tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76658898511954120112024-02-22T03:47:19.012-06:00Phoenix's Sisterlock EscapadeJoin me on my adventure and personal discovery of Sisterlocks, new frontiers and continued self discovery!
"Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goest.."
JoshuaPhoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-88430338696504072332011-09-01T22:10:00.000-05:002011-09-01T22:10:53.066-05:002 1/2 years<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jyun_HD-A0vOwkuTuBwif1McV6eCvwzLcfbGx17GE57Emxbh8y2aDcWDf3koy5xo6IoSZ7Bqxpv6wgBYAwCo8TFE62voTFhdZ32fNKE1eW7Sqq30g2byGgBB2pRUCvztCLi-wVQkeLQ9/s1600/DSCN0631.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Jyun_HD-A0vOwkuTuBwif1McV6eCvwzLcfbGx17GE57Emxbh8y2aDcWDf3koy5xo6IoSZ7Bqxpv6wgBYAwCo8TFE62voTFhdZ32fNKE1eW7Sqq30g2byGgBB2pRUCvztCLi-wVQkeLQ9/s320/DSCN0631.JPG" /></a> </div>
<br /><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-60325326089949845022011-06-22T15:30:00.004-05:002011-06-22T22:51:21.136-05:00#18 - 20# 18 - A problem that I've had<div><ul><li>Asking for help. I am the biggest do it yourself-er, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">control</span> everything, superwoman complex person I know. It's not that I can't ask anyone for help but that I want things done a certain way. I never thought I had a type A personality but I totally see it now.</li></ul><div># 19 - Five items I lust for</div></div><div><ol><li>Knowledge - I love to learn. If I could, I'd spend my waking hours in a bookstore or in a class. From photography to tennis classes, from medicine to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cosmetology</span>, it doesn't matter. It's probably why I find intelligence attractive.</li><li>Sweets - My sweet tooth is me weakness. It's a constant struggle on a day to day basis.</li><li>Success - I long for success in my career, with my family, with myself. It's the one thing I think about on a daily basis.</li><li>True Friendship - Someone who is willing to give as much as they receive. Someone who shares the same interest as I, who has some of the same values. I'm not sure why women find it difficult to trust are get along but I notice it all around me. I admit I don't actively seek friendship as much as I do the other things but it is very much on my wish list.</li><li>Travel - I love love love to travel. I'm always planning my next trip or looking at exotic places that I want to visit on the web. I think mother nature has provided us with amazing treats and we just have to find them.</li></ol><div># 20 - My Fears</div></div><div><ul><li>My greatest fear is Failure. I hate to fail at anything. I try my best at the simplest task because I have a set standard for myself. Failure is never an option. </li></ul></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-55243208259313638502011-06-19T22:37:00.003-05:002011-06-19T23:03:16.080-05:00# 17 - Something I'm proud ofI am very proud of my hair or should I say how I've learned to accept my hair. For years I tried in vain to make my hair look like someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">else's</span>- anyone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">else's</span>. When I was a child I prayed that my hair would grow - denied. As a teenager I faithfully went to the hairdresser every 2 weeks to keep my hair from doing what it does - denied. As a young adult I continued to take pictures of impossible hairstyles (either due to texture, density or lack of length) and begged to have my hair transformed - denied. Through all of this it never occurred to me to allow my hair to be free and natural. <div><br /></div><div>In a perfect world, once I decided to go natural it would have been an easy transition - right - wrong! For my first attempt I wore braids for 6 months, removed them and had my hair cut into a healthy TWA. The first time I glanced in a mirror, I was heart broken and cried myself to sleep. Crazy thoughts haunted me, "I'm ugly, No one will want me, people will make fun of me."So when I woke up, the very first thing I did was make an appointment to have my hair relaxed. Five years passed before I had the courage to try again. This time my transition was slower. I slowly grew my hair out by roller setting my hair and wearing hairstyles that hid the two different textures. When I was ready, really ready- I chopped my hair off again but this time when I looked in the mirror, there were no tears, the fear was gone and no questions loomed about my acceptance from anyone. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I am proud that I love my hair!</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-15158454090464714182011-06-17T23:52:00.006-05:002011-06-18T01:04:30.028-05:00# 11- 16 due to technical difficulties# 11 - Mi Familia<div><ul><li>My family is my strength. Everything I am is due to the love and nourishment I received as a child. From the "Soulfood" family dinners to running around in grandma's backyard through the sprinklers with my cousins, I was blessed to have grown up with stability and complete acceptance. Through the years, the dynamics of my family have changed but not the love.</li></ul><div>#12 - Five Fine Men (I love black men - in all shades of color - they just have to have swag. This list is in no way complete, just the first five that came to mind. There are so many more)</div></div><div><ol><li>Boris Kodjoe (all over amazing)</li><li>Michael Ealy (hypnotize me with those eyes)</li><li>Dennis Haysbert (seduce me with that voice)</li><li>Will Smith (He oozes swag and sex appeal)</li><li>Morris Chestnut (take me on a chocolate high and never let me come down)</li></ol><div>#13 - My Body</div></div><div><ul><li>I am very fortunate to be a woman who loves herself and her body. I love the curve of my hips and breast. I adore the dip in my waist and the small of my back. I admire the fullness of my bum and thighs. The natural strength of my calves and biceps make me wonder what tribe I descended from and make me proud of a heritage unknown. I think my smile is pretty and my eyes are soulful. I love the bend in my hair. I love my body!</li></ul><div># 14 - What I wore today</div></div><div><ul><li>Burnt Orange blouse with flecks of gold and brown</li><li>Chocolate Shorts</li><li>3 tiered dangling earrings and an amber bracelet (given to me by a friend)</li><li>Brown sandals</li></ul><div>#15 - Does my Zodiac fit me - Taurus</div></div><div><ul><li>According to my sign I am stubborn, persistent, practical, reliable, passionate, down to earth and seek balance. This is definitely how I would describe myself. I don't follow my daily horoscope but the broad description is pretty accurate. I've always been goal oriented and self driven. I'm not certain if I can attribute it to my zodiac or my mom but either way - I'll take it. Plus I'm in amazing company - Malcolm X, Janet Jackson, The Rock, Stevie Wonder.</li></ul><div># 16 - What If....</div></div><div><ul><li>What if slavery never occurred- I imagine the heights we would have reached would be unmeasurable by today's standards.</li><li>What if hatred was nonexistent- racism, sexism.. all the ism's that hold us back as a society would be gone and we would soar as a race of humans without classifications.</li><li>What if we used all of our brain - currently it's suggested that humans use less than 10% of their brain power. We could possibly heal illnesses with thought, communication would be carried on the wings of a summer breeze.</li><li>What if we reached our full potential intended by God?</li></ul></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-18450571607951848552011-06-12T12:57:00.003-05:002011-06-12T13:12:51.566-05:00# 10 - First ten songs on ipod shuffleBe warned I have a very eclectic taste in music:<div><ol><li>Strength, Courage and Wisdom - India Arie</li><li>I smile - Kirk Franklin</li><li>Chocolate High - India Arie and Music Soul Child</li><li>Am I Worth It - Heather Headley</li><li>Bruised but not Broken - Joss Stone</li><li>When I look to the sky - Train</li><li>Defying Gravity - Kristian Chenoweth and Idina Menzel</li><li>Into You - Tamia</li><li>I don't want to miss a thing - Aerosmith</li><li>Poetry - Javier Colon</li></ol></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-31432484586752511692011-06-10T23:59:00.003-05:002011-06-11T00:12:19.116-05:00# 9 - The importance of educationI could write a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dissertation</span> on this subject but I'll attempt to be brief. <div><ul><li>Knowledge is power</li><li>The future belongs to those who prepare for it today</li><li>If I knew then what I know now</li><li>Education equals freedom</li></ul><div>There are numerous quotes about the importance of education for a reason, your brain is the most important muscle you have. As this muscle is developed so is every other aspect of your life. Your health, career, social status, opportunities, life experiences etc. - all improve as your knowledge on the respective topics grow. Whats more, the more you empower a person with an education, the more empowered that persons legacy will be because they will teach their children. Education is the one thing that can never be taken away. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>If education weren't so important, there never would have been a law forbidding slaves to learn.