How to Get Natural Highlights {FabHealthFriday}

 {Howdy y'all!}

Guess what! As dictated by the title, I'm starting another column here on Apassionata, one specifically for health, herbalism, fitness and natural home remedies. And, as also dictated by the title, it will be posted every (hopefully at least!) Friday!

In today's FabHealthFriday kick-off post, we're going to talk about how to get beautiful, natural highlights in your gorgeous tresses.

Who doesn't love a little contrast in their hair?

I have never, ever dyed my hair, and believe that all women (and men, too, for that matter) have no business doing so. I believe God created all His creatures unique, and beautiful, everyone in his/her own, special way. Even just in the topic of hair, this applies so much. Look at all the different kinds of hair people have! My hair is straight and long, while my best friend's is super curly and shorter. Some people have naturally thick hair, while others complain their's is far too thin.

But whether you have a headful of raven black curls, a mop of fiery red kinks, or straight, coffee-colored tresses, you really should be thankful for the hair that you were born with. I have witnessed too many a lovely young woman dye the life out of their already-beautiful hair. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, and that is indeed in our nature as women to want to do so, but it's a whole other thing when you become discontent with your hair and want to alter it drastically because of that.

Besides, when you chemically dye your hair, you're actually weakening and destroying your lovely tresses. The chemicals in most hair dyes are extremely harsh and can cause a good deal of stress on your locks.

Maybe, however, you have noticed slight, natural highlights of another color in your hair, and you happen to really like those natural highlights. You would like to bring them out, draw attention to them, enhance them.

Or, perhaps you don't exactly have any noticeable highlights and you'd like to naturally add in some.

The following was taken from "Happy Hair at Last", a great hair article on BulkHerbStore.com. (love that site!)

"Do you want to have red highlights? I did last spring! You can get beautiful red highlights by using Calendula Flowers, Red Rooibos Tea, Red Rose Petals and/or Hibiscus Flowers as a final hair rinse. I simply used a quart jar and put approximately 3-4 teaspoons of the dried herb of choice (you can use just one of the herbs or all four herbs) into the jar and poured boiling water over the herbs. I let it steep for 10-15 minutes, and then strained the herbs out and let the tea cool.

After I shampooed and conditioned my hair, I poured the cooled tea over my hair, catching the tea in a bowl under my head so that I could pour it over my hair several times. I did not rinse my hair after that, but rather let my hair air dry with the tea still in it. You can rinse the tea out of your hair, but if you don’t the highlights will show up more quickly. This is an all-natural way of achieving highlights, so don’t expect the highlights to show up right away. Sometimes it can take a month or two to start seeing the color.

I am going blonde this summer and for blond highlights, I am using Chamomile Flowers (whole or powder will work), Calendula Flowers, and Lemon (peel or juice will work). I had dark highlights last fall and used Rosemary, Nettle Leaf, Black Tea, Lavender, Black Walnut Hull Powder, Cinnamon, and Coffee to get that color. Follow the above red highlight rinse instructions, substituting the blond herbs for blond highlights, or the dark herbs for dark highlights."

I have been using red rooibos tea as a rinse for my hair, the last several weeks. I have natural, auburn/burnt orange highlights in my hair, and I have always loved them. When I came across this article, I was thrilled to discover a chance to naturally bring out and enhance my highlights. I would highly suggest using this article above if you would like to enhance your pre-existing highlights or even get some entirely new ones.

And, besides the tea rinse being a good source for adding and enhancing that natural contrast in your mane, it's ALSO incredibly great for your hair's health in general. Ever since I started using the red rooibos tea as rinse after my shower, my hair has felt healthier and softer. Of course nobody in their right mind would turn away the possibility and chance of having silkier, more vibrant looking hair, no?

Do you have highlights? Have you ever tried enhancing them naturally? I'd love to hear about it!

Blessings,

Getting from Point A to Point B {writerly wednesday}

(taken while at Wheelock College, in Boston MA eariler this year.)

