Sunday, December 1, 2013

Winter!

OMG! I haven't been on here in forever! My life has been interesting thus far. I no longer work at the school that had the shooting. I am now at a middle school. Talk about culture shock! I am going to try and hang in there. This will be the challenge of my school career. If I can survive middle school, I can survive anything!

Anyway, I have learned how to use #instacollage, and would like to share one of my pics with you.  Tell me how you like it!

Left:: Natural Hair Show, Atlanta, Oct, 2012
Top Right: Cigarette ad audition, New Jersey, 1989
Bottom Right: Jacob Javits Center, New York, 1986






 

Thursday, October 31, 2013

THE ARTS REPORTER OCT 30 SEASON 6 EPISODE 2

http://www.youtube.com/v/NKGtchYA_p0?autohide=1&version=3&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=Hg4HO12YEWh_-cYYofjQ5w&autohide=1&feature=share&autoplay=1


Check us out on the Arts Reporter TV show! Love it!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

SunDay!

Well fall has arrived and it kind of snuck in. We have had such hot weather here in the ATL, I never thought it would get cool. Yesterday was about 80 degrees. Whew! I had on long sleeves. However, my partner and I did a vending session at a Mother/Daughter event. We did okay, should have done better, but once the play was over, people exited the side door. The house was packed, so if at least half of the patrons had visited us, we would have done phenomenal. Oh well. We sold quite a bit of our shea butter body mousse and crystal bracelets. Below you will see a sample of our Butter, and jewelry.



Whipped Shea Butter Body Mousse. Looks good enough to eat!


An array of chrystal bracelets and Afro Centric Jewelry.



Body Mousse, ready for shipment.


Summer has come to an end on this beautiful SunDay! Now is the time to put away the shorts, sandals, and short sleeve blouses. I look forward to sharing with you my winter wear and how to stay warm and cozy.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

I Am Not Feeling It.

Hello. I feel as if I have been gone for quite some time. Well, we never made it to the baseball game. Instead we we to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant and had great conversation. We slurped on our favorite soup and rice dishes, then we came up to chill.

Here is it Tuesday, and wow, my journey at my new school hasn't commenced to three month. Yet, I feel as if I have been there for 3 years. I don't know if I want to get into depth what is going on, but the data is out there. Let's just say......I am not feeling it. More to come.


Sunday, September 22, 2013

What If I Had Filmed It?

Well, we decided not to attend the baseball game. Instead we went to our fav Vietnamese restaurant! We indulged in some great conversation. My kids are 18 and 13, and they would rather have lunch with mom than go to a boring baseball game. By the way, the Braves lost 0-4 against San Diego. Now, if I get some Falcons tickets....we will be there with bells on our toes!

Nothing more has come through for us at work, but the bookkeeper is reaping the benefits. I don't think she is going to be returning to work. Hell, I wouldn't either, and I would milk it for all it's worth. I was just thinking about what happened after the incident. I wished I had filmed it, because seeing is believing. I was the last person to talk to Ms. Tuff as we walked back to the school. Prior to walking back to the school, Ms. Tuff was in the police car. The car door opened, and she got out and sat down on the curb. I was standing in the yard behind her and I saw her put her head down in her lap. As I walked down the slope to her, I knew she was crying. As she sat on the curb and cried, I tried to comfort her, by rubbing her back, and telling her she did the right thing. She saved us all. She lifted her head up, and wiped her face. She said I am going back to the school because I want to go home. I told her I was going to follow her.

We took off walking back to the school. I could not keep up with her pace, because I was in pain. That is why I did not go to Walmart. As I walked behind her, she got on the phone and asked a relative if they would come and get her. She told them she would not be able to get her car, because of where it was parked. We walked passed all of the ermergency vehicles that lined the street, and not one officer said anything to us. As we approached the school, we could see the yellow tape around the entrance, and the car that was blown up. A motorcylce officer blocked the road leading to my car, and other officers guarded the front of the school.

I asked the motorcycle officer if I could get my belongings and go home. Ms. Tuff continued to speak on the phone to her relative. He told me no, because it was a crime scene. I was basically tired, stressed, in pain and ready to snap! Which is what I did. I started crying and told that officer I wanted to go home to my family. He told me he would get the Captain over to see what could be done. The captain never arrived, and I became more distraught. I started walking towards the officers in front of the school with tears streaming down my face. As I walked in the street, and officer asked me why I wasn't walking on the sidewalk across the street. I stopped where I was, and looked at the car they had blown up. All of the doors (4) were opened as well as the trunk and hood. I looked at the officer and told him I wanted to go home, and I needed to speak to someone in charge. He also told me it was a crime scene, and I told him where my car is located is not roped off. He said he would find someone for me to speak to.