</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-8889440337592281782011-06-09T21:56:00.002-05:002011-06-09T22:00:45.765-05:00# 8 - What I ate todayI am in the process of determining what mixtures of food work well for me. I don't believe everyone needs the same portions or the same mixtures. With that said<div><ul><li>Bacon and eggs ( with cheese) for breakfast</li><li>Strawberry Yogurt for snack one</li><li>Berry Smoothie for lunch (enriched with oatmeal,<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">flax seed</span> and almond milk)</li><li>Plain M&M's for snack two</li><li>6 inch Turkey w/provolone cheese Subway Sandwich for dinner</li></ul><div><br /></div></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-56139619505327913122011-06-08T22:01:00.003-05:002011-06-08T22:15:47.007-05:00# 7 - Five pet peeves<ol><li>People who chew with their mouths open - disgusting, disgusting, disgusting.</li><li>Inconsiderate people - stop your car in the middle of the street, clearly no one else needs to use the road or go ahead, use your cell phone in the movie theater - we clearly came to hear your conversation and not the movie.</li><li>Reality TV shows - not all of them but any of the " House Wives" or "Jersey Shores" type shows. Any show that is totally focused on self absorbed people who make no attempt to have a positive affect on the world.</li><li>Stupidity - not to be confused with ignorance. If you know you are uneducated about something and choose not to learn about it - don't argue a point or engage in a conversation about it.</li><li>Grown a*# children - Allow kids to be kids, allow them to learn to love themselves before you start to alter their looks with weaves and fake nails and dressing them as if they are 20. Parents treat them like little adults and then wonder why they think their grown.</li></ol><div>I'm Just Saying.....</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-66457516751743860902011-06-07T20:11:00.003-05:002011-06-07T20:46:01.597-05:00# 6 - Your views on main stream musicThis is difficult because I have a very eclectic taste in music. I have everything from Broadway tunes to country to rap shuffling through my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span>. Clearly some genres such as Broadway and Country tell a story and it's hard to critic; however, other genres sometimes disappoint me. More specifically R&B and Rap. I find most released items leave me feeling empty. They very overtly talk about sex in a nonchalant manner. They even go so far as to glamorize hedonistic behavior with no regard to consequences. Other times they degrade women as if our existence is optional to the human race. Lyrics express little value in humanity or life and materialistic values are placed on a pedestal. To summarize, I don't think I've heard anything in a very long time that will be played on the radio in 10 years. The songs are so shallow that they are easily replaced by the next hot beat.<div><br /></div><div>There is one disclaimer. Whereas the music leaves little to be desired, we have some incredible entertainers (not to be confused with great singers). I have admiration for artist such as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Beyonce</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rihanna</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Daughtry</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Eminen</span>, Lil Wayne etc. ability to entertain us but I lack the same admiration for the content of their music. At the same time, artist who can sing but aren't as flashy such as Heather <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Headley</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kem</span>, Javier (contestant on The Voice) get little recognition and make music with content that addresses more than superficial issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wouldn't it be something if the two worlds meet and start to make beautiful music that matters.</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-19907581243653832072011-06-07T20:08:00.000-05:002011-06-07T20:08:37.229-05:00Workout HairWhen it's too hot to have hair touching you because you are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">rockin</span> it out in the gym or on the track, this is one of my favorite go to hairstyles. I also put the bottom in a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">separate</span> ponytail when temperatures are in the 90's like today. Never let your hair stop you from caring for your body.