Sisterlocks Photos from Sugar Mountain, North Carolina

We just returned from our traditional MLK weekend ski trip to a glorious day basking in the excitement of this monumental Inaugural Day!

Brian Kofi

Daniel Diop

The Boys

Dad and the boys

There are only two weeks until my one year lockiversary. My how time flies.

Close up

Even closer up - Texture shots

I remember my first 'skiing with sisterlocks' post, while pre-sisterlocked. I was so impatient to get my sisterlocks installed and quite annoyed that I had to wait a whole month with only test locks to play with!

Brian Kofi and me

This year we went to Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, NC. The elevation is not as high as Beech Mountain, but because the boys are no longer neophyte skiers, we had a ball.

Not far from Asheville and Charlotte - About a five hour drive from Atlanta

Sugar Mountain trail map

View of Sugar Mountain Slopes, in Banner Elk, NC

Gas is still pretty cheap and friends let us have their condo for the weekend. Add discount lift tickets and a ski rental coupon and voila - 'vacationing on the cheap' - which makes it twice as enjoyable.

SugarTop Mountain Condominiums

Inauguration Day, I shed a tear

When did I tear-up? Only once.

When Joseph Lowery spoke the poetic words of James Weldon Johnson...

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past,
'Til now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
May we forever stand,
True to our God,
True to our native land.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse for Sisterlocks

I finally gave myself my first apple cider vinegar rinse. I reconsidered doing it after Wendy mentioned to me that she had given herself one recently.

Afraid that I would smell like a salad, I had put it off, but much of the scent disappeared after one cold rinse and was gone after a quick shampoo.

Inexpensive Publix Brand - go organic, if you're particular

I don't use many products, but I was wondering whether I would see a little more shine and pliability after the rinse - and I did. My locks were a bit softer and a tad shinier. Interestingly, I have noticed less flaking as well.

Apple Cider Vinegar hair rinse can help lift dandruff. The apple's malic acid acts as an emollient and defoliant. The acidic pH help remove oil and the soap film residue left by alkaline shampoos.

Most recipes online will suggest diluting the apple cider vinegar 1:1 or 1:2 with water. Other sites, that discuss its' use as a rinse for locs, may tell you to use it straight.

I used it straight from the bottle at room temperature. I washed my hair first with sisterlocks starter shampoo. Then I slowly poured it all over my hair and let it drip into a large bowl in the sink. I poured the apple cider vinegar that was left in the bowl over my hair for a second rinse. Finally, I rinsed thoroughly with very cold water and did a quick shampoo.

This site claims that apple cider vinegar cures almost everything short of cancer and AIDS (go here). There is a long disclaimer at the end of the page, but it's worth perusing if you have an interest!

Kwanzaa Photos (More sisterlock photos next time!)

Just a few photos from this years Karamu. I've mentioned in a previous post (read all Kwanzaa posts here) that we host our Karamu on January 1 instead of the traditional December 31. We hadn't planned to show The Black Candle, MK Asante's new feature length film about Kwanzaa, (see the trailer here), but there are always a few people who hang out for 'the party after the party' so we watched it in the evening.

Enjoy...

The children were at the center of things.

It was a potluck in the spirit of Ujima.

Wangari made salmon, Kenyan spicey rice and white rice. Naomi's Liberian collard greens were made with fish and chicken.

Helping hands were indispensable.

Such 'Kuumba' (creativity)!

[Oh, what the hay! I guess I'll toss in a few sisterlocks hair photos for the start of the new year anyway!]

May you be mindful of the seven principles even when times are most difficult, remembering that the right thing to do is frequently not the easiest thing to do.

Stay strong. Everything is in divine order.

Have a prosperous, peaceful and healthful New Year full of love and light!

Harambe!

AfroCentric Network: A Great Shop in the ATL

If you ever happen to find yourself in the Atlanta area, make sure you go to the West End and visit the Afrocentric Network.

The shop owner, Margaret, a Kenya native, will welcome you with her big, dimple-framed smile. If she isn't there, Atieno, who has an equally pleasing personality will make you feel right at home.

Margaret (owner)

Atieno with individual braid extensions

The store carries a large selection of African and African-inspired clothing for both women and men. Margaret carries 'Kriswear' - the label under which designs by the award winning Ghanaian designer, Kwasi Christian, are sold.

Couldn't leave this Senegalese design in the store!

Wore it to the Gala!

There is something that will appeal to every taste within their extensive collection of jewelry. Accessories like hats, scarves, and handbags pepper the store in abundance.

The wide variety of fabrics including cottons, mudcloth, light and heavy lace and upholstery weight fabrics are a favorite with Atlanta area designers.

Margaret carries artwork, sculpture and home accessories from across the entire African continent - from prints to masks to soapstone to thumb pianos.

You can also find toiletries like raw shea butter, black soap, incense and oils.

The Afrocentric Network is a one stop shop for African linens, masks, statues, ornaments, artwork, apparel and accessories. They are located at 576 Lee St
Atlanta, GA 30310. (404) 756-0200.

When you visit, tell Margaret or Atieno that you heard about the Afro Centric Network on DocsLocs' blog!