Natural Hair and The Guys that Love It Pt #1

Hello, hello! This post has been a long time coming, I just tend to procrastinate a lot....a whole lot! *shrugs shoulders* However, I'm trying to catch up on a few blogs. This topic will about NATURAL HAIR, and the guys that LOVE IT! *smiles* So, I finally took out my kinky twists (even though I put my hair back in braids recently for protection) and I decided to get on "the book of faces" and ask a few guys how they feel about girls having natural hair. I must admit I got a few good responses but one in particular was obviously tainted. A lot of guys actually like natural hair on a female and it felt pretty great to know that. I have to go back on my facebook and get those responses but this is going to be a short post for the main fact that those responses play into my next post. But...thinking now it has me anxious to start another forum "Ladies: How do you think men respond to natural hair?" I feel like that's important. I honestly feel like females don't wear their hair natural sometimes not just because of society's role in perception but because of how they think guys would treat them. Would the looks change? What will happen? Will they get approached more or less? I can only speak of my personal experiences so far *next post* of how I think natural hair has affected the opposite sex attraction towards me. So I think at midnight I will post the next one only because I don't want to be too anxious. And I know I'm kind of rambling right now but don't worry I just wanted to get this off of my chest lol. Until midnight my loves!

Dark Skinned vs. Light Skinned

WOW! It has been a long time my friends. How are you? =)

I haven't posted a blog since March, I've been slacking my bad of course. But however, time to shed some light on a very sensitive yet intriguing topic for me. Today I watched the Tyra Banks Show, and it was a comprehensive view of the shows she's done with black people stating their opinions on our race and it's culture. 

One thing that got to me was the debate of "Dark Skinned vs. Light Skinned". But it's not so much the complexion but the gender that sparked something within me. I'm a light skinned black female. I can't help that, I was born this way. I have been isolated from my peers as long as I can remember just for being a light skinned person. Is it my fault? No, of course it isn't. Till this day I still know females that refuse to get to know me because of my complexion. To be quite honest, I think my best friend/sista was the same exact way. She did not like me at all in 7th grade. It took a few months into 8th grade just for her to get to know me, and that's fine. She is a gorgeous dark skinned woman and I love her to death! We are now entering our sophomore year of college and still have a friendship strong as ever. Not only am I grateful to have her as a friend but also to have a dark skinned friend. She's the only dark skinned female best friend that I have. 

But now that I'm older, I tend to run into a lot more people who are tolerant to my complexion. It takes time, but everyone has to adjust, and get out of their ways. Those who chose to isolate me I hope that one day they will except that fact that everyone has their share of problems regardless of whether they are dark skinned or light skinned. Instead of jumping at each other, we need to realize that we have a lot more in common than we think we do. Now for my next topic....NATURAL HAIR! Oooooo, I'm sure that will strike a nerve with some people. Until next time loves! Smooches!

The New Renaissance Woman

This isn't really about other women but it'll be soon. There will indeed be a follow-up =)

One of the main reasons my blog is called "Soulfully.Lyrically.Xpressive" is because I express my soul through lyrics. Lyrics in my case would be poetry. I have a very expressive point of view. I love poetry, short stories, reading, shopping, old black movies, black art, fine arts....I just love the arts! That's me, it's what I do. Being in college I had to learn that it is a business. Not necessarily a place of higher learning even though I won't knock that fact. I came to college wanting to be a doctor because that's what I told my dying grandfather when I was younger. The more I grow up, the more my artistic side shows. It shows in the clothes that I wear, the type of things I like, the way I chose to decorate my dorm room for the upcoming semester, how I do my hair, etc. I can't escape from it. I LOVE IT! 

My all-time favorite period in history is the Harlem Renaissance. At that time black people were so original. They sang, danced, owned their own businesses, wrote....they were an inspiration to everything around us now. I'm deeply inspired from it. I love black cinema. My role model is Dorothy Dandridge. She was gorgeous, strong, knew what she wanted, and yes she had her share of problems, but who doesn't. I know about some old black movies that people my age haven't even heard of. I've made it my business to let my boyfriend know about my "world." Since I use my right mind all the time, I figure why not let my future rest on my loves. Most people would think any kind of major or career in the arts would not take you anywhere. I agree somewhat. I, for one, refuse to be a struggling artist. 

However, I decided that I may try a major within Textile and Apparel Management. I would have a dual major or Apparel Marketing and Merchandising/Apparel Production and Manufacturing. Sounds good to me. I get to share my love of fashion with the world. I'll also have two minors of art and business. I will be able to open my own business and design my own clothes. Art will always be my love before fashion which is why I'm going to try my damn best to get a degree in art as well. I may be reaching but this is what I do, this is what I love. I plan to publish a book of poetry one day as well as a novel. Think I can do it? I want to make a name for myself as the renaissance woman I claim to be. I can't wait to see what the future holds for me. As long as I have God I know that anything is possible. Wish me luck!!!

