Nappy Situation

I must say that I have pondered the idea of going natural for a long time. I have trouble wearing chemically processed hair after about a year. I can't count the times I have had to start over. In my case, what starts out beautiful, usually has a disastrous ending before I have to start over again.

I must say that I admire women who have healthy hair period, regardless to whether it is chemically processed or natural. I will admit however, that I am especially inspired by women who maintain their natural tresses with confidence and style.

With that being said, I found these awesome sites for those considering doing the natural thing or those who are already there. More power to you.

http://www.nappturality.com/

http://www.kynk.ca/

http://haircare.aldrea.com/

I hope you will find a bit of inspiration there.

Most women considering natural hair fear not being able to find a stylist that is knowledgeable and affordable, so I will be researching for some quality natural hair care providers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and will post an update of my findings at a later time.

Just Remember, You Are Beautiful Nappy or Not!

Ghost Lover

Ghost Lover

I remember you breathing my air and stroking my hair.
But could it all be a figment of my imagination?
The thoughts of the two of us making beautiful creation?
I still smell your scent mixed with mine,
and your touch is ultra fine.
Only a slight memory of your face;
But I hear promises of forever, as long as...
Well, I can't remember,
and now you're missing without a trace.

Speaking of Inspiration: Jill Scott's "The Butterfly Collection"

I am a supporter of Jill Scott, I think she writes some of the most beautiful and thought provoking music and poetry today.

She has started her new intimate apparel in Ashley Stewart stores. Please support her if you have "larger than average" needs in the bra cup area.

For more on her and her new intimate apparel line: Her official website is : http://www.jillscott.com/

Please Welcome: S. Patrick

In this endeavor, I have added another author who is positive, motivated, like-minded Cocoa Sister. We inspire one another to achieve and keep moving forward and she has been instrumental in many of the choices I am making even at this very moment.

Please welcome: S. Patrick

Adopt a Cocoa Woman

I would like to inspire someone to adopt another woman to encourage, inspire, and motivate. Ask her, "what are your dreams?" What do you want to do? What are your goals? What is your deepest desire? and when she answers, say, "let me help you". (If within reason)

Unless you are dead, it is never too late to live. Especially if it is something that will help her feel good about herself and is productive to a positive outcome.

Issues on Self-Esteem & Being a Woman of Cocoa Color

I remember a few years back I went out to a night spot with a few people from work. A nice looking young black man approached me and said "I don't even date black women, but you I would consider".... the only reply I had was, "oh, that's ok, I don't date black men either"

I only said that out of defense, but the truth was, It was painful to hear that and I was going through a painful divorce with my black husband at the time.

I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, Lawton to be excact. I specifically remember feeling as if I wasn't pretty or good enough because my hair wasn't blonde, didn't flow with wind, and I didn't have blue eyes. The boys in school (black or white) didn't even look at black girls and as I grew older, it seemed, neither did the men.

It probably didn't help my self image to have a family full of single black women or women in sick relationships, because they either suffered from self- esteem and/or self-worth issues. (in my opinion) Anyhow, as I gain more knowledge and confidence about who I am and what I have to offer, It seems that instead of getting encouragement from most, I am looked down upon or labeled negatively for feeling confident, beautiful, and sexy. Or is it just me?

Would society really rather me not accept the plate I was given but instead fight against the grain by showing that I am discontent with the fact that many black men do not desire brown skinned women; or should I break the cycle by raising my black girls to be black women who feel just are desired no matter what.

Honestly, I am just trying to reverse the damage, build myself, and teach my young daughters to be proud of their skin, hair, and culture. Otherwise, they too will make choices just to get by and will always feel as if they just aren't _(fill in the blank)_enough.

Hense the Name: "Cocoa Inspiration"

I put a little thought into the name of my blog/website: I wanted to make sure that whomever finds this blog has an understanding of the purpose of my blog and what it means to me.

The word inspire means:

• encourage by filling with confidence, enthusiasm etc
• to breath life into
• to stimulate action or motivate
• to affect or arouse

I am a black woman, seeking to inspire and get inspired by other women to achieve greatness, increase confidence, self-esteem, and empowerment:

hense:

Cocoa - brown; yellowish brown; reddish brown (Woman)
Inspiration - Something inspired, as an idea, a result of an inspired activity
A thing or person that inspires
Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.
Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea