Peace, Love and Nappiness

THANKSGIVING!!!

2010-11-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is next week!! I'm more excited about not having class than anything else, nevertheless, I wanna encourage you to be grateful! Honestly, I've always considered this holiday to be another day in the year. I never sat and considered all I have to be grateful for until yesterday during a worship service on campus encouraged us to do so. I take so much for granted. So for thanksgiving I'm gonna write a short note to my family (my household) and let them know that I am thankful for them.

What or who are you grateful for?

Peace

CD Review: Tye Tribbet "FRESH"

2010-11-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

For any of u gospel/christian music lovers I have some "fresh" tracks for u HA HA HA HA. I know it wasnt funny I just couldn't resist. Any who, Tye Tribbet has released his latest album "Fresh" and I'm really feeling it. Its slightly different from past Tye Tribbet hits because he no longer has the beloved GA (Greater Anointing choir) in the background any more, but it still has the same Tye Tribbet stamp of funky, fresh, energetic God filled awesomeness.

His song "Eulogy" is a track in which he tells himself, or should I say his "flesh," good riddance. The electric guitar in the back ground is nice. There is another gentlemen who accompanies him on the track. I'm not sure who it is, but the collab is awesome.

The track "Keep me" is a mix of old church music and blues. Once again, theres another man on the song and the vocals are nice. Tye has proved me wrong in my theory that his was more of a musician than a vocalist. I really like this song.

Another favorite is "Most High God" There is a choir in the background, and the sound makes me think of Africa. You just have to hear it.

"All for you" is upbeat and energetic. It kind of has the auto-tune sound going on, but its not too much. Every time I hear the song I wanna dance. However, I don't really know what the song is saying because I can't make out the words. Or perhaps I'm distracted by the beat ; )

But really, go buy the CD

(BELOW IS LIKE MY FAVORITE SONG FOR REAL LOL)

Hope

2010-11-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

You guys, I'm goin through. And I can't exactly explain. I'm excited about this perood of growth in God, I know He is strengthening my walk. But its painful. I'm tired. But I gotta learn to trust him. And honestly right now I don't. I trust myself. That has got to change. because HE alone is my source. I need HIm to survive in all aspects of my life and I'm learning to be like the man in Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."

Peace

Have I really not posted since July? Allow me to reintroduce myself!

2010-10-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was considering letting my blog go. Out of laziness really. But I am inspired by my new readers!!! Thank u for taking the time to read and consider my thoughts. I don't mind being so vulnerable because its being honest that transforms lives. So here I am! Allow me to reintroduce myself.

My name is Tiera. Its close to the spanish term "Tierra" which means earth or DIRT. I have no problem saying my name means dirt because dirt bears fruit. And dirt is pure. And dirt is rich. Or at least these are the things that I tell myself.... lol

I'm a writer. Its just in me. I go back and forth between writing poetry and writing songs. And its not very often that I write, but sometimes a thought will take root in my mind, and it may be a couple weeks before I give birth to it, but when it comes, its as rushed as a delivery. This weekend I was studying and a song was just busting out of me, so I stole away to write. I'm not afraid to post them, even if soemone tried to steal them, they would still be mine. They are my most precious thoughts.

I am a finger snapping, big afro wearing, pro black soul sista! (SistA with and A) Ha ha ha, But really, I love all types of people, but I'm very interested in my roots and my people I've been natural for almost 2 yrs now! And now I couldnt see myself any other way. Simply because my hair is as close to Tiera as it gets! I love the versitality of natural hair and the freedom that comes in wearing my hair how it grows out of my head. I love for my hair to be big and wild and I would encourage anyone who is considering going natural to go forward with that lifestyle change and not just to conform to what everyone else is doing.

Finally, I am a child of GOD. I know Him quite well and my life is RICH because I know Him. Even in my mistakes He loves me and still calls me His own and for that I am grateful. I'm willing to lose myself, and put death to Tiera and all of her selfishness and waywardness in order to bring glory to Him and show others how awesome he is! Its a sacrifice but its the only thing that brings me peace. There is no place I'd rather be than in Christ. And thats real.

So, I aim to start posting again : ) Notes about my spiritual Journey. POetry about life. Reviews on products. Tutorials on hair. Recipes. Music. Scriptures. Pictures. Love. And random thoughts

Thanks for stopping by : )

Peace

Bantu knot out with a twist!

2010-07-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Again, I'm back! My hair hasn't been up to much. Trying to grow. Sad because I'm out of products and I don't have any money to buy any :( Hopefully I can go product shopping soon! Anywho, two weeks ago, I decided I wanted to flat iron my hair. But everytime I flat iron my hair, its still frizzy, so I thought maybe I could set it in twists or something so I could have both length and volume.I LOVED THE RESULTS!

Steps
1. Wash, condition, air dry hair
2. Section and detangle a peice of hair
3. Flat iron hair
4. Twist into a bantu knot
5. Repeat process until finished

Afterwards I rubbed a little oil on my hair and I was done!

I loved this style, however, it required a lot of maintenance. Every night I had to re-twist it to maintain the curls. When I finally stopped twisting it every night, and just popped on my bonnet, it got big and wild and I still loved it, but a lot of people thought it looked crazy : )

After four days of not retwisting

Comments?

Peace

MIA

2010-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I've been MIA lately, partly because I DID study abroad in Costa Rica for a month, parly because my laptop wouldnt let me get on blogger and partly because of laziness : ( But I'm back in action with more poetry, perspectives, and hairstlyes to share! As well as news on my life! (Exciting I know) So be looking out for lil old me to b posting again : )

Peace!

I'M HOME!!!

2010-06-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hello readers!!!! I'm home from Costa Rica and I have sooooo much to write about!!
The money for my trip came JUST IN TIME and I have never been so sure that God hears my prayers : ) I even had a couple people write me checks. I am grateful

I lived in Costa Rica for a month. And when I say I lived there with "ticos" or Costa Ricans, I mean I LIVED THERE. I ate the food, I learned the language, I danced to the music. I rode the bus through the city, I climbed mountains and saw the land which ironically is "Tierra" in spanish. Neither words or pictures can truely describe my experience. But here they are, I encourage you to go and see the world.

Lo Siento

2010-05-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Lo Siento (I'm sorry in spanish) I have been MIA for a while now. Not to mention that the lack of comments always motivate me to NOT take the time to post lol. Any who, I've been busy trying to finish the last couple weeks of school (one more final tommorow yay!) As well as preparing for a study abroad trip to Costa Rica!!! In two weeks I will be leaving for Costa Rica and will be residing there for a whole month. In addition to going to school (six credit hours earned in espanol!) we also will be doing tons of activities such as water rafting, hiking, dancing classes, cooking classes, etc. My bff is coming from Ohio and going on the trip through my school! It is going to be amazing! We also are living with host families so things should get pretty interesting : )

This past month has tested my faith. We got the official price for the trip last month! I applied for scholarships, sponsorships and a persoal loan and all failed. I lost my primary job : ( I was confused because I thought God told me that the trip was in His will. Finally, I was able to apply for financial aid although there was a previous hold on my account: ) God worked it out. I doubted and feared but eventually God told me that I had to pass this test. I had to have faith. I needed to walk by faith and not by sight. When everything didn't look right, I had to trust what He said. I almost beleieved that it was not meant for me to go on this trip but deep downn I knew that it was. I applied for a student loan AND recieved a pell grant : ) I am greatful and I know that God will supply so that I can pay off this one student loan. My final payment for the trip is due friday, and although my financial aid is still being processed, I have faith that the money will be in my account right when I need it!

