I LOVE the social network. I have had wonderful experiences, as well as valuable lessons. I think about who all I have met in various cities/states that I probably would have never met without the use of social networking, let alone the internet.
I am currently visiting a "sister" of mine in New Jersey, whom I met via Facebook through someone I knew via my "brother" (6 degrees of separation, right?! lol). She is going to be birthing her second son into the world any day now and we are estatic! We were chatting yesterday and she said something to me that was so humbling. I remember the day she announced to me via Facebook that she was pregnant. She said to me yesterday how if it wasn't for me and the conversations we had, she doesn't know what she would've done. Now let me explain something...she and I had never met face to face, never spoke on the phone...only knew of each other via Facebook when she announced she was pregnant. Other than my visit here this month, we have only been in each other's presence in December...of 2011!!! You would swear we knew each other forever...but have only known each other not even a year and have shared so much. Sometimes, I am at a loss for words for all that I have experienced...and it all started via the social network. Humbled, indeed!
Now, not all of my experiences have been super duper grand on here. My goal is to make my social networking LIMITLESS. That means, my interaction with whom I choose to be friends with on FB does not stop at the computer or whatever device I am using. If I can have a conversation with you via the internet, wanting to see the world change for the better and being that change, we have to network in our physical world as well as our virtual world, don't you think?! I have had people inform me that they choose to keep their virtual world separate from their physical world yet expect change?! To me, I feel that limits all parties involved. How do we fully expand our experiences and learn from each other with a few posts, pictures, comments and refuse to apply that in our present moments?
We are human beings that thrive on interaction with each other...that is apparent in this virtual world. How often do we experience that physically with whom we call our family...our friends? Why wouldn't we extend that to our friends via the internet? Someone who is expressing hurt or gratitude in a post, that may just need a hug physically and doesn't have access to such...what if we happen to be in their city to give them that?
If you are good enough to be my friend through this keyboard I type on, you are good enough to be in my presence physically. Some may have a fear based on experiences we read or hear about...people not being who they say they are on the internet. We are coming into a world where facades and veils are becoming more and more transparent and if we pay attention to what we are shown, we realize the fraudulence that may be presented to us by some. I've taken someone rejecting meeting me in person as showing me that what they say online is not an honest representation of themselves...it's a veil...a facade...just for show. Look, if we want to see the change we must BE the change we wish to see in this world. And to fully be able to do that, we have to interact with each other. WE are ALL connected in this world...to each other, to this planet...pure energy! Social networking to some is a blessing as well as a curse...it depends on how you perceive and/or treat it. I have connected and reconnected with many people here. New relationships have been established, old relationships rekindled...and some of the new and old have connected through me...and I love it!!! It reminds me that this planet is my home...not one city or area of the world...but wherever I land my feet. My feet are in Jersey...getting ready to greet my "nephew" and embrace my "sister" and "nephew" that are already here...that I never knew before Facebook...and through whom I knew before Facebook...if that doesn't remind you how connected all of us are, I don't know what else to say!
It's time for us to wake up, let go of the fear and connect to one another...build our communities...know our neighbors...have a block party...plan a group trip to a destination...LOVE each other...embrace our differences, learn and grow WITH one another...not just in our own little bubble! How far will you allow your social networking to grow?
I'm looking forward to seeing YOU when I happen to be in YOUR city! Who's in Jersey???...Next stop D.C area..where ya at??? Who knows where I'll be next...:-) Wake up, let it go, LOVE and let it be...have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
What The Hell Is Going On?!...
I'm not angry...maybe slightly frustrated and confused. lol
I went to sleep last night and woke up this morning trying to process what I have seen over the past couple of days. I am currently involved in an outreach program for pregnant women. I figured it would be a good outlet to offer my doula training...which it is! The young lady I was connected with is such a beautiful being. She is only 18 and having her first baby. Fast forward to current events, as her baby will be here any day now, her mother decided to not provide shelter at the moment. Of course we know parents and children have a fall out every now and again, however, sometimes our ego needs to be put to the side when there is a bigger picture involved. Nonetheless, we had a false alarm and her mom did show up at the hospital, only to leave not saying even hello to her daughter and unborn grandson, but knowing her daughter had basically nowhere to stay. As a daughter and a mother of a daughter, I'm dumbfounded! I also saw a hospital staff that had more fear in their eyes, they couldn't focus on the matter at hand...a baby possibly coming...they were so scared she was gonna have the baby and THEY weren't prepared (yes, this was Labor and Delivery)..smh...bless us all.
