RIP: MICHAEL JACKSON

I was driving, listening to Michael Baisden, on 98.7 Kiss, when they had received news that Michael Jackson had suffered a massive heart attack. By then, everyone was scrambling to get confirmation that he had passed away. I was in shock! I prayed at that point, that he would be alright.

Thirty minutes later, It was official! Michael Jackson was gone! Immediately, my son, and mother had called to inform me of the news. I received text messages from friends. I felt as if I had lost my brother all over again. I felt so empty and helpless. When I arrived home to confirm the news for myself, I turned on the news and went on the net. Sadly, he was gone forever. But his music and my memories for him live on.

For my 14th birthday, my mom surprised me with three front seat tickets to Radio City Music Hall to see the Jackson Five. My mother` s friend was a tailor at Bloomingdale's. He had made me a pink tuxedo as a birthday gift like the one the Jackson five have in the picture below.



Like other young girls, I was crazy in love with first African American teen idols of my time. Mike and his brothers were one of the fore fathers of music that would cross racial boundaries and truly make their music a universal language! Michael had humanly touched the world. He paved the way for other entertainers . As quiet as it is kept, he has helped more people than any other entertainer!

Michael had issues like any other person. Unfortunately, when it comes to our people, the media never fails to emphasize the negative points.

Michael is the King of Pop. No one will ever replace him. He is our Elvis and the Jackson Five is our Beetles. I will always remember the effect his music has on me and the rest of mankind!

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

My First Loc Up Do

I`am getting very bored with my locs. When I was creamy crack addict and became bored or unhappy with my hair, You better watch out! No one knew how I was going to look when I came to work the next day. If I saw a fly hair style in a book, I found a stylist that could give me that look.

One day at a new job, I saw a woman with a fierce short hair cut. I told the woman, she had a beautiful hair style and in the same breath, I asked her, who did her hair? She gave me Virginia`s card and that Saturday, I went from hair that surpassed my bra to a Halley Berry short cut. I wore my hair short for three years. When I wanted long hair, I would add hair. That was not the same as having naturally long hair, so I began to grow it back. That's when my problems began and one of the reasons why I` am locked!


In the past weeks, I have been having traditional loc envy. I really love the smoothness and cylindrical look of traditional locs. I hate the idea of keeping the interlocking pattern of my locs. Every one who I saw who had Sisterlocks had not lost their pattern unless they had a very kinky hair type. I latched by son`s traditional locs. He has a tightly coiled texture. After six months, I could tell the difference between the palm roll technique and the interlocking technique. (2pt rotation) I really did not like the look. So I will resume palm rolling his hair. As for me I`am tittering on whether I`am going to take down my SL and begin a new loc journey with palm rolling in December.


I began to re-ti my hair using the 3pt rotation, because it is a loose pattern compared to pt4 and it is suppose to yield a loc that has more volume. I`am noticing that the 3pt re-ti looks more like locs compared to the 4pt re-ti, at the ends of my locs. I presume that the shedded hair can settle naturally, without being choked up in the loc.




A friend of mine suggested that I take two locs and begin palm rolling them together. If I like the results, I could combine the rest of my locs and begin my new loc journey with palm rolling. I thought that was a great idea. So, as soon as I get some new growth, I will begin palm rolling and posting my results!


To prevent me from doing something, stupid like taking down my locs, I had to color my hair with Natural instincts:20B, Cinnamon Stick ( medium warm brown) and Kumina`s Gray Magic.











After, I dried my hair under a cool dryer, I began to experiment a little. My locs have different lengths so I`am still limited in what I can do to style my locs. I began playing with the locs in the back and this is what I came up with.







I spritzed the rest of my locs with water, then I rolled them with soft spikes. This is the end result!













Well, I accomplished my first loc style! Maybe that will give me some incentive to discover new loc styles. I want long locs, but I need to work with what I have. People with long locs had to begin from some where too! After all, I have to do my time too!




Blessings!

OMG!!! WHERE IS MY NAPPY LOCK TOOL?

OMG!! Where is my Nappy Lock Tool? On Memorial day, I was lounging on my chaise tightening my locs. BF was in the garage securing the steps leading into the house. Before he starts any project, he has to get my seal of approval or else he will be sent home with his tail between his legs! LOL! He calls me for the seal of approval ,which is blissfully granted! I attempt to continue my re-ti. I can not find my tool! I look under the chaise, under the cushion, on the fireplace mantle. I run up stairs to the bedroom. I look on the dresser, on the night stand, and on the vanity in my bathroom. No tool!

I always misplace my tool and then find it in a few days. I usually have my plastic yarn needles as a back up! I looked in the vanity drawer and no more yarn needles! At this point, I`am crazy! The next day after work, I go to walmart to purchase some plastic yarn needles. They had none! By now, I `am desperate! so, I go down the road to Michael`s. I hate shopping at Michael`s. They are too darn expensive! I only go to michaels when they have a fierce sale on beads.

I go into michael`s to find the yarn needles. They have two in the pack for $ 1.49. That`s crazy! I usually get four needles at walmart for the same price! Well like I said before, I `am desperate!

I go home and begin to make my loc tool. I like these needles!The eye is very pliable. Usually, when I buy Walmart needles, I break at least one before I get one made. I did a re-ti! Now I`am very happy! I made a video for you who lost your Nappy Loc tool. Don`t get me wrong, I love my NL tool, and I will purchase another one! For now, this works very well for me. Any way, it is an inexpensive alternate and it`s readily available!

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD!

I have been given the Kreative Blogger Award by Kumina and Nubian1

My lock buddy Kumina graciouly gave me the award last week, but I had a busy week and did not have the time to blog. I` am so sorry, Kumina! Please forgive me! These are for you!

Kumina and I started out loc journey a month a part! We bonded on Lovinlocs and sisterlock_ look_ for_ less. Even though she is braidlocked and I `am SisterLocked, we have similar hair textures and had similar loc issues. Because of her and my lovinlocs family, I `am still locked!

Nubian1 has a great blog! She is very creative! She even had a creative way to display her seven loves, which I truly love and borrowed . Thank you, Nubian1. This is for you!

I had to edit my post because I just discovered that Phe-Phi had presented me with the Kreativ Blogger Award too! I`am one that gives credit where it is due! Phe is two months locked via braidlocs! She love to read and write short stories! Please check out her blog!

Phe-Phi, these are for you!

THE RULES....

Now the recipient of this award has to share seven loves and give seven blogger this award! They too, have to share seven loves and give seven awards!

MY SEVEN LOVES :

1. My GOD!

With God, all things are possible!

2. My sons

Thats my nephew with thr white cap!
My sons are the God sends of my life!

3. My parents

They are the loves of my life!

4. My Locs

My locs are 18 months old! I can finally wash and go!
Who knew they would help make my life so easy!

5. My Shoes!

I have a shoe fetish! I`am obsession for shoes!

I have over 50 pairs.

6. MY BEST FRIEND!

Thats my co-worker with the OR hat on. My best friend is to the right. She keeps me grounded when I` am out of line! She is as close as I can get to a big sister! She is my spiritual adviser, my psychologist, shopping spree partner!

7. The Gift Of Life!

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Every day that I wake up, I praise and thank my the love of my life, my provider, my healer and my friend. He had made all of my loves 1-6 possible! Without life, I`am unable to enjoy the people, the things, nature, and reasons he created it.

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord

Praise God in his sanctuary

praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power,

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpets,

praise him with tambourine and dancing,

praise him with the strings and flute,

praise him with the clash of cymbals.

Let everything that breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

I GIVE THE KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD TO...

Kalia-Dewdrop

Carmennc

Justlocscharlott

luvlockd

All naptural

NaturallySophia

QuietSpirit101


BLESSINGS!

GET OFF THE BACK!

KAWASAKI NINJA 500R


I decided that I was going to "Get Off The Back" of someone else bike, get my own and learn to ride it!

I always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle since I was a teenager. Riding a motorcycle represented to me, sexiness, living on the edge, and freedom! Between managing a demanding job and being mommy to three young son`s, I had no time to pursue my dreams.

