Over the course of the last several weeks I have been working on my plans for a more productive 2010 as it relates to writing, and my other creative outlets of knitting and papercrafting. My knitting has suffered the most over recent months because I have spent so much time doing other things and I just haven’t picked up the needles, but that will soon change.
It amazes me at times to see folks seriously multi-task and keep their sanity. That’s my goal for the new year. With these goals in mind I have also been reassessing the role of this blog in my future plans. I would really like for it to be a central part of my growth and to serve as an avenue for me to practice the craft of writing. So for the followers of this little corner of my world – change is coming.
One area of change I’m sure will be the addition of a section of posts on natural hair and my journey. I have already written a couple of posts on this matter and anticipate I will complete many more in the months ahead.
You might ask why, especially since I have found several blogs and websites specifically geared to natural hair. Well the why is that while most all of these sites were started as a response to someone’s journey – they are all similar yet different because each person’s journey is unique. I hope to add a little humor on this subject because I’m tickled everytime I find myself reading and seeking out more information on hair of all things. While I’ve never wanted my hair not to look well coifed and styled, I have never been a “hair” person. Going to a salon once a week, or even every other week was a stretch for me.
I’ll delve more into that soon, but as an example of how “hair obsessed” I have become – I spent the better part of today checking out sites in an effort to learn more about how to manage, maintain and style my hair.
Some of the sites I have found that have become instant favs are listed here. Click on the name and check out the sites – you will be amazed at all of the interesting information you can find. Newly Natural, Curly Nikki, and Black Girl With Long Hair are three that I will highlight soon.
That catches you up on where I plan to take this space in the future and I hope you will hang out with me from time to time. Working hard behind the scenes to get it together so if there are no posts in the next couple of days – enjoy the festivities over the next couple of days and be safe as you welcome in 2010!
Category: Hair
Trying Something A Little Different
About a year ago, I decided to free myself and most importantly, my hair, from my dangerous addiction to heat. Actually, I had been attempting for a couple of years to go free during the summer months, but the look really wasn’t happening. I regularly had ends that would not revert to their natural state and this really boggled my mind, because I had not relaxed my hair; the only chemicals were coloring.
Then last summer it just seemed that nothing was working and I talked with a co-worker who had begun wearing her hair naturally and decided to take the plunge. I cut my hair and began wearing it natural and it really began to curl on its own. The only problem was humidity has never been my friend, and anyone who knows Cleveland summers understands my pain. Instead of the curly ringlets left after a shower or shampoo, the minute the air hit my hair I had what I called a curly ‘fro. Not the look I was hoping for, but I stuck it out, only blow drying and flat ironing my hair once – for my friend’s wedding.
The results have been wonderful. I believe my hair has become a little thicker and I know it is healthier, but I’m still not a fan of the shrinkage.
Fast forward to June and I receive an email from my friend and former writing group member, author Lori Johnson informing me and others that she is preparing a series on Natural Women as a prelude to the release of her next novel, A Natural Woman, and asking if we would like to submit a story. While reading her blog I came across a number of links on natural hair, maintenance and the journey to natural.
So, last week I decided to twist my hair as a change. The picture above is after three days. Not sure if it’s the look I’m after, but the feedback has been great. What do you think?
Check out Lori’s blog to hear more stories on the road to becoming a truly Natural Woman.
Shelley Shockley's Views from Collinwood 