Happy New Year, everyone!  Originally I had two d's in the title of my new journal, but then decided that after the challenges of 2009 I didn't want to set myself up for a lot of odd-ness.  How odd this year will be remains to be seen and documented here.

Hubby and I decided not to go out or to the party we were invited to so we stayed home and ate gluten free pizzas and watched some stand-up comedy shows.  It was fun to bring in the new year with laughter.  And then kisses.  And then...

Upon measuring my hair today, I discovered it is at 26".  I'm still gaining 1/4" each month.  Oh, how I wish it would grow faster!!!  I'm wondering if this is simply my genetic growth rate or if my health needs improving.

Hubby was so kind as to help me get a giant knot out of my hair this morning.  It was as big as a 50 cent piece.  Ow!  Definitely a sign that I need a trim.  I intend to do an oil treatment on my scalp and hair today.

Tomorrow I meet with the seamstress who will sew my gown for the Renaissance Festival.  I hope she does an awesome job and doesn't charge too much!  Purple has been very difficult to find this season-so my under dress is a black and silver brocade.  Gorgeous!!!

Oh wow! That dress does sound gorgeous! I can't wait to see pictures.  :D

Hmm. Well, the only thing I can say about hair growth is that they say 1/2 inch is an average. I guess by definition that means that a good 50% of the population sees less than 1/2 inch. Are you getting enough protein? Silica? Vitamin D? I've recently started taking a few supplements to see if they would make my hair grow faster. Not seeing any positive results yet.  :(

Looking forwards to reading about your Very Even (as in not odd) Year!  (Good thing 2010 is an even number!) ;D

I think I get enough protein and I do take vitamins.  I have been extremely stressed for most of 2009, so maybe that's more the issue.  Hmmm...perhaps I'll start a meditation experiment.  Less stress=more hair growth???

I tried my new Steam system (http://steamcreamsandoils.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7)
I love the bamboo hair wrap that comes in the kit, and the brush is nice, too.  I started taking the vitamins when I got the kit a couple of weeks ago.  I really like the smell of the scalp oil, and it seems that a little goes a long way-farther than the scalp oil I was previously using.  The oil blend for the length doesn't smell awful, but not great either.  It also gives me good coverage which was a concern because I have so much hair.  I followed the enclosed instructions for applying and left the oil on my hair for about 3 hours.  It seemed to wash out pretty easily with my Devacurl Low Poo and One Condition.  I used Kinky Curly's Knot Today and Curling Custard before plopping for an hour.  I tried my new hair gloves (http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlproducts/view/4711/Hotheads-Hand-Dry-Hair-Glove) and I like them quite a bit.  I did not use a hair dryer with them, but I can see how they'd be good with it.  After using the gloves I applied Devacurl's Mirror Curls and have been air drying for over 3 hours now.  Hair is still really damp, but quite wavy/curly.  This was my first wash since having done the cassia application.

I read the website for the steam products, but don't quite know how steam figures in.  Perhaps I missed something. :-?

Yeah, funny-there is no steam involved in Steam Creams and Oils company products.  Its just the company name.

Now that my hair is dry, its quite wavy/curly still and I think it looks very nice.  I did a 1/2 up with the pony flipped and rope braided which makes it blend in to my waves very nicely.  I had some body work done today and this was a nice comfy style to wear that I didn't have to take out before getting on the table.

;D*Happiness* ;D  I finally met with my dressmaker and she's really on board!  Turns out she's made costumes for other cast members in the past and she does her research so I'm not worried-I'm excited!!!  Woo-hoo!!!  And she has connections with local fabric stores so perhaps she can find the right color, since the online JoAnn's sent me the wrong color purple.  **Fingers crossed**

I think I'm going to go watch "Shakespeare In Love" now.  I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" last night.  I read the book earlier this year.  The costumes in the movie are awesome and I liked the movie more than I expected to.

Quote:

I watched "The Other Boleyn Girl" last night.  I read the book earlier this year.  The costumes in the movie are awesome and I liked the movie more than I expected to.

The costumes were excellent.  Natalie Portman was really good too, she made me so angry at her character. ;D

Argh! I had that movie on Netflix on Instant Streaming for sooo long, and now it's only available on DVD. Maybe the Redbox kiosk has it available.  :'(

I remember watching Shakespeare in Love when it first came out. It was a very sweet movie. I hope you liked it!

La Diosa, I agree!  The book was really good, so I was reluctant to see the movie.

KNS, I've seen Shakespeare In Love several times on TV.  I went ahead and bought it so I can listen to the language as I practice for my renaissance character.  I do like the movie a lot-OMG the costumes and hair!!!  I got it for $9.99 at Barnes and Noble.  I also bought "Much Ado About Nothing" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  I'm a very aural person-so through my ears I pick up languages and accents pretty easily and in the case of Elizabethan English it is helping me understand when to use my vocabulary words so they'll make sense in a sentence.  If I just read it it kind of rattles around in my brain and is not as effective.  I got a book of Shakespeare's poetry and tried reading it out loud and while it helped give me a feel for the words it didn't particularly enhance my understanding.


Edited to add:  Ooh wee!  I'm really tired 'cause I first posted the title as "Midnight Summer's Dream".  Think I'll go to bed now!  ::)

LOVE LOVE LOVE Much Ado About Nothing! 

MichelleR, I'll be taking that movie with me to:
Las Vegas!!!

This week is the CES and hubby's taking me with him.  We're staying at the Venetian on the company's dime!!  The room has a dvd player and I'm going to be visiting the spa!!!  We'll be taking the lap top with us, so I'll be checking in here.  I haven't packed yet!  We're going to drive over, so I hope we have really nice weather tomorrow.

Today I got my curly girl haircut.  She took so little off, my hair actually looks longer than when I came in.   Weird, huh?  My hairstylist is growing her hair long!  Apparently it was nearly waist length right before I met her around April of last year.  I must admit I feel a bit more confident in her now that I know she's growing her hair out.  She said my hair is very healthy for its length and that makes me happy!!

Woohoo! Have fun, lady. ;)

Viva Las Vegas!

Hope you have a blast while you are there. Or, by the sounds of your plans, a very pampering luxurious one.  :)

So far, so good.  I had a hot stone massage and Moroccan oil scalp treatment yesterday.  Wow-the Canyon Ranch spa really know how to pamper!  Their first spa is in Tuscon and I think I'll be planning a trip for myself.  Its only 2-1/2 hours away vs. the 6 it takes to get to Vegas.

Today I slept in really late, then had a bath w/hubby after lunch.  I want a bathroom like the one they have here, but with better lighting!!  I watched "Much Ado About Nothing".  So funny, I really enjoyed it.  Right now I'm watching "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" while doing computer stuff.

I went shopping-bought 2 shirts and an Italian leather purse (in purple and black) and a matching wallet.  Woo hoo!  Now I need to win at slots to pay for it all!

Hopefully tomorrow we will go to the Luxor and see the Titanic exhibit.  I bought a Venetian 1/2 mask and am having them attach a handle to it so I can use it as a prop for my character.  It is purple and silver with a crystal at the third eye.  I'll pick it up tomorrow.

Last night we ate at Musashi.  Really good sushi!  Tonight we might go for Moroccan, but I'm craving Mexican.  Hubby's got a meeting and then we'll figure out dinner. 

My shins are sore from walking all over in my sandals.  Wish I brought more shoes.

I am green!!  I have always wanted to visit Las Vegas.  Not to gamble, just to see the big hotels and shows and eat at the good restaurants.  H

Really sounds like you're enjoying yourself!  You deserve it!

Melusine, now would be a good time to go-the air fairs are cheap and the weather is mild.  I like to play the slots for entertainment.  I haven't been lucky on this trip, but I've had some good play.  The shows are really expensive.  I'm staying at the Palazzo where they have The Jersey Boys and next door at the Venetian they have the Phantom of the Opera Theatre.  Every time you get into an elevator (we're on the 48th floor) you hear music from one of those shows.

The Musashi I mentioned earlier, hubby saw that restaurant on a TV show.  Last night we ate downstairs at Dos Caminos for Mexican food.  It was very good, although I forgot about this recent allergy to blue cheese...I had a bit of a rough night but it was yummy!

Curlgirl64, thank you very much!

We'll be driving home tomorrow, and frankly I can't wait to get home to my kitties!

Oh, btw, in addition to the CES...the Adult Expo is happening at the same time.  I've seen some interesting outfits (or lack there of) on some interesting looking people.  Oh, and the shoes!?! I feel so dowdy in my regular girl duds.   ::)

Got back from LV just fine, a bit worse for wear with the long drive back.  We've decided that if we go next year we're flying!!!

Yesterday I had a 24 hour heart monitor on, and today I did an echo stress test.  Not fun, although it will be good to have a baseline.  My family history of heart disease on my dad's side is very bad.

I think I'm going to take a nap-it was hard to sleep well wearing the monitor.  I kept thinking I'd roll over and unplug one of the leads.  When hubby gets home we'll go grocery shopping and I'll shower later.  I couldn't bathe with the monitor on 'cause getting it wet kills it and then they bill you!

Laters!

Please keep us posted on the results with the heart rate monitor!  Hope things turn out well!

Thank you, Curlgirl64.  The only thing the doc saw was that one of my heart valves leaks a little bit.  He didn't seem overly concerned, so for now I'll be going back in March for a follow up.

I'm supposed to be in full costume for our last two rehearsals on January 20th and 27th.  I found out today that the new fabric was supposed to be delivered today which means she hasn't started on my dress.  OK-I'm trying not to panic!!!  At tonight's workshop I wore my new accessories and they all got approved.  Yay!

I hope there's nothing to be seriously concerned about.  Sounds exciting about the costumes.

Glad the doc is not worried.  Don't panic about the costume,I know,I know it's hard not to.

Glad to hear that your heart monitoring went alright!
I forget, does a leaky valve mean you have a heart murmur?

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and your dress!

KNS, I don't know if it means I have a heart murmur.  He didn't say so specifically.

Today I got a call from the doc's office and they have the results of the Holter monitor already.  Good news, its normal!!!  Whew!  I feel better about that.

My parents are coming out on the 20th and staying through 2-10.  This means they'll be here for my birthday.  The big 40.  I think hubby's planned some kind of open house 'cause he just can't plan a party.

I spoke to my mom today and she's doing really well.  Seems she's almost fully recovered from the last major surgery which was in the fall.  Her hair mostly fell out from the chemo, and is growing back curly.  Lucky for her I can help her with that!  I've already got her using the Devacurl No Poo and One Condition.  It is so gentle and moisturizing that she was able to use it during chemo and it helped her a lot.  The chemo really dried all of her skin out and made it weird.

Tomorrow afternoon we have to go to the faire site and get our photo id's made and turn in our contracts.  Been contemplating how to wear my hair and I'm going to wear purple and makeup since that will make me look more like my character.

I just finished reading "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies".  It was a really fun read!  At first I was turned off by the idea, but I wanted something light to read in Vegas and I really enjoyed it.  Its very funny and clever how he interwove his zombie storyline into this much beloved book.

I'm glad the results came back normal.  You and your family are going through so much.  I hope you have a good birthday.   

I'm glad you've found a hairdresser whom you trust.

Thank you, Drear.  It has been tough lately.  I feel really lucky to have found out about the curly girl method and that a certified person lives locally.
As far as my birthday, I think that I'll just be thankful that I've survived these last 40 years, no matter what else happens.

Yesterday, in preparation for my role as Pride and because I had some xmas money I got a facial at the salon where I get my hair cut.  She did an awesome job and I will definitely go back.  I also had a scalp treatment, which was free because of my birthday. 

Today I went to Pilates and DMT and now I've got a headache and am out of alignment.  I've been waiting to get adjusted because I want to start w/a new chiropractor and she recently had a baby.  Her recovery is taking longer than planned so I may just have to go to my old one because the headaches and discomforts are increasing.

