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My dreads right after they were done, at 1 week, and today at 6 months :D

Tales of a year old natural dread head

Today, my dreads are one year old!!!

I can't adequately express how happy I am with the decision I made to do this. I had some concerns, I didn't want people to think I was a bad mother, I didn't want to bring negative attention to my children, I was worried how it would affect my future business endeavors. Then I remembered that I need to be true to myself. It was something I've always wanted. I've loved dreadlocks since I was nine, and my neighbor had them. He was always very kind to me and went out of his way to talk to me. Me, an only child who was homeschooled and didn't have many friends. He didn't have to even acknowledge my existence, being that he was in his mid twenties, and probably had lots of other things to do. He was what I would come to know as a free spirit. He was a completely different type of person than what I was used to, he seemed disconnected from the rat race that was the world my parents and I lived in, and that had a profound impact on me, even though I was to young to realize what it was, or why.

Am I going to pour my heart out now? Why yes, I believe I am. I made 27 in November. I live in southern Louisiana, a very very VERY red state. Which, well, its not that bad I suppose, but its hard to find anyone who understands why I try to live the way I do.

I have two wonderful daughters and live with my husband, Justin. We stopped using shampoo about a year and a half ago (using baking soda and apple cider vinegar instead), as well as eating pretty clean, and I stopped eating meat about six months ago. We also make our own laundry detergent in effort to make less of an impact on the environment. We live in a place where it's hard to find someone who cares about our planet or our impact on it at all. Most people label you a crazy tree hugger and disregard anything you have to say, and kindness and openmindedness is over run with blind ignorance and hatred. Being non religious in any way, I still respect other people's opinions and ideas, and I foolishly expect the same... even when it comes to my family. I have a wonderfully understanding, supportive mother, even though she disagrees with many things (especially the locks, I got the "but your hair is so beautiful" speech..), nonetheless, she loves and tries to understand what my reasons for things are. The other side of my family on the other hand, and my grandmother, well, it seems they have been brainwashed by religion and right wing agenda and have lost the ability to think for themselves in any way, shape or form. Money is the key to everything with them and liberals are basically terrorists waiting to happen in their eyes. Needless to say, it's hard to deal with. Their concern always amazes me, especially since I was condemned to hell by them nine years ago when I got a small tattoo on my ankle. There is a part of me that would like to run the other way and have nothing to do with such ignorance and bigotry, but then I feel that there would be nothing to learn, nor would I be any better than them by shunning them. Besides, I keep hoping maybe, just maybe I'll rub off on them at some point. =)

I spent some years doing this and doing that, falling in line with what I was 'supposed' to do or what was 'cool'... but eventually, sometime in the past two or three years - developed an incredible distaste for what society dictates as correct, clean or pretty, and became obsessed with informing myself. It's just so silly, being so separated from nature, which is the only true, pure beauty that exists to begin with. I refuse to become part of the rat race society tries to put us into just for the sake of money. Obviously I work, I am fortunate enough to work for Whole Foods Market, which is unfortunately a corporation, but at least it does positive things in its communities and promotes health, but the bottom line is and always will be money.... even if it is less of a priority than with other companies.

I hope to start a photography business in the future, I am definitely someone who would prefer to dictate my own schedule and actions... and I plan on moving to Oregon in the next year or so. I need more nature and beauty in my life.

So why did I dread my hair? Originally I wanted to just let nature take it's course, but I can be a bit impulsive at times, and that got the better of me. I just wanted them there with me. So I used the twist and rip method to get them started, but most of that ended up falling out son I just letting them go. I keep trying to pinpoint a reason for the dreads and I can't. Part of me feels like it's an asshole filter, as it will weed out assholes and help me avoid them, part of me feels like its as close to nature as I can be, like some sort of tribute to my ancestors, but mostly, they just feel like freedom. Plus, I'm pretty sure they are here to stay. I hope I can be that person that my neighbor was to someone in my life. That they will see me and my locks and feel like its a representation of love, open heartedness and openmindedness. And most importantly..... Freedom. People will stare, some will call you dirty, some will accuse you of stealing their culture, some will be mean for no other reason but fear, some will make fun of you, some will quote ridiculous 'facts' about how Bob Marley had thousands of species of bugs in his hair when he died. It will test your patience, heart and ability to love without predjudice. But if you can overcome people and their ignorance, and spread good will and teach them to look beyond what they don't understand and see the beauty that is you, well, you will be all the better for it.

Often times your hair will look insane. You will look like Helena Bonham Carter is your hair stylist. Invest in scarves, head wraps, cloth headbands and tams. This past year I've worn my hair back with scarves more than anything, but they are starting to get to the point where they look less crazy. Just push through it, the craziness will subside as the hairs find homes and your super amazing unique dreads form! Chin up kids, they will be awesome!

The first submission! And a lovely story, my dear. Thank you for sharing.

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