Today, I find myself asking for assistance for this young lady via programs available for those in need within the city...yet they "can't" (choose not to) help because of their protocol...what tha hell?! I understand that, however, there is such a disconnection between human beings that we don't even HELP each other, just because we are all human beings. We are so wrapped up in ourselves that it seems absurd to help another just because not to gain something from it. It seriously makes me think I'm on the wrong planet...lol
I was in tears this morning asking myself, "Why do I care if others don't?"..."Why do I love like I do, if others just don't give a damn?" Asking my wife the same thing, she says to me, "Because you know someone has to..." That is true, someone has to, but why does it have to be someone, not EVERYONE?!
I may be frustrated and have my moments of saying "f*ck tha world", but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see more and more WHY I decided to be a doula and moving forward to pursue being a montrice or midwife...Homebirth Assistant...whatever label you want to call it! I know I am here to welcome these babies into the world of psychopaths and selfish beings...knowing that someone has to help this world change...I can only do that by being that change! We have become so disconnected from each other that I feel sometimes people have no idea who the person is they see in the mirror...now that's problematic! It is also evident that I am where I'm suppose to be and doing what I'm doing by all the babies crossing my path...even those not here as of yet. My lil sis here is due any day, my sis upstate is due next month, our wife is bringing another little one into our family in October and what totally brightened my day today was one of my good friends and her hubby (my sis and bro) are expecting in September. I also look forward to having another one myself, whenever that may be! :-)
I plan to be there for every birth...the world is my home, not just New Orleans...I'm here to be of service...and I'm there because I want to be! Time to get to work :-) It does take a village to raise a child, but how do you expect that to happen when the village can't come together...even for the children?! Wake up, let it go, love and let it be!
Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU! :-)
I went to sleep last night and woke up this morning trying to process what I have seen over the past couple of days. I am currently involved in an outreach program for pregnant women. I figured it would be a good outlet to offer my doula training...which it is! The young lady I was connected with is such a beautiful being. She is only 18 and having her first baby. Fast forward to current events, as her baby will be here any day now, her mother decided to not provide shelter at the moment. Of course we know parents and children have a fall out every now and again, however, sometimes our ego needs to be put to the side when there is a bigger picture involved. Nonetheless, we had a false alarm and her mom did show up at the hospital, only to leave not saying even hello to her daughter and unborn grandson, but knowing her daughter had basically nowhere to stay. As a daughter and a mother of a daughter, I'm dumbfounded! I also saw a hospital staff that had more fear in their eyes, they couldn't focus on the matter at hand...a baby possibly coming...they were so scared she was gonna have the baby and THEY weren't prepared (yes, this was Labor and Delivery)..smh...bless us all.
Today, I find myself asking for assistance for this young lady via programs available for those in need within the city...yet they "can't" (choose not to) help because of their protocol...what tha hell?! I understand that, however, there is such a disconnection between human beings that we don't even HELP each other, just because we are all human beings. We are so wrapped up in ourselves that it seems absurd to help another just because not to gain something from it. It seriously makes me think I'm on the wrong planet...lol
I was in tears this morning asking myself, "Why do I care if others don't?"..."Why do I love like I do, if others just don't give a damn?" Asking my wife the same thing, she says to me, "Because you know someone has to..." That is true, someone has to, but why does it have to be someone, not EVERYONE?!
I may be frustrated and have my moments of saying "f*ck tha world", but I do see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see more and more WHY I decided to be a doula and moving forward to pursue being a montrice or midwife...Homebirth Assistant...whatever label you want to call it! I know I am here to welcome these babies into the world of psychopaths and selfish beings...knowing that someone has to help this world change...I can only do that by being that change! We have become so disconnected from each other that I feel sometimes people have no idea who the person is they see in the mirror...now that's problematic! It is also evident that I am where I'm suppose to be and doing what I'm doing by all the babies crossing my path...even those not here as of yet. My lil sis here is due any day, my sis upstate is due next month, our wife is bringing another little one into our family in October and what totally brightened my day today was one of my good friends and her hubby (my sis and bro) are expecting in September. I also look forward to having another one myself, whenever that may be! :-)
I plan to be there for every birth...the world is my home, not just New Orleans...I'm here to be of service...and I'm there because I want to be! Time to get to work :-) It does take a village to raise a child, but how do you expect that to happen when the village can't come together...even for the children?! Wake up, let it go, love and let it be!
Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU! :-)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
New Year...New City
I know it's been a while since my last blog...but so many amazing have crossed my path, I honestly didn't know how to put into words...until now!
My husband, daughter and I moved to New Orleans 3 weeks ago and what a rollercoaster ride it has been! I have never lived outside of Texas with the exception of my birth in upstate New York prior to us moving to the Lone Star State. We have all taken a huge leap off of a ledge...not only moving to a new city and state but diving into owning our own business in the food industry. From the moment we got here it has been "GO". The networking has been amazing...it is so surreal that we live in New Orleans...but I love it!
We have had two experiences just in these few weeks that have been so eye opening! One day, we were walking to our friend's resturant that we will be working in and noticed a body inside a cooler we had outside on the patio...no, he wasn't dead...he was just asleep. He popped out said he had a good sleep. He told us his name is Shane and he had a job yet was homeless. I asked when was the last time he ate, he said the day before in the afternoon. I asked was he hungry..."YESSS!" I kindly went to get him a po boy from across the street and some water. Many thanks...asked if I would like to have a chat with him...I accepted. He was a recovering meth addict from Metarie, went to the army, came back and chose to live on the streets of New Orleans than go back to Metarie (which isn't that far) and risk becoming an addict again. OK...I can respect that. He chose not to go to a shelter because he didn't want to ask for help. I happen to have some phone numbers of organizations that help the homeless find housing...since he has a job...and a veteran, there are all kinds of services. He actually works at a pizzeria down the street, I wished him the best enjoyed our conversation then he says, "Is there anything I can do for you today?" He took my breath away...I told him what he can do, "If someone crosses your path and they need something you are able to give, pay it forward. You already did something for me today...I was able to do something for you, just because...everybody gotta eat, right?!"
Fast forward to yesterday...my friend recognizes a celebrity right across the street from the resturant...OMG! Hubby goes play detective to verify...and sure enough...Russell Crowe! :-) He looks across the street, I waved...he gave a little peace sign back. Now those that know me, know I never meet a stranger and will talk to anyone. Hehehehe...across the street I go. "Hi, I'm Leah." "Hi, Leah, I'm Russell..." He was with his friend/business partner. We chatted about the city. The movie he was filming in town. He even asked what I was doing in the City...which led to a discussion about homeschooling. He asked everyone's names, then I excused myself when their food came to the table. We exchanged hugs and love and best wishes to each other. Then, a few moments later, he came across the street to meet everyone else, remembered the names he was given. Amazing!
This city has been absolutely amazing thus far...I am definitely learning this: It doesn't matter if you are a homeless person on the street or one of the most popular people in the world...you truly are a spritual being having YOUR human experience. You never know who you may meet but they may have a message for you along the way. I am learning that in order to see the world change, I have to be part of that change I wish to see. I may come across obstacles or other beings (human or non-human) that may not resonate with me, and when I figure out the "why", that flower just blossoms!
I hope everyone's flowers blossom today and remain in bloom! It is a beautiful place to be. And of course I'm gonna plug our business!!! LOL
Our friend's spot:
Magasin Vietnamese Cafe
4201 Magazine St
New Orleans
Our business:
Sweet Oven Bakery
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Oven-Bakery/299731483410289
For Orders: 504-233-4743
If this ain't manifestation, I dunno what else to call it! :-) We wake up everyday excited to see what the day brings...living in the moment, in the NOW indeed! Wake Up, Let it go, love and let it be! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
My husband, daughter and I moved to New Orleans 3 weeks ago and what a rollercoaster ride it has been! I have never lived outside of Texas with the exception of my birth in upstate New York prior to us moving to the Lone Star State. We have all taken a huge leap off of a ledge...not only moving to a new city and state but diving into owning our own business in the food industry. From the moment we got here it has been "GO". The networking has been amazing...it is so surreal that we live in New Orleans...but I love it!