My parents are coming out tomorrow...I don't know if they plan on staying at our house the whole time but I imagine they will.  I hope I don't have a heart attach from the stress.  Yeah, that's kind of in jest...

Tomorrow is our 1st scheduled workshop in full costume.  I'm not sure I'm going to have a full costume by then...this seamstress has horrible communication skills.  I am not going to freak out about this.  I'm going to explain to the entertainment director what's going on and that's all I can do.  I will probably wear what I have:
a snood
jewelry
OTK socks
shoes
the most gorgeous pair of black bloomers and matching chemise I've ever seen, yet owned
(Thank you, Goddess!)
And my long cloak so I'm covered, it'll be a bit less scandalous since very minimal skin will be showing although I'll basically be in my underwear (kick a$$ awesome as it is!)

So far, this is one of the weirdest things I've been involved in.  Good thing I like weird!

I plan on going to the Bare Minerals store tomorrow after my MFR to pick up some of their mascara-I love their mineral mascara-and some purple eyeshadow.  At least those two things...

At the moment I have a shorter cape being made, don't know if she'll have it made by tomorrow or not.  I'll be happier with my wool one with this crazy weather.  Thanks, California.  We really do need the rain, though.

Quote:

I'll be happier with my wool one with this crazy weather. Thanks, California.  We really do need the rain, though.

You're welcome. http://smilieshq.com/smilies/tongue0012.gif

I am so glad that you like the chemise and bloomers!  I thought the lace was just to die for.  It was fun making them, and I was pleased with how they turned out.  I UPS'd them yesterday about noon.  What time did UPS deliver them? 

Melusine:Like them, I do!  The lace blows my mind-I think the sumptuary laws my be in violation!!  They fit perfectly.
I got them at about 6pm last night.

I need some washing instructions, please.  I figured I should wash them by hand?  I love the softness of the white set.  I think you said they're cotton/linen blend?

I was going to call you last night, but remembered you had chorale and didn't know how late I could call.  You could always PM me to settle our bill.

BTW, I really like the idea of your charm bracelet.  When Magus died, I planted a tree and put one of his whiskers in the ground with it.  Its giving us awesome limes. :-)

*sigh*Grrr*sigh*I will not freak out*

Guess who's dress isn't ready for rehearsal tonight?  Grrr.  So, I'm going in my undies.  I spoke to the ED today and she's fine with it and understands this is out of my control.  I should have my dress by Monday.  Hey, that's my birthday.  Hopefully I get a super gorgeous dress for my birthday!!!  Unfortunately the color of purple is more wine/eggplant than blue/purple/plum.  I'm hoping when I see the dress I'll fall in love with it.  Good thing I ordered my tall hat in black 'cause none of the swatches the hat lady sent would go with the dress color.

So I've put off my trip to the mall until Friday.  I did  make it to the grocery store after my MFR, which will be good for my folks when they arrive tonight.  There isn't much in the fridge.  We're supposed to get a $h!tload of rain from about 3am until Friday.  I hope it comes slow and steady because flash flooding is a real problem here. 

You all know that it only takes 6" of water on the road to float your car?  I just found out last night we have a Stupid Driver law-it could cost $2000 out of your pocket to pay for a rescue if you try to cross a road with moving water and the sign is posted not to cross when flooded.

You can machine wash in cold water and tumble dry on low.  You may want to iron them, but I didn't before I sent them because I knew they would get rumpled when I packed them.  The black set is 100% cotton, the white set is linen/rayon, and the lace is polyester.  It is a reproduction of Venetian lace, so is authentic.  The ribbons are long enough that you can spread the material out to launder and/or press and not lose the ends, and I tacked them in the middle, so they will stay put.  I also treated the ribbon ends with fray-check.  I don't know how many washings that will last thru, but if you use cold water it should be quite few.

The black set will get softer after you wash it a few times.  Black cottons are always a little stiff because of the dye, but they do get softer.

Melusine:Thank you so much for the instructions.  I was worried about putting them in the machine with the lace.  They really didn't get rumpled hardly at all.  The lace is amazing.  I love it!!

I didn't know the dye makes the black cotton stiff.  I could feel it, but didn't know that was the cause.  I'll wash them tomorrow.

Well, it is still raining.  It makes me very sleepy.  I wore my hair up in a bun today to protect it from the strong winds.  I'm hoping to get a cassia treatment done this weekend, now that our Opening Gate rehearsal is canceled for tomorrow.  The faire site must be a giant, muddy mess.  Yay-I can sleep in!!!

I've washed my hair with No Poo and am waiting until after the football game to have hubby apply a cassia/amla mud mix.  Opening weekend is just 2 weeks away!

I did an s&d last night, and I'm glad I did!  I haven't been doing my regular deep conditioning treatments and I can really tell the difference.  My hair wasn't in terrible shape, some splits and only one or two broken hairs.  I hope my ends will stay healthy since I s&d before I do the cassia/amla.  I am trying the amla for the first time, partly to see if it enhances my curl since the cassia loosens it and to extend the cassia.  I only have 300 grams and that still didn't cover all of my hair last time.  I'm going to mix it with water only about an hour before applying.  My ratio will be 300 grams cassia to 50 grams amla.  I'm basing this on what they recommend if you're coloring with 300 grams of henna.

I'm so excited for you!  I've gone diva on a costume department once. :-[  Not fair and I was at the bottom of the casting list but nerves can do that to "you". 

It's Monday.  Is it your birthday???  Well, then; HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  If I'm early, late...just ignore me! :-[

Happy Happy Birthday!!!  I hope you enjoy and this year brings you much happiness!! :-*

Happy Birthday Sakina!! Wish you happiness and health  :-* ((hugs))

I know I've already posted in the other thread but can't resist... happy birthday, Sakina! 

[quote author=1127303427550 link=1262375631/33#33 date=1264421656]I'm so excited for you!  I've gone diva on a costume department once. :-[  Not fair and I was at the bottom of the casting list but nerves can do that to "you". 

It's Monday.  Is it your birthday???  Well, then; HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  If I'm early, late...just ignore me! :-[/quote]

Thank you , Drear.  You're right on time, and I will not ignore you-I like you too much for that!

Curlgirl64: Thank you for such nice birthday wishes!

Beesan16: How lovely you stopped by!  Thank you for the hugs, kisses and birthday wishes!!

Trisha: Thank you!!   You have such a generous spirit!!

Holy crap!  I don't know where to begin!

My friend hemmed up my skirt just in time for dress rehearsal on Sunday the 31st.  While there I got an offer for help to fix my dress from the wife of the guy in charge of the jousting arena.  Last night I was at her house from 6pm to 1am ripping seams.  At least 97% of my dress had to be taken apart.  It will look amazing but there's still a lot of work to be done.  I'll be back over there at 3pm today, and sure hope I won't be there all night again.

So, on that note, I haven't been around the boards much.  I hope I can get my hair measured tonight.

I am exhausted!

Happy belated birthday, sweetie.  Sorry to be late, but have been sick with stomach flu and was out of town on the weekend.

I am so glad your dress is getting fixed.  I was sure that if you asked for help at the site, you would find someone who could repair and/or alter it.  Rennies are notoriously helpful.

What a wonderful lady to help like that!

Sakina, is this the same product as cassia?  I think it is, but want to get your expert opinion.  I hope so, as it seems to be a decent price. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/4oz-NEUTRAL-HENNA-POWDER-adds-hair-strength-NO-COLOR_W0QQitemZ400012752285QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d229e359d

Trisha:No, it is not cassia.  BTW, there is no such thing as "neutral henna".  Henna is a totally different plant than Cassia Obavata, which is what you want.  Please read this:
http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/cassiaobovata.html
http://www.mehandi.com/shop/cassiaobovatabuy.html

I buy my cassia from http://www.hennacaravan.com/shop/hair.html

I hope I've helped.

Whew!  I've been workin' my hiney off with the Festival!  Last weekend was a 3 day and I'm just starting to feel like I'm recovering!

As promised, here's a pic of me as Vicontessa Superbia, the Deadly Sin of Pride:

http://i48.tinypic.com/29f9oax.jpg

My awesome chemise was made by none other than our own Melusine!!!  The yellow hanky is our "cry for help" flag if a patron gets out of hand and we need help from security, so its not a normal part of my garb.  This pic was taken on Monday, President's Day.  I was so fried from the previous two days I just did my hair in a bun and wore minimal makeup.  Huzzah!

You look great!  The costume looks wonderful on you! :)

Grazie, Curlgirl64.

Goodness, that's quite a costume! Reminds me of SCA events in my college years. Hehe.

The garb looks wonderful!  And you look wonderful in it!!  I am very pleased with how the lace complements and completes the design of the dress. 

Melusine, the lace you choose is perfect!  Thank you so much!!

I've been going easier on my hair do's than I would if I didn't have to get up so freakin' early to get to the fair site before cast call.  I'll probably wear the hat with a snood tomorrow.  It all depends on the weather!

Your costume is awesome!  I would love to see a pic with all the deadly sins.  *hinthint* :D

Lovely costume! 

Michelle & Drear: Thank you!  I'll try to get a pic of the group.  This year we have a professional photographer working at the festival so I'll talk to him.

After all the rig-a-marole of getting ready and driving out to cast call in the rain, we were rained out.  This has happened only a few times in the 22 years of the festival.  When I got home I had to wash my garb in the bathtub to get the mud off.  It was so muddy at the show site I almost got my shoes sucked off my feet twice!  I'm especially bummed 'cause my hair looked really awesome today!  :(

Other than that...mom's supposed to hear on Tuesday if she will be able to participate in the drug study.  Otherwise conventional cancer treatments have nothing more to offer her.  Makes me sad.

I'm really sorry about your mom's situation.  I don't know enough about other alternative treatments.  I can only pray that some alternative is out there for your mother.  Some Danes have been able to raise enough funds for experimental treatments in places like China and Thailand.  I don't know if that's an option you can look in to.  I can't tell you anything about the proceedure.  They only tell us about this stuff in short headlines in the news ever so occassionally and the docs. they've done on some of these patients don't answer enough questions either. 

How disappointing with the weather! 

Thank you, Drear.

Today my new shoes arrived:

(scroll down to Lady Court)
http://www.nativearth.net/period.html

Mine are black and light purple without a buckle.  They match my dress perfectly and they are flatter than the shoes I've been wearing.  The ground is horribly uneven backstage and I've turned my left ankle several times so I'm really hoping these new shoes will alleviate that problem!  I'm going to wear them around the house all day to break them in-they feel like I'm wearing house slippers, only more leathery.

Woo wee!  What a crappy, cold and rainy day!  Festival was open all day-even after we got hail.  I was soaked to the bone!  I'm glad I covered my hair today, it still got wet under the fabric snood I was wearing.

Only 3 more weekends to go.  I'm really glad I decided to go after this role, its a really unique experience.

At least once before the show closes I'm going to get a fancy braid done by the Twisted Sisters.  I've already picked out the one I want, I've just got to get to cast call earlier.  I'm really looking forward to it!  You can check them out at http://www.frenchbraidsbytwistedsisters.com/ .

*Shreak!*  The shoes are lovely!  What a shame that the weather keeps being against you.

The weather is supposed to be quite nice this weekend, and there's only 3 more weekends to go.

Today I'm doing a scalp treatment, getting a pedicure and then continuing with the pampering with a deep treatment and facial at home.

Hubby's taking 1/2 a day off and I'm looking forward to him being home.  It definitely sucks that I can't spend the weekends with him, but it is worth it in so many ways.

The Evil Dead: The Musical is having auditions this coming Monday.  I'd love to be in that show, but I don't think I can take on any more right now. 