In other news, I'm transferring to a Univeristy in the fall (no more junior college) and I got a scholarship! I'm really excited. I am sadly still single : ( But God is teaching me to keep my eyes on Him. Everything is coming together. God bless you all. I am leaving for Costa Rica in 2 weeks. I will try to post pics online while I am there!

ADios! (Go with God)
Peace

Food for thought: Relationships

2010-04-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

I have a question for you guys! When it comes to choosing a mate, how high our your standards? Are you picky? Do you have a list when it comes to choosing a spouse?

I ask because I've been told I am too picky. I don't get approached a lot, but when I do get approached, I usually don't even give out my number simply because I know what I want. Now I will say, I shouldn't pre-judge men because for all I know, they may be the man of my dreams, but usually, I can tell right off the bat what type of guy they are by:

a) the way they look at me
b) the way they approach me
c) the way they speak to me

If it doesn't line up, then you don't have a chance. Period. And I'm nice about it, but guys are quick to say "girl you mean." No. If I was mean I would say your not what I'm looking for, I think I could do better, or I'm out of your league! But I simply smile and say no thank you. Do you think this is unfair of me?

I'm 20 yrs old (well, in june lol) I'm pursuning a doctorates degree, I work two jobs, I live with my parents but I pay my own bills AND I know who I am in Christ. I'm going somewhere. I would consider myself to be very mature at my age and if I'm in a relationship, its going to be a long term. There will be no casual dating for me, only courting. I know I'm young for serious commitment but thats the lifestyle I live and thats the type of person I am. Anywho, if I'm in a serious relationship, it will be with someone who of course, will have their flaws, but will be able to pray for me, build me up, carry me if need be, and support me. I need someone who can challenge me. I need someone on my level. So excuse me if I tell you that you are not my type, I just know what I want.

Peace

Freestyle : Untitled

2010-04-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ya'll this is fresh out of my mental notebook! Oh, what a day on campus can give birth to!

I'm not saying I'm jealous
But I really don't like sharing your attention
I really don't like to see you sharing
your thoughts, your jokes, your time
with anyone but me
I know its crazy right?
Because you don't belong to me
And I don't belong to you
but now that I see u sitting with someone else
something has stirred within me
and I can't say why
I'm crazy right?
Its just that I've reserved a piece of me for you
And...
I thought that maybe you would do the same
its insane
I know
And the thing is, I'm not the jealous type
But I really don't want to share you
Yea, I know its crazy

Chrisette Michele went natural!!!

2010-04-05T16:10:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read my earlier posts, I <3 Chrisette Michele!!! So I was reading bglh.com today and found out she went natural!!! There's a video on dimewars.com in which she announces her big chop during a concert, mentioning that her label doesn't know about it yet, ha ha ha. Any who, its cut low and dyed blond. I'm pretty excited about it! I like to think that when she saw me in the 4th row at her house of blues concert she thought to herself, wow that girl has a fly fro, so fly, I want one too! he he he

Peace

Random thoughts.....

2010-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Why do all of the current McDonald's commercials feature black people? Or is it just me? I can think of one commercial with a white guys and like five with black people! I'm not trying to be controversial or anything, but I'm just curious as to whether or not there was strategy to that or not. What do you think? According to my best friend, their tryin to kill off all of the black people ha ha ha. IDK,aLL i know is that I worked there for 2 yrs and ate it everyday! And then I started having chest pains...I was like 17yrs old. Any who, am I thinking to much of this? Does it even matter? What are YOUR thoughts? If there is anyone out there ; )

Peace

Hair update

2010-03-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

Woke up at 7 o clock this morning for my friend to flat iron my hair! I suppose the lack of sleep was worth it. I'm excited about the length and fullness!

BEFORE (with wet hair)

After (flat ironed, used oil sheen)

Fun right?

Peace

Spring Break: Centric presents the Epiphany Tour!

2010-03-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

*I heart Chrisete Michele*

Most college students have awesome stories about what they did and where they went for spring break. Drinking, the beach, parties, all come to mind, BUT ya'll know me, and there was none of THAT goin on! Ha ha ha BUT I actually did something fun! My friends and I went to New Orleans to see my fav artist ever, Chrisette Michele, perform at the House of blues, soo let me start from the top!

First let me say,my social life is almost non-exsistant. Between working two part time jobs, taking up 16 hours at school, and finding time to sing at church and maintain grades, spend time with family, take time for me, etc, I usually don't have time to hang out. And when I do have time, I'm usually too tired and lazy to go out. Recently I've experienced a decline in friends. I personally think God may have removed them for whatever reasons. I will say I know a ton of people, and speak with a lot of ppl. But as for people who know me well, who will be inconvienced for me and who I hang out with when I do go out, there are a limited few. But for once in my life I am pretty content with it all ;)

Anywho, basically, for spring break I knew I wanted to do two things, thats chill, relax, rest, and actually have FUN for once. My dad calls me, His bout to be 20 yr old daughter, on weekends and asks what have I done for fun? Some weeks I have responses, others not so much lol. I have been wnating to see Chrisete in concert for sometime now, but various things have kept me from going, but THIS time I planned on going and taking one of my new friends who has about as much fun as I do. My parents said we needed to take a guy with us for safety, we couldn't find one. So, assuming, we could go without one, we ordered our tickets with our parents knowledge. A few days before the concert, they said we couldn't go without an escort. Even if the tickets were already paid for. I was bummed. Stressed is the word. I couldn't even really enjoy my break because I worried about the concert so much. At the last minute, my best guy friend (who has been madly in love with me for six yrs despite my strictly platonic feelings) said he would take us. The tickets were sold out, but he said he would just wait for us to get through : ) Sweet

My first road trip was fun! New Orleans is about 2 hrs away from us, and we almost got lost lol, but we made it. We didn't have much time to enjoy the city because we were in such a rush to make the show. We ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. Great place, pretty good chicken wings ; ) Ran to the House of blues, only to find that it hadn't even started yet! After standing in line we went inside, only to find that we looked pretty out of place. Everyone had on their freakum dresses, heels, drinks in hand. I wasn't naked, but I thought I looked pretty darn good, besides my ugly black flats. I don't drink, but I wish I could have just held something, so we didn't look like babies who didn't belong there! Any who, Laura Izabor opened up with some great music and a great dress! She had a lovely voice and stage presence! Then Ms. Michele Came out! Singing her heart out, she joked with the crowd, made us laugh, presented herself as the lady she is, and sounded exactly like her cd! She didn't smile much though...I thought that was weird, but she was still nice and did a great job!

God told me He would make a way for me to go, and literally, at the midnight hour, He came through and I am greatful.

In conclusion, my spring break was pretty good, even after drama, two doubles this weekend, and friend/boyfriend confusion with my guy friend!

Peace!

