.009-06:00

Hi Everyone,

Long time, no post! What can I say other than life is very fruitful and priorities change from day to day, especially with two teenagers. Today I'm posting because my babies are now 5 years old and we've come a long way from the beginning. Some of you remember all of my challenges/drama at installation and Praise God...it all worked out! (Thanks to everyone's support during that time)

My Top 10 List of "Why I LOVE and I'm THANKFUL for my SISTERLOCKS!"

1. Carefree Life Style, yesss baby! I love Free styling!

2. I can still look beautiful without all the fuss!

2. Makes for a life of pure freedom from chemicals and sooo many products!

3. When traveling, I don't have to worry about frizz, curls or styles!

4. When going to the gym, five days a week, I can sweat, wash and go!

5. People stop me to inquire about my locks and I educate them on natural hair!

6. Me and my locks have converted SIX family members!

7. I've met some beautiful Locked Sisters, we've connected and formed forever friendships! (Shout out to all my DFW Girls!)

8. Carol's Daughter products makes my locks healthy, happy and fragrant!

9. I love using the Nappy Lock Tool to maintain my locks!

10. My Locks are 100% all mine, no extentions, no extentions, no extentions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Gym Style

2010-05-27T09:53:00.001-06:00

This is how I wear my locks when working out at the gym. I love to eat so I "must" love to workout. We can't live to eat we must eat to live! ~Especially when you at 40+... LOL!

Nothing special for the gym, just trying to keep my thick locks out of my face.

2009 ESSENCE Festival

2009-07-02T11:20:00.000-06:00

Me and my sister at the 2009 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, LA. Yes, she is my sister that I locked several years ago and due to unresolved medical issues she had to cut all of her locks. Mercy!!! That's another post in itself, she was not happy about having to cut her locks but she still maintains natural hair by wearing a short natural. She is still very beautiful!!!

We had a very good time in New Orleans and natural hair still rules. Carol's Daughter had a special store set up in the French Quarters just duing ESSENCE Festival and our group of 20+ must have spent two hours hanging out with the store employees and buying all kinds of hair products. Our husbands could not believe we hung out that long in one store...LOL! Carol's Daughter is the best, one of my cousins won a basket of products so those two hours were well worth it!!!

Given all of the excitement, laughter and entertainment, I think we'll have to do the ESSENCE Festival as a yearly event!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-10T19:40:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas to all of my blog family! I've been away too long and thought I'd post a little pic of my locks. It's been three years and I'm still loving them!!! I'll be back soon to update you all on me and Praline .

All is well and life is funny because you go through different stages at different points of your life. Right now, Beignet and I have lots of energy flowing to keep up with two teenagers! And guess what???? We are living on total prayer because the world is waiting to gobble up our youth and we refuse to give in and be lazy parents. I'll save the rest of this story for another day.... LOL!!

I'll just leave you all with have a safe and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

It's a Small World

2008-06-08T22:24:00.002-06:00

You know the saying...."it's a small world?" I found out this weekend that the saying is completely true. After a short hiatus from blogging I just had to get on this weekend and tell all of my lock family about my experience. Do you know the familiar face picture with me?

Ok, for those of you who don't know......it's Chocolocs and while in church on Sabbath she recognized Praline21 as she ushered during the service. Afterwards, Chocolocs found her way towards me, our eyes met, we immediately recogninzed each other and embraced like Celie & Nettie from the Color Purple!

Turns out that Chocolocs is also a Seventh-day Adventist and was in town for a wedding. She's friends with the Groom and I'm friends with the Bride, who is also member of my church. Wow, too much information but we just could not believe how this all took place. So, here she is all the way from Michigan for a wedding and ends up visiting my home church!!!! Can you believe it?

Chocolocs has the most beautiful head of locs, bright in color and a perfect bill of healthy locks. If I had to compare, I'd say hers looks exactly like Blaqkofi's and if the two of them were ever in the same room together....they'd be lock twins.

As for me, I'm just letting my 3 year old locks do their own thing, not much in to styles these days. I'm loving the flow of them as well as free styling due to my work out frequency of five days a week. Yep, I'm addicted and decided to make serious lifestyle changes including changing my diet. With that lifestyle change comes the convenience of wearing locks!

Chocolocs, it was a pleasure meeting you, your locs are to die for and I hope to see you again in the near future.

DFW Lock Gathering

2008-03-26T21:42:00.001-06:00

Hi All,
We've received an overwhelming request to get together soon, I believe it's Spring Fever! Everyone is so busy with work, family and whatever else is going on in our lives but it's time for us to celebrate ourselves! I'm sure everyone will have new Do's, new Color, new Locked Heads and lots of New Growth! We'll be introducing our newly locked sisters and a whole lot more fun!
It was recommended that we try MiCocina's, so come on out and join us at the following http://www.mcrowd.com/micocina_wv.shtm location: Reservation Name is Creyole so be on time to get a good seat!

Where: MiCocina West Village
3699 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX

When: Sunday, March 30th

Time: 1:00 - 3:30 PM

Phone: 469.533.5663

RSVP: ASAP by leaving a comment or email me directly at creyole@gmail.com

Newest Lockee - Before and After

2008-03-23T21:58:00.002-06:00

This post is long overdue! I was honored to lock a new full set of locks on Educator, Mrs. A last month. She was a thrill to spend 10 hours with while locking her 6 inches of beautiful hair.

Normally, I would have blogged about this the day after but I've been waaaay to busy to find time to get to it. Finally, I'm posting right before our lock gathering this coming weekend and Mrs. A will be joining us.

So, when you see her make sure you give her a great big welcome to our lock family! Mrs. A. is such a quick learner, she did her own braidout after she was fully locked.

God, Husband, Children, Work, Locks...

2008-02-21T23:31:00.010-06:00

Thanks to all of my lock buddies for checking on me, I'm still around but who has time for locks? I don't even think I've taken a pic of my locks recently. I hope to make time soon and post on how my teenage locks are progressing...

I'm having to re-evaluate my life and prioritize what goes where. Since starting my locking hobby six months ago I've had to trim back clients like crazy. Part of me feels guilty and then another feels like I must use the extra time for my family.

Left - Ms Praline pictured with Ms. Irma P. Hall (Mama Jo from the movie Soul Food) where Rachel opened a local play and Ms. Hall made an appearance in the play. Read more Here

Ms. Praline is taking off with her mad schedule and Mr. Roux is in High school and we're tackling teenage life and girls. Whew, that's worth wanting to home school but then we'd have the same issues during college. Better to deal with it sooner than later.

Left - Mr. Roux wins King of his 9th grade class and he's going through the cool stage with his semi-smile while posing with one of his classmates.

Parenting is the most difficult job I've ever had in my life. I just hope we're making the right decisions in every chapter of their lives. Such a challenge!

I feeling the need of a Dallas Gathering!

Bermuda

2008-01-14T23:22:00.000-06:00

Praline was invited to Bermuda to sing in the annual Bermuda Institute Christmas program. She did three traditional Christmas solos and there were six other groups/soloists that performed along with the Bermuda choir and Steel Band. You can read a little about her own experience here. Of course, she needed a chaperon so I had to tag along!

While there, the first day I woke to this beautiful rainbow...I love rainbows because of its spiritual message to me and took this picture from where we were staying. (Genesis 9:16 (Whole Chapter) "When the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it. I will remember that my covenant will last forever. It is a covenant between me and every kind of living thing on earth." Genesis 9:17 (Whole Chapter) So God said to Noah, "The rainbow is the sign of my covenant. I have made my covenant between me and all life on earth.")

The weather was chilly and the humidy was wonderful to our locks, pretty much had to freestyle the entire time and it worked well.

New York 2007

2008-01-13T23:15:00.000-06:00

Praline and I visited New York last month and once again...New York did not disappoint me.

The Christmas spirit was in the air and we hit all of the tourist hot spots until the weee hours of the night!

I love New York!!!

Another SDA Sister Locked Up!

2007-12-16T02:08:00.000-06:00

What you say??? What you say? Finally, after months of following blogs, researching locks and meeting several of the DFW SL ladies while out and about.... she did it! And guess what, she did them all by herself, well with just a little help from your 13 year old with parting. (SDA = Seventh Day Adventist)

I was so proud to see her when she showed up church sportin those baby locks! KR also locked her husband's hair almost two years ago and then two weeks are another one of our church members liked hers so much she asked her to do them for her too.

I went with a freestyle today only beacuse I'm crazy during this time of year and can't find time to put my Wrap-a-locks in. I miss my WAL

KR - Big Shout out to ya!!! Maybe you'll join us in Blogdom. hint...hint!

Meet Mrs. Vickie

2007-12-10T22:23:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Vickie and I met at one of our favorite pass times....Costco! She and her sister who also wears locks were strolling through when we all made eye contact and instantly complimented each other on our locks. From there is was on!

I've retightened her traditional locks several times now and she is such a delight to spend time talking to while taking care of our lock business. You'll never guess her age and she'll kill me if I even tried to speak it....trust me she should be proud cause she really takes good care of herself and she definitely does not look her age. You go Mrs. Vickie!!!

Love YA!
Creyole

It's a Family Affair!

2007-11-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

Pictured from left to right, Twinky (my niece), Mrs Dee (my sister, Twinky's mom), Me and Praline.

We are all locked up and loving it. We visited many places over the holiday and everyone thought our locked family was just too adorable. Toot toot......

Another Grooming

2007-11-25T01:10:00.000-06:00

My sister decided she needed to have a grooming to remove the frizz. We did it and she loved it! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

I prefer no frizz, how about you?

Mrs Dee and Twinky are now riding high in the winds with new locks and grooming.

Peace

Guess Who Got Locked?

2007-11-25T00:34:00.000-06:00

My 12 year old niece Twinky came to visit over the Thanksgiving holiday and her father, my brother-outlaw, gave her the thumbs up to lock her hair after watching his wife, my sister, over the past year. He loves her hair!!!

Twinky has about four inches of natural hair and two to three inches of permed ends, hair type 2 with a major "S" curl. Please give her a shout out!

You can view her new blog here

Thomasa II

2007-11-06T23:11:00.000-06:00

I could not allow my friend to go into labor and delivery with "lock frizz." Most of us know how pregnancy can take a toll on our body, soul & spirit and we sometimes cannot do all of the Supermom stuff we always do. Soooooo.........

Today, I made Thomasa come in for a long overdue grooming. And look at the outcome, after three 2 1/2 hours ..what a difference! Her DH even called me when she returned home and told me how much he loved her new look! I was very pleased and proud my self.

I made her commit to coming at least every six months or so since she does her own retightening. Look at those beautiful locks that were hiding underneath all the frizz!

Photo 1 - Thomasa before grooming
Photo 2 - Half groomed head
Photo 3 - Fully groomed head
Photo 4 - Fully groomed head

Wrap-A-Lock IV

2007-10-09T22:41:00.000-06:00

Pic of my three week old Wrap-a-Lock style and I have to wash now because cleaning my scalp with astringent can only do so much for me. Otherwise, my curls would last a lot longer.

Included is my recent Wrap-A-Lock install. When she saw my wrapped locs she immediately ordered her packages of Wrap-A-Locks because she knew she wanted to wear hers for a while before taking them down.

Talk about confidence, she is a Director working in Corporate America and would be attending a meeting the next morning, with her Wrap-A-Lock tools. How cool is that?

I forgot to take her before pic (I know) but here's what we did with her five year old Sisterlocks:

1. She has 10-11 inches
2. We used 6 packages (120) of Medium length Wrap-A-Lock tools on her 360 Sisterlocks
3. I wrapped 2 -3 locks on each Wrap-A-Lock Tool using foam mousse

It took her a couple of days getting used to the short length but other than that, she was very pleased with the finished product.

I hope to see her soon so I can get a pic of her take down. It's a process and because she chose to keep the wraps in I had to show her how to take them out so her curl would be the way it was designed by Sis Nandi. More to come on her take down results...

Remember Thomasa?

2007-10-08T23:08:00.000-06:00

Many ask about Thomasa, she being the dedicated teacher she is, does not have enough time to update her blog and hold down her motherly duties to their 2 1/2 children. Yep, she is pregnant and her family is soooo excited!

Anywho, here she is 1.8 years later sporting her Braidlocks. I told her she will need a grooming soon, she can hardly keep up with her retightenings because of the hair growth resulting from the pregnancy.