My mom started on the clinical drug trial this past Tuesday.  So far so good.  I plan on visiting her after Faire is over.  She will have completed one cycle of the trial by then.

I wish the best for you mom.  This much be a tough time for your family.

Enjoy your pampering.

Thank you, Drear.   Your well wishes are really appreciated!!!

Well, after lunch I started to get a headache so I took a nap instead of doing the deep treatment and facial.  I think I'll wash my hair tonight and just jump into the shower in the AM 'cause tomorrow is Festival day!  I'm feeling lazy.   ::)

I had an awesome day at the Festival on Saturday.  I did a super easy twist secured with a giant metal U shaped hairpin and decorated it with a feather hairclip that I bought earlier in the season.

Then...about 4:30pm the headache came on, dragged on until I threw up and continued for several hours after that.  *sigh*

I didn't make it on Sunday.  :'(

Went to my Naturopath today and was diagnosed as Sun Sensitive.  Too much sun gives me sunstroke-massive headache, nausea, vomiting.  I got some medicine for it and really hope I can finish out the season w/o getting sick again.  It has happened every time its a sunny day.  I guess it was really lucky that we had so much rain and quite a few overcast days or I'd have missed even more days.  Of course, I might have gotten diagnosed sooner if it had been sunnier.

I plan on getting my hair braided by the twisted sisters this weekend!  This weekend's theme is Arabian Knights.  I wanted to do some henna on my hands but I don't think it will get here in time.  Maybe lots of eyeliner and some bindis instead?

Saturday I bought a glass bodice cooler.  Its very pretty and unfortunately has a hole in the bottom.   ::)
I will be getting that fixed quickly-we're going to be in the mid to high 70's through the end of the season.

I'm feeling very optimistic now that I've got my diagnosis and medicine.  Woo hoo!

Glad you had a blast until 4:30,crappy that you were sick and had one of  those nightmarish headaches!  I have total sympathy and empathy for you!  No one should suffer with those things!

That's happend to me too.  The headaches, nausia, vomiting.  It only happens when I'm in the sun, but everytime I go to the doctor for it, they call it a stomach virus.  No meds are prescribed, I just have to hydrate with clear liquids and eat clear foods like soup. :-/

Glad you're feeling better! :)

Curlgirl64: thanks for your empathy.  I hope I won't have any more trouble with it!

La Diosa:  Nice to hear from you!  Sorry you also suffer with this.  I think I got more help by going to my Naturopath.  I could only eat saltines, bananas, applesauce, yogurt and 7-Up.  Blech.  Now  I hope this medicine will prevent the sunstroke.  I was instructed to take it at cast call (9AM) as a preventative and then as needed if I feel the symptoms coming on.  My early symptom is that food looses its taste and I also loose my appetite, followed by the headache, etc.
Thanks, I'm glad to be feeling better, too!

Saturday at Faire was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.  I grabbed the wrong remedy on the way out, so called hubby and he got it to me.  I must have dosed at least 5 times and my symptoms were much improved, but not eliminated as I had a headache in the evening.  Today I chose to stay home with the idea that I'll get more of the medicine in my body before it really does the job and I don't want to make myself more sick.  Add wind to the sun sensitivity and you get a really sick Sakina.
Yesterday I wore my tall hat from Tall Toad.  I did a headband lace braid, brushed the rest of my hair out and it looked pretty long.  I am definitely at BSL,  and very close to being past it-almost to the bottom of the strap.  Woo hoo!  Next stop: waist length!!!

Congrats on BLS, my pretty!     8-)

Thank you, thank you, Trisha!!  It seems like it took forever, and now that I'm here it feels like "what was the big deal".  Didn't expect that!  Feeling impatient for it to be longer is still a familiar feeling.

Congratulations on the growth progress

Hey! Congrats on BSL. :D I remember what a milestone that was. Seemed like it took forever to get there.

Thanks, Drear and Angel.  Now I'm noticing its getting caught in things more-my armpit and bra hooks.

I'm feeling a bit sick right now-I drank a latte that wasn't made with non-fat milk.  Blech.

I'm currently favoring softer styling products, and am surprised at how much definition I'm getting from them.  Today, after using DevaCurl No Poo and One Condition I used Ojon Animated Styling Cream before plopping and then DevaCurl Mirror Curls after.  My waves are super soft with soft definition.  Yay!

I avoid the sun sickness by moving to a place with no sun. But I suppose that's not the solution for everybody, eh?  :)

Hope you start feeling better soon!

And congrats on reaching BSL!

KNS: that's definitely not the solution for me!!
Thanks!

Well, Festival is over and I still missed on Sunday.  The meds didn't keep me from getting ill, I just didn't get as sick.  Oh, well.  Saturday I did get my hair braided by the Twisted Sisters, I'll post the pic eventually.  I sang an aria for the King and Queen also on Saturday and it was very well received.  I promised myself I'd do that sometime during the season and so mission accomplished!

Now its time to start planning my trip to France.  I've decided to go at the end of summer, beginning of fall instead of the spring when all of the tourists will be there, or summer when all of the locals go on vacation.  Also this gives me more time to brush up on my language skills.

Public arias...well done. ;)

If you need any help with your French, feel free to ask as it is my second language. :)

Thanks, Angel. 

Woke up w/a headache this morning.  I think its the weather combined with me watching movies all day yesterday.  I love movies.

I've got a trim coming up in a couple of weeks.  Trying to stretch it to 3-1/2 months and see if it works.  4 months is a bit too long since I have have some layering.

Ugh, I'm gong to go lay down and put some ice on my face. 

Feel better!

Hope you are feeling better.  It's too bad that you missed the last day of Faire, but congrats on the aria.  You are braver than I am.

Curlgirl & melusine, thanks.  I am doing better over all, although I woke up with another sinus headache yesterday-the kind that comes and goes depending on what movement you make.  It went away mid afternoon.

I think I may just be a Saturday Faire person if I can't figure out a real effective cure for the sun sickness.  And thank you, I've been out of performing for far too long and there aren't really many opportunities to publicly sing classical or operatic music without being in an Opera.  As for being brave...thanks, but I think its more of a drive that if I don't do it I feel miserable and depressed.  You'll soon be looking for opportunities to sing in public, I predict, the more lessons you take and the more you sing you're gonna want it.

Hair:  I'm stretching out my washings to once a week again, just 'cause I'm feeling lazy.  Maybe its backlash from the Festival.  At least until my next trim, the wind was pretty hard on my hair all those weekends.

Body: Yesterday I went to pilates class.  Yay, me!  Today I have a neuro-muscular therapy session.  Its painful, but is helping.  I'm experimenting with the blood type diet, and it seems to be beneficial-if only I can keep it up!  I'm committed for a month, then I'll see where I am with it.

My voice teacher wants me to sing in a recital on 4/28.  She said I have progressed really well.  I don't think I will do it, because the 28th is a Wed, and the recital is at 11am.  I teach a nite class on Mon, and am on campus from 7:30am to 10pm on Tues.  Chorale practice is on Tues nite, and we are doing Carmen, the Gondoliers and a couple of pieces that are really heavy on the soprano parts, with the end result being that my voice and I are really tired on Wed.  Maybe next semester.

It's great that you're able to prioritize your body and are doing these things for yourself. 

Ok, melusine, I'm saying that you can do it for the experience of it-voice quality be dammed.  The singing isn't the issue (I know, no one wants to sound bad) its the getting up there with yourself.  Everyone who sings can have a rough voice day-and you don't have to wear yourself out at rehearsal on Tuesday night.  You could even tell the teacher you have a sore throat so won't be singing full out.  Then, after the recital and all of the "you were greats" you can take a nap.  OK, I'm finished.

Thank you, Drear, the bodywork is a necessary evil if I want to be able to walk and move and have a life!  The greatest thing I've done for myself is not to have kids, or else I wouldn't be able to work on my healing.  The accident makes it dangerous for me to do so anyway, and I'm really lucky to have the abundance to continue with my care.  My accident happened 20 years ago.  That's a lot of therapies!

Oh, woe is me!  I ate some bread for dinner and now I'm miserable.

I used some amla oil a couple of nights ago, and think my scalp is calmed by it.  I haven't washed my hair for more than a week and I'm not itching so badly I want to scratch my head off!

Tomorrow we're having Dim Sum for breakfast and mini acupuncture treatments.  Fun!

Well...we skipped Dim Sum today 'cause I slept in so we might go tomorrow.  Leaving for acupuncture in 30 minutes.

I forgot to bring my Kinky Curly Curling Custard into our bathroom from the guest bath so I had to scrounge for styling products.  I used a little B'leave In from Deva Curl then some Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper followed by AG Re:coil.  The last two are a very popular combo on curlmart.com.  I got them awhile ago and I'm sure there was something about them I didn't like 'cause I didn't use them up before.  Oh well, could be a hair disaster day but then I'll just wet it tomorrow and restyle.

The acupuncture was awesome!!  Hubby got some, too.   ;D

Now I remember why I didn't use all of the Curl Keeper and the Re:coil-they're too heavy for my hair.  Meh, good enough in a pinch I guess and I definitely had zero frizz today.  Maybe should save it for humid days-not that we have many of them here.  My waves are really dragged out so there's less shrinkage than when I use other products like gel or curling custard (which is gel like).  My hair was quite tangled after I washed it-that upcoming trim will help a lot!

Making preparations to go visit my mom in Michigan at the end of the month. 

I just brushed out my hair instead of wetting it again, as I had a neuromuscular session at 10am.  I am so not a morning person-I was on the wrong end of town when I realized where I needed to be.  I was a little late to my appointment.   :o

I'm at another awkward stage of growth-I keep fighting with the front of my hair to style it so it doesn't look , well, dorky.  I've been wearing it down more at this length, so I mostly just want to pull the front and bangs back with a clip or pins.  I don't like how I look in headbands, and the ends of my bangs have to be pinned down if I wear a headband w/a ponytail.  My bangs are a bit more than an inch below my chin.  I hope they can be blended into the face framing layers that I have-perhaps that'll solve my problem.

I don't know how I could miss your new profile pic.  I'm not of an observant nature. :-[  Your hair looks beautiful.

Your mother's very fortunate to have a daughter like you.   

Thanks, Drear.  I just changed it a couple of days ago.  Its the first hair pic of 2010, taken in late January.

I heard from my sister today that my mom was not doing well, but apparently she woke up today and chipper as normal.  The chemo side effects of extreme fatigue seem to be accumulating, as they are wont to do.

I'll be going to Michigan 5/1-5/12.  Just a head's up, y'all.

Like the new avatar--pretty, pretty!   :)  Enjoy the visit with your mom!

Thanks, Trisha!

I am waiting for hubby to get home so we can have dinner together.  I'm starving!!!

Just wore my hair in a ponytail today.  Boring.

Sakina wrote on Apr 14^th, 2010 at 9:17pm:

Thanks, Trisha! I am waiting for hubby to get home so we can have dinner together.  I'm starving!!! Just wore my hair in a ponytail today.  Boring.

Well, I like ponytails, I just can't stand to wear my hair like that for very many hours. 

Hey, Drear!  I have the most excellent ponytail holders that allow my hair to be held snug w/o pulling.  I get them here:
http://www.patrick-cameron.com/accessories.html
Scroll down to the hair ties.  Nothing works in my thick hair like these!!!

I just realized today that I've been wearing my hair down a lot.  I guess I'll wear more buns and updo's as it gets warmer.

I finished my monologue class today.  I really enjoyed it and plan on taking the improv class next!

I'm starting to really look forward to my trim on the 27th.  My hair has been tangling underneath a lot lately.  I'm enjoying my length, though.  Had hubby take a pic, just don't have it loaded yet.  Now I can pull the sides back without having to pull it up so high.

I'm trying to watch Riverworld on SciFi channel.  It isn't holding my attention very well.