Book Review: Jonah's Gourd Vine

2010-03-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

So I finished Jonah's Gourd Vine last night and I have to say I enjoyed it... for the most part. This was Hurston's first novel, and I noticed that it was very similar to Their Eyes Were Watching God as well as Moses Man of The Mountain, both great books btw. All of the books center themselves around some aspect of spirituality, also shedding light on the early black church. Also, both main characters in Jonah's Gourd Vine and Their Eyes Were Watching God got married three times (I believe Hurtson married twice) Both truely finding love right before death. I enjoyed the book because I love Hurston's writing, however, as one critic put it "Hurston's love of language overwhelms her plot and characterization." You will miss the whole point of the story because the beauty of Hurston't writing is a huge distraction, but still it was a good read. I actually bought it on Amazon for 2.99! A brand new book... Oh by the way, if you are interested in reading this book, I must warn you that the majority of the book is written in that difficult to read southern dialect that I love! It brings so much life to the characters! As for what the book is about, I'll just say that it is about a man, in the early 1900's who is called to be a mighty man of God, but can't help but to be a natural man every day other than Sunday. Let me know if you check it out.

Peace

Show me wutcha got

2010-03-15T13:35:00.001-07:00

Tell me something good suga
throw together some rhymes that will
rock my world
change my thinking
open my eyes
get inside my mind
where u at love?
paint a picture with your words
string together nouns and verbs
and put em' on my neck
cuz baby, your thoughts are worth more than diamonds
so take your time and
throw some verses my way
make me sway
under the pressure of your ideas
impress me with your mind
I don't cost a dime
but I'll pay a penny for your thoughts
if you can go deeper than the average man
come on baby
show me wutcha got

I cooked and it worked!

2010-03-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

So over the past two years, I've developed a passion for whipping things up in the kitchen, but the only thing is, a lot of the recipes I try...err uh, MOST of the recipes I try don't come out well, lol sometimes, its because I might not have all of the ingredients, so I'll substitute.... Sometimes, they just don't come out well lol. My brother gets mad whenever he sees me in the kitchen. But Monday was a new day for me! : )

You know those oh so wonderful garlic biscuits that Red Lobster has? I found a recipe for them and they were just as good!

you need

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup cheese
1 cup milk

buttery topping

3-5 teaspoons of butter
1 tablespoon parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar with fork
2. Cut in butter
3. Add cheese
4. Stir in milk (don't over stir)
5. Drop on well greased sheet
6. Brush dough with topping *I microwaved mine*

One thing, my dough wasn't thick enough to maintain a ball shape so they were flat like pancakes but still good. So maybe next time, less milk?? The second batch I did, I put in muffin pans, but they weren't as good. Any who, try the recipe! We ate ours with fish, fries, and cole slaw.

If u try it, let me know how it is!

Peace

My quest for the perfect shampoo

2010-03-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

*sigh*

I've been natural for a year now and I have yet to find a shampoo that pleases me!
Either they are too expensive or, they dry my hair out, etc, ect.

Of course many naturals recommend Apple Cider Vinegar rinses, but honestly.... I don't want to have to go through all of that. I would rather be difficult and find a shampoo that works for my kinky natural hair texture in a non kinky world! lol

Here is a review of all of the shampoos I have tried since being natural

1.Mizani's Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo

Likes: this is a moisturizing shampoo! I have never used a shampoo that has left my hair so soft!
Dislikes: It is expensive! 12.99 for a smaller than normal size bottle. Let's not forget I am a college student AND I am cheap!

2. Giovanni's Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo

Likes: It tingles, it smells good, it cleanses well.
Dislikes: It left my hair slightly dry. Also, after using it several times, my scalp started to flake up pretty bad. Not just normal flakes but patches of scalp, I'm not sure if it was the shampoo though.

3. V05 Moisture Works,Strawberries and Cream

Likes: Smells good. Nice creamy texture. Oh its only like $1.50 a bottle!
Dislikes: It didn't dry my hair out, but it didn't add much moisture.

4. Organix, Revitalizing Pomegranate Green Tea Shampoo

Likes: SLS free, smells delicious, pretty packaging, I guess.
Dislikes: Left my hair SQUEAKY clean, and dry, Kind of expensive as well.

5.Cream of Nature, Sunflower and Coconut, Detangling Conditioning Shampoo

Likes: Left my hair fairly moist, contains SOME organic products, afforable price.
Dislikes: Contains SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) Not a natural Shampoo.

6.Olive Oil CReamy Aloe Shampoo

Likes: CReamy Texture, SOME olive oil, affordable
Dislikes: Squeaky clean hair after washing, not a moisturizing Shampoo.

In Conclusion, I would advise any nappy ladies, just because a shampoo may be a organic or natural shampoo, does not mean that it is best for YOUR hair. Use what works for YOU and YOUR HAIR! Even if it contains SLS. I for one am either going to break down and buy the Mizani, or start using Cream Of Nature. Oh, btw, all of these lines have pretty great conditioners : ) My hair loves em all!

Peace

So what if it is midnight! I heart Cardigans!!

2010-02-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

(Me, in one of my fav cardigans that I got from Belk, a store I don't really like, for $4.00!)

I've been on the go lately so, not much time for blogging, but luckily, I was off work today! So after going to church for like 5hrs lol, eating dinner with the family (a rare opportunity) I corn twisted (corn rows in twist) my hair and now, because I don't have class in the morning, I'm going to talk about my love for Cardigans!!!

Firstly, I'm skinny, and I'm always cold, so even in the summer, I always have something on my arms because people down here believe in A/C set to like 30 degrees. And of course in the fall and winter its perfect for the cool weather. I used to love hoodies, but I can do so much more with a cardigan!

I can wear a cardigan with any look I'm going for. If I'm dressing up and going to church I can wear a cardigan with a nice shirt and some slacks. If I feel like being pretty, I can wear a cardigan with my maxi dress and a flower in my hair. If I want to be a nerd, I can wear my skinny's, a cardigan and my high top generic sneakers (I should really stop being so cheap) btw I want to invest in some glasses that look like reading glasses but aren't ; D

Tomorow I plan on shopping for one of those long 80's looking cardigans like this

But I'm also a fan of these

My mom said, in the late 80's when her and my father were dating, he always wore cardigans too, so I guess its genetic : )

I guess I should go to sleep now huh?

Peace

Change your mind

2010-02-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

Quite often in life, we struggle with issues, and after some effort, we wonder why we never get different results.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Change your mind

I'm trying to change mine

Peace

I quit : )

2010-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

I really can't go that long without wearing a fro. I really don't like wearing my hair in twists for that long, but mostly, I took them down because they were messy chunky twists. They became a awesome twist out though!

I might get my little brothers girlfriend to cornrow it next week.

THERE HAS GOT TO BE ANOTHER WAY TO RETAIN A LOT OF LEGNTH!

and if not, my hair will grow on its own

On another note, I've recently become a big fan of lip color. Throughout my 19yrs I mostly stuck with gloss because I hated the taste of lip stick, but now things are changing! In the picture I'm wearing Victoria's Secret's Perfect Lip Stick in the color "Vino."

I like it but I wanted a little something more dramatic like Keri Hilson's purple lip stick in the "Number 1" Video.

I'm also a big fan of pale pinks and fuchsia and dark dark brown. I've always thought dark lips were sexy. What lip color do you like?
How do you retain length for your natural hair?

Peace

Hair challenge!

2010-02-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

When I was relaxed, my hair NEVER got past shoulder legnth. I never understood how it would grow every month but never get any longer. Any who, I really want to grow my hair out now that its natural and I think its going to require a little less manipulation : ( From may to now, my hair has only become a bit more than an inch longer : ( So I've decided to do a challenge which is really hard for me because I like to wear my hair out.

