You Can't Please Everybody...

Hi Ladies!

As you know I receive emails on the regular basis, well here is my 1st hate mail! Hey, the old saying goes, "You can't please everybody!" At one point I reached out to a beautiful young lady who I thought embodied the beauty of what we are trying to highlight here at On the Road to Queendom. I knew the young lady did not have locs, but I wanted to feature her as my Loc'd Beauty of the Week because she was natural. Still, I have to be true to what I am doing here. Although she is a beautiful girl, the point of this blog is to educate, uplift, and praise women of color who have locs. So, I had to think of another way to celebrate her natural beauty instead of making her the Loc'd Beauty of the Week. Well, before I had the chance to brainstorm and figure out how to feature her I received this below:


Dear Writing Addict,

I just wanted to let you know that you are not a woman of your word and your dividing the black people giving people with locs the praise ....what about the people that dont have locs with natural hair. I dont know where you are from ,but my mom was raise in Selma where Martin Luther King and Rosa marched for freedom for this country yet people like you follow behind others because of looks thank you but no thank you!

have a pleasent day!

Takelia


So sad right? So sad she felt the need to reach out to me in such a negative manner when I only reached out to her to celebrate her beauty, and give her a little shine. I am not paid to do this, so everything here is under my discretion. I hate that the young lady feels I am dividing sisters when I just blogged about us not doing this. So sad that she is in such a desperate need for exposure or feels she is so deserving of some shine that she had to belittle me, and what I am doing.

Again, you can't please everybody. So, again readers as my blog description says above this is a loc site, and even though we celebrate all natural beauties, this is dedicated to loc wearers. You see ladies who do not don locs get exposure all day everyday; so don't be mad at me because I chose to take some action and celebrate my loc'd beauties. Simply put, I put others before you because honestly others fit what we are representing here at On the Road to Queendom. So its not to discredit you, put you down, or take anything from your mothers' marching (not sure why that was even mentioned) but this is my blog and I choose to celebrate natural beauties with locs I'm sorry you choose to let this upset you. You are not a loc wearer, so keep pushing on and just skip this site okay sweetie?

Thank you & be blessed!

It's Just Hair.....Right?

What is this new surge of self love, bonding, and love affair with our hair? I don't know but I like it! We as African-Americans and those of African-American descent have been through a lot as it relates to beauty and image. I'm not even going to touch on back in the day (i.e. slave days), we don't need to revisit that do we? If I had a dollar for every time someone preached about how we were divided by the house slaves versus the field negro...I probably wouldn't have some debt right about now.

I also shouldn't have to fast forward into time to visit how the media portrays us...we all know. Don't let me start in on BET, or the entertainment industry in general. So it should come as no surprise that black women all over the world are starting to embrace themselves; the true beauty that they see in the mirror. Many women are throwing those damn wigs (yes, lace front ones too), weaves, chemical processing, etc., into the damn closet, or trash bin.

Lets take Sisterlocs for example... there are all types of support groups, meet ups, and such dedicated to women who wear this beautiful hairstyle. Women travel from all over to dance, sing, socialize, network, and support each other. I love this idea!


With that being said, let us not start new division! Let us embrace one another without prejudice. We are not better than the other simply by what makes us different. Hair? Please, not that. We have been divided for too long by skin tone, size, class, etc. So if we start to divide ourselves because of hair? Well, I'll just be through. We are all beautiful! It does not matter if the locs are thick, skinny, short, thin, long, whatever. We have to be bigger than external vanities.

I just want to say, if you are loc'd and loving it, no matter be it sisterlocs, traditional locs, braidlocs, whatever; please be kind to all of our sisters. Even those who aren't locd, or natural. Everyone won't embrace their natural selves. Remember, in order to be natural it takes high self esteem, and courage. It takes a lot to turn our backs on what we have been taught about the definition of what beauty is. It takes quite a bit to be able to stay true to ourselves.

Although you are a Queen, and well on your way to total self acceptance and happiness don't dare look your nose down on our sisters who are not there yet; or who aren't the least bit interested in taking that step. Please don't ever become a Natural Hair Nazi!

