Wednesday, April 28, 2010
UPDATE YOUR LINK - new blog site!!!
Please update your blog roll and tune in. More topics to be shared, more pics to be posted AND hopefully some video blogs in the future. Look forward to seeing you there family!
the orAKAle has spoken.....
Monday, March 15, 2010
Don't forget to change your subscription!!!
Monday, March 1, 2010
"Natural Connection": Cleveland, OH
As promised, this will be the first installment of the many SC gatherings we will have. I'm very excited to hopefully meet some of you who may be in the area!
The orAKAle will be briefly traveling to Cleveland, OH for business and will be in town for Tuesday, March 9th. While I will only be in town for one night, I still wanted to attempt the first EVER 'Natural Connection" meet up of SC followers.
If there are any SC family who live in the area, and are interested in meeting up, please email me at silkychronicles@gmail.com so we can plan accordingly.
More information to come all! The orAKAle has spoken.....
Website Change - PLEASE READ AND SUBSCRIBE!!!
Please update your blog roll and tune in. More topics to be shared, more pics to be posted AND hopefully some video blogs in the future. Look forward to seeing you there family!
the orAKAle has spoken.....
Upcoming Topics on the SC!!!
My goal is to hopefully foster a more open dialogue about some of the questions, concerns and new discoveries of the SC family. The series vary as you can see (below), and my hope is to cover many topics that relate to us in our everyday lives. Some may be specific to natural hair care, others may be on decision that may change our life all together! I'm looking to YOU the SC family to assist in making these series helpful, enjoyable and also fun!
Below is the list of the new series that will be implement. Please note, I am also STILL (I'm taking to long) in the process of switching over to a new and improve blog site. More details on that will come soon!
~ Question of the Week (QOTW) - My goal is to hopefully have an open dialogue about some of the questions and concerns that we all have as we continue to grow and develop in life.
~ Naturally Innovative - naturals (males and females) who have developed new creative ideas on how to style natural hair. This includes everyday AND professional looks.
~ Natural Connection - Since I am a travel (domestic and world), I would love to meet up with the followers of the SC. We can share tips, put screen names with faces (lol), and bass in our naturalness! Information for the first event coming soon!
~ Product Picks - this series will consist of products I've tried and will review for the readers. The goal is to help give you more options when seeking the right hair products for you.
~ Spiritual Food - the orAKALe always has to help the SC family grow spiritually. I hope to post as many encouraging thoughts and scripture to help you throughout your day, week, etc to help improve the overall person of my blog family.
~ Nutrition and Fitness Tips - Those who know me personally are aware that I am a semi health nut! While I plan to contribute in these areas, I am looking for a few SC member to submit weekly (or bi-weekly if you choose) nutrition/fitness tips to aid the family in living a more healthier life.
~ Guest posting - as always, I am looking for any and all who want to contribute to the SC. If you have something to say (that is positive and relates to the purpose of the blog), but all means let me hear from you!
As you can see, great and exciting things are coming family. If you would like to contribute to any of the series, email me at silkychronicles@gmail.com........the orAKAle has spoken
Friday, February 26, 2010
"Why God Closes Doors"
When God closes a door, it is the best thing that can happen to a person. While we don't understand the reasoning WHY at the time, its best to heed to his will and not fight it. You are looking at a women who had MANY doors close (some simultaneously) and was trying to get clarity on the reasoning from God. Lol....but its not my place to question....for that is were my faith steps in.
Reflect and forward as you see fit family. Have a great weekend.
" Why God Closes Doors"
JEREMIAH 10:23-24
A blockaded opportunity is a useful teaching tool. God's ultimate objective is to mold us into the image of His Son, and toward that end, He at times prevents us from doing or having something we desire.
- Closed doors prevent mistakes. Just because a path is clear does not mean it is the one God intends for us to follow. Sometimes we won't have the information we need to make a wise decision, so He bars the way either spiritually or physically. The Holy Spirit can see the whole road map for our lives, which is why we are to follow His guidance.
- Closed doors redirect our walk. Rest assured, God never leaves a willing servant with nothing to do. The alternate opportunity He has in mind will yield bigger fruit, more satisfaction, and greater glory for Him.
- Closed doors test faith and build perseverance. Waiting for the Lord to speak or act is hard, particularly when our desire has been denied. But we'll learn wisdom, patience, and trust by pausing prayerfully until He reveals His will.
- Closed doors buy us time. We are not always as prepared as we'd like to think. God may temporarily hold shut an opportunity for service until a believer is properly equipped for kingdom work.
In spite of the repeated use of "closed door" in this devotion, the real message is that God opens doors. He has created a perfect pathway for us to follow. Keep your feet on it, and you will walk over thresholds leading to service, satisfaction, and glory for your Lord.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Word Press Here I Come!!!!
