Inspired Poet: Deanna Rodgers

"Expand into your full potential and be amazed by yourself. 

Playdough style"

Smile!

More UK poetry that will make you...

SMILE!

UK Poets & Black History Month

In celebration of this Black History Month, here is a short docu from some really amazing UK poets...

UK Poetry Scene: Indigo Williams - The Wrong Truth

I did a simple experiment... you know how you type words in the google search and they then continue to give you examples of what the popular searches are...

I typed in... "Why are Black women"... and left google do the rest...

Hmmmmmm. 

Try it sometime on many other unfinished sentences and you won't believe the crap that comes up lol.

Then it reminded me of this wonderful poet that speaks on this.. I found the video on Writer's Block (a website celebrating UK poets, events and all things creative).

The perfect title and words.

Writer's Block Presents: Spoken Unplugged - 'The Wrong Truth' by Indigo Williams from LoveWritersBlock on Vimeo.

UK Artist: Pepperstorm Arts

This art bite features a UK based artist that I have been a HUGE fan of for a while! When I see her work, it always reminds me of having a really "cooling spiritual water-energy" feeling... there is a flow about it. Does that make sense lol?!? I have also seen her work on numerous flyers around culture shops in London, promoting events (talks, open mic etc) and other artists.

About the artist:
"I am a painter, jewellery designer and sculptor living in London. I began my career as an artist in the mid-eighties designing backdrops and promotional material for warehouse parties and clubs. During this time my work took me to Japan, Australia, North America and Europe where my interest in the arts grew and I began to express myself through painting and sculpture.

The biggest impact on my working technique came through the first visit to my homeland of St Vincent. I was completely overwhelmed by the vibrancy of colour and richness of the culture, something that I had expressed previously in my painting without understanding where the inspiration had come from. This visit inspired me to paint more frequently. I later traveled to Senegal and The Gambia which gave greater meaning and understanding to my work. I spent six months working with artists and sculptors and have made many return visits

I have a BA in Jewellery Design from Central St Martins. During the time studying my paintings took on a sculptural quality with many of the pieces showing the delicacy of fine jewellery and a sculptural quality in the form of collage, print and surface decoration.

I have enjoyed working as a freelance designer and maker producing processional sculpture and costumes with EEA and educational work with KORI. I also work with the Indigo Collective and I am a member of the art group Colour and Movement. My main project at the moment is the commission of two outdoor sculptures for the Altnegelvin Hospital in Derry Ireland.

I work from my studio in South London. Although I love the time I spend locked away in my studio, I also enjoy working on collaborative projects with other artists and in community settings."

Visit Her Website

Inspiring!

Uk Spoken Word: Raymond Antrobus

Hey guys, you know I love poetry! I've been enjoying the variety of great UK poetry over the years... this is another poet that I love and he also offers some great free downloads to digest and reflect on. Check out his blog on  his work, with inner-views!

Immerview: Andrena Simmons

Andrena Simmons

http://lion-essence.blogspot.com

How long have you been natural and what inspired you to begin?

I’ve been natural since 2000. I big chopped unexpectedly on a normal day in September. I had recently come back from holiday in the NYC. I was more concerned in preparing for that holiday and the idea of attending university in the US. So much so that my form teacher in sixth form didn’t bother to submit my UCAS form on time and I didn’t noticed. So after two months in NY, a breakup and being 18, I felt rebellious and needed a drastic change. I asked my sister to cut off my hair while washing them and that she did with glee.

In 5th January 2001, I started locing my hair. I always wanted to have locs and fancied myself being in love with all of the Marley’s. My uncle had amazing long bongo-natti locs and I used to think that one day I will have locs – even if it was a “taboo”. I’ll have it and show everyone that you can be successful in the corporate world or at which ever career you choose, no matter the condition or style of your hair.

I guess you can say for the next 9 years, I did that and inspired many friends to start their journey with dreadlocs. Between ages 19 and 25, I interned every summer during university and then after university at an international finance company. First few years, I was the only black employee in the department. In some way, my dreadlocs give me courage and a certain fierceness.

But since 2008, I started longing for a change. I went through some upheavals and started longing for a change in direction. I wanted to give back more to the community. I wanted to volunteer and do more artistic and creative stuff.