We don't want to alienate anyone, look down on them, or belittle them. We only want to lead by example. That's what true Queens do!

Until next time, I love ya, and Happy Locing!

Congratulations!

**Congratulations to Kickulah she won this weeks' random drawing for the $25 H&M Giftcard!**

I know it seems too good to be true but its no joke. Sis won fair and square by random drawing.

Again, congrats Queen email me your mailing info and the card will be on its way.

Thanks to the other ladies for entering and posting where women can get tested for HIV and other STD's that's what its really about anyway!

Readers Emails

The above beauty that you are seeing is none other than our very own Kicukalah! She has been on board with On the Road to Queendom from the very beginning. Kicukalah is also very involved with the postings here, always commenting, which I adore. So its no surprise that Kicukalah was the very 1st and only entry in this weeks' giveaway that will end tonight. However, since her entry there are 2 others, good luck ladies! Anyway, our Queen went out and bought her very own, GAP red t-shirt to support a good cause, while raising awareness about HIV/AIDS! I love this, oh my gosh, Kicukalah you are the epitome of a Queen. She had this to say:

Let me first tell you that I love games, giveaways, challenges, and things of the sort. So when I initially started the requirements of your lastest giveaway, it was only the competitor in me rising to the challenge. But along the way, I learned something. Seriously, you have open my eyes to the fact that I can help change the world I live in and at the same time gain knowledge in which empowers me. I know for a fact that I am indeed on the road to Queendom. I really do appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. The way you write, the women you uplift, and the love you exude, and the spirit of a true queen that you let us all see.

Blessings Upon You --
Kicukalah

PS> The T-shirt reads:

We are empowered and inspi(red) to make this a world that is desi(red) by the next generation and admi(red) right now.

No Kicukalah, bless you! I love ya for being such an inspiration to me, and other Queens. And, girl you wearing that shirt! You are an absolute doll.

Peace & Blessings,

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

Miss Kumia Lee!

This sultry Caribbean beauty hails from Antigua & Barbuda. Kumia lived in Antigua most of her life before she migrated to the United States, Florida to be exact where she resides.


This is another thick loc'd beauty who you can find on most loc websites, where people admire beautiful regal beauties!


She is truly a Queen and she definitely has a place here at On the Road to Queendom!

You Mean to Tell Me....

That only 1 person knows where to go and have an HIV/AID test taken in their city? Well, I guess that one person will just walk away with the gift card. This may be the 1st time ever that people did not participate in a give-a-way. Could it be because of the subject matter? Are we still afraid of the three letter word? No, not sex, HIV?

Women we cannot be blind. I wouldn't be doing my part in trying to eradicate this disease if I didnt try and educate or raise awareness.

I don't know I just thought you all were just as concerned as I about women's health issues. We can't ignore it, we must confront this terrible disease.

Even if you don't want the giftcard, you should still place where a woman can find a testing site in your city in the comment section.

Retwisting Retightning

Uggh...the horror of it all! I hate retwisting my hair, I swear I do. Well I have to this weekend, I have a work related event to go to, and I don't want to show up looking like Bob Marley. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a little thickness at the root; but I don't like the way that I look personally. I just look a little neater with my roots done okay?

With that being said, I tried to use that Lock, twists...this stuff right here...

*Sucking teeth* Umm, this stuff does nothing for my hair seriously it doesn't. I mean within like 1 hour after taking the time to twist it with this stuff my twists were swelling! LOL

So, I had to go back to old faithful, Carol's Dauther Loc Butter. Not only is there no Carols Daughter store around here, but I have to drive downtown which is like 20 mins away just to get a jar. Let me vent that the daggone jar is too small as well! Come on Carol. You mean to tell me that you don't have a bigger jar to put this stuff into?



Some people don't like the loc butter, they say its too greasy, blah blah. But for me its what I have used since like 2004. It gives my hair a great sheen, smell, and hold. So, I am off to do my hair tonight. I know its gonna take me 2 hours, but hell its worth it. After I'm done, I'll put up a post with pics.

The time should go fast, I'll be twisting with some Michael Jackson music in the background :)

Do you Remember?

Michael "King of Pop" Jackson
(1958-2009)

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

I hung out with friends this past weekend, and my hair needed to be washed. Sooo....I just pulled it all up in a bun to the very top of my head, and wrapped a JCPenny Scarf around it and let it hang down my back. The dress is so Walmart, but no one could tell! What a deal huh?

Waistbeads by Sewra

While on the hunt for yet another beautiful corset (that's another story trust me), I came across another type of corset or should I say, waistbeads. The above natural beauty you see is Sewra, pronounced like laura with an “s”, sewra g kidane is the creator behind the beads. Spawned by a broken heart, Sewra began making waist beads to pass time and to clear her mind. Encouraged by her best friend to share her creations with the public, she began selling at various street fairs. Her work has since grown from just colored beads on a string, to fine works of art to be worn around the waist. The following information has been taken from her site, http://www.waistbeads.com/ on the history of waistbeads. Enjoy!

The biggest misconception I constantly hear about wearing waist beads is that you have to be a size 0 with a flat stomach. Which is the farthest from the truth. Women of all ages and sizes wear waist beads!
Waistbeads are traditionally worn under clothes by African women, waist beads have several different meanings. Ranging from rites of passage, to enticing your husband to healing and rejuvenation. The art of adorning ones self has been practiced since the beginning of time.

In Egypt, waist beads were called “girdles”. All the women wore them and it was a uniform for pre-pubescent girls with out any sexual connotation. But usually servants or dancers wore them and are shown in wall relief’s wearing them and nothing else!

In West Africa, waist beads have several names.; Jel-Jelli, Jigeda, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay or Yomba. They’re always worn under clothes. In Ghana women knew that waist beads helped form their body into a particular shape and adult women wear beads to sexually stimulate the male. In other parts of West Africa, women would wear waist beads with bells on them, and when they walked it would make a jingling noise. Dipping them in oil scented the beads.

When you add stones, waist beads take on healing qualities. Depending on ailment or what needs to be enhanced (i.e. love, physic powers, balancing), various semi-precious stones can be included in the design of your waist beads.

It’s only now in modern times, that waist beads are becoming more visible. Pants are getting lower and lower, and women are showing more skin than ever. So why not adorn this blank canvas with beautiful beads. But if showing your stomach in not for you, it’s still all good. You can take glee in knowing that you are wearing something special and beautiful. I always tell women when you buy fancy lingerie; you wear them under your clothes for you or who you would like to see them. Waist beads are exactly the same!

You can order her beads from her website by going here.

Giveaway!

What better way to educate and uplift my Queens than with this weeks' giveaway?
A $25 gift card for H&M, but there's a catch! You have to purchase one of the Fashion against AIDS t-shirts, and send me a pic of you rocking the t-shirt ok?

Remember in order to enter the contest you must be an ontheroadtoqueendom.com follower!

To enter the contest you must leave a comment informing Queen's where they can go to get tested for HIV/AIDS in your city! Sounds simple right? You would never believe how many women don't have a clue about where to go to get tested.

The giftcard will be given away by random selection.

Giveaway ends 12 midnight, Pacific time on June 29th!

Lets Go...

Fashion Against Aids!

I love shopping with purpose and you know this! That's why in the spirit of National HIV Testing day June 27th 2009, I set off to find fashion educating all to wrap it up, and get tested! I came up with some unique finds:

H&M FASHION AGAINST AIDS

H&M teamed up with various designers to come up with fashionable t-shirts to educate the public about wrapping it up & having safe sex. The sexy Estelle is featured this time around.

GAP Product Red

They have about 5 different t-shirts to choose from, they're all abstract and don't really say much. However, the proceeds go to the Global Fund project. One area I work closely with to make change right here in my town of Las Vegas, NV to make changes. Go here to shop.

Awesome website educating African-American Women about HIV/AIDS!

African-American Women's Network

Know Your Status!

June 27th is National HIV testing day in the U.S. HIV/AIDS is still very prevalent and among us. I dare say, this disease won't be going anywhere anytime soon. I have been working in various areas to educate our community on this disease since 2002. That may not be a long time, but it is to me! People are often bewildered why I would even care, since I'm a married woman in a monogamous relationship. But honey that is exactly why I care! Black women are still leading in the newly reported cases of HIV/AIDs.

