Could it be I stayed away too long?

You ladies are the best and I have missed you all immensely! Thanks for the warm welcome back (Shout outs to Chosen Vessel, Sunsail, Blaq, Jen and Brenda!!!) I've been busy wrapping us this school year, working on another degree and catching up on everyone's blogs. Everyone's hair is looking marvelous and so many of you have had tremendous growth (inwardly and outwardly). I look forward to more reading and more sharing this summer.

Yours in Locks,
Me :)

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I'm in a little lock funk right now...

I am so bored with my hair!!! While the added length has been a good thing over the years, it honestly has made my hair more difficult to syle. My lock puffs aren't puffy anymore, it takes a whole day to roll it and now that my locs are condensing they just hang straight with very little fullness. What's a girl to do? Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

(The pics below show my hair the day of my last retightening, the eve before and yesterday's freestyle and quick updo)

Thanks!

I've Been Tagged!

Thanks to everyone who’s visited my blog lately and especially to those of you who took the time to leave comments. While looking over my comments today, Maryee informed me that I’d been tagged on her site.

So, here it goes…

Five Facts My Readers Don’t Know about Me

1. I am a professional gospel singer. What can I say? I simply love lifting up His name through song. To me, music touches the heart in ways that nothing else can. I was a member of the Georgia Mass Choir (perhaps best known for their accompaniment to Whitney Houston in “The Preacher’s Wife”) but currently perform as a solo artist.

2. I attended Georgia State University and was amongst the inaugural group of students who had the opportunity to live in the Centennial Olympic Village once lived in by athletes from all over the world during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA.

3. My favorite color is Green. In fact, if you review most of the pictures on this site you’ll find that I have on more green clothing than any other. Most of the furniture in my home and the majority of my décor is green as well. Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth,renewal, health, and environment. It brings me a sense of peace and calm. Heck, if I could get away with green hair I would dye it in a heartbeat !

4. My eyes change colors. Yes, I know it sounds bizarre but it’s true. I think it has something to do with the reflection of light or the colors that I am wearing, but my eye color can range from hazel to green to gray.See for yourself.

5. If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be the US Virgin Islands. There is no place more beautiful in the entire world than St.Thomas. I’m going to retire there one day.

Thanks for the tag Maryee!

Who’s Next??

Karen

Blaqkofi

Linda

Hanging Tough

No, this is not a post about New Kids on the Block (get it? They had a song called Hanging Tough...okay, nevermind :)! I just had to share some quick pics from my soft spike set. It's now day six of my soft spike set and I still have curls. My hair has always had good hang time but this is crazy! No setting lotion, no foam, no holding spray...just plain ole' water (I rolled it partly damp and its been raining all week!) and they are still hanging tough. I've enjoyed they way they've fallen gracefully each day. I'm gonna be sad to wash them out. Wow, I gotta try this styling thing more often.

The top two pics are from Day 6, the bottom two are from Day 3

Hair is fun again!

Many people have asked why I colored my hair. The answer is very simple...I hated it! Not, my sisterlocks of course, I hated the faded color that had taken over half of my strands. Now when it first started to grow out, it was kind of cute with the two tones and all. But then I started noticing that I did not like any of the photos I took in which the color really stood out. It worked sometimes and sometimes it just didn't. Finally one day I took a picture of my hair out in the sunlight and it looked a hot mess. After that the search was on for a new color. I looked for many, many months and finally just gave up. Then this past Friday, I decided it was time to do something. I went to CVS, found a color I liked and just did it. I'm so glad I did. I look forward to styling or not and get this...going out in the sunlight. Now, having sisterlocks is fun again.

Now Presenting...My New Hair Color!

Greetings,
Well finally after almost 2 years, I re-dyed my hair. I'd been debating it for a while, but I just couldn't take the two-toned look anymore. I was going back and forth between lighter and darker tones and then decided to go with something closer to my natural color. The color I used is Rich Golden Brown by Feria (I always used their line prior to locking, I like that it doesn't deposit a single flat color). It looks much darker on these photos, but you get the point. I'm going to take a few outside shots to get that perspective later. I am much happier with my hair color now! I'll probably go a little lighter in the summmer, but for now this will work. Check me out below...

My New Camera

Greetings,

Well I've finally purchased a new camera. At the suggestion of the Hair Snapping Diva (thanks B!), I decided to go with the Canon Powershot SD800 IS Digital Elph (Okay the name is a bit long). I've only played around with it for a little bit now, but I think I like it. It has far more features that even I can figure out, but I'm sure as I use it a bit more I'll get the hang of it. More pics to come soon (after I retighten my hair, my face clears up and I lose a whole lot more weight...I look a hot mess in these pics;)!

See you soon,
KDL

Since you asked about the weight loss...

