Dreams of a Cardmaker

So, I have been working on my crafting skills for the last 2 years or so. I'm totally into scrapbooking and working with pictures. But more than that, I enjoy making cards for people and sending them. I absolutely LOVE getting a response from the recipient. Their joy is my joy. It's fun to get something besides bills in the mail, isn't it? Especially when it's not your birthday or any other special occasion!

A friend of mine recently received her Ph.D. I wanted to represent the fact that she was a brown-skinned girl and that she was fabulous. In fact, I suspected that underneath the robes, she would don a beautiful, brightly colored dress from some boutique. With that in mind, attached is the card I made for her. I purchased the cap, gown and diploma from a card shop but made the body, hair and skirt myself. Not bad... It was a fun project. I've been remiss in my crafting. Time to get back to it!

Amy Winehouse - Parental Advisory Needed

I became aware of Amy Winehouse in 2007/2008 thanks to… Pandora and ProjectVibe.net. That’s one reason I love Pandora and other internet/cable radio stations. They introduce you to talented, artists you’ve never heard of, from all over the world. From stations like Pandora and Projectvibe.net, you get more than the stifling, top 10 singers/rappers/genres that you get on local radio stations. People keep saying hip hop is dead but what's really dead is - RADIO.  Radio personnel are no longer the go-to folks for good music. Period. There’s a boatload of music out there to discover by artists who don’t have the payola or fame but they definitely have the chops and something to say beyond the usual sex, drugs, cars heard on radio --daily. Internet radio understands there is life and music beyond Rihanna, Beyonce, Jay-Z and Wiz Khalifa. Personally, I prefer chops and those stations deliver. How else would I have ever learned about Hill St. Soul, Zap Mama, Stephen Simmonds, Amy Winehouse?

I digress. In 2007-08, Amy had little to no presence in the U.S. If she had any, it was thanks to deejays who actually knew a little something about music with access and interest to that only found abroad (think Mark Ronson). Pandora and ProjectVibe played songs from Amy's Frank cd which was released in the UK only initially (2003). My favorites, all played regularly by internet radio were:

• Valerie (a collaboration with Mark Ronson)
• B’Boy Baby (with former Sugarbabe Mutya Buena)
• F-Me Pumps
• Stronger Than Me
• Amy, Amy, Amy

I found her music raw and gutsy. From the first lines of F-Me Pumps, I realized that this was a girl who required a parental, advisory sticker. And I loved it. She sang about whatever she wanted and it was in such a way that held my attention. She was like a white, Mary J Blige/Millie Jackson. This was the stuff my parents would kick the kids out the house so they could listen in private (even when there was snow on the ground!). Not long after, I heard and saw the video for Rehab (her latest release) on a music website. They made her look really pretty and sassy in that video. Then, I had no idea that song was a serious testimony about her life. I just dug it. So, I promptly ordered her cd from Amazon as an import (the only option at the time). I paid about $28 plus shipping from the UK. Yikes! It was costly but worth every penny. I LOVED it- cussing, warts and all. The girl sounded like she’d been through a few things and I related. I considered her cd my personally discovered, secret gem of music!

I love liner notes and learned that Amy wrote or co-wrote much of her own lyrics! Thumbs up for that alone! By the time Back to Black was released stateside, I was looking forward to her next release. About 6 months later and much to my chagrin, Back to Black was released in the U.S. Amy's music caught on wildly in the U.S. It’s not often a singer can hit the US ground running. She didn’t seem to work hard for fame here as she won a Grammy her first year out the gate.

The toll of fame however, appeared far too high a price to pay for Amy. Her public appearances from the very beginning were sketchy and suspect… The whole ordeal had a very… Video Killed the Radio Star feel. She was incredibly skinny, teeth in bad shape, bad hair and just in seemingly bad, physical shape. And as that Amy emerged and grew in popularity, the chances of a new release began to fade with every public appearance. Those chances were replaced by reasons she should go forth immediately to rehab. Eerily reminiscent of her Rehab song, her father pleaded that she get help. But she said- no. And then yes. And then no again. It became a horrible cycle. Her health and the bit of star power she had gained began to fade. From the start, Amy's music represented and made the listener feel the pain she endured. I always thought it was the cry of a jilted lover. Remnants of pain suffered at the hands of some wayward man, or love lost. Perhaps, that was the catalyst. However, in the end her demise came from the hands at the end of her own wrists; a desire for substances her body loved and hated at once. While we can't put a parental advisory sticker on illegal drugs, we do need to put one on life, big enough that our kids can always see them as they navigate and pursue their dreams. 27 is awfully young to die. Amy fell victim to the same issue as so many other could-have-been-legends... Fame and drugs. She is not the first or last and therefore no more special. Yet somewhere, sadly... there is another. And, since Amy never found peace in rehab with the living, I pray she has found it now in the ultimate... fade to black.

