My first client - December 2006

On the 27th and 28th December 2006 I completed my first sisterlocked client.

Oh my gosh! It took me 16 and half hours over 2 days. It was hard work. I was really nervous the first day, but by day 2 I was working like a pro.

She had her consultation on 2nd December and we were ready for the 27th. She is a colleague of mines, so at least I knew her.

I put into practice all that I had learnt and was eager to get started. I worked well.

My client is very pleased with her hair and she tells me she is "working it" I am sooooo happy. Due to see her again at the end of this month. Check out the pics.

Two Year Lock Anniversary - November 2006

I did not mark this date as I was busy getting ready for Miami. So just a few pics of me throughout 2006.

Back to London

Before I knew it, training finished, all shopped out and heading back to Miami International Airport, back home to London. I was infact looking forward to getting home.

I checked in nice and early, but my case was overweight by about 6 kilo's. For an easy life, I just paid the excess, which was not too costly. I was tired and just wanted to get on that plane home.

The security check lines were as long in Miami as they were in London. I stood in line and did what I was told. Take your shoes off, take your belt off, any loose change, take your outside coats off etc etc.....

I don't know what it is about those metal detector machines, but I always set them off. And true to form, it went off.

Not once, not twice but about 4 times. After that I was called to one side. Maaam is your jewelry metal? No. Maaam, do you have hair pins in your hair? No. Ok step this way. Jeans fallling down, due to lack of belt, barefoot on the ground clutching passport, tickets and jacket! Hand metal detector buzzing all over me. There was nothing for it but a manual hand search, very humiliating! You're free to go now Maaam!

Once on that plane, my elderly co-passenger introduced himself and I snuggled down for the night flight home. Good-bye Miami!

Downtown Miami

I was only due to stay in Miami for a week. I also tried to get a flight to the Cayman Islands where a good friend of mine is now living and working, however my time was so limited.

When the course finished I decided to get on with some shopping. I found out which bus to take and decided to spend the day at Aventura Mall. This was fun. However I find that shopping alone is quite difficult as you have nobody to ask those all important questions.

The bus journey was about 1 hour and I thought that I was going to get lost. However the last stop was right inside the mall. I told myself that I should be heading back before it got dark.

I shopped from about 11 am until 8 pm, I completely forgot that I wanted to leave in daylight. I arrived back at my motel around 9.30pm, grabbed some food and called it a night.

The motel owners were originally from North London, so we had something to chat about.

On my last day I decided to check out Miami Beach and the Art Deco District. However, got on the bus and got lost. Travelled about half hour beyond the beach. What was a girl to do. Get off that bus and eat lunch at Subway! I must say, chicken noodle soup in Miami is great!

Oh well did not get to see the beach as I had to get back to get to the airport. However, Victoria's Secret, Sephora and Bath and Bodyworks certainly made up for that!

Sisterlocks Training Miami

I really enjoyed the days on the course and also the company. I was there to learn all I could about the technique. It was a lot to take in. Patterns, direction, partings! I was not sure I was going to be able to do this thing. What if I did it wrong.

One thing I did learn however, is that a lot of women are not given the correct information, many not even a consultation or starter packs. I too was one of those women. I also did not do my research prior to having my locks.

November 2006.........Lock Anniversary!

The 4th and 5th of November was my 2 year lock anniversary. I did not celebrate this as I actually forgot on those days and I was also busy getting ready to fly to Miami, Florida to take the Sisterlocks Consultant Training. This was going to be an adventure!

I was travelling alone and staying alone in a "strange" country! It felt so empowering, that I was to do this for the first time in my life.

I was very excited and was looking forward to my journey. I planned and planned and planned. Found accommodation and was excited at meeting these wonderful sisterlocked sisters!

I left on Friday 10th November from Heathrow Aiport, London. I flew with Virgin Atlantic and I can really recommend them. The service was very good. I opted for a window seat and made myself comfortable. I introduced myself to my elderly neighbours and proceeded to fall asleep for most of the 9 hour 50 minute journey, which was delayed by about 30 mins.

On arrival in Miami, it struck me how flat it was. Nonetheless, I had arrived. I felt like kissing the ground, much in the same way the Pope does! Empowering! Once I had cleared customs and being made to feel like a criminal, I was well on my way. Oh, criminal, bwoy don't they grill you when you arrive in the states. "Where are you staying, Maaam", how long is your vacation, maaam! Eyeball photographs and fingerprints to boot!

After finding my baggage and way out, I jumped into a taxi and arrived at my motel, which was about 5 mins drive from the Marriott Miami, where the training was taking place.

I showed, got myself something to eat from Denny's, actually ate by myself, another achievement in my books!

The next morning, left at 8 am for 8.30 am start. Taxi to the Marriott. Found the room, then waited and waited and waited. Unfortunately, the sisterlocks trainers where running behind schedule and as two training sessions where taking place, most other delegated had gone to the other training room. So I sat there wondering why I was in Miami, so far from home and alone!

