GOOD NEWS MONDAY!!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Mark Twain

Let's do it!
Peace and blessings,
CO

More Chapters are up!

I just spent the better part of Sunday afternoon putting up more chapters over at our author site, Otharia.com. Chapters 4-9 have now been posted. Dave and I thought it would be better to give our readers more to read in the beginning especially when getting to know the characters. There are links at the bottom of each chapter to open the next chapter.

So head on over and see what's happening to the royal twins. You won't be disappointed!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Hi Beautifuls!

Hope you're having a wonderful day. It's raining like a monsoon season here in the "A". How's the weather where you are?

This past week marks my 2 year anniversary of being "au naturale". Whoo hoo!! I've had my good & bad hair days and let me tell you, I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm still lovin', diggin', feelin' my hair. Definitely still learning and it's still all good.

Here are a few pics of my journey from beginning (Aug. '07) to this present.
Enjoy!





















I hope that you all have a wonderful day and weekend. Get out and do something for yourself. See your city like you've never seen it before. Try something new or different. Live life and live it to the fullest.
And as always, "Do you."

Peace,
CO

A DIFFERENT INTERVIEW WITH CHICORO..part II

Hi Beautifuls!

On yesterday, I featured part 1 of an interview with Chicoro, regarding raw foods. As I mentioned yesterday, many of us in the natural hair community are very familiar with Chicoro and her healthy, long hair but after really visiting her fotki, I was surprised (and excited) to see that she was into healthy eating via raw foods. Every interview I read of her was about hair. So I thought, "Wow! Does anyone notice that she's into raw/living foods?". This is the aspect of Chicoro that I wish to focus on in hopes of encouraging the thought to eat healthy and take care of ones self.


And so, here it is. The completion of "A Different Interview with Chicoro".

6) I can't talk about eating raw foods without talking about the detox that comes with it. I believe in being informed & informing. Did you have a period of detox? If so, how did you manage it?

Yes. My taste buds changed. Sometimes I found that I was sick of eating raw food and it was not satisfying. Some days I would be so hungry and would prepare a raw meal and it would taste so nasty, that I would just throw the whole thing out. I would be hungry, mad, and out of my money and my time.

At the same time, cooked food would taste greasy and fake. I guess my taste buds were transitioning! I also would sometimes have an increased number of bowel movements per day. In the morning, I would wake up with lots of waste in my eyes, lots of sleep in my eyes. My eyes sometimes would be sticky and my upper lid would be stuck to some parts of my lower lid when I would wake up.

Another interesting thing about "detox" is the detox of people in your life. I truly believe that when you venture into raw foods, you really need to be ready for your relationships around you to change. When you go raw, people leave your life and others come into it. I do not believe that there is anything mystical or magical going on and I hope no one equates them to what I am saying about raw food. It's like when you decide to stop going clubbing. The people who you used to go clubbing with fall out of your life. If you stop drinking, the people you used to go drinking with, fall out of your life. Raw food is no different.

But again, I would relate it to hair. When many of us go from relaxed to natural hair, sometimes our friends and even our significant others just don't get it. Some people vacate your life and others make an adjustment so that they can stay with you.

I think that when you go raw, it detoxes your relationships as well. You may discover things about yourself and the person with whom you live that you never ever knew before, no matter how long you have known or lived with him or her, or yourself!



7) I love your blog. Its so inspiring and truly feeds the spirit. Many raw foodists speak of gaining mental clarity and spiritual awareness from this lifestyle. Was your blog birthed from this place?

Thank you for the wonderful compliment regarding my blog. The blog was birthed from raw foods, but indirectly. My book series that I am working on was birthed from raw food. The blog was birthed from my book series.

Like with hair, everyone's expericence can be very different. But for me, yes, I was able to see more clearly. I think that when we ingest processed and food laden with chemicals, our bodies have their total focus on picking out the bad stuff from the good. Our bodies are busy. When we have only raw foods and natural foods inside of us, that frees up our bodies to be able to do more.

The body is not working so hard to get the junk out and separate the good stuff from the bad stuff. I think that is part of the clarity. I would liken it to us minding several children or having less of a course load at school or less of a work load at our jobs. Once you get a handle on things, you can focus on more than what is in front of you. You can start looking at the bigger picture, think and muse on other things because you are not so burdened down with having to keep up with all the children, all the classes and all the work. You can take a 'breather'. I think with raw food, this is what the body can do. It can finally take a 'breather'. Then, you have energy left over to focus on other things, hence, the clarity comes into play.




8) Finally, with statistics showing that a high percentage of blacks suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc., in your opinion, tell us what you feel could be the reasons why alot of blacks don't do "healthy eating".

Healthy eating can be expensive if you are trying to eat one way and everyone else is eating a standard diet in one household. You literally are doubling the family food bill. It is far cheaper and easier to get a hamburger from the fast food dollar menu and a lot cheaper, than to buy three (3) organic apples for $2.50 per pound.

For the average person, that hamburger represents a filling inexpensive meal. Those apples are just an expensive snack that will leave you hungry, if not dissatisfied.

Amidst all of this, I feel that black people are focused on surviving. Even when we are stable financially, we may still be or feel as though we are under siege. That might look like doing a good job at your place of work but still having your skills and ability questioned. That might look like going to the store and experiencing women reach for their purses when you approach their basket, because they think
you are trying to steal their purse. And the ONLY reason you are even going near their purse is because it and their basket are in YOUR way and in the way of you accessing that food item you plan to purchase.

