BLACK FEMALE HAIR: PART II: India.Aire Lyrics

I believe this song by India.Arie is a perfect installment to my Black Female Hair Series... Read the words carefully... when you finish reading the words check out the youtube link in the title with more lyrics in the version featuring Akon....adding a little from the male perspective


INDIA.ARIE LYRICS
I Am Not My Hair


[Talking:]
Is that India.Arie? What happened to her hair? Ha ha ha ha ha
Dat dad a dat da [4x] Dad a ooh

[Verse 1]
Little girl with the press and curl
Age eight I got a Jheri curl
Thirteen I got a relaxer
I was a source of so much laughter
At fifteen when it all broke off
Eighteen and went all natural
February two thousand and two
I went and did
What I had to do
Because it was time to change my life
To become the women that I am inside
Ninety-seven dreadlock all gone
I looked in the mirror
For the first time and saw that HEY....

[Chorus]
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I ma not this skin
I am a soul that lives within

[Talking:]
What'd she do to her hair? I don't know it look crazy
I like it. I might do that.
Umm I wouldn't go that far. I know .. ha ha ha ha

[Verse 2]
Good hair means curls and waves
Bad hair means you look like a slave
At the turn of the century
Its time for us to redefine who we be
You can shave it off
Like a South African beauty
Or get in on lock
Like Bob Marley
You can rock it straight
Like Oprah Winfrey
If its not what's on your head
Its what's underneath and say HEY....

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair make me a better person?
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend? Oooh
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)
I am expressing my creativity..
(Whoa, whoa, whoa)

[Verse 3]
Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy
Took away her crown and glory
She promised God if she was to survive
She would enjoy everyday of her life ooh
On national television
Her diamond eyes are sparkling
Bald headed like a full moon shining
Singing out to the whole wide world like HEY...

[Chorus 2x]

[Ad lib]
If I wanna shave it close
Or if I wanna rock locks
That don't take a bit away
From the soul that I got
Dat da da dat da [4x]
If I wanna where it braided
All down my back
I don't see what wrong with that
Dat da da dat da [4x]

[Talking:]
Is that India.Arie?
Ooh look she cut her hair!
I like that, its kinda PHAT
I don't know if I could do it.
But it looks sharp, it looks nice on her
She got a nice shaped head
She got an apple head
I know right?
It's perfect.

Happy Birthday to Me!

This blog thing... I can go months without saying a word... then again I have something to say everyday...lol... who knows... the one thing I notice is that I tend to write more in the last months of a year or if there is something major going on and I think to write... I think that I do this because I want to share my experiences and thoughts with others... as a year comes to a close or when a major life event occurs maybe it is then I am in my greatest point of reflection realizing how important some things are to me or I may be simply seeking an outlet to express myself....

With age comes wisdom... this I believe.... Have a great day!

CLAIM IT Ed. 3: SAY THANK YOU!

You see God has blessed me with wonderful parents, a great boyfriend, a loving family and awesome friends.

I do not know if I tell them thank you enough.... so I take this time and space to say... THANK YOU

I have been blessed with parents that have ALWAYS been there for me and go out of their way to do what they can for me. Who listen and offer advice (not always what I want to hear but advice nonetheless). You must understand I was a VERY involved child... from pageants, to school, to countless activities....one if not both of them where there. They taught me what they new/know and encouraged me to learn what they may not have experience in... they taught/teach me to be a good person .. and for that and so much more I want to say THANK YOU

Now onto my boyfriend.... you see my boyfriend is my high school sweetheart... at the age of 16 the 2nd time I REMEMBER seeing him... I feel in love... but I thought then who falls in love at 16... so I think i did many things to sabotage it.... I want to thank him for falling in love with me all over again, for being there, for listening for debating (sometimes :) ) for challenging me, for opening my eyes, for being my best friend. He is one of the most genuine and precious hearts you will ever want to meet... no everything is not perfect but that is why it is called a relationship... something you build and approve upon to make stronger. He gave me a card that I feel helps to explain it...

