BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2009

Hi Gorgeous!

I just wanted to say that I truly appreciate 2009. I’ve learned so much. I’ve met and connected with so many of you wonderful bloggers and folks online. Coming from a woman who ,for a time in her life, was shy and slightly introverted I must say that I have totally connected with the fact that I thrive and crave interaction with people. It’s been a hoot meeting and corresponding with so many interesting people.

I know that most people are especially reflective around this time, myself included. So here’s my drop on the things that I have gotten out of the year 2009.

WHAT DID I LEARN IN ’09?

To trust and listen to my gut/spirit/intuition.

That I am the only person who can limit myself.

That any doggone thing is always possible as long as you go ahead and take that step /leap!

That I really enjoy meeting new people.

That I really enjoy meeting people who are from a different culture/country.

Expanding the types of people I know is a great thing!

Focus is essential.

That it’s okay to ask.

I find it thrilling to run towards (and overcome) my fears.

Not to take things personal.

That it's absolutely okay that some folk just won't like you.

That I really love my kitty.

That I really love a good cocktail. Lol.

I enjoy dropping by at my daughter’s school. Really.

That it’s okay that I’m a far cry from perfect… and never will be.

Mistakes are inevitable. Learn from them. Get over them. And move on.

There’s a vast difference between being religious and spiritual. And I choose the latter all day, every day.

Being mentally “free” is so frickin’ awesome!

That I am not responsible for everything.

That I cannot change the fact that some people will always choose to live in the role of “the victim”.

That I had not let go of some things.

That it's time to let go of some things.

Forgiving is absolutely necessary to be whole, healthy, happy and free.

That I am only in competition with myself.

I really enjoy & love yoga!

I really enjoy belly dancing!

I really enjoy a vigorous and challenging workout.

I really enjoy variety in my workout. =)

I'm still lovin' my chemical-free hair!

There is a peace like no other in being content with what I have.

To accept the things that I cannot change.

That it is so okay and often times liberating to say “No”.

That everything works out as it should.

That I am blessed and fortunate to have meet and meet so many wonderful people in this blogosphere.

What did you learn in 2009?.....

Let’s do it in 2010!

Peace and blessings to all!
ChocolateOrchid

**Had to edit one of those due to wording. Much Luv.**

Post Title → BIDDING FAREWELL TO 2009

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?!......

While perusing the web... Well, actually sneaking on NaturallyCurly.com. As a bonified & happy pj (product junkie), I've honestly been rationing my time on the site to cut down on any temptations to buy. Anyhoo, I came across this article on there.

And so it reads:

PILL TO "CURE" TEXTURED HAIR?
Scientists who discovered the ‘curly gene‘ are developing a treatment that could spell the end of hair straighteners.

It is hoped the breakthrough could lead to a pill to make hair straighter or curlier, rendering the must-have beauty accessory redundant.

The discovery will also make it possible to predict whether a baby will have straight or curly hair.

And it may even help police, with DNA found at the scene of the crime indicating how wavy a suspect’s locks are.

Researchers in Australia identified the trichohyalin gene as being mainly responsible for creating curls.

Although it was known to play a role in the development of the hair follicle, Queensland Institute of Medical Research scientists have discovered its role in curliness.

Professor Nick Martin, author of the research, said a variation in the gene determined the straightness or curliness of hair. Professor Martin said it may be possible to come up with treatments to make hair straighter rather than relying on heated hair straighteners.

He said: “Potentially we can now develop new treatments to make hair curlier or straighter, rather than treating the hair directly.

“I will be discussing this with a major cosmetic company in Paris in January,” he said. (NaturallyCurly guesses this is L’Oreal, who supposedly has been working on a pill for curly hair for some time.)

— The Daily Mail

Oh, heeelll nah!!

I don't know about you, but this really pisses me off, and makes my heart ache. I mean, do we really not like ourselves this much?! Is it really that serious?!

Goodness! I almost don't even know where to begin. And here me out on this.. This issue goes beyond the black community. This is every woman. Black, Latina, white, Indian, and on and on. What is there not to love about your textured hair? Whether its straight, wavy, kinky, curly or d. all the above. This is who you are. God exclusively fashioned each and every one of us to be a unique individual. When will we embrace the beauty in our own creation? When will we bask in the attributes about ourselves that set us apart from the next person? Geez.

And don't get me wrong. I have no problem with mixing my look up by having my hair blown/flat ironed out. Or throwing on a weave or wig every now and then just to do something different or for a protective style. That's not what I'm talking about. My issue is with people seeking to permanently alter their look because they feel that what they were born with less than par physical characteristics. And don't even get me started on ingesting a damn pill that has God-knows-what in it!

C'MON SON!

I don't know. Let me take some deep breathes. I feel as if I'm rambling here.
What are your thoughts on this?....

CO

Post Title → CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?!......

Cause I'm In That Kinda Mood......

How I long to be in love
To feel your passion, your emotion for me
To know that you want me, need me just as much as I want and need you

How I long to know your touch
I long to feel the soft rushing of your exhale on my on the nape of my neck
The light touch of your fingers slowly caressing my arm, my side, the small of my back

How I long to taste you
Wondering what delicacy your skin tastes of
I crave it like the taste of a sweet pineapple or a honeysuckle blossom

How I long to have your heart
To connect with your spirit and thoughts
To know that you want me, need me just as much as I want and need you

To take a night drive with you and the stars… in silence
Speaking to each other in timeless thought. No words spoken yet complete in all ways
How I long to be in love.

ChocolateOrchid

In A Sentimental Mood - Duke Ellington & John Coltrane

Post Title → Cause I'm In That Kinda Mood......

ITS GOOD NEWS MONDAY Y'ALL!!!

Hi Beautifuls!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Did you take the time to tell yourself, "I love you."? Did you take the time to show yourself that love? If you didn't its not too late. Go look in the mirror and tell yourself that you love her (him), that you want what's best for yourself (emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally, etc. etc.), that your worthy of good friends, careers and loved ones. Then give yourself a big hug, all the while reflecting on the beauty of a new day and all the freshness it has to offer. Ahhhhhhh....doesn't that feel great!! Then go do something good for yourself whether it be a some time to unwind and reflect, maybe look into that career that you've always wanted to do, take a walk breathe some fresh air, meditate, pray, eat something good for your body, focus your mind on the good and the positive. That's so much better than the opposite, isn't it.

Hell, that's so much better than being bogged down by crappy thoughts and such. Okay...so maybe the ish has hit the fan and everything seems to be going to hell in the handbasket that you're holding. Well, I say pick up some damn cleaner, put your rubber gloves on and get to cleanin'. And/or get your fire extinguisher, drop the handbasket, put the brakes on and do a 180 or whatever it takes to go in the opposite direction and make it do what it do. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE and IT AIN'T OVER TIL THERE'S NO MORE BREATHE IN YOU.

Live life like its brand new everyday and see what happens. Just try it and see what happens. And choose to be happy. Choose to be joyful. Make peace with those you've hurt. Forgive those who have hurt you. And while you're at it, forgive yourself for whatever you're holding against you. It's okay. We all screw up. Just recognize it, learn from it, dust yourself off and keep it moving. It's all a part of life and living.

Living...such a wonderful. blessed gift.

Are you going to enjoy your gift, whatever it is? What are you making of it? How are you taking care of your gift? Do you really see how beautiful it is? Or did you just throw it in the closet leaving it buried under some stuff?

...or better yet.....

Have you even opened it?...

Just think about it....

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
-Mahatma Ghandi


CO

Post Title → ITS GOOD NEWS MONDAY Y'ALL!!!

HELLOOoo, I'M STILL HERE......

Hi Beautifuls!

I know it has been a minute. Honestly, the energy to job search (cause mama's gotta keep the money flowin'), work on a plan to do what I'm really feelin' and keep a focused mindset can be overwhelming at times. Doable but requires a lot from me so that blogging is a little lower on my list. At least for now. However, I have not forgotten about you all and do peep on those of you w/blogs. As a matter of fact, I've been tagged by the lovely Gem over at Gemini Life. I will try to get to that on Friday.

Anyhoo, while I was perusing my blog lists, I came across the video on Nukynk's fly blog. If you hadn't checked her out, you can here. Fly hair and fashion w/thought provoking posts. It's a really cool blog. I watched this beautiful video and it really touched me. Although I understand where the mentality stems from, it still bothers me... hurts me to hear other black women diss or fear their natural hair.




Your thoughts?.......

Post Title → HELLOOoo, I'M STILL HERE......

A LETTER FROM CHOCOLATEORCHID

Hi Lovelies,

HAPPY FRIDAY! I hope that this week has been wonderful for you. Positive and productive in every way. I haven’t done a post like this in, it seems like, awhile. Matter of fact, I feel like I’ve been a bit stale with it and so I’ve decided to bring it back. I truly believe that people have to walk their own individual paths in life. My path may not look like yours or the other person’s, even if our destinations are the same or similar. I would not dare judge someone’s walk or base it on my own. As unique as each of us are, I feel that that would be totally absurd. But what I will do is celebrate you, right where you’re at. Every step whether it be small or large. Yes, even the setbacks knowing that they are simply experiences to be learned from.