We have had two experiences just in these few weeks that have been so eye opening! One day, we were walking to our friend's resturant that we will be working in and noticed a body inside a cooler we had outside on the patio...no, he wasn't dead...he was just asleep. He popped out said he had a good sleep. He told us his name is Shane and he had a job yet was homeless. I asked when was the last time he ate, he said the day before in the afternoon. I asked was he hungry..."YESSS!" I kindly went to get him a po boy from across the street and some water. Many thanks...asked if I would like to have a chat with him...I accepted. He was a recovering meth addict from Metarie, went to the army, came back and chose to live on the streets of New Orleans than go back to Metarie (which isn't that far) and risk becoming an addict again. OK...I can respect that. He chose not to go to a shelter because he didn't want to ask for help. I happen to have some phone numbers of organizations that help the homeless find housing...since he has a job...and a veteran, there are all kinds of services. He actually works at a pizzeria down the street, I wished him the best enjoyed our conversation then he says, "Is there anything I can do for you today?" He took my breath away...I told him what he can do, "If someone crosses your path and they need something you are able to give, pay it forward. You already did something for me today...I was able to do something for you, just because...everybody gotta eat, right?!"
Fast forward to yesterday...my friend recognizes a celebrity right across the street from the resturant...OMG! Hubby goes play detective to verify...and sure enough...Russell Crowe! :-) He looks across the street, I waved...he gave a little peace sign back. Now those that know me, know I never meet a stranger and will talk to anyone. Hehehehe...across the street I go. "Hi, I'm Leah." "Hi, Leah, I'm Russell..." He was with his friend/business partner. We chatted about the city. The movie he was filming in town. He even asked what I was doing in the City...which led to a discussion about homeschooling. He asked everyone's names, then I excused myself when their food came to the table. We exchanged hugs and love and best wishes to each other. Then, a few moments later, he came across the street to meet everyone else, remembered the names he was given. Amazing!
This city has been absolutely amazing thus far...I am definitely learning this: It doesn't matter if you are a homeless person on the street or one of the most popular people in the world...you truly are a spritual being having YOUR human experience. You never know who you may meet but they may have a message for you along the way. I am learning that in order to see the world change, I have to be part of that change I wish to see. I may come across obstacles or other beings (human or non-human) that may not resonate with me, and when I figure out the "why", that flower just blossoms!
I hope everyone's flowers blossom today and remain in bloom! It is a beautiful place to be. And of course I'm gonna plug our business!!! LOL
Our friend's spot:
Magasin Vietnamese Cafe
4201 Magazine St
New Orleans
Our business:
Sweet Oven Bakery
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Oven-Bakery/299731483410289
For Orders: 504-233-4743
If this ain't manifestation, I dunno what else to call it! :-) We wake up everyday excited to see what the day brings...living in the moment, in the NOW indeed! Wake Up, Let it go, love and let it be! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Monday, November 14, 2011
A New Adventure
Well, it's been a while since my last blog entry. So much has been going on that sometimes words cannot describe.
My family and I recently took a trip to New Orleans. This was a first visit for my daughter and I, my husband's second or third I think...lol Anyhow, it was a pretty awesome visit. So awesome that an opportunity presented itself for us to start up our own business...with mentors!
Fast forward, we are now in the process of packing up and moving out (so long Houston...it's been fun)! This isn't some spur of the moment thing, we've been ready to move, just didn't know exactly where yet. This is what happens when you just go with the flow and pay attention when the universe is speaking, I think. We are so excited because the possibilities are endless! I truly see dreams being created and them manifesting right before my eyes.
I don't want to reveal the business as of yet...stay tuned...lol...it's still in the development phase. What really excites me is the fact that my doula/midwife studies will manifest into a good business as well in NOLA. A place where you can truly start up your own business with ease...an opportunity to contribute towards the rebuilding of a community, I LOVE IT! As my daughter says, "Spread the love!" This was my first visit, but I felt as if I had been there many times before, and might have been in a previous life...lol
Something my aunt told me recently, "Go where you are appreciated or celebrated, not where you are tolerated." The love we felt while there, pretty much summed it up for us! So, for now, it's off to a new adventure...and definitely more dreams being created and manifesting! Wake up, let it go & LOVE! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
My family and I recently took a trip to New Orleans. This was a first visit for my daughter and I, my husband's second or third I think...lol Anyhow, it was a pretty awesome visit. So awesome that an opportunity presented itself for us to start up our own business...with mentors!