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBBL4sK5f8y21a-XFqBfPbcX_AwyJY0dUQ8OZZkwNJMOmnI7NJJrKc-b5I8V3kuVTX-T3yxPKLwUXVQoiyDBjFXvMn1aK2gKuy8otVqVO5vpjsWeO8vNK9RRvsUe8_CtIBpgG1RZgZNKz/s1600/workout+hair.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBBL4sK5f8y21a-XFqBfPbcX_AwyJY0dUQ8OZZkwNJMOmnI7NJJrKc-b5I8V3kuVTX-T3yxPKLwUXVQoiyDBjFXvMn1aK2gKuy8otVqVO5vpjsWeO8vNK9RRvsUe8_CtIBpgG1RZgZNKz/s320/workout+hair.jpg" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:LEFT'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-51638964182349773652011-06-06T21:53:00.002-05:002011-06-06T22:05:53.999-05:00Day one - Day fiveI'm starting a little late on the 30 day challenge but how does the saying go "better late than never"<div><br /></div><div>5 ways to win my heart</div><div><ol><li>Make me laugh</li><li>Compliment my strengths but help me improve me weaknesses</li><li>Be an amazing lover and intimate partner</li><li>Be honest but kind</li><li>Love yourself first</li></ol><div>Something I feel strongly about</div></div><div><ul><li>Parenting is both a noun and a verb. It is something you are and something you must do, even when you don't think you have anything left to give. Parenting is the ultimate sacrifice.</li></ul><div>A book I love</div></div><div><ul><li>The Autobiography of Malcolm X - I learn something every time I read it</li></ul><div>Bullet your entire day</div></div><div><ul><li>I'm going to cheat on this. It's too much at this point. Which brings us to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">today's</span></li></ul><div>Things I would say to an ex</div></div><div><ul><li>Thank you for an amazing ride. I have learned as much from our mistakes as I have from our successes. My only regret is that we didn't forgive each other at the same time and therefore missed out on something great. I am grateful that we are able to be friends and though our love has been redefined - it still feels my heart and nourishes me.</li></ul></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-31772202863592557722011-06-06T21:51:00.003-05:002011-06-06T21:52:48.519-05:0030 Day Blog Challenge<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zjfMEE_yGEE/TeU4MJ-xliI/AAAAAAAACaI/rBmBgcll4xM/s640/tumblr_ljtxbp23uf1qaxu1bo1_500.jpeg" />Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-7470754455140863762011-05-22T18:15:00.001-05:002011-05-22T18:19:09.186-05:00Birthday Hair<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5U4yIkYNex2C0ajPLXYZ6oojH7ODjiq46PaA-pc04IAYv9KYtiz3JSaHtxAYqIq7bvGHCZsM0pV2QUao-QZRJX-MLns5EXV0XLlqtVU0gDxKeLRZDLCZ2urXAKZST4q5RkyxpoLivlMF/s1600/376732163461.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5U4yIkYNex2C0ajPLXYZ6oojH7ODjiq46PaA-pc04IAYv9KYtiz3JSaHtxAYqIq7bvGHCZsM0pV2QUao-QZRJX-MLns5EXV0XLlqtVU0gDxKeLRZDLCZ2urXAKZST4q5RkyxpoLivlMF/s320/376732163461.jpg" /></a> </div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a>I loved my hair on my birthday even though I didn't do a thing to it!</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-14508902716828083132011-01-13T20:48:00.001-06:002011-01-13T20:56:49.077-06:00Two Years and Counting ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19m6lxLarE01-5vdDw4X7jyYeFyR5NY8resZJWAoeNAV_PzGJv5dOT_60ioj_jIgzHbbjVOXKcH_BzQ3iYrVIn6EdgSWQEhQAXMRPppWgdW9as-oVLjT4fSp00XMK5mxO0BFjb1hpZ3aZ/s1600/year+two.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh19m6lxLarE01-5vdDw4X7jyYeFyR5NY8resZJWAoeNAV_PzGJv5dOT_60ioj_jIgzHbbjVOXKcH_BzQ3iYrVIn6EdgSWQEhQAXMRPppWgdW9as-oVLjT4fSp00XMK5mxO0BFjb1hpZ3aZ/s320/year+two.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><p style="CLEAR: both">Maintenance - I wash my hair every two weeks and I always let it air dry. I spritz it when needed with water or leave in conditioner. I sleep with a hair bonnet on to keep the lent at bay and I retighten every 4 weeks. It doesn't get any easier. </p><p style="CLEAR: both">Styling - After two years I am more in love with my hair than ever before. It's a decent length that allows me to feel comfortable styling now. Before I was only comfortable free styling with an occasional loc loop curl set; but now I love the spiral curls that I have discovered with the wrap-loc tool. My hair is so bouncy and sassy that I don't mind the time it takes to dry naturally. However, the ponytail still alludes me.</p><p style="CLEAR: both">Live and learn - The biggest lesson that I've learned is not to wait too long between retightening my hair. The one time I went between 6-8 weeks my roots were so thin on some locks I became a little worried. The other lesson I've learned is not to scratch my scalp no matter how much it itches. I'm sure this has contributed to my thinning roots. I thought my days of an itching scalp was over a long time ago - but alas it has returned. </p><p style="CLEAR: both">All and all - I love my natural hair!