My past regimen

*Wash and Condition once a week (with expensive organic shampoos that cater more to white girl hair)
* detangle with afro pick /moisturize with shea butter
* put in braids or twists for a few days
* take twists or braids down, finger comb. Fluff for the rest of the week
* Trim every few months

My new regimen

* Wash and condition every 1-2 weeks (with creme of nature shampoo)
* Co wash in between washes ( LutraSilks Shea butter cholesterol)
* Detangle with paddle brush
* Moisturixe with Shea butter (extra on the ends)
* Braid or twist
* Leave twists in for a month!!! Maybe buy a wig

I will let you guys know if I see progress in a month!

Love is in the air!!

2010-02-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Valentines day is coming! If I didn't work in two restaurants, I honestly would have forgot lol. Sadly, I do not have a significant other to hold and kiss on Valentine's day *sigh* BUT, who says that love can only be between a man and a women? Now before you start thinking the wrong way,lol, no I don't get down like that, but I'm saying we often forget about the non-romantic aspects of love. In Latin America, they celebrate Dia de amor y amistad. That's the day of love AND friendship. In America, Valentine's day is all about couples, lingerie, dinner and movies, but I think that we should embrace all love! Let's not forget about our families, our friends and most importantly, our GOD, the one who has shown us the greatest love of all.

Of course, its easy to say this when you don't have a man! ha ha ha, but really, I think I will start a new tradition, in which I remind EVERYONE that I love them on Valentine's day.

Speaking of not having a man, I think that this may change very soon. The past month has been especially frustrating for me, because the more and more I drew closer to God and fell more in love with HIM, the more I realized that deep down I still longed for a man. I started to question myself, wondering if something was wrong with me. Because in my heart I felt God was enough, but I still desired to be with someone. Then on Saturday, I spoke with a much older friend, a christian woman who I sortof look up to, and she reminded me that women are cursed.

Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said,
“I will greatly multiply
Your pain in childbirth,
In pain you will bring forth children;
Yet your desire will be for your husband,
And he will rule over you.”

Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. Does that make since to any one else?

Anyways, I've decided that my season of singleness is over. I haven't been in a relationship for really over a year. Half of that time I spent focusing on men, half of the time I spent focusing on God. I've learned that God should be our source, our friend, our love, our husband. God DOES want us to be in meaningful relationships! He even wants us to ENJOY SEX *GASP* But we have to do it in His time and of course, He doesn't want us to put anyone or anything above Him. So, am I about to post an advertisement showcasing my new availability? Lol no, but if God decides to send him now, I want to be open to receive him. And if he doesn't, I will be content with just HIM.

Peace

Time is not on my side...

2010-02-02T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hello there people! I've been meaning to post but I've been sooooo busy, Working about 25 hours a week, going to school 16 hours AND trying to have a life? It can all get a little hectic sometimes, but my God is my source and He is my peace throughout all of the chaos : ) I have to give a quick testimony! God has really been faithful! He has answered my prayers and provided the funds for my needs, He has protected me in what could have been a major accident but was only a minor one, AND He has given me revelation on HIS purpose for me and is leading me down a path in which I can follow ALL of my DREAMS! Isn't He Awesome?

Any who, I follow a blog called ZOE, and this month they are featuring iPray, a month of different bloggers praying for different topics. I will be blogging/praying about finances in a couple weeks, so if you're a prayer warrior or you want to touch and agree, check it out!

Book Review: Other people's skin

2010-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

So I bought this book over the summer for really cheap (did anyone else know that Cititrends sold books?) Any who, when I buy cheap books I never expect them to be good,because u get what you pay for right? But I have to say I can read this over and over again.

The book is actually made up of four short stories. I enjoyed a couple and could do without the other two. The novella (from which the book gets its title) "Other people's skin," is an amazing story! The story (actually the whole book) discusses the color/hair issue that we as black people spend so much time debating, considering, etc. The award-winning story tells the tale of a young dark skinned girl during the 1970's, who just happens to be the baby in a family of high-yellow creoles in Louisisanna. Because she doesn't gain any acceptance from the very people who share her blood, she becomes so angry and eventually has to learn to walk in "other people's skin." Her grandmother shares with her the very motto by which I live my own life "you never know what is in someone elses heart,the shoes that they have had to walk in." And I believe that to be so true. I don't wanna spoil the surprise, so I'm just gonna leave you with my recommendation for this story, and not so much for the rest of the book lol!

Peace

Life is funny

2010-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

So, if you don't know, I've recently taken an unofficial vow of singleness. For how long? As long as it takes. You see, for years, whenever I was interested in a guy, or dating someone, I would worship them. No, I don't mean get on my hands and knees and bow down, but I would bow down with my heart. I would make them my everything and would be consumed with thoughts of them. And YES there is a problem with that.

"For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose
name is Jealous, is a jealous God:"
Exodus 34:14, KJV

So I'm currently not dating anyone in an attempt to move to another level in God. It was such a struggle before, and I would plead with God "Please send him NOW!" But I've finally realized, until HE can be enough for me, I shouldn't date. When I become not so easily distracted, then I can enter into a relationship that will STILL be consumed with a relationship with the almighty : )

Any who, I've been getting closer and closer to God and things have been going great! And what do you think happens? Tons of men have started to approach me out of no where! I mean, usually, not a lot of guys try and talk to me. I think because I usually wear a face that says "don't talk to me" lol. But lately...things have been different.

At work, the guys who work in the kitchen are always looking at me like a piece of meat. Calling me sexy, pretty, beautiful, lil "tender," lame I know. I've explained that I'm not interested, yet they continue to pursue me. Even to the point that I'm walking away and one of them shouts his number out to me! Then, one of the servers, this white guy I'm cool with, randomly asks me to squeeze his butt??!!! I laughed and declined and he kept asking. I still don't know if he was serious lol. Customers mistake my I'm-a-hostess-this-is-my-job smile and come up the hostess stand to introduce themselves and tell me how adorable i am. And don't get me started about school! In high school I had a lot of guy associates. You know the kind of relationships where you pick with each other and flirt but never anything more. Well, a lot of them go to my school. Not to mention the other random beings of God's goodness on campus *sigh* Will you pray for me??

Peace

I'm sorry

2010-01-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's not that I don't love you anymore
but
No longer am I
consumed with thoughts of you
excited at the sight of you
or content with being yours
things have changed
I have changed
and I've had time to think
I've had time to think about
how my love for you
distracted me from my creator
I've had time to think about
how being with you brought more
stress than happiness
I've had time to think about
how you are not who I thought you were
I've had time to think about how you need time to grow
just as I have
and
I'm sorry
I know that you still long to be with me
how you long to be wrapped in my arms
like you used to be
but when you were in my arms
you were not really content
because you are not content with yourself
you are not content with life
but
my hope is
that you will find peace,love,and happiness
not in me
but in the one that loves you the most
and
I'm sorry
that your desire is still for me
but I can't say that I feel the same
I've moved higher
I've moved deeper
in myself
in life
in love
and I hope you do the same

To Be Nappy, or To Not Be Nappy? That is the question

2010-01-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

(Now that is BAD "nappy", really its kind of nasty)

So, I've recently discovered, well, not really discovered, but realized, that there are many women with natural hair who do not embrace the word nappy. As u can see, the term "nappy" is in the title of my blog, so obviously the word doesn't really bother me. In my opinion, there are two definitions for nappy. Nappy could be used to describe kinky or tightly curly hair OR to describe a matted, knotted hot mess.

One day, while I was at work, a white co worker told me she loved my hair. She said my afro was always perfect and never NAPPY. I kind of laughed at this because I considered my hair to always be nappy, but then I realized, she referring to it being tangled or matted or what not, so I thanked her. When women, even white women, are having a bad hair day, etc, they always comment that their hair is nappy. Yes,lol I have heard plenty of white girls used this term to describe their hair. So I understand why this word equates bad or not appealing. However, when I use the word, I mean, kinky, coily, etc. So, to clear things up a bit, I just wanna let everyone know that I celebrate, kinky, curly, coily hair, and not hair that resembles a birds nest. And there IS a difference when I use it. So in conclusion, to anyone that I have offended with the term nappy, I apologize, but will continue to use it : ) What do you all think? Is nappy bad? Should it be shunned like the word "nigga?"

A message from God

2010-01-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

This is what He has been telling me

This is what He wants you to know

BTW This is an AWESOME album

PEACE

Honest Scrap...well I'm always honest...lol

2009-12-31T10:36:00.000-08:00

Who, me? Why, I wasn't prepared for this ; ) jk

10 honest things about me, hhmmmmmmm

1. Sometimes I wish I was the buck wild girl who does what she wants without any regrets. But, when I really think about it, I couldn't be, because then I wouldn't be me!
2. I probably eat 15 cheeseburgers every month, and I'm praying that the good Lord will allow me to not get too fat in the future or die from a heart attack.
3. I recently became addicted to sunshine's shea butter. Now that I am out, and she is out lol, I feel kind of lost and my hair and skin are suffering. HELP!!
4. I love men. There I said it. But its a love that you would never know was there seeing how I steer clear from them ha ha ha
5. I freakin love Law and Order!
6. A week before my period, I go crazy. I wanna cry and yell, and I just get really angry. Its kind of scary, but I have pretty good self control. Or else the world would suffer from my wrath! "Who left this crumb on the toaster!" ha ha ha
7. I get mad when people say that I'm lazy....but...sometimes I am pretty lazy. Not lazy to the point that I don't get stuff done, but lazy to the point that I put stuff off...a lot lol
8. I used to say "how come my grandmother didn't pass down that good hair to me?"
9.I don't shave very much in the winter... probably three times in like the three months of winter lol. There's that laziness again
10. I'm a nerd. I read like 30 books a year...for pleasure, I know its sad

Any who, I nominate Shelby from "Eat, DRink and Be Married!"

Good Hair Day/Leave in the Kinks Giveaway

2009-12-29T21:41:00.001-08:00

Today was a good hair day! Well, it was mostly good. A weeks two strand twists turned into a weeks twistout. So today i co-washed and used Giovanni's Direct Leave in Conditioner, the conditioner I usually avoid because it dries up and leaves white flakes and crunchy hair ; ( Anyways, I used it today because I needed moisture and was in a rush. After co-washing, my hair was still set in spirals from the twists. So I pinned it up and blowdried it (which is probably why the conditioner got crunchy.) Any who, I was happy witht the results but I'm used to going to bed with my hair styled for the next day. Now my hair is stretched in come places, shrunken in others, crunchy AND flaky lol. As 4 tommorow, i'll prob wash again : )

Also I want to thank Leave in the Kinks and Gabi from Gology for my t-shirt : ) As u can see I have been enjoying it!

Lessons and Ponderings of 2009

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

1. Acting Impulsively is dangerous. Self-control is critical. Always!! (overdraft incident lol)

2. It is not about being religious, its about having a relationship

3. Speaking of relationships, how can I be faithful to a man, if I cannot be faithful to the author of my life?

4.The things that you think you need (money, clothes, people, fastfood lol) you really can do without

5. THERE IS BEAUTY IN ALL PEOPLE

6. Natural hair is fly!!!

7. Love is more than butterflies in the spring time, roses and hot kisses. Love is a commitment. Love is kind. Love is everlasting. Love never fails.

8. I think healthy families should be the foundation of the world. But before we have healthy families, we have to be healthy people. I hope to get people to that place when i finally get that fancy counseling degree : )

9. Everything that looks good ain't good for you!

10. Walking in love, is the ultimate goal. You never know what a simple smile from you can do for a person with a broken heart.

My motto for the upcoming year: Instead of doing the worrying that I've become so fond of, I cast down fret and will begin to look up to the sky and ask "well, what are you gonna do next?"

I will be working on New Years Eve, however, I know that it will be a great year for me and I pray that it will be a great year for all of you!

Peace and Love

Home for the holidays

2009-12-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

Me in front of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

So, I live in Mississippi, but I'm from Cleveland, OH, and that is where all of my family is besides my mom, stepdad, brother and step brothers...oh and an uncle. It was a random move about four years ago, mostly to get away from the cold. Anyways, it seems that ever since we moved, all of the holidays became less and less significant because all of our family was there. My parents started to cook less and less, there was no snow (blessing and a curse) and it just wasn't as special. But I think this year will be different : )

This past weekend I went to visit in Cleveland and stayed with my dad and other siblings. I got to see aunts and cousins and my sweet nephew and even my best friend. The time was short, but I was so gratful to God for making a way for me to visit, because I certainly did not have the money. I'm also grateful that God made a way for my tuition to be paid : ) Now I'm back home, my grandparents are coming down this week, me and my brothers decided to do SOME of the cooking this year ; ) We've been playing Wii and cracking jokes and, idk, but this holiday seems to be extra special. Not because of gifts, or money(which I don't have) but because I have so much to be grateful for. A wonderful, dysfunctional family lol, a lovely home, all of my needs are supplied, and I have hope in Christ, the reason for the season. I am gratful for the sacrafice He made, that I may live. So, I encourage you to enjoy what you have this holiday season. Make the best of the good and the bad. And don't forget it is all about Love.

Peace

One Year Natural!

2009-12-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

So a year ago Saturday, I chopped off all of my hair, down to like one inch, after growing it out for 7 months. It has definitely been a journey. My style has changed. I feel so much more confident! I have yet to get a negative comment on my hair : ) But if I did I wouldn't care because God knew what He was doing when He created me. If you wear your hair natural, I hope you continue the journey, and if you are not a natural I hope you are inspired by myself and the thousands of women who have also chosen to give up the creamy crack! Ha ha ha

Last Relaxer May 2008

December 2008

December 2009 (blowed out)

A New Season...

2009-12-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

First off I want to say to my new followers thank you for joining and I hope that my thoughts and ideas inspire and encourage you!

I am currently moving into a new season in life.

I already new that God was my comfort and friend. My love. but now I am coming to know Him as my provider, Jehovah Jirah. When its just not there, I have to trust Him to make a way. My tuition needs to be paid for me to start new semester, I don't know how it will be, but I will tell you guys all about it when it happens! I am also learning how to listen to God and seek Him like never before. The times we are in call for a special annointing and a relationship that goes deeper than praying over our food : ) God wants to use me, He wants to use YOU to touch someone else, but how can He guide you if you don't know His voice intimatley? Today I want to encourage you to move into a new season, It will require more of you, but you will gain more as well.