Now in hindsight, my prayers got answered. In a nutshell, my passport got stolen while starting a new job in March, 08. I had to stop working, apply for a new passport and my residency in August 08. I’ve been waiting since then for my residency and cannot work until all that is sorted. I started blogging and writing more poetry, which was a challenge coming from a mathematics and scientific background. I’m also volunteering at two major youth organisations – International Award for Young People and YEP Enfield.

I realised that I was hiding in many ways from myself and behind my hair. At the start of the New Year, I transitioned from having beautiful dreadlocs to wonderful natural hair. I feel as if I’ve lost my identity, but it is a slow process and I’m getting there – back to the caterpillar and soon to be once more a butterfly.

I thought that I would have had dreadlocs for ever, but I feel as if in the past 2 years being out of work, I have learnt so much about myself and it is as if I’m entering into a new era. What better way to signify this, but my hair.

Did you find your family/friends were supportive in your decision to go natural?

My mum used to threaten to cut off my dreadlocs while I sleep and I had nightmares for months. But they were very supportive and they love to show off to their friends that I have dreadlocs.

Some of my friends thought I was crazy when I started. It’s great to see them now with their own dreadlocs and natural do. One girl at my old job told me that I’m the first person she saw with dreadlocs that made her want to have them.

Now, it’s taking a long time for them to get used to me without my dreads. My bf says that it’s as if he has a new girl friend.

Do you feel where you live is open to natural hair?

Thankfully, London is very metropolitan and I’ve been seeing many beautiful people with beautiful dreams. Adornment (natural hair show) was amazing - so many wonderful dreads in the crowd.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love being true to me and not hiding behind accessories. I love being natural and knowing that what you see is what you get. No makeup – no weaves – no fake eyelashes – just me

What do you love least about being natural?

Bad hair days – I’ve been having them since this is the first 2 weeks of me without locs. It’s been frustrating. I’m trying to roc a fro, but the detangling process afterwards is a nightmare. But, I’m learning.

Have you learned anything about your Self through this journey of natural hair?

I have learnt a lot and then I have to relearn. It’s an amazing journey. Life and Time is fluid and so am I. This month, I learnt that I am not my hair. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be a lion-ess anymore when I cut my locs. 

What is your hair routine?

Thank God for all these natural hair blogs. When I started locs, I couldn’t find any. Now, I subscribe to so many.

I tried out my new hair regime today actually. It was crazy, but I learnt patience.

I pre-pooed over night with Organix coconut milk conditioner + rosemary and olive oil

I shampooed with John Masters Organics evening primrose shampoo and clarified with diluted apple cider vinegar.

Detangled with Organix coconut milk conditioner – two-strand twist my hair in fours.

Deep-conditioned with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle rose conditioner for 3 hrs (I cooked dinner in the meantime)

Moisturised with John Masters Organics Rosemary and peppermint detangler as leave-in and whipped butter from Anita Grant mixed with coconut and olive oil and spritz with John Masters Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer

Tell us a little about where you live... What do you love about the city/country? And where would you recommend to go?

I’m from the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which is a must-go if you like unspoilt beauty and not just the boring sun, sand and see. In St Vincent, we have everything – high mountains and volcano for hiking, 3 waterfalls, natural trails, rough beaches for water sports, tranquil and beautiful sandy beaches, corals reefs for snorkelling, over 15 inhabited and uninhabited islets to sail around and explore, vibrant and cultural events like carnival throughout the yr and tasty Caribbean food, drinks and music.

I’ve been living in London for 11.5 yrs. For a hint of what it is like to party in the Caribbean, check out Busspepper - http://busspepper.com/ for their events.

Any advice to anyone thinking of going natural?

Take the plunge and do it. There are so many resources via blogs, forums and youtube. A huge family awaits and will support you.

London Rant! Yes, The Public Transport..... AGAIN!

If you're planning on moving around London, might as well walk!!!

...oh C'mon!

One of the million reasons I don't use the tube trains.

It just never works when you need it... and I don't plan on spending ANY of  my bank holiday planning my journey around town on it.

UK Links: 2 UK Websites To Check Out!

A few links that I had to share that explore an give insights from a UK point of view...

Catch A Vibe

Soul Culture

Enjoy ;o)

London Spots: Inspiral Lounge

Reason 571 for loving London - it is so easy to find good vegie spots around town!