What I think black people need to understand is that we will either pay up front or we will pay in the end.

Either, you will spend the extra time it takes to ensure that you and your family have healthy meals and spend the extra cash on the food, or you can continue with eating only what tastes good to you and what is easy and cheap. People believe that they cannot spare the money for raw foods. But, can you spare money for health bills that may inevitably come in the long run, in the not so distant future?


What tastes good is not necessarily what is good for you. Like most things, whether it be bad hair care habits or bad eating habits, making a change takes effort and things may not look or feel good, at first. Just like you have to train your eyes to 'see' and appreciate and love your transitioning and natural hair, you need to do the same things with your tastebuds and raw food.

One cannot compare the taste of raw foods to that of cooked processed foods. You must embrace raw food for what it is just as you do with your natural hair.

Most of us know it is absurd for us to expect that our natural hair will look and feel like our processed relaxed hair. Yet, why do we expect for raw foods to taste and smell like processed food?

If you choose to pay on the back end and continue to eat only what tastes good- assuming it is the standard American diet type foods, things like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure tend to hit home sooner, at younger ages for us and harder, where blindess, amputation and death due to these illnesses visits us more.

There are no guarantees in life. With all things, your are accountable for your choices. In this life, you are on your own. I say give raw food a try and see how you feel. The fastest and quickest way to get results is to eat completely raw food for 7 -30 days. Try it for a weekend, from Friday to Sunday, or whenever you don't have to work or when you don't have outside, external obligations pulling on you.

Is it easy to do? Not necessarily. As with hair, you have to dive in and determine what best fits for you and your life. That takes trial and error and a leap of faith. Step out on faith. If you have health issues, consult your doctor before you embark on the raw food journey. Get some books and study, prepare and then go for it.


Chicoro, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Is there anything more that you want to share? Future plans? Words of wisdom? Whatever comes to mind.

The food you eat and the care that you give your body are very important. They can impact the quality of your life. I believe so much in this that I am writing a book called, "Nurture It" on food and self care. It will be published and available on Amazon.com in December 2009. It is the second book of the seven (7) book series I am writing.

Words of wisdom? Hmmm? I don't know. But I do know that you can be more beautiful tomorrow than you are today if you focus on yourself. It is not about being more beautiful than someone else. It is about elevating your beauty, your own beauty, to the highest levels. You control that and you are accountable. It is do-able, so just do it!


And there it is. We actually spoke for awhile over the phone regarding this and I can tell you Chicoro is truly passionate about this subject. After speaking with her, I do believe that a change in our way of seeing ourselves, our health, the world and how we operate in it is coming. I am so glad that I gave into that nugding that I had to contact her for this interview. I've come to the conclusion that if I operate by.. tune into..listen to my gut, my spirit then I'll more clearly see my path & my purpose.

Thanks again to Chicoro for her graciousness and taking the time to answer my questions. I'm really excited about her forthcoming book series. Hope that this has encouraged, enlightened and/or blessed you in some way.

Much Love,
ChocolateOrchid


**Chicoro is the author of the book "Grow It: How To Grow Afro-Textured Hair To Maximum Lengths In The Shortest Time".

You can purchase her book at the following link:
Amazon
You can also check out her site at Beautify Bit By Bit
and her blog here.
She's also on youtube here.

Strategizing

Dave and I are working on picking the idea for our 3rd novel.  We have several ideas floating around in scifi, fantasy and military scifi.  Two of the ideas have been tested on a beta readers and have been received well.  We should be able to make a decision this weekend and then the fun starts.

Writing with a co-writer is challenging sometimes.  We have found over the course of 2 books that a detailed outline works well for us.  There's still plenty of leeway for spontaneity because as most authors know, characters have a way of sometimes writing their own plots.  

What works best for you?  Do you need a general outline, a more detailed outline or do you just wing it as you go along?

Sad Day for Massachusetts

Senator Ted Kennedy has passed away.  It's too bad he didn't live long enough to see a health care reform bill passed.  It was one of his passions.  It will be strange not to hear the words Senator Kennedy any more.  I wonder who will replace him to finish out his term.

A DIFFERENT INTERVIEW WITH CHICORO

Hi Beautifuls!

Most people in the natural hair scene are familiar with Chicoro. You know, Chicoro with the beautiful and healthy long hair. The one who authored the book “Grow It. How To Grow Afro-Textured Hair To Maximum Lengths In The Shortest Time”. Yes, the same Chicoro with the awesome and informative fotki.

Well, lo and behold, when I was pleasantly surprised to see in her fotki that she’s into raw foods. I thought, “Oh, my God! I’ve got talk to her about this.” Well, after I stopped dragging my feet I reached out to her to share with everyone her way of healthy eating and thoughts on it. I hope that this interview inspires, encourages and/or motivates you to feed your body better, if just a little bit, than you have before.

Enjoy….

1) How did your interests in raw foods begin?

Before I begin, I wanted to tell you thank you for your time and for this
platform opportunity, your blog, to express my thoughts and feelings regarding
raw food and self care!

It happened over many years for me. It was not instantaneous. There were many aha moments for me. Here are a few that stick out for me right now. I have been dabbling in raw food since I was a little girl, before I was a teenager. The two turning points happened when I was an adult. I always had pimple marks and spots on my face so I sought out books to help me clear my skin. Food was always a key component. I began with juicing.