"The ups, the downs, the twists and turns, the love that keeps us together through it all...And I love looking back to the day we met, remembering all the sweet moments that are forever in my heart. I love knowing that time has made us stronger, and brought us eevn closer together...And when I think of tomorrow, wondering what our love story will hold, I know it will be wonderful for I'll be sharing it with you"

Thank you Kris for being the person I know you are and the great man I know you are destined to be...

Oh my family.... I appreciate all genuine people from my sweethearted sister to my cousin who NEVER forgets to send you a birthday card..... THANK YOU ! Thank you! Though we did not choose each other there are many lessons learned, many talks, fun times, smiles, and laughter... thank you for

My friends... I cannot even begin to name names but thank you! ... Thank you for that person who would let me call them when I had panic attacks in the middle of the night, for that person who made me realize that it is okay for black females to talk about their problems, to those that let me stay in their home when my apartment burned, to those I have a monthly dinner with to vent and listen, to the ones I call daily, weekly, monthly, or just when the mood hits... thank you.. thank you for being such an important part of my life...thank you for being there my friends....

I could go on... but challenge to you today is to say ... THANK YOU.... tomorrow is not promised... make sure you tell those who have made a difference in your life.. thank you!

CLAIM IT Ed. 2 BE POSITIVE

There are good and bad times...

I may not believe exactly what everyone else does or how I was raised exactly, but I do believe there is a God. I believe in the power of being positive, even though sometimes it is easier said than done and you wouldn't always believe me if you saw me.

See I believe a negative attitude can take you to negative places... mentally and emotionally and sometimes physically. That is why I challenge you today to be positive... even when times are hard....

Example 1: I may not have people who can or want to give at the level that I am required to raise but I worked hard to get enough little gifts that they could equal several annual gifts at the level I am required


Example 2: I may not feel good but when I walk into a room where my boyfriend and father are making me laugh... I appreciate that moment... the time spent with two wonderful people in my life...

I could go on but I hope you get the picture.. be positive appreciate all little things. Learn from mistakes and make your life better... CLAIM IT!

CLAIM IT Ed. 1: Write Down Your Goals!

This scripture came to me about a month ago...
I was driving along heard it on the radio, when I got to church I must say I heard what the preacher said.. but was enveloped in how the pastor on the radio had presented this scripture in such a short time and it stuck with me...

So today when I rose (I didn't have no doubt)...lol...(funny to those who grew up in a black baptist church)... but i digress.... I shared the scripture via facebook again but with more detail, brought out a notebook and wrote down things that I claimed in His name today...

At this time I share it with you...

" 'Write down the revelation & make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end & will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come &will not delay.'" Habakkuk 2: 2-3.

This morning I woke up claimed what is mine and wrote it down. As I said I have shared this before but didn't act until today! My friend Denise and I used to do this annual in January... they started off as resolutions but then we revised it to goals that can be edited throughout the year... I will share with you one I wrote in the past... it will be added in a while...

That is

Black Female Hair… Comedy or Complex?

Part I: The thoughts of a NNS…

Yesterday I was hanging out at the pool and was thinking… man it sucks to have “nappy” black hair as a female…not that I am ungrateful …. I just started thinking… I wouldn’t mind going swimming, washing my hair daily, or learning how to swim if I had “good hair” or if I was wealthy enough to get my hair done daily (i.e. Oprah…or the stories of Oprah).

Then I began to think how many black swimmers …FEMALE swimmers do you see… haven’t researched it yet but I suspect not a large number. Then I began to think about water rides at amusement parks how the little “black” girl that got wet hair starts to get poofy while her friend of other ethnicities may dry wavy but is still manageable.

As I began to write my last two reports for the day I was going through my mail and saw an invitation had been returned… I went to that friends website and there it was again… another reminder about black hair… it was a trailer for the movie “good hair” … a comedy or at least set up as one but my question is .. is it a comedy… or complex…

I know I myself try to laugh it off… joking I look like a cotton ball or a dirty q-tip with wet hair. Then I watched the trailer that made me think… wow we spend so much money on our hair that other people do not have to (kind of a life expense if we choose or is it a choice)… trying to look our best… we spend money and if you have been to a typical hairdresser in the south… TIME… which in many cases is just as valuable… Not all black women have “nappy” hair and those that don’t are often the envy of her naturally nappy haired sisters (NNS)….

