Locked in Freedom

Back again

2011-10-14T16:25:00.001+01:00

Well, where have I been and what have I been doing since I last visited my blog?

A whole load of things and some probably too profound to explain and share via this vehicle, but a story that will be told.....

So, I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy at the beginning of the year which in itself lead to a whole chain of events that have changed me for good.

Life is funny.

Sometimes you may think you're ok, but actually when you find the time to stop, or in my case when you are forced to stop and look at where you are and what you are doing, only then can you see where flaws lie. I think I was in a serious bit of funk for a long while, though so embroiled in the continuous speed, routine, stress and endless demands that life puts on us, I didn't even have the time to realise it!

Spiralling weight, tiredness and a constant put upon feeling simply became the norm and I must have been in a bit of a slow and steady decline. The whole early post-birth experience was an additional shock to the system, which lead to a point where my mind must have simply 'popped' and said "right that's enough - time to shutdown". My usual 'super' self suddenly became a struggle and I literally felt as if I was losing my sanity. Thankfully, with the support of my nearest and dearest, I was able to rise up again with the added awareness that I had been in a very funny place for a very long time and only now was it that I was beginning to live again. Properly.

Sleep deprivation especially is a real problem and can have so many ill effects on the body. If you take on anything from this post, please keep in mind that adequate sleep is so important for normal and healthy function. Without it we simply become dysfunctional. It's a serious thing, one which was really exemplified during the early days dealing with the new baby. For all the new mums and dads out there, please do everything you can to get those required hours of sleep in, it's really hard but so important!

When change is needed, we all need to let go of all our fears associated with leaving that comfort zone. Sometimes we may make excuses and may not even realise that the only hindrance is yourself and that without that, anything is possible. Break free people, the sky's the limit!

In terms of my hair story, or rather the sisterlocks journey, I have to report that it have come to a rather abrupt end! For the second time I experienced hairline hairloss post-partum, but this time it was a bit more pronounced and with having locs, a lot more noticeable and I got fed up of trying to conceal it as more and more of my locs started popping out to play elsewhere further and further back from my hairline!

I have to say though, it is definitely not all doom and gloom as you might think and actually my new short 'loc-less' do is probably something I should have tried years ago!! This do I am now sporting is the shizzle and I have not experienced a single bad hair day yet.

Plus, it allows me the ultimate in time-saving every morning as I spend the minimal amount of time even just thinking about my hair. A little bit of product maybe, a quick brush and I'm good to go!! Plus, no more annoying retightening!!! That shizzle was getting on my nerves big time!!

We'll see how it all goes. For the moment I'm loving my short, short hairdo. Will I re-loc? Who knows, we'll see. For the moment I'm un-sisterlocked and loving it, though I loved my locs while they lasted. I even have some preserved in a plastic food bag for prosterity!

I suppose this post marks the end of the sisterlocks journey, which has been varied and has lead to many revelations, learning and change, but also marks the start of a new journey towards a better whole, vibrant and transformed mind, body and spirit. Watch this space for future sharing....

Baking a bun

2010-08-01T15:51:00.019+01:00

Hello!

Bun

You may have noticed that I have had a bit of a hiatus where this blog is concerned. There is a very good reason behind it mind you and can be summed up by my recent case of 'bunintheovenitis'. Yes, a little one is on the way..... Sadly, Powerplate parked up for a time now......

I have to say that this time round, the morning sickness has been an absolute killer, causing me to vomit everyday for almost a whole 3 months, coupled with serious nausea, extreme tiredness, food aversions, heightened and altered sense of smell (everything has been stinking everywhere I go!) plus an aversion to chocolate of all things!! The summer heat has made things all the worse, especially the journey to and from work on packed stifling buses, with the burning heat, stinky perfumes, sweat and B.O invading every pore of my body and making the nausea 10x worse! Ah, it's been awful!

Only now am I beginning to feel a little bit human again. I felt like I was in a deep, dark pit of despair. Only now am I able to start thinking about the joys of another little bubba.

Baby!

The experience has really made me think about how we all take feeling 'normal' for granted and how when that balance is upset, it can really change your whole outlook on life. I've been feeling absolutely miserable, and I know my temperament and moods have been all over the place (my poor family, sorry guys!). I really feel for people with chronic pain or conditions which mean they just don't feel right. I had a little taste of feeling really crap for a time and it's not something I want to ever experience again!

Anyway, now that I'm feeling a little better, I felt compelled to provide a bit of an update on my hair.

