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

Zen Cha Tea Salon - Bexley

 

Summer Tea and a Scone

I'm in love people.
Not for the first time, and certainly not the last.
In love with a place. A restaurant to be more specific. A tea salon, to be exact.
What's a tea salon, you ask? Well, obviously it involves tea. But when I think of a salon, I'm thinking of a place where you get your hair and nails done. A full service place of beauty. But when I searched "salon" on the internet the definition was quite different. According to Wikipedia (I know, I know, not necessarily good information but go with it!), a salon is a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the participants through conversation. Such salons also included the aim to please or educate and were commonly frequented by people of like minds.  So, let's put it all together. The Zen Cha tea salon is obviously of Asian persuasion/theme and of course they market tea. However the salon also has a goal of educating guests about teas from around the world, under the direction of an inspiring host, server or tea ambassador.

My first visit was very much like my second, so I'll combine them for the purpose of this review.  My friend Terri and I like to get out of the building for lunch from time to time. To be honest, there is nothing good to eat within 2 miles from the office. Therefore, we often venture out and land in Bexley where there is good eating and free parking. The first time we visited Zen Cha, it was closed despite posted signage suggesting they should be open. So, we went next door. We returned about 3 weeks later, and voila! It was open for business. We were greeted by a host whom we'll call Mr. C.  Mr. C stated he would be our host for the day. Because it was our first time, he told us about the full selection of teas offered, how best to drink (hot or cold) and foods that would pair well. Mr. C. had more tea knowledge than the 2 of us could digest in one sitting and we were very vocal about that. Terri and I had a great time questioning every detail and our host was a good sport.

THE FOOD
Terri and I browsed the menu before our visit (the joys of the internet!). Eventually, I orded the Beef and Blue Cheese sandwich with the Summer tea on ice. Terri had the Ginger Beef salad (can't recall the tea, sorry!). She also ordered dessert early, in the form of a cinnamon and orange scone. We both indulged in the scone, which was quite delicious, surprisingly moist and full of flavor.

My sandwich was just as flavorful. The beef was tender, the blue cheese dressing was light and the cabbage offered a nice crunch. A small green salad accompanied the dish. Nothing to rave about but still good. Terri on the other hand enjoyed the Ginger Salad. She ate it all so I can vouch for her that it was quite tasty. It look quite beautiful. The last time we went, we both ordered the Beef and Blue sandwich. It was just as good the second time around. Since it's still summer, I again enjoyed the Summer tea. The Summer tea is a fruity blend of jasmine, green tea and lots of fresh cut fruit. The fruit (kiwi, pineapple, pear) floats prettily beneath the ice. It is the epitome of REFRESHING! I will try something else next time, but right now that tea hits the spot!

Ginger Beef Salad


The remaining menu selections look pretty good too by the way. During our last visit, Terri ordered the Smoked Salmon Crostini appetizer. I'll be honest. It looked pretty and scary to me at the same time when it arrived. There were 4 bits of crusty bread on the plate, with salmon, some sort of dijon sauce and cranberries on top. Although I was skeptical at first, it turned out to be a very good combination. I'm sorry I didn't photograph it! In any case, I mentioned the Asian persuasion earlier but the Zen Cha menu is not limited in that way. There are are other influences as well. Entrees such as Miso Ramen, Hojica Shrimp, Russian Caravan Medallions, and Chocolate Beignets are also featured on the menu.

AMBIANCE
So, I've discussed the food. Let's talk ambiance. My first memory is that Zen Cha has a lovely bathroom, with probably the most beautiful sink I've ever seen. I need to take a picture of it. I found myself wanting to stay in there and play in the water. I didn't though. Really.... The restaurant itself is kind of dark but cozy at the same time. There is a large window up front with two tables. It's the perfect lunch venue and would make a lovely, date night if you should find yourself there in the evening.

There is a small section of shelves featuring tea-time tools and every thing you could possibly want to know or learn about brewing and drinking tea. It's definitely fun to look and laugh at tiny tea cups that hold about 3 sips of tea, but cost more than my bedroom furniture.

