I don't know about anyone else, but I deal with a significant amount of anxiety from time to time. And sometimes I really wish I wouldn't have to deal with this. What helps me and what has helped in the past is
1) God- faith, knowing that God is with me no matter what happens and is keeping me company through my episodes of anxiety
2) Nature- I find peace and happiness in nature, beautiful scenic places that are close by, this helps me get centered really easily and forget the pestering things that are getting my nervous or anxious in the first place
3) Music- especially classical or worship music
4) Getting away from whatever the problem
5) Affirming thoughts like " I can handle this, God is with me, no weapon formed against me shall prosper, no body really cares, this is not that serious."
It doesn't always work, like right now. I'm nervous about some upcoming ventures, and I am working on preparing myself so I will feel more and more confident, but in the meantime, I feel like its a Goliath, mammoth task. God is able. and I am able.
Does anyone have any other tips?
Living Freely
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Shea -moisture deep treatment masque review....
Hello everyone,
Thanks for the love! Welcome welcome to my blog!
OK so last night I decided to try the shea-moisture deep treatment masque not as a deep treatment but as a styling cream for my twistout.
I did not wash the hair, I just wet it in sections applied the masque then did my normal seal with tea tree oil and eco styler gel to finish it all off. Sat under dryer for 30 min.
Review
THIS IS A NEGATIVE. I didn't like it as a styler, it left my hair with a wierd film, and when I applied it I didn't feel like it had a lot of slip. I might try it for what it was meant for, but I heard it could double--not for me! lol IT wasn't horrible... but it wasn't great either. I'll let you know what I thought of it as a moisture masque.
PICS
dont laugh, the back was a little suspect today.
OK so last night I decided to try the shea-moisture deep treatment masque not as a deep treatment but as a styling cream for my twistout.
I did not wash the hair, I just wet it in sections applied the masque then did my normal seal with tea tree oil and eco styler gel to finish it all off. Sat under dryer for 30 min.
Review
PICS
dont laugh, the back was a little suspect today. 
Up next: My hairstory.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
jazz as african american classical music
Been reading up on different black musicians and composers, and came upon this quote
"Jazz is African American Classical Music, created from the hearts, lives and souls of black folks in America," states Rev., Dr. Myers
This was interesting to me because i've been thinking about how we as black musicians can go forth in being creative artists. I thought about mainstream music: R&B, Rock and Roll, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop music, etc. then I thought about classical music and also jazz.
So lots of American music draws from jazz music, and even R&B and these other pop musics also draw from this art music.
Looking at Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony and Still's Afro symphony, I've heard the influence of jazz and spirituals. Some of it sounds very much like how Gershwin treated his music influenced by black music. To be honest, it is cool, but some times it can be corny. I don't know... maybe I just don't have the revelation yet. It just doesn't sounds very original, I guess. NOw Summerland, by Still does speak to my soul, and it doesn't sound trite. Its just beautiful.
I have to say my mind is changing! Maybe it has to do with being married to a jazz musician in combination with reading Woodson's Miseducation. I am convinced that there is real revolutionary purpose out there for black musicians and composers.
"Jazz is African American Classical Music, created from the hearts, lives and souls of black folks in America," states Rev., Dr. Myers
This was interesting to me because i've been thinking about how we as black musicians can go forth in being creative artists. I thought about mainstream music: R&B, Rock and Roll, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop music, etc. then I thought about classical music and also jazz.
So lots of American music draws from jazz music, and even R&B and these other pop musics also draw from this art music.
Looking at Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony and Still's Afro symphony, I've heard the influence of jazz and spirituals. Some of it sounds very much like how Gershwin treated his music influenced by black music. To be honest, it is cool, but some times it can be corny. I don't know... maybe I just don't have the revelation yet. It just doesn't sounds very original, I guess. NOw Summerland, by Still does speak to my soul, and it doesn't sound trite. Its just beautiful.
I have to say my mind is changing! Maybe it has to do with being married to a jazz musician in combination with reading Woodson's Miseducation. I am convinced that there is real revolutionary purpose out there for black musicians and composers.
Shea moisture review!!!!! OH la la! Soo soft!
I've been loving this product line from Shea Moisture. I got it at Target for $10 and is totally natural! The one I am loving is Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the Hair Milk.
After washing and doing an Aphogee 2 minute Keratin conditioning treatment. I separated my hair into four big sections and then double strand twisted the back in big twists and did four big flat twists in the front. I also used some tea trea oil to seal ( I usually use olive oil) and then put Eco Styler Clear gel to set it. Last step was to sit under the dryer for an hour and then voila! Soft, defined beautiful curls!!!!! I got four days out of this!
Next I'll be trying out their Deep treatment masque and their hold and shine moisture spray
Love,
Anoa
Sunday, November 28, 2010
cultivating new passions and interests
Hey everyone, long time no see!
Its been a busy couple of months. Lots of soul searching and asking God for some hint as towhat my passions are. Some times on the job, I don't always feel fulfilled, and even with recent interests, like orchestral conducting, I still feel like there is more joy out there, more fulfillment.
In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed I have an interest in something that keeps showing up and has been in my head for some time. That is HEALTHY HAIR! When I say it, I dont feel like its what I should be passionate about, I should have something more lofty right? But I love talking about the health of a person's hair, and products and techniques to use to produce great results. People often comment on my hair when its natural, asking what I've done to it, even when its straight, they ask how did I get it to grow so long, etc. And I'm never bothered by these questions, it brings me happiness to help others get to a healthy hair place and to a place where they can treasure their natural hair.
So I think I'm gonna look into that more. There is a voice in my head that says its beneath me, because of my focused on education upbringing, but if I love hair, then I love hair. Can't help that.
I've been cultivating my interest in music for some time now, and believe I'm getting a glimpse now into something else I need to search out. God willing I'll find myself in a place of peace and freedom as a result. Bye for now!
Love ,
a woman in pursuit of passion
Its been a busy couple of months. Lots of soul searching and asking God for some hint as towhat my passions are. Some times on the job, I don't always feel fulfilled, and even with recent interests, like orchestral conducting, I still feel like there is more joy out there, more fulfillment.
In the past couple of weeks, I've noticed I have an interest in something that keeps showing up and has been in my head for some time. That is HEALTHY HAIR! When I say it, I dont feel like its what I should be passionate about, I should have something more lofty right? But I love talking about the health of a person's hair, and products and techniques to use to produce great results. People often comment on my hair when its natural, asking what I've done to it, even when its straight, they ask how did I get it to grow so long, etc. And I'm never bothered by these questions, it brings me happiness to help others get to a healthy hair place and to a place where they can treasure their natural hair.
So I think I'm gonna look into that more. There is a voice in my head that says its beneath me, because of my focused on education upbringing, but if I love hair, then I love hair. Can't help that.
I've been cultivating my interest in music for some time now, and believe I'm getting a glimpse now into something else I need to search out. God willing I'll find myself in a place of peace and freedom as a result. Bye for now!
Love ,
a woman in pursuit of passion
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
mis educated?
I'm reading Carter G Woodson's Miseducation of the Negro. I' ve been exposed to a lot of different things recently, mostly on racism in america. Out of that this book came to my mind, as something I've never read, even though it has sat on my parent's bookshelf since I was small.
So far Mr. Woodson makes several great points even though this book was written over 80 years ago, these points are relevant even now to our black race.
One thing he talks about is our miseducation. He discusses black elite, and black scholars, and gives some suggestions as to the direction that we need to take.
One of the things that I appreciate him saying out rightly about the arts
"Negroes graduating from conservatories of music dislike the singing of folk songs. For some reason such misguided persons think that they can improve on the productions of foreign drama or render the music of other people better than they can themselves." p. 140
This has to do with me, and some of the mental anguish I've been experiencing. My reaction is that yes a lot of western european music is accessible to a black musician. It touches me and moves me just the way it does them. Rendering it though....