The hair

A while back I mentioned that I was having issues with some of my locs after starting the retightenings myself. I visited my consultant so she could have a look and she reckoned that I hadn't been doing the retightenings properly - hence why some of my locs were developing holes - arrrrrgggghhhhh!!!. I did have a feeling that something wasn't quite right and did think that my hand positioning maybe was the cause of the retightening pattern getting messed up. I had been shown how to do a 3pt rotation, which I thought I was doing very competently, only for issues to rear their ugly head a few months down the line.

Dreaded holey loc!

My consultant's preferred suggestion was for me to start again.....

Now, this option left me completely shocked as I have already invested so much time, effort and money (yes, the beginnings were flaming expensive!) into my hair. Why on earth would I simply say 'oh well, let me just chop off all my hair'?!?

Secondly, I don't think the 'issues' left my hair unsalvageable, plus, my locs still looked good regardless.....

It was time to do some quick thinking and follow my mind and gut feelings (best policy in my experience).

I left my consultant with the alternative suggestion that I just let my hair grow out and see what's what after a few months or so (in my head thinking how on earth am I going to allow my hair to just grow free without any retightening? I still have to go to work and out and about. I would probably end up with a bit of free form going on! I don't think so).

I have to say though, that the 3pt rotation had bothered me slightly from the start as it seemed to make it all too easy for me to make a mistake and go through the same hole twice, which is what I must have been doing on occasion, hence the holes forming! Thankfully, I already had the 4pt rotation in mind from my days of researching Sisterlocks on the web and it was what I always had in mind as my preferred method after watching videos etc of others who followed it when doing their own retightenings.

It was a bit of a slog going through my entire head and trying to rectify some of the mistakes by cutting, twisting, plaiting and joining! But, I think my saviour from the moment I tried it was the 4pt rotation!! Hallelujah! I could see the difference (for the better) immediately and it seems to present less opportunity for mistakes.

Loc I managed to fix using a combination of twisting the regrowth and the 4pt rotation

What a little right to left, bottom to top, left to right and top to bottom can do. By the looks of things it has saved me from another big chop, even though I had to experience near disaster, with a few locs lost on the way, to eventually appreciate it.

They do say you live and learn. I certainly know my hair a LOT better now.

Good Hair

2010-05-19T20:52:00.004+01:00

I finally got round to watching Chris Rock's documentary film 'Good Hair' at the weekend, though felt as if I had already seen the majority of it from the various trailers and video discussions I've seen on the web. I thought it was informative and entertaining, but really did lack any proper exploration of natural hair care, braiding, locking etc.

Overall, it left me feeling a tad disturbed by some of the subject matter it explored. In particular, the images of women in India having their heads shaved at the temple as part of a sacrifice, then the hair being sorted in a 'hair factory', sewn onto tracks then sold to the West, left me with a very uncomfortable feeling.

Now, personally, I have issues with second hand or borrowed items as it is, let alone the thought of buying someone else's crowing glory, then proudly palming it off as my own!! I just don't think I could do it. At a push, if it was for some reason to do with hair loss or something along those lines, I would have to go the synthetic route (root!!).

Just the thought of sewing or gluing another person's hair onto my own, in preference to my own, doesn't sit well with me at all. I say, if it grows from your own head, embrace it, love it and work it. Don't hide it with what was intended for someone else! Anyway, that's my personal opinion and I'm sure there are many other points of view. What do you think?

It's been an interesting couple of weeks recently with the change of government and anticipation of what the new administration has in store for the country. Sisterlocks even had a chance meeting with a Minister (see link)!

Best intentions

2010-05-01T22:41:00.000+01:00

I have to say, that with all the best intentions, getting round to update this blog becomes something that simply gets pushed to the back of the queue when it comes down to prioritising everything else that needs to be done each day. I do admire those people who manage to make regular blog posts and keep the content fresh and engaging - (I am trying!).

Anyway, my reasoning (excuse!) for not posting before now is because I wanted to do a dramatic showcase of how much my hair has changed since the last set of pics. It's amazing how my hair continues to grow naturally and healthily and I can now even get all (well almost all) my locks into that bun! The continual changes are an evolution in itself and it makes for a fabulous experience.

My daughter is absolutely loving her locks and she made me laugh the other day when she said a couple of girls from school were commenting behind her on the bus, about the fact that she had worn her hair in those plaits for ages! I don't think they realised they're actually a permanent feature and yes, I suppose she is actually going 'dread' as some others had enquired! I like the way she seems to handle herself with confidence with the whole hair transition and doesn't mind the fact that she is in the minority of a majority of perms and weaves. At the end of the day I say each to their own, and do what makes you happy. Just know you should not be afraid to embrace your natural self and realise that it feels so liberating to leave behind a cloak of disguise!

I think back to all the times I used to waste hours on end fretting about what to do with my hair - how to style it, whether to curl it, straighten it, tong it, blow dry it, go for a re-touch......etc etc Basically it was an endless cycle of stress! I feel so much better now that my hair care routine has changed for the better and those hours I used to spend fretting are no more - phew!!

One thing I'm absolutely loving at the moment is Jamaican Mango and; Lime Hair N'Cense. I simply spray a little bit into the palm of my hand and massage it through my hair. It leaves it smelling lovely and you wouldn't even realise you had any kind of product in your hair as it is so light. A big thumbs up from me!

Ok, I leave you all with a few shots (apologies for the quality of some, as this is down to the iPhone camera which can produce some really grainy pics, but is ever so handy!!) - until next time....

Back in May 2009

April 2010

My daughter preparing for her first wash after banding and braiding (we've realised that she doesn't actually have to do this, as she has washed her hair a good few times now without b&b and the hair has stayed intact with no unravelling!)

I cut off my Sisterlocks.........

2010-04-02T01:29:00.001+01:00

............ don't worry, it was just a dream, or rather a very scary nightmare!!!!!

Last night I dreamt that I had for some unknown reason, decided to take it upon myself to get rid of my Sisterlocks in exchange for a long straight weave! Arrrghhhh!! Can you imagine my anxiety on waking and praying desperately that it wasn't true! I can remember thinking during the dream that I would start a new set of Sisterlocks (as if that was some consolation) once my consultant had a free slot and was able to fit me in! Just how mixed up can a dream get? I didn't really understand it myself as I can confidently say that I have no plans WHATSOEVER of getting rid of my locks - what a thought!!

Anyway, I think I need to find some blogging techniques that mean I can do it more regularly (as I intended!) without getting sidetracked by life in general. There's so much I want to share on a daily basis, but for some reason, actually getting to the computer to get it all out there becomes an issue. Usually I simply have other things to see to, or I'm recovering from the working day. I think some people post via their phones, so I'm going to explore this avenue. If you have any particular tips, please help a sista out!

My locks are still coming along nicely, though I did have some slight concerns about my retightening technique when I noticed some of my locks seemed to be separating into two thin strands, making it more difficult for me to push my tool through properly in the correct positions. I'm not too sure if this is just because some of my locks are quite small (plus I've noticed that I have a lot less of the fat ends look as sleeker, thinner locks form) or I've just messed up the retightening pattern in places?? Some locks developed a bit of a hole which I've been fixing as best as I can. You wouldn't be able to tell unless you examined these particular locks closely, but I know they're there!! If anyone has experienced anything like this please let me know!

My daughter's locks are also nicely taking shape. She is loving styling up her hair in all kinds of different ways and they have even survived swimming pool chlorine and river mud in the past couple of weeks! I'm going to do her retightening in the next couple of days now we're all taking a bit of a break over Easter. Pics coming soon.

Oh, I must report that the Power Plate arrived and I have been getting my vibrate on!! I must say that it really gets muscles that you probably wouldn't normally work in that way, really working! I have experienced what it means to have 'burning buns' in an invigorating pleasant sort of way - lol!

Enjoy the Easter break everyone and I will endeavour to post again very soon........

Nothing to do with Sisterlocks, but hey.....

2010-02-20T12:07:00.001Z

I received a gift from a friend the other day. She said they were Japanese strawberry chocolates.

Now as someone who appreciates good chocolate (apart from when I was pregnant and even the smell made me want to heave!) I thought good choice. Imagine my surprise when I did the great unboxing.......

and got a strange surprise......

What? These aren't chocolates. But wait, hold on............

....................the chocolate is 'inside'.

Strange, but true!

My expectations were slightly dashed, but they are quite pleasant and appreciated nonetheless (Thanks Z!)

By the way, if anyone can provide a translation of the Japanese on the box wrapper, I would love to know what it says!!

More freedom

2010-02-17T19:20:00.008Z

Hello Everybody!

So here I am into the beginnings of a new Sisterlocks year. I celebrated my 1st loc birthday by booking the day off work and catching up on some much needed sleep (simple but effective).

It's actually been go, go, go on a few different fronts over the last couple of days. One big thing for my daughter is that I helped to start her off on her very own loc journey. That's right, I invested a good seven hours or so plaiting up her hair in a grid pattern, so she can too have hair freedom.

