A Visit With Paulette

Yesterday I was in Detroit visiting with the very lovely Paulette. Her new shop Locks4Life is now open. The product junkie in me just couldn't resist buying a couple of Loc Socs from her new display. I've been wanting to try one for a while but the website has been under construction. Last I heard, some folks were still having trouble with the site so I'm not sure of its status. I guess it would be safe to send an email to the owner before making a purchase. They are advertised to be very very versatile.

Back Down Memory Lane

Over the weekend I attended a fantastic natural get together here in town hosted by Linda. I can't say enough of how awesome it was and I even got to meet fellow local blogger Mali as well. It made me realize that I've met a lot of good wholesome folks doing this LockItUp and Blogging thing. Gals who live in California, New York, Philly, Detroit, Miami, Dallas, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, etc., etc. The fun is no where near over. I know I still have plenty more folks out there to meet. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to go back down memory lane.

Napptural Gathering in Cleveland

Whoohoo! A Napptural gathering where I only had to drive 20 minutes to get there courtesy of Ms. Cheleskilove. Everyone is so beautiful and down to earth. I loved seeing our natural diversity of hair and common bond that brought us together....self love to a higher power. When you're in the company of folks who know who they are, what they want and are on a mission to get it, I don't see how you can go wrong. I send much love and blessings to all of my new napptural buddies.

More Buddies in the Flesh

When Paulette told me she was having a second Sisterlock Meet & Greet, I told her I had to invite my blog buddies in the area. I was doing cartwheels when both Ree-C and Tnappykinky said they could attend. Once again, I was feeling like Miss Celie--reunited with my long lost sisters. Ree-C is so pretty and sweet beyond words. Tnappykinky is so lovely and full of so much energy. She had everybody rolling on the floor laughing. Thanks again ladies. It was my pleasure to meet you both! Additional pics in my Fotki album as well.

I Had a Ball Yall

Whenever I get the opportunity to fellowship with other Sisterlocked ladies and friends, it is a real special treat. Paulette hosted her 2nd Sisterlock Meet & Greet and I had such a wonderful time. Thanks Paulette!

Workplace Diversity

I am so happy to write that at my job there are a few other ladies sporting natural hairdos. Since all of us happen to work on the same floor in the same building, I absolutely love the naptural diversity. What a statement we make and I love it!!

Charity's Big Fro

Sonya's Lil Fro

Bridgette's Traditional Locks

Lunch with Linda

Today was such a beautiful day here in Cleveland. An Absolutely perfect day for a lunch outing. Fellow blogger Linda and myself met at the Cheesecake Factory. DFW ladies, talk about a coincidence. I was about to fall out of my chair when I saw you all's invitation. So I guess when you visit somebody's blog everyday you must start to think like them.

Of course Linda and I immediately recognized each other in the waiting area. We talked while we waited for our table. We talked when we sat down. Took some photos and talked. We ate and talked. We talked and talked and talked. Nothing like being in the presence of good company and a genuine good spirit. Linda and her Sisterlocks are so pretty. I had such a good time meeting with her. We definitely have to do it again. Perhaps more ladies will be able to join us next time.

Small World

I know it is a cliche but when folks say "It's a small world" they are not kidding.

My mother and I got to meet Detra's mom Carnella at Sunday's dinner. Carnella lived in Cleveland initially but moved to Columbus when Detra was a little girl. Carnella told us about two of her first cousins Bobby and Percy Womack. Well Percy was a bus driver for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and guess what...so is my mom. It just so happens that my mother knew Percy and even told us a story about the time she was about to be late for work and Percy gave her the keys to his Cadillac so she would make it on time. Sadly, Percy is now passed and he was Carnella's favorite cousin. Whew, talk about a tear jerker moment.

People come in and out of our lives for many reasons. I've learned to cherish these reasons for both the good and the bad.

I don't know if it's just me or not, but I swear Detra's mom reminds me of Alice Walker. Or maybe I still have too much Color Purple on the brain.

Dinner in Columbus, OH

On Sunday night, the three C's of Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati) got together and had a ball! We ate dinner at the Brownstone on Main restaurant located in downtown Columbus. The atmosphere was very chic and trendy with a bit of soul added. Our waiter delivered fantastic service and the food was quite tasty.


When Virginia, my mother (Rose) and myself arrived at the restaurant, Connie was already in the lobby waiting. Connie drove from Cincinnati. Her three year old locks are simply breathtaking and she is such a warm and kind spirit. I am so delighted she joined us.
Columbus native Cne arrived next. Her 13 month locks are just too cute.
Can you believe she's about to be a grandmother? She practically looks like a teenager herself.

And last I got to meet another one of my fellow Blog Queens in the flesh...Detra. It was Detra who inquired about a Columbus gathering on LockItUp since she was home visiting from Dallas. Thank goodness she did. I enjoyed meeting her and her mom Carnella very much.

NY Sistah Love Gathering

I went to New York over the weekend with the beautiful ladies of GRITS from Dallas. I was accompanied by my mother. I absolutely loved the Broadway Color Purple Musical and especially enjoyed meeting my fellow Sisterlock Divas live and in the flesh. It was simply marvelous.

Virginia - New SL Convert

Hey folks. Virginia is my latest Sisterlock convert. She's been at the company I work at for about 6 years. She told me she was considering Sisterlocks a year ago but chickened out. Since Virginia was already half way over the fence, of course
I gave her that extra push into hair freedom that she needed. The rest is history now!

Two Precious Locked Heads

Last night I was out with a friend having some superb margaritas and appetizers at Lopez restaurant. I could not help but notice a locked head in front of me at a table over. When I saw the little one with the baby locks, I was swept away. A good blog opportunity was about to go to waste had it not been for my friend's camera phone. I boldly tapped on Nicki's shoulder and sparked up a conversation. She politely obliged my photograhing her and the little one's lovely locks. I find it is a lot easier to be so forthcoming with fellow locked heads. Very interesting indeed. Anyway, I think they are absolutely adorable.