21 Months - Wearing My Testimony

"The education of any people should begin with the people themselves..."

The Mis-Education of the Negro

Carter G. Woodson

The dialogue, uplifting posts, new friends, prayers and support that I've received of late from my online family brought to mind Carter G. Woodson's quote above. That's what we are doing through our blogs, web sites, Fotki albums, LockItUp and other groups - educating our people, beginning with our people. That's empowering and fulfilling.

I posted recently about someone who read my entire blog - beginning to end. It blew me away while vividly reminding me of me when I first discovered SL. I read Sandy's site - from her installation to 5 years of loc'dom. I stalked that site reading it through at least 3-4 times. I was simply fascinated by this discovery of mine...a kinda "weird" feeling - natural awakenings perhap? (wink to RJQ) I was convicted of two things: 1.) that Sisterlocks were the answer for me; 2.) that I wanted to document my story as well. (As my locks matured through each stage, I used Sandy's site as a reference.)

You can't imagine my pride at helping to open the door for another. And I've come to learn there are others who have done the same. Anonymous wrote:

I just wanted to say that your blog helped me with my decision to get Sisterlocks. I have been locked now for 9 weeks and can't remember the last time I was this happy with my natural hair. I've given your blog to those that are interested in getting Sisterlocks and have heard all good things. I'm one of those people that have read your blog from beginning to end and now that I have Sisterlocks I go back to see what was happening with your hair each month and it gives me a heads up for what to expect. Thanks for taking the time to document your journey for all of us.

(Mad love to Anonymous, JTM and RJQ, new friends...and blessings. Shoutout to my gurl Char in Cali - you always got me, gurl! I appreciate you.)

As I continue to experience this "cultural awakening," I can share with others who will, in turn, share with others and others....whether they embrace it or not. But rockin' some slammin, neat, funky, NATURAL Sisterlocks is one of the BEST method of sistuhs beginning to educate sistuhs 'cause we wear our testimony!

Tomorrow I'm 21 months on loc'down and still luvin it. Check out these great pics below that Gigi took at my retightening on Saturday. She has to submit photos to continue her certification, a requirement every two years. The photos demonstrate to the home office that she's upholding the SL method in which parting and sectioning are very important. Look how precise her work is - luv that sistuh!

I know the initial installation cost may throw some - it threw me. But I was drawn to SL. My mind was so made up. I sacrificed and saved until I had enough because I knew that I knew that I knew that SL were for me. I'm willing to pay for the kind of professionalism, experience and quality I get from a certified consultant with Gigi's experience. I've paid more to sit and wait 4-6 hours for someone to put harmful chemicals in my hair - and did it religiously until an internal restlessness wouldn't allow me to continue.

The beauty of Sisterlocks is - should I CHOOSE to care for them myself - I can. I'm no longer enslaved by my hair - but free because of it. And the journey continues...

Braidout: Put hair in about 20 braids, spritz with Lottabody/water combo, tuck ends under. Take down next morning, finger comb. Pull sides up, clip and go! This style has lasted over a week now and still going strong. At night I pull into a pony and go to sleep. Ahhh! The liberating freedom of Sisterlocks.

How Do You?

Now that I'm getting some length, I was curious how others maintain their locks. Please answer the following questions:

1. How do you wear you hair to bed?

2. If you cover your locks with anything, what?

3. What do you do with your locks during showers? Shower cap? Pull them up?

4. How often do you wash your locks?

This photo: At almost 21 months - Caruso set, locks pulled back and clipped

Blogging & Making A Difference

I often receive such wonderful blog comments that touch, move and motivate me. This past week I have been blessed with a renewed excitement about blogging and helping others to cross over to the world of Sisterlocks. One sister read my blog from beginning to end! That's something I would do. Their words below...

I have finished reading your blog from beginning to present. You have such an excellent blog. It is completely TOP OF THE LINE.

I learned so much here. I have been able to hold true to my desire to have Sisterlocks™. I actually used your blog and Creyole's blog to not only educate myself but my husband as well about Sisterlocks™.

In conclusion, please, Please, PLEASE keep doing what you are doing,because it is such a HUGE help for those of us who are "on our way home" to Sisterlock™.

Another wrote:

I enjoyed visiting your blogspot. You are an inspiration. Indeed, your entire site with you and your beautiful friends, makes a fine tribute to the beauty of having sisterlocks.

Another:

As I look at whom you are at this point and compare it to the BlaqKofi you were when you started your Sisterlocks journey. I am like wow look at how God works; first of all you were already inspiring, cool, with an awesome smile. But now, you are anointed with a "certain" glow.

Thank you for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you to inspire women on how complete we can feel when we stop trying to alter God's creations -- Ourselves!

These comments and the fact that one has made a consultation appointment with Gigi made me feel so good and renewed that excitement I had when I first discovered Sisterlocks and knew they were for me. You know, the "I want to tell the world about Sisterlocks feeling."

For me, this is what it's all about - helping others to learn about their natural hair, showing the ease and versatility of Sisterlocks and being proud of our God given features.

We don't need no "As The Locks Turn" or "Sisterlocksville" drama. It's NOT about who commented or didn't comment or who visited whose blog or how many hits one gets. The larger and more important work is as my visitor stated, it's about helping those who are "on their way home to Sisterlocks."

To our soon-to-be-locked Sister and everyone else who visits and comments - thank you for blessing me! You know what I always say, "It's natural to be natural."

In this photo: Almost 21 months, Caruso curl set with sides pinned back over the ears. Plus my new earrings. :-)