I love your avatar pic!  Your hair looks wonderful!  How much are you having trimmed?

Thanks for the link.  I hope you get your hair trimmed the way you want it.

Godyssey:  thanks!  I'm just getting the ends cleaned up, and I probably have 1/4-1/2" taken off for shaping the layers because I get the Curly Girl cut ala Lorianne Massey's method.

Drear: you're welcome!  I trust Bari, she hasn't let me down yet and I think I've been going to her for close to a year now.

Watching old Kathy Griffin comedy shows on Bravo.  She cracks me up!

Riverworld--hubby and I watched that when it aired the first time.  It's okay...I think the plot is a great storyline, but the movie didn't do it justice.  It was a long, drawn out mini series that probably should have only taken 2-3 hours. 

How is your mother doing, dear?

Trisha: I totally agree w/you about Riverworld.

My mom is doing fairly well.  The fatigue has gotten quite extreme, and she'll find out on the 4th if she will continue on the trial.  I'm going to be seeing her the 1st through the 12th of May.  I think she's getting tired of the side effects and will just stop medication all together.  Then, at least she'll feel better for awhile until the cancer kills her.

I had a really good hair day today.  I tried a different way of applying my styling products and got more wave where I usually have very little.

Today I washed w/No Poo and did a 5 minute condition w/Mop Top Deep Conditioner then Kinky Curly Knot Today (lightly rinsed) and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  Instead of flipping my head upside down to apply the custard, I kept my head upright.  I smoothed a small amount on the top of my hair and then scrunched in custard on one side and then the other.  Then I flipped my hair upside down, finger combed and scrunched out the extra water with my Curls Like Us Curl Cloth and then plopped for about 10 minutes.  After clipping the top and air drying for 30+ minutes I scrunched in some Deva Curl Mirror Curls. 

That's a lot of plopping, flopping and custarding.   8-)  Makes me hungry!

Trisha: LOL!  Its not really all that appetizing.  The custard smells like angel food cake, but feels and looks like thick snot.

I'm getting the urge to play with outrageous hair styles.  I've been invited to an island/Pirate party in June.  At first I was thinking about being a pirate, as I have lots of costume stuff from 2 Halloween parties ago.  Then I thought about the awesome shell hair accessories I made and that I want to wear those so maybe I'll go as Calypso, Goddess of the Sea.  I have these "seaweed" boas from the same party that I hung from the ceiling but could wear instead.  I've got fishing net, too that I could incorporate.  Then I thought about being a Siren, and working up some songs to perform at the party.  I could get red contacts again, and some sharp teeth.  Guess I'll have to start sketching to organize all of my ideas.

Sounds like fun!!

I vote for Calypso!   8-)

Thank you for voting, Trisha.  I'm inclined to agree w/you.

I got my Curly Girl haircut yesterday and it is a good thing.  Its funny, they're trying to convince me my hair is long.  We settled on not long enough for me.  So we started this big discussion with all of the stylists as to where they consider medium length and long hair.  I said I think mine is medium, almost long or longish.
Anyway, my bangs are finally long enough to be worked in to my face framing layers.  She wants to put some layering into the back of my hair in about a year.  We'll see. 
I didn't loose any length, just had the few layers cleaned up.  I was very happy to hear her say that my hair is so healthy that I only need to trim every 3-4 months.  That's really to keep the layers in shape.  Made me smile!!

Makes ya glad you put in the effort to take care of your hair, doesn't? ;)

It sure does!  Now that I have a routine that really works I'm just waiting for the length to come.

My hairdresser keeps telling my hair is long and I don't really think so, altho' it is long considering what I started with 4 yrs. ago, 3" long at most.

To a stylist, anything below the ears is "long." ::)

The general consensus of the stylists there was anything longer than armpit length qualifies as long.

It is suuuuper windy today and I've got to go out for my fancy pedicure.  I decided to try an English braid and, much to my pleasure and surprise-it is finally hanging properly.  (OK-I'm counting my blessings)  The thickness of my hair has heretofore made my English braid very stiff and it would not hang down properly.  I'm going to celebrate this milestone with an Iced Venti Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade w/3 pumps classic.  The classic in a simple syurp-otherwise its way too tart for me.

Sakina wrote on Apr 29^th, 2010 at 2:53pm:

ld not hang down properly.  I'm going to celebrate this milestone with an Iced Venti Shaken Passion Tea Lemonade w/3 pumps classic.  The classic in a simple syurp-otherwise its way too tart for me.

I don't know what that is, but it sounds DEElish.   :)

Well, basically it is passion fruit tea (Tazo brand) which is an herbal tea that is quite sour mixed with lemonade and some simple syrup.  A twist on an Arnold Palmer (you know, 1/2 iced tea and 1/2 lemonade).

Ack!  I've been running around all day w/hubby doing errands for my trip.  We had an awesome anniversary lunch at an outdoor restaurant that serves local organic food.  Very pricey, but the weather was beautiful and the food was yummy.

I did make it to Kohl's to buy a dress w/my $10 off coupon.  I've got some shoes on the way and I wanted to wear the dress w/the shoes for traveling tomorrow, but the shoes haven't arrived so I'll save the dress for Mother's Day.

GREAT NEWS:  the clinical trial my mom is in seems to be working for her!  There is improvement on several lesions!!!  Her fatigue has been quite extreme lately, so they gave her a week off while they did the CAT scan.  She sounded really good when I spoke to her today and I'll see her tomorrow!

I'm pretty much packed.  I have to get up before 4am for my 6:30 flight.  I don't know if I'll be on the boards at all until I get back on the 12th.  So, I hope everyone takes care and Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's on here.

Laters!

That's great news about your mom!!  You and she must be stoked!
What a great buy at Kohl's ;)!
Enjoy your trip!

I'm back and online again!

Thanks, Curlgirl64.  It is really great news!

I'm still hung over from traveling, so I'll write more later.

I'm glad you're back.  How was your mom?  Was the reality as good as she sounded when you talked to her?

Please let us know how you mother is.  I understand you need to rest first.  Happy belated anniversary. 

Thank you, melusine and Drear.

My mom's scan showed no new cancer, and the lesions they measured at the beginning of the study have decreased.  All of her blood clots are gone.  The side effects have been nasty and short lived, with the exception of the extreme fatigue.  Oddly, the fatigue is not one of the listed possible side effects.

We had a pleasant time, and she was really happy to see us.  I was there a total of 12 days and hubby joined me for the last 5 days.  Mom was really happy to see him, and I was glad to have him with me.  We've been traveling separately for a couple of years now, what with his overseas trips for work and all of my trips to MI since my mom's endometrial cancer.  We have our Paris trip coming up at the end of August.

I hope the positive developments continue for your mother.  With your busy separate engagements it sounds really good and very romantic that you have this trip to look forward to. 

Welcome back, Sakina. Good news about your mum. Sounds like you had a decent trip. :)

Thanks very much, Drear & Angel.

I've been coughing since Saturday and generally feeling unwell so I've hardly been online.  I did manage to shower yesterday and wash my hair.  My skin has been drier than usual-to the point of discomfort. 

I've decided to go to my friend's party as a pirate.  I couldn't find my seaweed boas or white corset for Calypso.  So, I'll be Anne Bonnie's cousin, Bonny Bonnie.  I thought about Bunny Bonnie or Bambi Bonnie and be all ditzy and silly.  Still developing the costume and character.  I keep going back and forth about doing henna on my hands for it.  I was thinking about wearing sari pants, and saying that I had been kidnapped by a Sultan and I had escaped the harem.  That way my costume could be very mismatched and the henna would make sense.  I was looking for this very valuable book that how I got caught.  It has a funny name, something like Karma Sutra.  I already have a buyer.

Anyway, its sunny, my cat is lying in the window and I'm going to go make some tea.  I think I feel a tiny bit better today.

Glad you feel alittle bit better! 
That Kama Sutra is crazy intense!  It sure is a good read! ;)

Thanks, Curlgirl. 

Yeah, I have a copy in my library.  I was joking about the name, i.e. ditzy character.

So good to hear that your mother is responding well to her treatment.

I like your ditzy girl back story! ;D

Bonny Bonnie...  *snort*   ;D 
Great to hear of your mother's improvements!

Godyssy, thank you.  Now I need to work on my Pirate lingo.

Trisha, thank you.  Anne Bonnie was such a formidable character in history I didn't want to copy her, so I'm going the comedic route.  I wonder if they'll have name tags at this party.

I heard from my mom today, a blood clot has appeared in her right thigh.  Its the only one, but strange that she should have one at all with all of the intensive blood thinners she's been on for over a year.  I hope its not a bad indicator of future problems.

Being ill, I finally got around to doing a bit of S&D yesterday.  I was quite overdue.  Found some hairs split 3 and 4 times on the same hair!  Eeep.  All gone now though.

I wanted to say I was glad to read about your mom's improvements but of course I'm concerned about this blood cloth and hope this is a passing thing.  I hope you get well soon.  I'm excited about your part.  I've had those crazy splits too.  Haven't seen them since my last cut in Dec.

I'm very glad to hear your mom's doing better and hope the blood clot is a minor and temporary effect.  Still keeping my fingers crossed for you and yours.

Thank you, Drear & melusine.

I've not been in a writing mood lately, looks like for almost a month.   :o

I guess I'm still not in much of a mood to write.  Or maybe I just need to eat something.

I went to the pirate party.  Its a 3 hour drive from where we live.  We got there, ate lunch at a Greek restaurant and I got sick.  Tummy troubles.  I wound up being 2.5 hours late.  I would have won the Best Female Costume contest, they said.  Oh, well.
The Motel 6 we stayed at had a horrible bed and pillows.  I had a really bad stiff neck from it.

Yesterday I had a CT scan of my head.  I've been having weird sensations in my left arm and leg for several days.  It has made sleeping nearly impossible.  I should have the results of the scan and blood work early next week.

I've been washing my hair about once a week, twice if I get itchy.  I saw yesterday that I have some splits that need trimming, but not too many.  I am overdue for a facial and a deep conditioning treatment.

Keep us posted on the CT Scan results!  Hope all is ok!

Let us know the results of the CT scan.  I worry about my friends.

Worried too.  So I'll be keeping an eye on your CT update.

The update:
My CT scan is normal.  My blood work came back overall good-white blood cell count was slightly elevated and my kidney function slightly decreased.  She (the doc) said I might have been a little dehydrated and so fluids are recommended.  I'm supposed to go back in two weeks for re-testing.

That's great news!  Nothing alittle more water and electrolytes won' t help!

That's good news. :)

Thank you, Curlgirl64 & Drear, for your support.  Definitely good news.

I've had a very busy week!!  Started voice lessons again, will be working on some jazz.  Since I'm not preparing for any auditions right now, I'm just going to focus on what is fun for me.

Went to Dim Sum w/friends today-super yum and good company=nice time.

Booked our Paris tickets today!!!  I hope I can sleep tonight!!

I've been so lazy with my deep conditioning treatments!!  I just haven't been up to the big production that accompanies it.  Its been too hot, I guess.  I have a trim sometime in July.  I switched back to DevaCurl AnGel and I think I didn't use enough product.  Looks like I need to use more of it than the Kinky Curly Curling Custard, or the KCCC just holds my curl better.  I think I'll wait until the AnGel is gone before buying more KCCC and Knot Today.  They work great, I just want to rotate products.

I just got a Mason Pearson Rake comb.  The shower detangler I have been using isn't as smooth.  I haven't tried it on my wet hair yet, but it worked well on my thick dry hair.  If I don't use a comb on my wet hair, my styling product doesn't get evenly distributed.