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Writerly Wednesday!

Doesn't that sound charming? I don't even know if 'writerly' is a word. But whether or not it is, I am starting a new column on Apassionata, hopefully-every-Wednesday, concerning the grand and glorious (most of the time, anyways) topic of writing!

I figured this blog has gotten to be both neglected and, like me, scatterbrained. Randomness with no rhyme or reason. Hey, I can't even tell you when my next blog post will be!

So. I figured I needed to force myself to be a little more orderly and put-together on this blog.

I am going to try to have a health/fitness/herbalism column, and maybe a guest post now and then.

Today, I want to talk to you about something many of us novel-writers face.

There are many tough spots that we must overcome, in being an author; but one of them which I have been hearing quite a bit about lately is how to get from point A to point B.

Does this scenerio relate to you?

You've written out a plan for your novel. You've mentally pondered upon the details, mulling them over and over again night and day. You already have a plan for exactly what happens to each character. You've planned an intense climax for the middle of the book, and a  brilliant, unexpected conclusion for the ending.

You're absolutely DYING to get to that dramatic scene where your MC clashes with her mortal enemy at the grocery store while picking out sugar-free yogurt. You're itching to write that heart-wrenching part where she loses the love of her life, or maybe the sequence where she discovers what REALLY happened to her long lost parents.

Only problem is, that scene with the mortal enemy doesn't come for at least 5 more chapters. And MC losing the love of her life? It feels like an eternity away before you'll make it to THAT part. You might as well forget about discovering the secret of her parents, at this point.

You're not sure how you'll get to those scenes, and before you know it,  you find yourself stuck in a morass of writer's block.

So what do you do, when this happens? How do you get from point A to point B, and accomplish doing so in an interesting, captivating manner which will hold the reader's attention?

I am not claiming to know it all. I assure you, I have much to learn still.

However, in my four years of writing The Rebels of Florida, I have learned quite a bit about writing, and this problem I have encountered often.

My advice?

1. If you're stuck at the beginning of the book, and not much is seemingly happening in the story, focus on making sure the reader gets well aquainted with your MCs. Expound upon questions: Why is so-and-so where he's currently at in life? How did he get there? What are so-and-so's goals for life? What does so-and-so believe? Does he have any passions which keep him fired up about life? Is he currently stuck in any predicaments or struggles? While doing this, try not to give all their back story away, as this can be delved into later, and you can always keep your readers guessing in some way or another. Introduce your characters in a way which causes the audience to love them and want to know more about them. Make their character and being distinct and memorable, paint a clear picture in the reader's mind. Build up gradually to the climax. Stick in little clues which, when the reader has finished the book and looked back at the early chapters, will all piece together to form the dramatic conclusion . Tuck in little tidbits which will point to the climax you're anticipating.
2. If you're stuck at the middle of the book, and that big, dramatic scene with the mortal enemy is literally chapters away, this can be one of the toughest spots. If you're writing a novel based closely upon reality, I would suggest focusing on the MC's life....not the flamboyant, elaborate parts of his life, but the mundane, everyday rituals which he must perform. Stuff which takes up 98% of his life. Because we all know that 98% of our life is going to be everyday routine, and 2% skydiving and chases through the Amazan rainforest. (For most of us, at least.) Unless your character doesn't fit under the 'most of us' catagory, he will be more believeable and relateable if you focus on the peeves he must deal with daily. So he hates washing dishes, but he does it because he wants to help his elderly grandmother. He spends an hour or two everyday mucking out horse stalls because he and his family live on a large farm in nowheresville. Bring out the reality you want to portray for your MCs.
3. Delve into back story. If you can't think of what to write for chapter 12, consider focusing on the MC's past. Perhaps this is the chapter that she begins to seriously muse what became of her parents, so long ago that nobody remembered the details. 
4. Something else, that another writer recommended to me not long ago, is to plan out what happens in each chapter. In precise detail. Map out what events unfold in chapter 4. Blueprint what occurs in chapter 25. You can always change or alter the chapter map if you wish. This has helped me greatly, and it helps me feel a ton more organized and relaxed about my book. You might want to just spend an hour or two creating a strong chapter map before you jump back into the actual writing process.    