Fast forward, we are now in the process of packing up and moving out (so long Houston...it's been fun)! This isn't some spur of the moment thing, we've been ready to move, just didn't know exactly where yet. This is what happens when you just go with the flow and pay attention when the universe is speaking, I think. We are so excited because the possibilities are endless! I truly see dreams being created and them manifesting right before my eyes.
I don't want to reveal the business as of yet...stay tuned...lol...it's still in the development phase. What really excites me is the fact that my doula/midwife studies will manifest into a good business as well in NOLA. A place where you can truly start up your own business with ease...an opportunity to contribute towards the rebuilding of a community, I LOVE IT! As my daughter says, "Spread the love!" This was my first visit, but I felt as if I had been there many times before, and might have been in a previous life...lol
Something my aunt told me recently, "Go where you are appreciated or celebrated, not where you are tolerated." The love we felt while there, pretty much summed it up for us! So, for now, it's off to a new adventure...and definitely more dreams being created and manifesting! Wake up, let it go & LOVE! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Love & Embrace Your Fear(s)...Then Let It Go!
A friend of mine on facebook posted, "...I am SO EXCITED and SCARED!!!..." My response to the post was embrace and talk to your fear and let it go. It reminded me of so many times I've had to face my fears...even recently.
I've taken many leaps off ledges into my fears just this year alone. Homeschooling our daughter, becoming a doula...my first client, studying to become a midwife...helping my friend deliver her baby at home. All can be a tad fearful if never experienced before, but what I have learned with past fears, is that it didn't kill me! If anything, I learned a lot about myself and whomever or whatever was involved in the situation. Here lately, my husband and I have been intensely discussing LEAVING this great state of Texas...not knowing where we want to go or end up. At first, I had a little fear because I've never left Texas, hell, leaving Dallas was a huge leap in itself! I had to really search within, why I was fearful...it was fear of the unknown...then my fear turned into excitement. I realized that in that moment, I embraced my fear then let it go.
During my midwifery studies, I find myself having a similar fear. First, was the fear of not knowing what I'm doing...when indeed I do...it's called trusting your intuition! Fear embraced & let go! While digging a little deeper and watching more and more videos and reading blogs of women just empowered by the simple fact they listened to their bodies and not outside folks...it had me thinking about expanding our own family. While it has already begun to expand and the outcome hasn't been as "planned", that began the fear. Then thinking about other's feelings in the event we did become pregnant (their jealousy, their self pity, their ANGER, etc.) created even more fear because I don't want people to feel what I certainly don't want to feel. Then the doosey...fear of having children and not being able to juggle my "job" outside of the home as well as my "job" inside the home. Now, I'm looking at myself like WTF?! Why are YOU continually getting in YOUR way?
I must say, those fears weren't going away until I dealt with them, embrace them and let them go! First, I am aware that having no expectations lead to clearly seeing the lesson being taught to you. Second, how people feel is just how people are going to feel. If that's their emotion, THEY need to deal with their OWN emotion. No need to let how someone else feels to steal the peace, love & joy YOU have...taking you out of your character! If they have jealousy, self pity, anger, etc., then there is a FEAR they themselves have not been able to embrace and let go of...YET! Lead by example! Last, but certainly not least, I realize, "I GOT THIS!" I have a juggling act now...why have a fear of adding a few extra "balls" to the routine?! :-)
Once I was able to recognize the fear, acknowledge it, talk to it, and give it some love....I was able to let it go! My ego may let it creep in...but it certainly isn't for long...if it creeps in at all! I'm ok with whatever emotion I may feel at whatever moment, especially fear. I automatically know that there is something I gotta deal with before I move forward learning a new lesson! And we have a lot of learning to do!
Wake up, let it go (your fears) & Love!
Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
I've taken many leaps off ledges into my fears just this year alone. Homeschooling our daughter, becoming a doula...my first client, studying to become a midwife...helping my friend deliver her baby at home. All can be a tad fearful if never experienced before, but what I have learned with past fears, is that it didn't kill me! If anything, I learned a lot about myself and whomever or whatever was involved in the situation. Here lately, my husband and I have been intensely discussing LEAVING this great state of Texas...not knowing where we want to go or end up. At first, I had a little fear because I've never left Texas, hell, leaving Dallas was a huge leap in itself! I had to really search within, why I was fearful...it was fear of the unknown...then my fear turned into excitement. I realized that in that moment, I embraced my fear then let it go.