I don’t believe in “boxing” people under expectations I have for myself or what I may, in my own finite understanding, deem as the right or proper way to go for your goal. Oh, hells no! What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. I’ve learned, however, to embrace & respect the beauty in our diversity and individuality. That’s just where I’m at.

Which is why I can only share my journey & things I’ve learned with you. And hopefully, that will motivate and/or inspire you to step out boldly on your own personal journey.

So by all means… do you and do you vibrantly!
Live life and live it fully!
Love and love completely!

With Love,
ChocolateOrchid

Have a wonderful weekend, Beautifuls. =)

Post Title → A LETTER FROM CHOCOLATEORCHID

COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE!!

Happy Friday Beautiful Ones!

Did you wake up and tell yourself, "I love you. I respect you. I value you". How about a hug or a well wish?.. When you opened your eyes, did you consider all the things that have gone right and are going right in your life? Did you reflect on all the wonderful things in your world?...

I ask you these things because it is way too easy to focus on what you don't like, what you wish had gone or would go a different way, what you regret doing or not having done, who you wish would act the way you feel they should act as opposed to focusing on the universe before you and what you can fashion it into. You can either tune yourself into the "Perpetual Victim" station or you can align yourself up with the "I Am Active in Making My World Positive and Healthy" station.

Which station are you choosing to vibe with?.... I guarantee you, the latter station will make your world more joyful and peaceful.


Anyhoo, I just had to meet up with you Lovelies because I miss blogging when I'm away. I'm addicted. Lol. I'm happy it's Friday but I'm really looking forward to next week. I have some posts in mind for next week (one of which was inspired by other bloggers) that I'm excited about. As far as the weekend is concerned, I hope that I will be able to get to my Hatha yoga class. I've really been missing it. I'm also gonna try out a couple of green smoothie recipes that I will review sometime next week. And definitely making it to see "Star Trek" this weekend.

What about you with your beautiful self?....

Peace and blessings, Beautifuls!
And as always, don't forget to "do you"?
ChocolateOrchid ;)

Post Title → COCKTAILS AND FLOWERS FOR EVERYONE!!

IS BLOOD REALLY THICKER THAN WATER?...

Good Morning Lovelies,

Today I want to talk about family. More directly, how do you deal with a not so positive family and keep a positive mindset. I bring this up because I, like most people, have a family with some disfunctionality. And I must admit, it goes beyond the immediate. I actually have traced it back to my grandparents. Trust me. This is far enough. I see how something tragic & painful from your childhood can affect EVERY aspect of your life. From sibling to spousal relationships..to friendships..to daily social interaction. Even down to how you raise your children. Have you considered this?... I have. In fact, I've considered it a lot seeing as I don't want to repeat any of the same negatives in my life and the raising of my child.





Which brings me to the gist of this post. My question is how do you handle any negatives that may come from your family? And by "negatives" I mean habits, verbal, emotional, (d.) all of the above and then more. Do you confront it full-blast...lovingly...timidly or not at all? Do you or have you totally separated yourself from your family? Do you spend time w/them in small infrequent doses, or suck it up, turn a blind eye & hang w/them all the time because they're still family?...




I ask these questions because I don't believe in surrounding myself with negative people or in a negative environment. Not at this point in my life. It's just not healthy. Regardless of who it is. No, I can't see myself completely cutting off from family (unless it was a really dangerous situation) but I will back away & do them in doses, if necessary. Don't get me wrong. I love my fam dearly, but if I feel like my (or even more so, my daughter's) emotional, mental and/or spiritual well-being is at stake of being tampered with, drained, or dare I say, "infected" by any negative habits, thought patterns, words or deeds coming from family then blood relation or not, our time around family will be limited. Does this make sense?...

So tell me your thoughts on this...


**Please note that this post was written during a family drama occurrence.**

Post Title → IS BLOOD REALLY THICKER THAN WATER?...

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

Hi Beautiful!

Can I say, "THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY!!” I don’t know about you but I am so glad this week is over! It has been trying, painful (at times) and stressful. But I made it through and the sun is shining today (literally). As I reflect on this week, I focus on the good. That I’m alive, have use of my limbs, can see, have family and friends who love and care about me, a healthy happy child and… I’m still here. When I look at things from this perspective, I realize that every day, every moment that I’m still here is another opportunity to live life to its fullest. It’s another chance to grab hold to that that’s good, healthy, beneficial, beautiful and positive. And not just for myself, but to also share with others. The fact that I’m still here also let’s me know that I’m still, in some way, needed in this world. Something that I have may benefit the world whether it’s a gift, a program, a deed, a movement, etc. etc. Maybe it’s another opportunity to give someone a smile, a friendly hello, a warm “Happy Friday.”, or maybe even a hug. You never know who may need you. And I don’t mean in a big way. It could be the simplest, smallest thing that may be a “no-biggie” to you.