Many of you asked about my weight loss. Well, I'm here to tell you it wasn't any magic diet or plan, I joined Weight Watchers. In July of 2006, I basically had gotten to the point where food had become my vice to deal with all the stress I was enduring. From losing my grandma, to missing my DH, the death of a co-worker and a student, and so-on it was a tough time. I didn't realize just how much weight I'd gained until I (get this) looked at some photos I'd taken of my hair. Now, I'm only about 5 ft. 2 and have always been on the petite side, but wearing clothes in the double digits was not even cute on my small frame.

So, at the advice of a friend I went to a Weight Watchers meeting and was instantly hooked. The thing I love about the program is that it is so simple and I still eat what I want. It just made sense to me. The first week I lost 4 lbs, 1.5 the next, 2, then 3, then .5 and finally 23 pounds. The biggest difference has been in my energy level, I just feel better overall and knowing that I'm doing something so loving for myself has just put me on such a high! I even gained a couple of pounds back over my 2 week holiday vacation and its already coming off.

If you are considering losing weight or looking for something that is simple and effective...it might be worth it to you to check it out. I'll gladly share some tips and basic pointers if anyone's interested.

Be blessed and take care of yourself TODAY!

Fall Pictures

I'm still here!

Happy New Year!

Greetings Friends and Lock Buddies. Wow, it is simply amazing how quickly time flies by. Seems like just yesterday I was fretting over my hair (actually it was just yesterday;-) or missing my DH (who has now been home for about 2.5 months). There really isn't a good explanation for my absence on my blog, I've just been really busy adjusting to all the changes I've endured this past year. It was a rough one, but through God's Grace I'm proud to say I've made it. Things are on the up and up, I've lost over twenty pounds and I feel better than ever. I just wanted to check in and let everyone know that I sincerely appreciate those of you who've ever stopped by, left comments or sent me an email. Your words of encouragement and support has made all the difference. I've posted a few pics above, you'll notice that they aren't very clear (most of them were taken on my camera phone) and I guess if there was a reason for my absence here, I'd have to say its due to the fact that my camera is on its last leg. I am replacing it later this month for a much better one. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or reviews.

In the meantime,
Be blessed today and take care of yourself!

--Katika

It's My Anniversary!!!!

Three years ago today, my sisterlocks were born. Join me in celebrating !!! I'll be posting my official anniversary photos after the DH returns on October 20th.

Wow, time sure flies when you're happy, nappy and free!

 

Blogger issues, the DH and my Toni Pony

Hi All,

I've been having some problems with blogger and have been unable to log in or view my page. I guess all is well now. Anyway, thank you all for your hair color suggestions and such. I think I'm going to take Lachanda's advice and leave it as is for a little while longer. Besides, I have some pretty important business to tend to now that....(drumroll please) My DH is coming home!!!! Yes, after 17 long months he is finally coming home. I don't know the exact date yet, but it should be real soon. I was debating whether or not I should wait until he's home or post about it now, but I decided to share the news anyway as I really need your prayers through this transition and waiting period. I've been about to pull out each and everyone of my 500+ sisterlocks due to the anxiety over it all (there's the hair tie-in). And speaking of hair-ties, let me just say one more time...I love Brunsli's hairties. The toni is the single most, greatest hair accessory I've ever found for my locks. Even my bad hair days are cute with my 'toni' pony as I call it. So, let me just publicly say thank you Brunsli for helping a sister out with the hair AND thank you to each of you who've ever whispered a little prayer for my sweetie. I know it is through your prayers and others that we have made it through this tough time apart.

Many Blessings,
K. Lovett-Wright

P.S. I promise to post more pics soon...

Your Opinions Please...

Greetings Friends! I'm just doing a quick check in. I haven't posted in a few weeks now and really have nothing new to report. Not much has changed with the hair, except for the fact that my curls are no longer. Can you believe they were holding steady for over 3 weeks. I finally had to wash my hair (what can I say, I'm a freestyler at heart) earlier this week. That coupled with the fact that Brunsli has me addicted to wearing my hair up again really hasn't made for anything exciting to share. However, I would like to get your opinion on my latest hair dilema...the color. I am fast approaching my 3 year anniversary with sisterlocks and to celebrate I've decided to dye my hair. If you look closely at most of my pics, you'll notice that my hair is 2 toned. I have really grown weary of the 2 tone look and am looking to decide on 1 color. I'm deciding between my natural color (the darkest part closest to scalp) and the honey brownish color on the ends with highlights. I just can't decide! Any thoughts??? 

My favorite collage to date...

I know you've seen a couple of these pics in the last post, but I loved this collage so much I just had to share. I made this for a card I sent my DH. I must admit I was really feeling my hair that day. I'll be updating with new pics real soon. I received my hairties (thanks B!) and must share my new lock puff! Stay tuned...

 

Finally, the Curls Have Fallen...and Reflections on SSP's

Whew, that was a rough one. My hair has been hanging tough for almost four days!!! I think I'll leave the curly look to Tra (who has the cutest curls I've seen by the way:-). Finally, my hair has fallen to the soft curl look that I like most. In case you can't tell from the pics I'm much happier now.