My mom's hair is getting long.  I think its about 4" now.  Its grown back curly and she doesn't know how to deal with it.  She was complaining that it looks like Richard Simmons' hair.  I asked her if she's been brushing her hair, which of course she had.  LOL, I've explained to her what a bad idea that is and have shared what I've learned from the Deva Curl method.  I think I'm going to have to get her the book.  She has "chemo brain" and her memory isn't that reliable so I expect she'll forget what I said.  I sure wish she could travel so she could come out here and get a proper curly girl haircut. 

I tried my new Mason Pearson rake comb in the shower today and I love it!  It glides through my hair like a dream, and detangles gently.  It is a big improvement from the plastic comb I've been using for years.  Perhaps I'll have less splits??  Time will tell.

I've been breaking in my new Dansko shoes for my Paris trip.  Rubbed a little skin off last night, so I guess I'll have to get some thin cotton socks.

I also got some dry shampoo powder to take along on my trip.  I plan on bringing only travel sized shampoo and conditioner and gel.  I'm trying to pack light (so I can bring more stuff home!) so I'm planning on washing my hair only a few times on the 11 day trip and using this powder as needed.  I tried it a couple of days ago and it works great.  I can really extend the time in between washings.  The sample size I got only comes in lavender/clary sage.  The big size comes in jasmine and tuberose so I'm a little not excited about the smell.  It isn't really noticeable, I just like jasmine and tuberose better.

You'll probably be grateful for the socks.  I don't mind the look but even if you do, I think it's a very good style sacrifice.  I wish I'd thought of it when I went to London.  Nothing like being lost and walking around with hurting feet.

Yeah.  Hubby and I went to Target and found some nice cotton blend short socks for $1!

Today I went to an awesome Latin dance class. Suuuuper fun!!  Thank goodness I wore my hair in a bun, with a lace braid-everyone else in the class had their hair sticking to their sweat.  Now I have something to look forward to on Saturday mornings!!

I've got to get around to doing a deep treatment.  I've got a sinus headache right now so turning my head upside down is not very appealing.  We've had crazy high winds today-on my way home from dance class I drove through a dust devil.  That was weird.

I hope you can get some sinus relief.  The class sounds great.  Good to have something to regularly look forward to.  I miss Target for so many things.

Drear:Thanks.  I took some Motrin and my sinuses are better.  Yeah, Target would be one thing I'd miss not living in the US.

I'm still having random weird sensations in my leg and arm.  Its so frustrating-I don't know what to do to fix it. 

Tomorrow my mom gets her nose unpacked.  One of the chemo side effects is nose bleeds, and they had to pack her nose for 4 days.  It really sucks.

Have to get up early tomorrow-might get in a 5 minute deep treatment in the shower.  If I get enough sleep tonight, that is.

Sounds like Restless Leg Syndrome to me.  You might want to mention it to your doctor and describe it to her or him. 
I take a generic for Requib.  I'd go insane without it. 
My RLS is painful at times,if I don't catch before it starts to happen.  My right leg or arms feel like they're jumping inside.
I think my case is extreme so don't pay too much worry to yours.  Alittle stretching or meds. may help!

My husband claims that magnesium supplements (combined in his calcium for his osteoperosis/sp?) aleviates his restless sleep syndrome. 

Worth a try,no?  I never heard of that before,but if it gives him relief,great!

I had RLS when I was on Paxil.  750-100mg of aspirin will relieve RLS for many people.  It worked like a charm for me.  Good luck. 

The doc made no mention of RLS.  I have a 20+ year old spinal injury that I'm still getting treatment for.  I think the cause is from stress with my mom's ongoing cancer issues and from muscle tightness and spinal imbalance.  Dehydration seems to play a role-I have little or no symptoms when I'm drinking water and electrolytes but then if I drink iced tea (which means I'm not drinking as much water) then it flares up.  Also, I've been exercising a lot more than I was so the need for water is increasing along with the temperatures.

Thank you all for your good thoughts and suggestions.  ((hugs))

Good news:  my mom got her nose unpacked and she's feeling better.  Now she can breathe, eat and sleep!!!

I think I'll need a different pair of walking shoes for Paris from the Dansko clogs I bought.  I need something flatter for long distance walking.  Guess I'll be shopping later this month for that.  I've got a crack in my right heel, so I'm taking today off from rebounding and walking.  I have Pilates tomorrow morning, belly dancing on Friday night and Latin dance on Saturday morning.  Sunday I have a full body massage scheduled-I am so overdue for a nice, relaxing treatment.  I'm still sore from yesterday's neuromuscular therapy.  I feel better than before, but I need a pampering break from the intense therapies.

It's understandable that you're stressed about your mom.  I wish I had the time and money for belly dance lessons.  I've been wanting to take belly dance lessons since I was 7. 

Drear: I hope someday that you get to take belly dance lessons!!  I'll think of you in class tomorrow night!  Do you have access to DVD's?  Perhaps the library?

I finally did the deep treatment last night.  Wow!  My hair is wavy, twisty and spirally.  So, essentially happy hair!

I got the result from my 2nd blood test-everything is fine!  Guess I was just a bit dehydrated the first time.

Great news!

With so much on your plate, it's good to get a few little breaks like that, eh?

Angel: Yes, a little break now and then feels wonderful.

Yesterday I made a bunch of hello kitty molded onigiri (japanese rice balls) w/ume (pickled plum) filling and a bunch of small triangle onigiri w/spicy tuna filling.  Y.U.M.
I'm in love with obento-the foods, the boxes, the accessories, all of it.  I've started making bentos weekly, and even a few for hubby.  I'll convert him yet, I will!

Yesterday night I walked down to the CVS (in 100 degree weather-crazy, I know but this is AZ and I'm getting fit for walking in Paris) and bought the Goody spin pins.  I love them!!!  I got the brunette set, since I'm in between colors but figured the darker color would blend better.  Also, they twist down so far in my hair they're hidden!
I had tried the hair scroos in the past, but they were too small for my thick hair.
I'm really happy I bought these, especially with my trip coming up!!

Since you and I are both curlies and have thick hair I think I will give those spin pins a try.  Good to know they work for ya! :)

Curlgirl64: I found last night that it holds better for me with a braid.  I like how I can actually make a bun at the nape with these pins.  I've decided to get a second pair, just for added security on the side where the end of the braid is.  While at dinner I felt like my hair was going to fall out of the bun-but it didn't.  It may just be a function of me not used to such a low bun and I didn't secure the end of the braid w/an elastic so the braid slipped a little.

Its Wednesday, so its wash hair day.  I managed to go the week w/o washing, even though the massage I had on Sunday got oil in my hair.  Before going to dinner last night I put some of that hair powder in and looked fine at the roots with my bun.

Thanks for letting me know your results.  I tend to wear my bun high so I think I'll get 4.

Curlgirl64: You're welcome!

Last night I wore a semi half up (I only took the hair from the sided in front, not all of the upper hair) and made a bun with that hair and used my two spin pins to hold it.  It was a very soft style and the spin pins held it nicely during our nightly walk.

http://i27.tinypic.com/2q9fede.jpg

Nice job on the 'do!

Thanks.   :)

Very cute!!   8-)

Trisha: Thanks!

I just got a call from my sister.  My mom's in the hospital.   :(
They've suspended the drug trial indefinitely.  She has a severe bladder infection (has no symptoms, thank goodness!!!), anemia, nose bleed (they had to pack her nose again) and the beginning stages of pneumonia.

Please send her healing thoughts/prayers/vibes!!  Thanks in advance!!

I hope she'll feel better soon!  My prayers are with you and her!

Oh jeez, honey. :( You guys will definitely be in my prayers.

Curlgirl64 & Angel: Thank you.  You guys made me cry.

Ugh!  It is really hot and humid in AZ today!  I think our high is supposed to be 116.  Yeeah.  I just got back from the chiropractor so I'm going to get something cold to drink and chill on the couch for awhile.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear.

Melusine: Thank you.

I had a chance to talk to my mom around dinner time, and she sounded much better.  She's been out of bed and walking, which is very good.  She should get out of the hospital Sun or Mon, but has to keep the nose packing in until Tuesday.  The severe nosebleeds are an effect of the blood thinner she's been on, and needs to stay on to keep the horrible blood clots away.

So stressful...

Mom will be in the hospital until Tuesday now.  I  spoke to her a little while ago and she's really tired.

I just dropped hubby off at the airport.  He'll be in China for 10 days.  Rotten timing.   :'(

Hang in there!  10 days will fly by!
Your mom and my mom are coming home on Tues.  It will be a happy time for you and me. :)

Thanks, Curlgirl64.

;)

I'm sorry to hear about your mother, dear.  You and your family are certainly going through the wringer.     :(

Thank you, Tricia.  To add to the situation, my dad is freaking out and having a breakdown.  Its a good thing I'm here and they're up there 'cause I want to punch him in the face.  I'm very angry, alternating between anger and tears.  It sucks even more that hubby's out of town right now.

So, I'm dealing by eating treats, exercising and watching movies.  And talking to friends, which is not something I'm accustomed to doing but finding it helps.  I'm having dinner tonight w/a friend.  Typically I want to isolate and I'm working on changing that.

BTW-I've fixed the most awesomest dirty hair cover up do ever!  (In my opinion)  I've taken pics as best I can, and will try to get them up in the next day or two.  Not sure what hubby did with the cable... and I hope the water spots on the mirror don't show too much.   :-/

Check out the new thread in Show Off Your Locks, 6th day hair cover up do.  Pics and instructions are now posted.  Yay-the cable was where the camera goes so it was easy to find.   :)

Poor Sakina. What a crappy summer this has been. :( I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers, love. All I can say is be strong.

I feel for you!  I'm so sorry that your dad is having problems.
My thoughts are with you and I hope that your anger and tears are not for too long!

Angel & Curlgirl64: Thank you.  Just knowing someone is thinking of me helps.  :-*

Mom got out of the hospital today and is at my sister's house.  I really hope she is able to relax and heal w/o the stress of my dad being around.

I had a visit to my Naturopath today and she increased the dose of my medication-I was already on a remedy that helps with anger and I just needed a stronger dose.  I do feel better already.

I have a new chiropractor.  He took x-rays on Monday.  I haven't had x-rays done in more than 15 years.  The good news is that all the years of treatments I've done have paid off and benefited me.  Now, with the help of these x-rays we can hone in on the small but significant areas that still need addressing.  I have multiple injury sites, so I have multiple areas that need resolving.  So far I'm really happy to be working w/this person.  I'm hoping this is the last phase of resolving my injury, and the future will be about maintaining my alignments and being WELL!!!!  Woo hoo!!

I washed my hair today-the scalp massage felt awesome!  I brush my hair daily and when styling.  I did one scalp massage with oil this week, I think I'll have to do more of them if I wear my hair in buns and braids since that makes my scalp a little bit sensitive.

Good news all around! :)

I'm glad you're experiencing some positive things with everything that's been going on while I've been gone.  I'm so sorry you've had to face these things with hubby gone.  I still pray and hope for better times for you and your family. *Hugs*.

Curlgirl64: You got that right!

Drear: Thank you.  It does suck but I'm hanging in there.

An unexpected benefit of washing my hair once a week is that the other days that I shower I can do Abhyanga without getting that sesame oil in my hair!  This is a good thing.

Hubby's been gone a week and I'm feeling very lonely.  Jupiter, my Manx kitty had been very clingy the last couple of days so I am enjoying giving him attention.

If its not too windy tonight I'll walk again-its great to walk under the full moon.  I think I'll do my Pilates dvd and then walk for 30 mins.

I'm working with a new chiropractor which is good, and I'm having some irritation at the top of my lumbar spine.  I'm not enjoying that.  I haven't had pain in my spine for many years now so I hope this if the last chapter in my healing journey for this injury.

Quote:

its great to walk under the full moon.

Amen to that, sister!

And drive under it, and stand under it, and.....

Hooray, it rained today!!!

