I found this interview of me on line today. By now, it was about 8pm or after-- LA time. That means almost midnight EST time and in my real life. I surely wished they'd caught me when I was feeling fresh in mind and a little less greasy from the humidity. LOL! Even still- I think I got across the message I was trying to relay.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/retexturizing/big-chop-success
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Review: Kim Coles Grow-out Challenge/Los Angeles Meet - Up
Hey everyone! It's time to follow up on the Kim Coles Grow-Out Challenge/Meet-up! Where to begin? I've read a couple of reviews from other attendees and I think their perspectives were spot-on. Of course, my perspective as the challenge winner was slightly different! I already noted my fear of flying so it probably won't surprise you to know that I stayed up nearly all night on Friday in anticipation of my Saturday morning flight. I found a cute little mini dress that I decided to pair with leggings and heels. After all, in MY eyes I was the Cinderella of the ball! I spritzed my hair with a little water and meadowfoam oil and retwisted for the night. I decided to leave them in until I arrived.
In spite of my fears, and after the initial take-offs, my flights to Los Angeles were rather peaceful. I slept for about 2 hours of the trip but I stayed awake reading for a good part of it too. There was zero turbulence and I even looked out of the window a couple of times! See:
I was picked up by a handsome, black... town car. LOL! And we zipped off to The Omni where I was staying. The view and the weather were magnificent. There were lush, green palm trees all around and TRAFFIC! My, oh my! And this was on a Saturday! I had plenty of time to review my itinerary which included lunch with Jess of JessiCurl and then a ride to the venue with Nikki. Decorated in warm tones with pops of red, yellow and orange throughout, The Omni was beautiful and serene. There were some minor issues with my stay but aside from that, my room was lovely and I cursed myself for not bringing my swim suit when I saw the pool from my window.
I had only a few moments to relax before having lunch with Jess. That was quite the... ADVENTURE! Jess and I met in the lobby and sought out a place to have lunch. She had stunning red curls and was immediately warm and friendly. I felt right at home- like we were old friends! I didn't know it at the time, but she was staying elsewhere and did not know of a nearby restaurant. It was suggested by staff that downtown LA is not especially busy and many places were closed during the lunch hour. However, someone suggested we take the Angel Flight, suggesting that we would find places to eat there. This statement was rather cryptic for both Jess and me. So, we set about asking everyone in view about the Angel Flight until finally, we found it. What is the Angel Flight you ask? It's an unmanned, trolley that takes you down the hill from the hotel to the street. Reminded me of a roller coaster; I was a little scared!
Across that street, there is a huge market that seemed to primarily house Asian/Hispanic/Latino cuisine but sold lots of other items including castor oil and teas. It was after 2pm before Jess and I found the place. At the market, we decided to just go for some yogurt since there would be food at the venue. We had great conversation, covering everything from how Jess began her business (great story!) to our family dynamics. We then headed back to our rooms to prep for the party. I found out I had an extra 45 minutes to prepare so I took a nap! Can you say JET LAG?
