It rained today! Video added

And I was like...BRING IT ON!!!!!! Jen and I went to the store to get some water, juice and stuff and I heard this chic who had long freshly done either press and curl or perm and curled hair going on to another sistah about how she was not trying to go outside and get her hair wet (cause she just got her hair done)! I know it was none of my business, but Jen had headed on down the water aisle and I couldn't help but to "interject" my sentiments about the rain! I turned around to the young lady and said, "I love the rain and my hair loves to get wet!" OK, I know that was down right uncalled for, but I guess I couldn't help it! I went on to say (as if I didn't already say enough) while pointing at her hair, "I don't miss that!" Now ya'll know by this time she was looking at me like, "Lady if you and yo nappy hair don't get away from me!" I flung my hair around and got out of their business. But, I just had to reiterate that it rained today and I love my hair!!!!!!

Dr. Cornwell Meet & Greet

I finally met the lady who started it all in Dallas on 3-24-07. Gigi organized the event.
The rest of the photos are here. Don't forget to check out the special treat below. Click on the video link to hear Miss Praline sing a cappella for the ladies.

11 yr old Praline Singing Long Time Coming -Sam Cooke

Runaway Love- Ludacris featuring Mary J. Blige

I heard this song in Walmart two nights ago and thought to myself, "interesting lyrics". My aunt mentioned it to me tonight and we pulled it up on youtube to check out the video. Many blessings to Ludacris and Mary J. Blige for putting this anthem project out. Here's an outlet for young girls to now speak out and speak up. Permission to tell the truth. Let the cleansing begin.

39 Months compared to 14 Months

Jen took this picture of me today after I shampooed my hair. It's hard to believe that that is MY hair. It has never ever been this long in all my life. Here's another collage.

Here's my hair at 14 months. I thought I was too cute when I took pictures on this sunny day in Brea, California. You can see more of the color in the pictures.

Not sure yet if I will recolor my hair again. I have only colored my hair once, which was two days before getting my Sisterlocks. I love my Sisterlocks!!!!

DFW Sisterlocks Gathering was Grand!

Thank you to all who attended the gathering. We had soooo much fun! It was a blessed time together that came and went so fast!

The collages are of me, the Silver Fox and Naijean's locks from the front and back. Beautiful!!

Please vist my MJS Productions Fotki Album to view 175 wonderful pictures!

Video coming soon! So much to do...so little time! See ya'll next month in Dallas for the luncheon!

Blessings

DFW Gathering is Next Sunday- RSVP Please!!

I wanted to send a reminder about the DFW Gathering that will be in Waco, Tx next Sunday, February 18th from 2-5pm. Here's the Google Map of Beatnix Coffeehouse.

The Sisterlock Gatherings actually have more than Sisterlocked women who attend. It's all about embracing that natural beauty, baby! We encourage anyone to come and fellowship, be you SL'd locked, nappy, pressed, twa, it doesn't matter. We will have a great time next Sunday and those of you who are regulars, get ready to meet some new faces coming from Austin, Waco and the DFW area!!!

With that being said, I had the pleasure of meeting two new women at our last gathering who've been locked for a while and I accidently left them off the list for the video testimony debut. I must have gone video crazy that day!!!

The first is Sue, who has traditional locs. Here's Sue's Testimony here.

The next lady whom I wanted to share her testimony is Pat. She's been locked for a good minute (over six years!) and she started by way of palm rolling. Here's Pat's Testimony.

Enjoy their testimonies!!

I've been tagged!

OK, Tanya was kind enough to tag me with a request of 5 things you may not know about me, so here goes:

1. 2009 will mark my 20th High School Reunion! I was very active in school and was not only our Senior Class President, but also the first Mascot of our consolidated schools. In 1987 three schools consolidated into one: Richfield Rams, Waco High Tigers and Jefferson Moore Lions. The new school would be on the campus of Richfield, the new name would be "Waco High", and the mascot from my previous school (J-Moore) would now be the Lion. So I was the mascot for two years and to this day many folks remember me as being the mascot but forget I was Senior class President.
2. I owned a miniature Dachshund named Sweet Pea back in 2003. She was the love of my life. Unfortunately she had an accidental death after having her only 5 months at 9 months. I was devastated. January 12th would have been her 4th birthday. I miss my Tuney.
3. I spent my last 6 hours of obtaining my bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State in Puerto Rico at The University of Puerto Rico the summer of 94'. It was the best class/vacation/graduation present anyone could ask for. My minor was in Spanish and I was determined to grasp the language. I spent a month there and it was fabulous! We had class Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm and took an excursion on the island on Wednesdays. We had the weekends off, so that's why I called it a "vacation". I plan on going back...real soon.
4. I absolutely ahbor/detest/despise receiving forwards in my inbox. Especially silly hoaxes and false forwards that have gone unchecked by Snopes. Those irk me the most! I love Jesus and do not have to email 10 people to prove it! Ugh!!!!!! Check out a website who agrees with me here. I have no problem telling people I have an "anti-forward" email inbox/address.
5. I've been taking pictures since I was 12 years old in the sixth grade! So I guess you can say I've had a 24 year career as an amateur photographer. I've also been writing/journaling for about the same time. I started with my lil' diary documenting all that was going on in my world starting in 3rd grade, I believe. Now it's time to put my passions to work for me.