You Disgust Me Part 1

Today I realized that something really urked the hell out of me! Black judgmental, hatin' ass, attitude having, "if it ain't my way everybody else gotta suffer", etc  women! Its disgusting as hell growing up as a young black woman myself. So I'm going to present some problems that I have with it.

1) You need a perm

Excuse me bitch! Nobody asked you! If I plan to go "napptural" that's my damn business. Who are you to judge with what the fuck is going on with head? You can have your perm or weave and be happy it doesn't matter to but I'm going to do what I want to do. 

I am in the process of going natural myself and I love it. At this point, I'm thinking about maybe perming my hair again because I know how to care for it better since this is still new to me, but never in my life have I ever judged a woman for wearing her natural hair I think it's gorgeous!

2) Why that bitch ain't go no hair?

Why do I need any hair at all. Kanye West's alleged new girlfriend Amber Rose is absolutely gorgeous to me and she wears a very low fade and her hair is blonde. I've seen such comments about her such as "baldheaded ho" along with other things. Since when does having long hair make you the most beautiful woman in the world? It takes a woman with a lot of confidence to pull that off and she has indeed done so. Sounds like jealously to me!

3)Kanye dating a white girl

First of all you dumb bitches!! She is not white! She is half Italian and half Cape Verdean. Cape Verdea is an island off of Africa. She is half African! But you automatically assume that because she's fair skinned that she's white. Please get over yourself ladies. It's already been proven a fact that black people have a color complex, you really did just show your true colors.

4)All N****s ain't shit!

Let's bring it back to the term "dog". A bitch is nothing but a female dog, you mess with one and that's all you will be. So think about it for a hot second. Oh, and have you ever thought about the fact that maybe it isn't them but it's more than likely your ass? Don't worry, I'll wait. HA! Yeah, I thought so. Please do some self-evaluation on yourself before you're so quick to judge the next man that you date. I for one strongly believe that even the most messed up man can become something great. Instead of trying to be so critical of him, give him the support and love that he needs. But back to my original point check yourself first. Maybe you got something that makes his ass not want to be bothered with you at all. And quit dating the "same" person. That's common sense and truth be told you like drama that's why you keep going back.

I'm pretty sure that I got more to say but let's just say there will be a part 2 in the works.

Intro

She walks alone. She walks around her room pacing back and forth. Upset. Upset because she had more faith in him. Upset because she though she knew better for herself. She's crying. She's crying because all she want's are answers. She wants him to tell her why! Why would he do such a thing to her? All the pain and hurt that she's suffered. From him. And him. And him too. Will one ever be any different? Will one be the one that God predestined for her? She feels helpless. The only question that it's in her mind is "Will I ever fall in love? Or will I be alone forever?" Questions existing but only darkness surrounds her. 

He dribbles the ball up and down the court. Wondering why the hell he's there. He never was a really big fan of basketball. His heart is clinching in his chest. The more he dribbles the more he tries to take his mind off of her. He can't help how he feels. His friends call him soft. He says he's in love. He know he shouldn't love her. After the way she treats him. His mother warned him two years ago. He didn't listen. Now all he can do is wait.

BRING BACK THE 90s!!!!!!!!!

(Please excuse the picture I couldn't find one of all the ppl I talked about and then some...sorry)

It was the year 1990 that I was born, but I was an early lover of music, good music. I know I can't be the only one who misses the 90s for the music alone. Now all the good TV shows and etc., that's a whole other post. But this right here is strictly about the music! 

I remember when Twista was collaborating with Do or Die, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie, Tupac, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, Timbaland and Magoo, The Fugees...shoot....Blackstreet, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Mary J. Blige (REAL LOVE!), Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, Dru Hill, Next, TLC, etc. Just thinking about it has me happy and giddy inside, because that's what real music was to me. Now I finally understand how my mother feels when she turns on the radio and dances around the kitchen while cooking. Those were songs that reminded her of her youth, well younger years because mom is still kicking and still young. Now I'm only 18, going on 19 in two months, but it's sad when I have to reminisce about good music at such a young age. It's official, all that music is my "old school" music. 

Even though I was too young to even know what was being talked about, when I hear a song that I danced around to then I get that same urge. My eyes light up, my mouth opens and the lyrics come out, I get out my seat and start dancing. I can't help it, my body is programmed to do so. Matter of fact, I'm listening to my old school right now, and I want to dance and sing so badly but my roommate is here (lol). So at this time, I am currently thinking about throwing a 90s party, nothing but 90s music, maybe even make people dress like we're still in the 90s...sounds cool to me. Wish me luck!