The Older Natural Questionaire from Seriously Natural



Picture me rollin!



Good morning! So yesterday, I mentioned that I answered questions about my hair journey as an "older natural" on another blog called Seriously Natural (http://www.seriouslynatural.org/). The host Sabrina presented the following questions and my responses were the source for my reflection yesterday. Consider this like one of those questionaires when people ask your favorite colors, ice cream, etc (and then ask you to forward to all your friends or you'll have bad luck... lol).  Feel free to answer yourself. And if you have a mind to do so, send your responses on to seriouslynatural4@gmail.com.

Hi, my name is Lynne. I'm an older natural-- and proud of it. 

1.  How long have you been Natural?I have been completely natural for 2 years and 3 months. In November, it will have been 3 years since my last relaxer.
2. Why did you become Natural?I decided to become Natural after a friend of mine and I discussed it. She had been on the journey for a few months and took me to a seminar. I decided I wanted to give it a try. It's funny because she returned to relaxers not long after while I soldiered on. I still love her even though she left me. LOL! It was actually kind of funny to tell people I was "going natural" as I transitioned. I'm glad I can now say that I AM Natural. But when you see me, there's no question. :)
3. Was it a hard transition?  How did you transition?The transition was mildly difficult. I used a lot of heat to keep the textures the same. I began cutting my hair to shorter styles to accommodate the transition because I’m just not a pony-tail kind of girl and I hadn't yet considered twist/braid sets as an option. The winter months were easy. But by March I began growing weary of the two textures. Going to the gym meant almost daily washing, straightening and far more work than I really wanted to do. That was VERY frustrating! So, I big chopped on April 23, 2009. On my lunch hour. :) That's a whole other story.
4. Did your age aid in your decision to go Natural?I often wonder if my age played a role. Meaning- would I have done this at 20-something? I’m not sure. But I've met many naturals who I thought were permies during my transition. Through them and the seminar, I realized that you could actually wear your hair straight even if you didn’t relax- and no one would know the difference! Then I REMEMBERED that I did that ALL the time before mom decided to relax my hair.
5. Does your age make it easier or harder to be Natural?I think my age makes it a little easier. I have developed an “I don’t care what other people think about what’s ON ME” attitude over the years. When you’re young, you often succumb to peer pressure. I couldn't care less. In fact, I'm thinking if you're not chipping in $$ or helping me do it- hursh. Immediately. lol
6. Do you see many Older Naturals in your area?  If so, what styles are they sporting?Naturals of all ages are common here in Ohio. They are rocking straight styles, puffs, twists, braids, twist/braid outs, wash and gos, super short cuts, and often in amazing colors! Here you see the whole gamut. I often see reports of black women not embracing their natural sisters on other blogs. I always wonder where they live because here in Ohio, in the valley, there is nothing but love and respect. Your choice of natural or straight hair is no big deal. I do credit some of that to meet-ups and hair dressers like mine who have created a movement of wearing hair chemical-free with the option of curly or straight. When you show up in numbers, you can change a mind.
7. How do you primarily wear your Natural hair?I primarily wear my hair in twist outs over the weekend and puffs/wngs during the week. I work out often and wearing a puff is easier for that. I can rinse my scalp after my workouts and just put it back up. I appreciate that freedom.
8. Favorite products and/or product line?My current favorite products are by Maryland-based Oyin Handmade. They’re natural and the first products I ordered that didn't disappoint me after the first use. I prefer to buy products on the ground but they have changed my mind.... I particularly LOVE the Hair Dew but I’m also using the Shine and Define for my twists. For my puffs, I use EcoStyler and Upper Management Gels. I’ve been doing this regimen for about 3 weeks now.
9. Any words of wisdom or encouragement for other Older Naturals already Natural or thinking about it?Natural hair here is not as big a deal it seems to be elsewhere. Most of the time I don't even think about it. I’m surrounded by women of all ages who are transitioning for numerous reasons. My words of wisdom- learn about your hair! Learn about porosity, observe how your hair reacts to certain products, the weather. Keep a journal! I have one and I refer back often! It helps you see your growth, what works/didn't work. Take pictures to document. Sometimes you think there is no growth or change in hair health, but when you see the pics you see reality!  In my community, we love and support others along the journey. It helps US hang in there. So, no matter what stage you're in, I encourage you to support other natural women when you see them. I always offer a smile and tell them I love their hair. And- it’s always true.

Reflection: Natural Hair Journey

Crazy shrinkage/Cute hair

Today I responded to a blogger's call for testimonials from older naturals. Although I rarely think of myself that way, she posed the idea that the natural journey for those beyond their 20's (in age) might be a little different. In some ways I'm inclined to agree. I'll share the questions and my answers tomorrow, but I thought I'd first take a little time to reflect.