The second turning point was when I developed some health issues. I found books specifically for addressing my specific issues. In one book, in the food section of the book, it advocated the use of salads, green vegetables juices and fruit juices and herbs and water to cleanse and purify the body. The book did not refer to the food as "raw food" but called the food a part of the natural living lifestyle. Then, I found a book about raw food that had more variety. It made raw food do-able for me. I was so inspired that I took a raw food certification class with the author of the book.

2) We've all eaten "raw foods" at one time or another without giving it much thought. Like fruits, vegetable such as carrots, salads, etc. How long have you been consciously eating raw foods?

I first started eating raw foods conciously about five (5) years ago. I go in and out of raw. I have not been a raw foodist for five years!

3) What difference/improvements did you notice in your physical health after beginning to eat this way?

Let's start with the most fascinating thing first. When I am eating nothing but raw food, children respond to me the most. They turn to wave at me and speak to me. Whether they are in a grocery cart or their parents' arms, you should see how they twist around to wave or stare or say, "Hello!" My husband has witnessed this so many times. He always looks at me so strangely when this occurs. He can be standing right next to me and the children don't even acknowledge him.

When I first started eating only raw food, I felt that I was always walking around with my eyes bugged out and wide open. I even asked my mother and my teacher, "Do my eyes look like they are popped out? They sure feel like it." My raw food teacher told me that is the energy or buzz from all the live and raw food. It's like your eyes are opened, literally and figuratively.

In the morning when I am completely raw, I leap out of bed. I am up from anywhere between 4:30 and 5:30 am. This is not because I am UNABLE to sleep. This is because I don't need anymore sleep. I feel light and not groggy. But, I must say, when I first start back on raw food, I feel exhausted and tired for the first 3-5 days. The exhaustion is like when you just finished a project at work and you exhale and know that it is finally over and done. Then you can just collapse and relax. Or, when you get home from a business trip or get home from school. You are tired, but you are comfortable and can relax and exhale.

You glow! Physically, the texture of the skin on my face becomes creamier and smoother. My blemishes disappear and the yellow in my eye whites disappears. The skin on my body is smoother as well. There is less of a need for deodorant. Body odor, not that I smelled before, becomes even less apparent. It seems to just disappear. Cellulite also goes away, or decreases. If you have knots in your breasts, those tend to reduce in size as well- then knots, not your breasts! I could go on and on! Painful cycles become easier and less painful.

Emotionally, I am not moody or move quick to irritation like I am when I eat
processed sugary foods or meat laden meals and food.

Also, because the food is so clean, it burns through your body. You have to eat on a regular basis. Otherwise, you can become ravenously hungry. Because of this, I suggest that people try to eat 4-6 meals, including snacks,per day. You want to keep some structure in your life, even while eating raw food. I don't subscribe to the "eat all you want" because it is raw kind of thinking anymore.

4) The raw foods lifestyle is considered extreme, even foreign to most folks. Did you experience any opposition, negative comments and/or "side-eyes" to your decision to incorporate raw foods into your lifestyle?

When I first started, I was desperately trying to heal a condition I had.
I only had books as a reference so I literally experimented on myself. The first time around, I lost so much weight. I was emaciated, extremely skinny looking and
looked sick.

My mother was totally against my raw food lilfestyle and told me every time she saw me that I was too, too skinny. She is a nurse and she is indoctrinated in the medical industry way of thinking. She never encouraged me and did more discouraging than anything, at first. Then one day, on my 50th round of trying to get it right for me and my life, I went home. My mother lifted my chin, looked into my face and said, "You look good!" I was so happy that day. Two other relatives complimented me as well during that trip. That's when I knew that I had gotten it and that it was working for me!

Then, my mother met or crossed paths with a 45+ year old raw foodist and she said that he looked incredible. From that day on, she was more open to what I was trying to do. She recognized him [as a raw vegan] because all he had was vegetables and fruits and nuts in his cart. Also, of course because of how great he looked to her.
I have no idea who he was or how he looked, but to this day she seems to be in awe of that man. I wish I could have seen him. She has even shared raw meals with me and enjoyed many things I have prepared.

I am used to folks looking at me with side-eyes. They did it when I wanted to go work and live in Japan, when I said I wanted to grow my hair to my waist and when I decided to go raw. I was successful with all these endeavors. You just have to forget about what other people think and not look for approval.


5) What advice would you give to someone seeking to incorporate or transition into eating raw foods?

In the least, try to eat something raw everyday.

I would suggest that you eat something raw with EVERY single meal. Reduce the size of the portions of the cooked food and decrease the amount of meat, potatoes and rice you eat. Add a large pretty, salad to every meal. Leave the croutons and the bacon bits out. Use your favorite salad dressing for now, even if it is like a Ranch dressing. Just get used to having a large, raw vegetable or fruit laden salad with every meal. Eat all of it.

As with transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair, you have to transition your mind FIRST. Start thinking of that large salad as the center piece of your meal instead of building a meal around a piece of meat. Build your salad and think of the other non-raw things as complements to your main meal component, your salad.


**Due to the length of this post, I will continue it on tomorrow. Check out the completion of this interview right here. See ya, tomorrow!**

Peace and blessings,
CO

Chicoro is the author of "Grow It: How To Grow Afro-Textured Hair To Maximum Lengths In the Shortest Time". You can find more information on it and her at her website Beautify Bit by Bit. She also has a wonderful and inspiring blog that you can see here. Subscribe to her on youtube here.

TWIST-OUT (THE CALLA LILY REMIX)

Hola Beautiful Ones!