Her hair is really spongy so it appears to be shorter than it actually is will pulled downard. So there you are

For those of who do not remember Thomasa, here is the pic of the braidlocks from our install day.

Wrap A Loc Takedown

2007-10-01T21:10:00.000-06:00

I know what you are thinkning, "what took so long?" Well, I can't explain it all but long story short, I was ill last week and did not take pics of the first day of my takedown. Here are pics of day three though. Yes, these pics were taken three days after my first take down!!!!

The first day, curls were tighter and funky looking. Not that I look for compliments, but they sure did come like I've never had them before. My hair was a conversation piece for the day, and I took full advantage of educating all who inquired.

I plan on setting them again soon and I will be sure to post pics of the first day takedown. I LOVE WRAP A LOCS!!!

Wrap a Lock Question & Answer

2007-09-30T18:48:00.000-06:00

I left out some details on my install wrap post so lets's begin the question and answer post:

Brenda asked:

In your opinion, is it easy to do with just written instructions or would the dvd be necessary? Also I see the site recommends one look per tool. With Sisterlocks that could be quite impractical. Were you satisified with your results? And how many wrap-a-loc tools do you think would be necessary for a full set? Lastly, from the description it seemed like I'd need medium length tools. My hair falls just beneath my collarbone, not quite to my bra strap in back. Is medium the right size? Would you recommend all one size or the variety pack?

Creyole:

1. Yes, the tools are easy to use and the instructions are quite technical so taking the class was better for me because I am a visual person. If you order the CD you should not have any problems.
2. Depends on the size of your lock, I used three on each tool to achieve my look. If your locks are smaller than mine you could easily use 4 -5 locks per tool.
3. I used medium size tools with my lenght and I was very satisfied with the results. See my latest post.
4. The number of locks you have will depend on the number of tools so you have to do the math. Count your locks and divide by 4 or 5 depending how many locks you will use and that will give the number to tools you will need and you can then better determine which pack will best suit you.
5. Also, I used the foam setting lotion by Krinkles & Kurls but any foam lotion will suffice.

TRA: Do you think you will add this to your services if a person has there on tools with them (hint hint hint)?

Creyole: Most Definately, already got them lined up!

GovGirl: Did you dampen your hair before wrapping? If so, I'll bet you have a head full of cute curls!

Creyole: Yes, I used Krinkles & Kurls, but any foam mousse will work

Brunsli: How long did it take, and how many locks did you use for each one?

Creyole: It took approx two hours to install using three to four locks on each tool

Naturalist1:

Is it easy to use? Do you use any setting lotion, etc. I might just have to purchase the DVD and tools. I will decide once I see how your hair will come out.

Creyole: I sure hope you like my reuslts cause I sure do! Yes, its very easy to use and purchasing the DVD and instruction kit will probably be all you need!

Wrap A Locks III

2007-09-26T22:07:00.000-06:00

I enjoyed my wrapped locks so much I wore them for fours days and attended a company function with them wrapped towards my face for a little bang look.

Wrap-A-Lock II

2007-09-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

So here are my pics of my wrapped locks and they feel very comfortable. Usually, when anything tight is in/on my head I get instant headaches. Not this time and when I arrived home, Ms. Praline asked me to do her hair just like mine!!! I love it and so happy she wanted to be my first experiment

It's hair styles like this that makes a Sistah want to really put on a pair a Afrocentric earrings!!

I'll post on my take out look.. who knows how long that will be I'm loving this look?

Thanks Sistah Nandi for you beautiful invention!!!!

Wrap-A-Loc Class I

2007-09-23T21:14:00.001-06:00

I had the awesome opportunity of taking the Wrap A Loc class given by inventor and instructor Sistah Nandi. Sistah Nandi has the most humble, pleasant, professional and spiritual personality and it was a pleasure to work with her as she shared and motivated each of on how to use her tool.

She began the class by introducing her special model Zandi, (spelling), Zandi's locks are actual locks that Sistah Nandi cut from her own head. Yes, she is not much into length so when she cut her locks she decided to use them to help with instruction in her classes. Cool huh?

During the class, Sistah Nandi allowed us to put the tools in our own hair and due to the several lengths throughout my head I had to use multiple sizes of the wrap tool. The four locks in the front are locks I put in myself...I think I did a ok job.

I was totaly impressed with such a wrap tool and I plan to wear mine for a couple of days before removing. These are my sample Wrap-A-Loc pics, more to follow....

Nappy Hair Affair

2007-09-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

After the Wrap-A-Loc class, Linda a.k.a. Mosetta, held a Nappy Hair Affair session and many people came to get their hair done...for free. Some came as far as Killeen, TX. We did each others hair as we ate snacks and shopped for cute Nappy items.

Sistah Nandi proceeded to complete my whole head and I somewhat assisted. What a real "jewel" she is, I totally enjoyed fellowshipping with she and all the ladies today.

The up close pic of the completed head appeared to me as curly traditional locks. I love the look and will sport it to work tomorrow. Below is amy new buddy who has Sisterlocks turned Traditional locks..... but she uses a tool to retighten.

Newly Locked Client

2007-09-19T21:07:00.001-06:00

Here she is Mrs. RJQueen10
our locking session was delightful and I can't wait to see what those babies will look like in a year.

Check out her post Here

Happy Belated Birthday!!!!

"A Tribute to Jena 6"

2007-09-11T22:59:00.001-06:00

*****Don't forget to wear your Black*****We so dearly want to participate in the March for Jena, LA six on September 20th but can't due to prior engagements. We will however be there in spirit because our family members will be representing! So, we decided to share this video as a tribute to the young men from Creyole's family!

It's so Good going Home!

2007-09-10T21:10:00.000-06:00

We went home (down in the bayou) recently and I had the privilege of being the "Matron of Honor" in my cousin wedding. I was the oldest thing in the wedding and realized how old I really am after hanging with them youngsters. Whew, they can go!

During the reception I was able to meet up with some of my relatives and friends that I had not seen in a while. Everyone knows everyone in my little town and I am related to over 80% of the people because both of my parents are from there so this was really like a family reunion.

This picture is especially near and dear to my heart because Mrs. Lee was my High School Coach. We share so many memories and seeing her makes me proud to say she is 62 years old and still looking good as ever. Besides being the best coach a girl could ever have, Coach Lee will never know the impact she had on my life by helping to guide me to make good decisions. Like never accepting any of my boyfriends except for Beignet. She would point out every wrong thing about a guy that she even remotely thought I was interested in and would make me think twice until it just faded away. One in particular, I was totally in love with and he is now a crackhead. She always reminds me "remember when you dated him..... (lol) Oh please, I know everyone one of ya'll know at least one crackhead.

On a hair note, all of my family members that teased me about my locks were very complimentary about my updo for the wedding. I could tell many were wondering what in the world I was going to do with my hair because I was free styling the day before not knowing how I would make any style work for the wedding until I got in the mirror and started working my babies.

For all of my SDA sisters, yes I'm wearing earrings and a necklace....I compromised for my cousin! My ears are still stinging from them forcing the earrings through my virgin ears of 17 years. It was the worse thing trying to get those earrings in until another cousin suggested that I put them in from the back then go through the front. I could not beleive it, it worked!

The only thing I hated about this trip home were the "Love bugs," the dreadful, annoying bugs that come out in the fall and fly all around you, land on you, get stuck on cars and when you try to clean them off, some of the paint comes off your car too! Do you guys know what love bugs are? If not, be thankful cause I don't know how I did it growin up there.

Snippet of Mahalia Jackson Song by Praline

2007-08-20T20:39:00.000-06:00

Ms Praline performed in our church play recently and everyone had a phenomenal time! Big thanks to our Youth Leader, Mrs. "R" for putting all of her efforts in keeping church our youth excited about attending church.

Guess Where This Is??

2007-08-08T22:15:00.000-06:00

It's a small corner in my place of refuge! Yep, since I am certified to do natural hair, love maintaining locks and starting new heads I decided to get a little spot so that I can keep my home private. The two pics on my wall of "Lock Fame" are the two people I started with Nappy Locs. More wall of fame pics to come as I venture off into lockdom.

There is also a pic close to the TV that shows ladies wearing Sisterlocks TM, which I do maintain. It's so crazy because I am actually turning people away since this is a semi hobby and I only do it maybe twice a week in my spare time.

Here's what my last locked sistah wrote: "Creyole I did not want to bother you telephonically, I know you have a busy life with your family. I must let you know when I finally took the hair down I thought it was as gorgeous as I have ever saw my locks. I can't wait to get it done again. The braids were so nice and cool, I wore those a few days,and you helped me in more than one way, since the surgeries in the last 6 months. After my hair I got my nails and toes done. But thank you so much. I will be contacting you right before the first."

We met in a store admiring each others locks and after I became certified she asked if would maintain hers. Now, I am very selective because I do not like drama but she had a very sweet spirit and we had a blast hanging together. Her email to me alone does my heart some good knowing I actually made someone feel beautiful in their locks. I must admit I did an awesome job on her 7 year old locks...shooow did! Maybe, she will let me take a picture of her next time.

Anyway, just wanted you all to know I am having fun in my spare time maintaining locks!!!! Not sure how long my excitement will last but for the most part I am in it for a minute!

More to come ~a dedication to Brunsli for her awesome support throughout the process!

My Nice Dell Inspiron 1100 is Dead!!!!!!

2007-08-07T20:36:00.000-06:00

Look at it, it's so pretty I bought it because of the nice pretty color and demo I saw in the mall. My beautiful blue Dell Inspiron 1100 is DEAD!! It died on me after 2 1/2 years and I can't even power the thing up... Sigh!

After taking it to Geek Squad (notice the pink sticker) for an evaluation it was determined that it would be less expensive to buy a new laptop than invest in rebuilding this dead Dell.....I can't believe my Dell Inspiron is dead!!!! Lost all of my stuff too!!!

What??? A new laptop just when we have to shop for school uniforms, school supplies, gym shoes etc....??? We now have a 7th grader and 9th grader who would have been taking over my Dell Inspiron 1100 for school assignments anyway and now we have to invest in a new Dell!!! Wrong, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

No sense in complaining, I ran out and purchased a Gateway, it's really fast and I got it on sale for $595.00! Not a bad deal for homework, blogging and personal business huh? The only thing I do not like about the Gateway is that the keyboard mouse makes a semi-loud clicking sound. Oh well, this time Best Buy recommended Trend Micro Antivirus and I like it already. No more pop ups like I always got with the Norton and McAfee Antivirus....also Trend appears to be compatible with Picasa so I can use my "blog this" feature.

Thanks Dell! Why don't you build a laptop that will last longer than 2 1/2 to 3 years? I really thought it would last much longer, my Dell Inspiron 1100 is Dead!!!! So sad...sniff, sniff!

Here's what Dell said:

Dell's mainstream Inspiron 1100 is the cheapest notebook in the newly redesigned Inspiron family, but it's by no means the runt. In CNET Labs' tests, the system displayed the fastest performance and the longest battery life among its Celeron-based competitors. The sub-$800 price is also impressive. Of course, you can't expect everything from a laptop this cheap. The Inspiron 1100 lacks perks, such as integrated wireless. But all things considered, the Inspiron 1100 is one of the best mainstream notebooks on the market.

Ugh! Does anyone know of a place where I can donate a dead Dell Inspiron 1100???

About Mac: Mac has come highly recommended by other freinds of mine and I'm afraid of the price and OSS. Maybe one day I'll venture out.....

Guess What We're Eating?

2007-08-05T23:45:00.000-06:00

If you guessed Beignet, you are correct! We went back home to Louisiana this summer and had the pleasure of visiting one of my favorites indulgences ....Cafe Du Monde ! The French Quarters and Canal Street is in tact and we were surprised to see that Kenner is doing much better as well. As for the 9th ward we didn't venture off to see what it was like because I was not mentally ready to "no progress." Many of our family members shared enough about it and I'm just not ready yet.

We visited a couple of friends in other areas and found that their homes had been rebuilt and they are in good health as well. I almost felt a little selfish going down there to indulge in the good eats and treats but then Beignet (below left) reminded me that we are helping by visiting as tourist and business owners were very happy to receive all patrons.

One thing I was not ready for was many of the businesses only accepted CASH. I'm not a cash kind of girl so I was slightly inconvenienced...but how could I complain when two years prior some people lost everything they had? Needless to say, I got it together real quick.