Most restaurants will have sizeable variety for vegies... and it's easy to find a local spot that just serves vegie food. I live right opposite one lol! I blogged about a few spots in a very early post about my favourite spots to visit - so glad to have found a documentary on one of these lovely spaces - Inspiral Lounge.

London Event: Day Of The Goddess

Happy March!





Celebrating A Whole Day Of The Goddess...
See Website For Details!

I'm looking forward to the talks and shows which host some of the ladies that I have been following for years now on their work! Great words...

"Today and every day you should reflect on the beauty that is Woman, you should remember those women that made a mark and those that continue to create marks, templates and finger print traces in this Universe we currently reside in.

Women you must never forget that all begins and ends with You, you are the root and you are also the flower. You have a massive role to play in this life in this Universe fore you gave birth to it.

Women don't turn your back on your natural duties or shun your Goddess role, because when we do we leave the space in which we should occupy and reign in disrepair.

Gracious creators, giver of life, mother, sister, auntie, grandma, nana, niece, daughter, wife, girlfriend are all titles remember above all you are Woman - All begins and ends with you!

I Am One Who reflects the beauty of the universe back to itself.

I am the Beloved. "

Mark your diaries: 21st March 2010.

UK Natural Hair:Naturally Sexy

Yet again, another fantastic UK website celebrating natural hair - Yay lol!

@ www.naturallysexy.co.uk

Calling All Euro-Naturals!

Calling all natural women and men who live in UK and Europe. I'd love to hear from you and post up some entries about your natural journey and explorewhere you are living!

Interview = Inner-view

It'll be your space to share!

I look forward to hearing from you ;o)
Email: contact@holisticlocs.com

Andreya Triana - Far Closer

I can't get enough of her music right now...

Shuanise - Baggage For Sale

It's snowing outside so I'm keeping warm, cozy 'n energized with yummy comfort food and music... I ((heart)) the lyrics in this song!

Travel light!

Check out this UK talent: Shuanise

British Curlies Website/Shop

British Curlies Website + Shop

There used to be a huge problem of finding products in the UK/Europe that are normally widely talked about on hair forums. In fact, it drove me nuts lol - especially in the days when I was a serious PJ (Product junkie) and got excited about every product review out there for curly/kinky hair. Along with previous posts of UK/Europe based online shops, there is this website that I recently came across by accident...

Great products, natural hair articles and information!

UK Music: Andreya Triana

Napptural Beauty Inspiration from the UK...

Andreya Triana @ Myspace

If you are in London town, be sure to check her upcoming dates for shows, she is GREAT live!

UK Artist Journey: Adelaide Damoah

I have been a fan of hers for a few years now. One of the things that initially drew me to her work was how she her turned around a negative situation (in this case, her health condition) into a creative expression and creating more awareness for women who suffer from Endometriosis - She also tackles many other issues using art.

You can read more about her creative journey in Mimi Magazine's article: Shade Of Genius: Adelaide Damoah

See Her Website

London Street Art

[Lesson 5648...] Take the time to enjoy your local murals/street art as they have a habit of dissappearing just as fast as they came! [/Lesson_over]

Love em' or hate em', every city and town has them - Street art!

What say you, yay or nay?!?

OK, so there quite a few around that bug the ish out of me, but then the ones that do make me smile make up for it. Some places suit street art more than others, where it looks out of place. My area is known for its artist parties lol and just down the road from me, there is a house that purposely covered their front wall with a really beautiful piece of artwork. I pass it everyday when I'm off to work, yet I only took the time to really admire it once last week. The next day, the council came around and hid it with black paint... Hmmmm, now it looks a real mess! ... missing it.

Celebrating street art in London...
Visit this online free magazine:
Download London Street Design Magazine

UK Natural Hair Shop: Curl Harmony

While reading the above article in the UK Precious Magazine , I came across a link to an online website that sells products for kinky-curly hair: Curl Harmony

Most UK nappturals would probably agree that it used to be the case that when we wanted products for our hair, we would have to order from abroad to get the kind of products that are always mentioned (and celebrated) on hair care forums. So it's refreshig to see that there are a growing number UK shops that are catering for natural afro hair - yay lol!

Has anyone tried this line of products? Do tell ;o)