I'm so excited about this post! Calla Lily from BreaKink New Ground wanted to share her method that she uses to preserve her twist-out styles. Her easy-to-do method caught my attention. Also, that fly frohawk. ;)
So check her out.

The first photo is of her setting her twists which she does by the flat-twist method. I think I may revisit this way.

The Calla Lily Nighttime Routine:

I wanted to share my night time routine with all of your readers. I am so excited about a discovery I made in preserving my twistouts for more than a day! Since going natural, wearing twistouts have been my usual style but I would have to retwist my hair nightly (10 flat twist going straight back). I can get 3 or 4 days on my twistouts with this routine. Here’s what I do:


I gently rub a dime size amount of moisturizer throughout my hair (used SheaMoisture this time). I use large bobby pins to loosely pin up the sides of my hair (like a frohawk). Then, I put on my bonnet cap.




In the morning I take off the bonnet cap and remove the bobby pins. Then, I lightly spritz my hair (used Jane Carter Leave-In Conditioner this time) and fluff with my fingers.




Currently, my hair is 6 inches long. For someone (with shorter or longer hair) who may not find success with this, I would suggest doing a few flat twist on the left and right sides and leave the middle loose. This has seriously cut my hair maintenance down. Hope your readers will find this helpful!


Take care,


CallaLily (my blog is at http://breakinknewground.blogspot.com)

I'm so diggin' the frohawk. Her blog brings great information including recipes for your hair, so definitely check her out.

Chapter 3 is posted

Chapter 3 of the "Quest for Nobility" has been posted over on our author pages, Otharia.com. Here's your first look at the royal twins, Darius and Dyla.

Excerpt:

Darius, the Telkur heir apparent, was a tall, broad-shouldered, handsome youth that looked every inch a royal. His PSI skill was telepathic like his father, but he was already showing signs that he would surpass his father’s telepathic level soon. Dyla was strikingly beautiful with raven hair and blue-violet eyes a shade lighter than her brother’s. She was a powerful empath in her own right.

Renaissance Festival

Had a great time at the MN Renaissance Festival with Josh and Julie. Here's Josh and I in pic#1. There was your resident lords, ladies, knights and a turtle. Turtle? Yes, a turtle.

Here's our knight and of course, he won. We know how to pick the right side to sit on!

It was good to visit, but it's great to be home.

A SPECIAL MONDAY THOUGHT

May You Have
Poet Unknown


May you have......

Enough happiness
to keep you sweet,

Enough trials
to keep you strong,

Enough sorrow
to keep you human,

Enough hope
to keep you happy;

Enough failure
to keep you humble,

Enough success
to keep you eager,

Enough friends
to give you comfort,

Enough wealth
to meet your needs;

Enough enthusiasm
to look forward,

Enough faith
to banish depression,

Enough determination
to make each day better than yesterday

Have a wonderful Monday and week!
Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

MY 3 DAYS OF HIGH-RAW

Hola Chicas y Chicos!

On last week, I decided to eat a simple high-raw diet for as long as I felt to do it. No pressure. No definitive outline. Just a "go with the flow" kind of thing. Well, I shouldn't say "randomly decided". It was more like I was feeling crappy because I had been eating alot more processed heavy foods than normal. (I have pretty much gotten that intake down to almost non-existent.) And drinking more coffee than norm (Yes, I still drink coffee from time to time.) and a few more drinks. Which all combined to make me feel pretty yuckky.

So I chose to listen to my body and eat light, simple, organic raw vegan food. About 95 to 98% of my daily intake was raw vegan. I didn't go out and buy a bunch of stuff, I just ate from what I had. My daily intake consisted of smoothies, fruit, salads, veggies and one meal of granola based cereal. I must say, I felt great! I had no cravings. No thoughts on what I couldn't eat but rather on foods that would be good to my body that I had a taste for. It really was a freeing feeling of sorts. Focusing on feeding my body the right fuel so that it could function properly really works!

You may think that it was just a fluke but it wasn't. Over the weekend, I ate heavy and definitely felt the difference. So I've decided to go back to high raw eating. Again, without any detailed menus or time frame specifics. But just go with the flow and tune into my body and what it may crave or want.

Oh, almost forgot to mention that during my 3 days I continued to work out with no problems. If anything, I was more focused. The one thing that I plan on doing is adding more fat (nuts, avocado). Near the end of my three day run I did feel a gravitation towards some type of fat.

What are you doing good for your body, yourself?......

Off to MN

I'm off to Rochester, MN today for a few days to visit my son and his wife. Haven't seen them in awhile so it will be great to catch up.

A LITTLE ADVICE.....

Hi Lovelies!

A few weeks ago, a fellow natural emailed me with some questions regarding what I use for my twist-outs. I decided to share this conversation in hopes that it may be of some help to someone. Also, to add any information that I left out in my haste to answer her questions.

Hello, I’m a newbie and wanted to ask what products you use, hair type, and method of your twist out displayed. I attempted my first twist this week and my hair frizzed in many spots by the end of the day and somewhat lost it’s definition. Maybe I’m not twisting tight enough? Your hair and many of the videos I’m previewing are displaying tighter twist outs. I’m definitely attempting hair growth and healthy hair, so I’m trying to start with the best products. I do know I’m going to have to try things to see what works best on my hair. Here’s to experimenting. Hopefully, through the help of natural hair friends.

My Answer:

Hi Natural Newbie!