I never believed that just because I` am a women, that I could not have manly hobbies. I do carpentry, basic plumbing, and electrical work. I own an array of power tools and I use them better than most men! I get under my truck hood and actually know whats under it and how it works. I have no problem changing a tire, changing the oil, and replacing the breaks, if needed. Yes! I love golf! I learned over two years ago. Another sport, I wanted to learn!

Motorcycling is a very dangerous sport! It requires a lot of concentration and skill. It is a hobby or a sport to not take lightly! As an Operating Room nurse in a level 1 trauma center for many years, I have seen devastating injuries mainly involving young men. Usually motorist does not see the motorcyclist. There are times when the motorcyclist has no respect for the road or the motorist. That`s one reason that I was not so Gun Ho about learning to ride!

Now, my curiosity has raised its head. I` am ready to ride!


1. LET`S GET STARTED!

1. Get a motorcycle manual and STUDY!!!

2. Take the written test to get your permit.

3. Take the motorcycle safety program taught by the motorcycle safety foundation.
In NYS, If you possess a driver`s license and take the motorcycle safety program, you do not have to take the DMV`s road test.

4. Get that License!


2. SAFETY EQUIPMENT




ICON AIRFRAME REGAL FULL FACE HELMET


Motorcycle Helmet is designed to prevent serious injury or death. A full face helmet provides the best protection! It should be snell and DOT certified. Your helmet should be comfortable and fit properly. Make sure the helmet has vents. In the summer, you do not want your visor to fog up on the road. Your helmet should be able to filter out wind noise. Choose bright colors so you are visible to motorist! Make sure you go to a motorcycle shop to try on different helmets. Each brand of helmet fits differently. Wear it for at lease 10-15 min. It should fit snug, but comfortable! Measure your head. I settled for a Icon Airframe regal. Retailed for $330 in the bike shop. I found it on line for $265. I know, you must be saying, "Damn. that's expensive!" The helmet fit like a pillow and it was light compared to the other helmets I tried on. Any way, You get what you pay for and my brain is worth it!

2. JACKETS



POWER TRIP WOMEN`S STILLETO JACKET

The purpose of a motorcycle jacket is to protect you from the wind, rain, bugs, road debris and most importantly, the jacket protects your skin! Most motorcycle jackets come with shoulder, elbow, and spine plates. This is called "Body Armor" The "Armor" helps to protect you in case you take a fall! Your jacket helps to protect you from road rash.

Biker jackets come in different materials and styles. If you ride in the winter, leather is the best choice. It acts as a barrier from cold and rain. Choose jackets that are made from Buffalo or Cowhide.

Motorcycle jackets made out textile materials are becoming very popular! These jackets are light weight, comfortable, and take less time to dry out. These jackets are breathable and cooler in warmer weather. Mesh jackets are cooler in the summer!

Look for a jacket made out of high density nylon such as Kevlar, Cordura, and Lycra.

3. MOTORCYCLE GLOVES

ALPINESTARS WOMEN`S STELLA SP-3 GLOVES


Motorcycle gloves protect your hands in case you fall. They have padding at the knuckles and palm pads. The gloves also help provide grip in the throttle.


4. MOTORCYCLE CHAPS OR PANTS


First gear women`s kwik-dry sport tour leather over pants


Motorcycle pants and chaps, protect your from road rash in the event you are in an accident or fall off of your bike.

You should choose a good quality leather such as cowhide or buffalo. These leathers are known for their toughness and abrasion protection.

Remember, your pants should not fit very tight. buy them one to two sizes larger than you jean size.

5. MOTORCYCLE BOOTS





ICON WOMEN`S BOMBSHELL BOOT


Motorcycle boots should be made out of leather. They should have good ankle protection and have reinforced shift pads. They should come right under the calf. This protects your ankles against heat, road debris, and injury.



WHAT MOTORCYCLE IS RIGHT FOR MY FIRST BIKE?

