Retightening Class

4 Years and 7 months later; I finally decided to take the SL Retightening class in Irving, TX. Due to unforeseen economic reasons, I could not take the consultant class as originally planned, so I opted for the alternative. Needless to say, besides the trainers, I was the oldest one...not chronologically; but in terms of my SL Rebirth. Many of the ladies wondered why I waited so long to take the class, and others looked at my locs with astonishment and eyes full of hope for their baby locs. The class was taught by Master Trainer, Ms. Michelle Bryant. Unfortunately, I could not practice much on my own hair because I recently had it retightened. However, I was still able to grasp the concept of the technique. Let's just say, I have a renewed respect and appreciation for my consultant! While the technique is not difficult to learn, at this point in time; I do not foresee me taking on the project of retightening my entire head and potentially jeopardizing the integrity of all the work my consultant has done thus far. This is largely due to the density of my hair. Thus, I will continue to drive to Dallas for my retightenings.

Curls, Curls, Curls

Just wanted to post some pics of my curls. I haven't attempted to curl my hair in a very long time due to the length, thickness, and time that it consumes. It was worth it; I think it came out great! I used the soft spikes curlers; however, I have run out of space as my hair has grown a lot since I last curled it! Oh, BTW, I finally ordered a shower cap from http://stores.soclocsock.com/StoreFront.bok made specifically for long locks! Yay!!!! I am so tired of having to wear two caps just to cover my hair in the shower. I will let everyone know my thoughts on it once I receive it.

Happy 42nd to Me!

Another birthday gone by! I can possibly name 42 reasons why I'm thankful for living to see another year and 42 reasons why I probably should not have. However, it only takes one second to say that I am thankful that HE chose to bless me with anger, pain, joy, patience/impatience, and one of the most unforgettable year's that I have had! They are tiny reminders that I AM still living and there is opportunity to make a difference--Still locking and still loving! What could be better than that?

SL, 4 years 6 months

My Revelation

Wrap-A-Loc Set

Attention Please, Attention Please!

I have some great news that I wanted to share with everyone. Today, after 4 years of being SL'd, I signed up for the SL Consultant Training Class! My class date is November 7-10 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX area. Many of you know that becoming a SL Consultant is an idea that I have tossed around for a while now. It's official now, I made my reservation today! The good news doesn't stop there...I have officially decided to change my career.

I am fed up with the Corporate America mentality and I'm leaving it behind. This past week alone, I have had persistent backaches and upset stomach from the moment I walk into my office. I have stress knots on my shoulders that never seem to go away! It's funny that I don't seem to have these head and stomachaches during the weekend (days when I'm off)...hmmm..

Thus, it's time I pursue something that I am passionate about. With all that being said...I enrolled at a local cosmetology college for the Fall semester. The program begins in December. Translation: I will be quitting my "job" by December. I would like to invite any encouraging words or food for thought.

Monica

Just June

SL 4 Years, 2 Months...Wow, I can't believe that half the year is already gone! My locks are still flourishing and growing like weeds. My longest lock reaches past the bottom of my bra line. Since my last entry, I have recovered from a bout of poison ivy! I will never again underestimate the power behind "leaves of 3"...what started out as a spot on my hand, ended up on my face, neck, arms, and back. Being the strong woman that I am, I tried treating it with conventional over-the-counter medication, but after a week and it appeared to worsen, I soon relented and quickly visited my physician! he placed me on steroid therapy (pills and ointment), and 7-10 days later, I finally saw the first sign of recovery. In total, it took me clost to a month to get rid of it. Because the poision ivy was on my face, that meant I could wear make up for a month (pic with up-do). I didn't want to risk spreading the oil to my make up brushes and causing a reoccuring infection. Some scarring still remains...

In other news, my son (pictured), experimented and took one of his locks down. We were astonished to discover that his hair reaches to his elbow! In the fall, he will be going to a technical school that forbids "exotic hairstyles". I knew he was serious about attending the school when he did not hestitate to agree to cut his locks. We're planning the cutting ceremony for August. Quite naturally, his impending decision to cut fostered the idea of me cutting again...however, the idea quickly vanished, as I do not think I can part with my locks just yet. They may want to break off and leave me; but the feeling isn't mutual-lol! At any rate, I'll be chatting soon.

Pipe Cleaners & Locks...Who Knew?

Elaine Does it again!!! I went in for a retightening; thinking I'd get the usual...wash, retightening, and back on road headed south! However, there was a wonderful surprise Elaine had in store at this session. She curled my hair with pipe cleaners (for lack of their real name)! If you look closely at the dryer pics below you can see them protruding. She simply spritzed my hair with water, curled my locks, and placed me under the dryer for about 20 minutes. It turned out beautifully! My hair felt so weightless; unlike how it feels when I curl it. This may solve my itch to cut, as I can still have the "bob" look while keeping my length. Needless to say; I will be combing the beauty supply stores or the arts/craft section at Walmart to purchase some pipe cleaners-lol! If anyone knows of a website that sells them in a bundle, please let me know....SL, 47 months and climbing!

Style and Length

These are pics of a style Elaine did at my last retightening! It took her less than 7 minutes to do it. I had no idea that she was planning to style; I don't think she did either-lol! It felt like she was just checking through my locs making sure she hadn't missed any, and the next thing I new...Wah-Lah! Isn't she awesome?

Album/Book Cover Pic-lol

I'm approaching four years of being SL'd! Time definitely flies...I am often asked how long will I let my locs grow. Honestly, it's longer than I ever anticipated it growing. The compliments continue to flow, as I continue to grow. My locs have endured many hours of tugging, fluffing, curling, straightening, washing, retightening, coloring, and styling...but mostly, they've endured and absorbed the gamma of emotions I've experienced this past year. Yet, even when I have a bad hair day; my locs are still beautiful and they speak words about me that have yet to leave my lips! My sisterlocks tell the world that no matter what I've gone through or am going through, I still stand...strong, able, and consistent at best. They tell the world, I know who I am and I have accepted me. Monica...Me, with all of my fallacies, challenges, accomplishments, and strengths...I continue.

"A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities".---William Arthur Ward

Always A Lady

A Little Versitility Never Hurts...

Wild Hair Days

(old braid out), Days before retightening.