I am trying something new AND I want more flexibility. The goal for 2010 is to take the blogging to the next level and I feel wordpress will help me do that. Topics include natural hair, spirituality, employment, leadership, encouragement, politics (a little bit), relationships and also healthy living habits. For those who don't know, I have a wellness blog that is separate from this and my goal is to have one FABO blog to hopefully inspire, motivate and entertain. I hope my family will still deem me important to still follow even if I leave blogger.
Well, thats it. Let me know what you think...and I hope you have a blessed day!
the orAKAle has spoken.....
Monday, February 22, 2010
Where Did Silky Go (a teaser)??
Monday, February 15, 2010
Inspiring Others w/my Naturality
Yesterday, after church, a fellow parishioner stopped me to compliment me on my hair. Apparently, she has been noticing my uniqueness and versatility with hair styles (that I wear on Sunday) and felt compelled to speak with me. She mentioned that she had been talking about my hair for a couple of weeks now and finally her husband suggested that she talks stops talking behind my back (that was funny) and just ask me about my hair, regimen, etc ( isn't that interesting family).
She wanted to know what I do to my hair to have it look the way it does. See, she "tried" to go natural a few months ago and it didn't work. She only allowed herself to transition for like 3 months and then she gave up...again... She was intrigued by my style and wanted to know specifically what I am doing to maneuver it AND what products I used. It sounded like she was on the fence with deciding to try to transition to naturality again, so it was only fair to pitch the case for going natural :)
So of course I did a consultation..right there in the church pew. Lol. I spoke briefly about my journey and how you have to be serious to commit to changing your hair regimen (mentioning that shea butter is my staple product) and patient with letting your natural hair grow and develop. This is a life decision (well at least in my opinion) and you have to make sure you will commit to the changes your hair (and you pschologically) will experience. I gave examples of how I wanted to give up and how I had to have a "straight talk" with myself, my ego and my self esteem. Once I was able to accept myself (and all my fabulousness) it became easier to learn how to do my hair, look in the mirror and walk with confidence. I spoke about how those around you may not support your decision, but you have to remind yourself that you are doing this for yourself, not others.
I mentioned that you can't "run to the perm" when your hair doesn't look the way you want it to (like she did before). Doing this starts the transition all over again and really defeats the purpose of the transition. You need to accept how God made you and your hair, love it unconditionally and nurture it ALWAYS....remembering we were all created in his image. I also mentioned that you have to give your hair time to heal and in the end you will not regret your decision of going natural.
I ended the discussion on some economically, but effective store brand options to get her started. Also, I suggested some possible transitional/protective styles that she can do at home. Briefly (because I had to go) I mentioned the fact that transitioning is trial and error...you may do a style that doesn't turn out the way you want at first...but don't fret....the neat thing is that you can try try again :). We agreed to do a "check in" the next time I'm at service/get back into town. As her unofficial mentor, I plan to check in with her once I return from my week of travel. Lets keep our possible transitional sista lifted.
The reason for posting this.....you never know who is watching you and also how your naturality could possibly inspire others. I know the majority of us get regular compliments on our hair, the styles and probably our confidence as well. While this may seem a little annoying (super star status..lol), you never know why you are receiving the compliments. This is the third person who has inquired about my naturality AND has been inspired to transition to wearing their natural hair just by watching me and how I carry myself. To be honest family, that makes me feel really good inside.
So I ask all of my family on here....are you inspiring others to be all they can be (in general)? Are you carrying yourself in away that others will want to model the same POSITIVE behavior that you portray? These are the questions I ask and reflect on daily as part of my overall encouragement but also improvement family. Its nice to see that my intentional attitude/character development (behavior) is working not only for my betterment, but has inspired someone else to do better as well.
The orAKAle has spoken.........
Thursday, February 4, 2010
February 4th - Officially Rosa Parks Day in MO
Take a look at the press release. Comments?
For immediate release Feb. 4, 2010
Feb. 4 proclaimed as Rosa Parks Day in Missouri by Gov. Nixon
Jefferson City – Gov. Jay Nixon has issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 4 as Rosa Parks Day in Missouri. A state law passed in 2006 designates Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, as the date to especially remember and honor the late civil rights pioneer.
Best remembered for her refusal in 1955 to obey the order of a bus driver to give up her seat to a white male passenger on a city bus in Montgomery, Ala., Ms. Parks has been described as the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement.” Her refusal led to the successful boycott of the segregated city bus system, and is considered one of the seminal events of the civil rights movement.
“Rosa Parks serves as an inspiration to all Americans to stand up for what is right,” Gov. Nixon said. “It is appropriate that we honor her memory on this day and continue to work every day to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans are protected.”
Source: http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2010/Rosa_Parks_Day
Friday, January 29, 2010
"Holy Grail" Hair Day #2
Yes I know what you're thinking..."two post in one week...something must be up". Lol. YES SOMETHING IS UP...I had yet another "holy grail" like day with my hair this morning. Plus I was totally feeling myself as well (cue top model photo in 3 2 ----------------->).