I did debate whether to shell out again for Sisterlocks as installed by a certified consultant, though after seeing that locs can be started and maintained using a variety of methods (various blogs have taught me this), my daughter and I both agreed that this was the way to go. She is very happy with the results and I reckon I've done a good job. The plan is to retighten them using a tool in the same way I retighten my Sisterlocks. I just hope they don't slip too much after washing etc. I'll keep an eye on them but I think things should be fine. Many a loc has been started from plaits/braids after all! (I hope this doesn't make me a traitor in certain circles?!? Love my Sisterlocks!) Just now to contemplate how I'm going to schedule two sets of retightenings - yikes!!

Also, I am determined to get myself back into fitness. I'm finding though that scheduling time for the gym is proving difficult as I'm usually either at work, on my way to and from work, doing the whole family routine thing or just completely and utterly shattered! I actually blame the cold weather and think things will change once things warm up a bit. Anyway, I became all inspired the other day and I remembered a past visit to the Vitality Show over here in London. This event showcases products and activities all to do with health and well-being.

When I visited back in 2008, I tried out this vibration training machine that left me feeling that I had just had a massive workout, but I had simply stood on in for 10 minutes - how good is that! My muscles were actually really aching at the time and I remember having to find a place to lie down and recover. I could really feel the effects.

So, in my moment of inspiration I decided to do some quick research on the Power Plate, which as I understand it, is the one that all the stars and sports people use. I first started looking at classes, but boy these sessions are not cheap and I would have to be travelling at awkward times to get to them. So, I decided to invest in one for the home after much deliberation! Really hoping it helps to kick start things - a blog post for the near future methinks........!

Hello 2010

2010-02-05T01:09:00.011Z

Well, what can I say? Where on earth have I been? In the same place, but a lot busier and run off my feet than usual.

I suppose I should really start with a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, plus offer acknowledgement of all the major things that have happened of late. All the things that I intended to blog about but actually never got round to. Oh well, new year new start and all that (even though we're now into February!).

So where to start? I find coming back to this blog after a spell away is a bit like going to the gym religiously, then having a break - it's always that much harder to get back into your swing and the regular routine! But, I am back to change all that and will find the time and space to do my thing. Bit by bit.

Did I mention that my 1st year loc anniversary (or locaversary) is coming up next week! Wow, how time flies. I remember how around this time last year I was getting excited about getting my Sisterlocks installed. Look at me now, self-retightening and everything!!

Gosh, I've learnt a lot over the past year. A couple of these things include:

1. I could never get into banding and braiding - I did it a couple of times, then decided it was more hassle than what it was worth (I dealt with the unravelling by plaiting any loose hair in-between retightenings).

2. Self-retightening isn't actually too bad. You learn exactly what is going on with your head and can fix any issues (unravelling, slippage etc) on the spot, plus decide when to have your hair retightened and choose how long to spend on it at any one time (no need for achy arms) - freedom in itself!!

3. My hair certainly does flourish au naturel and I love it!!

4. Locking my hair has got to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

5. There is a need for locking tools to be made more widely available. Certainly the Sisterlocks tool is the official tool (and all credit due to Dr Cornwell for all she has developed with her good business sense), but for someone who maybe wants to start their locks (whatever the method) on their own and maintain with a tool - there is definitely a lack of them around in accessible places. It seems you need to know someone or have a consultant to get kitted out. I want to see loc tools in Tescos !! Mainstream baby!!

6. I like mixing up shampoo when washing my hair, and will commonly use some T-Gel and T Tree along with some strawberry, pomegranate or raspberry shampoo to finish. My hair ends up smelling delightful.

7. I am happy using a tiny amount of organic coconut oil in my hair after washing if my hair or scalp feels a bit dry - works for me.

8. A lot of people still mistake my locs for twists and have never heard of Sisterlocks (I'm doing my best to educate the people through this blog!).

9. I like to use 'lock' and 'loc' interchangeably - yes both correct in my book.

10. I'm really looking forward to continuing with the sharing of the progression of my little loc babies (as they're affectionately known).

11. Really happy that I chose a good consultant to start me on my way:- http://www.tassahai.co.uk/

12. I can lose a loc (my own fault really, trying to disjoin two locs knitted together accidentally by using a pair of scissors carelessly - yes my own fault!) and not feel too bad about it. I'll just grow it back of course......

Now to consider how to celebrate my locaversary/loc birthday........

Done it!