As I was reviewing my photos, I realized something that I thought was quite funny. I use the same poses over and over in all my ssp's (self-self portraits as DG calls them). Check out this collage I put together of me almost three years ago (34 months) compared to now. I could never be America's Next Top Model :-)...well on second thought...



Peace,
kl

Back to My Roots...the Retightening Update

As I shared in my last post, I really haven't had my hair professionally retightened in almost 6 months. Honestly, I had so many things going on I just didn't feel like dealing with the hair. Well, I finally got my head done and surprisingly I still have hair left! It only took about 6 hours which is just an hour longer than normal (I have mostly small/medium sisterlocks, about 550 or so). I'll let you in on a little secret though...I think I prefer my hair with the new growth unlocked. I tried curling it a little bit for something different. Hopefully the curls will fall some real soon (I am a die-hard freestyler!). But, I thought I'd share my updated photos with you all anyway. Later,
klw

Before Retightening: (can you find my scalp in all this hair?)

















After Retightening: (the parts are back!!!)

Here's the story (Locs, Interrupted...Part 2)

There’s something about the death of loved ones that forces you to become introspective. After the loss of my grandma, I was immediately forced to take a long look at my own life. I’ve been going through a world of change ever since. I decided to focus less on my hair (hence this posting’s title) and more on those things that really mattered in my world. I am proud to say that I have made several changes:

I am starting a new position in August! I will remain an educator, but am working with a different age group in hopes of affecting change on a different level. I am sooo excited about my new job. After many interviews and many on the spot job offers (5 to be exact), I decided to take the last offer. I really feel like it was all a test of my faith, Daddy was saving the best for last.

I have recommitted to a total health approach. Being an Adventist, one of the things that is stressed in the church is health and temperance. I’ve changed my eating habits and life style and am happy to report that I’ve lost quite a few pounds and feel better than ever.

Finally, I officially opened my graphics design and printing company, She Designs, Inc. We had our first major job this month and the client loved our work. I am excited about what the future holds for my company.

So, for those who’ve asked and those who’ve stopped by…that’s why I’ve been missing in action. I had to take a break from my hair to focus on bettering me (and have almost 5 months of new growth to prove it!) I have a retightening appointment coming up next week and if I have any hair left :-), I’ll be sure a post an update.

Until next time,
Stay encouraged!!!
-klw

Locs, Interrupted...(Stay tuned for an update!)

 

Don't Try This at Home!

Okay, well if you read my last post I mentioned that I had worn my hair in a ponytail during my grandmother's illness and in her passing. To be honest, I just wasn't feeling the hair very much. Besides, I had far more things to work on and be concerned with (I designed her funeral program...see the last post).

Anyway, as a result of my hair being pulled back, and my need for a retightening I decided it was best to use a little bit of gel (eek!) and mousse (yuck!) to tame the growing halo around my head.

Well as it turns out, gel and mousse are not the best products for locks (duh!!). I had buildup for days, and it wasn't that little flaky gel buildup. It was sticky, icky buildup. I was terrified at the thought of what my hair would look like if I couldn't remove it. So, here's what I did...

I soaked my hair in a concoction of veggie wash, clarifying shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and (shutter) Krud Kutter! Yep, Krud Kutter. I was so desperate and determined to remove the buildup that I lost my mind! However, I am happy to report...my hair is free of buildup and surprisingly pretty soft. I guess I must have stripped everything out, cause my scalp was a little dry, but its all good now. A few EO spritzes and all is well.

Just don't EVER try this at home.

Be blessed,

KLW

My Natural Inspiration

Greetings Friends,

Hi everyone! It feels like I haven't blogged all year. I have been dealing with some incredibly challenging situtations here lately and just haven't had a chance to focus on my hair or my blog. March 2006 is definitely one of the most memorable months of my life so far. Let me explain..
First of all, my birthday was on March 10. Unfortunately, I don't have any great birthday celebration stories to share. I did have dinner with friends and my fam even threw me a small surprise party the next day. However, this birthday is one that I'll never forget.

On my birthday, my grandmother (and natural hair inspiration--she never had a perm, color or straightened her hair!!) suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Well, initially it was though to be a mini stroke, however after the doctors at the hospital ran several tests it was determined that she was very sick. As it turns out, we spent the next two weeks at the hospital. I took a leave of absence from teaching (not that I'm complaining) and spent everyday with my family. After that the doctors determined that they'd done all that could be done and we decided to bring her home to take care of her there (my mother, aunt and father all are medical professionals). On the eve of her return home, she died peacefully in her sleep (March 25, which also happens to be the 1 year anniversary of my DH's departure for Iraq). I guess I've been a little down and to be honest, I just haven't felt much like dealing with my hair (I spent the month of March with my hair pulled back :-(

However, I decided to do a quick wash and retighten the front and once again ...I'm in love with my sisterlocks. Its like doing my hair just brings me peace or something. Anyway, I don't mean to just ramble I'm just trying to get back in the saddle. I missed you guys!! I must get caught up with reading everyone's blogs and I promise to provide some updates real soon.

Peace and blessings,
KLW