Who's next? Jamlock, Katika, and Lock Venture.

Are You New To The Natural Hair Blogging Community?

I was asked off-line how to "join-in" on the fun from a person who's new to the online blogging community. Less than two years ago, there were only a few folks actively blogging about their natural hair. Now the online blogging community is growing by the day. Do a Sisterlocks Blog Search and see what I mean. Here's my own personal tips for those beginning the blogging journey. Others may have a different opinion:

Invitation? There's no real "invitation" to join in on the online blog community of natural/locked women/men. The Locked Hair Blog Exchange is by invitation if you'd like your locked hair blog in the Exchange, but for all other groups, you sign up and you're in. A lot of Sisterlocked women began their online connection from what I gather, from three main places: The Yahoo Group Lockitup, on Fotki, and the other largest community of natural hair/locked women, Nappturality. The relationships form as you post your questions and give feedback on other's journeys or your own. If you haven't joined these groups, do so ASAP and begin making comments. Spend time reading the archives, for they will provide a lot of answers to questions you have.

Making your blog a place folks want to visit. The online locked hair community wants to see pictures, pictures, pictures. And believe it or not, getting a good look at your hair is more important than seeing your face. Take good shots in good lighting so your hair can be seen. If it's not a good picture, don't waste your time uploading it.

"We be" an educated group of folk. Most of the bloggers are educated and don't enjoy visiting blogs where there's a lot of slang, typos and just plain bad grammar going on. We all have "slang" moments, but when the blog shows no form of intelligence, it may hamper visitors who will return. Although I will say there's a small niche of folk who dig that stuff. Ask yourself, if you'd enjoy reading your posts and looking at your own pictures a week, month, or year from now. That will help you in determining if posting the content or pictures is worth it. I have quite a few "drafted" posts that I didn't want to delete, but didn't feel needed to be public on my blog for whatever reason.

Keeping it current, will keep them coming. Or maybe not. Keeping your blog fairly current helps. When you are new out, don't expect because you keep your blog current that folks should be visiting it or commenting on what you have to say. You may not have readers yet, but don't stop blogging. However, when a blog isn't updated regularly it's a natural progression to stop visiting it. Trust me, I have a few dormant blogs that need major updating, so I know! I don't even visit my own old stale blogs! Ha! But seriously, try and update regularly. So as to not overwhelm you, regularly doesn't mean once a day. Once a week is just fine, and if time is an issue, once a month. Just try and keep it current.

You've found some blogs you like. What do you do next? Comment, Comment, Comment! Don't ask for comments back, but simply comment on what you like and what you're curious about. That's how the ball gets rolling. It lets one know you've been by to check out their blog/album and liked what you saw. Anyone who's interested in you and your journey will naturally visit your blog/album and comment back. Don't be offended if no one comments or if you comment on someone's blog/fotki and he or she don't return the favor. We never know why folks do or don't do the things they do and there's no use in being over sensitive about it or quivering over it. Try not to take offense or over analyze the situation. Just keep visiting blogs you like and comment on what interests you.

To link or not to link? That is the question. Don't worry about asking to "link" someone else's blog to yours. It's a courtesy to ask, but not really necessary. Most bloggers are honored you've linked to their blogs and that keeps them motivated to blog more often. Don't be offended if you link to someone's blog but they don't link yours back. You linked to theirs because you chose to. Give them that same courtesy to make their own decision to link you and if they don't link you, don't trip. Some folks may be too lazy (like me), too busy(like me) or simply choose not to for their own reasons (like Jen-she told me to add that :-)). Some may not want tons of links on their blogs. Some may not know how to link. Some don't want the pressure or bother. Don't lose sleep over it.