Then it all kicked off. There were 22 of us ladies on the training. About 5 who were not locked.

The day was long, the room was cold. I quite forgot that I was in a hot country! The A/C just was not getting it right.

One thing that did surprise me is that no lunch was provided. All that was provided on the first day was Starbucks coffee. If you did not drink coffee then tuff luck.

The training finished at 5.30 pm for the 4 days. The same friend whom I re-tightened in October, travelled to undertake the course. She travelled to Grenada, WI the week before and then met me in Miami. She was staying with family, so although we spent the days together, I found the evening a little lonely.

First Re-tightening...................October 2006

The 5th of October 2006 marked my first retightening, having undertaken the course in September. I was unawre that you are only supposed to re-tighten your own hair having undertaken this course. However, a friend of mine asked me to do hers and I obliged!

It took me 7 hours, but both of us were pleased with the outcome.

The top picture is before and the others are after. I think I did a good job!

October 2006

This month was a difficult month in many ways. Firstly it marked the first anniversary of my mothers passing on the 4th October 2005. I therefore wish to dedicate this post to my mum and share the Eulogy that I wrote for her funeral.

Eulogy

Lurlynn, Lull, Mum, Grandma, many names, one woman and what a woman!

Brought up in Diego Martin, Trinidad, only child, daughter of F. and M. Francis, and step-daughter to F. Charles.

Many of her growing years were spent in Maran, Grenada with her Grandmother, Miss Gayman and her cousins. These were happy times and she often recalled the firm but fair tactics "Mammy" employed to control all her grandchildren.

Mum left Trinidad and arrived at Southampton Docks in September 1964, aged 19 years. She was well suited, of course, in an outfit made specially for the occasion by her mother, with her only grip in one hand.

She came to England with a view to studying to become a nurse. She went on to complete her studies and became a State Registered Nurse. Mum often recalled, with a fondness, the times she spent with her co-students living in the Nursing Home, many of whom were from Thailand and other far eastern countries, as well as many islands of the Caribbean.

Whilst doing her nurse training, she fell in love with and married H. Together they had three children, H. Junior, M. and M.

Mum continued to work in various hospitals, including Rush Green and Oldchurch and eventually became a District Nurse, serving those in the community.

It was this position in the community that allowed her the flexibility to continue to care for her three children on her own, following the break up of her marriage.

Mum often had to burn the candle at both ends to ensure the financial security of her three children. Finishing her day job and running to catch the bus up the road to do night duty.

Anyone who knew Mum can comment on her enormous energy and vitality. They say that nursing is a vocation and not just a job and this certainly was true in her case. She touched the lives of so many of her patients and clients, who from her caring nature, have become her true friends.

Nothing was too much for anybody who may have needed her help, and we all know that Mum could shop for England. We practically grew up in Romford Market, where she always had to get that last bargain!

They say that the greatest hardship for a mother is to watch your children fall and allow them to make their own mistakes in life.

In the words of the famous poem Desiderata "....to go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence..."

We have all fallen and we have all made our mistakes!

Mum you equipped us for life by ensuring our understanding of one of the greatest teachings:

"....give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime...." you of course taught us daily how to fish.

Mum was a Trini through and through, she had a great love for her people. The national flag of Trinidad stands for so much. The black represents the strength and dedication of the people as well as the wealth of the land. The red stands for the vitality and friendliness of the people as well as the warmth of the sun, while the thin white stripes the purity of aspirations and the equality of all men under the sun. I think you will all agree that Mum had all of these qualities.

Mum the way in which you lived your life is an inspiration to us all. The courage with which you have faced life's challenges is commendable. Even during her short illness she never complained. Even when the pain became unbearable, she took it in her stride. She often told us not to cry. She was a fighter to the end.

We as your children and grandchildren can only hope to measure up.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in caring, visiting and praying for our mother over the last five months. In particular, Auntie Y, your unwavering support, care and dedication for our mother was second to none. Auntie C, your prayers, kind words and meals, helped us both spiritually and physically and Auntie P, thank you for the soup - Mum enjoyed all of them tremendously!

Mum we would like to thank you for all that you have given to us and all that you have sacrificed in doing so.

Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest.

Happy New Year.........2007

Hi everyone out there.

Yes I am back. Happy New Year and I hope that the Holidays found you all in good health.

However, as I have not updated in a while, I am going back to where I left off. Yes I am going back to October 2006.

Re-tightening class.......................

On Sunday 17th I undertook the sisterlocks re-tightening class with Liz Joseph in Edmonton with 4 other ladies. Liz is featured in the most recent sisterlocks journal with Carole and Marie.

