Seeing with The Eyes of the Heart

I wanted to share this wonderful excerpt from the book of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu called: "God Has A Dream". I am trying to make this part of my daily perception and understanding about life and others.

"We must learn to see with the eyes of God - that is, to see with eyes of the heart and not just the eyes of the head. The eyes of the heart are not concerned with appearances but with the essences, and as we cultivate these eyes we are able to learn from our suffering and to see the world with more loving, forgiving, humble, generous eyes".

Desmond Tutu

From the Book "God Has A Dream"

Peacock Inspired Pearl

I'm posting this video per my sister Monique's request. She loves when I get dolled up. She often affectionately calls me "Poupée" which is French for doll. As young girls, we often spent many Friday nights getting all made up and experimenting with make-up and hair styles. Not a whole lot has changed today. We still like to beautify ourselves from head to toe, inside and out. We share beauty tips and finds that we come across with each other even though we are miles apart.

What has changed, is the beauty movement on YouTube and blogs that allows us to learn and share with others as well. Here is a Montage that displays colorful hues of eye pigment art that was inspired from watching other YouTubers. There is a true creative beauty movement happening on the web. Be sure to check out each other blogs and videos and leave your positive input and comments and the same will be returned to you
It's through my eyes, that I perceive all & those same eyes provides a glimpse & entryway 2 my soul - Soleilwriter

A Return to Ones Natural Roots Part II

cont. from A Return to Ones Natural Roots Part I
For the most part I use 85% natural products on my hair. They just seem to respond better than store brought products. Trust me; I have tried just about everything. What works for most don’t seem to work for me. I like to wash and condition my hair with:

Shampoo Conditioning Regimen
-Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo (not all natural but nice)
-Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner (not all natural but nice)

or

-KeraCare’s Dry Itchy Scalp Shampoo (not natural but stimulates scalp)
-KeraCare’s Humecto Crème Conditioner (not natural, extreme moisturizing)

In order to keep my scalp moisturized I make a hair cocktail which consist of a mixture of:

Scalp Moisturizing Regimen

-Shea butter
-Castor oil
-Avocado oil
-Coconut oil

I use this mixture to condition my scalp. I also like using Haitian Castor oil (L’Huile Mascreti).I use this when ever I can get some from my Grand-mère Lily or when someone is coming in from Haiti. Many don’t like the smell but it has been used in Haiti for many years to grow hair and is also used as a healing massage oil as well. I don’t mind the smell it is nostalgic for me. I use either concoction whenever my scalp begins to get dry or is needed.

Moisturizing along with protective measures is really the key to growing our hair. Some women of color have hair that creates natural oils, so not as much moisturizing is needed. Many women have naturally thick strong hair that withstands chemicals and heat, while others like me have hair that’s more fragile and prone to breakage. For a deep conditioning I like to use this natural concoction every 2 weeks or once a month:

Deep Moisturizing Regimen

-1Avocado
-1 Raw Egg
-3 Table spoons of Mayonnaise
-1 Table spoon of Olive Oil

Next, mix all ingredients in a bowl. Apply to hair and put a plastic conditioning cap over your hair for (30 min, 1 hr or overnight your choice) then wash and condition your hair as usual. On the last rinse use cold water to close the cuticles (another tip my Sis Monique gave me). Massage your scalp with the Scalp Moisturizing Regimen noted above. This will help with blood flow and good circulation which aids in hair growth and it really relaxes you at the same time.
(Alt.) Sometimes while my hair is wet, I sometimes like to gently rub IC Hair Polisher (with Aloe) or Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Oil. It smells great, leaves my ends soft and it has a self heating effect (added conditioning).

Final Tips

• Comb natural hair when it’s wet and with a wide tooth comb
• Starting from the ends first then working towards the roots last.
• Avoid unnecessary heat like blow dryers simply air dry hair.
• Avoid products that contain petroleum/mineral oil as they clog pores.
• Use protective styling like: braids or a loose bun if your hair is long enough.
• Sleep with a Satin Bonnet to protect hair.

A Return to Ones Natural Roots Part I

Being a woman with a Caribbean heritage and just like any other woman of color, our hair is truly our crown and glory. It allows us to express who we our and put a spotlight on our natural beauty. Since I often use my hair to creatively express myself why not share my hair transition journey on “Verve Reflections”.