</p>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-70672700150725515442010-10-17T11:55:00.000-05:002010-10-17T11:55:18.750-05:00Curls and a 10k<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGkyZb4Sc4XU-a2HQsYYtlUzKU4JHtmFgVWrBX7jGYXtoHyAtouondJHu0lAeNDtA9oZEqeZV3vmcFG_wgANN-zayeiQcmduOMO2CiqFzRsZ2Ze1oGSa2BYYQWEgSThEQi9_1vKE9bD1f/s1600/DSCN0140.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuGkyZb4Sc4XU-a2HQsYYtlUzKU4JHtmFgVWrBX7jGYXtoHyAtouondJHu0lAeNDtA9oZEqeZV3vmcFG_wgANN-zayeiQcmduOMO2CiqFzRsZ2Ze1oGSa2BYYQWEgSThEQi9_1vKE9bD1f/s320/DSCN0140.JPG" /></a> <br /><br />My curls lasted through a week of work and a 10k run. It just one more proof how versatile sisterlocs can be!<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-79629984750676124512010-10-11T21:40:00.000-05:002010-10-11T21:41:08.123-05:00Curly Sue has nothing on sisterlocks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpOsIfRt6yYPthtcWR7uKsNkAN0Z70CvEmmpYRRSHwU5NsfzOQjrLai2j_HZnsi0LiqlmtxrLWsp3RnvVOYqU7210k5xrC1zApETeUvAEv0ubAxPp8ckM_mqg2UgQKNp4FsoXlOsoQq1Y/s1600/curly+sue.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpOsIfRt6yYPthtcWR7uKsNkAN0Z70CvEmmpYRRSHwU5NsfzOQjrLai2j_HZnsi0LiqlmtxrLWsp3RnvVOYqU7210k5xrC1zApETeUvAEv0ubAxPp8ckM_mqg2UgQKNp4FsoXlOsoQq1Y/s320/curly+sue.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The curler set you see was created with lock loops.<br />Pros:<br />-Curls hold fabulously<br />-Easy to sleep in <br />-You can create tight curls or loose curls<br /><br />Cons:<br />-You cannot leave the house with lock loops in your hair<br />-The longer your hair is the longer it takes to dry (12 hours for my hair)<br /><br />It has been my experience that my curls last approximately 1 week. Of course they become looser as the days pass. I love this style.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-27352059659895504662010-09-15T18:05:00.000-05:002010-09-15T18:05:22.651-05:00It's been long time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfknzr5LUs6-7Ccc41JsCO6cqIzD-MIalGH_P1o2mJSlprRcMGhV-G_pGCvRWhOcnCrYE0GyOO7IKqd5LxUxke8A9y9ZJH1Xr9ifJd6dcFAD98ruhedLoDaBkpGNBC8-zbrWSe3hq_Upjw/s1600/one+half+year.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfknzr5LUs6-7Ccc41JsCO6cqIzD-MIalGH_P1o2mJSlprRcMGhV-G_pGCvRWhOcnCrYE0GyOO7IKqd5LxUxke8A9y9ZJH1Xr9ifJd6dcFAD98ruhedLoDaBkpGNBC8-zbrWSe3hq_Upjw/s320/one+half+year.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />Hey Sisterlock Fam. It's been a long time since I've had a chance to post. Life comes at you in so many different ways and soo many different speeds that some things have to take a back seat. Unfortunately that has been my blogging. We could look at this in a positive light. It must mean that things are going great with my hair or else I would have been forced to post to seek help from all the experts out there. The above collage is an amalgamation of pictures taken throughout the summer. I have a headband on when I workout, because the hair falls in my eyes (insert mischievous laughs). I have fresh washed locks in the purple shirt and I'm profiling in NYC in the black fleece. My hair has not changed except for the length. I have been lucky and diligent enough that I haven't had any problems. My hair is approximately 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 years old in the pictures and I'm still lovin every minute of it.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-15867091003583964762010-03-30T21:37:00.002-05:002010-03-30T21:59:52.670-05:00Vacation/Spring Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEU9atcQg3f44_gy7Mtvf0zHFiPzQFgg-NyyzLni42b-CHZGewdHhBDWRrSkr9zWISWDY1CK7SC65Kfhyphenhyphen1sJbaNOa0F9XwND1OIBNb5zsRTwmmhibVL1mWQ_8K4ju_ognwE98Tinw_qNx/s1600/Virgin+Island2.jpg"></a> <div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><br /><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyGTSgWf5Y1AMED-htM8Cp14HjIWKS-6RmLQfhAcS6xzgCQruDl8RaXuuYi3htC6vP9VtTZ8Ocgn014g-D2aA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p> </p><p>I've been away but it was for a very good reason. I was preparing for my vacation in the Virgin Islands. I spent many hours exercising, planning, saving and shopping. I must say it was worth every sacrifice. Mother Nature is the most beautiful artist I've ever known. The scenery was amazing - Every plant, animal, grain of sand and sparkle of sunshine was a sight of perfection. I was blessed to spend ten days exploring St. Thomas, St. John and the British Virgin Islands as well. Yes I am an international woman now- passport stamped! </p><p>I am happy to say that all the planning didn't include my hair. Nothing was interrupted because I was concerned about my curls falling or how my relaxer would respond to the salt water or even how washing it ever day after swimming in the ocean would cause any breakage. I have never been so happy to be natural or more elated to have sister locks. Sister locks absolutely rule!