2009-10-28T13:06:00.006Z

Yes, I actually manged to finish my retightening a week after the retightening class - woohoo!! I think it was a pretty good effort, especially as I was struck down with flu the day after I started, so I couldn't do anything for a couple of days, plus I still had work, family etc to deal with. I managed to finish after a mammoth all-day retightening session on the day I had booked off work.

My goodness though, my arms and back were aching so much at the end of it. I also inadvertantly joined two locks together and convinced myself that I actually wanted to join them as a bit of an experiment in larger sizing!! I managed to come to my senses yesterday and painstakingly back-tracked on the join and had to use my scissors to cut through a few strands - it worked though and the two locks are safe (albeit with a knot I put in one to strengthen the cut strands - well, you have to improvise in certain situations!). That was a definite lesson in patience. I know if I was to accidentally join any locks together again, I need to simply stay calm and back track slowly - not get fed up and decide it's part of an experiment!

Another development, is that I can officially announce that my hair has the 'floppability factor' (my term!). You know you have it when you shake your head and your locks move - swinging and swaying in the wind!! It's exciting getting more length as styling options just keep growing. My faves at the moment are braid outs, with some hair clipped up at the side and a bit of a fringe going on.

Also, I can now do a mini bun at the back or at the top of my head! I'm still going for that all-in-one pony tail.

At the moment I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do about my next retightening - part of me wants to do it as I like to get things done on my terms (and save money!), but, I'm dreading the time it's likely to take. The other part of me wants to make that appointment, knowing it won't be any longer than 5hrs 30mins (plus, I wont be forced to exercise my already reasonably toned arms!). I'll have to have a think and make a decision, making sure it's soon as the new growth is definitely on its way!

Here's me, before and after my SELF-retightening!! (Feels so good to know you have the power in your hands - just wish it was a bit quicker.....!)

(Ok, my daughter says I look drunk in this photo! I think it's her doing as she took it. I would normally change the pic after such a comment, but I'm not too bothered at this time - it's all about the hair!!)

Still retightening!!

2009-10-18T22:09:00.003+01:00

At last I did the retightening class on Friday - hooray!!, I now know how to retighten my locs.

There is an obvious downside to this though - it takes such a long time - I still have a couple hundred to go after making a promising start, plus with Carol feeling sorry for me and retightening a couple of sections!

It is empowering having the know how and being able to sort out my own hair whenever I like, but we're talking hours (days!) of work - literally!

I'm going to continue doing a bit everyday this week until I'm done. I was a bit held back today as I've come down with flu, so I'll aim to be back to it tomorrow.

I reckon 5hrs 30mins with my consultant every couple of weeks, is a small price to pay when I compare it to the time I will have to spend doing the retightenings myself.

As I said, it's good to have the know how, but it's even better having someone to do the retightenings on your behalf!

I'll be back to post pics once I'm done......(hopefully sometime this century!).......

I'm back!!

2009-09-03T21:03:00.011+01:00

Yes, I'm back for a bit to say hi and to give a quick update on progress.

I've been so busy, working and studying and have just finished my work placement with a local newspaper. I got a taste of what it would be like to live and breathe the life of a journalist and realised it's not really for me.

It's great being able to write stories and chase up details, do interviews and see my name in print etc etc, but I'm not sure how it all really fits in with a good work/life balance. For me it would all probably get a bit overwhelming when trying to fit it all in with family life, especially if you're inclined to want to put your all in to be a success.

I've been feeling that a comms job would be better aligned to what I want to do, then lo and behold - I found out I got just that in a position I applied for - yay me!

It was a good move to leave it all in God's hands and make the conscious decision not to worry about my path. Everything seems to sort itself out in the end when you leave it in the hands of the almighty - thanks in abundance- amen.

It's nearly seven months since I got my SLs installed and I had another 5hr 30mins retightening today (yes, it's not letting up!). I had good news in that I'll be having a retightening class next time I go and will get my tool!! Can't wait to be certain in the knowledge that I can DIY, even if it turns out to be something I only do on occasion (I'll be aiming to keep my hair maintenance as easy and as quick as possible. I'm not sure if I relish the idea of hours and hours of self-maintenance! We'll see).

Ok, what you've all been waiting for - photo time.......!

Bournemouth beach just before my retightening

New SL installation back in February

7 months - after retightening & 7 months - before retightening

Third retightening at six months!

2009-07-15T11:39:00.005+01:00

I had my 3rd retightening yesterday and the slightly warmer weather must be helping the growth as it is flourishing nicely. Another 5hrs 30 mins in the chair! Carol is not entirely sure if it's a rapid growth spurt at the moment which means there is quite a lot of loose hair at the roots, or we need to reduce the time between retightenings. We will see how things progress......