Congrats on going natural! I know that it can be somewhat overwhelming but you're right to check out all the videos, hair blogs, fotki's and such that you can. I'm glad to here that you do know that it comes down to trying different things to see what works for your hair. Having said that, my first advice to give you is to be patient. I'll be "all natural" for 2 yrs later on this month and I don't mind telling you that I still get frustrated some times and that I'm still trying different things.
As far as products I use, I mainly stick w/all natural products. But let me tell you, sometimes all natural may not work for you and that's okay. You have to do what works best for your hair. As far as hair type, I don't put too much stock into it mainly because its confusing to me. Confusing b/c there are so many variances within the "hair type" idea and so many different takes on it. It may help to guide you w/the type of products you get but I wouldn't get too caught up in it. What works for someone in your hair type range may not work for you and vice versa. But if I take a stab at it, I would say that my hair is 4a/4bish. I guess...

MY METHOD OF TWIST-OUT:

Wash: Devacurl No-poo or a clarifying shampoo or similiar (if I've used a non-soluble product on hair like Miss Jessie's stuff)
or
Conditioner Wash: Herbal Essences Totally Twisted or Herbal Essences Hello Hydration
Deep Condition: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose mixed w/Jessicurl WDT or Curl Junkie's Hisbiscus Banana Deep Fix
I sit under a heat cap for at least 30 minutes and somewhat to mostly rinse it out.
Leave-In Condish: Mop Top Leave In or Oyin's Handmade Honey Hemp Condish or Giovanni Direct Leave-In
Styler: I twist with Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue. No, it's not all-natural but I've found that this product gives me the best hold without any frizzies which makes me really happy.
Sealer: oil of preference (coconut, almond, jojoba or a mix)

Once I put the leave-in condish on my hair, I wrap it up (my hair that is) in a Curlease towel (you could use a t-shirt or a microfiber towel) for about 15 minutes or until most of the drip is gone. I do like to twist damp hair. Then I section my hair in to halves w/a part going down the middle. I start from the front to make both sides of my head as uniform as possible. I apply some MJ Meringue to each section and twist almost all the way to the bottom. I twirl the ends with my finger and move on to the next sections until done. I seal my ends w/an oil.

During the process, I put sections of twists in butterfly clamps( I guess their called that) to keep the hair stretched out until it is mostly dry. I may oil my scalp w/Carol's Daughter Hair Elixer. Then I cover it w/a scarf and go to bed.

Sometimes I'll leave the twists in for a day or two, depending on whether I'm working out or going out. Lol.

Once I take them down, I retwist nightly by lightly spritzing my hair w/lavender distilled water or just plain distilled water. Then retwisting them w/shealoe. Cover my hair w/a scarf and go to bed.

Newly Natural, I will tell you that the older the twist-out, the better it looks. At least for me.

Oh, I don't twist tight but taunt enough, if that makes sense. Not to the point where I'm pulling on my scalp but tight enough that it's a good strong twist.

Newly Natural, I will tell you that the older the twist-out, the better it looks. At least for me.

Hope this has helped you in some way.
Keep in touch,
ChocolateOrchid

Here are some pics of me in the process of a twist-out hairstyle:

The twist-out set


The twist-out a la toothy grin and all. Lol.



If you have any suggestions or tips, please leave them in the comments. You never know who you may be helping. Could even be me.

Thanks a bunch and enjoy the day!
CO

GOOD NEWS MONDAY!!

Good Morning Beautiful Ones!

I hope that everyone had an awesome weekend! Mine was great and full of busy. Consequently, I am ridiculously sleepy right now. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to post because I didn't get to researching this weekend as I normally do. But the day is still fresh and new so who knows....

Well, this is not my normal "Good News Monday" post but it is good news. I won a giveaway on Onyxcabelo's blog Curls Defined!! Woo-hoo!! It always catches me by surprise when I win something. Can't wait to rock my hair goodie!!

Ooh, almost forgot! I did get to see the sci-fi movie "District 9". Great movie! (Yes, NO. I expect to discuss this with you soon.) It you're not careful you might miss the social parallels in the movie. After me and my BF left the theatre, we noticed it was raining. No umbrella in tow which was totally okay. Let me tell you, as a natural it felt so good to be able to casually walk in the rain and still have fly hair. ;)
Gotta love it!

On yesterday, I actually ran into one of my Facebook friends. I was in Whole Foods (spending more money than I should have, as usual) and a young woman approached me saying we were friends on FB. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Has this ever happened to you?...


So give me some goodness that was in your weekend. I know you have some so do share with us all.

Much Luv,
ChocolateOrchid

Chapter 2 is posted

Chapter 2 of "Quest for Nobility" is now posted at our author site, Otharia. Head on over and meet Grand Duke Janus Vogdo.

Here's an excerpt:

Janus Vogdo was a revered elder statesman, a patron of the arts, and a generous benefactor of education. His tall stature, angular features and regal bearing lent itself to that image perfectly. He was also the presiding Grand Duke of Otharia and considered the most powerful man in the kingdom. Royalty respected him and commoners were in awe of him, but beneath his cool veneer of benevolence beat the heart of a master puppeteer, an expert manipulator who would stop at nothing to achieve his ultimate goal. For years, Vogdo moved people strategically around his personal chessboard to create the perfect mechanism for his elaborate scheme for ultimate power, claiming the title of King of Otharia. There had not been a king crowned in many centuries and Vogdo was determined to be the next one no matter what the costs.

A Sneak Peak

Here's an excerpt from "Quest for Nobility" and your first peak at Nils, the assassin. Nils finds murder so satisfyingly delicious. Yeah, he's evil, but what did you expect from an assassin. You can read the rest of the chapter over at our author page, Otharia.

