Quote of the Day

This is first and foremost to myself. It's not "OMG I've never thought about that; my life is forever changed" type stuff. Just a reminder of what I already know. Sometimes we all need a little push to do what may be outside of our comfort zone and make things happen.

Unexpected Inspiration

I browse through many beauty blogs, most of them specifically about natural black hair. After all, I want to read stories and tips that I can relate to. But occasionally I will run across a site that caters more towards straight-haired girls that still grab my attention. One such site is The Beauty Department. I mostly ignore the makeup posts, since they don't really feature dark skin and I'm smart enough to know that not all shades look right on all skin tones. But I do like to check out their tutorials for up-dos. Since my skills are still pretty limited, I like that they have simple but elegant styles that I can actually do. There are three in particular that caught my eye, but I may have to wait until my hair is a little longer to try two of them out. My hair is currently blown out, and with the weather forecast being kinda icky for the week, I'll be putting one of these styles to the test: The Quick Twist (for medium and short hair).

Quick Twists up do

 

Looks simple enough, right? So we'll see what happens!

 

What are some of your unexpected inspirations?

On Inspiration

I find that inspiration comes at the most inopportune time. In the middle of the sermon at church. While showering. When I'm supposed to be taking notes during staff meetings. During that limbo between being awake and being asleep. It's crazy... but not really. After all, that's usually when my mind isn't racing with 1001 things I should be doing, wish I was doing, wish I wasn't doing, refuse to do, etc. Instead I'm just kinda there, and the thoughts start flowing freely.

The other time when inspiration comes on strong is when I'm down. Let my relationship be on the rocks, or my job working my nerves. Suddenly my muse goes into overdrive. I assume it's because, in the back of my mind, I know that creating makes me feel better. Even when all I'm creating is an outlet for the messed up emotions that I'm experiencing.

Since my inspiration works on its own terms, I've learned to keep a notepad (or my phone) with me at all times, and to never be so busy that I can't stop to scribble my thoughts. My memory isn't the greatest, and those little burst of creativity are the most fleeting thoughts of all. I have to grab them when I can, and hopefully, when I get to sit down and make something of them I can make something that everyone will enjoy.