As I watched the trailer I also noticed how much we NNS spend on relaxers, extensions, wigs, etc… and it just made me begin to type this blog… not that this is going any farther than my computer screen to yours…
I am the kind of female that tries to solve problems… but I don’t have a solution for this one… there are many NNS that say you are trying to be another ethnicity by straightening your hair… or say you aren’t keeping it real… but truth is … I personally like the straight look…it is my and many others preference … and another fact is that society looks at our “natural” look as unprofessional… not to say that it is or isn’t but it brings me to recall a recent conversation with a very close friend… I said… “what do you think about me getting braids” .. their response… “you are too conservative”… they may be right …

The more I think of my nappy hair it frustrates me… there is nothing I can really do about it without drawing attention to myself…

(to be continued)

Wisdom and Growth

Today's Quote of reflection...

"We did not change as we grew older: we just became more clearly ourselves." - Lynn Hall

I try to start my day off with scripture, quotes, and/or many various points of inspiration. Today I read the parable of two prostitutes and their two babies. (I Kings 3: 16-28) It reminded me that if you are observant the trust will reveal itself.

Enjoy your weekend ... be blessed and safe!

Leading Life By Example

Quote to start the day...

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could see all of our life as a gift?... take a breath and ask what is the gift here? -Alan Cohen-

I am not the best example in the world. I make mistakes and do not do everything society or the church thinks I should do, but I am a good person. I try to live a life that is an example to others. Often I feel we are challenged to do things we shouldn't, behave in ways that we know are wrong, or conform to rules of a group that go against our being. I challenge each of you reading this today to believe, pray, and let God lead you. No one is perfect, we all make mistakes, but do your best to live you life as though you are setting a positive example for your child. (Regardless of whether you have children or not). Realize that things are not always going to go your way, but try to leave situations knowing you handled them in the best way possible. Have a great day! Many Blessings... Liza Corrine

Attempting to Blog again...

... okay so maybe I didn't stick to my last personal goal of blogging on a daily basis...let me be a little more realistic... how about blogging when the mood hits me....that is going to be my new goal...

Quote of the day

Life from the center is a life of unhurried peace and power. It is simple. It is serene. It is amazing. It is triumphant. - Thomas R. Kelly

I'm Blogging Again!

Hello Everyone! I have not blogged in a while and would like to get back into the swing of things. I will try to write something daily during the week if nothing more than a quote. Today's food for thought....

"Don't go for looks; they can deceive. Don't go for wealth: even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright. Find the one that makes your heart smile"

I hope each of you enjoy your day!

Be Encouraged!

Vote for Tiger Band

Don't forget to vote for Tiger Band for the ESPN Battle of the Bands........


http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/contests/indianajones/voteBand

Seven schools are not only on a quest for the crystal championship trophy, but they are also on a quest to win a $25,000 donation from Paramount and Lucasfilm Ltd. in the Battle Of The Bands.

Cast your vote for your favorite performance of the Indiana Jones theme song and you could win a VIP trip to the ESPN Bowl Game of your choice* or a copy of the Indiana Jones DVD box set signed by Harrison Ford!

Random Acts of Kindness

“Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you” – Matthew 7:12

This is taken from my personal website I haven't updated since I had a house fire in 2005, but it never looses purpose. And today a friend called me because she did a RAK and thought of me and my challenge, therefore I thought I would reissue the challenge

Have you ever seen someone having a bad day and you and you wish you could do something to make it better? You possibly could…with the smallest effort. Have you ever been shopping and saw something that would be perfect for someone you know? If you have a few extra dollars… buy it… give it to them… it may just make their day.

I truly believe that there are simple pleasures in life that can make a difference in someone’s day. If you have ever wanted to focus your life in a positive direction…If you just want to make someone’s day brighter… If you would like to receive the satisfaction of joyous smile or a simple thank you… I challenge you to take part in "LizaCorrine's Random Acts of Kindness Challenge". If you ever need inspiration for the simple things you can do for someone, watch children.