Peace

I'm a style icon : )

2009-12-02T09:15:00.001-08:00

Check me out http://bglhonline.com/2009/12/tiera/

I straightened my hair gasp : )

2009-11-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

So... I've been wanting to straighten my hair 4 some time now. I've only worn it straight once in may. My beautician (who is natural) blew it out and chi ironed it but curled it tight because of the length. I wanted to see the length (now that's its November) and trim my ends but I didn't wanna pay $30. So my mom and I went at it! I deep conditioned the night b4 and put it in Bantu knots. Before straightening I trimmed my ends (and they were pretty bad) and moisturized with Shea butter.

I have to say I was pretty unhappy with my hair this whole week. I wanted to just wash it and be done with it, but my mother had taken her precious time, and declared "you're just gonna wash it in two days!" So I had to prove her wrong lol! Its just that I expected it to be straighter, but its basically a longer Afro. One day I wore it in a curly fro. For like three days I wore a hat because flat ironed afro hair does not work with my morning-before-class- schedule. I felt just as helpless with my hair as I did when I had a relaxer lol. The past few days I've been rolling it at night and wearing the style above. I've gotten compliments too : ) However, tomorrow, after church, I will be washing and deep conditioning and twisting for the week. And my new commitment, especially for the winter, is MOISTURE, MOISTURE, MOISTURE! And I'll be doing that moisturizing with some of Sunshine's Hello Sweet Thang Whipped Shea Butter! YAY!

The Time It Snowed In Puerto Rico

2009-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't done any book reviews since "The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency!" And I have to say I've read a good 10 books since then. Last week I finished "The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico" by Sarah McCoy. Now I have to be honest, ususally when I read I don't stray to far away from the African American Fiction Section, but I'm trying to get away from that. I'm trying to have more of an open mind, especially when it comes to other cultures.I'm currently taking Spanish and might even study abroad in Costa Rica this summer (yay me!) And Besides, a good book is a good book right? This was a great story. It was simple and doesn't involve any deep, worldly issues, but is still a sweet story. Its main character is a 11 year old girl in puerto rico. She's going through puberty and struggles with her self image (wants to be American) and her family. She walks in on her parents having sex and it basically ruins her childhood, but eventually she learns and grows into a lovely young lady. The book ends with her visiting America for the first time : ) Go pick it up from the library.

Dreaming of you

2009-11-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

* inspired by Alicia Keys' song "Stolen moments" and dreams of a certain someone ; )

I dream of you at night
no matter how much I try
not to dream of you during the day
no matter how much I try
to not even look your way
my heart can't deny its joy
when you enter a room
when you speak
and when you smile
I've felt this way for a while
but I suppress my desires
in an attempt to go higher
to seek more than a handsome face
and the warm tingles that it brings
there will be no fling
no fellowship
no connecting
on another level
only simple hello's
and silly conversation
occasional taps and shoves
that speak for a mutual desire
but never anything more
because I'm trying to soar
into a dimension where
Agape love is my life source
and nothing more
and maybe after I reach that place
I'll get to see your face again
but until then
I will deny you when in your presence
but I will love you in my dreams

new do's

2009-11-06T11:49:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted any new hairstyles in a while, partly due to laziness and partly because my batteries are always dead lol. Anyways here's wut I've been doing to my hair lately. The hump and the frohawk pics actually are not new, but I posted them anyways

I promise to take pics more often in the future : )

Touching the stars

2009-11-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

I've been walking in circles
on the same path
now its time to move forward
and I'm not looking back
It's time to climb to new heights
to go further than before
it's time to fufill my destiny
it's time to soar
I've waisted so much time
on simple lessons in life
I've been tempted and tried
but now its time to fight
I know I have a calling
and gifts to be used
they've been sitting in the shadows
as I waited for my muse
but now I have HIS heart
and a fire deep withtin
I'm moving ahead
past this place that I've been
It's a new season
a period of change
I'm blooming and growing
and will never be the same
It's a brand new me
living a brand new life
past the trials, the frustrations
the confusion and the strife
It's time to climb to new heights
to go further than before
its time to fufill my destiny
its time for me to soar

As I look back over my life, and mostly the past five years, I've grown so much, not only as a young woman, but as a human, as a child of God. Isn't it crazy how, when you are faced with decisions, and when you are learining lessons in life, they don't really hit you until later? You don't really get it until the time has passed and you can look back at it? All of these years, God has been calling me to a place of deep intimacy and sacrafice, but I refused. I wanted to go further, I wanted to be used, but I couldn't break free of strongholds. It was too much of a struggle. I was losing the battle against my flesh. Then I felt that too much was required of me. I didn't want to be set apart, I wanted to fit in. But I've learned that its okay to be different. I've learned that much is required of me, but much will be gained. I now know that there are people who depend on me to break through. I know that once I move forward, that I can do more for others. Now I know who I am and what that means.

So be encouraged...

Ode to my purple boots

2009-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Oh purple boots
how pleased I am to know you
how pleased I was
when my friend found you
in the midst of black and brown
there you were
waiting for me
fit for a princess
size 6
your bright appeal
makes me feel royal
I will treasure you always
and await the occasion
when you and I will become one
Oh purple boots
how glorious you are

ha ha ha ha
They are much better than the picture

"Just friends"

2009-10-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking....

I'm not dating at all right now. I've chosen to focus on spiritual goals, school, etc, and I'm celibate as well. However, I have a lot of guy friends. Ya know, classmates, coworkers, I text every once in a while and MAYBE hang out with outside of professional settings, occasionally. But recently, its been brought to my attention, that there may not be such a thing as a "friend" when it comes to the opposite sex. One of my guy friends has been telling me that every guy who claims to be just my "friend" is actually not.At first I laughed it off but then I thought about it. He told me, if I called all of the "guy friends" in my contact list, and told them I wanted to give them some (which I wouldn't lol) they would say when and where. Of course he listed a few exceptions (that supposedly excluded himself lol)but for the most part, he believes his theory to be true. I almost agree.. When I think about all of the "friends" I have, honestly, I'm attracted to all of them, and they are probably attracted to me. So is it safe to say that all of them are just sitting and plotting in the backgorund, trying to think of a way to get in my pants OR are they honestly just in it for a companion? IDK, What do you think? Do you think that a man and a woman can be just friends? If not, are there exceptions?

Celebrate who you are: I'm a lady

2009-10-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I'm worth it
every dollar every dime
I'm worth the commitment
and I'm worth your time
people tell me I'm fine
but theres much more to me
I don't have big breasts or an
out-of-this-world booty
but I'm kind and I'm smart
and I'm a good friend
I'm faithful and loyal
until this worlds end
not to mention I'm sweeter than
pie and ice cream
I'll serve u up a dish
right before I sing
you a lullabye
you see alot of guys
can't appreciate
cuz I come with a price
I'm not fast or loose
or easy to entice
but I'm worth it

I got my own money
and I got my own life
don't take much to make me happy
I know I'll be a great wife
cuz I'm kind and generous
and considerate too
when I'm with you I'm with you
forget about other dudes
I'm a virtous lady
with God on her side
I'm encouraging
so I'll keep your spirit man alive
and alot of dudes and checkin
cuz they can't get in between
but I know my worth
cuz I've been redeemed
I may not be a model
but I think I'm pretty fly
I wear my hair in kinks and curls
that reach for the sky
I wrap myself in confidence
I'm not afraid to be me
I do my own thing
and walk in creativity
I love to laugh and sing and dream
soemtimes I make funny jokes
I'm positive all the time
I refuse to weep or mope
last but not least
I have to list my flaws
heres just a few
cuz I can't list them all
sometimes I'm too sensitive
sometimes I don't think'
sometimes I'm to kind
sometimes I overthink
and I may not be her
but I know who I am
I see that I'm worth it
and hope that one day you can

CHECK IT OUT:

And the struggle continues....