Here's Roux (below left) standing next to he and Pralines favorite candy shop, which was closed! After Katrina, many stores close early now and that took some getting used to during the visit.

On a hair note, someone asked me and Praline and I quote, "how long have you all been wearing Reggae hair?" We were not offended, it was actually funny and then I proceeded to educate.

Mrs Dee Update

2007-07-13T19:59:00.000-06:00

Remember my Nappy Lock install I did on my sister in January? (((Scroll down)))

Well look who's locks are coming along beautifully if I must say so myself!! I'm so proud of her because since the initial install she has been maintaining her own locks using the Nappy tool. I only have to put new locks in where the new growth is filling in from the perm damage on her sides.

I'll give her the chance to blog on her own blog here I just could not help posting about her 7 month old locks since she is visiting this summer.
Doesn't she look happy with the patch of grey too!

Praline's Eyes

2007-07-12T22:46:00.000-06:00

I've had the question asked at least a thousand times.."do you arch her eye brows?" I'm never offended, even when I got the question as an infant rolling in her stroller.

I actually find it quite comical when people look at me in amazement when I say "oh no, never would I do such a thing?" Some believe me and some walk away with the look to say..."you know you are fibbing."

What's really funny is that she gets so much public attention about her eyes that she now recognizes everyone elses eyebrows while it never crosses most 11 year olds mind.

So, just for the record to all that are wondering, no, Ms. Praline's eyebrows have never been groomed in any form or fashion. She is the way God made her....I just wish mine didn't need grooming. Who knew the gene pool worked that way?? (lol)

I Want Muscle!

2007-06-27T21:05:00.000-06:00

From the famous words of Diana Ross...I Want Muscle and my goal this summer is to get toned! I've been sticking to my exercise two sometimes three times a week and diet (well slightly cheating every once and a while) regimen to get the flap under control. You know the fat that continues to wave under your arm after you have stopped? Yeah, well after posting on my certification and seeing a little muscle I thought ok, this is working.

So to those of you wondering how I got results??? I will share a bit of a secret for you who need the extra "umpf" like me to kick out the extra fat. Some can do by completely controlling their eating habits but I must admit I really enjoy food and especially indulging in sweets. I know, that's the problem but I needed the help because I'm in a wedding in two months and we have two others to attend and I've got to be right.

Here's what I use to help me, ready? Drum roll......... Hydroxycut "Hardcore" Please don't run out and buy a bottle and start downing them without doing your research. Google hydroxycut and check out the pros and cons for yourself. This is a temporary fix for me and I plan to only take them for another two weeks and I'll be on my way.

Additionally, since hydroxycut is a fat burner it is most effective when using it while working out and cutting back, it does however decrease your appetite. The recommended dosage is about six a day and I'm way too paranoid to take that many so I take two a day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon before my workout.

Oh, I'm loving my locks too!

TRA"s Bantu Knots

2007-06-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Ms TRA installed her wonderful bantu knots for me and she really has a nice little technique for my hair type. I love the results and almost wore the knots to work but thought I'd better wait for the weekend instead. Got a little too excited!

Even after taking them down I didn't want to pull them a part. They were just lovely and I still have lots of curls after all the rain and humidity today. She was so funny because she really got to see just how thick my wild hair is.

To get this style TRA spritzed my hair with water and used about five to six locks for each bantu knot. And there you go...much better than my attempt.

A funny thing happened while she was putting in my knots, I was just sharing how some of my locks had snapped off mostly due to the change in pattern a year ago and that I had lost one the night before. I had it in my little pink bag that I carry with me and showed her the damaged lock. As soon as she grabbed another patch of locks one of my locks that was hanging on for dear life fell off and it was located in a different area in which she was working. She freaked out and I assured her it was not her fault but I would have loved for you all to have seen the look on her face when she watched it fall on the floor. (LOL)

TRA...thanks so much for assisting me with my bantu knots and a special thank you for the laughter you almost seem to bring me!

At any rate, I could lose about 10 locks and you would never be able to tell with the forest on my head, that 's the blessing of having thick and double dense hair.

I Did It!

2007-06-20T22:25:00.000-06:00

The 35 hour class is over and I now hold my Braiders certification. What did I learn?? Sterilization, sterilization and sterilize even more. I was able to practice twisting locks, cornrolls and adding hair to braids. Much of which confirms what I already know how to do, but a nice refresher.

I don't really like adding hair to braids that but if I did it I'd be real careful not to put too much tension at the base of the braids which can cause hair loss. Then, one locking pattern made from twists and twisting to maintain locks.

After taking the class I'm sure that the state only really wants to make a little change off of us folks to do what we know how to do with our own hair and most importantly the prevention of spreading infectious diseases.

I'm happy and now I can feel good about maintaining locks and also starting new heads. My goal is only four to five people a month. What a nice hobby to do something I like. I'm now well on my way to officially and state certified maintaining and installing tool assisted locks and braids.

Thanks again everyone for your support and encouragement!

Crinkle Wave Locks

2007-06-19T20:56:00.000-06:00

I saw the most beautiful locks on Natacha Here and quickly asked her to share the styling tips. She graciously shared Kina's Fotki Album and I went for it. While my locks are much shorter than Kina's I think the turned out ok!

I assume when my locks are a bit longer I'll get more body with a wavier curl pattern as Kina's.
Thanks so much for sharing Kina's link Ms. Natacha!

I've Been Tagged Again

2007-06-18T19:48:00.000-06:00

My lock buddy Kim, from Roots & Culture has tagged me! Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.

Here are my first five facts listed in my original tag post and I'll add two new ones:

Original Five Tag Post

6. I'm addicted to colonics and schedule them once a quarter. I love the way I feel afterwards, it's like being clean as a whistle from all of the waste that adheres to the colon over a period of time. I know this may sound a little wierd but until you have one....don't trip on me. (lol)

7. I'm working on my braider/lock Texas Certification and loving it, soon to be finished.... 6/20/07

Let's see, who shall I tag that has not been already? Only three, everyone else has been tagged

http://www.moniqacamp.blogspot.com/
http://funmilocks.blogspot.com/
http://www.blqberrylocz.blogspot.com/

Lock Student Client

2007-06-16T21:27:00.000-06:00

I started my locking/braiders certification and will have my 35 hours completed next week. This is my first official lock student client, excluding Mrs Dee, Praline and Thomasa, her mom brought her to me for a retightening after seeing mine and Praline's locks.

I took this picture to show the difference in the tightened and non-tightened locks, can you tell? If you notice the top part of the head is not retightened and the ones underneath are tightened. She was a awesome client and we only stopped once in two & half hours for a restroom break. What do you think?

I will be retightening all of my friends and family with the nappy tool and specializing in "tool assisted locks" only. Additionally, I'm having fun and will keep you posted on my certification completion date!

Ministry Time Again - Tribute to Beignet!

2007-06-07T21:16:00.000-06:00

We are preparing for our ministry trips and are scheduled to speak in three different cities at "Youth Rallies" this summer with Maranatha Youth Ministries, our 501(3c) non-profit organization for youth.

We needed an updated picture for advertisements so Roux took this pic of us. It turned out pretty nice..... no need to pay an expensive photographer when we have our very own in house photographer.

Both Roux and Praline take part in our speaking engagements. Roux is in charge of the PowerPoint presentation, set-up, videography and photography. Praline is our "special music," she sings before and after Beignet speaks.

It is so rewarding to minister to young people, they seem to be interested in what Beignet has to say. We've humbly received many letters from youth indicating they were on the verge of suicide before hearing his/our message and afterwards they have a glimpse of hope to carry on past their trials. Some are just thankful to know that blessings come in all forms of hope. How sad to have adult trials during teenage years, these should be the most fun times. I remember being a youth and I have never experienced half of what our youth experience today.

I know the Lord has given Beignet a special gift and testimony to share with many and he is obedient enough to accept the responsibility of Gods mission for his life.

I am so honored to be blessed with such a wonderful husband and there is no other I would rather spend my life with. Let me share a little of what I mean when I say Beignet has been obedient to the Lord of this earth:

After playing 5 years in the NFL he turned down his 6th year contract with the Washington Redskins because of his spiritual conviction of the Sabbath. Praise God, he played long enough to get his pension and came out of the league healthy. Thus, our ministry was born.
He went back to school and completed his degree at Southern Methodist University because he was drafted before finishing and did not feel comfortable encouraging youth to go to school without completing his own degree.
After graduating he received a "very" nice offer from a global beverage leader and worked for them for two years with all the perks, then decided it was not fulfilling his desire to help the youth of our community. So, he decided to resign. (I accepted his vision and encouraged him the whole way...it was tough though cause that $$$ were real good)
After resigning, he stayed home with the kids for the summer and applied/prayed for a job working with youth. When the kids started school he was offered a job as a Juvenile Probation Officer and when he received the call it was as if he had a offer from a Bill Gates himself. That's when I really realized his heart is in helping youth. (lol, ok, forget the $$$)

Today, he is a administrator in the alternative school system where 10 - 19 year olds are plagued by drugs (Cheese), unstable homes and consistent disruptive behavior. He is not your usual drill Sargent he is humble, kind spirited and a gentle giant. He really seeks to provide guidance so that his students know and understand that they do not have to accept the troubled demons of their current and past situations.

This is just a short synopsis of who my Beignet is, there is so much more but I would have to post everyday to share with you the one I adore so much. God is constantly blessing us and I must uplift Him because he has never allowed us to go without necessities or pleasures of life. Beignet is my friend, the man of my life, second to God of course and I am truly grateful for him.......

There is not much in this post about my locks and I had no intentions on sharing this part of my life but this is where I was lead. Hope you enjoyed reading about my blessing!

Lunch Time!

2007-06-01T20:34:00.000-06:00

My buddy TRA called one day this week and said "hey I'm in the area, can we grab some lunch"? I ripped my grip out of my desk and ran out to of the office so quick my head was spinning. Who could turn down a lunch with a fab lock sister.....even though I was having a bad hair day. Better yet...a lazy day.

TRA after downloading the pics I realized we should have used a better background than the run down garage. Oh well, the lunch and conversation was to die for. I knew I was in for a treat as soon as I got the call.............laughter is like medicine to the soul and I had a blast laughing with you and your wild sense of humor.

We talked about kids , summer plans, family stuff and most of all locks and styles. TRA's locks are so nice, heathy and really growing that I was convinced to try her famous badtu knots after seeing her behavin curls, I'll have to share pics next time!

Thanks for stopping in TRA!

Happy 2 Year Locversary to Me!

2007-05-27T21:45:00.000-06:00

I'm looking strange in this pic because so much has happened in the past two weeks and I completely forgot all about my locversary! I'm usually counting down the days and here I was totally relaxed and into my new....well, old Langston Hughes Reader that I found during some antique shopping. The Langston Hughes Reader consists of selected writings, novels, stories, plays autobiographies, poems, songs, blues, pageant , articles and speeches. A true jewel!

All weekend the weather has been non stop rain and I absolutely love the rain, thunderstorms and lightening shows. This time last year we were praying for rain, so I have no complaints.

Yes, call me weird but when the raindrops are hitting our rooftop and the lightening show displays its beauty I meditate on the blessings of God and sit back with a good read.

I'm sure my appreciation for rain and thunderstorms are embedded in me by my grandmother. Who today, still unplugs every electrical appliance in her house and sits still until it passes. Oh, I can still hear the rain dropping down on their tin roof top down in the bayou. Somehow, we always had good laughter from my gradnfathers jokes about other family members! Isn't it funny how those times are passed down generation to generation?

I digress, I was so excited to find the book because it was published in 1958 and was $5.95 then. I worked over the poor seller and he let it go for $45.00. When I'm not reading the book, it sits on my living room table as a conversation piece.

Happy Locversary to me!! These days I'm loving freestyling since the humidity takes my curls as soon as I walk out the door. So until the sun comes out again, I'm freestyling and loving it. OK, got to get back to my book!

BTW, Praline just made her one year lockversay last month, see her progress here.

A Locked SIster is Gone!

2007-05-16T09:52:00.000-06:00

ATLANTA (AP) – Yolanda King, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s eldest child who pursued her father’s dream of racial harmony through drama and motivational speaking, has died. She was 51.

King died late Tuesday in Santa Monica, California, said Steve Klein, a spokesman for the King Center. The family did not know the cause of death, but relatives think it might have been a heart problem, he said.