The town car arrived to pick up Nikki and I. Little did I know that I would have the TOTAL pleasure of also meeting Gia (just writing of her makes me smile), Aunt Toney and Nikki's friend John (he's a cool dude and he was single in a sea of beautiful women). Well, Gia is just too cute for words. Seriously. She has an immeasurable amount of personality! I immediately loved Aunt Toney! Nikki has a great team of family and friends around her for support. I loved that! They were supportive and helpful with Gia as Nikki conducted her business. Everyone I know in CN world has said that Nikki was very sweet. I CONCUR! She is just as cute as she wants to be and very warm and had on the best, sparkle-liest shoes I've ever seen! Together we stepped into the venue, a penthouse apartment called the House of Spades. I didn't know what to expect as the entry of the building was sparse and empty. But the ride to the 15th floor offered a surprise: It was the BOMB! If I liked that dot.com stuff I would have added it but bottom line- the place was very classy. 3 levels of awesomeness. I've visited similar homes before but this one had a bit extra, including 2 awesome, private patios overlooking the city, a hot tub overlooking the 2nd floor and lots of awesome flourishes. Once there, I ventured from the patio and from room to room, taking pictures. On the patio, I met some folks from Essence Magazine who were taking photos and interviewing curlies. I was interviewed when they heard I was the grow-out challenge winner. I have no idea what I said but if they use it- I pray that I sounded half-intelligent. Before I knew it, the place began filling up with lovely ladies. There was awesome, natural hair everywhere! There was color, twas, medium and large twistouts, fros, blowouts , braids and even straight styles were all up in the house! Look:
The atmosphere was electric and Kim Cole's entrance sent it into a frenzy. She was full of EN-ER-GY! Everyone was rushing to take pictures with and of them both. Nikki kicked off the party welcoming guests and saying a few words about CurlyNikki before introducing Kim. Standing off to the side, it was magical and fun to see what I deemed the "Curly Nation" on one accord, listening to her every word. It was an awesome sight indeed. When Kim joined her, it was just icing on the cake. She spoke of her transition, journey and the grow-out partnership with Nikki. When Kim finished, the audience applauded and the party officially began. There was music, food, drinks and hair demonstrations. I only indulged in the food and music. The vibe was DOPE.
I must confess that I'm an introvert and and you already know that I didn't know anyone at the party. That's usually not a good mix for a party setting. However, I forced myself outside my own box by talking to everyone I could. Some recognized me as the grow-out challenge winner. I met a woman who will be appearing on the X-Factor, singing for Simon Cowell! Go girl! A lovely young woman who told me she tried a recipe I had posted. I can't say how GREAT that made me feel! Thanks Keisha! I met so many people that I can't remember them all! It was so nice to be embraced by all of the California ladies. I connected with so many who offered a familiar face once I ventured out and needed to return to base. A lone introvert can only deal with so much extroverted activity. So, for that, I want to specifically shout out Ysa, Janie, Buso, Connie, Destiny, Michelle, Pamela and my CN friends Renon and Lydia! Renon and Lydia were just as great in person as they are on CurlyNikki. Thanks ladies! By 9pm, this Cinderella was super exhausted and more than relieved when Michelle from NaturallyCurly suggested we hail a cab back to the hotel! I had already replaced the heels with a pair of flat, silver slippers. It was time to go! Thus ended my night at the LA meet-up and let me tell ya- a sista was exhausted and I got out of there before THIS Cinderella could turn into a pumpkin!
The following morning, I had breakfast with Nikki, Aunt Toney and Gia. Gia was too cute and more than patient when I kept mistaking her signs for milk as waves hello. LOL! She even let me hold her for about 60 seconds. It was great spending a little time with Nikki and Aunt Toney. They are both great. I'm all about family connections and I can't say enough that I love that Nikki keeps her family close. I love that kind of love. Afterward, my car arrived and I headed back to LAX for my journey home. In retrospect, I can say that the LA trip was the highlight of my summer. My only regret is not taking pictures with Cassidy of Natural Selection, Kim Coles and leaving without my JessiCurl winnings. Jess promised to mail them to me. I'll post an update after I've used them. I want to thank Nikki, Kim Coles, Jess and the Naturally Curly crew for a great time. The entire affair was classy and a model for meet-ups everywhere. Can't wait to bring one to Ohio!
Peace!
In spite of my fears, and after the initial take-offs, my flights to Los Angeles were rather peaceful. I slept for about 2 hours of the trip but I stayed awake reading for a good part of it too. There was zero turbulence and I even looked out of the window a couple of times! See:
I was picked up by a handsome, black... town car. LOL! And we zipped off to The Omni where I was staying. The view and the weather were magnificent. There were lush, green palm trees all around and TRAFFIC! My, oh my! And this was on a Saturday! I had plenty of time to review my itinerary which included lunch with Jess of JessiCurl and then a ride to the venue with Nikki. Decorated in warm tones with pops of red, yellow and orange throughout, The Omni was beautiful and serene. There were some minor issues with my stay but aside from that, my room was lovely and I cursed myself for not bringing my swim suit when I saw the pool from my window.
 |
| View of the pool |
Across that street, there is a huge market that seemed to primarily house Asian/Hispanic/Latino cuisine but sold lots of other items including castor oil and teas. It was after 2pm before Jess and I found the place. At the market, we decided to just go for some yogurt since there would be food at the venue. We had great conversation, covering everything from how Jess began her business (great story!) to our family dynamics. We then headed back to our rooms to prep for the party. I found out I had an extra 45 minutes to prepare so I took a nap! Can you say JET LAG?
The town car arrived to pick up Nikki and I. Little did I know that I would have the TOTAL pleasure of also meeting Gia (just writing of her makes me smile), Aunt Toney and Nikki's friend John (he's a cool dude and he was single in a sea of beautiful women). Well, Gia is just too cute for words. Seriously. She has an immeasurable amount of personality! I immediately loved Aunt Toney! Nikki has a great team of family and friends around her for support. I loved that! They were supportive and helpful with Gia as Nikki conducted her business. Everyone I know in CN world has said that Nikki was very sweet. I CONCUR! She is just as cute as she wants to be and very warm and had on the best, sparkle-liest shoes I've ever seen! Together we stepped into the venue, a penthouse apartment called the House of Spades. I didn't know what to expect as the entry of the building was sparse and empty. But the ride to the 15th floor offered a surprise: It was the BOMB! If I liked that dot.com stuff I would have added it but bottom line- the place was very classy. 3 levels of awesomeness. I've visited similar homes before but this one had a bit extra, including 2 awesome, private patios overlooking the city, a hot tub overlooking the 2nd floor and lots of awesome flourishes. Once there, I ventured from the patio and from room to room, taking pictures. On the patio, I met some folks from Essence Magazine who were taking photos and interviewing curlies. I was interviewed when they heard I was the grow-out challenge winner. I have no idea what I said but if they use it- I pray that I sounded half-intelligent. Before I knew it, the place began filling up with lovely ladies. There was awesome, natural hair everywhere! There was color, twas, medium and large twistouts, fros, blowouts , braids and even straight styles were all up in the house! Look:
The atmosphere was electric and Kim Cole's entrance sent it into a frenzy. She was full of EN-ER-GY! Everyone was rushing to take pictures with and of them both. Nikki kicked off the party welcoming guests and saying a few words about CurlyNikki before introducing Kim. Standing off to the side, it was magical and fun to see what I deemed the "Curly Nation" on one accord, listening to her every word. It was an awesome sight indeed. When Kim joined her, it was just icing on the cake. She spoke of her transition, journey and the grow-out partnership with Nikki. When Kim finished, the audience applauded and the party officially began. There was music, food, drinks and hair demonstrations. I only indulged in the food and music. The vibe was DOPE.
I must confess that I'm an introvert and and you already know that I didn't know anyone at the party. That's usually not a good mix for a party setting. However, I forced myself outside my own box by talking to everyone I could. Some recognized me as the grow-out challenge winner. I met a woman who will be appearing on the X-Factor, singing for Simon Cowell! Go girl! A lovely young woman who told me she tried a recipe I had posted. I can't say how GREAT that made me feel! Thanks Keisha! I met so many people that I can't remember them all! It was so nice to be embraced by all of the California ladies. I connected with so many who offered a familiar face once I ventured out and needed to return to base. A lone introvert can only deal with so much extroverted activity. So, for that, I want to specifically shout out Ysa, Janie, Buso, Connie, Destiny, Michelle, Pamela and my CN friends Renon and Lydia! Renon and Lydia were just as great in person as they are on CurlyNikki. Thanks ladies! By 9pm, this Cinderella was super exhausted and more than relieved when Michelle from NaturallyCurly suggested we hail a cab back to the hotel! I had already replaced the heels with a pair of flat, silver slippers. It was time to go! Thus ended my night at the LA meet-up and let me tell ya- a sista was exhausted and I got out of there before THIS Cinderella could turn into a pumpkin!