During my midwifery studies, I find myself having a similar fear. First, was the fear of not knowing what I'm doing...when indeed I do...it's called trusting your intuition! Fear embraced & let go! While digging a little deeper and watching more and more videos and reading blogs of women just empowered by the simple fact they listened to their bodies and not outside folks...it had me thinking about expanding our own family. While it has already begun to expand and the outcome hasn't been as "planned", that began the fear. Then thinking about other's feelings in the event we did become pregnant (their jealousy, their self pity, their ANGER, etc.) created even more fear because I don't want people to feel what I certainly don't want to feel. Then the doosey...fear of having children and not being able to juggle my "job" outside of the home as well as my "job" inside the home. Now, I'm looking at myself like WTF?! Why are YOU continually getting in YOUR way?
I must say, those fears weren't going away until I dealt with them, embrace them and let them go! First, I am aware that having no expectations lead to clearly seeing the lesson being taught to you. Second, how people feel is just how people are going to feel. If that's their emotion, THEY need to deal with their OWN emotion. No need to let how someone else feels to steal the peace, love & joy YOU have...taking you out of your character! If they have jealousy, self pity, anger, etc., then there is a FEAR they themselves have not been able to embrace and let go of...YET! Lead by example! Last, but certainly not least, I realize, "I GOT THIS!" I have a juggling act now...why have a fear of adding a few extra "balls" to the routine?! :-)
Once I was able to recognize the fear, acknowledge it, talk to it, and give it some love....I was able to let it go! My ego may let it creep in...but it certainly isn't for long...if it creeps in at all! I'm ok with whatever emotion I may feel at whatever moment, especially fear. I automatically know that there is something I gotta deal with before I move forward learning a new lesson! And we have a lot of learning to do!
Wake up, let it go (your fears) & Love!
Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
I LOVE Hair!
I absolutely LOVE doing hair! I love the textures that vary among hair...my hands just running across or through someone's hair fascinates me every time! I also think that some are so obsessed with hair that they don't appreciate the hair they were born with.
When I first decided to become a cosmetologist, I only wanted to do "black hair"...then I realized how close-minded and how empty my pockets would be (turning clients away since all I was going to do is "black hair") if I didn't expand my thinking. Fourteen years later, I find myself going around the world, pretty much, just in my little station at the salon...Africa, Middle East, Asia, even this melting pot of the USA has varieties in itself...but one thing remains the same, being LOVING to your hair (and YOU).
I was reading a blog earlier, catering to black women that want to achieve longer hair. The first thing it recommended was getting a hair cut. Those two little words seem to put most women of any race in a state of shock! I myself have been a victim of scissor happy stylists myself, but guess what? It always grows back, and is HEALTHY!!! Whatever you want to refer to this maintenance as (hair cut, big chop, trim), this is something that should occur at least every 4-6 weeks. I have clients that do request chemical services (color &/or relaxer), so I advise them to get a trim (1/2 inch to 1 inch) every time they get a retouch. A retouch occurs about every 4-6 weeks.
I have no problem with over the counter shampoos and conditioners. I do think we should be more mindful what we put on our hair. Products that contain a lot of alcohol tend to dry our hair out. Too much grease or oil tend to clog our hair follicles, thus causing a build up of our natural oils in additions to what has been applied. Our goal should be finding the appropriate moisture for our hair. Some hair does require more moisture than others...notice I said MOISTURE.
Lately, I have noticed more dry scalp with ethnic hair, whether it be relaxed or natural. I think I came up with an pre-shampoo oil treatment to help with the scalp issue...stay tuned on that one. It does also have me motivated to get into making more products that are more natural with herbs and essential oils. The few products I have made tend to give more moisture and less build up than products I have bought at the beauty supply.
Shampooing your hair on a regular basis, with a good shampoo, helps as well. Shampooing everyday strips your natural oils and causes your oil glands to work that much harder to keep up with what you continue to remove...hence, "I have to wash my hair everyday or it will look greasy!" If anything, rinse your hair, apply some conditioner, good to go! At the most you should shampoo your hair every 2-3 days, once a week if you can. Doing the opposite, NOT shampooing your hair for a long period of time isn't any better...that's just gross! :-) I have definitely has someone in my chair that hasn't used shampoo as little as two weeks and as long as a year...yuck!