Read More here.

This Is How We Do It!

2007-05-07T22:43:00.000-06:00

We met for a little dinner on Friday and caught up on all of our hair updates. Blaqkofi wrote a beautiful post here about the wonderful evening.

TRA, you and that wit of yours was most certainly missed!!!

My Locked & Natural SDA Sista's

2007-05-05T23:18:00.000-06:00

We worshipped in the park this past Sabbath and I could not resist taking pics of my church sista's and their beautiful locks (two on the ends) and natural twists (middle). When we get together we almost always touch each others hair and talk about new products or styles.

This particular day was humid and cloudy so everyone was pretty much freestyling! Can you believe they did each others locks by starting them with smaill twists and maintaining them with a baby safety pin, you know, the little gold ones. Yes, they do a wonderful job and none of them have had any type of hair classes or certifications.

My buddy in the middle just grew out her perm a year ago and is lovin her natural twists for now.

For those of you who wonder about Corporate America, don't, because one is a RN, one is a HR Director and the one just left teaching in a Private school to now homeschooling her children.

How AWESOME is that????

Special Lock

2007-05-03T21:41:00.000-06:00

I had a lock in the middle section of my head that had so much bunching it began to look huge and out of place, of course no one else would ever notice it but I felt it each time I stlyed my hair. So, I decided to split it.

I was sharing my "special lock" story with Brunsli one day and she posed the question "why don't you pick it loose?" Daaaahh, why didn't I think of that, well it was really easy, I clip the end of the lock and picked it loose. Thanks Brunsli, thats why we need to keep in touch with our locked community. They can actually help us....

I clipped the end of the sealed lock and totally untangled the two year old bunched lock. Afterwards, I made two locks out of the one bunched lock and now I have two perfect locks. I have to remember to braid and band in that area until they are locked....

I still love my sweet little special locks!

Are Those Sisterlocks?

2007-05-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

This is what my hair looked like as I prepared for a meeting to meet our new Senior Director. After the meeting, she spent some time with each of us. She and I talked about work then she asked me, "Are those Sisterlocks?" I was stunned, after I confirmed, she then went on to say she was introduced to Sisterlocks while living in another city where many people wore Sisterlocks. Guess where? Shout out to the Denver SL community for representing!

Then she further indicated that she has thought heavily about getting SL in the past and may now seriously reconsider. So, I hope I don't overstep my boundries by putting together a care package that will include a Sisterlock Journal for her. (((Lol))) Yes, she is a AA and a highly educated, intelligent and professional sister.

I've Made My Decision

2007-05-01T21:03:00.000-06:00

Thanks to all of you who offered your input to my questions in order to help me in my decision making process. I've been prayerful and I've done my homework, this has been an interesting process and I won't bore you with the details! My decision is based solely on my desire to help others accept and understand how to care for our beautiful God given hair via braids and/or locks. And make a little $$$ in the process.

Can you believe there are only five cosmetology schools in the DFW area that offer a Braiders License? Regardless, I've found and connected with one that will work with my schedule I can't wait to get started.

So, if you have not already guessed, I'm going with Option 2 and starting with the braiders license. After the class I'll entertain other options and see where the road leads me.

Much of my decision to start with the braiders license and hold off on the other locking Certifications were the facts and outcome of tdiscussions with other Consultants, Sisterlocks vs Nappylocks court case and the signing of the SL contract. I was mortified after fully reading the court case document. I dare not want to position myself to be in the situation of either party. At this point in my life I'm just not ready for those types of battles with contracts and all. You can read about the court case it here .

I really liked what TRA said..."I think it depends on what you are going for. For the type of money that people spend on SL's or locks that are "like" SL's a consultant is more idea because at least one feels that the consultant/trainee will be held accountable for doing a good job and meeting the SL standard. With that said what does being held accountable really look like? The home office cannot make a consultant or a trainee return a clients payment if they are dissatisfied with the service."

A good example, is my "parting" issue here....Home Office offered suggestions to correct but that was the extent of it. I still had to spend dollars to correct the issue myself. In fact, to date, the Trainee Consultant that gave me organic parts is still listed on the Sisterlock website. No love loss, just lesson learned. I accept some fault for not doing my own homework on selecting a well trained consultant.

And, Brunsli..so analytical and helpful says " No matter what, you'll have to be a certified hair braider, so why not start there? If you charge $20 an hour, you can recoup the $600 after 30 hours of work (say 40 assuming you'll pay taxes). That's not a huge investment for the education, to be legal in your state, and have something of value to market to your clients.After you have a chance to see how your business goes as a certified braider, you will probably be in a position to evaluate if you want to make the additional $2400 investment, which would take approximately 120 hours to recoup (or ~150 with taxes).I would lean towards the two-step approach since many women who take the course to become certified Sisterlocks consultants end up deciding that it's not a cost-effective career compared to other things they could be doing with their working time. With a two-step approach, you will be able to evaluate that for yourself before making the second investment.Of course, not everything can be dictated by dollars and sense. If being a SL consultant is something you really want to do and enjoy, just go for it!"

GoodNapps - I love your passion for SL, I'd want you on my team!
Naadii - Ringworms, eeks~We'll soon find out about TX profits!
Renee- Yep, I checked it out, Braiders License needed!
Vee - Get Mass going on the bandwagon!
BlaqKofi - I know, I just need more solid details before signing up!
Muslimahlocs - Don't have that kind of energy right now...maybe later we can do it???
Cluziel - Yes, and I'm ready!
Sunsail- The tax man has already been contacted! (lol)
Dregagirl- What's a license without shampooing right? Ugh!
ChosenVessel - Thanks I'm loving these think locks!

Maybe one day in the future I'll consider taking the Sisterlock class after thoroughly discussing pros/cons with Dr. Cornwell or Dennard. For now, I'll settle for the license and see what the school has to offer first. I'm taking baby steps so that I don't get myself in any trouble.

Hey....I'm very much in love with my medium size Sisterlocks and they are looking better than ever.

Texas Law for Hair Braiders

2007-04-22T10:01:00.000-06:00

I've been seriously considering pursuing my locking skills and after much homework, I've found that I can't just take the Sisterlock Consultant class and be on my way to starting a SL clientele, here's the twist......

Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation has created a new certificate for hair braiders and the new certificate was made available on September 1, 2006.

The rules adopted by the Commission require a curriculum of 35 hours of instruction before a certificate will be issued. This includes 11 hours in hair braiding & locking technical skills; 16 hours of instruction in the Health and Safety law and rules; and eight hours of hair analysis and scalp care.

Applicants will not be required to pass a practical or written licensing examination for a braider certificate. However, a certificate will only be granted after a cosmetology school certifies to the TDLR that an applicant has completed the required braider curriculum. The services a hair braider can offer will be limited. Hair extensions can be attached by braiders, but they must be braided in rather than attached with glue or any other chemical. Certificate holders will not be permitted to shampoo, condition or dry hair.

If I want to become a certified braider or locktician and work out of a salon I must complete the following at a local cosmetology school.

At first I thought, this is a shame how the law makers are doing everything in their power to gain profits from our culture. Then, after reviewing the curriculum I figured this may be a good thing. See below:

The required 35-hour hair braider curriculum is:
HAIR BRAIDING CURRICULUM - (35 HOURS)
(A) Hair Braiding – Technical Skills (11 hours):
(i) tools and equipment: types of combs, yarn, thread
(ii) types and patterns of braids: twists, knots, multiple strands, corn rows, hair locking
(iii) artificial hair and materials for extensions
(iv) trimming of artificial hair only as applicable to the braiding process
(v) braid removal and scalp care
(vi) client education: maintenance
(B) Health and Safety/Law and Rules (16 hours):
(i) Texas health and safety law and rules
(ii) bacteriology: sanitation, and disinfection
(iii) viruses, diseases, disorders: transmission, control, recognition
(iv) Texas license requirements – individuals and salons
(v) Texas professional responsibility requirements – individuals and salons
(vi) Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 1602 and1603 (laws)
(vii) 16 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 83 (rules)
(C) Hair Analysis and Scalp Care (8 hours):
(i) hair and scalp disorders and diseases: dandruff, alopecia, fungal infections, infestations, infections
(ii) hair structure, composition, texture
(iii) hair growth patterns, styles, textures
(iv) effect of physical treatments on the hair

I would love to become more educated about our hair and I'm seeing an increase in female baldness . This is primarily due to over processing with chemicals as well as over manipulating the hair lines due to braiding and locking too tightly. This is a special of area of interest for me and I'm excited that the class will cover the information.

Now, I'm on a mission to find the right school for me to take the class. So, in Texas, in order to operate as a Certified Sisterlock Consultant in a salon you must "first" become a Certified Hair Braider.

Option 1
Certified Hair Braider Class $600.00
Sisterlock Consultant Class $1395.00
(SL Travel & Hotel) $1000.00
Total $ 2995.00
*Gives me the option to lock and retighten traditional, tool maintained locks and Sisterlocks

Option 2
Certified Hair Braided $600.00
Total $600.00
* Lock and retighten traditional and tool maintained locks. Never to be able to use the Sisterlock name

I believe I know the option I'll take but hummmmm.....what's your opinion, Option 1 or Option 2?

Dr Cornwell Visits DFW Ladies

2007-03-29T20:18:00.000-06:00

Gigi and Blaqkofi did a fabulous job of putting this event together. Big shout out to ya!

After the visit With Dr. Cornwell and connecting with her Sisterlock vision I am even more interested in taking the Consultants class.

I may be doing it sooner than later.....

If anyone has taken the class and would like to offer your experience please do. I invite pro's and con's.

What a blessing.......to my surprise Blaq brought along her sister (pictured below right) who I connected with the first time I met her. What a powerhouse soldier she is!!! I just love and adore her spirit. Don't let this be your last visit girlfriend. Blaq, thanks for sharing!!!

"T" in return fell for my baby Praline and found words of praise as Praline dedicated the appropriate Sam Cooke song"A Change is Gonna Come" to Dr. Cornwell.

And below (right), my fabulous hair twin Jen/ ! She is another DFW'er that has the spirit of a lamb and totally gifted in making anyone feel right a home and welcomed.

Thanks ladies, you've done it once again!

Locks on the Slopes!

2007-03-19T19:24:00.000-06:00

We had a blast getting away from the flat lands of Texas! The mountains were so majestic and each time we visit mountain areas I fall deeper in love with Jesus for creating such wonderful views of his earth!

I love my Casio Exilim 7.2 because it produced fabulous pictures. This pic is one of my favorite mountain shots of the slopes from the ride on the ski lift!

Praline, Roux and Beignet are always in competition to see who can get down the mountain the fastest and I'm always left behind enjoying the beautiful scenery of the snow and trees. Conversating with other skiers as I slowly and carefully make it down without injury!! Roux always seems to beat Beignet while Praline keeps my anxiety up as she makes it down at what appears to be 80+ mph.

I actually overcame one of my fears this year by taking on a 3 1/2 mile downhill Green! Just so you'll know.... this Green is actually a Blue at other ski resorts. We had the awesome experience of skiing at two resorts this year with one being more difficult than the other.

Sadly, while we were at one of the resorts a 18 year old male, who was with his church group was killed while skiing. He ran into a tree and was killed on impact.

On a happier note, all is well with us and we are home safely....back to reality! Oh, and BTW Praline and I could not resist asking this snowboarder about his 16 year old locks. He gladly accepted our invitation to take a pic as the only lockers and AA's on the slopes! :) Click on the pic to get a closer look!

I'm Back - Anyone Ever Experience This???

2007-03-18T23:02:00.000-06:00

Last week, while on Spring Break I found several locks like this one. It looks like part bunching (3 lock pattern) on the ends from my original locking session and R4 (reverse 4) at the front of the lock after changing my pattern as recommended by my Consultant. R4 is working out well do to the tighter pattern on my hair type.....however......

The middle of the locks are very weak and I just decided to ......whack them off! Five locks in all! They were very annoying and I could not stand the way they looked just hanging on for dear life.

Could it be something else?? Just curious to know if anyone else has expereinced this issue? If so, what did you do?

I also wondered if it could be from over manipulation of braiding, twisting and curling. Hummmmm....

On a Hiatus

2007-03-10T03:52:00.001-06:00

Will see you soon!

Meet My New Buddy

2007-03-05T19:51:00.000-06:00

Click here to see my new buddy, we met in gym class and she is ready for locks!!!!!!