I turned around and went back to where Ms. Tuff stood, still talking on the phone. I continued to cry, because by now I was ready to go home. I can't remember the time. As I stood there and cried, another officer in plainclothes came over, and asked me if I was ok. I emphatically told him NO, I said I need to go home to my family, and he said calm down, let me see what I can do. I did not know he was the captain, and he was going to let me get my purse and car and go home. An officer employed by the school system, came back with a key to the gym, which he did not need because the doors was wide open. I got my purse and keys to my car, got in my car and headed home to my family. The last time I saw Ms. Tuff, she was standing calmly on the side by the motorcycle officer waiting for a family member to come and get her.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Honored

The country has been there for my school. We have received many phone calls and cards from so many caring people from all parts of the world. I was able to go to a Bob Baldwin concert, get Atlanta Dream tickets (women's pro basketball team), Brave tickets, and there is more to come I am sure. Thank you to all of the people who wrote my school after the "Miracle on Second Avenue." I want to share our celebrations with you.

The banner for our celebration at the school. 

The plaque we received from the school district.

Ticket to the game today.

I have 5 tickets.
My boys want to go to the game. There will be many peoplt there from the school family. Baseball is so boring to me, but I have no choice but to take them since I got the tickets. I will let you know if we attend the game.


Saturday, August 24, 2013

Follow Me On Instagram

http://instagram.com/naturalista54?ref=badge

I'm Back

Hello,

I have not posted anything since Mother's Day. Well, I am back with a vengeance.  I have started a new year at a new school. As you all know, I am a Health & P.E. Teacher. My new school is Ronald McNair Discovery Learning Academy. We have only been back to school for two weeks, and this week proved to be challenging. Most of you are probably aware that there was a shooting at my school. I am happy to be alive! I do believe it was meant for Ms. Tuff to be at the front desk that afternoon. Funny enough, I was in the front office that morning answering the phones. Apparently, God has bigger plans for everyone in that school including me, and I look to fulfilling them.

The name says it all.

Evacuating through the neighbor's yard

Me standing in the left hand corner not knowing what to do.
I look forward to chatting with you all again. I fail to mention that I have started my own business which will be up and running on the web very soon. I will post items that will be for sell. If you would like to purchase, you can via paypal. Have a Super Saturday! I am!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

HELLO!

It has been some time since I have been here. I have embarked on a new adventure, and the majority of my time has been spent on that. I promise, I will update my blog soon and let you in on what I have been doing!



My honey bought this black & white dress for me for Mother's Day! Boy, was I surprised! Can't wait to wear it for him.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

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Sunday, March 10, 2013

Sunshiny Sunday

It was a beautiful day in the neighbor, and I thought I would get out with my boys, but only one opted to go. We had a great time. We decided to get sandwiches, chips and lemonade and head to the local park. He wanted to eat immediately, and I said we needed to exercise before eating (if not, we would have been done, before we started). Ian had brought his bicycle so he could exercise easily and listen to his ipod. Well, I am an old schooler, so I exercised the way I did in the '70's, 80's, 90's and still to this date. What is my favorite form of exercise....rollerskating. That's right! I am an avid disco skater...still. How many of you can "Rock Skate, Roll Bounce" and jam to the music at the same time. While I skate, I listen to songs I have downloaded on my ipod. I have some serious skate music. Enjoy the pictures!

My 4th pair of skates.

Keeping fit!

Fun, fun, fun!

I was skating backwards. I have been skating for 44 years. I will never tire of it.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Are you Supposed to Comb 4c Hair?

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Natural Hair Care: Are you Supposed to Comb 4c Hair?: The runway worthy, GlamFun , shares her philosophy on detangling and styling 4c hair.

New Vision


I have joined the "independent fashion bloggers" site, and I have gotten quite a bit of insight about different types of blogs. There are so many blogs out there it is almost overwhelming, not quite, but....... almost. You have to be discerning enough to know what holds your interest are you just curious about other people, or are you just plain inquisitive (nosy). I am interested in a little bit of everything. The world wide web (www) has made the world smaller, so people like us can connect and network without ever coming face to face. I look forward to chatting with you about fashion, and how it has evolved. I will share with you pictures of my fashions through-out the years. With spring approaching, I thought I would share some different looks for shorts. Enjoy!

On the River Thames

Spaghetti Strap Top: Newport News
Shorts: BCBG Maxazaria
Belt: New York and Company
Wedge Leather Thong: BCBG

Blouse: Maxx
Shorts: Seven7
Wedge Sandals: Moda

Blouse: Tahari
Shorts: New York & Company
Wedge Sandals:  Cole Hahn

Friday, March 1, 2013

Back in the Day

Well, here I am modeling a Sture Osten wig. The color was called African Blonde. This is the wig Whitney Houston wore in her first video. The wig, was going to be mine, but since she wanted it, she picked out another one for me to have. That’s the other African Blonde wig I’m wearing in the picture below. I sure did enjoy the shoot! Photographer: Zur, ca. 1987. 
 
