This 4th of July, I was happy to have something other than patriotism to focus on. Not that patriotism is ever the sole focus of my celebration, but I do make an effort to don the red, white and blue each year. However, in light of National Afro Day, my celebration consisted of bbq, hair and fireworks. As the grill was smoking, the greens were percolating, and the potato salad was chilling, I was prepping Miss J's hair for her 4th of July afro.

I decided to do a length check while I was detangling Miss J's old box braids, and discovered that she may have gotten an inch or so from the last time we did this. Her hair is now at waist length when it's stretched. Pretty good for 7 years of care... I can only imagine what we'll be working with by age 18!



After being in braids for nearly a month, there was a lot of shed hair and dirt. I had planned to detangle, shampoo and condition, but the detangling process took us the entire day this time. Miss J was not a willing participant after getting used to not having her hair combed for a few weeks. Even when there weren't any tangles, and even with the gentlest approach there were still tears... but the outcome is always smiles and lots of mirror time. As I detangled, I twisted her hair.


Then, after about 30 minutes, I undid the twists, pulled them apart a bit (considered picking them out, but her 'fro was pretty big without the picking and it was the end of the day... next time!), and added a Babyfly that I made to match her Natural Beauty tank, first seen on Beads Braids Beyond.


Once we were full of bbq, we headed down to the local marina for some fireworks. I hope that your 4th was as great as ours! And remember, if you or your child rocked a 4th of July afro, we'd love to see... ok, I'd love to see. Remember? Living vicariously :)

I felt like Arnold and Sinbad in the movie Jingle All the Way as I called every Target in my area trying to track down a last minute gift for Miss J, and then traveled to 4 stores to get all the last minute stuff I needed for tomorrow. That wasn't really on my Christmas Eve agenda, but that's what happens when your Christmas shopping money becomes available at the last possible second. I thought the last bit of my Christmas joy had died yesterday, but it took some breaths this morning and was removed from life support.

So, crisis narrowly avoided and the cheer and smiles will shine brightly tomorrow as Miss J and I awake with our grandparents and celebrate this time together.

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

A day off means sitting on the couch, in my pajamas, doing all of the things that I'd normally do if it were a day on. Plus, my favorite tv shows.

Is it almost that time of the year again? The time permitting chills and thrills, tricks and treats, and freedom to use our creative licenses to be anything that we want to be? I think so. Seems like just yesterday I was sporting a mask and whip, fighting crime with my favorite little super shero. This year, she will fight crime alone, but she will be just as super.

What adventures do you have in store for the 31st?

Today, grills will go ablaze, laughter will fill the air, and memories of loved ones lost will take hold. I will journey into the courtyard and be welcomed by familiar faces, then return hours later bathed in mesquite aroma and rather lethargic. May the same happen for you on this beautiful day.