Marina from Walnut Baby has been so kind to feature one of my bridal fascinators on her blog today. Pop over and check out the post. It features some other great Etsy artists as well.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
THE HAIR DIARIES
In June of 2009. I officially joined the natural hair community! I noticed soon after I moved to Germany in the Summer of 2008 that my hair had started to slowly reject the chemical relaxer that I had been using for over 30 yrs. to straighten my hair. I really think that it had something to do with the water. I may never know what really caused this rejection but, it was probably the best thing that could happen to me and to my hair.
My sister suggested that I begin to wear my hair in it's natural state. The thought of that was absolutely frightening! I hadn't seen my hair in it's natural state since I was 11 or 12 yrs. old. I had no clue about how to care for my hair, or about the styling possibilities. I freaked out, and I continued to relax my hair although I was doing further damage to it.
I flew back to the states in early May 2009 to prepare for my wedding. My hair was still in very poor condition, however I wanted to have my hair nicely styled for my wedding which was at the end of the month. So, I relaxed again. This time to horrifying results! My hair was not straight, it looked gray and washed out and my hair strands were wiry and brittle. On my wedding day, I had to use a ton of gel to get it to lay down on the sides, and I had to add a hair piece for volume. At this point, my hair had had enough!
My husband and I returned to Germany in June and I immediately began researching natural hair. Thank God for Youtube! I found tons of ladies who were wearing their hair natural and, who were posting video tutorials for women like me who were clueless in regards to caring for and styling natural hair. After being inspired by these Youtube gems, I decided to do my big chop! ( The "Big Chop" is cutting or shaving off all chemically treated or damaged hair) My husband wanted me to wait and go to a professional stylist for the hair cut. I however, got inpatient and cut it myself. I did such a hack job, my husband literally rushed me to the neighborhood salon to have the stylist "repair the damage" At this point, I did not cut of all of the relaxer. I cut off the relaxed hair to about 4". Every month I cut off about an inch or so of the relaxed ends as my natural hair grew out. I guess you could say that I transitioned to natural hair for about 6 months.
Going natural was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I feel more confident, more beautiful and my husband loves my hair. I will never go back to relaxed hair. I love the hair that grows naturally out of my head, every curl, coil and kink!
Relaxed Hair
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Two months post Big Chop
(I still have some relaxed ends here)
Four months post Big Chop
(still have some relaxed ends hanging on)
but my TWA-teenie,weenie afro is cute!
December 2009
Six months and all natural!!!!
March 2010
Still growing strong!
If you or someone you know is interested in going natural, check out the Haute Hair Links listed on the left of this blog page. You'll find a wealth of information on these sites. Here is a list of some of my favorite Youtube Naturals to view as well.
Monday, March 22, 2010
BREAK A LEG!
About 8 years ago I was working for Vee Corporation. At that time, Vee produced large scale theater shows for kids such as Sesame Street Live, Dora the Explorer and Dragon Tales . I worked as a puppeteer and live performer in their Dragons Tales show for 2 seasons. I was initially hired as a puppeteer but, I was also cast in a greeter role. ( Greeters performed an interactive song and dance number with the audience before each show.)
The cast and I had a great times traveling all over the country. We performed in large arenas, mostly in major cities all over the country. I've even performed at the Beacon Theater on Broadway and at the Olympic Village Theater in Seoul Korea. My cast-mate and roommate Blakely sent me a couple of photos of us backstage in our greeter costumes before a performance. What great memories!
The costumes were not the cutest but, it was so much fun to sing and dance with the kids before each show.
Everybody sing!!!!!!!!
Emmy wished on a Dragon Scale and that what started Dragon Tales.
Around the room the dragons flew but, Emmy and Max knew what to do.
They climbed on the backs of their dragon friends, now the adventures never end!
Dragon Tales, Dragon Tales is almost time for Dragon Tales!
Come along and take my hand, let's all go to Dragon Land!
This is Quetzel the Dragon one of the many puppets that I performed in the show. You really can't get a good idea of the size of this puppet from this photo but, he is huge! It took two puppeteers to manipulate him: one to operate the mouth, head and eyes, that was my job, and another person to make the arm movements. My other puppet characters were The Giant of Nod, Nippy the Snow dog. and Princess Kadoodle.