Information taken from the Center for Disease Control:

Of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, HIV and AIDS have hit African Americans the hardest. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather to some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), sexually transmitted diseases, and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or directed at people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV).

When we look at HIV/AIDS by race and ethnicity, we see that African Americans have

• More illness. Even though blacks (including African Americans) account for about 13% of the US population, they account for about half (49%) of the people who get HIV and AIDS.
• Shorter survival times. Blacks with AIDS often don’t live as long as people of other races and ethnic groups with AIDS. This is due to the barriers mentioned above.
• More deaths. For African Americans and other blacks, HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death.

STATISTICS

HIV/AIDS in 2005

• According to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13% of the US population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49%) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting [2].*
• Of all black men living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was sexual contact with other men, followed by injection drug use and high-risk heterosexual contact [2].
• Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use [2].
• Of the estimated 141 infants perinatally infected with HIV, 91 (65%) were black (CDC, HIV/AIDS Reporting System, unpublished data, December 2006).
• Of the estimated 18,849 people under the age of 25 whose diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was made during 2001–2004 in the 33 states with HIV reporting, 11,554 (61%) were black [3].

Now if this isn't reason enough for me to start shouting from the mountaintops to get tested, I don't know what is! I am not blind, married people are not safe either. No one is, if you are having sex, get tested, you can live with the results!

True Queens know their results, and take care of themselves above all!

Loc'd Beauty of the Week

The loc'd Lioness you see above is none other than, Kitty Soulflower. This Queen is the creator of the social networking site for loc wearers, ilovemylocs.ning.com. Kitty had this to say:

"I played around with the idea of having a social network since myspace. Myspace is a great tool for networking but it’s so easy to get lost in all the bands, and women prostituting through email there. After I loc’d my hair I thought it would be cool to have a magazine style site dedicated to just locs pulling from various sources not a site promoting only their products."

This Queen is a songbird as well, having dabbled in the entertainment business she told us what prompted her to go natural:

"Since the 90’s I knew I would loc my hair at some point. Because of the billion of girl R&B groups I was in I just told myself I would loc my hair at 40 years old. Shortly after my daughter was born, St. Patricks Day of ’08, age 35 years and I was like “why wait?”. I loc’d my hair. I had been wearing curly weaves since the 90’s to fit in with the groups I was in, “gotta look more glamourous than the average person”. I hated it. I always wanted to be natural and my brother encouraged it, but I had girls in various groups pulling the “Good Hair Bad Hair Card”. So the rebel I am I would go against managers and stylist and just wear a fro. Fortunately because most of the groups I helped establish I wasn’t in danger of getting kicked out. It did cause tension, but Jesus picked the 12 disciples including Judas. Those girls were my Judas experience. The people that are in your life solely to oppose and hate on you, but they don’t realize though their actions may bruise you here and there in the end you resurrect even stronger mentally than you previously were.

My hair was past my shoulders (see my life album for a pic) but I could only wear my hair straighten 2 days at a time before it fro’d up. Because it took so much work I wore my hair straight like 4 days out of a year. I work early, always have and don’t have time to fiddle with my hair so weaves were perfect. However, I got tired of having to buy hair and re-do it every few weeks, always worried about my tracks showing. Then I got on a blog I don’t remember where but the non-black people were talking about Black women and can we grow hair?. Then I heard some random non-blacks talking about our weaves looking plastic. Then I really started to see it. I looked at myself and my Shiny plastic hair with my nappy edges peaking out the sides and I was so done. I could no longer accept “trying” to have silky straight or curly hair."


On embracing her natural self:

So here I am today Loc’d and Loving it. I embrace my naps. Kinky and Pretty. When we are old our hair doesn’t bald like other hair types. The Coil is so precious and tell such a story. When we embrace the fact that our hair doesn’t grow out silky straight I think we can really see the beauty of our kinks. It’s only when we use chemicals does our hair break off.