2009-09-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,stablish, stregthen,settle you." - 1 Peter 5:11

Found this on The Inevitable truth blogspot
Love it

Brand new #1

2009-09-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to wear the same hair style everyday. Even when I had my hair relaxed I would always alternate between braids, wraps, curls (or my attempt at curls in the Mississippi humidity). Now that I wear my hair natural, I'm always trying something new, sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't lol. I had been planning this style for a while, but I can't cornrow. Finally I decided flat twist will do.(actually the flat twists are kinda rough looking lol) So, Sunday, while watching the VMA'S, I flat twisted my hair all around and did two strand twist in the front. It took like 3hrs lol and my mom had to help with some of the parts. What do you think? Today I took the two strand twists out, but left the flat twists in.

Yay I'm so excited!

2009-09-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

You can find a pic of me and my fro at Leave in the Kinks :)

To buy, or not to buy...that is the question!

2009-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

So...I work in Rue 21, a juniors store for girls and guys. I've been working there for over a year and was always excited about their cute fashions and REALLY great prices. I tend to be a penny pincher because I like to get a lot for my money. If I spend fifty dollars, instead of only getting 2 items I want like 10 lol. Anyways, after the summer ended, I realized several things: 1) I was doing was too much impulsive buying while at work, which led to lack of self control(which I was also trying to practice on a spirtual level) and a lack of money managment. 2) I was giving the company all of the money they had just paid me! Honestly I think most corporate companies don't care about the employees or the customers, they just want to make their money. SO, I decided not to spend any more money in that store and I haven't. I've found bargain prices at other places and have been satisfied, until now. There are so many cute pieces I want from work,and I've been asking myself, should I just continue shopping there(in moderation of course) or should I never give them another penny? After a few months we have items go down to $5, $3, and even $1! And we have days where we can get %50 off! Below are the items I want:

9/11

2009-09-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was still living in OH and I was in the sixth grade. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining my friends, brothers and I walked to school. I remember looking at the sky and seeing a plane. Who knows where it was headed. Today was a big day for my school because they had just built our school a brand new playground. The councilman was even there nto dedicate it to us. The news was there and I beleive I was somehow apart of the program. After the ceremony, we went to our classroom and our teacher told us about what happened. For the rest of the day we just listened to the radio. A lot of parents pulled their children out of school early. Of course,I didn't realize the magnitude of this event at the time. I mean I understood that people died and that we were going to war, but I understood about as much as an eleven yr old could. A few yrs later when I hit about ffiteen or so, my parents called a meeting. Of course by this time there were tons of conspiracy theories and movies about what really happened that day, so they introduced us to a short film called Loose change. It gave me a whole new perspective on the world. Now let me say, sometimes I can be paranoid, naive, etc. However, the bible says trust no man and the goverment is not above this. I don't have the answers and I don't know everything. But I do know one thing.
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Lets talk about Sex...and when God allows it

2009-08-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

So...I'm a young woman growing up in a world where sex is in the limelight...and...its hard to restrain from sexual activities AND sexual thoughts. Wuts a girl to do?

1 Peter 2:11 says "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

And boy do they. I had been struggling with lust for years when God finally told me I needed to get my act together! I've definitley surrendered, however I'm still tempted, of course. So many cute guys on campus..and church...and work..lol everywhere. But He won't put more on me than I can bear right? This weekend we had open mic night at church (Real Life church woot woot) Here is the piece I read:

Untitled

Its hard

yea

its hard

to feel passion

but to have to be stronger

sometimes I feel I can't wait any longer

but I do

I don't know how but I do

and as I wait patiently

while my Heavenly Father

sets the place and time

I become content with

becoming one with HIM

so that I may be a whole woman worthy of a whole man

and then

and only then

when my Father gives me the green light

and the time is right in His sight

we two wholes

will become one

and it'll be good

but in the meantime

I'm chillin

and yea

its hard

you know its hard!

with hormones rushing

and lovely images not just being painted in my head

but actually passing me day by day

its hard to stay

on this track

where I put purity before

my passion

and although its not modern fashion

I've already made up my mind to have

His mind

yea I slip sometimes

but I get back in line

even if I'm the only one there

I'd rather be divinley paired

with a man who cares

not only about my heart

but His will

and until

we are united

you know I'm chillin

and yea

its hard

but I gotta do what I gotta do

Stay pure folks

My Hair is wuts up

2009-08-17T10:58:00.001-07:00

Just a lil something I wrote back when I first went natural : )

My hair is...wuts up
no really, my hair is wuts up
my naps take a stand
my kinks jump towards the stars
my curls reach toward heaven,towards the sky
they so fly
and its all me
my hair is wuts upand u outta luck
if u think I will b ashamed
of my God given mane
you say it can't be tamed
and it should look the same as everyone elses
but my friend, its a blessingand I feel blessed to have what you would consider a mess
see you don't understand
my hair is wuts up
you see this image of beauty
we need to lose
the terms "good' and "bad" hair need to be removed
becuz who is to say that God made a mistake
when he curled up our hair, causing combs to break
so for goodness sake
can we just root for kinky hair?!
but more importantly
can we root for ALL people accepting who they are?
we've come to far
to still be shackled
Love the real you
and if not
at least support MY do
'cuz my hair
our hair
is wuts up!

The "RED BONE" complex

2009-08-11T13:55:00.000-07:00

Okay... Before I begin my rant let me say two things

#1 I do realize I, myself, am what you would call a "red bone." However, I see myself as a beautiful black woman and don't feel that any complexion is over any others.

#2 I am not in any way trying to hate on any women who have lighter complexions or wear weaves or anything. I'm simply trying to make a point.

Now, Let me say that, whenever I'm on myspace and I visit the pages of any of my guy friends or family, they all have pictures of half naked women on their page or just pictures of their favorite celebrity women. For example, I see lauren London on a ton of pages, as well Rhianna, Meagan Good, and even some girls from Real Chance of Love like Risky ( light skin, "good" hair) Not to say that none of these women are beautiful, because they are. But why are they valued above women who have darker complexions? And it doesn't help that one of the most famous rappers alive (rolling my eyes) opens his latest piece of work with the words " I like a long hair thick red bone" Hearin stuff like this makes me so angry. Speaking of such, I was at work the other day talkin about flava flav with my co workers, when all of a sudden this bi guy I work with who is brown ,but won't date anyone brown skinned, says " U know how white people can tan, well there should be something for dark people so they can get lighter".......