Go ahead and check out her blog and show some love to a sistah!

Meet Magnolia

2007-03-01T16:16:00.000-06:00

Here's my closest friend "Magnolia," we met as college freshmen and we've been friends now for 25 years! Magnolia is also from Louisiana with French Creole heritage and boy can this sista cook!! She will make you "Slap Ya Mama."

She's a true clean freak but that's a whole "nother" post, Magnolia has been natural for 3 years now and is not ready for a lock journey. I just wanted you all to meet my wonderful buddy who has embraced her nappurality!

The Cadet Sisters

2007-02-26T21:25:00.000-06:00

We have the awesome pleasure of housing the Cadet Sisters (click onthe name, pronounced Ca-day) this week and who would have known the blessings God had in store for our family by opening our home to them??

They are also Seventh-day Adventists and are in Texas to preform at for a Youth Convention.

Last Sabbath, we went with them to four engagements and we were completely filled with the spirit of praise and song!

Their mother, Ketty is the epitome of a Christian woman who has completed home school for three girls and they are now in college. She is now home schooling the remaining three girls and they love home school.

The spirit of love, peace and joy has been increased in our home and I cannot even begin to tell you about the delicious dishes they have prepared for us each day.

Ketty and her hubby, Eddi are both natives of Haiti (creoles) and if you remember my previous post about my Paternal Haitian roots, this experience comes at a time that could not be more perfect. They actually know of my surnamed family members and I've learned that they were very prominent people in Haiti.

The Cadet girls were reared in Illinois and they now reside in Utah. Their ministry is one to be appreciated in a time where most girls are doing the unthinkable. They are humble, polite, kind, helpful, joyful, loving and most of all they love the Lord!

Roux and Praline are both enjoying the company, Roux feels like he has six adopted sisters and Praline is taking in all of their musical and travel experiences. Here he is pictured like the big man on campus!!! ((lol)) They went to the mall and the girls picked out these shoes from him.

Ketty has been preparing the best dishes, here is the latest and I was full as a tick! This dish consists of peas & rice, smothered tofu and potatoes with grilled onions and bellpeppers. The Cadet's are vegans and we practice the vegaterian diet at home only so Beignet is especially over indulging himself in all of this good eating!!!!

Black History Tribute

2007-02-22T20:52:00.000-06:00

You ask who is that? This is my maternal grandpa (GP) and the story as to how he became my GP is even more fascinating!

My GP was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi and his mother died when he was just a small boy. His father married a woman shortly afterwards and she brought her own children into the marriage. She would mistreat GP and his siblings terribly bad, especially the boys. Close to a Cinderella story in the reverse role.

We never discussed exactly where his mother and father were from but he spoke often about his Geechee heritage, some now refer to Geechee as Gullah. Geechee's were the first residents brought to the United States and enslaved from many African nations. Another good reason for my bunching hair mixture. Read more here on Geechee.

GP and his childhood friend decided that they could have a better life elsewhere. The two young men took off walking and hitch-hiking their way through the most racist rural areas in Mississippi during the early 1930's. GP often told us that the KKK was not the worst of their fears, they we trying to survive.

Finally, after days of walking and hitching rides they made it safely from MS to New Orleans, LA. When they arrived they were hungry, tired and needed a place bathe. They decided to do a random knock at a house which turned out to be a white man and his wife. Mr. H opened his home to the two young black men, he and his wife fed them, allowed them to clean up and gave them rest for the night. Is that amazing for the 1930's????

After resting, Mr. H and his wife offered GP to stay with him and help them care for their home. (not sure whatever happened to GP's friend) Mr. H was a lieutenant in the Civilian Conservation Corps and soon after my GP moved in with Mr H and his wife, GP joined the CCC. GP esteemed Mr. H for being a good man and the reason for his surviving his journey from MS. to LA.

GP moved to a small town in LA with the CCC where my maternal grandmother (GM) grew up. He would go to her job to buy fresh milk every morning, boy have times changed. I guess they had some kind of connection, they were both twins. (lol)

GM was 18 and GP was 22 when they were married in 1938. From that union, 10 children were born, five girls and five boys, my mother was the first girl and number four.

After leaving the CCC, GP began working at a paper mill which provided him the resources to take care of my GM and all 10 children. He bought land (which many of the family members live on today) and built their home . He eventually retired from the mill and enjoyed life traveling to visit relatives all over the US because he was also a favorite uncle to many nieces & nephews. In fact, the pic of him above is from a niece who paid for his entire trip to Los Angeles to visit family there.

My GP was one of the funniest people I've ever known, if you were in his presence you were guaranteed a "good ole knee slapping time!" He often had a bad understanding about phones though, it disturbed him when I used the phone for a long period of time because he thought local calls were like long distant calls and would tell me I was "running up" his phone bill. Oh, how I miss him!

One story I like to tell is of GP and his neighbor Mr. Buddy, Mr Buddy always had pigs that got out and found their way on GP's property. Regardless of the many pleas to Mr. Buddy to keep his pigs on his own property the pigs still found their way back to GP's house. Well, one day GP had had enough, he always kept his pistol on him when he was driving or gardening. The poor pig came over on the wrong day, Mr. Buddy saw the pig and started running over to get the pig but it just was not fast enough. All we could hear Mr. Buddy yelling was nooooooooooooooo!!
GP took out his pint of whisky, took a swallow, grabbed his pistol and shot the pig right between his eyes. GP then looked up and told Mr. Buddy...."I told you to keep your pigs on your own property." From that day on, Mr. Buddy never let another pig get out and GP & Mr. Buddy remained friends even after that episode.

GP did not have one mean grop of blood in his body...but he was a man of words! He was a tall & bold man and I was always proud of him! As a teenage, if there was any possibility of trouble I just had to let people know who my GP was and it was over.

GM is still alive and well today but GP succumbed to cancer in 1997 and is now resting in his grave waiting for that great getting up morning when the "dead in Christ shall rise first" I Thessalonians 4:16.

And that's my little known Black History tribute!

Wrap it Up!

2007-02-21T23:03:00.000-06:00

I found a cute little Juicy scarf at Nordstrom last week and decided to play with it by wrapping up my locks. The weather has been so nice the past few days and I could actually wear my hair up without the cold breeze on my neck.

Oh, the attention I received...for whatever reason my locks seemed to glow right through the wrap, now I'm getting the itch and ready for a visit to the local fabric store.

Here I'm working through a computer situation and Roux decided to snap me in thought?? Well, I decided to keep it since he thought he was so being funny! ha ha, Roux..Mom still loves ya!

Waco Gathering I

2007-02-19T00:22:00.000-06:00

This was another fab time with the SLocker's, the time passed too fast and again I was left feeling like I needed more time to socialize. It's never enough but I was thankful for the time we spent together. What a fantastic group of ladies!

Waco Gathering II

2007-02-18T20:50:00.000-06:00

Waco III

2007-02-18T20:45:00.000-06:00

Trouble in the Camp, not with the Original G's

2007-02-12T23:47:00.000-06:00

Two months ago DS (Dear Sistah) gave me permission to take her pic and approval to use on my blog as a testimony of locked hair. After taking the pic, I gave DS my gal card with my contact information and blog site. When I posted the pic I did not use DS real name, only her pic with me and another SL buddy. You see, I know DS...but I don't know DS.

I received a "restricted call" on my cell phone over the weekend (first off, I never answer restricted calls, but did this time) from DS and I could hear and feel fear in her voice. She explained that two of her friends in two different cities were on a particular forum where several men were discussing a picture the three of us took together and they were having inappropriate conversations about us. The chat referenced back to the December post of the three of us on my blog. DS could not give me any information on the forum only that her two friends were following the chats.

So, due to DS fear of people tracking us down, she requested that I remove her pic from my blog. Ok, being the understanding person I am, I apologized for the anxiety that I may have caused her and I agreed to remove our picture. In all fairness, I don't question others fears.

When I asked DS if she had viewed my blog along with the pic that she allowed/agreed for me to post on my blog, her response was "no, I don't know much about blogs, email or the Internet." Wow, so two people can call and get a person all worked up when the evidence has not been read or seen? Hummmmmm, is it me or does it seem like something else is going on here? Maybe not, I'm just asking?

Ok, so after I agreed and apologized for any unintentional distress, DS then went on to say "aren't you afraid of showing pics of your child and family?" Say what??? Don't get things twisted; you can trip with me but don't mess with my family. I would never jeopardize my family's well being for anything in this world. I almost took offense to the question, however, I considered the source and had to understand that DS may have had a legitimate concern because of her own personal fears and she may not have meant to be offensive.

So, let's get the record straight...if for any reason, I believe my family may possibly be harmed due to our blogs (me & Praline) they would be down today. Since, I do not at this time believe there is a true concern, our blogs will remain up.

I agreed to remove the pic when I really did not have to, but I did out of concern for DS. Is that not enough???

My blog was created to promote positive and uplifting testimonials for those that want to be educated about natural hair, locks and sometimes my spiritual walk with God. I have met many people that I respect and formed friendships that otherwise would not have ever happened had it not been for LockItUp or blogs. For those relationships alone, I am eternally grateful! These two pics exemplifies strength, friendship, and courage, they were taken during one of our the fall gatherings. All in the name of Blog. (the "L" sign is for Locks not Losers! So, don't go trying to be funny! )

I digress, at the end of our conversation, DS indicated " I'd appreciate if you take my pic off your blog. Ok, it's done, I understand, forgive me! I sure hope DS does not lose sleep over this......

After the call, I immediately shared the conversation with Beignet and his response was "don't worry about that, your blog is fine and I don't think it is posing a threat to our family." Beignet went on to say "we run in to far more people on the street everyday that can do more damage than anyone harming you and Praline over your blogs." Case closed, as long as my Beignet is comfortable with our blogs...I'm ok! Now, I guess I will have to be very careful with whom I post on my blog!

BTW, what chat rooms do people hang out where there are inappropriate conversations about three women standing in a pic showing their beautiful locks? Never mind, don't answer. That chat room seems more disturbing than anything on my blog. I certainly don't surround myself around those kinds of chat rooms!!

Just in case there are any crazy things going on in cyber space, I plead the blood of Jesus right now that all demonic spirits will be removed from my family and my blog at this very moment! But, most of all I ask for peace to consume DS so that she can rest in your Love.

Needed to vent.......

Bygbaby's Quench Essentials

2007-02-11T23:37:00.000-06:00

Brother Locked Bygbaby introduced his new online store and since I'm always in the market for new body moisturizers. I ordered the "Naked" & "Earth" Body Mousse. As soon as I received it in the mail, which by the way was received two days after ordering. I popped open the bottle and used both of them right after showering. I love the natural feel of the mousse and I especially like the Earth.. For some strange reason, I thought Naked would be some kind of aphrodisiac aroma but I guess I was over thinking the product (Christians can have fun too!). But instead, it's exactly what it says... "Naked" meaning it does not interfere with your daily fragrances but still feels great on your skin.

Anywoo, "Earth" certainly appealed to my senses and left my skin feeling nice and moist. If you are not used to using all natural ingredients it may take you a little time to get used to the consistency and texture....but for me, it's a winner hands down. Whole Foods is in for a big surprise!

Wavy Locks

2007-02-07T23:52:00.000-06:00

Sue and I ride home from work in the afternoons on the Downtown Express bus and I saw her sportin a beautiful wavy locked hairstyle this week. After harassing her about how she did it, she shared the creative plaiting formation and I went home and immediately put about 20 plaits in my head after spritzing with Carol's Daughter Leave in Conditioner. I usually french braid my hair but I tried the plaits for the first time, woke up the next morning, took them out and I loved the finished product.

You can see Sue's a lot better than mine in this pic but wow.......I received so many compliments on the wavy look. It was so quick & easy!

Just another style I thought I'd share, passed on from Sue!

Praline has her own Blog!

2007-02-04T23:41:00.000-06:00

Finally, we decided to buckle down and have a Blog tutorial for Ms. Praline. She's catching on and her blog is finally in action.

Check her out at her new blog site : Praline

I Got Tagged

2007-01-31T22:33:00.000-06:00

Simply Mel tagged me and I'm supposed to share five things my blog readers don't know about me. The sad thing is, I couldn't think of five things right off that I had not already shared, but I'll give it a try!