The following morning, I had breakfast with Nikki, Aunt Toney and Gia. Gia was too cute and more than patient when I kept mistaking her signs for milk as waves hello. LOL! She even let me hold her for about 60 seconds. It was great spending a little time with Nikki and Aunt Toney. They are both great. I'm all about family connections and I can't say enough that I love that Nikki keeps her family close. I love that kind of love. Afterward, my car arrived and I headed back to LAX for my journey home. In retrospect, I can say that the LA trip was the highlight of my summer. My only regret is not taking pictures with Cassidy of Natural Selection, Kim Coles and leaving without my JessiCurl winnings. Jess promised to mail them to me. I'll post an update after I've used them. I want to thank Nikki, Kim Coles, Jess and the Naturally Curly crew for a great time. The entire affair was classy and a model for meet-ups everywhere. Can't wait to bring one to Ohio!
Peace!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fear of Flying
So, this weekend I’ll be flying out to Los Angeles
There’s only one problem. I’m afraid of flying. Seriously. My fear is not really based on anything other than perhaps EVERY SINGLE MOVIE about planes crashing. There is one out now. It is nurtured by the fact that every time I’m about to fly, there is a crashing plane report. This happened earlier this week, locally. And finally, there’s just more of a gamble involved than I like to take. I have no control. With every bit of turbulence, I scan the faces of the stewards who serve peanuts and soda from a silver, table-clothed cart for signs of danger. I behave as if I could possibly do anything should they display even the smallest hint of a problem. I know I can’t. But I do it anyway. And once we make it to our destination, I bless the ground and pray the hours don’t fly before I have to get back on and head home.
Although I’m addressing my fear of flying, there is another part of this story. I’m adopted. I’m still getting used to telling folks. I don’t know how to be any other way except blunt on the subject. I am what I am and its taken me a long time to get to this place. It was a one-way ticket! After divulging, I await reactions for a signal of danger. There is always the danger of them feeling sorry for me, suspecting I'm damaged goods or seeing the shame and pain I’ve buried over the years after finding out the person who birthed me, chose not to raise me. Being adopted is a sensitive subject for me. For many like me. And yet- it is still a favorite joke of comedians and comedic writers. I’m guessing they’re not adopted. But I digress as always.
So here is the hitch to the giddy-up: My birth mom (BM) lives in Los Angeles
After much internal debate, I sent her a message saying I would be in town and when. I relayed that there is a small window of opportunity for us to briefly connect. She agreed to meet, responding with her usual, hokey language, signing X’s and O’s next to her name. XOXOJoanne. In typing this, I realize we share the last 3 letters of our first name. It makes me giggle like a child. She reduces me in that way. In my dreams, I wish we shared more. But to date, we have only had fleeting moments of recognizing that which we share as mother and child; that which we have in common despite the great divide of adoption. I don’t know how this meeting will go but I admit I’m afraid. I’m afraid of allowing my emotions to fly. I’m afraid to allow them to land on any semblance of excitement or happiness at seeing her again. I’m terrified that she is forever the lothario and I the jilted lover. I’m afraid she won’t show. And afraid that I’ll be rejected, yet again by my first mother. She gave me life and I worry that with each rejection, she’ll take some of it away. It is a gamble and scarier than any plane ride I’ve been on thus far.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I'm a Winner!
Good morning!