Hopefully My Last and Final Blog About This Nonsense...

I've learned from theybf.com, that Rihanna has been confirmed as the unknown woman who reported the assault, and she's suffering from severe injures. The injures are contusions to the head (according to TMZ and police, it looked as if she was growing devil horns), severe bruises on the face, possible bites on her legs, a bloody lip, and bloody nose. Now when I see a joke about this beating, I'm even more disgusted in people then before when the news first hit. Hopefully, people understand the importance of this later, or some people aren't just blessed with the sense God gave them. All of us aren't that lucky. Thanks to those who are mature enough to handle this news.

Poetry in Motion

So I really don't have much to talk about right now. Maybe later I will. But for right now, I'm just going to share a poem with you guys that I wrote a few yrs ago. Writing used to be my first love but for some odd reason I lost the zest to even continue with it. New hobbies came up and I just put it on the back burner. I even started to write a book a while back, can you believe that?! But maybe it will start back up. I am a lover of the fine arts ya know =)

It's Over

It's over, sad but true

Everyone to choose from and it was you

I didn't ask for much just your heart

You didn't plan on giving it from the start

And to think I sacrificed so much for you

You may not believe it but it's true

The real thing I hate is I fell in love with you

Read between the lines couldn't you tell how I felt

Just the thought of you used to make me melt

It's okay I know you don't feel the same way about me

But it used to be my dream

I wanted your touch

I craved for your kisses so much

I must about that I'm going to miss you

But I don't wanna hurt anymore, I've paid my dues

I thought you were gonna be different from those other dudes

But you can't turn no trick into a treat, I tried it with you

I used to cry so much about you not caring

And you flirting with girls, I'm not too fond of sharing

All you had to do was tell me how you felt for me

But you left me blind and unable to see

Sometimes I used to imagine how life would be without you

But then you escaped my mind bit by bit

Now I realize I can do so much better

By the way I hope you got my letter

I couldn't stand to tell you face to face

This way you really couldn't be on my case

I hope you understand where I'm coming from

I have more to say and then some

As a matter of fact, I'm moving on as we speak

Every part of this relationship makes me weak

I'm tired of giving 110%

While you put no effort in this

So I'm never gon' worry about you again or even cry

Imma say what I should've a long time ago and thats "goodbye"

I have more poetry on gspoetry.com under the name of CoCo. Proud member since 2006. =)

More Rihanna and Chris Brown Drama...Yay?!

Ok so according to mediatakeout.com, Rihanna is not pressing charges against Chris Brown! Umm, yeah so about that.....? How could you not?! I'm sorry but I feel no remorse at the fact that his career is now dead from the incident that happened 2 days ago. If a man hits you, don't file the police report, and decide later to not press charges! Makes no kind of damn sense at all! It makes me think about all other woman who are victims of domestic violence but never speak up. It saddens me because something has to be done about this. 

Rihanna is now a universal example of this. It used to be Tina Turner and now her. If you don't know your history then you damn sure liable to repeat it. What else is there to think about? The response from Chris Brown's mother. I'm sure she's very disappointed in her son because of this. She knows her son used to witness her being abused by an ex-boyfriend. It's horrible that everything has played out like this but I sure hope that Rihanna changes her mind. Chris Brown or not, he deserves punishment.

The Rihanna and Chris Brown Drama

Chris Brown Is Still Human Celebrity or Not!!!!!!!!!

So I had every intention of writing about the 2009 Grammy Awards, but something else caught my attention. Apparently, Chris Brown is under investigation for the abuse of fellow R & B singer Rihanna. Now after heated debates, a few laughs, and concerns spread around on facebook.com between friends, it's clear to see how people really feel about this. Me, personally, I feel as though no man should put his hand on any woman no matter the circumstances. 

What really strikes my attention is the fact that Chris Brown witnessed his mother being abused as a young boy. He made that clear on an appearance on the Tyra Banks Show. I guess even though you try not to let bad influences rub off on you in some kind of way they do. 

So now for all the facebook commentary. I've heard it all from "How can Chris Brown do this?" Obviously the Chris Brown lovers. Then there's the "She probably deserved it!" Some of that still from the Chris Brown lovers. Now this was disturbing! "I would've hit her ass too!" Coming from a wide range of males who believe the rumors that Rihanna has herpes. For one, that's not my business. Secondly, who knows if she really gave CB herpes? Thirdly, who are we to judge? Now out of all the females who are laughing at this just because they don't like Rihanna, including a friend of mine, none of them, I repeat, none of them would ever let a man hit them without trying to retaliate! Now I will admit to being  a fan of both Rihanna and CB, and I refuse to judge with or without all evidence because I'm not one to judge people, well at least I try not to. 