1. I love entertaining and cooking for people, I'm offended when my guests don't eat or like my meals because I cook with lots of love. Like it or not don't add extra seasonings to my meals. Those of you that put salt and pepper on your food before even tasting it..ok that burns me up!

2. I go after what I want and started dating my hubby because I asked him out while in High School and we became good friends. Humph , I was not going to let that fine hunk of a specimen get away from me.

3. My favorite place of travel is anywhere in the Caribbean.

4. I do not like attending our wonderful community movie theaters because of the "special effects" in the audience. Why do our folks talk through the movies, why, why why??? Sometimes I drive 30 miles away to enjoy a movie.

5. I was named to the (year withheld, ha) Converse All American Basketball Team along with the first female dunker, Cheryl Miller

Now, lets see..I'll tag my blog buddies below because I've never met them in person:

Chi-Chi in Chi-Town - Chicago

Luvi - Houston

Monica - Killene

My Girl Serena, Why the WIG??

2007-01-30T21:33:00.000-06:00

While I was not able to watch the final match this past weekend, I certainly followed the winning path. Had I been available to watch the final I don't know that I would have because of the pure anxiety I experience each time Serena misses a return or serve.

Serena was unseeded and ranked No. 81 in the world entering the tournament and beat Sharapova, 6-1, 6-2. I really dislike Sharapova's attitude and arragancy. The world cheers for her because of her so called toughness and beautiful body and we all know what the world admires the most!

I wish I could wake up one morning and have a tight body like Serena's! The girl is baaaad, I imagine Serena's body looks a lot like the one God gave Eve when he created her!

I could not resist posting about this because it is bitter sweet, I loved the WIN but the WIG...ugh! I'm sorry Serena....please let it go! Of all the hair styles, why the shiney wig with the fake part that the camera's kept getting close ups of???? Serena, if you ever stumble upon my blog and you are looking for a wonderful hairstyle, please come on Home! Didn't you just want to pull that wig off while the sweat was pouring from your head? Please my sister there is no place like Home!

Look at Sharapova, she hates losing (I do admire that) but she has poor sportsmanship conduct and I can't blame Serena for rubbing it in!!!

Newly Natural

2007-01-28T00:52:00.000-06:00

After church on Sabbath a buddy and I stood in the parking lot talking about her new natural experience. She is a Police Officer (don't let her size & looks fool ya, sistah can be brutal) and loves what her beautiful hair is doing. I must take a small amount of credit for her going natural because one day she indicated that she was thinking of going natural.....humph.....ya'll know me.....I zoned right in on the encouragement.

She cut all of her perm off and it's been one year into her natural journey! Who know's, locks could be next but I enjoyed my natural hair for nine years before moving into the lock stage. If she does not go the locking route, I'll just be happy watching her enjoy her God given hair!

Locs & Basketball

2007-01-18T23:08:00.000-06:00

The season is here and we're off to the races with practice and games beginning on Sunday. Praline is our pistol packing point guard and the smallest on her team. She's so funny because she likes her locks to hang when she plays, she says "it brings the girl to the game, mom!"

We noticed that she handles the ball with her left hand when she is actually right handed. We just don't get it... but we let her do her thing.

One of the reasons I quit playing in college back in the early 80's was due to the fact that I was one of the outcast and it was no longer fun. In high school us girls were all alike and when I went to college it was a whole "nother" ball game.

The pic below was taken during the Tournament of Champions State Championship game my Senior year against Grambling High. We lost by 6 points and yes that's me shooting two of my 18 points over the 6'+ girl.

I'm sure I can't get up that high now but it sure is fun showing my pictures to Praline and Roux. As you can see the stands were not full because we were a small town team and my whole town could probably fit on one side of the stadium.

The fun was no longer in the game because the majority of the girls were gay and so were many of the coaches. I was not gay and therefore I was not one of the girls. Back then, we (the team) had to stay in the same dorm which came with many privileges but I always ended up spending more time at my friends dorm until time for bed. I will admit that I was totally intimidated by the arrogance of many teammates and my game also suffered because of it. I'll bet only three or four of us were straight and after one season, no more BB for me and it was over that quickly. Had I known what I know now I would have handled things a lot differently. But that was then, this is now.

PS - I was not the best looking chic in high school therefore I know my marriage is based on love cause Beignet met me while looking like the pic above. Tomboy....all the way!

I'm Out of My Funk

2007-01-17T18:04:00.000-06:00

If you read my post yesterday you probably figured I was not feeling my locks. Well, thanks to Blaqkofi, Brenda, Ayankha & Sistalocd responses I'm now out of my funk. Thanks for the pick up ladies!

So, I took the time to go back through my photos and found that I was at a totally different phase a year ago. My little babies were shorter due to "one" of my many cuts to rid my bunched ends, plus they were thinner. I could not wait to be where I am today only to have yet another complaint.!! Go figure.

After seeing this reality check I sooooo appreciate where I am....

Peace out!!

When will the madness end?

2007-01-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I get so frustrated with my now 20 month old locks that I can just screem! When will they ever completely LOCK?? When will my ends lose the buds? When will the right side of my head catch up with the left side of my head? Will they ever completely mature?? Why, why, why??? I'm so tempted to cut those ends but I promised myself that I would not cut for a whole year. Next month will be a year since my last cut, can I do it?

Ugh.... guess I'll have to accept the fact that my 20 old locks will never look like my sistah BlaqKofi . She and I were locked weeks a part and her's are so slamming beautiful! I can honestly admit, I sometimes experience loc envy when I see my good friend picture perfect SL's. It's all good though, shout out to you Blaqkofi, you are always working your locks and a sweet inspiration. You hold a spot on my She-ro (hero) list. LOL :)

As I research my ancestry Creole lineage I guess I'll have to put the blame on my people for giving me that fab bunching hair. Oh well, at least I didn't get the ears... Family joke..

Hey, have I mentioned how much "I love my locks???"

Louisiana Pics

2007-01-14T19:11:00.001-06:00

Skin Color?

2007-01-14T15:04:00.000-06:00

While home for the holiday's my Aunt shared a photo with me of my Paternal Great-Grandparents and my Grandmother as a baby taken in 1912 when she was 3 yrs old. My great-grandmother carries the Haitian Creole Heritage who's grand father migrated to Louisiana and she married my great-grandfather who was a the French Creole (frenchmen born in the US). (my father and brothers inherited the ears, thank God I didn't)

I could not help but wonder the age of my great-grandmother because she looks much younger than my great-grandfather. Back then, the girls married young and I would think my great-grandfather robbed the cradle. But, no one knows their exact age here in this photo.

From what my Aunts tell me, C. Cezar-Guillory was no push over. Her father built the first school for Creoles of Color in Soileau, LA which both my Aunts attended.

We also visited the Creole National Park at the Oakland Plantation in Natchitoches, LA and found more history on Creoles. There were Creoles of color which were the descendants of the French Creoles, those from France that were born in the United States. Which leads to the issue of skin color....

Many believe that in order to be officially a Creole you must be of a light complexion...not necessarily true. The documentation from the Creole National Park proves that during intermixing of slaves and owners some were of "high yellow" and some took on the skin color of the darken skinned parent, it all boils down to genetics.

Now, there were regions in Louisiana were some Creoles would marry their cousins in order to keep the skin color of a more "white" completion so that they could enjoy more privileges . The fact of the matter is that being Creole is not about skin color, it's all about heritage.

I remember growing up and hearing about the parties that some could only attend if they could pass the paper bag test. Which means, a brown paper bag would be held up to your face and if you were darker than the paper bag then they would not be admitted into the function. This is all a result of the Big House mentality. We all know the story.

I've always hated the whole skin color thing and today we still struggle with skin color insecurities as a people. I'm sickened by the poison that some still feed their children about being light skinned or should I say "bright skinned, as some call it, as being better!" I'll try to contain myself but that ignorance really sets me off!!

I remember both sides of the spectrum because my sister who was darker received less praise and attention than I did from our maternal family. Let the truth be told, I've always believed she was more beautiful than me anyway. She shared a story with me recently where one of our Aunts offended her a child. We were all playing with our cousins at my aunts (her two grand children were our cousins) house and it was getting late so we asked if we could stay the night and she responded saying " sure ya'll can, but that dark one can't (my sister)! For the life of me I don't remember the comment but I guess it was not directed towards me so I'm not sure how I processed the whole situation.

To add insult to injury, I have friends from many different places and once, one of my Nigerian male friends told me that I should thank him for selling off our people because that was the reason for my skin color. (he was joking of course) But that comment started a nasty debate, needless to say, I was the Matron of Honor in his wedding after I worked him over.

Additionally, my buddies from some of the islands are so proud to not be call Black American that they make it a point to say the are anything but Black American. We've often debated the fact that many of the Africans were dropped off at those islands ports (including Haiti) and hence their heritage? This has always been a debate within my circle if friends and I beat that drum to death because of their arrogance of not being a black from the US. Does it really matter, no because the world sees us all as Black Americans, regardless of our accent or skin color.

Yes, I'm very proud of my Creole heritage but when people ask me where I am from I tell them Louisiana and my last name is the only thing that raises any questions. The bottom line is I am Black and love talking about my Creole heritage. I can tell you I am often not given the chance to show who I really am when introducted for the first time because too many times people tell me "I thought you were "stuck up" or my all time favorite "bougie" until I got to know you." I pride myself on "keeping it real" so I know I'm not either. If you feel otherwise, please share.

As I think back, I remember the prejudices within our own family race and now that I know how to deal with...I have little patience for any of it. When the rubber meets the road, we should be happy with who we are and not feeling as though we are better than anyone for any reason. If we treat each other with respect and dignity regardless of our differences, this world would be a better place!

Ok, I went all over the place with this post, it's out now!

Icy Weekend in Dallas

2007-01-13T18:24:00.000-06:00

No Sisterlock Gathering for us DFW gals!! Ba humbug! The forcast is ice, rain and temps below 31 for the entire weekend. We already have ice hanging from our neighborhood trees, can you believe that????

I just got off the phone with Blaqkofi and Sister-in-Locks discussing the plans for the Waco Gathering and it appears that the weather is too risky for us to travel the trecherous roads here in Texas.

Maryee & Jen have worked so hard to make this happen and looks like we'll have to reschedule due to weather. Thanks ladies and we appreciate all the efforts

All things work together for the good and I believe we'll have an even better time once we finally get together again........

Waco Social - Sunday Afternoon

2007-01-08T23:27:00.000-06:00

We are on our way to Waco, TX to meet up once again for another Sisterlock Social. Maryee and Jen will be hosting so please make every attempt to get there too!

It would be so nice some to meet some of our surrounding Waco area (Kileen & Ft Hood, etc) sisters as well. What cha say??

Someone was feeling a little left out

2007-01-07T02:00:00.000-06:00

Praline and I were playing around taking pics today and Beignet started feeling a little left out. He was like "bald handsome guys" need a little attention too! So, he jumped in the middle of us and we welcomed him with a group hug.

I must agree he is quite handsome and all mine of 16 years! Roux offered to take the pic and it was a family affair.

BTW, I'm loving my locks these days and I'm freestyling because my Caruso's are just not giving me the curl results I used to get since I've gotten a little more length. Guess I'll be going back to the rods when I need some curls.

Like Owner like Dog

2007-01-05T20:30:00.000-06:00

Have you ever heard the saying "dog's look like their owners?" Everywhere we go people stop and comment about how much Praline's toy poodle looks so much like her.

Poodle has curly hair just like Praline and we don't get offended because Poodle is really cute, especially after he has had a grooming. Get this, she asked if we could lock Poodles hair too.. that's probably going a little too far with the lock thing.

Praline needs a grooming in this pic and I promised an update but could not resist posting about this pic. I'll follow-up again after her next retightening.

Beignet and I really didn't like dogs before Poodle, but Praline begged to have one and we decided to get him after figuring that the dog would cost a lot less than a therapist!

Every time Praline saw a dog she would cry and pray for one of her own . We bought her a "Go-Go My Walking Pup" and after Beignet observed her trying to make GoGo walk and obey her commands.... he broke down and told me to find her a dog quickly. LOL!

In the end, it was best because it really made Praline a better spirited child. Talk about having a new child, we had no idea a dog could bring that much happiness to our family! (Picture taken by cousin T)

The Wild Cousins

2007-01-04T20:38:00.000-06:00

Roux and Praline with their 1st cousins! The funny thing is all three of my sisters had our daughters the same year! Is that wild??? And no, we certainly did not plan it that way but it worked out for the best, now they can really relate to one another.