I was going to post pics, but each one I took simply made my face look big, so I decided against it. I'll leave the pics for a little bit (it's my blog, I can do this!). I'm not entirely sure, but I think I must be eating a few more bloaty foods than usual, which could be contributing. I must sort this!

My daughter really wants to get her SLs installed asap. She has now seen how beautiful the locs look on all ages and wants to be part of the family. I'm telling her to be patient though, as I want to do the re-tightening class first, given it will probably be the most efficient and cost-effective way of keeping the maintenance up, if I have the option of doing it. She likes the look of micros. I keep telling her my sort of size is small enough, otherwise she'll end up spending too much time on her hair!

I had a bit of a disappointment recently when a promotion opportunity didn't come through in the way I expected. My mum helped me to remember that some things are just not meant to be. She sent me the following quote which puts things truly into perspective:

"If our decisions and actions are in accordance with our life plan then our endeavours will be successful, but if they are not we will probably be unsuccessful. For example, if you attend a job interview and give it your best but don't get the job, it doesn't mean that you're a failure; it means that you have successfully avoided the wrong path." 'The science of spirituality'

Onwards and upwards I say!

Kreativ Blogger update....

2009-06-19T17:54:00.008+01:00

I'm now completing the requirements of the Kreativ Blogger Award

Recipients should:

~Post the award on their blog
~Link to the person who gave you the award
~List seven things you love
~List seven blogs you love and

~Let those people know you’ve given them the award.

You may have already been tagged, but recognition again and again can't be a bad thing!

I nominate:

Zion of Emon

3girlsmomma

anthia-ofo

Spicylocks

Sisterlocks Convert

Serving Christ

2girlsBIGsister

Second Retightening Down

2009-05-27T17:19:00.010+01:00

I had a good retightening session with my consultant today, taking about 5 hrs 30 mins (again!).

I am still amazed at the skill Carol has in transforming the inevitable slippage and unravelling of my new locs, back to the former neat and uniform state of the installation.

Carol discovered a few bits of lint in my hair, which surprised me since I thought I had been pretty good at catching the little monsters before they held (why didn't anyone tell me that was there?!?)

I think it's now going to be a case of some really meticulous banding and braiding before washing (particularly around the hairline), as I need to do all I can to reduce the retightening work. Time is precious!

Anyway, here's me after my retightening.

Still a little way off for the ponytail, but getting there!

Busy as a bee

2009-05-21T13:58:00.016+01:00

Hey Everyone!

I know it's been a little while since my last blog, so apologies to those of you who have been eagerly awaiting the next instalment (I know there must be a couple of you out there!).

I've been so tied up with work, plus this part-time journalism course I've been on since January this year. I've really been trying to get to grips with the teeline (shorthand), but it's so hard as there aren't enough hours in the day to enable me to learn it properly and get up to speed.

Plus, there's the public affairs, media law and news-writing to also be getting on with. I'm coming round to thinking that it's the type of course best done when you're fresh out of college, single and have no responsibilities to worry about. Oh well, I'll just have to make the most of it and hope for the best.... I've even got mock exams on Saturday - oh the stress!

On another note, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I've been considered worthy of the Kreativ Blogger Award tag by Msfullroller (thank you hon!).

As a relatively new blogger, I suppose it's a bit of an incentive to up my game in relation to the posts I make. I'll have to make sure I live up to the title and keep my blog as fresh and as creative as it can be.

As required, here are details of 7 things I love, plus I'll be looking to pass it on to 7 other equally deserving bloggers, who in turn do the same (it's so nice to know that you've been thought of!).

Here goes, 7 loves of mine:-

1. My loving family and friends who are there through thick and thin.
2. God's power to shine on us, especially in times of despair.
3. Laughter and fun - nothing like a good ol' belly laugh.
4. Hot relaxing baths.
5. Music for the soul.
6. People with good hearts and genuine motives.
7. My mum's rice & peas and dutch pot chicken, mmm, yummy! Cook food.

Oh, back to the hair.... yes, things are coming along nicely. I'm finding my SL's are great for the gym, because no matter how much I end up working up a sweat, the hair stays intact - yes!!

It was at the gym the other day when I got some lovely compliments on my hair. The ladies who commented couldn't actually work out if they were twists or locs, but thought the hair looked good.

I must say that since getting my locs, I'm seeing other women with all kinds of locs everywhere I go (particularly SL's)! I'm not entirely sure if it's just me with a heightened loc radar, or there's a bit of a hair revolution going on in London. Has anyone else experienced this? Let me know.