</p>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-19080876346199680332009-12-31T02:19:00.000-06:002009-12-31T02:20:15.540-06:00Happy One Year Loc-a-versery to me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5tc-RlDYzQpi_P5kID92hTV9El0IaGuD3Q7g9_ARU47selJ0oT7haqtoTiQ9K7kIIj_JpCL1XJy4q4o80_Z2NWfKJDjZJCWrDQpg2QGzsbdu_1L1uILCmq8fLSouuL53N2jNshG09yxr/s1600-h/sisterlocks4.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5tc-RlDYzQpi_P5kID92hTV9El0IaGuD3Q7g9_ARU47selJ0oT7haqtoTiQ9K7kIIj_JpCL1XJy4q4o80_Z2NWfKJDjZJCWrDQpg2QGzsbdu_1L1uILCmq8fLSouuL53N2jNshG09yxr/s320/sisterlocks4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /> I'm sure like most of the sister loc'd family the first year flew by. I was busy learning about the way my hair locs, the way it coils when left to its own devices, the way it reacts to having water sprinkled on it everyday and how it bounces with natural body. If you've read my previous post, you will notice that I didn't fall in love instantly; it was more gradual. I look in the mirror today and I love the length, I love the texture, I love the fullness and I love the way my hair frames my face. I especially love how it sets me apart from all the women around me because it is uniquely mine. This year has been gratifying in more ways than I could have imagined and it makes me grateful that I chose this journey. <strong><em>What a Year!</em></strong><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-82491369227337890682009-12-29T21:42:00.006-06:002009-12-29T22:10:59.504-06:00Our Natural Beauty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm6cG_0Bv0uBtRLu9aoj920_4ASqDrFyJuS2gIlDm3VaBkn603Jy-zTEMmkp2B66uFsmzBDXCv9fYTqCfU-2ynGHVL7qmWPipq1mWI7-lVlcHLQqRfxhfhpfKiXb9n70rPi35XmIbfDrs/s1600-h/Kira+Cake.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm6cG_0Bv0uBtRLu9aoj920_4ASqDrFyJuS2gIlDm3VaBkn603Jy-zTEMmkp2B66uFsmzBDXCv9fYTqCfU-2ynGHVL7qmWPipq1mWI7-lVlcHLQqRfxhfhpfKiXb9n70rPi35XmIbfDrs/s320/Kira+Cake.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Say hello to our natural beauty. Ten years ago she was born with a head full of curly hair and as you can see she still has it. Her mother works very hard to keep her hair healthy and natural. Here she is sporting a twist out. The interesting part is the conversation that took place when her mother and I were twisting her hair. There were some young - twenty something - girls there and this is what they had to say.<br /><br />Girls: She has pretty hair and it's natural <span style="color:#ff0000;">(as if this is some kind of contradiction)<br /><br /></span>Me: She has always had a head full of beautiful hair.<br /><br />Girls: Why don't you put a relaxer in it - it would be so long <span style="color:#ff0000;">(I'm trying not to roll my eyes)</span><br /><br />Me: She doesn't need a relaxer, her hair is already long.<br /><br />Girls: That would be taking the easy way out <span style="color:#ff0000;">(perhaps there is hope for them yet).<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">Girls: She should wait until she's about 15 and then but a relaxer on it cause she gon get tired of taking care of all that hair.</span> </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">(I spoke too soon).<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#ffffcc;">Me: Maybe she'll embrace the hair that God has given her and learn to take care of it, there are other options besides relaxers.<br /><br />Girls: Yah you right - she could cut it all off, that would make it easier for her to take care of</span> </span></span><span style="color:#ff0000;">(Seriously).<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color:#ffffcc;">At this point, I change the subject because I'm a guest in someone elses house and I can tell that these young ladies aren't open to new ideas. Plus, I was getting very heated, my family has prided itself on making sure our little girls are proud of who they are and for someone else to put ideas in their head contrary to our values was irritating. I don't blame the ladies for their ignorance. Someone failed to teach them about their heritage and how to keep an open mind. I just hope they learn to love themselves or life will be difficult. In the mean time our angel loves her hair and never asks about a relaxer. We must be doing something right.