Remember, that women are shorter, lighter, and have a shorter reach span than men. When you mount a bike, consider the heaviness of the bike. If it tips over, you have to be able to pick it up! Are your feet flat on the ground? Can you reach the foot controls? Can you reach the hand grips comfortably? Are you in a comfy position?

When I entered a motorcycle shop, all these questions were answered when I mounted the Yamaha YZF-R6R. The bike was too wide and the seat was too hard. My inner thighs were very uncomfortable! Only the balls of my feet touched the ground.The sales associate told me they had a kit to adjust the bikes height. That was OK, but what about the seat? He said I can up grade the seat too. Hell to the NO!

He had a used Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. It fit me like a glove! 1352cc of horses? can`t do that right now. I`am just a newbie! I settled for a Ninja 500R. 498cc of horses is more than enough for me right now! In the motorcycle safety program, you learn to ride on a 250cc motorcycle! My Mama told me you have to learn how to walk before you could run!


NOW THAT YOU GOT THE BASIC LOW DOWN, YOU CAN "GET OFF THE BACK AND GET YOUR OWN RIDE!

UNITED NATION LOCS

Unfortunately I do not have "GOOD HAIR" for dreadlocks. The Ideal hair texture for locs are tightly coiled or grade 4 hair texture. My hair is in the grade 3 family. My hair is a loose curl texture. When my hair is wet, it becomes bone straight! DAMN!!! I had and still have bunching issues with a few locs that are not yet fully locked. I have to stretch out my locs, separate them and get under a cool dryer, so they will plump up and not tangle! I have stray hair that do not stay in the loc.



Instead of that tight coil at the tips, I have a loose Shirley Temple going on! How many times did I considered cutting my locs and giving up? Many! I considered starting all over with tst
(two strand twist) and maintain my re tightening by twisting. But to start all over, I don`t think I could stand another journey. Who says that I will not have other types of issues with that method! As I see it, it`s another type of method with the same type of hair!





When I first decided to get locs, I searched different websites and SisterLock blogs for the locs that I wanted. I fell in love with this woman`s locs. I took this picture to my consultant. I told her this is how I want my locs. Did I get her locs? Hell No! She has over 400 locs and I have 300 locs. She has tightly coiled hair, I have loosely coiled hair! I was so disappointed.




My locs will never look like hers or anyone else. My locs are a characteristic of my lineage. As I learn to accept who I`am, I have to accept that my locs are a representation of my family tree. I represent West Indian ( Barbados), East Indian ( India), American Indian ( Cherokee), Irish, and Africa. When I look at my reflection, I see many nationalities who make up who I`am. So, my hair is no different!



So when your hair begins to bunch, go to Dewdrops blog and learn how to fix them. If they are already locking, you can either take the loc down or wait until they loc and cut the bunched section off, as I had done. If you have over matted tips, you can either, pick out the matted tips and then braid or back comb and roll the tips. You can do what I did, allow the loc to lock and then cut the over matted portion off. The locs sealed nicely without over matting. If you have curly Q`s like mine, you can back comb the tips or braid the tips.

Bottom line! our hair represents who we are! Most people who embark on this journey, discover who they really are. Most of us have perpetrated a fraud by relaxing our hair trying look like someone we do not see in the mirror, but see on the telly and in our everyday life!

God accepts us for who we are! Why can`t we accept our selves?

GOD IS LOVE. WHOEVER LIVES IN LOVE LIVES IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM. 1 JOHN 4:16

48 years young!

Yeah! I`am 48 years old young! Saturday, April 18th, I celebrated my 48th birthday! I spent the day with my youngest son and my two nieces. I had an out pour of text, cards, and phone calls, but I decided to celebrate with the people who make me the happiest!

Yes, it`s my birthday, but decided to give back to my son and nieces. What makes them happy, makes me happy! I `am so blessed to have them in my life! My family meet with another family, and together we all had a blast!

We dined and then we all went to a place called Crazy City. There were rock climbing, go karts, mini golf, rides, and video games, all under one roof!

We did not arrive home until after 10pm. I was tired, but very happy! This was one of the best birthdays I had ever had!

" A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but a heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13