It's that time again and my 2nd retightening is due next week (due is definitely the key word at the moment!). I reckon it won't be too long before I can tie my hair up in a bun, which I'm really looking forward to. I'll post new pics soon (when I get another spare moment...whenever that is...?)

Btw, it was my wedding anniversary on Tuesday, so here's a pic to mark the day!

Peace, love and blessings.

Mx

Retightening done and a discovery

2009-04-19T01:39:00.012+01:00

Hey, hey hey! Yes, my retightening was completed on Wednesday after an astounding 5hrs 30 mins in the chair! I really wasn't expecting it to take that long, though I suppose there was a bit of remedial work to do when sorting out any unravelling locs, plus incorporating the new growth into nice freshly-tightened locs.

Day after retightening - can you see the growth? My hair manages to shrink up good. I took it upon myself to cut off the last of the stringy looking bits of the relaxed ends (I aim to DIY where possible).

What a way the price can suddenly jump from one figure to another if you need to stay in the chair a bit longer. Not complaining though, as I know my consultant is very professional and I am getting the quality of service I'm paying for. Plus, it really beats going to the hair salon first thing in the morning, only to find yourself leaving when the day is done! I have to say that I did go into slight shock when the price was uttered, though suppose I should have read the pricing literature properly......

Come Thursday morning, there I was inspecting the intricate loc sections, when suddenly I came across a white fluff in my head - or so I thought! On closer inspection the "fluff" actually turned out to be a greyish strand actually attached to my scalp! Lawd! My first grey! I put it down to everyday stress just telling me to chill a bit. Yes, a good holiday is due. Destination ideas very welcome.

Son, hubs and moi

Still like to wear my hairband as I'm not really feeling the freshly-tightened speckled scalp look!

Son, hubs and daughter

The family out and about for some fun over Easter :)

I just love the fact that I can wake up in the morning and not worry about what to do with my hair. Hair freedom indeed. I'm loving the whole process and currently have my sights set on getting my hair into a bun. Lets see how long it will take. Watch this space....

Growing, growing growing!

2009-04-07T22:08:00.003+01:00

I've managed to schedule my retightening for next week - hoorah!

About time too as the hair just keeps growing, plus I've embarked on a new fitness regime and I want to keep any fuzziness at bay.

Nothing like a spinning class or a bit of pilates to get those muscles toning and to work up a healthy sweat!

Soca aerobics tomorrow......

Wash and drip dry

2009-03-22T19:27:00.003Z

I had the urge to wash my hair last night, so I did - but without banding and braiding!

This is the 2nd wash after my install, so I was pretty scared about washing the locks out, though I couldn't be bothered with all the fuss of banding (well it's supposed to be hair freedom right? even in the early days methinks).

I was extremely careful not to rub up my hair too much and I let my hair 'shake and drip dry', i.e. no towel drying (yes I'm still pretty scared about disturbing my new locks).

After applying a satin scarf to my damp hair (along with towel on pillow!) I awoke this morning to a lovely fresh head of 'still there' locks! Just needed a bit of fluffing. I also experimented by twisting a couple that were a bit loose and it seemed to do the trick. Think I need a retightening pretty soon though....

Sad news about Jade Goody today. On Mother's day as well - so sad.

First comment

2009-03-13T04:42:00.006Z

Someone at work actually commented on my Sisterlocks yesterday!

She said: "You've changed your hair."

I said: "I have!"

She said: "Are they Sisterlocks?"

I said: "Yeah (in shock!)."

It was nice that someone actually acknowledged the transformation I have embarked upon. I think most people are probably too scared to say anything, for fear of offence? Or maybe they're just not sure whether it's ok to actually comment?

Just to say, it's absolutely fine to hear your comments (positive ones only mind you, as I might just have to bite your head off!............. that is a joke by the way!!).

Just playing

2009-03-12T05:11:00.005Z

Ok, I've now discovered Picasa (yes, I found the time the follow-up on that tip!) - my first experiment is here to see.....

Follow-up appointment and mini-retightening

2009-03-06T22:35:00.005Z

I went for my follow-up and mini-re-tightening this morning and things seem to be progressing well.
There wasn't too much slippage and my consultant didn't highlight any particular issues, though she did tell me to go easy on the elastic band I've been wearing around my head, since this can cause the hair to loosen around the hairline (I think I'm going to give it a miss for now!). It's amazing how much new growth there is already after only three weeks! It looks like I'm going to need six-weekly re-tightenings.