One of the things that my friend Denise and I have said is that we wanted to randomly purchase someone's groceries for them, ask them to do something nice for someone and walk away. Today... she did... and called to share with me. Isn't it wonderful to serve as such an inspiration for friends.

My Birthday Wishlist - 08.08.08

For those of you who know me I like to say that I am celebrating my birthday for the entire week but this year my birthday is so unique that it is cool all by itself(08.08.08). I am constantly asked, “What do you want for your birthday?” So I have developed the following Birthday Wishlist for my blog…

>Gift Cards to
o Wal-mart
o Bed Bath & Beyond
o Olive Garden
o Bi-lo
o Ingles
o Bloom
o Regal Cinemas
o 356 Sushi Bar (Clemson)
o Ebay
o Chadwicks
o Soluna

>Sterilite or Rubbermaid 22Gal Lataching Tote Storage Containers
>Sizzix Die Cuts
>Sizzix Die Cut Case
>Cash

VACATION DAY! HA! Dunkin’ Donuts Grand Opening(Clemson) – Computer & Car Issues

So we arrive in Clemson at about 4:30, get our stuff out and my parents and grandmother are on their way. Kris then remembers me talking about Dunkin’ Donuts opening at 5AM July 28th. So we get the keys and run to the car … to a dead battery… I then suggest walking so then we have an excuse to eat whatever we are about to consume. Kris agrees and we are off! We walk down the street to this (please see picture below)… college students, locals, children and parents, all in line. We began laughing and get in line.

Now what is funny and you must understand is that we were going because Kris ALWAYS asks for bagels in the morning and there is nowhere in Clemson where we can go grab a fresh bagel so he has been talking about the opening of DD since we read in the paper that it was on it’s way… so we arrive not knowing about the “free stuff”… we ended up getting two free breakfast each, a magnet, and registered to win whatever else they were giving away (which I personally didn’t even read). They simply said put your name and number on the back of your receipt and stick it in a box. We did so, went outside enjoyed our bagels and were off home. About noon I get a call from DD Cooperate telling me I had won two tickets to the Clemson/Citadel Game! I just started laughing and hope I said thank you!

I go to use my computer and remember the motherboard being replaced well… in this transaction I have lost the wep key to get into my own network AND the Clemson wireless network! UGH! And remember the car… yeah…. The battery died and well.. let’s just say THANK GOD KRIS & MY DADDY. Kris and I got it jumped off today and my wonderful Daddy who is going to try to take it to the dealership tomorrow while I go to work…. What a way to spend my vacation day working on my computer and car…I will be taking another…I just have meetings and things to do tomorrow! But at least I won tickets & got to hang out with my family and baby!God is GREAT!

Checkout & The 25th Gholston Picnic

Well, checkout was MONSTEROUS! This hotel was VERY understaffed especially for this weekend! I looked at my receipt briefly and then went on a mission to find my parents a cart (OH MY GOODNESS). Need I remind you again, three family reunions, a Christian conference (where all attending appeared to be dressed to the 9s meaning LOTS OF LUGGAGE), and White Sox/Tigers fans!. There MAY have been three people at the front desk if that… so between everyone asking me 10zillion times if I knew how to get to the picnic (after I told them as long as the place has an address and we have VZ Navigator all would be fine), figuring out the tricks of how to catch an empty elevator, and getting the car pulled around I didn’t look at my receipt again. We get to the picnic with no trouble, enjoy our time there (See pictures below), took Davida to the airport, and were on the road again.

Mowtown, Canada, & Gholston 25th Banquet

My parents and grandmother went with some of our Detroit family riding and to their home by the time Kris, I, and Davida where ready to roll.