I ask him whats wrong with dark skin and he says "nothing, but when you walk out side, you shouldn't become invisible" or something stupid he said like that and its just so ignorant. Of course I realize that this superiority complex is rooted in slavery, but I just always thought that a beautiful women was a beautiful women, but some men beg to differ. My biracial bfff was talking to a guy who was also mixed up with something (can't remember) and I remember him telling us that he couldn't have sex with or do stuff with a girl who was dark because he said that a lighter girls "private area" was prettier. Made him want to kiss it. But not if it was black. Perhaps this mind set can't be changed. Maybe it can. *sigh* all I know is I pray for they day when women like Kelly Rowland, Gabriel Union, and India Arie will be celebrated as well

Hope

2009-07-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord-Psalm 31:24.

Sometimes, life doesn't go the way we planned. For example, my financial aid has yet to be processed although school starts in a few weeks. When school starts, I'm concerned that I won't have the time to work, meaning I won't have the money to save towards me moving out of my parents house...soon. I'm concerned about many other things also but theres HOPE. My hope is in God and the fact that he hears me when I cry out to him. These days I'm playing a lot of Lisa McClendon "Please help me now." You should check her out :

http://www.myspace.com/mcclendonlisa

Top 5 reasons to go natural!!!

2009-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

So I know some of you are thinking "Is it really that serious?" or "Its just hair!" And that may be true, however, for it to just be hair we spend countless hours in the mirror trying to make it look right, countless amount of dollars trying to find the perfect products and tools that will give us that great look, and its often one of the first things we notice about a person. So in my opinion, hair is valued and there is nothing wrong with that. Now moving on to why more women should go natural!!

Reason # 5: ITS FLY

There are many people who bed to differ, but you just have to admit, natural hair is simply FLY. It's versatile. It can be worn big and stretched or low and shrunken. Braids, Twists, twistouts, braidouts, updos, Huge Fro's, baby fro's, kinky or even straight (with precaution of course) I've gottan so many compliments since goin natural and barely any negative comments. Whats more fly than a sexy, unique woman with lovely hair.

Reason #4 : ITS EASY AS 1,2,3!

Tell me that a relaxer is easy to maintain and I'll tell you...you a lie lol. Of course there are some women who have relaxers and find that maintaining one isn't difficult, but lets compare...my experience with a relaxer and my experience being natural. When I had a relaxer, I had to get a chemical treatment every 4-6 weeks or else my hair would look a mess (I usually would go without one for three months lol) which meant that I either had to go to the salon and get it done or beg my mother to do it at home for me. After that I would have to wrap it every night, unwrap it every morning, maybe flat iron it or curl it only to walk outside in the mississippi humidity and have it fall : ( I dreaded swimming or the rain because it would ruin my do'. I couldn't take showers as hot as I wanted to because I might sweat out me hair : ( To some this doesn't sound so bad. But now that I'm natural I usually mess with my hair once a week! I'll wash and condition, set it in braids or twists for 2 days,take down one day, and wear it like that for the rest of the week,moisturizing with shea butter every so often. Pop my bonnet on at night and pop it off in the morning. Which sounds easier to you? Not to say I still don't spend hours in the mirror lol, but I don't worry about my hair nearly as much.

Reason # 3: ITS CHEAPER!

Different people pay different prices to get their hair done. Some pay $30 some pay up to $60 for a relaxer and then come back to the salon two weeks later to pay for a wash and style. I always opted for the home kits which are about five dollars. Perhaps this isn't a lot of money to you. However, you can save a lot more being natural. This is unless you are a product junkie and can't resist buying indredients to create your own yummy hair products! But thats another story....

Reason # 2: ITS HEALTHIER!

Although many women of different races accept it, there is nothing healthy about using a chemical relaxer. Just think about it. The same chemical found in drain cleaner, is put on your hair and scalp monthly.... Many women experience severe scalp burns, hair breakage from over proccessing, or even hair loss. However, many of us grow up believing that this is the only way for us to maintain our hair and its simply not. But many women (my self included) are just ignorant of the truth of relaxers and any other options available. Its sad but true.

Reason # 1: ITS THE NATURAL YOU!

I don't care if you hair is naturally wavy, curly or kinky, there is beauty in the natural you. I don't believe that my God makes mistakes and He didn't make a mistake when he created ANY race. Not only should Black women begin to embrace their natural hair, but so should women of other races who also look down on tighty curly hair. There is a mental transition that has to take place but I believe it is all for the better when it does : )

So there you have it, my top 5 reasons for going natural. In no way am I trying to offend anyone who has a relaxer, I am simply trying to drop some knowledge : )

Peace, love and nappiness to u!

When your broke and have nothing else to do....READ!

2009-07-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

So I know your thinking, read? What I look like reading when its summer time and I'm supposed to be out enjoying all of this summery goodness? Well if ur like me (broke) and u haven't got to do much this summer, a trip to the library is always a good one. Whether you like to read classic literature such as Jane Eyre, or what I like to call "porno books" with authors like Eric Jerome Dickey and Zane, you can't go wrong. I've been spending the past few weeks of my life (lol) in between the pages of Alexander McCall Smiths "No.1 Ladies Detective Agency" series and I FRIGGIN LOVE all of his stories of Mma Ramotswe in Botswanna, Africa (which is now a tv show with Jill Scott as the main character for those of you who have HBO) Not to say that you have to live the life of a bookworm, but sometimes its just nice to sit on the front porch with a glass of lemonade and a good book :)

Hello...

2009-07-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

So after running it through my mind for a few days now, I've finally decided to start a blog : ) At first, I thought that I shouldn't because 1) I have to be in the mood to write so I doubted that my blog would be frequently updated 2) What if no one read it? What if no one cares enough about what I have to say? But then I thought some more and realized that there's so much I wanna say, and that maybe someone out there wants to talk about the same things that I do such as being a young disciple, being black in America or having nappy hair in a country where the term is rooted in hatred.... so here I am world! Hello, my name is Tiera

Peace, Love and Nappiness

THANKSGIVING!!!

CD Review: Tye Tribbet "FRESH"

Hope

Have I really not posted since July? Allow me to reintroduce myself!

Bantu knot out with a twist!

MIA

I'M HOME!!!

Lo Siento

Food for thought: Relationships

Freestyle : Untitled

Chrisette Michele went natural!!!

Random thoughts.....

Hair update

Spring Break: Centric presents the Epiphany Tour!

Book Review: Jonah's Gourd Vine

Show me wutcha got

I cooked and it worked!

My quest for the perfect shampoo

So what if it is midnight! I heart Cardigans!!

Change your mind

I quit : )

Hair challenge!

Love is in the air!!

Time is not on my side...

Book Review: Other people's skin

Life is funny

I'm sorry

To Be Nappy, or To Not Be Nappy? That is the question

A message from God

Honest Scrap...well I'm always honest...lol

Good Hair Day/Leave in the Kinks Giveaway

Lessons and Ponderings of 2009

Home for the holidays

One Year Natural!

A New Season...

I'm a style icon : )

I straightened my hair *gasp* : )

The Time It Snowed In Puerto Rico

Dreaming of you

new do's

Touching the stars

Ode to my purple boots

"Just friends"

Celebrate who you are: I'm a lady

And the struggle continues....

Brand new #1

Yay I'm so excited!

To buy, or not to buy...that is the question!

9/11

Lets talk about Sex...and when God allows it

My Hair is wuts up

The "RED BONE" complex

Hope

Top 5 reasons to go natural!!!

When your broke and have nothing else to do....READ!

Hello...

I straightened my hair gasp : )