So these are a few tips. I hope they have been helpful to you writer friend who are reading this. I know that not everyone is writing historical fiction, and I know many lovely people who are writing fantasy and genres completely opposite to historical fiction.

Nonetheless, some of these notes can apply to virtually any genre, in principle.

Each person's writing will vary vastly from another's. Don't try to compare yourself to other people and their work. Your style is your own, and yours alone.

Blessings,

Poker Face

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"He scanned the group full of people with his dark eyes, potraying an emotionless and almost hardened expression on his face. His emotions, contrary to what he was manisfesting physically, were going haywire; yet he dared not show them. His mind was racing, and his heart whammed against his insides like a hammer, the force making it difficult for him to stand completely still. People were staring at him, glaring at him, leering at him. He could reveal none of  his inner thoughts or feelings. He didn't dare let them escape from his soul. He had to leave that poker face painted exactly the way it was when he had first put it on. His survival relied on it."

---

Ok, so the photo of the clover flowers which I took in DC a month ago has NOTHING to do with today's post. Nothing whatsoever. And no, the little blurb of drama above doesn't come from any of my written works in progress. It's based off of several different characters within those projects, though. Several of my charries have been in the guy above's shoes. Some are in this scenerio quite often and painting on a poker face is just a part of their everyday routine.

The poker face. One of the best expressions you can use when you are trying to appear enigmatic, fearless or inconspicuous. Or all the above. Maybe you want to hide your fear or concern for the good of those younger siblings of yours who might be worried or confused if they saw you crying or wide eyed in terror. Maybe you have potential enemies surrounding you at every angle as you walk down a crowded city sidewalk. You must appear low-key, unassuming, unobtrusive. You walk with your eyes staring blankly ahead of you, ignoring the eyes which may be watching you that very minute. If they knew who you were...things could get very bad, very quick. You must appear very unremarkable.  

Or perhaps you are leading your little siblings through the wilderness, trying to escape from a Communistic governement which would imprison you for your beliefs. You don't dare show any fear in your eyes lest the littles see, which they certainly need not. They're already scared enough as it is; they need you to be strong when they are not. So you dare not let them down. You put on a poker face.

There are many cases and instances when this expression comes in handy for less serious, dire reasons.

Most of us aren't being chased through jungles and sneaking through NYC on a mission of utmost importance.

We do however face challenges and struggles daily which either make or break us. Maybe you give your brother a compliment and he snaps back angrily at you for something you thought he'd long forgot about. Maybe you thought you finished washing all those dirty dishes and you turn around to find a whole counter-full more of them behind you.

Little things which irk, frustrate and annoy. These can be the hardest times for putting on a poker face or, even better, smiling and keeping a cheery countenance, which is what we as Christ-followers SHOULD be doing.

Sometimes a poker face is necessary, and many times it would be far better for us to simply paint one on instead of letting our true emotions flow out upon those around us. While it can be a good thing to allow yourself to be transparent, especially with immediate family and very close friends, there's also a very valid need for poker faces, too, in the proper times.

One danger which has wrecked, destroyed and even killed, in some extreme instances? Saying too much. Showing too much.

There's a time and a season for everything.

Back to using poker faces in writing, I admire my characters which are constantly utilizing the expression. Or, more fitly. I respect them. They are not squishy sissies who babble goofiness and wear stupid looks on their faces. Although some of them are hardened, jaded and skeptical of most everything, they do not speak idle words and they watch and calculate every move they make because their utter survival depends on doing so. Amidst their brokenness or rough pasts, they have learned to control their tongues and guard their lips.

That is not an easy thing to do. And even though it would be very nice to see them smile once in a while, I still respect them because they posess quite a deal of discipline. Not everybody does and it's a hard thing to aquire.

