Hair Matters...Live Curly

Natural, braided, straight, curly, air-dried, and blow dried… My hair has experienced it all.  I have also experienced burns from my curling iron. Where? On my face, neck and even on my eye.  My scalp has  survived chemical burns. Why? All of this is my effort to transform my curly hair to straight. I remember my former hair stylist in Nashville commenting on my Egyptian hair.  Meaning, my hair did share the texture of women in Sub Saharan Africa.
Regardless of my hair's texture, I still had to relax my curls ... get those coils straight. 

 Now, I am transitioning to a natural hairstyle. Last Saturday, I attended an event titled, Hair Matters ...Live Curly at the Lyric Theater. The event was energizing. It was fabulous to see women, young and old exploring ways to care for their hair. I sat with women who encouraged me not to transition, simply cut my hair.  Wow!  Not so fast! I need time!

One of the best parts of the day was to see mothers were gathering information on how to care for their children’s hair. I love that young girls are able to discover and embrace the natural beauty of their hair.  

 It was a sweet surprise to see my dear Elaine at the event.  Elaine and I are a part of the evening Bible Study Fellowship in Lexington. In addition, Elaine mentors a young African American girl.  Elaine is a Godly example of care and support to this young women.  Women from every background can be  role models to help our children discover their inner beauty.  As  mature women, we can continue to discover new techniques for our hair. 

What determines our  value and beauty? It is not our hair style, our hair or eye color. It is not the texture of our hair. Is is not where we live, our zip code,  or our net worth.  We have value and worth because God has created us. How cool to point girls to the true source of love and beauty. When we read the Gospels recorded in the New Testament we see the beauty of God's love for us. 

My dear sister Elaine with the lovely young lady she mentors.
She has such a beautiful smile!
Her little sister  has so much energy!

Wonderfully

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
Psalm 139: 14

Waiting in the reception area of the doctor's office, I am calm. In my purse I have a picture of a knee, my medicine, and my MRI. The anatomy of the knee is beautiful example how if treated well, our body may function.  Knees are one of the largest and most complex joints in the body.  Last month, I had an MRI on my knee. Today, I have my appointment  to discuss the results from the test.

The waiting room 

As I am ushered to the exam room, I look forward to discussing the possible options. I have to change and do things differently. I have to move forward... I have a prescription for pain, a referral for physical therapy, and list of additional things I will do in order to prepare for potential surgery.

Hip and knee replacement information is on the wall to the left.

Before I leave, I make another appointment.

Be still...

He says, “Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

In between morning and evening church services, I walked at the park.
It was cold and quiet this morning.
It is a perfect place to pray and be still. 

Getting in shape

I think I have a coach. I don't know if she calls herself a coach. My coach reminds the players of the guidelines. Then, our coach challenges us to get in shape. Coaches do all it …inspire, teach, guide and lead.

 I think preparation is the key ingredient.

Pets of the week, Cuddles and Pouchy

Cuddles and Pouchy are the pets of the week.  These two Guinea Pigs live with friends in the neighborhood.  Did you know that Guinea Pigs are not from the pig family or from Guinea? They are from the Andes.

According to Wikipedia, Guinea Pigs are an important part of folk culture, medicine, and religious ceremonies in South America.  European traders introduced these small critters to Western Societies in the 16th century as pets. 

Special thanks to Jill for allowing me to visit and take pictures. 

 Thank you to Gabby for holding Cuddles and Pouchy.