Happy New Beginnings

Hair Trim

Locscrunchie Shower Cap for Long Locs

Hello Everyone! I haven't forgotten you. I've been battling some issues in my personal life and I'm just now coming up for air. Also I am guilty as charged! I've been frequenting Facebook and spend most of my journal time there. I do have some more pics to post, so stay tuned. Ms. Elaine trimmed my hair before the christmas holidays and I am loving the length now that it is a little more even. I love and miss everyone.

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.

Sharing Love

3Yrs, 8 months...It's that time of the year again...time to share love to every man, woman, boy and girl! 2008 is nearing its end and many of us are reflecting on goals not accomplished, unexpected events that have arisen, and hopes for the future.

Although Thanksgiving has come and gone, let us continue to be thankful for someone or something in our lives. Don't be upset by the driver going 20 miles an hour when you're already late for work...that driver could be your guardian angel preventing you from the car accident that just occurred 10 miles up the road!

Don't be annoyed when you are called to go to an unexpected meeting or training at work...be thankful you have a job...oh, and don't forget the annual and boring safety briefing/training you're required to attend! You know, the one that you can almost recite word for word? Be thankful for that briefing/training...although the information may be repetitive to you, you never know how that information might help you help someone else! And don't get annoyed when a family member asks for financial assistance...for the second or third time. Perhaps that stimulus check or bonus check you received in the mail wasn't necessarily for you at all, but it was for you to help that family member in need.

In other words...in this individualistic society we live in...keep in mind, your life is not just your own. We must all share love, share our talents, share our knowledge and wisdom. How selfish is the person that chooses not to do so! We cannot bury our heads in the sand or attempt to live in a vacuum because I promise you, eventually...almost certainly, one day...you will be affected and effected by the same circumstances from which you hide from! It's a funny thing about us humans...we have a tendency to create the very circumstances we do not want-lol!

The Decision...for those who have been walking this journey with me, I have decided to postpone cutting my hair. I have discussed the possibility and style with my consultant, but because I am "thankful" for my thick and long locks, and thankful that it keeps the cool winter air off my neck and ears; I may not cut until the spring or summer. Stay tuned! Season's Greetings to everyone. My holiday wish for you is to have peace, clarity, and a joyous 2009!

First Time

Okay Family...I wanted to share the first time I've ever been frustrated with my locks story! Yes, I said it, "Monica is frustrated with her sisterlocks!" It only took me a little shy of four years, but it's possible and I'm human, right?

Don't get me wrong, I still love them and I still have no desire to go back to relaxed hair...If you've followed my blog then you are a witness to the various changes I've been going through over the last several months. Thus, initially, I thought the idea of cutting my locks was just another symptom of all of these changes...What do we do when we feel powerless? Change the things we can, right? So, I brushed off the urge to cut and experimented with different styles instead. Sadly, it hasn't worked. This prompted me to do some further exploring as to why I've really wanted to cut my Sisterlocks when I've spent so much time patiently waiting for them to grow...Here are my conclusions:

• While I may curl my hair (my favorite style); most times, I wear it straight or in a pony tail. The problem that has arisen is now that my hair has gotten so long, it consumes a lot of my time roller setting them (my preferred style of curling). In addition to the length, the thickness remains the same. I may start off with a pony tail in the morning, but by midday, I'm taking it down because the weight of my hair; coupled with whatever ponytail holder I'm using gives me a horrible headache! Thus, I'm strongly considering cutting my hair into a bob. A bob will give me the opportunity to curl my hair, and maybe even wear a shorter ponytail. Below is a pic of bob I want (taken from the Essence Magazine). I'm open to your thoughts and opinions, so have at it family! What do you think?......Monica

P.S. What I forgot to disclose was the fact that in the near future I will be undergoing a MAJOR career change. While training in this profession, the hair should not be below the collar. This criteria only added to my argument (smile). My next retightening isn't until November 1st and I am due for coloring...I'll keep everyone posted!

Changes

3 Years and 3 months later....Changes, changes, and more changes...although necessary; we all dislike them! I've personally endured many changes in both my personal and professional life since my last post. My final summation of it all is....God moves us out of complacency, despair, and turmoil at HIS precise timing and planning--not ours! Often times, we do not understand and cannot comprehend why things are happening and changing the way that they are, or why it's even necessary because it feels so deliberate and personal! The pity party begins, yet, no one attends but you..."Surely, no one else is going through what I'm going through!" and "How can everyone go on with their lives as normal....doesn't anyone understand that these issues are keeping me from sleeping at night?" At some point, you have to pull down the streamers and clean up after the party is over. Hope implies that there is more than one path to happiness! And while you're driving down that path you might run into some road blocks, or even run out of gas, but God blessed many of us with feet for walking--we just have to remember to use them!

Judging by the pictures, you can also see that my hair has gone through many changes (i.e. hairstyles) as well. The many hairstyles were born as a result of the Sisterlock shampoo being used on my hair during my last retightening. Great product, but it severely irritates my scalp. I was even contemplating cutting my locks short----yes, I said "cut"! If that's not a clear indication of my temporary psychosis, what else is (smile)? I finally made the executive decision to cut off the extra lock on my two-headed lock. It was my longest lock, but it was also driving me crazy! Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an obsession with even numbers and even looking objects.

Other changes included me getting; not one, but several more tattoos since my last post. Many people couldn't understand the reasoning or logic behind my sudden obsession for wanting to get inked. Family disagreed with my decision to get more tattoos, and I even had one friend threaten to stop talking to me! Are you serious? It didn't matter, as I rarely do things for other people's level of comfort or acceptance. Summer classes are over...Woo Hoo!!!! Til next post... "There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them"--Denis Waitley