EXPLORING
Since there was no schedule of events listed for us besides the banquet that evening we then decided to go on our own adventure which took us to Motown where we did the tour of Motown, which was AWESOME!. Loved the music, loved the tour, loved the heritage… it was fun and informative for all of us. We then decided to go to Canada for a bit (this is where the getting late to the family meeting came in). Let’s just say below are pictures from our adventure and if you would like to know more talk to me, Kris, or Davida:




THE BANQUET…




Going out again...
VICENTE & GREEKTOWN

We went out for salsa and had just missed the lessons, therefore had a few drinks and then headed to Greektown because Davida didn't get to go with Kris and me the night before. Here is where the second funny part of our day came in...we agreed all to bet only $10 each... I recall Davida showing me a ticket for $6 she won and another for $9.23... well... the next thing I know I see Davida with no tickets and no cash and I was like what happened to your ticket... "The machine took my money"... my response... "What do you MEAN the machine took your money... do you mean it was a mechanical error or your lost it?" she responded that it "took her money" so Kris tells her to take us to the machine... luckily no one had sat at it. What she had not realized was it was in a bonus round that called for her to participate in a touch screen portion of the game. So she and Kris sat and touched the screen. To make a long story short when we got to the machine she was down to like $1.20 and when they were finish touhing the screen she had won a little over $150!...lol...

Live from DETROIT!

So we arrive in Detroit a little afternoon with Daddy and Kris doing most of the driving. Thank goodness I am a Starwood Member because otherwise we may just have to TKO someone. So my room was ready when we arrived, but not my parents. Now technically check in was not until 3:00 pm but service at the front desk was slow and annoying and YES I DO write customer reviews. They need to be better staffed. There were like 3 reunions, a Christian convention, and people who were visiting for the Tigers/White Sox games. Needless to say the hotel was PACKED! In the meantime trusty VZ Navigator took Kris, Daddy, and I to DTW to pick up Davida. When we returned everyone was trying to check in and the parents’ room was finally ready. We move all my parents, and grandmother’s luggage down to their floor and nap. Later that evening Kris and I were a little late for the family meet and greet at the firehouse across the street from the hotel. (IMPORTANT because we think we catch all details but miss some key ones  ) . Kris and I then walk my mama and grandmother back across the street to the hotel and are off adventuring. We find a restaurant called Vistente Cuban Cuisine where we enjoyed tapas and a beautiful city view from our street side dining. While there we hear that they offer Salsa lessons Friday and Saturday evening and make plans to return for the following evening. We return the hotel where we meet musicians and engineers on the Angela Winbush tour. They were a lot of fun. Hope to get a video of Preiester showing my sister to play the drum he was carrying around on facebook later., but I may face some censorship from my sister.

Is it Friday Yet?

Overview of the day…

 Cleaning until 5AM
 Emails and computer 730AM
 Library Meeting 9AM
 Pass off Laptop 10:30
 Office work 10:30 – 11:25
 Ambassador Lunch 11:30 – 1:30
 Office work 1:45 – 3:00
 Conversation with TD 3:15-3:25
 Picking up my lap top THANK GOODNESS 4:25- 4:45
 Picking up rental 5:00 – 5:30 (don’t ask)
 Working on Newsletter 7:30 – 11:30
 Leaving for MI 1:00AM

Vote for Clemson in ESPN's Helmet Clash

Please take a moment and vote for clemson : http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/sportsnation/story?page=helmetspennstclemson

Live from Austin, TX!

I am in Austin at the Library Development Officer's Conference, ALADN. I arrived on Saturday and have met some great people with great ideas since. This year I also felt that I could share what I am doing, which also made me feel good to be able to contribute to the conversation. The 1886 cafe that is pictured to your right is where President Johnson proposed to Lady Byrd.


I am staying at The Driskell Hotel where we had a wonderful tour guide that has only been at the hotel for 6 months. Here are some pictures of things that he showed us on our tour:
Here are original pieces of crystal from the hotel remaining intact expected to be Waterford
Original War Issued Guns now lights around the Driskell Bar

President & Mrs. Johnson's paintings as you enter their suite
Maximillion was sent to Mexico as the Ambassador when he arrived he called hiself emporer and was overthrown and killed in two months. He had the head of his new 17 year old bride skulted to the top of each mirror he had made in her honor



Today we went on a boat tour of Lake Austin. Pictures below are from my trip thus far:







Check Facebook for more photos!