Why link? Linking other's blog to yours helps in search engines as well as gives one a quick reference to their blogs of choice. Blog rolling is helpful also because you can put all your favorite blogs in your blogline and update your settings to show only updated posts in the blogs. That's nice and cuts down on wasted time revisiting someone else's blog only to find out they haven't updated it. Bummer. Us avid bloggers/blog readers can be so demanding. :-)

Everything is "self-selecting" and hopefully not guilt filled when it comes to sharing in the online blog community. Folks will comment if they want to and if they choose not to, that's their prerogative. Some online relationships come fast, and others it takes a while. In some cases, no relationship will come no matter how much you want it, and that's ok, too. It's like seeing that person you'd wish would just acknowledge your presence, and ask you to join in their circle, but they never even notice you. It's like that some times. Nothing to lose sleep over. It's called "Life".

The Whole World Can See You. Remember that your blog can be viewed by the entire world so use discretion in what you say and share. Especially personal info, job related stuff, and anything else that can be used against you in a court of law! If you want to be semi-anonymous, use an online name. Some folks only show pictures of their hair, and block their faces out, which is just fine. Employers/Job Recruiters can google you so make sure you are aware of what you say. Unfortunately there are some real mean folks out there and blogging is a very open and vulnerable venue in which a lot of "you" is shared with the masses. Just be aware and careful.

Watch out for Crazies, including yourself. Unfortunately there will be some bloggers new to the scene who visit other's blogs just to start confusion. I've seen it before and thankfully have experienced it rarely in my blogs. They probably didn't read this blog post or researched on line about how to conduct yourself as a blogger who has blog nettiquite. If you stumble upon a blog that you don't like, do yourself a favor and #1 DO NOT comment on what you don't like, and #2 NEVER visit that blog again. For the most part, the bloggers won't know how you feel, and it's best to just keep it to yourself. Don't go visiting someone's blog to "check" them. Leave them alone. There have been some ugly "cyber cat fights" on line and it's just a shame and a hot mess. If you are a rabble rouser in public, then I'm sure you're gonna start mess on line. Some folks just like drama and have no problem seeking on line. Go back and look at your blog, and if it has more of a negative, complaining, antagonistic spirit about it, you must know that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth (blog) speaks". So watch out for Crazies, including yourself.

Maryee's last piece of advice. If you really want to document your journey on line for others to see, do it! If it's with conditions that you must have "relationships"/Comments to keep you motivated in doing it, then you must check your motives. If you want comments, simply invite those who visit your blog to do so...no pressure. One of the craziest things I've done is visit someone's blog and actually comment in my head but find I'm too tired/lazy to sign on to comment. I'm super busy and zip in and zip out without commenting sometimes. I then re-visit their blogs later and could have "sworn" I commented, but I didn't cause I did it in my head and not in their blog. That always weirds me out!

Why blog? Blog because it's therapeutic for you and you want to chart your growth in all areas of your life. Blog because you are a budding writer and want to hone your craft. Blog because you are tapping into your creative juices and getting real good at technology along the way. Blog because you really want to chart your hair journey. Blog because you want to meet some "like-minded" people on line world wide and need the support and inspiration. Blog to make new friends. Blog to let friends and family see your hair growth and pictures. What ever the case, blog because you want to have fun! But remember, blogging takes work and a bit of commitment. The nicest blogs didn't get that way overnight. Those bloggers "added" a new room to their house, called a "blog". And they've been working on it to make it just right to suit their tastes and all who visit their humble abode. Oh yeah, there's also a Myspace community of Sisterlockers and on FaceBook. Let the revolution begin!!!!!!! Happy Blogging!!!

For more tips on blogging for beginners, check out this link.

DFW Sisterlocks Gathering will be Sunday 2-18-07

Greetings,

I wanted to send a quick "save the date" of the upcoming DFW Sisterlock gathering that will be held in Waco, Tx, Sunday February 18th from 2-5pm at Beatnix Coffeehouse.

Those of you who wanted to come last time prior to the weather cancellation, you can still RSVP until Tuesday February 13th. Prepayment of $17 is requested because this is a catered event. Jen and I are excited to share with everyone in a private and relaxed venue. If you'd like to attend, please email at sweetiepp03-bloggin at yahoo.com with your RSVP and plan of payment. I accept, check/mo, or you can pay me via my paypal (please add an additional $1 as paypal charges me a fee to receive money, please).