I’m not afraid of water anymore. It rained not to long ago and I didn’t have an umbrella, I just smiled and calmly walked back inside.
I got in the pool after years of depriving myself of the experience due to my hair. Also, we had really gusty winds and I just stood there with a smile feeling the air on my scalp as my sistah’s ran by trying to hold their weaves down so the tracks wouldn’t show. It’s an embarrassing experience, I know!!!. LOL!!!



Kitty Soulflower lets us in on a little secret!

Last thing I wanted to add was a truth about my locs. I recently put in loc extensions cause I wanted my hair one length. My natural hair started shrinking and shrinking, etc. I wasn’t plucked from the naturally pretty tree like you were Queen Tosh, so I have to do extra Mac, Iman and some extensions to look feminine. I know it seems ironic my dislike for the former weaves and I put some extensions in but let me explain. I know a lot of Loc Wearers are all about “the natural journey” and that is good if you have the confidence in your appearance to do it. Not everyone has that confidence. Cool thing is how I did them, they are permanent and look very natural, just cut them off as they grown down your back in 10 years all of it will be yours if you chose this road. The upkeep is the same. I advocate being truthful about your journey cause you never know who you can inspire. I’m a kitchen beautician as well. Someone recently thanked me for sharing how I did mine cause she was ready to go back to perms and weaves. Before I loc’d my hair I saw a lady and asked her how long it took, and she said it took 10 years but she cheated at first cause she just let her braids stay in as her locs grew out. When I got to that point I started feeling “less than cute” about my appearance I researched on Fotki.com and admired and asked some girls how they did their extensions. NO ONE WOULD SHARE HOW, so I figured I could do it myself. If you don’t mind I can share exactly how I did it. I’m not stingy about sharing. Confidence is essential to self esteem.

If you don’t know how to braid go to You Tube and search braid extensions
If you do know how to braid this is simple:

Purchase Tight Afro Kinky Human Hair (Pick your color)- CHEAP! Depending on your head size you'll know how many bags to get I got 3 bags so I wouldn't have to drive back. I got 18 inches. Then take out enough strands to match the size of your locs. Starting from the middle of your loc bend the hair and start braiding down
to the end of the Loc. Once you get to the end stop and let the hair dangle. Then take more strands and start the cover up. A little above where you started the braid start wrapping the strands around in a downward spiral covering up all signs of the braid until you reach the end of the dangling hair .
That’s it! Your done ;0)

Once all done Wash you hair, fillup the sink and put your whole head in. Wash as normal, leave in conditioner etc (this will soften the loc) It will look very natural.

In about a month even to you you wont’ be able to tell.

* Please note only difference is you can not dye the hair lighter, because of how it was processed. That you have to aspire to when it’ s all yours. I want Honey Blonde. When I have it you’ll know it’s all my hair.

Thank you Queen Tosh for the opportunity to tell my story and your wonderful site.

Xoxoxo

Kitty Soulflower
http://www.ILoveMyLocs.Ning.Com
*In partnership with On the Road to Queendom by Writing Addict*

"Love this sytle, check out the Hello Kitty! Hence the name, Kitty Soulflower!"

Don't we love this Queen's honesty? This comes from pure self-confidence, and high self esteem! I love a woman who doesn't mind sharing and helping others find their natural beauty. It doesn't matter how you get there, as long as you are representing strength, courage, inner beauty, as well as outer beauty; then you are a Queen.

Thanks Kitty! I'll see you around I Love My Locs!

Reader's Email Answered

Dear Writing Addict,

Do you latch or twist your new growth?? I am having a little problem locking b/c I keep wanting to wash my hair, like today. I was suppose to have my hair retwisted on Wednesday but the girl did not call me back(that's what ya get for tryna get the "hook up), anyway I tried to twist it myself and used tooo much Jamacia mango and lime and now my hair is all sticky and icky. Today is my workout day and I know that I am gonna wanna wash my hair after I workout, again, this is the problem that I am having, HELP!!!

Help,

I retwist my newgrowth, always have; I dunno about the whole latching process, sounds too darned complicated if you ask me. Anyways I suggest that after your workout you wash your hair, spray some leave in conditioner on it and prepare to twist.

