Today's Natural

I promised my friend Shideea that I would include natural hair info in my blog.  This is a pleasure to me.  This natural hair journey has been just that, a journey so whenever I can provide information that might encourage someone to continue the journey, I take advantage of the opportunity.

For my style today, I am wearing an old faithful, the two strand twist out.  I begin by parting my hair into sections starting from the back.  This time I smoothed Vidal Sassoon conditioner and then Cantu Shea butter leave-in repair cream on the sections.  I use my detangling brush to detangle each section.  After, I apply the product I split the sections into smaller sections (about 4 each) and two strand twist each of those sections.  Then I sprayed Cantu oil sheen evenly over my hair.  The next morning I unravel the twist by untwisting the two strands.  Simple and cute, if I do say so myself, and I do :)

 

FIRST

 

 

 

THEN

 

 

VOILA

 

All Roads Lead Where?

I honestly try not to make judgments in life. Mostly because I know I am never fully knowledgeable of someone's journey. What path did they take that formed the person they are?  I've been very vocal or in this case, literative, I guess about my journey. I think it can be said that through poverty, sexual assault and divorce I have managed to keep my joy. Whatever your path is, whatever roadblocks, hills and valleys are along the way remember joy is strength. Also remember joy is in you. You control it and the world can't take it away.


xoxo
JOY

Fulfill Your Purpose or Someone Else Will

Some of the most important positions in my life are occupied by the most unconventional people.  I particularly would like to discuss the role of protector.  A girl's first protector should be her Father.  Or at least that's what I was led to believe throughout life outside of her heavenly Father of course. 

As far as father figures go, as far back as I can remember my grandfather and my uncles have never been more than a phone call away.  My Paw Paw was in his 70's when I was in college.  He would travel back and forth to Greensboro with his "moving crew" to move me in and out of dorms and apartments.  At different times in my life I have had to depend on my uncles for food and shelter.  They of course did not disappoint.  A few months ago, Winter Rose, my youngest daughter was treated at the emergency room for a febrile seizure.  My Mom's longtime companion made it a point that he be identified as the Grandfather.  Who knew so little could mean so much?

I don't have a big brother but it's common knowledge that my big cousin, Allen has made it his business to play that role and I appreciate him for it.  Throughout high school guys would stay "in bounds" because they didn't want to answer to DJ.  When I left for college he spoiled me and always showed up when I needed him.  Everyone knows he holds a special place in my heart.  Last but not least God saw fit to bring my first crush back into my life.  Just like in high school, he makes it obvious that my happiness is of paramount importance to him.  I never have had someone to love as hard as I love until now despite a marriage and another serious relationship.  Commensurate love came when I least expected it.

Often times in the lives of young women the father role may not be occupied by the woman's biological father as other roles may not be occupied by blood relatives or the traditional person for that role.  I am just thankful to God that when these positions needed to be filled in my life he saw fit to fill it with men full of compassion and love so that I never felt lack.  It is my belief that God has a purpose for each of us.  If we make a decision to not fulfill that purpose He will allow someone else to do so.