One last thing, to my sistahs, going back natural...Enjoy your journey! I know it can be a challenge, but there are no more limitations! If you are desiring to go natural but not comfortable with the big chop, do it in stages, no one will judge you. It's your hair, your body, your mind...you know what's best for YOU! I had to get there the same way (twice)...and definitely have NO regrets!
The point is take care of you and take care of your hair. Your hair just like the rest of your body will tell you what it needs...if you just LISTEN! If you go to a stylist to get your hair done, don't just rely on them to do all the work for you. You have to do some work at home until your next appointment for professional maintenance, however often that may be. Also, your stylist should educate you on how to achieve such things, not taking all the credit for your hair being as healthy as it is. It's a group effort!
Wake up, let it go & LOVE (what you were given & received...YOU)!
When I first decided to become a cosmetologist, I only wanted to do "black hair"...then I realized how close-minded and how empty my pockets would be (turning clients away since all I was going to do is "black hair") if I didn't expand my thinking. Fourteen years later, I find myself going around the world, pretty much, just in my little station at the salon...Africa, Middle East, Asia, even this melting pot of the USA has varieties in itself...but one thing remains the same, being LOVING to your hair (and YOU).
I was reading a blog earlier, catering to black women that want to achieve longer hair. The first thing it recommended was getting a hair cut. Those two little words seem to put most women of any race in a state of shock! I myself have been a victim of scissor happy stylists myself, but guess what? It always grows back, and is HEALTHY!!! Whatever you want to refer to this maintenance as (hair cut, big chop, trim), this is something that should occur at least every 4-6 weeks. I have clients that do request chemical services (color &/or relaxer), so I advise them to get a trim (1/2 inch to 1 inch) every time they get a retouch. A retouch occurs about every 4-6 weeks.
I have no problem with over the counter shampoos and conditioners. I do think we should be more mindful what we put on our hair. Products that contain a lot of alcohol tend to dry our hair out. Too much grease or oil tend to clog our hair follicles, thus causing a build up of our natural oils in additions to what has been applied. Our goal should be finding the appropriate moisture for our hair. Some hair does require more moisture than others...notice I said MOISTURE.
Lately, I have noticed more dry scalp with ethnic hair, whether it be relaxed or natural. I think I came up with an pre-shampoo oil treatment to help with the scalp issue...stay tuned on that one. It does also have me motivated to get into making more products that are more natural with herbs and essential oils. The few products I have made tend to give more moisture and less build up than products I have bought at the beauty supply.
Shampooing your hair on a regular basis, with a good shampoo, helps as well. Shampooing everyday strips your natural oils and causes your oil glands to work that much harder to keep up with what you continue to remove...hence, "I have to wash my hair everyday or it will look greasy!" If anything, rinse your hair, apply some conditioner, good to go! At the most you should shampoo your hair every 2-3 days, once a week if you can. Doing the opposite, NOT shampooing your hair for a long period of time isn't any better...that's just gross! :-) I have definitely has someone in my chair that hasn't used shampoo as little as two weeks and as long as a year...yuck!
One last thing, to my sistahs, going back natural...Enjoy your journey! I know it can be a challenge, but there are no more limitations! If you are desiring to go natural but not comfortable with the big chop, do it in stages, no one will judge you. It's your hair, your body, your mind...you know what's best for YOU! I had to get there the same way (twice)...and definitely have NO regrets!
The point is take care of you and take care of your hair. Your hair just like the rest of your body will tell you what it needs...if you just LISTEN! If you go to a stylist to get your hair done, don't just rely on them to do all the work for you. You have to do some work at home until your next appointment for professional maintenance, however often that may be. Also, your stylist should educate you on how to achieve such things, not taking all the credit for your hair being as healthy as it is. It's a group effort!
Wake up, let it go & LOVE (what you were given & received...YOU)!
Monday, October 3, 2011
...The Revolution Will Not Be Televised...
Gil Scott Heron said it best, "The revolution will not be televised...but it will be live!" I see what a LIVE news feed via the social network is capable of doing.