Nils slammed into the wall as the gypsy brute backhanded him. The impact knocked the air out of him and he gasped with pain, feeling his ribs crack from the impact. His lightning quick reflexes saved him from the next blow as he ducked under the big man’s fist. The fist barely missed his face and slammed a hole into the wall behind him. The big man pulled his hand free and staggered back, the effects of the drugged wine finally taking hold. Nils punched forward and caught the gypsy in the sternum, knocking the wind out of him.

“Murdering scarecrow,” the gypsy cursed through clenched teeth, staggering backwards.

Nils was tall and lean, but his years of training made his muscles rock hard and gave him strength that belayed his rangy frame.

“Murder,” Nils said. “No, my dear Rafner, you have it all wrong. This is an execution in grand design.”

IT'S FRIDAY FUNNIES!!

Happy Friday to all of you fabulous people!!

I trust that you plan on making this one of your best days! ;)
I just had to share with you a Friday funny video. Let me just go on and tell you that I love me some B. Scott. I first found out about him through fab chica, Urbancurlz (who I hope to see at the Atlanta Natural Hair meetup that Lexiwiththecurls is heading up. Hint. Hint.).

Anyhoo, I have mad love for anyone who feels totally comfortable and free to be who they are. That's a rarity and a struggle for many folks. Although I've come a long way, I must admit that I still have my moments. For me, B. represents total self-acceptance and self-love. I think that those are two underrated commodities amongst people.

Well...I'm gonna stop typing and let you all enjoy his video...
"BUTT NAKED NOTHING BUT PEARLS"




Have a wonderful weekend! And as always, "Do You".
Luv Ya,
CO

Sales and Advances

Eric, over at Pimp My Novel has been talking about genre-specific sales and author advances all week.

It's good to see that books are still selling, even if publishers are being more selective about offering book deals.

If Dave and I get lucky enough to land a publisher and a contract, we could be looking at a cool $5,000 advance [of course minus the 15% agent commission and then divided by 2]. Oh yeah, I wasn't planning on quitting my day job anytime soon.

It would all be worth it though just to say I'm a published author!

So head over here if you're interested in seeing a typical author advance.

OH, ROSEMARY!

Hi Beautifuls!

I may or may not have mentioned this before but I am endeavoring to have my own organic garden. The appeal of being able to pick fresh, healthy food with my own hands in my own back yard is really strong for me. Maybe it's just the healthnut in me but it is a dream of mine to have a nice garden in the backyard of my eco-friendly, fashionable chic yet cozy small home. **sighs...One day ;)**

Anyhoo, I've started my garden with a rosemary plant
See this pic of my baby.


Isn't she beautiful! I plan on extending my herbal family this weekend with a couple of more plants. Maybe basil, mint and parsley.
I absolutely love the smell (and taste) of rosemary. For me, it's such a warm, comforting scent.

Here's a little info about Rosemary, my sweet.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis [Latin]), also known as rosemarine, has a long tradition of culinary and medicinal use. Today, rosemary is still a popular herb for seasoning, and modern herbalists recommend it for treatment of depression, indigestion, headache, muscle aches, and bad breath.

Rosemary contains powerful antioxidants. In the days before refrigeration, meat was sometimes wrapped in rosemary leaves for flavoring as well as to keep it from going rancid. The antioxidants in rosemary may also offer some level of cancer protection. In one laboratory study, animals that were exposed to toxic chemicals but consumed rosemary developed cancer less frequently than those that did not.

Rosemary has been shown to help kill bacteria that cause infection, which supports its traditional use as an antiseptic treatment for wounds. In France during World War II nurses burned rosemary leaves together with juniper berries to keep the hospital germ-free, which is why the French sometimes refer to it as incensier. The scent of rosemary is also thought to help relieve congestion caused by allergies and respiratory infections.

Like two other culinary herbs, sage and thyme, rosemary contains phytochemicals that help guard against the depletion of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is crucial to proper brain function. Rosemary also protects the brain from oxidation and increases blood flow, two actions that may help prevent or slow the development of Alzheimer's. Better yet, the phytochemicals and antioxidants in rosemary can be absorbed topically through the skin as well-massaging with rosemary oil is beneficial to both physical and mental well-being.

Rosemary is available in commercial teas, extracts, and essential oils. You can also use dried rosemary needles to make a homebrewed rosemary tea; just add 1 teaspoon of dried leaves to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain. Use this infusion as a gargle for bad breath, or drink up to 3 cups a day to help improve digestion or clear congestion. Do not consume rosemary oil; it can cause stomach irritation and even poisoning. Rosemary may stimulate uterine contractions and menstruation, so pregnant women should not consume highly concentrated forms of this herb.





Rosemary, the essential oil has become important to us due to its various health benefits including its ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, relieve respiratory problems and reduce pain.

Today, many medicinal preparations contain rosemary oil. The various health benefits of rosemary oil are given below:

• Hair Care: Rosemary oil and rosemary teas are used extensively for hair care in shampoos and lotions. Regular use of rosemary oil helps in stimulating follicles, as a result of which, hair grow longer and stronger. It is also believed that rosemary oil slows down premature hair loss and graying of hair. Hence it is an excellent tonic for bald people. Rosemary essential oil is also beneficial for dry and flaky scalps. Regular massage of scalp with rosemary oil nourishes the scalp and removes dandruff. Further, it is often mixed with tea tree oil and basil oil to treat scalp problems. **Along w/food recipes & teas, I plan on using mine in an herbal hair rinse. I'll definitely post about it once I do.**

• Mouth Care: Rosemary essential oil is a disinfectant and is used as a mouth wash. It also helps in removing bad breadth.