Well, there's your very random post on poker faces. Whether or not it will be beneficial to you? I don't know. But I hope it will be. :)

Sincerely,

 

 

Hammered Dulcimer Addictions + Everyday Blessings

My most recent sketch, which I titled "Classical."

Did I ever tell y'alls how much I am suddenly addicted to bluegrass? Did I ever mention how recently I came to be utterly obsessed with hammered dulcimers?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxjpYHhfRyI&list=FLJItj_F5RPF5MzmzjKFjxMA&index=3

Here is one of the hammered dulcimer performances I am currently addicted to. It all started a couple days ago when a friend from church gave us some CDs of hammered dulcimer music. Oh.my.gosh. Can somebody say heavenly?!?!

I am thoroughly infatuated with the instrument now. If ANYBODY knows of a good one for sale...I needn't say more. *wink* Let's just say I will be forever in your gratitude if you happen to have one you wouldn't mind parting with. ;)

Besides that being my most recent obsession? Today was an awesome day. Really, it was. It was one of the most productive days I have had in a little while now.

 | Got schoolwork done that was lonngggggg overdue. | Kept chores and meal-making under control. | Started teaching my 2nd youngest brother to play guitar. | Worked in the 2nd garden plot behond the house which is a desolate patch of dirt right now than anything else. It USED to be lush, rich soil. But after months of neglect, that changed. |  Got to have lovely chats on the phone with some dear friends who live out of state and I haven't had the chance to talk with for AGES. | Got to fool around a bit on the piano! I'm not going to say I 'practiced' because I don't think the time I spent is worthy of that title. It was mainy just working on some of my own compositions and fooling around with creating some random new melodies. I get so sidetracked when I am playing the piano. One moment, I'll be working on a specific piece and the next I'm fiddling up some tune entirely different and of its own. | I continue to thrive on my insanity. | God is SOOOOOO good to me. I am soooo thankful to Him for all that He has done for me. <3

So. Today was a fabulous day. I forgot to mention, we have a new dog. His name? Diesel. Yes, Diesel. Hey, it wasn't my idea. :P He is who he is.

And I got to do another sketch at dinner. Hope y'all like it!

Blessings,

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Hey y'all, this is my film company's latest flick. We're trying to make it go viral and would really really really appreciate it if you could help us spread it around. There isn't much time left and there are 2 vital points in this film which people need to see.

The election is fast approaching. What are YOU going to do about it?

Blessings,

Randomosities, Art & Fluffy Nothingness

Well, today you get a big pile of stuff that doesn't even fit together. Randomosities. Blurdom. Craziness.

You get an attempted self portrait I did last night. I can't decide who it really is, though. Me, my contemplating, pondering self? Or ContentiousPianoNut (name changed to protect character), who is basically me in written form, in my novel? If that's the case than I gave her a SERIOUS hair cut which she would hate immensely. Of course, I guess I would hate it, too. But that's just the way I decided the hair would look best, here.

 I actually rather like how I did her...er...my hair. If you have any honest, blunt critique I would appreciate hearing it, even if you tell me you think my work is terrible. Personally, to me, these days, empty flattery is worth almost nothing and blunt truth is worth a million bucks or more.

It's an art to be able to tastefully portray what you're REALLY thinking about something, in a loving, gentle way, without coming across as sugar-coating it or dumping heaps of fake praise.

I appreciate compliments as long as they are heartfelt. If they are, then it's a blessing. Sugary cotton-candy consistancy fluffy nothingness? Words spoken simply because the person wanted to try and be 'polite' or overly generous? It is hard to stomach flattery. I am not bashing the lovely people who pour heaps of compliments and tell everyone "good job" a gazillion times. I know a number of very sweet people who do this and I am not saying it is evil. It can work well with little children in building confidence and affirmation of their talents and jobs well done.