He also contends that we learn in school and through our education to imitate and do as we are told in order to succeed. However, we may not need to do what was done before, even if it was a worthy thing.
So new thinking, new ways of doing things, also education of ourselves begins to emerge our aim. Who are we as black people. What do we need to develop as a culture? How do we see things, how should we express ourselves. How should we educate the next generation?
These thoughts are still swirling in my head. And I can't wait for clarity of thought.
Peace
So far Mr. Woodson makes several great points even though this book was written over 80 years ago, these points are relevant even now to our black race.
One thing he talks about is our miseducation. He discusses black elite, and black scholars, and gives some suggestions as to the direction that we need to take.
One of the things that I appreciate him saying out rightly about the arts
"Negroes graduating from conservatories of music dislike the singing of folk songs. For some reason such misguided persons think that they can improve on the productions of foreign drama or render the music of other people better than they can themselves." p. 140
This has to do with me, and some of the mental anguish I've been experiencing. My reaction is that yes a lot of western european music is accessible to a black musician. It touches me and moves me just the way it does them. Rendering it though....
He also contends that we learn in school and through our education to imitate and do as we are told in order to succeed. However, we may not need to do what was done before, even if it was a worthy thing.
So new thinking, new ways of doing things, also education of ourselves begins to emerge our aim. Who are we as black people. What do we need to develop as a culture? How do we see things, how should we express ourselves. How should we educate the next generation?
These thoughts are still swirling in my head. And I can't wait for clarity of thought.
Peace
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I'm the adult
The bottom line today was that I had to act in my adult mode. I can't get crazy, I can't lose it. I show that I am an adult by being in control of my actions and my emotions.
Some kids were testing me today, and I can't say I passed completely. One kid in particular bugs me, because he just has this arrogant attitude, and he displays a bad model for other students. I need to address his behavior, but it should probably be when it actually occurs. He is older so I can hit him with the mature thing, but I know that he is still a kid. He still acts like one, completely. OK, also as a Christian I realize that his potential is not there, and that is not my ministry. IT just isn't so I really should give my attention to folk I can actually impact and help. NOt ignore the individuals, but just understand that if they don't get it, then they just wont get it with me. I'm ok with that and I need to invest my energy and mental space on those I came here for. Perhaps these individuals can be ministered to by someone else, but it doesn't seem to stick with me. Lord purge me from any evil, allow your love to flow deeply through my veins. Give me the wisdom to deal with every situation.
God allow me to be the adult at all times, but still be loving and your child. with your heart as my heart. Thank you Jesus for your word that melts even the hardest heart. Give me a clean heart that I may serve you alone.
Thank you for dying for me and allowing me to have access to this free life. I'm sooo blessed ! I want to say thank you for rescuing me and allowing the privilege to work with these talented young musicians.
Love,
your child
Some kids were testing me today, and I can't say I passed completely. One kid in particular bugs me, because he just has this arrogant attitude, and he displays a bad model for other students. I need to address his behavior, but it should probably be when it actually occurs. He is older so I can hit him with the mature thing, but I know that he is still a kid. He still acts like one, completely. OK, also as a Christian I realize that his potential is not there, and that is not my ministry. IT just isn't so I really should give my attention to folk I can actually impact and help. NOt ignore the individuals, but just understand that if they don't get it, then they just wont get it with me. I'm ok with that and I need to invest my energy and mental space on those I came here for. Perhaps these individuals can be ministered to by someone else, but it doesn't seem to stick with me. Lord purge me from any evil, allow your love to flow deeply through my veins. Give me the wisdom to deal with every situation.
God allow me to be the adult at all times, but still be loving and your child. with your heart as my heart. Thank you Jesus for your word that melts even the hardest heart. Give me a clean heart that I may serve you alone.
Thank you for dying for me and allowing me to have access to this free life. I'm sooo blessed ! I want to say thank you for rescuing me and allowing the privilege to work with these talented young musicians.
Love,
your child
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