Gather your necessary supplies:

1. Water spray bottle
2. Rat tailed comb
3. Clips
You can purchase these clips at Sally's Beauty Supply, or any beauty supply you have access to. Make sure to purchase about 3 boxes, to ensure you have enough for your head.

I suggest using the clips for people who are sporting twists, or baby locs that aren't yet palm rolling their hair.

Next, I assume your hair has parts in it? If not take the rat tailed comb and section your hair into small boxes or the desired thickness you want your twists. Only get a small amount of the product (mango & lime) on your fingertips (not alot) and place on each section to be twisted as you go. Do not rub the product throughout your hair. If you rub the product throughout your hair you are risking product buildup what you have now. You see the hair starts to dry out in the twisting process, therefore you put more product in your hair. So to prevent from doing this? You just use a spray bottle and only put on each section you are twisting at the time. I do hope I am being clear.

You can use the end of the end of the comb, not the tail part but the very end of the comb

You might think your hair will get tangled but if you are careful it will not.

Start twisting the comb at the scalp or top of the twist and pull downward. Twist the hair in the comb until the end of the twist.



I hope this answers your questions Queen, if not feel free to contact me again!

Checking In!

Winner of the last giveaway Miss Jo Jo shows off her Sephora giftcard! I love to receive your emails especially when you send in your pics. Thanks again Miss Jo Jo for being a faithful reader and follower of OTROQ!

Keep checking back Queens to take advantage of the next giveaway, its coming up soon!

Feeling Playful?

Its the summer, and for me its when I really express my creativity! I love playing around with my hair. For instance, I like to add a splash of color every once and a while. How do I do it without putting chemicals in? I use yarn! Colorful, and playful yarn!



Believe it or not, it is time consuming trying to wrap a loc with the yarn. You should start at the very top of the loc near the scalp and continue winding tightly around the loc until the end of the loc. Cut the yarn and tuck to hide the end.

You know I live on Etsy...its the most creative place where you can find one of a kind items. With that they also have hand spun yarn! This yarn is fabulous if you are a crocheter or if you want to wrap your locs with some of it to add a splash of color! Can't you just see these colors paired with a cute summer dress? Like muah?

I only wrapped 1 loc, the longest one in the back of my head. But to each her own. Its cute nonetheless.

Buy the yarn here:

Spazzy on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6097444

Or, you can pick some up at your favorite fabric and yarn outlet!

Crowns Fit for a Queen!

The lovely and talented Tintawi's hats are beautiful! So stylish, and great protection from the sun. Its all good to let your locs get sun, but for me, I live in Las Vegas where the sun is brutal and zaps out moisture like you wouldn't believe. I found this Queen's hats on, ilovemylocs.ning.com: at http://ilovemylocs.ning.com/profile/Tintawi. Go and support our sister!




These cute hats were foung on the artsy, Etsy site. The above crowns are the artwork of Dahlia Soleil. You can find her work here...http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=40937

Queens

You know how we feel about our crowns around here, well I discovered this book called Queens by Michael Cunningham & George Alexander. It is a wonderful book covering black women and their crowns.

From intricate braids to relaxed, flowing tresses to dreadlocks to Afros, black women have literally used their heads to express themselves and showcase their ideals of beauty. In more than fifty gorgeous photographs accompanied by vivid, personal narratives, QUEENS explores the fascination with hair and beauty that has long been a part of African American culture.

A host of women tell their personal hair stories and female hairdressers explain why they devote their lives to making black woman feel like royalty. A gallery of portraits taken at black hair shows throughout the country is juxtaposed with photographs taken in Africa, bringing to light the almost uncanny connection between the innovative 'dos of contemporary African America and traditional African styles.

“When we found out the baby was a girl, my husband said,
‘Okay, a girl. Alright, that means we’re going to have hair issues.’”
–Lynn Godfrey

“I set my hair money aside like it’s a bill...It’s like paying the phone bill, the electricity bill, the gas bill. I don’t play about my hair.
–Nitiya Barry

“When I see myself in an afro I feel more powerful than when
I wear my hair permed and straight. I feel like I can take on
the world. –Thoundia Bickam

A natural sequel to Crowns, by turns moving and funny, QUEENS is the ultimate all-occasion gift book, perfect for Christmas, Kwanzaa, Mother’s Day, and birthdays.