So maybe I will continue blogging tonight about the Grammy Awards, and highlight some of my favorite performances of the night. But for right now, I just felt like this is something had to be blogged about for the time being. Best of luck to the both of them because Lord knows the need it!

The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill

I am ecstatic to say that I have discovered "The Re-Education of Lauryn Hill". I did not know it existed until after I wrote the blog on her yesterday. Come to find out that it is a mixtape which was never released by Columbia Records. But the luck comes in where you can get a free listen of it on a website called datpiff.com. 

I must say that Ms. Hill has outdone herself over again. I've listened to this mixtape over and over again, and I haven't gotten tired of it yet! Every time I listen to her beautiful voice sing the classic "Makings of You," I swear a tear wants to fall. I missed hearing her voice. It's something about a voice like Lauryn Hill's that makes you want to hear more and more each time. Hopefully this woman will regain her strength from the situations that life has put her through and come back to her first love of music. Because let's be real people if Lauryn was still on the scene then Beyonce wouldn't even be thought of. 

Don't get me wrong I love Ms.B/Sasha Fierce but Lauryn Hill has the kind of music that I can't get tired of. I can hear a Beyonce song all day and eventually get tired, but if I put on my favorite Lauryn Hill song "The Sweetest Thing" there's no stopping me from putting it on repeat. She had real music. She didn't have to show or shake her ass to get attention. All she needed was a stage and guitar and she captured the crowd quicker than a person could blink. I just want the essence of Lauryn Hill back along with her as a whole.

 Nothing could be sweeter than that when it comes to music. 

The Miseducation That Got Us Educated

Ms. Hill please come back!!!!!!!!

I sat here listening to my radio, thanks to last.fm., and in the process Lauryn Hill's "Ex-Factor" began to play. I don't know about you, but when I hear Lauryn Hill I immediately start singing. Her comeback is long over due. It's hard to believe that 10, almost 11, years ago this album was released. I was only 8 years old at the time but "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was my favorite album to listen to, and still is. Unfortunately, I left my CD back in Chicago while I'm away at school but that doesn't stop me from listening to it on the internet.

 Lauryn Hill was my first taste of neo-soul mixed with hip-hop. Quite honestly, if it weren't for Lauryn I wouldn't listen to Jill Scott, or Erykah Badu. She epitomized what is great music. I appreciate Lauryn Hill for the little time that she spent on the music scene. Hopefully she can come back to give us what we all really miss. All I know is, if there was a Lauryn Hill concert coming to a city near me...I would have the first ticket available. Now that's the damn truth!

The music industry needs you!!!!!!!!

The Wanted "Black Fairy Tale"

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been infatuated with this idea of love only because my favorite Disney movies threw it in my face every chance they got. To this day, my favorite Disney movie is still "Beauty and the Beast." The love story behind it is simply beautiful! Any one who has a heart would also agree with me. But what happens when we grow up and start to look for love?

When a girl starts dating she only thinks and what I like to call "fairy tale mode." She'll meet that great guy that will sweep her off her feet, and they'll live happily ever after. Yea, not quite. This is probably why a lot of failed relationships happen. As a young black woman, it's hard to find a guy, as much as it pains me to say this, the typical stereotype. Not any one who cheats, has 5 baby mamas somewhere across town, but the one who is different than all the rest. The black knight should I say. 

Maybe as black women, as all women, we should realize that fairy tales do not exist. Even when you see a couple who looks like they have the perfect relationship. No relationship is perfect. Every single one takes compromise, honesty, and loyalty. It takes work along with many other things. No one has ever had a  relationship where they don't argue. It's not possible at all. 

My advice would be date around! You will eventually find your own personal Prince Charming no matter how hard it really is to find him. Remember that no guy is perfect but there is indeed a perfect one out there for you. When we all get out this "fairy tale mode" the better off we will be. I turn 19 this year and I already had to learn that the hard way. And to say the least I'm glad I did, and I have a way healthier relationship for it. 

Welcome

Hi, everyone! I've thought long and hard about actually doing this blog and I decided that I would. Why not? Seems like fun! So as you see the title of this blog is "Soulfully.Lyrically.Xpressive." This describes me. Also my last.fm radio plays neo-soul music to get my point across. I will be posting some things that are mellow, making even funny, critical, just about anything that I find interesting. So I hope you enjoy reading my thought as much as I enjoy writing them.