There comes a point however when honesty and semi-blunt or even downright bluntness can enter and be fully appreciated. I embrace honesty and heartfelt words. The friend that may only compliment me once in a while? And, when he/she does, it is done very sparsly? I can usually tell they sincerely mean it when they tell me I did a good job.

It's harder to believe the person who dumps bucketfulls of "GREAT JOB!"s on you seemingly 24/7.

Sincerity.

There's an untold amount of value in that virtue.

Ok, ok, I'll stop ranting about fluffy nothingness and flattery.

Did I tell you this last Saturday Southern Lights got to play at another venue?

Well, in case I didn't. We did! The venue? The annual McIntosh 1890's Festival, which attracts 50,000 people yearly.

It being a super fun time of fellowship. My beautiful, sweet grandmother helped us with the transportation of getting there and accompanied us during the day, which was another huge blessing.

I know God blessed the opportunity and used us to point people towards Him. It was so amusing to watch people's reactions as they passed us or hung around and listened for a few minutes.

Typically, people appear either 1., amused, 2., curious, or 3., blessed, when they see/hear us playing.

We haven't been doing this but only two occaisons now, but Maygan had the idea to open her violin case so people could put in tips if they wanted. We just started doing this last week at the Micanopy Festival, and it went very well there. Here? We made almost 70 dollars in 1 hour. Let me make it clear, just in case the idea arises that we are performing for money, we aren't. One thing I didn't care for about having the case out was how it could possibly give us that appearance.

We play because 1., we want to point people to God through our music, and 2., we just love doing it for the fun of it. We don't need money involved, to have a great time. It IS an added blessing though, and we were blown away by how much the Lord allowed us to receive that day. It will help in saving for Maygan's new violin and my new guitar among savings, tithes, and other things.

One of the most common refrains I hear from people when we're performing is how they "never see accordion-players around anymore." Apparently I am the last accordionist on earth. (not really, (derrr) but they sure make it LOOK that way) I don't even know why entirely that I even picked the accordion as another instrument to play. It's such an awkward, unusual piece, really. And 16 year old American girls don't typically play them these days. I have yet to meet one and when I do that will be a most interesting event.

But it's kind of an amusing relationship, the accordion and I.

On the one hand, it is so big and clunky and rather humorous. But on the other hand, it is different, unusual, unique. Maybe I'm somewhat crazy for picking such an instrument at my age. But that's the side which I like. I love how people walk by, a perplexed look on their faces to see a young girl playing an instrument typically embraced by elderly people, and CERTAINLY not the teen culture of today. I can't deny that I like being different.

Here be my fabulous fiddling friend and I enjoying some ice cream after about an hour of music. Boy, was that stuff good, too. Mmmm.

Well, I'll stop jabbering now. I have algebra to work on and I'm sure you're probably bored to death listening to me yack about being an accordionist and all that insanity. DO tell me what you thought of the sketch though. I don't need to repeat my thoughts on sincerity and honest critique. 

Happy Tuesday!

Blessings,

 

Flames

As it gets cooler, I look forward to having more and more bonfires outside.

We have been having some lately, tonight was one of those evenings. I don't really photograph fire much but I had the notion a few days ago and finally acted on it today.

I also had the notion to take a couple photos of me with one of my knives. I have this thing about self-portraits with knives in them, yes, I know it is beyond crazy. It may or may not be slightly creepy. I don't know. You tell me.

I didn't intend to appear so...well, how would you describe it? Angry? Dark? Insane? Hm.

Maaaayyyybbeeeee I was picturing myself as Kelita, one of the characters from a screenplay I hope to film one day. Kelita, in one of her "don't you dare mess with me" moods, that is. :P

 Maybe I was being a bit overly dramatic.

And that spot above my eye, below, here? A mosquito I didn't have a chance to swat at.

One of these days I will have to rant to y'all about our horrid amount of those nasty little devils. Ugh.

So.

How has your Monday been? Crazy, insane? Maybe a tad dark? No? Well, I'd love to hear about it, anyways.

Con amor,