Washing my hair last night wasn't too bad and I managed to do the band and braid. After bunching up approx 20 x 25 lock bunches, it seems that I have around 500 locks, give or take a couple either way. I guess that is a nice healthy number! It was such a lovely sensation having the warm water tickle my scalp. Washing my hair has never felt so good! I suppose it was a bit like someone coming off a starvation diet.

I would take some pics to document the day, though I am so tired after a really really long week of work. I'm actually fighting the onset of migraine just now (not quite sure how I'm managing to type this?).
In addition, (really, it's not an excuse) I did go to take pics the other day, only to find that the camera needed charging! I haven't even had a mo to sort it out as yet! Will do soon......

Nearly time....

2009-03-03T20:33:00.007Z

I'm preparing to wash my locks for the first time since my installation, this Thursday, and boy how I'm looking forward to washing my hair!

It hasn't actually been that bad and my scalp has coped (albeit with me meticulously scratching out all the dryness after I couldn't take the initial itching during the first couple of days, though it has calmed down now!) with just the odd spritz of water here and there.

My appointment on Friday will be my follow-up, along with a mini-retightening - yay!

I'm wondering how on earth I'm going to band up all those little locks at the back of my head?? Should I still aim to tuck the ends under? Should I use the opportunity to actually count my locks? Should I wash my hair in the bath like I usually do? Decisions, decisions.

Please give me your suggestions, preferably before Thursday......

I'm really liking the way my locks are starting to grow and the scalpy look is more or less no more. I'll take some more photos showing the progress and will post them soon.

On another note, my daughter was offered a place at her first choice secondary school today - hooray. We're so very happy and relieved.

Singed SLs (well nearly!)

2009-02-19T15:14:00.005Z

I had a bit of an unfortunate experience with our back boiler yesterday, when I tried to re-light the pilot light manually. We've had to call out the gas engineer on a few occasions because it's been playing up.
Picture me crouching down on the floor, pressing the igniter button - when whoosh, a balloon of hot air and flame comes rushing out from below the fire-front into my face and hair!!!!
It probably sounds more dramatic than it actually was, but there was a flame balloon (which my daughter also witnessed) that felt like it could have engulfed my whole head if I hadn't been quick and retreated when I did!
The episode left me in a bit of a state of shock and I was shaken afterwards, vowing to never do that again.
I promptly called out the gas engineer again and he gave the boiler a thorough going over today and changed a part that might be causing the problems.

My hubby made a few jokes about images of me with hundreds of SLs burnt to a crisp, but I'll let it go since I'm still here to tell the tale.

Thank God, I guess it's not my time just yet....

10 reasons why I chose Sisterlocks

2009-02-17T13:20:00.017Z

Got tired of paying to have my hair fried.
Got tired of my hair growing only so long, as it was always followed by constant breakage.
Got tired of feeling that I had to conform to the more European ideas and images of beauty (i.e. straight, straight, straight), when there is nothing wrong with my natural kinky hair (and I love it!).
Got tired of fretting about scheduling my next hair appointment when the new growth would peek through after 2 weeks!
Got tired of feeling that I wasn't being true to myself. Bone-straight just isn't me.
Got tired of all the products that we're all encouraged to buy, with false claims of 'instant healthy hair', 'stops breakage' etc etc
Got tired of being asked "do you want to have your hair done?" when the new growth was showing, but I'd only just popped out to the hair shop to buy more Ultra Sheen! Cheek! (Gosh, it's so liberating knowing that I don't actually need those sticky, greasy hair oils!)
I wanted an option where I could have healthy natural hair, styling options galore and a sense of real freedom from the shackles of the perm.
Sisterlocks seemed to fit the bill precisely.
Now I feel real (plus, styling my hair in the mornings is ultra quick!).

It might sound like I have a real problem with the perm (and you're probably right!), but I'm not actually condemning it, as I know it's all we've really known as the only option for our hair for so very long.

I just hope that all the women (& men) with a bit of a kink in their hair, would realise that there are other ways and a host of other options. Sisterlocks is of course one of them.

My Sisterlocks Birthday - 11th & 12th February 2009

2009-02-15T20:32:00.004Z

I am so very happy that I am finally locked!

There is a whole story before this point in time which I'll endeavour to share over time, along with this exciting new journey I'm about to go on.

I suppose you have to start somewhere, so here is the beginning.........

(Thanks 3girlsmomma for giving me the encouragement to start this blog. I probably wouldn't have done it now otherwise!!)

(Also, thanks to my consultant - Carol, for the 16 hours of work she has crafted so well)

(And love to my family for all their support and patience in helping me get to this point in time)

Mx