• Skin Care: Rosemary essential oil is not used in skin care as extensively as it is used in hair care. Regular massage with the oil helps in toning your skin and removing dryness. It is also considered as a beauty aid for the face.

• Boost Mental Activity: Rosemary essential oil is an excellent brain and nerve tonic. It is often used by students during exam times as it increases concentration and helps in studying efficiently. It stimulates mental activity and is a good remedy for depression, mental fatigue and forgetfulness. Inhaling rosemary oil lifts your spirits immediately. Whenever your brain is tired, inhale rosemary oil to remove boredom and get fresh mental energy.

• Pain Relief: The ability of rosemary essential oil to relieve pain has resulted in its extensive usage in headaches, muscle pains, sore muscles, rheumatism and even arthritis. Massaging the part which is in pain with rosemary essential oil give relief from the pain. Vapor baths with rosemary oil is found to be effective for rheumatism.

• Aroma: Rosemary has a mesmerizing aroma and hence rosemary essential oil is an excellent inhalant. The oil is used in room fresheners, cosmetics, beauty aids, food, bath oil, candles and perfumes due to its aroma. The oil, when inhaled brings mental energy and also clears the respiratory tract. Many people spray mixture of rosemary essential oil and water to remove bad odor from room.

• Respiratory Problems: The benefits of rosemary essential oil in treating respiratory problems are unmatched. The scent of the oil gives relief from throat congestion. The oil is used in treating respiratory allergies, cold, sore throat and flu. Since rosemary oil is antiseptic it is effective for respiratory infections as well. The oil is antispasmodic and is used in bronchial asthma.

• Indigestion: Rosemary oil is often used for indigestion, flautulence and stomach cramps. Rosemary leaves are often added to meat dishes as it helps in digesting meat, especially lamb, beef and pork.


Other claimed health benefits of rosemary oil include its usage for disorders in menstrual cycle, menstrual cramps, peptic ulcer, urine flow, prostrate, gall bladder, intestine, liver, cataract, heart, sperm mobility, leukemia, kidney stones and associated pain. Research is also being carried out to study its potential in treating various types of caners including colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Rosemary oil may, at times, have allergic reactions and hence it should be used only with prescription. Again, since rosemary oil is volatile in nature, the oil may cause vomiting and spasms. Hence it should not be consumed orally. It is suggested that rosemary essential oil should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding or nursing women. Excessive dosage of the oil may lead to miscarriage or may affect the fetus.

Rosemary essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy as it can be used in many preparations. The oil blends well with frankincense, lavender, clary sage, cedarwood, basil, thyme, citronella, lemongrass, elemi, geranium, chamomile, peppermint and cardamom.

**Information gathered from Organic Facts and VitaminStuff.com.

The Perfect Excuse

Agent Janet Reid has found the perfect reason why your manuscript/project/assignment won't be turned in on time.

So if you need a reason, head over here and check it out.

Enjoy!

Yay, the Website is back up!

So Otharia.com is back up again.  There was some compatibility problem with godaddy.com, but it's fixed now.  

So now you can go over and read our SF novel, for real this time.

CHIA SMOOTHIE RECIPES

Remember my post about Chia seeds?... Well, I have been having a wonderful time with my chia seeds. It is so simple to incorporate this wonderful food into your diet. I just "activated" them in water for 30 minutes before adding them to my smoothie recipes. The above picture attempts to show their consistency once water has been added. The mixture becomes like a gel.

Here are a couple of smoothies that I made w/them.

Cacao-Banana Smoothie w/Chia Seeds

1 C almond milk
1 large frozen banana
2 T cacao nibs (ground up)
2 T chia seeds (activated in water)
Can sweeten w/lucuma or other sweetener of choice (agave nectar, stevia, honey) if necessary.

Place 2 T chia seeds in 2 to 3 T of water. Let sit for 30 minutes. Grind up cacao nibs and add to blender. Add all other ingredients to blender. Blend until desired consistency.
Enjoy. =)














Chia Mixed Berry Smoothie
2 T chia seeds (soak in water for 30 minutes)
1 C of frozen mixed berries
Handful of baby spinach
1 C of distilled water
Agave nectar or other natural sweetener if needed

Place all ingredients in blender. Blend until desired consistency.
Enjoy








Both of these smoothies were really delicious! I ended up adding more spinach to my Chia Mixed Berry Smoothie. It was sweet enough without the added agave nectar but if you've never had a smoothie w/greens in them you may want to add a natural sweetener to it. This also goes for my Cacao-Banana Smoothie. I really don't think I needed the lucuma in it because of the sweetness of the banana. (Btw, I freeze my bananas after they've ripened.) But I do believe the lucuma powder added a sweet nuttiness to the flavor fo the smoothie.

Also, chia seeds don't have a taste. At least that I can tell. It seems to take on the taste of whatever you put it with. If you live in the metro Atlanta area, you may want to go by an Arden's Garden and try their Orange Chia juice. (Btw, you can also find some of the Arden's Garden juices in Whole Foods.) It's really delicious! I suppose I would liken the experience to drinking a bubble tea.

Happy Healthy Eating,
CO

Something happened to our author pages....