</span> <div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-3652109774045110692009-12-07T22:03:00.001-06:002009-12-07T22:08:59.573-06:0011 Months and Cute<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9hwVjk2Eqs1J0k0RGapbvOq0pNtILD_-juzWIg-ItE3XDyGQ0H8nxxsAL5GOA6pzCEw7_D9nIfMCwKgvE3b2FzqRTfep7NFK1uKHUH2PpCOZcgRHVad8JnrBMqG6PmkZRv30_BVxmpSl/s1600-h/10+months+1.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9hwVjk2Eqs1J0k0RGapbvOq0pNtILD_-juzWIg-ItE3XDyGQ0H8nxxsAL5GOA6pzCEw7_D9nIfMCwKgvE3b2FzqRTfep7NFK1uKHUH2PpCOZcgRHVad8JnrBMqG6PmkZRv30_BVxmpSl/s320/10+months+1.jpg" /></a><br />My hair was officially ten months old November 30th and I can honestly say that I noticed growth. Not record setting lengths are anything, but when my hair is wet from working out or the shower, it dangles in eyes. I find myself searching for headbands and ties for the gym when before it never would have crossed my mind. The inspiration for the above collage came after I washed my own hair, retightened my own hair and because I thought I was cute. I love the bounce that my hair has when it is clean and I love the body that retightening my hair leaves. So today I did both and had extra bounce and body. Some of the pictures above are wet hair from the shower and others right after my retight.. I'm sure you can tell the difference. I've gotten to the point where I can retighten my hair with no mirror and I wash it quite vigorously. What can I say - I'm on the move and it feels good. Next up - <span style="color:#ff6666;">C</span><span style="color:#ffcc99;">O</span><span style="color:#33ff33;">L</span><span style="color:#99ff99;">O</span><span style="color:#993399;">R</span>. I will wait until my hair is a full year, so this should be around New Year. When my hair was loose and natural I colored with Henna, so I think I'll continue with this method even though the color is slight and you might not be able to readily discern the difference. <div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-42727047219829351282009-11-11T20:13:00.001-06:002009-11-11T21:11:07.021-06:0010th months and curls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSQ0FDeY6Duhvwc9zezM3ZD02qvGDLd8kOWtLh4nOuM39L0kvKa_mjcHbeOAQWmIzA48Bi61FqXEKZaeabvWNkXUS7P807_tgcOesepjrIia0FYze_Qsu5QyqPOi7b4byMvGnwl9Laskl/s1600-h/10+months.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSQ0FDeY6Duhvwc9zezM3ZD02qvGDLd8kOWtLh4nOuM39L0kvKa_mjcHbeOAQWmIzA48Bi61FqXEKZaeabvWNkXUS7P807_tgcOesepjrIia0FYze_Qsu5QyqPOi7b4byMvGnwl9Laskl/s320/10+months.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I finally had time to style my hair. I purchased the lock loops and they were fantastic to use. I literally curled my hair while watching T.V - no mirror; grabbed a small amount of hair, wrapped it around the loop and close. The pictures above are actually the second day and after a 6mi. run. The curls were much tighter but I figured I should post before they were totally gone. I received many compliments on my curls although I haven't decided if I should try to style the curls. The first day I allowed them to be free and the second day I wore a headband. <br /><br />I can tell that my hair has grown some, but not much. I think the reason it takes so long to notice growth is because the loose hair on the ends has to shrivel and shrink first. So while your hair is growing, it's also shrinking. I have heard it said that you have a growth spurt at the 1 1/2 - 2 year mark. Perhaps this is when shrinkage is done because it's locked. Just a theory - What do you think?<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-18097431149697267222009-10-04T22:04:00.000-05:002009-10-04T22:05:02.203-05:00My first time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MK9Cf5wne4CjUkPooTrMelcFdSaYwTgIUUZIZSLq9VY8rIlOR90udsXOo13z9I9v6sbUuIFVqs8Qty9oPiIJyaYsgd8hdlIG_TthJW0H7ChJLzZtXy0Bo3D4qlvFF28RZyNBZK7IAKe/s1600-h/sisterlocks1.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_MK9Cf5wne4CjUkPooTrMelcFdSaYwTgIUUZIZSLq9VY8rIlOR90udsXOo13z9I9v6sbUuIFVqs8Qty9oPiIJyaYsgd8hdlIG_TthJW0H7ChJLzZtXy0Bo3D4qlvFF28RZyNBZK7IAKe/s320/sisterlocks1.jpg" /></a> I've never been a person that likes becoming dependent on anyone or anything. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Occasionally</span> I will cut certain things out of my life just to remind myself that I don't need them. This includes certain foods, T.V, the computer and my car etc. My view doesn't change when it comes to my hair either. I made the decision when I first had my locks installed that six months afterwards, <strong>I would be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIY'er</span></strong>. It actually happened during the seventh month. I know I didn't post about it, and trust me I wanted to make an appointment when I first took on this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">endeavor</span> but half way through - I was more than comfortable. The picture shows half of my hair done and half to go. I didn't time myself because I was watching T.V but I would guess it took approximately six hours. I am so proud of me. My first time was in August and it's time for another appointment with myself. How gratifying it feels to be able to say that.