Before I go into the toiling details of how I got this lovely style, I think today is a good lesson for all us women (natural or not...for I have diversity on my blog). You have to love yourself first before anyone else can. While others may see you as being full of yourself, now and then we need to look in the mirror and compliment ourselves. I am a firm believer that we need to speak over our lives and speak positiveness over ourselves and those we love (as well). God created us in his image....remember that.
Considering I am marking this post as my second ever "holy grail" hair day, of course I had to share with my blog family. You all are the reason I keep going with my hair....lol....no seriously. As for the routine, its the same as always. KBB's products are always used and I style once a week and utilize protective styling techniques to keep the hair moisturized and healthy in these cold months. To read about the products I use, click here and for my current routine, click here. I keep saying I am going to post my current regimen...but to be honest with you, it has changed since the above posting. I am using the same products that I've always used and I continue to sleep with a satin cap; along with be diligent in staying out of my hair on a day to day basis. Lol.
I absolutely love this clip in my head. To match it, I also purchased some dangling earrings (shown in pic) and a "blinged out" wanna ring. Family I have been trying for at least 6 months to properly install and rock this clip correctly. If I could not get the hair in the actual clip, it was lop sided, sticking out or just fall the heck out. I mean the list goes on and on with the drama I was having with this hair candy. WELL, clearly today was my day because as you will see it actually is in the right place AND so far it hasn't fallen out of my head (while in the middle of a meeting or presenting). I love the front side pull and clip look. With my type of hair (4A/B), to me its a real cute after 5 and professional look. I hope you all will think the same. Enough talk, below are the pictures. Please share your thoughts......
(the softer side of Silky....)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
"Twist N Curl"...the Silky Way
Today I need your assistance. I recently did a "twist n curl" and to be frank...I'm not to thrilled with the results. This will be the third attempt in this style, but something still isn't right. Now I am not one of those people who looks at other's results (of hair styles) and expect mine to look the same....thats not me. BUT I at least expect to like the results of my 4A/B hair. Lol. Below is step by step of what I did:
~ Cleansed hair with KBB's Conditioning Shampoo
~ Deep Treatment with KBB's Deep Conditioner (left that on.....for at least 45 minutes...started cleaning and cooking and lost track of time honestly...lol)
~ Rinsed and detangled with KBB's Hair Milk (loves this stuff)
~ Parted hair accordingly, twisted with KBB's Hair Cream and set on perm rodes.
~ Lastly I sealed the hair (and especially ends) with my shea butter, coconut and olive oil concoction.
Upon taking out the rodes and styling the hair, coils were very soft and manageable...but I am just not pleased (persay) with how it looks. I tried my best to make sure I twisted and rolled each section the same way. Below are pics of my results family. The top two are the first attempt and the second two are my final results. After awhile, I just gave up. Lol. The back shot is really good...which lets me know that it looks moisterized and bouncy...from the back. The front look is not what I was trying to create.
My hair still had separations from the twists...had a hard time getting rid of the scalp, etc....its was too much drama for 6 am in the morning. So what am I doing wrong my experienced natural divas? Any tips to offer to this naturalista?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
STRAIGHT HAIR PICS
As promised, I am posting pics of my hair after it was straightened for my trip. Please note, it has been over two years (well very close) since I have straightened my coils. Hair was longer than I thought...but I will let you all decided. Tell me what you think:
(wanna be side swoop....lol)
(back view.....hard to see the layering..bad lighting)
To maintain this style, I have been wrapping my hair at night with a satin scarf and applying Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir once a day to keep it soft and to reset it. I loved how my natural layers fell!
Pics from my trip are forthcoming. Until then, the orAKAle has spoken......
Friday, January 8, 2010
Straightening the Hair
Just a quick post for you today. First, Happy New Year again ad I apologize for the absence but I am preparing for my international travel and work got me running. I hope you all can forgive me....:)
In case I didn't mention, I will be straightening my hair for my trip next week. Note - I have not straightened my hair AT ALL since deciding to go natural and stop with the chemicals, etc (over 17 months). I'm very excited about this and can't wait to see what my hair looks like blown out and straightened.
I plan to post pics of the straight hair after its done. Now, I am going to try my best to take them AND post before I leave, but you may have to wait until I get back.
Ok thats all for now. If you haven't done so, head on over to my Healthy Living Blog to get caught up on my recent cleansing and SOON pictures of weight loss success to date. Now I'm pushing it with trying to do all these blogs, posts AND prepare for my trip (lol), but I appreciate you all baring with me. Until next time.
the orAKAle has spoken.............
Monday, January 4, 2010
Handbook 2010
Hey Family,
I received this from a Soror of mine and thought I would share. While you don't have to forward/pass it along, I thought it would get you all thinking a bit today.......hope your having a blessed Happy New Year!
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28.. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.