If you'd like to see videos from the last event in Dallas, please click on the link below and view almost 2 dozen videos of lovely locked ladies!! Here's my lil' Testimony:

DFW Sisterlock Gathering Testimony Videos

Jennifer Hudson and Dreamgirls

Jen and I went to see Dreamgirls shortly after it's opening in theatres and were pleasantly surprised to see such a mixed audience. We got there early enough to get midway center seats which imho are the best. The movie moved along quite well, but I think somewhere in everyone's mind was this sense of courteous patience, waiting for Jennifer to sing Jennifer Holiday's redention of And I am Telling You. I tell you it was such a trip that as soon as she finished the moment came...the entire theatre broke out in a thunderous applause. I think I even cried. Can't remember if Jen did or not, but perhaps.

I guess there's there this feeling of joy, happiness for humble circumstances, for Jennifer's fortitude and having a "never give up" attitude. It's quite inspiring. I'm happy for Jennifer and hope and pray she has a beautiful successful career. Now, my question is, did the audience you sat in during the movie applaud after she finished? I'd be surprised if they didn't. Let me know.

You wanna be dazzled, see her performing I am Changing on Youtube , The Letterman interview, and the interview with hosts of The View, before they're pulled. Congrats to Jennifer Hudson on her Golden Globe Award and I pray continued success for her future endeavors! More pictures of Jennifer can be viewed at Viewimages.com.

My two favorite songs she sings are And I Am Telling you, of course and Love You I Do. Enjoy!

DFW Waco Gathering Cancellation :-(

It's been raining, cold and thunderous here in Waco since yesterday, but it has been worse in the DFW area and getting worser. With 23 women confirmed to attend tomorrow's gathering, it is with discernment and consideration for the safety of all that we cancel and reschedule the gathering. Since over half the attendees would be traveling from the DFW area, it just isn't safe considering the severe weather alerts of freezing pellet sized rain.

A major winter storm is in the forecast for all of North Texas for the remainder of the weekend through early Monday. This has prompted the National Weather Service to issue an ice storm warning for North Texas until 6 a.m. Monday. Significant accumulations are possible with some locations receiving ?to 1? of ice. Stay tuned for further updates.

Sunday

Thunderstorms and freezing rain. Ice accumulation of one quarter to one half of an inch. Highs in the lower 30s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

So, I'll be emailing all who RSVP'd with more details on what we need to do for rescheduling with Beatnix Coffeehouse and the caterer. I thank all who emailed me with excitement about attending the gathering. Jen and I were looking forward to showing everyone a great time! Hopefully the reschuled date will be within a couple of weeks. We are all sad that we can't get together, but I'm sure all involved understand that this is pretty much out of our control. What we can control is making the best decision to cancel and reschedule. May God bless ya until I blog again, which will be real soon!!

Maryee

Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance! I Passed the Exam!!

I guess I got something to dance about which is a late Christmas present and a New Year's surprise. I passed the Texas State Board for Educator Certification Exam for Generalist 4-8! Yippee!! Thank you to those of you who sent up a prayer for me! God bless ya real good!

Now if I can just find a job so I can complete my intern and apply for official certification. I take Pedagogy this Spring, starting next weekend. All Saturday classes!! Ugh!! Oh well, for now, it's back to the substitute teacher's grind in the morning. I'll be a PE teacher Mon-Tue, the first days back after Christmas Break. Did I mention, I'm willing to relocate???

Jen was practicing on the drums and I was getting a New Year's workout! Don't laugh too hard, now.

You're Invited to the DFW Sisterlocks Gathering

Yes, the next gathering is being hosted by Jen and me in Waco, Tx. Beatnix Coffeehouse is our regular spot a few days of the week but the day we gather, it will be for our use only, a private engagement! Click here to Map Beatnix to plan your commute. To give those who need time to travel or go to church service first, we'll begin at 2pm and end at 5pm.

The approximate cost is $17 which includes entree and sides, plus good ole' sweet tea. If you want to bring any other beverage or dessert of your choice, you are welcome to do so. The event will be custom catered by Blanek's and the menu will include chicken and seafood selections.

Since the coffeehouse will be closed for our use only I plan on having a special video presentation because they have a nice big screen TV/DVD player. Those of you who have poetry to read or a song you want to share, bring it on!! As you see in the invite flyer, they have a nice stage that we'll use for anyone interested in getting in the spotlight, mic and all! I'll be video taping intros and entertainment.

Ladies, we're gonna have fun!!! I need not remind you to bring your cameras. We were considering inviting husbands and SOs, but we'll do that perhaps on the next run! It will be just girls this time! Car-pooling is encouraged.

I know it's short notice, but I need RSVPs by Monday the 8th! If you'd like to attend, please email me at sweetiepp03-bloggin @yahoo.com. Thanks and we look forward to seeing everyone in two Sundays!

NOTE: Headcount is at 18! Please don't forget to email me your RSVP Thanks!!!!