So Thankful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'm so thankful for the spirit of crafting and the wonderful community of creative friends! This is a quick post to share a recent layout I made for Thanksgiving. The bear is my November contribution to the Cricut Exchange swap. The bear is from the Teddy Bears on Parade cartridge.

Jewelry anyone?

One day while shopping in a local retail store, I was admiring a necklace set.  I went as far as taking it to the checkout line but it rang up for a price well over the threshold I was wishing to pay for it and it was at that point that I was convicted to learn how to make jewelry.  I've only been at it since the spring and it's really not my "thing" but at the same time, I enjoy making pieces that coordinate to my outfits and with my new hair do, having a little bling is an added benefit too!


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Big Chop: The Journey of discovering Me!

Well, they say the only thing that stays the same is change...or something like that. I privately struggled with something that I since learned so many other women struggle with - my hair. Not only my hair, but my overall appearance. After having my son, I somehow lost myself. I was trying to be that Super Mom, that Super Wife, that Super Daughter, that Super Worker, that Super Friend, that all-around Super person. In the process, I lost the Super Me. Part of this journey has been my hair. Although I went to a very reputable hair dresser each and every week, after I had my son, my hair changed. At first, my hair dresser was engaged in helping me through these changes but then, as time wore on, she seemingly wasn't interested. It was almost as I was a bother. Again, yes, this is a reputable shop and she is the owner of the shop! Although I was relying on her professional counsel and wisdom, I just don't think she was interested in me. Flat out. End of story. The hair dresser recommended a weave to help "cure" my hair issues that I experienced after giving birth. I protested but eventually consented. Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with a weave other than it was never really "for me". It was over a 4 year wonderful weave journey (yes, a long time) but finally, my eyes opened. I started noticing the beautiful sistas with the natural hair. I didn't have to look far for inspiration. One of my dearest and longest friends, has absolutely beautiful natural hair to go along with her wonderful personality. I'm telling you, this girl is a part of my heart. Her smile will just warm you on one of those days you're on the battlefield and seemingly losing the war. So, after much introspection, I decided to take the weave off. Whatever was under there was under there and it was mine to deal with. My dear friend introduced me to a wonderfully talented hair care guru and the outward transformation began. You see, the inward transformation had already began to take place but it was time to show my testimony in an outward fashion. This blog entry, while not craft, is also a part of that outward testimony. On October 13, 2012, My "big chop" took place. In some places, my hair was chin length. In other places, I had a whisper of coverage, if that. I was nervous. I was anxious. I was a mess but in my heart of hearts, I knew it was the right thing to do for me. Putting aside my Super Woman Cape, this was by me for me. It's been a month and it's been a journey. A good journey. I'm thankful for the people and the help mates God has placed in my life to help me in the discovery process of me.