My first Beauticians were My Mom, my sister Monique (who both are wonderfully skilled and licensed) and me the Kitchen Beautician. I experimented with color, cuts and styles that I often picked up from watching them and style magazines. My final obsession was my addiction for hair extensions. I just simply liked the dramatic "Diva" effect it instantly gave me. It also appeared to be an easy solution for me, so I thought. In the end my hair paid the price. So to a semi weave rehab I went (will explain later).

My chemically treated hair was always dry yet coarse and soft at the same time thus, leaving it an extremely fragile type 4. My hair grows pretty fast, that was not the problem. It was after perming, coloring and weaving my hair would break just as fast as the new growth would come in. So therefore, I would never be able to retain any real length for long. Here I am now in my 30's I decided to go natural, I did the big chop and chopped it all off February of this year. It's growing nicely; visually you can't tell much because with natural hair you tend to have a lot of curly shrinkage. I have a little bit more than a teeny weeny Afro.

Moving forward, I am quite surprised by the condition of my scalp no more excessive dandruff. My hair that was always so dry no matter what product I tried now retains moisture. My hair that I thought was so coarse is starting to develop an interesting soft curl pattern (as long as I keep it moisturized).

Maintaining natural hair can be a lot of work in the beginning for some. Basically until you figure out what works for you. As time goes by it becomes really easier and less expensive than your once before chemically treated hair. Now, to explain my semi weave rehab, I still happily sport a nice curly hair ext or half wig now and then while I'm in my hair transitioning or transformation stage.

In the post to follow I will share my hair care regimen......

An Overdue Journey to Jacmel

As the plane was crossing over the island water’s my eyes began to fill with tears as I thought of the many Haitians that died in these very same waters. On their pursuit for what they thought would be a better quality of life. My thoughts shifted to the life that I momentarily left behind and the struggles that go on there in comparison...this brought even more tears to my eyes.

Once we landed we had a driver pick us up from the airport in Port au Prince. The Charter plane to Jacmel was currently out of commission. As we drove through the capital I noticed the people on the streets of Port au Prince (appeared as busy the people on the streets of New York except their attire was different. This was a place where truly organic food items replaced briefcases. There was a definite hustle and bustle going on here. In my opinion even those who did not have much to do found a way to keep busy with the hopes of bringing in some sort of income as means of survival.

Along the way we stopped and had a bite to eat at what I call a roadside eatery or should I say shack. Just beneath the grill was the laziest looking dog staring up at me. This dog took residence beneath the grill where all the savory meats were roasting. There were roosters and baby goats moving about freely where we were seated. Of course it wouldn’t be an outdoor eating event without the flies. I thought to myself if my Grandmother is willing to eat here than I too can eat here.

I geared myself up to eat my meal with a hint of reluctance lingering behind. It was that reluctance that caused me to over examine the food as I ate. The food was surprisingly delicious, perhaps only surprising to me... Once we left and continued on our journey to Jacmel I kept expecting some sort of food sickness to hit me but, luckily it never did.

It took roughly 3 hours to get to the Southern city of Haiti called Jacmel with all our stops along the way. Jacmel is considered the cultural capital of Haiti. I read that the city had not changed much since the 19th century. Back then the town was inhabited by wealthy coffee merchants and traders, who lived in what was described as gracious mansions that adorned the town. It was these mansions that would later influence the home structure of many of the homes built in New Orleans and Savannah. The architecture of Jacmel is believed to have been influenced from the French so much so that the cast iron pillars and balconies were purchased in France. Jacmel's appearance is that of a little European town.

In the city most of the homes are built with office below and homes situated above. Here you can practically sleep with your doors open and everyone knows everyone. My cousin joked that she could not date anyone in town for they are all perhaps related somehow.

The home that I resided in during my stay in Jacmel was surrounded by local convenient type stores that were owned by our family and have been for over 100 years. My accommodations were interesting; there was no power until the evening. There was no running water so you were unable to wash your hands and take showers unless the maid fetches water for you. You couldn’t flush the toilet with just the touch of a lever, something we take for granted in America. Everyday water life consists of water buckets. However, every home in Haiti is not like this. It was just like this where I happen to be staying in the city. I had other relatives whose homes had running water but, the water pressure was a bit lower than I was accustomed to.