Update on Pralines 8th month old locks coming soon!

It was a family affair!

2006-12-30T20:27:00.000-06:00

I was able to get together with my sister & brother in Lake Charles, LA for some family fun at the local bowling alley.

Yes, I'm the oldest of the bunch and very opinionated with each of my siblings. Well, we all are for that matter, it's in the blood line and we just can't help ourselves.

Had a great competative time hanging with my people!! Ohhh I'm getting homesick again!

True Locked Sisters

2006-12-28T22:07:00.000-06:00

Here we are after the locking session in front of Mrs Dee's Kumquat fruit tree. We love thumb Kumquats and the tree produces small, edible fruits that look similar to oranges. The fruits are extremely juicy and tasty and usually have a sweet outer skin accompanied by a tart, inner flesh.

When I'm at home.....I'm-at-home, no makeup, I wear jeans, jogging suits and gym shoes everyday. We just chill all day at my sister's house, visit family members and eat everything we can possibly think about.

I enjoyed the time with my sister and what was really funny was that her hubby, my brother out-law (lol) kept threatening me about locking "my" sisters hair. MrsDee gave him stare downs and told him when he cuts his ponytail (after 23 years of marriage) she might listen to what he has to say. Of course, it was all in fun but I know deep in his heart he did not want my sister locked until........he saw the finished product!!

Here's her before picture and my brother out-law loved her natural and did not want to see it go away!

Oh my goodness, when we were done he kept touching and saying to her "I like it", "it really looks good!" And certainly, Beignet & Praline were her biggest fans! She was done with her journey to lockdom, now she's on her journey to maturity!

I'm getting homesick again....

My "Blood" Sister is Locked!!

2006-12-27T21:13:00.000-06:00

First, can you guess what these two are???

They are two of my favorite Louisiana treats and since I went home for the holidays I ate like a fat pig!!

Yep, I said it and had a jolly good time doing it.

Picture on the left is Turkey Boudin and the pic to the right is my Mom's homemade Pralines (pecan candy). I can't blog about all of my favorites but I wanted to share these two with my blog family. Talk about good!

Also, good lock news, while home I locked my blood sister Mrs Dee using the Nappy tool. I know some people say we look nothing alike but guess what that's ok we are still sisters and I love her dearly. Why don't we favor each other? Let me explain, I am the only child from my mother's first marriage and later my Mom remarried and had three children with her second husband who also raised me. I always say I got the best of both worlds mom, dad's family and my step-father's family. We blend very well.

It took us 13 hours over a two day period and she was excited the entire time. MrsDee (my sister) has been waiting for a year to get her locks, she cut off all of her perm and grew out her natural hair. She also has Lupus so the medication sometime takes a toll on her but she was determined to do her thing. She has 309 locks and her gray hair shines through nicely.

Right now she is working on creating her blog so I'll be informing you all as soon as she is ready to publish it.

Hey, did I mention how much I love Louisiana and my Locks????

SL Holiday Visit

2006-12-21T21:39:00.000-06:00

We were having a hard time dealing with the fact that we would not see each other until Martin Luther King Birthday gathering in Waco, TX that will be hosted by Jen and Maryee. So.....we decided to get together for a quick visit.

TRA, Blaqkofi and I settled on dinner at Brooklyn's and a BLAST we had!! Those two ladies are soooooo funny and I realized that Sisterlocks have given me exposure to some of the the most beautiful people that I now call my friends! Inside and out, they are wonderful to hang with..............

Thanks ladies for the fab-u-lous time hanging out for the holidays!!!!! Laughter is life.....

Golf Banquet - Congratulations Roux!

2006-12-18T00:15:00.000-06:00

During our annual Golf Christmas Banquet this past weekend our very own Roux won the "Leadership Award" for the Male 13 + age group.

Had to give a shout out!

Praline did well also, she and Roux's (they play on separate teams) team tied for 1st in the Scramble the weekend before.

The young lady in the middle, is 15 years old and was the leader for Praline's team during the Scramble. She's a great player and won the opportunity to play at Pebble Beach along with Tiger Woods niece this summer!

Roux working on his swing!

We'd like to especially thank Coach Chuck for all of his dedication and committed hard work to our Dallas area The First Tee of Dallas Program"!

Festival of Lights

2006-12-05T23:51:00.000-06:00

I'm just now recovering from our fun filled weekend in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Last weekend opened the 80th Christmas Festival, my sister and her family met us there to celebrate the occasion.

If you've never heard of or been to Natchitoches, LA, (pronounced Nak-a-tish) it is the oldest French Settlement in Louisiana and the town where my great-grandfather was born and raised. It is also famous for the filming of Steel Magnolia as discussed in my previous post on my Louisiana heritage.

After the fabulous firework showcase the entire streets and town along Cane River lights up with all kinds of creative lighting. There are over 250,000 people everywhere, live band, dancing, live alligators (kids take pictures with them like they are Santa), food, food and more food! And, the best Bed and Breakfast you ever want to experience! Some Bed & Breakfast and hotels are booked in advance up to seven years. Yes, it's that exciting and something I wish everyone could experience before leaving this earth.

I really love and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and I was all over the streets jumping and skipping like I had reverted back to childhood....some of my most awesome memories as a child are from Christmas!!! Oh and it was much colder than normal which made it more enjoyable, we got to cover up, sip on hot cocoa & coffee and snack on Funnel Cakes too!

Stay tuned for more, I'll be sharing our visit to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, built c. 1820 along with several others. I learned even more about Creole History and we enjoyed picking pecans on the plantations. We almost didn't leave because "Beignet" (my hubby) pretty much asked the Plantation Guide 1001 questions.........you know how men can be when it comes to history! I felt like we needed to pay the poor guy, thank goodness he was up on the details.

Hair Hat

2006-12-01T00:04:00.000-06:00

Today in Dallas we had an "Ice Storm," many schools and businesses closed early.

People in Dallas drive real crazy in this type of weather and the streets are never prepared. Boy, do I miss the salt and sand on the streets of Chicago during times like this. When I lived there, streets were never a problem.

Why can't Dallas get it together??? For heavens sake, they could not even sand the HOV lane for quicker service to and from Downtown..

Anyway, while out and about in the 25 degree and 17 degree wind chill temp it was the first time in a long time that I wished I had my natural hair hat. The wind was cutting right through my locked parts and my scalp felt chilled to the bone. The wind could never get through my thick mane before locks. LOL!

The photo above was taken during my natural years and my hair came in very handy when I needed a head covering. I was natural for 10 years before I decided on my Sisterlocks last year and although I miss my natural I'm stilll mad in love with my locks.

If you look real close at the pic you can see some areas of my hair that are semi straight but thick. As Bgybaby says "it's the Indian, Creole & African hair fighting each other. Not sure who will win but one thing I know for sure.....the different hair types is what caused my hair to "bunch" during my first six months. See pic below.

Bunching is no joke and all you can do about it is be patient and after washing pull each strand so that it stretches. And, because of the frizzy hair along the lock my best style was braid out and settingon rods for different styles.

As Brunsli mentioned in one of her previous post, because of our hair types it's almost impossible to color without bunching coming alive.

Peace Ya'll!

My Roots

2006-11-28T21:20:00.000-06:00

My roots are doing their own thing and I'm loving the way my parts are turning out.

And since I'm on the roll about my roots I wanted to respond to Bygbaby's question..."Did anyone in your family practice Voodoo with reference to your Haitian side?"

My response was, "I was trying not to go there" but then I thought it would be an interesting post. So, I'll share a couple of my experiences.

While growing up in Louisiana I was involved with almost every sport school offered and ending up on the 1982 Converse All American Basketball Team along with Cheryl Miller, a high honor in my opinion.

I had weak ankles and more than my share of injuries. Before every game our trainer had to tape my ankles as if they were mummy's. Well, down in the Bayou my mother would send me up the street to Mr. Moujean (pronounce mo-jan) instead of paying for a doctor's visit when I had an injury. To this day I'm not sure what Mr Moujean did to me.... but it worked.

He too was Creole and spoke very little English, he was a very handsome but mysterious man. As a child I never questioned my mom, I just did what she told me to do, so after injuring my ankles during practice or a game, they would be blue/black where the blood vessels had broken from sprangs. I would walk to Mr. Moujean's house and all I did was point to the injury, take off my socks and gym shoes and Mr. Moujean would do his thing.

He would first get some string and whisper words I could never figure out, do some kind of movement with his fingers over my ankels and then blow on each knot (about five or six) until he had a full anklet. He would then tie the knotted string anklet around my ankles and he would tell me to cut it off after so many days depending on the severity of the injury. This my freinds was linked to VooDoo Healing.

Marie Laveau, read more about her here, is one that I was always curious about while growing up, I remember the first time I visited her store in the French Quarters. I was 18 years old and when I walked in, there were chicken feet, snake skins, skeletons and a host of other Voodoo religious stuff, every hair on my body stood up and I felt a eeerie vibe. I immediately ran out never to return.

I often ask my mom why she would send us to Mr. Moujean and she said "because my mother told me to and I didn't question her either." Wow, wow, wow! Everybody believe in Mr. Moujean!!!

My mother now is a wife of a Baptist Minister but let me tell you...back in the day she kept a fresh Ouija Board as our family game like it was a Monopoly board. Remember that game? They took them off the shelves several years ago. We even played Ouija in college until it spelled out my husbands name when no one at the table knew I was dating him at the time. That was the last time I played the Ouija Board game.

I'm sure many of you have also heard rumors of how some Louisiana women would get their husbands by serving them red sauce in a nice Louisiana meal...well let me tell you it's no rumor. Use your imagination, I don't want to make anyone sick.

I also have a uncle that many people in my family believe a neighbor put a curse on him for disrespecting her. Today, he still jumps and twitches while he talk/cuss and the family rumor is that he started jumping and twitching the same day he disrespected the old lady. She supposedly pointed at him and said a few words and that was the curse. Personally, I believe he has Tourette Syndrome!!! He's a funny kind of guy too and his nickname is Shakey! LOL! I love my uncle.

Don't get it twisted, I profess Jesus Christ as Lord and while some Louisianian's still believe in the Voodoo practice they truly believe it is the right thing to do. I sometimes still find it hard to break old habits that I grew up believing so deeply in and it is only by faith that I do not follow my original ways. Below are some of my crazy favorite superstitions:

Don't spilt a pole while walking with a friend - bad luck
Don't spet on a crack in the floor - you break your mothers back
Don't throw away your hair without buring it because if a bird gets one string, you'll go crazy
Don't ever put your purse on the floor because you'll never have money

Beignet is from New Orleans and I could never burn my candles when his people visited us. I love candles and they always thought I was burning candles for Voodoo spells on him. Little did the know, I did not need candles to get that brother!!!! He and I were born to be together and no force could stop this love affair......yes, I said it!

While Voodoo, known to some as a good religion it is Hoodoo that is looked at as evil. I won't elaborate, check it out for yourself, a sista has got to go....the Lord is my shepard, I shall not want, he maketh me to lie down in greens pastures, he restoreth my soul.....

BTW, I can't wait to see Déjà Vu with Denzel Washington, filmed in New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina.

A Tribute to My Louisiana Granny's

2006-11-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Just thought I'd share a bit of my Louisiana history. Because if you have not figured it out by now, I'm very proud of my native and culturally rich state of Louisiana.

This is a pic of my Maternal Grandmother as a teenager and she is still alive and well standing 5'8" at 86 years old living down in the Bayou of Louisiana. Talk about a fire cracker, with quick come backs and lots of wisdom!

Her father was a Creole from Natchitoches, Louisiana (where Steel Magnolia's was filmed) and her mother was half African American and half Blackfoot Indian from South Louisiana. My great-great grandmother was full blooded Blackfoot and lived to be 106 years old. (I've met both my great & great-great grandmothers)

Grandma went against all rules and married my grandfather a tall, humorous, proud African American man, "cool" and straight out of Hazelhurst, Mississippi. Of this union 10 children were born. Thus, my mother's blood line.

If you ever want a good read on French Louisiana heritage and culture "Cane River" would be one to start with.

Pictured here is my Paternal Granny, whom I'll never forget. I was 22 when she died and she too was a firecracker. Yep, I come from a family of firecrackers, pistols, shotguns. What ever you want to call them. They did not play!