Often Imitated but Never....

They say that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.I know I purposely try and be different, my family says so. This isn't always good I guess. But, whatever, I love being different. I have always gone the opposite direction when I see everyone going in the same. This is why I never did well with fads, never wore the same hairstyle longer than 2 weeks (back in the day), made my own clothes, and jewelry. I loved standing out. Its the one thing my mother brings up anytime she discusses me. Just recently I got a mendhi design on my foot, to cover up an old surgery scar. I also got it because, I am so fond of mendhi, its just beautiful. Imagine the look on my face when I walked up in my office just to see my co-worker with the same exact design on the same exact foot, smh...lawd. I just shrugged it off, and gave her a compliment.

I guess that's why I work hard at bringing you the most up to date info, thought provoking interviews with interesting loc'd sisters. I want to showcase our beauty with the loc'd beauties of the week, and your talent with your artwork. I also like to honor you with my giveaways. Still, there are other bloggers who feel the need to imitate my blog with doing the same exact thing I'm doing. This isn't about just posting up my feed, I want people to do that! I want us all to share, but I'm talking about the bloggers who can't come up with their own style.

Now don't get me wrong, hell I know a lot of hair blogs, and just blogs in general report on the same things. And we all know the pictures are just passed from blog to blog. But the content, well, its easy for most of us to post the same things because good minds think alike. Still, the content, I will just never know why some find it hard to come up with their own unique blogging style.

So, I won't go on and on, and bore you with this mess. Just thought I'd share with you what I was thinking. I guess I should take it as a compliment...and I do.

I'm off to think up some more stuff, because hey, you know I like to be different! (Smiles)

The Knotty Truth...

M Michele George is a a highly intelligent and accomplished Queen. Her resume reads impressively where she has been trained in the field of Molecular Biology and at a School of Medicine in Applied Science. So, if this Bella wants to school us on the dangers of chemicals in hair products, then its pretty safe to say we should listen.


Chele’s paternal Grandmother introduced her to the world of beauty. She has always been drawn to the beauty and design of naturally curly hair. Because Grandma Gin’ ran a beauty shop out of her basement, she relayed her passion for hair to “Cheli” who now manifests this gift by empowering women to embrace the unique beauty in their God-made naps. The study, design and art of natural hair are passions that called Cheli from the belly of her soul. She believes there is ministry in our tresses and “has been called to testify.” The Knotty Truth is Chele’s first book of many which will enlighten, educate, and inspire others to live on purpose by embracing their birth right, rejecting the negative stigma that has been assigned to our hybrid coils. 
Known to her sistren as Cheleski (Shell-ski), M Michele George shares her 
life with her husband and best friend, and their two sons.


M Michele George always had a passion for self expression through her writing. She has been a featured writer in Mocha Moms of Cleveland News (2002), A Champion Mother: Giving Her Baby a Gift of Love, 2004; A Taste of Mount Vernon Magazine, 2009; Featured as Notty of The Month. May 2009. www.nappturality.com; Motowngirl Spotlight of the week June 2009/ www.motowngirl.com; and now her own work: The Knotty Truth Managing Tightly Coiled Hair At Home: DIY Survival Guide, 2009 featured on www.amazon.com Spring 2009 or downloadable at www.theknottytruth.net.


If you are ready to be informed, enlightened and maybe just a little more educated about tightly coiled hair care, The Knotty Truth is for you. With an emphasis on affordable do-it-yourself haircare at home, The Knotty Truth will introduce you to everyday kitchen products that will nourish not only your belly, but your hair. Natural hair care need not be expensive. If you are not ready to venture into the world of natural hair, The Knotty Truth may just change your mind with its’ refreshing savvy and witty candor. The Knotty Truth is for the strong willed inner child that wants to be free to embrace the nap of her hair or begin the journey to a head of naturally cared for hair full of strength and vitality!

Click here to buy the Queens' book!