Just over the weekend, I have seen updates of Occupy Wall Street...taking over the Brooklyn Bridge! I have seen reports of Occupy Chicago, protests in Boston with Bank of America and even a close friend of mine fighting for what's right in her own community in Dallas, TX, by going on a hunger strike (Shout out to Jennifer Thibeaux...check out her story on Facebook)! These things are amazing and are reaching us by our own voices, NOT THE LYING ASS MEDIA!!! I love it!
I personally am not out there protesting (at the moment), but I feel I'm there in spirit. I feel like I'm protesting in my own way here at home, and it shows in various ways. I often think of the quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world!" The few things I am passionate about at this time is my child(ren)'s education and how we welcome these beautiful beings into the world! Obviously, we are living in a time where everyone is "...mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" I have been that way for a while and slowly but surely my journey is showing me the way on my path.
I believe that it does take a village to raise a child...I believe that knowledge is power and with the right tools of knowledge, parents will make an informed decision of how they want to birth their babies into this world...with or without my assistance as a midwife or doula...and with all the resources out there, educating our children rather then relying on the state we reside to program our children how to take a test.
Before I began this blog entry, two amazing things happened...both by black men! First, was a post that I was tagged on, from a friend of mine, sharing a story about parents choosing home birth as opposed to hospital birth. The other was a friend having respect not only for himself but me as a mother, to make sure it was OK to accept a friend request from my daughter via Facebook. IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN! I am so proud to see not only men, but black men making their voice heard...taking the time to gain knowledge as well as share it. To not be ashamed for having a relationship with a child, to assist in her growth and experience as a spiritual being having a human experience, not thinking the relationship as "improper". Last but certainly not least, my husband, who I have seen grow as a father, regardless if that child is his biologically or not...and a child that made the decision on her own to address and acknowledge him as her "Pop"! I want to see this happen with EVERY community; however, as a black woman and my first focus is my black community, I applaud it when I see it happening! So many times it gets ignored, yet we still have much work to do!
There is a revolution occurring, and it surely IS NOT always televised, it is happening in our NOW! Are you awake?! What are YOU ready to change in the world?
Wake up, let it go & LOVE! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Just over the weekend, I have seen updates of Occupy Wall Street...taking over the Brooklyn Bridge! I have seen reports of Occupy Chicago, protests in Boston with Bank of America and even a close friend of mine fighting for what's right in her own community in Dallas, TX, by going on a hunger strike (Shout out to Jennifer Thibeaux...check out her story on Facebook)! These things are amazing and are reaching us by our own voices, NOT THE LYING ASS MEDIA!!! I love it!
I personally am not out there protesting (at the moment), but I feel I'm there in spirit. I feel like I'm protesting in my own way here at home, and it shows in various ways. I often think of the quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world!" The few things I am passionate about at this time is my child(ren)'s education and how we welcome these beautiful beings into the world! Obviously, we are living in a time where everyone is "...mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore!" I have been that way for a while and slowly but surely my journey is showing me the way on my path.
I believe that it does take a village to raise a child...I believe that knowledge is power and with the right tools of knowledge, parents will make an informed decision of how they want to birth their babies into this world...with or without my assistance as a midwife or doula...and with all the resources out there, educating our children rather then relying on the state we reside to program our children how to take a test.
Before I began this blog entry, two amazing things happened...both by black men! First, was a post that I was tagged on, from a friend of mine, sharing a story about parents choosing home birth as opposed to hospital birth. The other was a friend having respect not only for himself but me as a mother, to make sure it was OK to accept a friend request from my daughter via Facebook. IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN! I am so proud to see not only men, but black men making their voice heard...taking the time to gain knowledge as well as share it. To not be ashamed for having a relationship with a child, to assist in her growth and experience as a spiritual being having a human experience, not thinking the relationship as "improper". Last but certainly not least, my husband, who I have seen grow as a father, regardless if that child is his biologically or not...and a child that made the decision on her own to address and acknowledge him as her "Pop"! I want to see this happen with EVERY community; however, as a black woman and my first focus is my black community, I applaud it when I see it happening! So many times it gets ignored, yet we still have much work to do!
There is a revolution occurring, and it surely IS NOT always televised, it is happening in our NOW! Are you awake?! What are YOU ready to change in the world?
Wake up, let it go & LOVE! Have a beautiful day everyONE! I love YOU!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)