PRICE/SERVICE
Here's the hitch. Full tea service at Zen Cha is about $5.95 on average. This includes a fair sized pot/carafe of the selected tea and the tea-time talk with the host. Remember, it is a "salon", education is involved and they would like you to become a "like-minded" lover of tea. The lunch menu is on average $10 or less. But it adds up quickly should you include an appetizer or tea. My most recent tab was $20 and that was because I also ordered edamame.  So, I won't be going there every day but once every couple of weeks is doable. It's also important to note that the highest item on the menu is only $18.50. Not bad for a date night choice.


Beef and Blue Cheese


 I told you service was good. Mr. C was far more attentive than our most recent server. That was ok however, because we were engaged in conversation and constant interruption may not have been welcomed. The only issue I have with service at all is that we noticed that the wait times at Zen Cha can be quite long. We arrived at about 1:15 and left at close to 2:30. The place was in no way crowded. The first visit was closer to 2 hours (all that artistry and education I suppose!). Having some familiarity with the menu cut down on some of the time but not quite enough. So make sure you have some time to spare if you go.

LOCATION
Zen Cha is located in the heart of Bexley and there is also the original salon which is located in the Short North of Columbus.

In sum, Zen Cha Tea Salon beckons me regularly. I'm serious. Beckons. It calls out to me at least once a week. Even suggests I bring my journal and stay awhile. And sometimes, I cave and go... Salud!

Jill Scott: The Light of the Sun review

On Tuesday, Jill Scott released her latest project: The Light Of The Sun. I listened in advance a few times thanks to a couple of sites that streamed it for several days. One of them was NPR. I thought if NPR is streaming- it must be pretty good with some substance and mass appeal (and someone has some pull!). Not that Jill doesn’t normally deliver but I must admit that I haven’t been totally blown away since- Who is Jill Scott? I can remember only a few songs from the projects in between this one and that.  After only the first listen, I LOVED it! I mean… wow. I don’t know about you but I’ve been thru a few thangs... I’ve experienced heartbreaks from my own bad choices in love and life. Apparently, so has Jill as evidenced by the song Quick where she sings ‘Ov’a! Can’t believe it’s ov’a! So quick!’ Boy do I know that one… Thought I was on to something and then… But I digress…

At a time when ladies young and old seem quick to bed and man hop as regularly as our risky brethren it’s quite refreshing to hear something different from the music industry than the usual mattress antics of Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, et al. This throwback to having some discernment about who you lay with is a refreshing treat from Jill. Now that’s not to say she can’t or doesn’t get as freaky and serve her man as well as the next grown woman (Exhibited A: Until Then) but that isn’t the basis of her sound or message. I can appreciate that.  But what I appreciate most is her checking those who want to check in to her life. The expressed ideology that she is worthy of more than a quickie and they should align themselves accordingly. Say it again Jill!  Making You Wait (which sounds like Raheem Devaughn’s “YOU”), Rolling Hills and the poem Womanifesto make it plain that you better get with the program!  Other stand outs for me are So Gone (been there, done that), Le Boom Vent Suite and the catchy, makes-me-wanna-get-up-and-dance Shame (sampling Special Ed’s classic The Magnificent). Jill is back, fresh, cool and MAGNIFICENT! Take note and respect her conglomerate!

Her mic sounds nice check one! Her mic sounds nice check two!

Have you checked it out? If yes- what thinketh you?

Slakah the Beatchild

This kid is dope y'all. If you like Neo soul type music and songs that actually make a woman smile versus drop her drawers (slim pickins these days!), you might like this one. Check it out and let me know what you think!  
http://www.sendspace.com/file/95p61p


And if you dig it- download for FREE

Hey-O!

Well, again I've let tons of time pass by with no post. There was a rhyme and reason this time though. Well... several reasons. My son had to have surgery due to an athletic injury and his recovery wasn't fun. He was not happy about it as it derailed any plans to play basketball. We felt it better that he deal with it now versus when he is 40. He'll thank us later.

In the meantime, I haven't been writing as much and only getting out randomly. Working to improve that. I HAVE been trying new hair products and such so I'll post on that later. And I've written a couple of poems to share with you. Oh! And there is music! So much... So, stay tuned. I'll be back soon. Like tomorrow. Hope you are enjoying the improving blogsite. I added tabs for quick access to my thoughts on various subjects. Other changes are coming down the pipeline as well. Welcome back. ;)