I had lunch w/a friend today and the usual "hmmm, 6th day hair.  What can I do with it?"  I did a low side ponytail and wrapped the elastic w/a braid.  Then I braided a section down the front to lay on top of the ponytail.  I accented it with a flower hair clip behind my ear that I made that complimented the shirt I wore.  It was cute, kept my hair off my neck and was in a position I don't use often.  Win all around!!

I am really looking forward to hubby being home.

I have appointments tomorrow morning and afternoon so I'll have to wash my hair in the evening.  I hope I can do a deep treat since its been a few weeks.  I'm getting really low on my deep conditioner...and keep forgetting to buy some.

That "do" sounds cute!  Always nice when your hair is up and off your neck,no?

Thanks, Curlgirl64.  I didn't take a pic of it, but hubby said it was cute.  We video skype when he's out of the country.

Today was a simple low ponytail 'cause I had a lymphatic treatment before my chiropractic adjustment.  I am very happy to report that my upper back (mid thoracic) finally moved!!!  Its been stuck for 20 years.  Had to have some ribs adjusted, too.  I hope I don't get a headache.  I left his office feeling upright and aligned properly.  Its been a mighty long time since I felt that.  Now, there'll be some more adjustments before my muscles are able to hold the correct spinal position.  This is a cause for celebration!!!

So now I'm going to take a nap and since Pilates is canceled for tomorrow am, I will probably wash my hair tomorrow morning 'cause I plan on sleeping really well right now.  And it looks like rain again!!!!!

congrats on the back stuff!  I know you must be thinking of doing a happy dance! :D
Just curious,do you practice Pilates on the mat or are there Reformers in your class?
I have the Pilates Chair and I just replaced my Performer of 10 years with an Aero Pilates.......a few of the accessories to go along with it...................

Curlgirl64:I'm doing mat Pilates.  Its called 21st. Century Pilates by Laura Peralta.  She also has a set of 3 dvd's (basic, intermediate and advanced) and I use the basic one at home to supplement my walking and yoga.  I've never used a Pilates machine of any kind.

I'm waiting on the happy dance.  With my history, as soon as I'd really get grooving my SI joint would go out and I'd be done dancing.

20 years, holy smokes!  Here's hoping you experience a sense of relief for that long.   :)

Trisha:Yeah.  Thanks for the good wish.

Last night I did the Steam hair oils and left them in overnight.  Then my alarm didn't go off and thank goodness I got a phone call that woke me so I had less than an hour to shower, take care of the kitties and try to get to my appointment that's 40 minutes away.  I wound up being 15 mins late but am glad I made it.

I'm very happy to report that my hair is long enough to make a Hawser braid. (http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=torrinpaige#p/search/1/8y3LvWpncQQ)
I just used the 1/2 up portion.  It turned out really cool.  I need more length for a Hawser to look good as a regular braid but I really like it and it made a cool bun, too.

Gonna go pick up hubby from the airport!!  Bye!

Oh. My. Gosh. :o I wish I had enough hair for that style!

Very cool that your husband is coming back.

Angel:Yeah, me too!  She has awesome tutorials.

Hubby's almost over his jet lag but not quite.  I'm really glad to have him home, though.

August 18th we leave for PARIS so I hope he's done with the jet lag by then!!

Today I got some good news, my blood pressure is getting low and my med. dosage is being lowered.  I'm on my way to being free of HBP!!  Yippee!!

So far, I'm still the only one who measured this month.  Did I miss a memo or something?

I'm so anxious to get to waist length.  Today is humid, so I'm having a fat hair day.  My braided buns look so fat at the top and it bugs me.  Its probably because of the layering but I think it looks funny and uneven.  Humph.

Ugh.  Have been having a headache off and on for two days.  Storms have been moving through, perhaps a pressure system has stalled-I wish we'd get a good downpour.

Today I went running errands w/hubby since I've been feeling like crap I thought getting out might help.  Um, nope.  It was windy and humid.  I did something I rarely do-I wore my hair in a braided pony tail.  I used a rope braid and it turned out pretty well.  By the end of our errands the little elastic that was holding the ends broke and suddenly my rope was unwinding.  It was a strange sensation.
We came home and I slept for almost 5 hours.

I have a trim on Monday.

More headaches.  Bleh.  I got an adjustment today so I hope that's the end of that!

Got my trim-looks nice.  I'm glad I get my 12 week trims, my hair looks very healthy as its growing long.  Just a few inches away from waist length!!!

How exciting to be a few inches away from waist length!!

Curlygirl64: Yes.  Although now I'm a little bit farther away since my trim.  Can't have it both ways, huh?  Doesn't mean I don't want it both ways, though.

I got my pocket sized Mason Pearson boar and nylon brush today for my trip to Paris.  I love it, and am happy to have  a decent brush for my purse now.

Got new walking shoes yesterday, so I'm almost done with shopping for my trip.  I still need mascara and some small bottles of devacurl shampoo and condish and gel.  I'm going to look for a short trench coat since it rains almost every other day there.  Oh yeah, and I need a smaller size belt.

Congrats on the smaller belt size.  It is always nice to lose a few pounds when needed.  Especially since you are going to Paris.  I always gain weight on vacation because we eat out all the time.  Have a good time.

Gosh, you're leaving for Paris in 2 days!!  I've always wanted to visit Paris, so there's a fair amount of envy coming your way.  LOL  Take lots of pictures, have a great time and safe journey home to you.   :)

Melusine: Thank you!  Yes, it is very nice to lose weight right before a trip.  We'll be walking a lot, so I hope it offsets the cheese and the bread and the pastries and the wine, etc...

Trisha: Yippee!  Well, you're not dead yet!  You might make it one day.  I plan to get lots of good pics, which we'll post on facebook frequently (I hope).  Thanks for the good wishes, I'll take 'em!

I've started a new night time routine: pineappling.  I think I'm leaving my sleeping braids behind and will continue to pineapple.
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/how-to/how-to-pineapple-your-hair
I think it is less stressful on my neck and the scrunchie stays in all night.  It is better for my waves than braiding, that's for sure!

Getting the last of the laundry done for the trip, and just a few more errands tomorrow.  Yay!

Thanks for the link!  I've got my products and sets picked out for birthay gifts!  What an extensive and informative site for curlies!!!
Have a great trip to Paris!  Enjoy and have loads of fun! ;)

Curlgirl64: You're welcome!  I get a lot of information from that site and love to browse all of their products for textured hair!!  You might want to sign up for their newsletter-they offer sales and coupons in addition to info and trends.

Thank you-I hope you have an easy time watching the boards while I'm gone.  We are taking the laptop, so I intend to keep up as much as I can.  There's a 9 hour time difference between AZ and France so I'll be on at odd hours.

I got all of my makeup brushes washed this morning, and a final run of my Paris makeup kit.  I'm happy-just waiting until after breakfast to try the lipstick sample I got.  I may have to go to the mall and pick up a tube.

I have a pedicure today, and lunch with a friend.  Hubby and I might be shopping for rain coats tonight.  Might just be buying one in France, though.  The temps there in August are considerable cooler than AZ and it seems to be raining every other day, so I hope I can make it there w/o freezing if I don't find a coat tonight.

I'm thinking about pineappling on the plane.  I usually fly w/twin low braids but they can bother my neck w/my pillow so I'm considering wearing it down for the trip and just throwing it up into the scrunchie when sleeping.  I did a deep treatment this weekend to help keep the frizz down.

Everything will be fine! :)  The boards are slower in the summertime.  Have a great time and relax!!!!  You and hubby deserve it!  See ya when ya get back!

Re: material for a court dress.  I forgot to say that if you want sleeves to match the skirt, you will need at least an additional yard, maybe 2, depending on the structure of the sleeve.

Have a good time in Paris.  I really do envy you, I don't expect to ever travel abroad.

Hi!  I am using the mac for free @ Hotel Duquesne Eiffel, but the keyboard is clavier Francais so it is slow going since the keys are not in the same location as on an English keyboard:

Thanks, Melusine for the costuming info.  So far Paris is quite nice.  I promise to post pics.

I'm baack!  Had internet problems in France, so with the exception of the first day, I haven't been able to access LongLocks.  I think I'm caught up with the journals and postings.

Ok.  So, yeah, Paris is awesome.  I'm already planning a return trip.  I could have easily stayed another week, but hubby had to get back for work.

We took tons of pictures.  Somewhere around 608, actually.  They are posted on facebook, in like 5 albums!  You must be my friend to see them, though.

Most French women wear their hair down or in a ponytail, which is what I did except for a couple of days.  The weather was mostly gorgeous, and a welcome break from the summer heat of AZ.

I am now a member of the Royal Court of the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which starts in February 2011.  I'm very excited for this role, both for the improv. acting opportunities as well as the costuming.  Our first meeting is this weekend-this RC is a brand new thing at our fair.  Squee!!!

I just got notice that my role has been changed.  I was going to play Gillian Whyting, Marchioness of Berkely (the Queen's childhood friend) and am now Lettice Blacknall, Duchess of Somerset.  Well.  Guess I'm moving up in the Faire world.  This is a fictional Royal Court, not an historical one.

Squee!  I'm sooooo excited!!!  I've decided to take up blackwork embroidery for my costume.  I'm starting small, hope at least to do a handkerchief and dream of doing a partlet collar and/or cuffs.  At the very least I'll have an authentic activity to do while at the festival, making a sampler!

I've ordered some cassia from mehandi.com, I'm looking forward to trying her product.  Its been awhile since I used cassia.

I'm getting quite close to waist length and I think I want it longer.  Yeah.

I'd love to see your sampler in progress!

Hey Sakina, welcome back. I figured you'd enjoy the break from the southwest summer. Cool new icon, by the way. Your hair looks really dark.

Good luck with the embroidery.

Thank you for the welcome, Angel.  Paris was amazing and I can't wait to go back. My hubby took the picture at the Louvre- I didn't know he had taken it until we were downloading that day's pics.  It was quite dark in the hall, only natural light from windows.

Apparently blackwork looks far more complex than it is.  Thanks, I hope it works out-if not, at least I'll have some cool patterns for other project ideas.

Ugh!  I've been suffering with a headache since yesterday, complete with muscle spasms.  I got an adjustment that helped but its still hanging on.

I'm super excited for tomorrow's costuming meeting.  Hope my headache is gone by then. 

Also super excited for the Samsung Galaxy S I'll be getting very soon.  One of the Metro stations, Opera, I think, was completely decorated with the Galaxy adverts.  !

I tried a new deep conditioner I got from Whole Foods-olive oil and avocado.  It has a cone in it so my hair is super slippery (yuck) and the fragrance is so strong I can't stand the smell of my hair.  Won't be using that one again.  Found a new one I want to try on naturallycurly.com but they're sold out at the moment.

My cassia kits from mehandi.com arrived today so hopefully Monday we'll apply it.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend!  Woo hoo!!

Oh, and Halloween plans are underway.  I was going to audition for Fear Farm, but its an hour away from my house and I just don't want to drive that far 4 nights a week.  I'm hoping to catch another attraction that's closer to home.  That means I'm not throwing my own party this year.  I've been invited to one and frankly I'd just like to go to one.  Thinking of costumes, I was channeling Josephine, Napoleon's wife with my hairdo this morning.  I took some pics-I think it turned out pretty well for a trial run.  I might do the Edwardian vampire again, or use elements from that costume to make a hybrid Empire/Edwardian costume.

Good thing I didn't set an audition, 'cause I caught the flu.  Today is the first day I don't feel like I want to die.  I can't remember the last time I got so miserably sick.  Anyway, I'm glad to be on the mend.

So, being sick means I didn't apply the cassia treatment.  I hope to do it late this week or on the weekend.  My schedule is really filling up with Festival stuff-mainly fabric hunting at this point.  I have new patterns on their way, so I haven't even designed my costume which must be approved (as well as the fabric) before anything can be started.