Until this year, I have shared my journey and updates on FB. But this year my anniversary came and went with no fanfare. Why? Ummmm... I was busy and to top it off, I was a little depressed because I'd lost about 3 inches in a "trimming" session back in March. I take really good care of my hair but I sometimes over manipulate. I blame myself for not discussing how much I wanted cut first. Never again. I didn't like my hair for about 2 months and took very few pictures which is totally unlike me. Can you say NATURAL HAIR TANTRUM?? LOL

So, let's look back:

On Thanksgiving, 2011 it will have been 3 years since my last relaxer. I had actually tried to stop relaxing about 2 months earlier but I wasn't ready. I big chopped on April 23, 2009 after 5 months of transitioning. I had an excellent beautician who believed in natural hair helping me along the way. About 3 months in, I saw Good Hair. I was relieved I was already on it. I'm amazed that anyone could walk away from that movie without thinking really hard about the chemicals they are applying to their heads. I went to natural hair expos and found out I wasn't alone! In fact, it was clear that I was a virgin. I relied on blogs and YouTube to learn new things about hair, styling and products. Some of the information was good, some of it was just ok. What I have learned most is not every head of hair is the same. While my hair might look like someone else's, it may not respond the same to products. I also learned about product junkies who try every thing they hear about. I'm more frugal than that but I tried a few- mostly stuff on the ground. I got burned paying for shipping on products by Carols Daughter. I unknowingly purchased products that cost a lot, didn't work and couldn't be returned. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. That's my life motto- it applies to everything. With two exceptions, I haven't ordered anything else on-line despite raving reviews from other curlies.

The journey has not always been easy but it has taught me a lot about myself, self-identity and about accepting that which our Creator has given us. That last one is kind of hard to take for many who prefer weaves, relaxers, etc. I'm not knocking them at all since I'm a recovering addict myself. But I'm a thinker first. And until you really sit and think about... dissect all of the bad things associated with the hair of black folk, you can never truly understand the freedom in letting go- even if only for a short while. People never want to truly discuss:

• The mental conditioning that pushed our mothers to straighten our hair
• The many reasons why it must be tamed and made easy (compared to...)
• The many reasons why it's not perfect just as it is
• Enduring criticism and turned up noses from our sisters and brothers who have the exact, same hair and despite the fact that their sons and daughters will have it too
• The origins of the above attitudes

Some will never experience the burden lifted when you finally have that conversation. They don't want to and will never. And truly that is ok. I could go deeper, but there is no need. I know- we're not our hair. But in my eyes- I'm MORE my hair than my shoes, clothes and all the other things I hang on my outside. I'm just doing me. I'm free. My hair has anniversaries and birthdays and I celebrate them with deep treatments, natural products and trims.

I continue to learn about my hairs likes and dislikes. It likes to shrink (check the pic) and although I fought it at first- I've come to accept it. I recently learned that my hair is low porosity. Many hair dressers don't even talk to you about that, but it matters. Make sure you research it. Most of the time, I wear my hair curly for the most part, although I still like to wear it straight once or twice a year. I avoid heat and the damage that comes with it like the plague. With that in mind- I want to leave you with a quote I saw on Sabrina's Seriously Natural blog. It's my 2011 hair motto: 

Iron clothes, not hair

I dig that! WORD.

 

Recipes I LOVE: Fettucine with spinach and feta cheese

So, last week I cooked one of my son's favorite meals (at his request) and posted a picture of it on facebook. Several people asked me about it so I decided to add it to my blog. Believe it or not, it is a recipe I discovered while I was on weight watchers (8 points per serving in fact!). It's pretty quick to make, healthy and is BURSTING with flavor. Can't beat that! So, I'm providing the recipe as written in the book. If you try it, feel free to improvise as you desire. I do. If you try it- let me know! Bon appetite!

Ingredients:
8 oz of fettucine (I only use whole wheat or spinach based)
1 cup of reduced-sodium chicken broth, defatted
10 oz package \frozen, chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
1/3 cup sun-dried (not oil-packed) tomato halves (great for taste and color!)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

**I add portabella mushrooms and any other veggie I like. Sometimes I add chicken. AND- if I can find fat-free feta, I buy that. However, Trader Joe has the best sundried tomato version of feta and it makes the recipe pop!

Steps:
1. In a large pot of boiling water; cook the fettucine until just tender. Drain well
2.  Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring the broth, spinach, sundried tomatoes and garlic to boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the spinach is warmed through (about 5 minutes)
3.  Stir the ricotta and pepper into the saucepan and cook until just warmed through, about 1 minute. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the pasta and feta, and toss to combine. Divide the pasta mixture among 4 bowls and serve.

Serves 4
Working time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Fat: 9G/22%
Calories: 362
Saturated fat: 4.8G
Carbs: 51G
Protein: 20G
Cholesterol: 80MG
Sodium: 402MG