I opened my email a couple of days ago and saw what I thought was another reminder to update my Kim Coles Grow Out Challenge blog. You already know I work hard to keep up with this one! As the message went on, I learned they had some very exciting news for me. My Kim Coles blog was selected as the grand prize winner! I kept reading because of course I joined in February and had no recollection that there were prizes associated and if so- I'm thinking products. But this was bigger- I'm being flown to LA to attend the wrap-up party with Curly Nikki and Kim Coles! Can you say stoked? Surprised? Excited? Nervous? Yes! I experience all of those emotions. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it and I'm already packing! You already know I'm taking my glasses and my camera! ;)
Well, there's a lot of scrambling going on as I prepare but I'm excited and thinking about extending my stay by a day. We'll see. In the meantime, what to wear and what to do with this hair??!!!
I opened my email a couple of days ago and saw what I thought was another reminder to update my Kim Coles Grow Out Challenge blog. You already know I work hard to keep up with this one! As the message went on, I learned they had some very exciting news for me. My Kim Coles blog was selected as the grand prize winner! I kept reading because of course I joined in February and had no recollection that there were prizes associated and if so- I'm thinking products. But this was bigger- I'm being flown to LA to attend the wrap-up party with Curly Nikki and Kim Coles! Can you say stoked? Surprised? Excited? Nervous? Yes! I experience all of those emotions. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it and I'm already packing! You already know I'm taking my glasses and my camera! ;)
Well, there's a lot of scrambling going on as I prepare but I'm excited and thinking about extending my stay by a day. We'll see. In the meantime, what to wear and what to do with this hair??!!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Hair Talk
I started the challenge way back in February and I was excited because I never particpate in challenges so this was my first. Plus, Kim Coles had revealed her beautiful hair and I just wanted to be a part of a movement involving a celebrity who was newly natural and proud of it. Two months later, I had an encounter with my hair dresser which left me feeling quite discouraged. I went in for a trim in March and came out with a chop. Trim... Chop... There is a difference, right? The difference being a 1/2 - 1 inch trim versus 3+ inches chopped. My bangs went from my chin to the bridge of my nose. The rest of my length suffered the same fate. We all cried "FOUL!" because we had just had a trim less than six weeks before. If my ends were worse than that, I attributed it to the use of heat because I'd had my hair flat-ironed at that time. I've realized since then that my hair doesn't take well to heat anymore. If heat is involved in styling, my hair also requires a significant amount of heat protection otherwise, stick straight hair is revealed after a wash. No bueno. Needless to say I was upset and have taken only a few photos of my hair since then. Every photo would remind me of ... dun-dun-dun-de-dun... the incident. And the reminder was followed by anger. So! Moving on...
I know, I know. I am not my hair. I like the song and I've heard it all before! It grows back. Yeah... Again- Yadda. Yadda. But as for me and my hair- We're in love again! This after I realized I was blaming and punishing myself every time I looked into the mirror and viewed my shortened strands. Today... Again... I love my hair AND myself. We are Peaches and Herb... Reunited and it feels so good!!! Among other things, my hair has encouraged me to love and honor the rest of me. I'm drinking more water, taking vitamins and exercising more, which benefits all of me. So, when people assert I am not my hair... I think-- I am also not my limbs, my eyes or my smile. Rather- I am the sum of all my parts. And when I see all parts of me thriving, I know that I am those things and more. I am whole.
While the prompt for an update for the contest sparked this particular post, it is the love for self including my hair that made me dig a little deeper, beyond the setbacks and anger to see our relationship for what it is... To be honest, I didn't even remember the prize(s) until I reviewed the challenge information today. The real prize comes in the form of contant revelation about my natural hair and I... We've been reunited for nearly 3 years... (I know... we're kinda like newlyweds! Still lov'in on each other and thangs... ;)). And at the end of the day, we stick together, for better or worse. And for that I am gratefully and ever naturally- me!
Peace and love
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Dreams of a Cardmaker
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!
Monday, July 25, 2011
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. UK
- 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. US
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.
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