While I've been sick I've been pineappling my hair which has proved to be quite nice and effective in keeping my hair out from under me while sleeping (well, trying to sleep in my case) and off my neck during fevers.

Aww. Hope you feel better soon, hon. :(

Hope you feel better and glad you had a good time.

Congratulations on being appointed to the Royal Court.

Have you heard of Fabrics Store.com?  Great place for linen in all several weights and blends.

Angel: Thanks.

Melusine: Thank you x 3!  Thanks for the recommendation.  I'd come across them in searching for handkerchief linen but find their site a little confusing.  I don't know anything about the weights of fabrics.  What do you recommend for a partlet?  I've been looking at silk gauze and silk organza but would love to have a suggestion from someone who sews.

Do you wear a partlet with your garb?

Feel better soon! :)

Thank you, Curlgirl64.  I am feeling somewhat better.

Today I actually managed a shower and to wash my hair.  I have a chiropractor appointment to go to this afternoon.
I'm still coughing a bit, my ears are about 3/4 plugged and I've got some congestion.  I had to cancel today's voice lesson though.

I've been using the DevaCurl gel for at least a month now and I want to go back to Kinky Curly Curling Custard.  I think I want both on hand to alternate and use the KCCC when I'm feeling like I want to be super wavy.

I'm hoping I feel well enough to get some fabric looking done today.  Don't know though, I haven't eaten much in the last 4 days.  Might be too soon.

Maybe relaxing is just the ticket!

FabricsStore will send you samples if you give them your address.  I got mine in less than a week.  The sheerest linen is good for shifts and partlets and pantaloons.  I ordered mid-weight in black for a skirt, which is what the site recommended, and got the package in 2 days!  Haven't had time to open it yet, probably will do that this pm.  I will let you know what it's like.  Several people at Bristol recommended them.

I have never worn a partlet, always just chemises.  I made one for my sister-in-law when I made the Shakespeare in Love gown for her and she finds it quite comfortable.  I used bleached sheer muslin.  I am right now upgrading my garb, from middle class to semi-court.  Rather than bothering with a partlet, I am going to either make a high-necked ruffled shirt in sheer muslin, for a first attempt, with a sheer linen to follow if I am successful, or order one from Pam Camera.  She makes lovely embroidered shirts, with custom designs, that are less than $100, last time I priced them.  I know I won't do the embroidery, at most all I would do is edgestitch the ruffles.  Many people at Bristol shop with her.  You can find her on Facebook.

If you are going to make a partlet, either would work, but the gauze would be easier to work with and probably hold a crease better.  It would also probably be cooler, if the weather is hot.

Depending on how high court you are going, you may also need a neckruff (worn over the shirt or partlet collar) and sleeve ruffles, or a large lace collar and a supportasse.  You can get those from Very Merry Seamstress (Heather Piper) in NY.  I have bought from her and can recommend her work.  She also does custom, but you would need to get in touch with her shortly for next spring.

Hope this info is useful.  I am really interested, so let me know what you decide on.

Hope you are feeling better, too.

Thank you so much, Melusine!  I've sent a message to Pam and an email to Heather.
I'm looking at the silk gauze from Dharma Trading Company.

Would silk gauze make a good chemise or bloomers?  You did recommend sheer linen for the undergarments.
Our head of court costumes recommended handkerchief linen to me.  I found a source in NY @ 12.99/yd.  Is that the same thing?

Do you wear a petticoat under your silk underskirt?  Is it a front panel only, or full underskirt made of silk?  I'm trying to make my costume as light weight as possible.

Thanks, the info is most definitely useful and I am feeling better.  Didn't make it to the fabric store today, though.

Handkerchief linen and sheer linen are the same thing.  Handkerchief is just the old name for it.  I think linen or cotton or a blend of the two would be better for undergarments for laundering ease.  You can just throw it in the washer and dryer, plus if it gets stained, you can bleach it.  I always spill my bodice chiller and sometimes the bodice lining stains the chemise.  During Elizabeth's reign most clothing was wool.

Fabrics Store.com is having a sale right now and you can do much better than $12.99/yd.  They also have "doggie bags" which are remnants at a very good price and can be up to 4 or 5 yds.  I paid $6.50/yd for the black I bought.  They are located in CA, so shipping would probably be quicker.

I wear hoops under my skirts.  You can make the underskirt just a front panel and pin it to the hoop skirt, which is historically accurate.  I usually make a full skirt with a front panel, and sides and back of lightweight taffeta.  The overskirt will slide easily over the taffeta and not catch or bunch up.  Plus, your hoops won't show through if the overskirt is a light weight material, or very soft.

I find that on the hottest days a hoop will keep you much cooler because the fabric won't stick to your legs, and I do wear pantaloons to keep my thighs from chafing and to avoid heat rash.  If you do get a hoop, make sure the skirt isn't nylon; you want cotton or linen for air circulation.  Steel hooping is very expensive right now.  A few weeks I repaired a skirt for friend and couldn't get the hooping I used to use (the factory quite making it), so I bought a cheap nylon hoopskirt on E-bay, scavenged the hoops, and threw the skirt away.  You can find some hoopskirts that are just strips of twill tape supporting the hoops--no skirt at all.  Heather Piper sells hoop skirts made of cotton muslin and her prices are reasonable.

BTW, if you do get heat rash, Gold Bond Powder is the best treatment.  We sometimes have temps in the 90s with humidity of 50 or 60%.  With a bodice chiller, a fan and plenty of hydration, I have never gotten sick or passed out.

Let's see, what else can I tell you?  Oh, yes, a tall hat is cooler than a flat cap.  And if you do start feeling lightheaded, sit down and eat a big dill pickle.  That will fix your blood chemistry and you won't faint.

From the skin out, I wear pantaloons, a hip-length or thigh length chemise or shirt, hoopskirt, underskirt, overskirt, bodice, and next season, I will add sleeves to the bodice, which I will probably wear unbuttoned.  I don't wear a bumroll, but if you do, it goes over the hoop, and be sure to have your skirts made 3-4" in. longer in back to accommodate it.

I ordered my boots from Windwalker Moccasins; they are short 3-button and well worth the money.  I paid close to $400, but they are custom made.

Thanks, Melusine.  You're so helpful!!!

I'm finally mostly over the flu.  It took a while...this flu is nasty.

Hubby applied the cassia for me on Friday night.  My hair is a bit golden, dark gold.  I'm playing around with the idea of strawberry blond for faire since that's historically accurate.  I'm not crazy about the idea of maintaining the color, though.

I met with a dialect coach for my British accent and am so glad I did.  I watch British shows regularly, but there aren't many good examples of the way they used to speak on modern TV shows.  I know my character is going to ROCK with this accent. 

I'm still waiting for costuming approval on some pieces, and my blackwork books haven't arrived yet...waiting sucks.

Oh, and by Wednesday I will have my Samsung Vibrant!!!!  OMG I can hardly wait!  I'm super excited!

My phone arrived today!  I have it charged and just need to get over to the shop so they can transfer my old data.

:D

I bought some fabric today for my costume.  A lovely dark green, somewhere between emerald and hunter in a poly shantung so it looks like silk.  I was able to get more of the black and silver brocade I used last year and am in love with.  I plan on making a bodice w/sleeves with the green and possible the outerskirt.  I plan on using the brocade for a bodice and sleeves as well as a forepart.
I'm having a large French hood made from my left over brocade from last year.  I already have a caul and a bag we made last year.

I've ordered some linen (Thank you, Melusine for the tips!) for my partlets and either a chemise/bloomer set or two pair of bloomers.

Something strange is going on with the website that I ordered my blackwork books and sampler from.  I can't access it and I called the phone number twice and its been disconnected.
I'm not even sure at this time if my order had been processed or what's going on.  I'll have to investigate further to see if my credit card has been charged.
Damn!  I've really been looking forward to receiving my order!  Fie!!!

I'm thinking about trying the Tamanu oil I have on my scalp.  I've been using it on my fingernails as a moisturizer, but it is making them grow like crazy!  They seem to be quite strong, too.
Perhaps it will make my hair grow better?  A worthy experiment, I think.
You should not use Tamanu oil if you are allergic to nuts, btw.

New phones are always great. Dunno much about the Vibrant but I have a Mythic and it's pretty awesome. 8-)

The garb sounds lovely!  Should be fab with strawberry blond hair.

I have never worn a French hood.  Historically they are more Henry's era than Elizabeth's, altho' fashions changed much more slowly then and they were still being worn, by upper class women, of course.

Glad you are feeling better.  I got my flu shot 10 days ago and am hoping that it works.

Oooh, the experiment does sound worhty of a try.  Let us know how that works for ya!

Had a bit of a relapse, and am getting better every day.

I used the tamanu oil, and it absorbed really well.  Perhaps a once a week thing?  We'll see if I remember!

Tomorrow I hope to meet and get my design and swatches approved. 

I've decided to order some blackwork books and a sampler from another site, since the one I originally ordered from seems to not be working and I have had no response to my email and the phone is disconnected.

Hubby's in China for 10 days, boo hoo.  I'm feeling lonely.

Today I have a headache so I'm wearing pigtails.  Found a few big splits, more than 1 inch long.  Not much more than that though.  I think the pineapple-ing is a good thing for me.
Of course the cassia might also be helping.

I have a date w/the costuming person tonight.  I really hope she approves my choices!!!

Been watching LOTR trilogy.  Thinking about buying Elizabeth and The Golden Age...more costuming ideas and accent work.

I have two parties this weekend.  So, I hope I can pull off my French look w/my dress from my pirate party.  I'm going to try out the curlformers I bought a while back.  Doing a Marie Antoinette-ish look.  Gotta hit the costume store to pickup some white makeup.  I'm bringing French onion soup for this party.
First, I have a house warming to go to.  No costume for this one and I still haven't figured out what food I'm bringing.
I sure wish my hubby were here, I could really use his help!

So the green poly shantung got approved.  Yay!
The black and silver brocade I'm still waiting to hear about.
The linen has also been approved.
So, tonight I got out the sewing machine to sew a zigzag on the cut edges of the linen before laundering it.  Just as I was finishing, I smell something strange and see a bit of white smoke coming off the back of the machine.  Like where the motor is.  Uh-oh.

I bought some aida cloth, black floss and some embroidery needles to begin my blackwork journey.  Then I realize that I should have bought tapestry needles.  At least that's what was recommended for beginners.  *sigh*  Its only $1.49, so I might get some tomorrow.  Or I might just try it with the ones I already bought.  Anywho, I'm excited about trying it out.

I'm trying out the curlformers tomorrow night, in preparation for Saturday.  Need to get a couple more packages, though.  That should be interesting!

Well, I didn't do my trial run with the curlformers.  I fell asleep and didn't wake up until after 8pm.

Instead , I embellished a pair of black flip flops to go w/my outfit for Saturday night's theme party.  At the moment I'm taking a break from embellishing a 5" felt top hat.  I got a really cute fleur-de-lis pendant to use as the center piece for the hat decoration from Michael's Craft Store.

I found a cool tutorial for a Marie Antoinette hair do and makeup, I plan on basing my do on that.

Can't wait to see pics! ;)

Glad you are over the flu.  At least, what is going around this year isn't as bad as last year's version, according to what I hear from my students.

Hope your sewing machine can be repaired, if it needs it.   I think you can buy a new motor, but don't know how much that would cost.

How was the party on Sat nite?

Curlgirl: I only got a few.  My photographer is in China.

Melusine: Thanks!  I agree, not as bad as last year.
The party was OK.  It was really warm and the party was outdoors.  I had a housewarming earlier in the day that was more fun, but that was my Rennie friends.