Just had to drop some thoughts…

I did complete my two day detox and I’m happy. It’s been way too long since I’ve done a fast of some sorts. Now, I’m motivated to reincorporate a day a fasting into my week and to strive for a week of fasting each quarter. I really feel great and lighter! The next time I do a fast, I should have my juicer so I can really get down with it! =)



Anyhoo, this is going to be a full weekend for me. Me and my daughter will hang out tonight. Spend some quality time. So looking forward to that! I’ll hit up The World Natural Hair Health and Beauty Show which is going on all weekend. I’ll be in attendance on Saturday. I can’t wait to see all the vendors and demonstrations! Oh, I’ll also get to meet fab hair blogger, Curlynikki. She’ll be there in her own booth. Go, girl!! I also hope to see another fab hair blogger, Urbancurlz. Holla!! Don’t play, Lady! Come on out! I do hope to see other fabulous natural heads, those in transitions and those just curious out there. Hell, just errbody!! Later that day, I hope to catch up with a childhood friend that I haven't seen in eons. And I cannot end this weekend without a much needed session of Hatha yoga, on Sunday! It is vital and necessary for me. Especially, following this week. Whew!



Well Beautifuls..we’ve made another week. I hope that all is well in your world.
Whatcha got going on this weekend? Will you get some time in for you? I sure hope so.
And don’t forget, Lovelies....do you.

Much Luv,
CO

Post Title → HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

O.M.G.!!...I WON!! I WON!!

Hi Beautifuls!

I honestly was not gonna post today because I had such a horrible morning. Horrible meaning I was highly pissed and in tears! From a late homework night, to bad traffic, to a conflict with a franchise owner who refused to admit their wrong-doing. Now, put that on top of events that had already occurred and current events and.... What can I say?... it was pretty much a suckey morning.

Anyhoo, after getting past that I decided to peruse my lists of blogs. After reading Chicoro's inspirational (and much needed) post I caught eye of Newly Natural's blog entitled, "You Were Born to WIN, Cheris"! I thought, "Am I misreading things?..Is there another Cheris?" etc, etc.. So, I read the post here and see my photos and needless to say, my day has been made! Oh my, God! The universe is back in balance! (smile)

I honestly don't think that I could speak on today's occurrences better than Chicoro. She hit the nail on the head. It's a great read. Check it out here!

Kcurly, I thank you again for the opportunity given to win a gift card and for such a great hair blog!

**UPDATE ON JUICE FAST**
I began the juices this morning and I honestly wanted to stop and get a egg/cheese biscuit. Now keep in mind that I hadn't wanted one of those in a while. So I began to think, "Am I really hungry?". My answer was and still is "No". It was all in my thinking. I'm so used to putting food in my mouth that my mind was pushing me to get some food out of habit. And no, I'm still not hungry. Just juicing and drinking clean water. I will continue this detox through tomorrow. I'll be sure to keep you all posted.


Peace and Blessings,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title → O.M.G.!!...I WON!! I WON!!

AND YOU'RE OUT!!!

Good Morning, Beautifuls!

I hope your weekend was wonderful! Mine was good and full of busy. I got to greet a new baby and meet some more healthy & raw food enthusiasts. Always a pleasure to be around like-minded individuals. We actually had a speaker talk to us about growing our own food. I so need a yard.

After my busy weekend & the weather totally initiating me into a Spring attitude, I began to contemplate my Spring cleaning. You know, baseboards, windows, loosing old furniture and clothes. But not just household cleaning, also emotional and mental cleaning. I don't know about you but my stress levels have been higher than normal. Which I totally attribute to the overall effects of our current events. So of course, I've begun to consider cleaning out all possible antagonists to my mental & emotional well-being. (This is, of course, on top of exercise and eating my best.) Those antagonists being bad news, negative talk/thought, pessimistic people, music/entertainment, etc.,etc. I have to avoid these things like the plague. And have my mind, my thoughts focused & fastened on the good and the positive.

Speaking of music, some of it irritates me to listen to. I think, "Is all you can sing about sex?". Not that it's a bad thing cause it sure as hell is not. It's all to the good when it's good and wrapped in a committed, monogamous relationship. For me, at least. But my point being is, "Is that the most you have to offer?" Cause if that's the scope of your thinking, your purpose, then I've got to loose you and move on. And that goes for relationships, too. But I guess I'm just assessing where I am, where I want to and plan to be. And in that assessment, some things.. some people.. some thoughts...some habits must be loosed.

What about you, Gorgeous? Have you considered mental/emotional Spring cleaning?.....

Post Title → AND YOU'RE OUT!!!