It seems that there's a problem with our author site, otharia.com.  Yesterday it was working fine and today when I clicked on it, there's nothing but godaddy.com ads.  Hopefully, it will be fixed soon and you'll see our actual author pages.

Thanks for your patience.

The Web site is Up

Our author's website is up. Head on over to the Otharia site to read our science fiction story, The Quest for Nobility. We will be posting one chapter a week for your reading pleasure. In case you're wondering what the novel is about, the story contains all of the following:

1. Intrigue
2. Suspense
3. Betrayal
4. Adventure
5. Evil mastermind
6. Assassins
7. And of course, love

Book back cover:

The idyllic life of royal twins, Darius and Dyla Telkur takes a horrifying turn. Their parents have been murdered, their duchy is declared bankrupt and a rogue cousin is bent on stealing their throne. To escape their cousin’s wrath, they flee to the only safe place they know – the forbidden planet Earth.

Their only way back home is to find an ancient traveling crystal. What they find instead is evidence of a secret trade pact between denizens on Otharia and Earth established centuries ago. Before Darius and Dyla can understand what it means, they find themselves pursued by those who want the trade pact to remain hidden at all costs. Everything is connected. Both planets are entwined in secrets and bound by the blood, but time is running out for the royal pair. They must unravel the mystery and return home before their cousin is crowned Duke and their lives are forfeited.

***

We invite you to enter the World of Otharia and enjoy! Come back to the blog and leave your comments or send us an email at twoendsofthepen@gmail.com

FREE TRANSITIONERS MAKE-OVER

Just had to drop this quick message. If you're transitioning from relaxed, permed or chemically treated hair to all-natural hair and live in the metro-Atlanta area or close enough, you may be interested to know this.

Free "Transitioners" Make-over At Urbanbella This Weekend!
Need a new look before summer ends???

Are you transitioning from relaxed to Natural? Have you ever considered going natural?
Let Urbanbella Salon show you how to set your curls free!

Send us your photo, along with a short essay explaining your 'hair'story and qualify to win a Transitioner's Beauty Makeover!

Send entries to bellacustomerservice@urbanbella.net with the subject "Make Me Over!"

Important Information:
Entries must be received by Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 3 p.m. Winners must be available on Saturday August 15, 2009 from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Essays MUST be sent with a recent photo.

Urbanbella is a retailer of hair care products for curly, kinky and wavy hair textures. Urbanbella is an apothecary providing beauty products and professional hair consultancy for ethnic hair.

MIXTRESS MAYBE?.....

Hi Beautifuls,

A few weeks ago, I attempted to make my first batch of shealoe (mix of 1 pt shea butter, 1 pt aloe gel & some oil of choice). Being a self-proclaimed PJ (product junkie), I find it interesting that I'm suddenly wanting to try my hand at making my own stuff like ayurvedic hair oils, hair tea rinses and such. I believe wonderful ladies like Fleurzty at Texture Playground and Callalily at BreaKINK New Ground are rubbing off on me. Lol.

Anyhoo, I used an entire 8oz tub of African Shea Butter (you can typically find locally at Beauty Supply places and health food stores) and an almost equal amount of Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel (another item you find locally). I added a little vitamin E oil. Dumped it into my mixer and mixed until it was a nice texture.

**photo of the finished product**



I've been using it on my twists and on my body. I leaves my skin with such a wonderful glow which is always a good thing.

Next time, I plan on melting the shea butter a la "double boiler" method. I think it will come out much better. I also will try different essential oils. Hmmm.. I think I just got my Christmas gift ideas. =)

Let Down

Today is a bit of a let down from the whirlwind writing activity of the past 4 days with Dave. I'm glad I took a vacation day to unwind and do some stuff around the house. First up was walking on my treadmill and stretching. Didn't do much of that last week, but it's time to get back to it.

Tomorrow it's back to the day job. The University is still there - not much changes down there.

DESIDERATA

Good Morning Beautifuls!

Today I wanted to share w/you a poem that I first read on Afrobella some time ago. I was slightly embarrassed that I'd never heard of the poem because it was so moving that I was brought to tears. I hope that it will touch and/or inspire you in some way.

Desiderata by Max Ehrman

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Peace and blessings,
CO

Good Progress

Dave and I made great progress this trip, actually it's the most we've ever gotten done in one of our visits. We have finished the edits for our WIP and even agreed on the query letter. We're both happy. The book is now going out to our beta readers.

On some of our past trips, we haven't always gotten so much accomplished. You see, Dave is my brother and visits always involve much more than just writing. Yesterday we had a BBQ with family and friends. It was great, but it meant that we were up editing until late into the night. Who needs to sleep when there's work to be done!

So now, we'll have to return to instant messaging, skype and email to do our work. What did authors do before all this wonderful technology?

PC or Mac?

So, what is it? PC or a Mac. Here's a pic of our work space this week. My office is too space to fit both of us so our makeshift workspace is in my family room. Notice the ever stylish cardboard box that our computers are sitting on to get them up to eye level. Oh yes, only the best for my co-writer.

Dave owns a PC. I have a Mac, always have, always will. Macs are just too cool and they don't get a million viruses or crash every day. And seeing as I'm the one up early on Saturday morning, Mac wins. We'll see what Dave has to say when he wakes up.

Cover Art for "Quest for Nobility"

Here's the cover art for the book.  The image was drawn by Dave, my talented co-writer.  We wanted to give you something to identify with when we post some of the chapters.

For those of you who can't make out the ink drawing, it's a warrior climbing up over the edge of a cliff using his sword as leverage.

What do you think of it?