I had a strange experience getting ready for birthday costume party.  Time didn't allow for me to use the curlformers so (eep!) I resorted to a curling iron.  Yes, I keep one on hand.  It hasn't been used in years and I was totally out of practice using it.  So much so that I had to do half of my head twice before I got the hang of it!  I did a deep conditioning today to hopefully minimize any damage getting worse.
As soon as I find the data cable I'll get them downloaded.  I wish I had more pics to choose from but hopefully these turned out good.

OK, I got the pics downloaded.

This is from my friend's birthday party.  We were supposed to dress up like the part of our ancestry that influences us. I chose French, having recently been to Paris and falling in love w/Versailles.  I have French ancestry on my paternal grandmother's side.
Sorry for the crappy quality
http://i52.tinypic.com/dxid5w.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/24e0pr9.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/r8cg87.jpg

Hey, those pics are just fine!  Believe me, I know how hard it is to take pics of yourself!

Thanks, Curlgirl.

Nice pictures and great costume!

Thanks, Melusine.  It was fun.

Hooray, hubby comes home today!  And he said he bought me lots of presents!!

My hair seems more oily than usual since I did the cassia treatment.  I don't know what to think about that.

Tomorrow is the cast picnic.  I really hope it miraculously cools down.  It is really hot and humid today.  Typically I love hot weather, but ENOUGH already! 

Curlgirl: send some of that rain my way, pretty please?

I'm workin on it, Sakina!

Curlgirl:mission accomplished.  You can back off with the hail, though.  Poor trees.

About the curlformers: I tried 4 curls.  I need 8 curlers for those 4 curls because of the length of my hair, and that's just in front around my face.  I didn't get the instructions quite right at first, even though I have watched 3 different youtube clips on it.  Anywho, the result was quite good and I plan on giving them another try.
I think they might be the solution to getting the top layer of my hair to have the wave I want so it matches better with the rest of my natural wave.

>:( I asked for rain not hail!!! ::)  Somebody "up there" is NOT paying attention!!  I will now talk to Someone in a higher position,either Mother Nature herself or her boss. 
Sometimes it pays to just skip the middleman and go to the person who will take care of business!!!! ;)

Curlgirl: your efforts are appreciated, even if the message got garbled.  (LOL)

I've been super busy making the cutest mini witches hat and today I finished it.  <3
Also working on skull hairpins.  Gosh, I love Halloween.
Very disappointed with the decoration offerings in the stores-minuscule!!!

Lucky for me I have an abundance of props.  This year I have picked up a few bat props so its all good.

Been trying to reason out how to achieve an Elizabethan hairstyle for my Ren character.  I haven't experimented yet but have a couple of ideas.  I could of course wear a wig, but I'd rather do my own hair if I didn't take to long or weigh too much.

;)

Quote:

Very disappointed with the decoration offerings in the stores-minuscule!!!

And low quality. Thank you, crappy economy. :P

Angel:Totally!

Got a few more items at a Spirit Halloween store that was next door to the restaurant where hubby & I had dinner.

My hairpins turned out really good, I just need to make some more with the skulls in different position on the pin to maximize wearing options.

Am having great fun w/hubby figuring out his costuming needs.  They have a contest at his work, and we have a party to attend as well as the 31st itself.  Fun!!!

I've recently been watching Elizabeth movies as research for my Duchess character.  In Kate Blanchette's "Elizabeth" there's a hairstyle she has that's been on my mind.  Its from the beginning of the film when she's a young girl living in the country.  So, I'm thinking about this and thinking of how I might emulate it and while this is certainly not that, it just sort of evolved from the idea.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2mo56h4.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/2vbajco.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/2hrlvs8.jpg

And since its October:
http://i54.tinypic.com/2hfj2qb.jpg

Maybe someday I'll figure out the original style.

I'm feeling a bit bummed.  The silver and black brocade I like so very much was not approved for my costume.  I can use it on accessories and as trim but not as the forepart of my skirt.  Dang it!  I need to go fabric hunting again.   :'(

The pics are great!!!  Love the hairpins,too!  Nice work! ;)
Bummer about the fabric,but that just gives you another excuse to go fabric shopping!!

Thanks, Curlgirl.  I found 2 skull & crossbones bracelets for $3.95 and I just took them apart and used the skulls for the hairpins.  I think I'll use the crossbones for a headband and I think I'll make two sets of skull bobby pins.  Gluing the crystals in the eyes was the hardest part. 
A tip: use the bottom of a birthday candle to pick up little pieces like the gems.  It works great.

I guess I was just hoping to be done so construction of the garment could begin.  Hrumph.

Quote:

A tip: use the bottom of a birthday candle to pick up little pieces like the gems. It works great.

That's a great tip. And I gotta admit those skull bobby pins are pretty cute. 8-)

Angel: Shanksh.

I had a very rough weekend after my spinal adjustment on Friday.  All kinds of muscle spasms put quite a damper on my plans.  Well, that and a migraine.
I got an adjustment today along with some ultra sound massage and am feeling much better.

I feel like I'm loosing hair more easily lately.  Perhaps its from my less than stellar diet lately or from stress.  I've decided I'm going to begin regular meditation and yoga again to see if that has a positive effect on my hair like it will on the rest of my life.

The movie "Eragon" is on.  I think Jeremy Irons is pretty hot and has a very sexy voice.   ;)

I loved tonight's episode of "Castle", with the Steampunk vibe.  One of my friends, Nola, was an extra in that scene.  Unfortunately she was merely a flash at the very end.  Her garb is gorgeous-which she designed and made herself.  She is a costume designer, a very talented one.

Oh, I love Castle!  --Haven't watched Monday night's episode yet, though (probably tonight).  Those skull hair pins are to die for, darling.  Skull...die for...  bwahahahahahaaaaaaaa.  *ahem*   8-)

Trisha: Yeah, Castle is fun to watch.  And no bones about it, you're funny. *ahem*

Today I dragged myself out of the house to my Pilates class.  Then on to Whole Foods and finally home.

WTF-its 90 degrees today and supposed to be 97 for the next two days.  I hope we get a fall 'cause the scarves I bought in France are giving me dirty looks waiting to be worn in public!  Sacre bleu.  I don't know how to make the accent aigu.

You can never go wrong with meditation,pranyama, and yoga!

I am so sorry it is so hot where you are.  I have been watching TWC and am amazed.  I am glad the wildfire didn't come near you.  It has been hotter than normal here, too.  The students are still wearing shorts and flipflops.  We are supposed to get rain tomorrow and lower temperatures.

Hope you feel better soon.  Muscle spasms, particularly in your back, are no fun.  Been there, done that myself.

As for the fingerless gloves, I have been looking for forest green or black yarn in sock weight for myself, but haven't found it. I did find a black/gray/white yarn that would knit up in stripes, if you would like that.  I thought it was a nice combo.   I am going to a couple of yarn stores on Fri. to look for the finer yarn.  I can find it in worsted, in both colors, which will work; I just prefer the finer yarn.  You get a closer fitting, more delicate glove.  If you don't care, I will just get the heavier yarn and get started.  Let me know which color you prefer, or I will do both.  Please measure the circumference of your palm.  $20 would cover the cost of the yarn and the work.

Melusine: Yeah!  It was 97 degrees today.  We've been very lucky about the wild fires.  We live close to the Tonto National Forest and it is always a concern, so far so good.

Thanks for the well wishes.  I am doing better.  May be getting some new orthodics in hopes it relieves some of the pressure on my back muscles.  I have a scoliosis from my accident that pulls me out of whack regularly.

About the gloves: I cannot wear any type of wool.  I think the plainer the better.  We don't have a costume nazi yet, but we're well on our way.  My palm measurement is 7.5".  I think I'd like finer yarn as well, both for fit and look.  I need to wait for the 22nd before I can send my check to 'ya.  :)

Today I've been working on some Halloween hair accessories.  Some specifically for my '50's pin up femme fatale vampire costume for the party and others for my witches costume.

Hubby and I got out the Halloween lights and have been shoring up the sign we usually hang above our garage.  We have a few things hanging up, lights and the sign will go up tomorrow night.  Just in time for some rain, I think.  :P

I'm at a frustrating length at the moment.  Longer than BSL but not yet at waist.  I keep looking at my hair and thinking "Ugh, not there yet!"  I am grateful for the length I have but...I guess I'm focused on the wrong thing.  Grrrr.

Quote:

I'm at a frustrating length at the moment.  Longer than BSL but not yet at waist.  I keep looking at my hair and thinking "Ugh, not there yet!"  I am grateful for the length I have but...I guess I'm focused on the wrong thing.  Grrrr.

;D Totally hear ya.

Quote:

Trisha:No, it is not cassia.  BTW, there is no such thing as "neutral henna".  Henna is a totally different plant than Cassia Obavata, which is what you want.  Please read this: http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/cassiaobovata.html http://www.mehandi.com/shop/cassiaobovatabuy.html I buy my cassia from http://www.hennacaravan.com/shop/hair.html I hope I've helped.

Now that hubby is working again and our finances have improved, I'm back on the cassia trail again.  I've looked at the pages above and...let me see if I understand.  Cassia can be used, in conjunction *with* henna, as a dye for blondish and grey hair, BUT it can also be used (alone) as just a conditioner.  Is that right? 

Hi, Trisha.  Cassia mixed with henna will give a strawberry blondish color to lighter natural hair colors and greys.  When used alone it acts as a conditioner and will not leave any color if you do not mix it with acid (like lemon juice) or if you have dark hair. The yellow molecule of color is too light to show up if your hair is dark.  I get a kind of golden cast to my dark blonde/light brown hair.  Honestly, I'm not even sure what I'd call my natural color.
If your hair is super light, cassia could leave a golden color when mixed with acid.

I hope that's clear.  :-/

Ahhhh.  Its such a disappointment when someone lets you down.  When it alters your perception of them.  I think its a case of their true nature being revealed and so I'll waste no more time with them.

I wish the sides of my hair were thicker.  They used to be.  I suspect birth control pills may be the culprit.  I've been massaging the area and I do have new growth.  Its gonna be a long time before they catch up in length.  Perhaps I'll consult my hairstylist on my next trim which is sometime in November.

Hubby and I did more outdoor decorating tonight.  Heeheehee, its pretty spooky.  Yay!

Quote:

Hubby and I did more outdoor decorating tonight.  Heeheehee, its pretty spooky.  Yay!

:D Pics?

Sakina wrote on Oct 15^th, 2010 at 3:41pm:

Hi, Trisha.  Cassia mixed with henna will give a strawberry blondish color to lighter natural hair colors and greys.  When used alone it acts as a conditioner and will not leave any color if you do not mix it with acid (like lemon juice) or if you have dark hair. The yellow molecule of color is too light to show up if your hair is dark.  I get a kind of golden cast to my dark blonde/light brown hair.  Honestly, I'm not even sure what I'd call my natural color. If your hair is super light, cassia could leave a golden color when mixed with acid. I hope that's clear.  :-/

Yes, you explained it very well, thanks dear!   :)

I'm sorry someone disappointed you.  But look at it this way; at least now you know their true nature and, as you said, you can stop wasting time and emotion on them. 

Hi, Sakina, sorry for taking so long to get back to you.  Okay, your hand is the same size as mine, so fit will be no problem.  I just need to know if you want forest green or black.  I didn't get to the yarn store, but will get there next weekend, I hope (my mom is coming up for a visit, but she likes yarn, too).  I also will stop by Michael's, but wasn't able to find either color at JoAnn.

Melusine:no worries. 

To all my LongLocks friends:
I'm sad we won't be meeting here anymore.  I'm grateful for all that we've shared and the friendships we've forged.  I wish you all maximum joy, health and prosperity.

If you want to remain in contact with me, I'll leave it to you just send a PM.

OK, that's all for now.

In the future, look on youtube for upcoming hairstyling tutorials from me, under ivannabalonghair.

Good growing, everyone!