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-44613822445748200042009-07-09T22:09:00.002-05:002009-07-09T22:55:27.349-05:00So fresh and Sooo Clean...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl8CDjFJPl4kIzPnbMIV4l2y4mMen5UY-djsTnxoj8uPlHCG0R9kidGKYld8Hk2QXDgfodUJdas7e7UpBZJmOvn7zj8pfI8CYpYDieso7TdQU2n2LoEHnHzT3Ai80hIbbR7R3I6Zks7n6/s1600-h/Collages.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOl8CDjFJPl4kIzPnbMIV4l2y4mMen5UY-djsTnxoj8uPlHCG0R9kidGKYld8Hk2QXDgfodUJdas7e7UpBZJmOvn7zj8pfI8CYpYDieso7TdQU2n2LoEHnHzT3Ai80hIbbR7R3I6Zks7n6/s320/Collages.jpg" /></a> <div style="CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a></div><div style="CLEAR: both"> I decided, on my own, at the six month mark I would try to wash my hair without banding and braiding. I am so glad I did. My hair felt so clean, light and fluffy when I was done that I could not keep my fingers out of it. I am also happy to report that there was no slippage. I'm not really surprised by this. I have been very fortunate not to have any slippage in these six months. </div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both"> Because I made this decision on my own, I was very carful while washing my locs. I didn't scrub vigourously or use a detangling shampoo. I rinsed under luke warm water and patted my hair dry. I also didn't manipulate it too much until it was completely dry. All in all the experience was great!</div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Check List</span>:</div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both">Hair thickening (check)</div><div style="CLEAR: both">No more braid and band (check) </div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="CLEAR: both"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Next Battle:</span> Become a member of the Do It Yourself Club (?)</div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7665889851195412011.post-69946119637720984312009-07-01T18:10:00.002-05:002009-07-01T23:06:10.033-05:00Six Months vs. Day One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pQkyy8xGVp8pGNY3i5yAUTPYuvIXYeu-unpyboLdy8e-r6y6JssIOoRH7L2U4Em6qGxOICsbQOhd6G0AfuEwKnZ7rz1n3jtIdajzTVuM_BbA_CuovFqyik0lNt_93NHSbw8Z3RPwOVkh/s1600-h/sisterlocks+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; FLOAT: left; CLEAR: both" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pQkyy8xGVp8pGNY3i5yAUTPYuvIXYeu-unpyboLdy8e-r6y6JssIOoRH7L2U4Em6qGxOICsbQOhd6G0AfuEwKnZ7rz1n3jtIdajzTVuM_BbA_CuovFqyik0lNt_93NHSbw8Z3RPwOVkh/s400/sisterlocks+1.jpg" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BACKGROUND: 0% 50%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial" border="0" alt="Posted by Picasa" align="middle" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" /></a> Wow, six months have passed! The pictures on the left are from the first day and the pictures on the right were taken on the sixth month mark exactly. I would like to say that my hair has grown tremendously but as you can see - it hasn't. Why focus on the negative? What my hair has done is thicken up, not as much as I think it should or as much as I think it could, but what do I know. One thing I know for sure is that my hair has the consistency and characteristics of cotton. It is soft, fluffy and shrinks to a very tight coil when wet or otherwise. Hence the lack of growth. My hair is no longer than it was when I wore two strand twist and dare I say it is shorter than the first day of my sisterlock install. Now, I'm not naive, I know it is growing because I have to pay to get it retightened. Perhaps I should say the growth isn't readily apparent. Yes, this is more akin to the truth. Although I can't wait to have my hair cascading down my back or on my neck for this matter, my main concern is keeping it healthy. This is a task that I feel I have accomplished with great pride. See, it's the small battles that allow us to win the war. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both">Next battle - No More Braiding and Banding!!! </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both"> </div>Phoenix Risinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13417943906997174789noreply@blogger.com3