The mornings seem to start off with Roosters sounding off along with 4 different conversations going from neighboring houses. I kept asking myself could I get use to living here, would I like it on a long term basis. I often saw dogs roaming freely; I thought I was seeing the same dog everywhere I went but it wasn’t. They all look the same, a dog with caramel colored coat. The family cat had eyes and a face that resembled a person...no seriously. It had the longest teeth and claws that I have ever seen on a domesticated cat, very vampire and I guess tiger like. Everywhere you went there were pigs, donkeys, cows and goats roaming about as if they did not belong to anyone. I asked my cousin Chantalé can anyone just take whatever animal they see roaming about. She informed me that everyone knows what animal belongs to whom. I never got around to asking her exactly how.

Honestly my family appeared to want for nothing here, they appeared stress free. I truly envied their way of life for that. I hardly hand to spend money. I think it was a way for relatives to show you that they are doing well and they can treat you as the guest that you truly are. There were however, maids and helpers that often try to corner you and ask for U.S dollars from time to time.

I could tell that the city of Jacmel was once a truly beautiful city. However, with time and lack of resources it is no longer the beauty it once was from what my family tells me. It is now a town filled with pollution from the city life of the merchants and so forth. You have to go to the outskirts to capture the beauty that Jacmel still posses.

Caught Up at the Crossroads

I know I started off with my first entry only to leave this blog on some sort of hiatus. This was not due to a lack of inspired energy on my part; for my creative juices are continuously flowing. My inventive wheel is constantly in motion, even in my sleep. Thoughts often come to me in vivid dreams. Actually, it is often the reason for my bouts of insomnia. I often wake in the middle of the night feeling as if all ideas and strategies that come to me at that given moment must be implemented or set in motion or all momentum will be lost.

I diligently try to do my best to acquire the much needed beauty rest. However, my psyche refuses to give in and go with the flow of things. It often gets the best of me because one can actually over think situations to the point of immobility. I often end up spending too much time on the path to perfection which often leaves me at a crossroad trying to figure where to go next.

I’m truly tired of being at that crossroad (kind of like the final scene in the movie “Cast Away” with Tom Hanks) I want to do better at manifesting those ideas. I want to strategically accomplish all those steps and plans that are causing me many sleepless nights as well as a restless mind. All in all I have faith that the right formula will come to me. I hope to finally make it all happen one day, one day real soon. I will continue to take it one day at a time. I will do my best to stay rested and focused while on my personal pursuit to happiness. I will do my best to avoid getting caught up at the crossroads of life along the way.

The Endowment of Self Expression

Self Expression is a beautiful endowment. A number of of us make good use of the diverse talents that God has given us. We even have a multitude of avenues at our disposal to express them in. We can express ourselves through various mediums, whether it is through art, literature, music, fashion or with a phenomenal personality that leaves an impression that is yet to be forgotten. I for one would rather take my last breath than relinquish my ability to convey my thoughts to those that are ever so kind to listen or take note.

I have always been the one with so much to say, whether it was vocally or whether I was making good use of my pen or my keystrokes. I was that child that was often sent home with a note that read "Although a great student, she is just too talkative." I have even been known to be communicative with facial expressions even when trying hard not to be. I just could not be still or expressionless if my life depended on it. I was that child that had to audition and go to the school of the performing arts. I was that child that would be in the school's talent show or play.

I enjoyed being the presenter or center stage. I had to be in the Dance, Drama, Journalism, Yearbook and T.V. Production classes. I enjoyed being the one giving the school's morning news through our school's little T.V. network. The opportunity to captivate the attention of others and make some sort of impression for the better is and has been my life long mission statement. I truly appreciate my family & friends for allowing me to continue to be me & not censor me. I am grateful that they understand my need for me to put my spin on things.

Throughout the years I have exercised self expression through my personal collection of sketches, poems, private journals and love for extreme style. But, as time progresses and daily struggles of life exist, we often move away and lose who we truly are as well as that innovative energy. The day dreams that were constantly filled with yet to be conquered master plans and adventures yet to be taken are now replaced with, how one is going to make it through this new life issue or obstacle. Such worries can definitely eradicate ones creativity or supreme ability to be expressive and reach the paramount of ones soul. Such worries or life changes can cause one to forget who we really are and what we are capable of being.

I want to thank those who have helped mold, motivate, and inspire me, whether you did it intentionally or inadvertently. Everyone you meet in life does have a divine purpose in helping you become the person you are today, whether it was for the good or the bad. Never forget express and acknowledge the value of others in your life. Never forget who you are and your need to release and self express.