The main characters Cassie, Ord, Zak and Weezie were performed by actors in full body costume. I was too tall to be a costumes performer. Thank God! These guys were always super sweaty after the show. In my second season I played the role of Willie the Walrus. ( I think Willie is now known as Wyatt) Willie's home is in a wishing well so, I was able to sit in my costume during his scenes.
The actors who played Max and Emmy were very talented! They were all around great singers, dancers, and actors. I wonder what these girls are up to now? Yes, Max was played by a girl!
I wish that I had more of my personal photos to share but, they are packed away in boxes back in Ohio. Performing in Dragon Tales was a really great experience for me. It was a great opportunity to travel and to meet new people.
Interested in seeing a Dragon Tales Live Show, check out the Dragon Tales PBS website!
Monday, March 15, 2010
THE RETURN OF THE CLOCHE HATS
It's been way too long since I made one of these little cuties. I just listed this one in my Etsy boutique. I'll be listing more soon so, be sure to visit often.
GOLDEN
COMMISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
A few weeks ago, my good friend Bethany commissioned me to make a hair piece for her upcoming April wedding. I completed the piece on Friday evening but, my husband and I were so busy over the weekend, I didn't have time to get to the post office. To avoid any further delay in getting Bethany's special commission to her, I hurried off to the post office this morning to ship this lovely hair flower that I am really proud of.
The design differs from my original sketch but, I am still happy with the results.
Initially, Bethany wanted a few feathers added to the piece. She is pretty conservative and likes simple elegance so, the feather request surprised me a bit. I tacked a few feathers to the flower and sent this photo to her via email. After taking a look at this design, she decided that maybe the feathers were a bit too much, not exactly her style. My sentiments exactly so, I removed the feathers.
I'm really sad that I won't be able to go to the wedding. But, it makes me so happy to know that I will be apart of her wedding day in such a special way. I know that she will be a stunning bride and I hope that she loves her headpiece.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
SUNDAY BLESSED
The weather is yucky in Deutschland today. But, I'm going to let it rain on my parade! I will rejoice and be glad, for today I am truly blessed!
Have a wonderful blessed day everyone!
Sharon
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
ADORABLE!
Check out the cuteness that is featured in Ralph Lauren's Spring/Summer Kids catalog. These kids are too cute! I love the hair and the clothes.
Monday, March 8, 2010
OSCAR FASHION
Unfortunately, I was not able to watch the Oscars last evening. The six hour time difference made it absolutely impossible for me. However, I was happy to view some of the stunning Oscar fashions worn by Hollywoods leading ladies on the web this morning. Here are a few of my favs:
Oscar winner Mo'nique
Charlize Theron
Jennifer Lopez
Mylie Cyrus
Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe
Queen Latifah
Zoe Saldana
Ladies, you looked gorgeous!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
SHOE WISH LIST
I generally don't like to shop for anything but, I am in desperate need of new shoes. I need a casual pair to wear with jeans, a sandal to wear with skirts and dresses and, a comfortable pair of sneakers for bike riding and walking. I've been looking online for some direction and these are a few of the styles that I like.
Via Spiga "Oasis"
Vince Camuto "Fallon"
Steve Madden "Kasidy"
Puma
Do you have any favorities? Let me know.
Bis Spater!
Sharon
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
BACK TO SCHOOL
After a very short and much needed hiatus, I decided to enrolled in another German language course. Classes for the Spring semester began last week at the Volkshochschule, (A school for adults interested in continuing education). The school also offers music lessons, cooking classes, dance classes, sewing classes and much more.
My class meets on Monday and Tuesday in the evening for an hour and a half. I am really excited that a couple of my fellow classmates from my previous class are enrolled in the same course. It's also an added bonus that the teacher is very patient and kind. Sometimes she speaks a bit too fast and it's difficult to understand everything that she say's but, my brain is able to catch up after a few seconds. This course is really interesting because, we have to give oral presentations in front of the class. The teacher gives immediate feedback and this way, we are able to learn from each others mistakes. Although my husband and I are speaking more in German at home, I can use as much practice as possible so, the presentations in front of the class are really helpful. Well, I have to run to finish my homework assignments. I have to compose an email. Writing in German is not my strong point but, like speaking the language, I'm sure it will get better with time.
Bis Spater,
Sharon