Granny could never pronounce my name correctly, she would always say "Luchinda, com here sha ba-ba!"

A capitalist of her time, she owned a local grocery store and Juke Joint/Pool Hall and could barely speak proper English. (French Creole was her first language.) Every now and then she'd give us a cookie or two but for the most part, all of us grandchildren had to earn whatever we received.

Granny's great grandfather was from Haiti and he was known to be one of the first black families to own a phone (when others did not have one) in our small town area. He came over from Haiti via the banks of New Orleans and settled in a rural town called Soileau. Granny's mother was married to a Frenchman and my Granny married a Creole Frenchman hence my fathers Creole bloodline.

Frenchmen are non black and Creole Frenchmen are of mixed race, some also refer to Creoles as Mulatto, which I loathe because the word is derived from the word from "mulo", translated mule. Must our mixed race have such a negative connotation? Why do we have to be mules? That's a whole different subject, I digress, I'll blog about that one when my energy is up to par!

If it were not for the strength and struggles that I observed in these great women of my family I could have never become the woman I am today. These two are my Coretta Scott Kings!

"Amended"

Here are a few of my lineage Louisiana names:

Fontenot
Cezar
Guillory
Slate
Victorian

My South Louisiana Townships:
Lake Charles
Lafayette
Oberlin
Baton Rouge
New Orleans
Basile
Opelousas
Mamou
Soileau
Ville Platte
Plaisance
Eunice

My Favorite Louisiana Stuff

Festivals
Mardi Gras
Zydeco
Gumbo
Boudin
Crawfish
Any occasion (lol)

Surname of friends & relatives I grew up with:
Toussant
Thibadeaux
Boudreaux
Simeon
Fontenot
Boudreaux
Broussard
Carriere
Herbert (pronounced A-bear)
Guillory
Ledet
Leblanc

Favorite Plantation Homes
Cane River

Favorite Movies:
A Feast of All Saints-Creole History
Steel Magnolia's
Skeleton Key

Favorite Seasonings
Slap Ya Mamma
Fil'e

My new blog name has been change to "Creyole" in dedication to my dear grandmothers. A special thanks to them for passing down my strange hair type that bunches so easily and also, to my Granny for the mustache, I have to get a nice waxing every six weeks or so. LOL!!

Now, some of you can relate a why I gave my family the blog names below, here you go:

My Hubby - Beignet "French delicious doughnut sold at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans"
Son - Roux "the base for making a gumbo"
Daughter - Praline "famous Louisiana candy"
Me - Creyole "pronounced cre-ole"

Laissez le bon temps rouler! Translated "Let the Good Times Roll"

Read here for more on French Creoles!

Why Won't They LOCK?????

2006-11-19T21:37:00.000-06:00

Some of my babies just give me the blues. Here I am 1 1/2 years into my lock Exodus and still I have several that just won't act right.

I guess they are not giving into me no matter how often I retighten them or give much attention so.....I'm going to leave well enough alone and just let them be.

Whoever said locking takes patience.....was most certainly correct!!

Lately, I've been free styling and allowing them to go any direction they so please. Maybe I'll get the holiday bug and do a little styling sometime soon. Regardless. I must admit I still love my locks!!!

Praline is Growing Up

2006-11-18T21:46:00.000-06:00

Praline is really loving her locks! Here she is reading a script for a play! I've got to say, I'm so proud of this little one...she is so convinced that natural lock beauty is for her!

Long Lost Sisters?

2006-11-02T22:40:00.000-06:00

Hummmmm.....so I decided to humor myself. What do you think?? Yes, no, may-be-so.....

Our New Favorite Artist!

2006-11-02T21:20:00.000-06:00

Praline and I were in Starbucks one day and she ran up to me and said "mom this lady looks like you!" (to say the least, I felt honored that she looks 20 years younger than I actually am).

It was a CD by Corinne Bailey Rae, besides gospel we often listen to neo soul and we decided to try it out. To our surprise every song was a hit, for us that is. We call her a cross between Macy Gray and Jill Scott.

When we got home I googled her and found that the evil "racism" exists even in England today. Check it out a little of her story I found on the the internet.....

She was born February 26,1979 and is an acclaimed English singer and Songwriter who released her eponymous debut album in February 2006. Rae was named the number one predicted breakthrough act of 2006 in an annual BBC poll of music critics. The poll's predictions subsequently came true, as she became only the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one.

Rae was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to a Kittitian father and an English mother and she was the eldest of three daughters. She used to be racially abused on a regular basis while growing up, even though her verbal attackers mistakenly thought she was of Pakistani origin. She says about the situation, "My sisters and I were different and people used to say, 'Ah, aren't they cute, the little chocolate children, and look at their hair.' "I know they were only being cute but it was over the top. "Then people from other schools would shout, 'Paki' to me because it was the most common racist insult of the time. At least if you're going to do it, get it right. "I used to shout back, 'But my dad isn't from Pakistan, he's from St Kitts - so there.

She began her musical career at school where she studied classical violin before she turned her attention to singing: "I started off singing in church, I suppose, but people think it must have been a gospel church because of the whole, you know, black assumption," she says in reference to her mixed-race background. "But it wasn't gospel at all, it was just your regular Brethren church, very middle-class, where we would sing these harmonies every Sunday. It was always my favourite part of the service, the singing. Rae later transferred to a Baptist church, where the choir would sing traditional hymns. "We changed the words though," Rae states on her website. "We didn't want to offend the regular churchgoers, now did we?

Nappy Tool Follow-Up

2006-10-29T14:52:00.000-06:00

I've received several email questions about the Nappy N Happy Tool (my tool of choice) and thought I'd do a follow-up from my previous post.
To the far left is the SL Hook Tool, middle is the Medium Nappy Tool and far right is the Small Nappy Tool. I have both Nappy sizes because my locks in the back are larger than the locks in the front of my head.

Adonna, I could not respond directly to you because your email came through as anonymous:

Hello LaChanda: First off, just want you to know that I am enjoying your blog quite a lot! It has a friendly and laid back "feel". Since you are familiar w/doing loc maintainance w/this tool can you explain in more detail how exactly to use the Nappy Locs tool? I'm looking for a "once the tool is in your hand, place your loc here, pull/twist then do xyz" sort of answer (if you're up to sharing that type of detailed info) :).

I've used the latchook to maintain my roots but, I'm looking for something that is a bit more fool- proof. My issue w/the latchhook is that I sometimes end up grabbing nearby locks or get the hook tangled in my roots. I've started to buy the Nappylock tool several times but I guess that I'm looking for a little reassurance that the Nappylocs tool is easier to use than a latchhook. Also, have you ever run into any problems in using the tool that you could elaborate on? Using the latchhook if one is not careful one can end creating a "hole" in the newgrowth part of the lock which can be undone if found early. Are there any similar pitfalls to lookout for in using the Nappy locs tool? If the answers are somewhere else please redirect me.

Thank you and God bless, Adonna Adonna when I tell you I "Love" the Nappy Tool I mean it with all of my heart. The demo pics are the best I could do to show you and others how easy it is. (Hope the pics are good enough)

I'm pictured here retightening Pralines (my 11 year old daughter) locks and it takes me about 2 1/2 hours to do hers and about 3 hours to do mine.

You feed the lock through the open end of the tool, then you feed the tail end of the tool in the direction of your beginning pattern and pull the tail end through, you continue in your pattern until you have a full rotation. Its' that easy, no fuse and no hassel with holding the tool a certain way so that other locks are combined. I must admit though, the only problem I have is that I love retightening so much that sometimes I don't have enough growth for a full rotation so I have to settle myself down and be more patient so that I don't retighten too often. That's it! I think every locked sister should have the Nappy Tool because it's wonderful for emergancy situation when you need a quick front edge touch up. Go out and order yours today! Addendum: The SL hook tool was just too tiresome to my hands and wrists because I have Carpal Tunnel. I found that the Nappy tool was so much easier and I did not hurt afterwards.

Meet My Adventist Sisterlock Sister

2006-10-27T00:58:00.000-06:00

I so regret that I wasn't able to get to talk with Dr. Naijean Bernard like I had planned to, as she puts it, "The brunch was like sensory overload, in a good way! So much to see and do. " Naijean drove down from Austin, TX by herself to meet and socialize with the DFW Gals!

Naijean has been locked since January 10, 2004, about 2 years, 10 months. She works as a psychologist for the State of Texas, and in the process of studying for her licensure examination.

There are many things she likes about her Sisterlocks. The main thing is the freedom. When she had a relaxer, she says, "going to the salon was enjoyable due to the social atmosphere, but it was not time effective or a wise way to spend money." When she last had a relaxer, the charge was about $60 for a touch-up, every 6 weeks. Now, she can retighten my own hair, at her own leisure, for free! Viewing everyone's blogs makes her want to start styling her hair more often. I usually just wear it straight and still loves the style. (Keep up the good blog work my blog buddies!)

We also share a common faith as a Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA), Naijean grew up a SDA in the Washington DC area and went to SDA schools up until college. She also attended a HBCU (Howard) and then a public university (So. IL Univ) for graduate school. It really wasn't until graduate school that she developed a personal relationship with God for herself. "I guess being away from everything familiar on the East Coast and my support system made me rely on God more. " She recently moved to Texas from Maryland and looking for her niche in terms of church ministry.

Hope to see more of you Naijean!

Another Mother/Daughter SL Team

2006-10-23T20:07:00.000-06:00

After leaving the Sisterlock Brunch Blaqkofi and I decided to stop in the MAC store and pick up a couple of our favorite items. And....what do ya know...how be it we ran into this cute mother/daughter duo who had Sisterlocks!!!

They were just beautiful and they accepted our invitation to have their picture taken. Once again, I believe I'm getting like my friend and "Lock Stalker" Brunsli!

Mom says her daughter who is 12 is having difficulty at shcool with kids who tease her about her hair. I wish I could be twelve again and go to school just one day with her to have her back! Or better yet, I wish I could send Praline with her and the other 12 year olds could have a double dose of nappyism!

Blaq and I encouraged her and told her how beautiful she looked with her Sisterlocks. I'm sure one day those little chics at school will look back and wish they were brave enough to do what she did at such an early age!

New Addition to our DFW Lock Group

2006-10-22T21:19:00.000-06:00

Meet my buddy Sue, we met on the bus from work one day and I invited her to our Reunion. She recently moved to Dallas from California and was excited to hear about our group. We exchanged email addresses and kept in touch. Needless to say, she met us at the Cheesecake Factory and had a blast with the ladies.

Sue was captivated by Brunsli's Hair Ties and wanted an abundance of her own collection.

It's so incredible how locks can bring a wonderful group of ladies together even when we've never met before. Once again, I can't tell you how much I love being part of such a great group of secure and beautiful ladies, inside and out!

Sisterlock Divas

2006-10-17T20:57:00.000-06:00

After having brunch at the Cheescake Factory we went over to North Park Mall and took this photo.

I just love how the sassy shot came out. Click on it to get a large view.

More to come.....

Sam Cooke Request

2006-10-10T20:08:00.001-06:00

Help, I need help! If anyone out there has music connections I will pay a small fortune (within reason, lol) to get the instrumental track to "A Change is Gonna Come." Listen to the moving song:

A Change is Gonna Come

Hurry and help a sistah out, oh how Praline and I are crazy about Sam Cooke!!! Quite a handsome fella too!

Some of our other favorites are Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles and Otis Redding. My parents raised us on all of these powerhouses and I appreciate the music still today!!!

Sam Cooke was a true superstar in his lifetime. After his death, his legend became even larger. His influence can be heard in the precise phrasing of Smokey Robinson, in the conscientious songwriting of Marvin Gaye, in the raw emotion of Lou Rawls and in Aretha Franklin's controlled passion.Sam Cooke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986

You can read more about his death here

Lots o Locks at the State Fair of Texas!

2006-10-09T15:58:00.000-06:00

While visiting the fair we came across this awesome show called "African Acrobats," if you look real close you'll see that each and everyone of them has locks!!

When we stopped to see them perform, Praline said "mom, look they all have locks!" We both celebrated as they continue to do unbelievable stunts.

Most of the guys have mature locks but two of them are just starting out. There were six in all.

Pumpkin Patch

2006-10-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

Praline and a buddy taking a break after I walked them to death through the fair grounds and exhibits!

I just love Fall!!! This is such a cute picture I could not resist sharing.