They would not let me keep the wig above, so they gave me this one. I still have it.

The Ponytail. I had to return this hairpiece as well. I love this picture. Aaaah youth!
You have seen my many faces. I modeled when I lived in New York, and I am going to post one of my favorite pictures. The hair accessory I am modeling was from a company called Sture Osten. They are no longer in business, but they made some fabulous hair pieces. Whitney Houston had her Sture Osten wig customized for her first video,  “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Super Saturday, Solo Sunday


Yesterday was a great day. I visited one of my favorite places in the area where I live. SoJe Emporium introduced a new vendor.
New vendor. Consignment with Style         
The introduction was well thought out, and I enjoyed the way the new vendor introduced new patrons to SoJe Emporium.

Coat: Guess
Cord Slacks: New York and Company
Turtle Neck Sweater: New Port News
Necklace: RoseStevens



Shoes: Neil Cavuto
I put together this ensemble to enjoy my day of networking and socializing. I could become a hostess at this place and make some moulah.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Fantastic Friday!

It is Friday, and I have not visited since Wednesday. I am glad it is Friday, because I need the break. We had Monday off, but it sure does not feel like it! I was posting pictures of me in wigs. I have been wearing wigs for quite some time, and a have modeled a few as well.  I am going to post a vintage picture of me in a wig. I was in modeling at the Jacob Javits Center at a trade show. The wig I have on was provided by the guy who did Madonna's hair in the early 80's. Enjoy!

The year was 1986. I had a blast at this show. Actually, I do believe this was the first year the Jacob Javits Center opened.
Wow! I had a blast at the Convention Center! This was the last show I did in New York City, as a resident. I moved to California the same year. I used to always show my abs (core) because I was in tip top shape. I was and still am in the fitness industry (lifelong commitment).  I figured since I had worked hard for it, I might as well flaunt it. And, I still got it!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Naturalista&Lovin'It!: Terrific Tuesday!

Naturalista&Lovin'It!: Terrific Tuesday!: Hello. Today I will post the other pictures of my wig styles. It is so liberating to wear a different hairstyle everyday and know it is not ...

Terrific Tuesday!

Hello. Today I will post the other pictures of my wig styles. It is so liberating to wear a different hairstyle everyday and know it is not weave. Tell me what you think!


I love this wig. It was given to me by this company,
that is no longer making wigs. I got this wig in 1987.



Wig: Sture Osten (acrylic)
Sweater: Gifted
Skirt: Bob Mackie
Boots: Anne Klein Couture ( 1991)

I like this hairpiece as well. One of my students said I look like
Janet Jackson......then she asked me for my autograph. How sweet is that!

Wig: No name brand (human hair)
Turtle neck: Newport News
Skirt: Newport News

Channeling Barbara Jordan. Do you know who she is?
Do tell.

Wig: Junee Fashion (acrylic)
Blouse: Maxx
Suit: Vintage BeBe
Jewelry: Ask (for sale)
Well, there you go. Those were my looks for last week. I hope I can inspire you to strive to be different and put forth a professional look. Sometime, it is hard for people to deal with change in other people. I like changing my appearance. As a model, that is what we do........change our appearance, for what ever reason. Why do you change your appearance?

Below is my look for Terrific Tuesday. Enjoy! I celebrated my 54th birthday yesterday!

Casual elegance for today.

Shirt: Cynthia Rowley
Slack: Cynthia Rowley
Shoes: Marc Fisher
Necklace: Ask about (for sale)


See above description


I enjoy dressing. I have always liked to dress to please me. When I look good, I feel good. I am 54 years young, and have no qualms about telling my age. Let me inspire you to strive to be the best you can be. Let's chat. Guys, you write as well. I look forward to chatting.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Monday, Monday


Good Day,

It is Monday, and not only am I on holiday today, but it is also my birthday! Thanking the Man Above for allowing me to see another beautiful day with my two boys. I am so in need of an extra day off from work because, tomorrow is going to be interesting.

I have been wearing different wigs to work to ease some of the tension on my natural curls. Please tell me what you think of them. One of the wigs has sentimental value and historical value. Enjoy the
pictures.


I love my afro. I am a child of the 60's, 70's and the 80's.  This style was so cool.
How many of you remember this era in our history?

My short afro. I did not realize I look like a track star! Wilma Rudolph. I use to run like the wind.