The training was well organised and well enjoyed. It is quite a simple procedure once you get the hang of the tool. My index finger is very sore as you have to push down part of the tool to expose the hook. However, I am very excited and feel a sense of total freedom being able to finally control when I re-tighten my hair. I guess it will take the best part of a week to complete my whole head.

I am still debating whether or not to travel to the States to do the consultants class.

Links........................

The Pampering Club link - www.pamperingclub.co.uk

Sol Andelusi - Malaga - http://www.solandalusi.com/site/facilities/facilities_health_beauty.html

The Write Thing - event organisers - http://www.thewritething.com/

Compass Yoga - http://www.compassyoga.com/

Pampering Club product range.......

This is at another women's event in March. This is the Pampering Club stall and their range of products. There is lavender bath salts and body cream, citrus bath salts and cream, white ginger foaming body scrub and cream and sweet orange hand cream. For the feet there is peppermint and lime scrub and cream.

All very nice.

Hair.........................

Just hair over the last few months. 

In Celebration of My Sisters

I do voluntary work for an organisation called the Write Thing. They are events organisers here in the UK. March is International womens month and there is usually performances in and around the UK. I met up with Iyanla Vanzant when she visited the UK back in March.

She performed at the Hackney Empire for two nights, an excellent show. I worked both nights. Selling her books on the Friday and working for the Pampering Club on the Saturday. I was able to meet Iyanla in the Green Room after the show and at the after party on Saturday.

The Pampering Club launched their product range which includes, bath salts, body creams and scrubs. I am now a fully fledged Pampering Club consultant. It is my own business as I have bought a franchise. The aim is to hold Pampering Gatherings in your home. I am hoping to launch my business in October, with my very first gathering. I was also hoping to incorporate the sisterlocks consultancy, however, the training was cancelled. 

Malaga, Spain...................

Here I am giving my acceptance speech. 

Sol Andelusi - Malaga

Had a great time in Malaga. The wellness circuit was amazing. An hour long circuit of different types of pools, saunas, showers and steam rooms.

We did yoga in the evening before dinner and also some Pampering club exercises - collages and "love letters to self". On our last day we were all presented with awards and had to give acceptance speeches. I got the "Oprah Winfrey - life your best life award" for my personal development over the years. It was quite an emotional time. 

The Missing Months............

Well as I mentioned some posts back. I am working backwards and forwards on this blog. Nearly back to where I left off in February 2006. So much seems to have happended since then, but here goes.

Back in April 2006, I travelled to Malaga, Spain, with the Pampering Club. I am a member of the Pampering Club, which is the UK's leading empowerment group for women. It was originally aimed at women of colour, however, now in it's 7th year, it is open to all women.

I have been a member for the last 4 years. I happened across the club following the break up of my marriage. I was looking for something and came across the club. I attended my first meeting and was overwhelmed by the number of inspirational black women. I immediately joined and every woman I came in contact with had to know about this wonderful club.

The club was founded by two women who had both read the book, Sacred Pampering Principals of African American Women, by Debrena Jackson-Gandy. Both of them contacted the author, who put them in touch with each other and the Pampering Club was born. I have gotten so much out of the club, I have attended relationship workshops and have been to a number of spas and events.

Malaga was the first overseas trip I had made with the club. One of our members had a dream to live in Spain and provide yoga holidays. That was 2 years ago. This year she realised her dream. I had the most amazing time, relaxation, good company, spa and yoga! It was only 4 days, but worth every penny.

Sparty time!

Group shot. Some of us had facials including the mud packs. I opted for a relaxing pedicure and lots of champagne. Even my 6 year old enjoyed the parafin wax pedi's. I think he was facinated by the wax. 

Happy 40th Birthday - Sparty!

Here I am with my cousin, Vix, enjoying a glass of champagne cocktail! 

Happy 40th Birthday to me!

Last week on the 5th September I celebrated my 40th Birthday. Here I am at home with a few friends. The celebrations went on until 3 am. Not sure how I managed to get to work the next day, but I got through. Anyhow, you are only 40 once.

On the Saturday before my birthday I had a girlie "Sparty" at home. The dress code was tiaras, feather boas and animal print! We had foot spas, facials, manicures and pedicures. We played pass the parcel and a beauty trivia quiz. Everyone enjoyed themselves and again a very late night was had by all.

I was planning to get to a spa for the weekend before my birthday. But as it was a bank holiday here, the spa was totally booked up. I should have been ahead of the game. Two years ago was planning to be in Bali for my 40th (the spa capital of the world) however, following the tsunami and events, decided against it. Also my mum got ill and passed, so my plans were put on hold.

I eventually decided to do a small scale event, hence the Sparty! I was also due to undertake the sisterlocks training in London 9th - 12th September, paid my deposit. However, a week before then, the course was cancelled, due to lack of interest! I am soooo disappointed. I am however, going to do the retightening class this Sunday.