Where Art Thou

We are a reflection of the divine forces of the universe.

[where---artthou-blog]

There is breath so there is love.

There is a way to be completely aware of yourself, the world, all energy & find peace, stillness, light. Breathe in....look into yourself, find positivity. Breathe out.....release it into the world.

[where---artthou-blog]

Where art I

To be true, I have not been here because I am not entirely complete posting things which are “people pleasing”. I would much rather put out substance that is not forced. I want to share. I want to enlighten. Moving forward you can expect a raw journal of just me.

[where---artthou-blog]

Self love from yours truly 

 My lock journey cut short. 

 Why dreadlocks? 

 After wearing a fro or bun day by day I decided it was time for something different, something new. I vowed to never cut my hair again, so that was not an option. I wanted to care for my hair and let it "be". I wanted a hairstyle that was versatile and one that could measure my growing wisdom along the way. A style that could embrace my natural and maintain my supreme confidence. So, why not dreads?

 Once I got my dreads done I was ready for the journey ahead of me, I was excited to re-twist them and notice them locking as I re- twisted, excited to visually see the strength and growth in my hair between every wash; however, that was all cut extremely short due to irresponsibility. 

 Where did I go wrong? 

Now, I thought I was doing everything right. Especially after completing extensive research on properly maintaining dreadlocks well before getting them. I was so wrong. With every re-twist, and after every careful wash, I noticed my hair was breaking more than usual. That strength I saw with my fro, and visible hydration was stripping away from my dreads. I looked back at my research and noticed where I messed up. 

 Do not use wax to start your locks. (To each his own with this one) 

 Use a non residue shampoo

 Oils, oils, oils. 

 Sleep with a silk scarf every night. 

 Before bed massage head to stimulate scalp and move natural oils. 

 Re-twist regularly.

 **Products used

--Taliah Waajid Lock Gel

 -- Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo 

 -- Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier 

 -- Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil  

-- Jamaican Black Castor Oil 

 Sounds easy right? 

Being that I was in the starting stages of my locks I either did not do the above enough or I did too much of the above. I also did a few other things such as dying my hair, which is a big NO if it is not done correctly. I'm guilty. I certainly did not oil my hair as it was needed, thus leading to the dehydration my hair is now suffering. Also, I had not been re-twisting on a regular basis, definitely did not sleep with a silk scarf every night. OH! I also refused to let my hair "be", putting it in buns and ponytails for way too long. I'm sure I over washed my hair as well.

 I noticed my hair was doomed after washing out the dye -silly me- I had done myself. My starter locks which began locking at the ends, were breaking everywhere root to tip, they lost their form and were massively matted. It was a sad sight as I tried to save them. As I gently loosened my matted hair the falling hair from breakage was non stop. Trying to part my hair so I could re-twist was a nightmare. There was no choice but to undo the damage and go back to my fro. 

Healing my mane. I did the DEEPEST conditioner to restore strength and hydration. I used the moisture lock method which is... 

 Deep Condition (leave in moisture) 

 Oil layer (lock in moisture) 

 Creme/Lotion (seal in moisture) 

 **Products used

 --Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner 

 --Organix Hydrate + Defrizz Kukui Oil 

 --Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Styling Lotion 

 I have let my hair "be" since then and I am already seeing improvement. My dread lock journey will soon return, but I must go on this healing journey first. 

 I will also have to complete a weekly protein condition of... 

  Avocado 

 Egg 

 Olive oil 

 Mayo/Greek Yogurt 

 Hair Care Tip: To break the mentality that hair is just hair and the neglect that comes with that state of mind try treating your mane as a being. Call me crazy if you please, but I have named my hair, she is Philomena. 

 Fun fact: Philomene in Greek means "loved". My mane shall be treated as such. 

Naming my mane is actually creating the habit of proper hair maintenance. It's almost like talking to a flower. Love your hair and your hair will love you back.

[where---artthou-blog]

Dance on film in Tampa, FL

VIOLONCELLO

“When you have a vision and the determination to make that vision a reality, use all the tools and resources available to you to make that possible, great things may come about.” 

This video is a dance on film project that was submitted to a college dance film festival, which was chosen to be presented along with 19 other projects from all over the nation.  The movement was inspired by the literal aspect of using the body as an instrument, in this case a cello.

If it weren’t for great artistry and inspiration this project would not have been possible.

Filming: Dustin DeVars/ Beyou2full Productions

Music: “Burn Slow” Bandesla/ The Xclusive Project

Choreography/ Concept: Rachel Serrano

Dancers: Caleb Baker & Rachel Serrano

@dustin.devars FB || @Bandesla/TheXclusiveProject FB || @CalebBaker FB

[where---artthou-blog]

Food at home

Vegetarian Pad Thai

There comes a point in your life where you find yourself, yet again, at a Thai restaurant in front of your usual dish with a mouth full saying, "I've got to learn how to make this."

Well, after countless times of procrastinating and reciting those words I finally made the decision to do just that. I learned how to make the most flavorful, simple, most satisfying Vegetarian Pad Thai I have ever eaten. Its recipe is easy and you may find that you already have the ingredients in your kitchen. Here's what you need...

Ingredients:

8 oz. rice noodles

4 tbsp. vegetable oil or canola oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 zucchini, chopped

2 peppers green and red, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1/2 yellow onion, chopped

2 handfuls of cabbage, chopped

1 cup fresh bean sprouts

*Boil rice noodles for 5 minutes.

Sauce:

4 tbsp. lime or lemon juice

3 tbsp. fish sauce (Nam Pla)

3 tbsp. brown sugar

3 tbsp. Thai red chili paste

*Mix together in saucepan.

Garnish:

2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

3 tbsp. roasted peanuts, chopped

3 tbsp. scallions, thinly sliced

1 lime, cut into wedges

Here comes the fun part!

Directions: Heat wok or pan over high heat, Add 2 tbsp. oil, garlic, add all vegetables once garlic starts to brown around the edges. Once veggies are cooked add sauce and noodles then mix it all up. Serve and garnish, VIOLA! Eat up. You're welcome.

[where---artthou-blog]

Music in Tampa, FL

Ladies First…

To have experienced a major pulse in energy within and out is to have witnessed this incredible MC perform.

Queen Of Ex certainly holds the crown for expressions as she commands and controls the audience on stage without a word. From her ever changing colored hair to her shoes her vibe speaks its way to a mic. A simple mic check from the Tampa artist can get you as hype as M.O.P’s -“Ante Up”. Thereafter, her performance will consume and take over you, leaving you with no choice but to open your senses. You will more than likely find yourself head nodding with a hand in the air at a Queen Of Ex performance, all while she heals you with her lyrics. It is quite an impact and should be experienced by the world.

A woman all about energy, Queen’s vibrations are without a doubt art to look out for. Check her out @QueenOfEx Carter on Facebook.