Those are just two of the wigs I have been wearing. Tomorrow I will post my other hair attire. I must say, I did enjoy being able to change my hair styles everyday. I never thought I would ever get back into wearing wigs. They are such an integral part of people's lives, and they are a life saver. Have you ever worn a hair piece or wig? What was your experience?

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Naturalista websites!

Wow! It has been quite some time since I have visited this site. I am trying to become a blogger, but it is hard without 24/7 access. Hopefully that will change soon. As you can see I have posted 4 sites that are poplar in the natural hair community. Please enjoy.



Pamela



http://www.mhemagazine.com/
New! Magazine about the Natural Hair community.



http://www.entwinecouture.com

Entwine Naturalle Couture
Some of the best products I have ever used. Actually the first ones I tried from Facebook.

http://www.sagenaturalceuticals.com/

I am due for a visit to this wonderful store that stocks all kinds of products for Naturalistas! One stop shopping.


http://www.naturalhaircommunity.com/hair-food-for-healthy-natural-hair
https://www.facebook.com/NaturalHairCommunity?ref=stream


For great information and more visit the sites above.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Naturalista&Lovin'It!: Wow! Here it is Sunday, and everyone is watching t...

Naturalista&Lovin'It!: Wow! Here it is Sunday, and everyone is watching t...: Wow! Here it is Sunday, and everyone is watching to see who is going to the Super Bowl.......except me. All I can think about is what I shou...
Wow! Here it is Sunday, and everyone is watching to see who is going to the Super Bowl.......except me. All I can think about is what I should tell you today. I have been researching diligently for the latest and greatest updates for you beautiful Naturalistas.
 
I would really like to hear your story about your journey to becoming a Naturalista. I guess it is only fair that I tell you my story. Here it goes.
 
When I was young, my mother always "pressed" mine and my sister's hair to get it bone straight. I remember listening to my hair fry (that was the Murray's grease crackling) as she placed the HOT comb on my hair. After she had pressed my whole head, she would then place the curlers on the stove, and wait for them to get HOT. After 2 minutes, she would remove the curlers, open them up and put a piece of paper towel between them to cool them off. After they were sufficiently cooled, she would commence to curl my hair. She would do this until my whole head was curled. I used to love getting my hair pressed, because it always looked so nice. I have posted a picture below of me in the first grade with my straightened bangs.


I would get my hair straightened until 1980, then I got a Jheri Curl! I never had a perm (creamy crack), because my hair looked like I had one when it was straightened. Another term for straightened is hot combed. Many of us young black girls growing up in the  '50's, 60's, and 70's straightened our hair either chemically or using a hot comb. Would you believe I still have a hot comb in my bathroom drawer today. Below is a picture of what a typical hot comb looks like. I can hear my hair frying. I remember my mom telling me to hold my ear (bend it away from the heat) so she could press the hair behind the ear. If you did not.....whooooooweeeee, your ear would get a second degree burn! I remember getting one, because I fell asleep. Never again did I fall asleep.



The pressing comb was introduced to us by Madame C.J. Walker.  Many of you know the story. If you don't.....Google her name and educate yourselves. Below are the curling irons that were used on my head. I actually never had the flat ones used, just the round ones. I remember visiting my friend and her mother would cool her curls by clacking them together, then she would put the irons on the hair, and you could hear her hair frying to perfection.



I would sometimes wear my hair without it being pressed. Below is a picture of me in the 7th grade sporting my afro. I thought I was the coolest thing around. I had my Ben Franklin glasses, my designer sizzler outfit ( I made it), and a super afro. What more could a 12 year old want..



This was the '71, and this picture was taken for my passport. We were getting ready to visit Australia for two years. Well, I look forward to hearing about your adventures on how, when, and why you became a Naturalista, or made a major change in your life. Until next time.

The Big, Bold, Beautiful Blog: An Introduction 2 Real Beauty...

The Big, Bold, Beautiful Blog: An Introduction 2 Real Beauty...: By Editor, Xina Sy I am both strange & beautiful… This I know for sure!  Most of my life I have felt “different.” Unable t...

Friday, January 18, 2013

Beautiful!

Photo
Need no words.


Photo
What a beautiful picture. She does not need hair to define her. Fierce!



Hello my friends. How are you doing. I have not been on here in quite some time. As you can see, I have changed the face of my blog. I am now going to dedicate this blog to Naturalista's all over the world! What is a Naturalista? A Naturalista is person who decides to do away with using perm products (creamy crack) on their hair to alter the texture of the hair. We are now embracing our hair and wearing it as our fore-mother's did, but with lots of flare!. As a Naturalista, we have decided to embrace our beautiful natural locks and show the world how much we love our natural selves. Please enjoy the adventure.