We almost had it all, Whitney

Unless you are living under a rock, I'm sure you have heard about the tragic passing of the beautiful icon, Whitney Houston. The sadness eminating on the internet, as well as around the world, is felt by everyone who ever heard this true angel belt out a single note. While her passing has bought us all into the reality that we will not always be a part of this world and to treasure our loved ones, it has also bought out such negativity and judgement. The comments I have seen over the past week have been despicable, ignorant, and disrespectful. We all know Whitney had her personal demons, as we all do. But for her name to be slandered in such a way after her passing is not only wrong, but disrespectful to her memory. Over the years, the only view I personally had of Whitney Houston was a beautiful, talented, God-fearing woman who, like all of us, lost her way. At this point in her life, I'm sure fans turned their back on her. But I never left, even though she'd never know it. Her songs sang the words of my life. The words that I could never find a way to express. The words I was so afraid to say. They sang to my broken heart. My crushed spirit. My Christian soul. Her body of work is something that will always be remembered long after we are all gone. To me, Whitney was the epitome of everything we'd like to be when it's all said and done, and we can learn a life lesson from her. A young girl from Newark, New Jersey with humble beginnings and a special gift from God. She did not waste or rest on her gift. She worked to become the black icon she was, and even facing more no's than yesses, she perserved to become a shining example of what you can accomplish with focus, dedication, and faith. To those who were slinging mud on her name, I am truly sorry for you, and I will pray for you. The perfection you believe you possess will only bring you low in life. To point out someone elses flaws, while harboring your own and doing nothing about them is hypocritical to the highest extent, and God will show you that. I admire Governor Christie's decision to have flags flown at half mast today, because she truly was a hero in both the Black community, and the world. You don't have to lose your life fighting for our country to be a hero. To our newest angel, Whitney: I only wish that as I progress in life, I can carry myself with half the amount of dignity and grace you did while being constantly scrutinized by the public eye. You are a beautiful icon of what everyone should try to be, and a shining example that nothing is impossible, and I think I can speak for everyone in saying we will truly miss you, and are praying for your family and loved ones at this time. We will never forget your voice, your discipline, your dedication to your craft, and the sacrifices you made for our enjoyment. We love you, sweet angel. Take your wings, good and faithful servant. You earned your rest. "Off you go Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly Father. When you sing before him, don't you worry. You'll be good enough." -Kevin Costner
-NaturallyNikki

Interracial Dating-Yay or Nay??

Alright ladies (and gentlemen, if you're reading) I heard that. It was a universal sigh from everyone who is tired of the topic, or tired of all the good ones being "stolen" away by that chick who sware she so fly, or that dude who has no rhythm. I KNOW, but just read! Why is interracial dating such a hot button these days? In my opinion, if you are color blind and see a person for their beauty, their attributes, mind, and all their good points, then kudos to you. Love is not limited to a color. I know we've all heard (or at least I have) "if she/he can't use your comb, don't bring him/her home!" While my grandparents always said this jokingly, they instilled in me that if the person made me happy and treated me how I'm accustomed to being treat, he could be yellow, pink, maroon, lime green with a streak of bright orange in his hair, and they wouldn't care, and I support that completely. However, this is more than once side to the race issue. While I do support interracial dating, the one thing I CANNOT stand is once someone begins to date outside of their own race, they start to down that race. For example, when a black man dates outside of his race, some (NOWHERE NEAR ALL) will say "ugh black women just so loud. They ghetto they always so angry and tough. I can't stand em!" Or black women will date outside their race and all of the sudden its "yeah, he treats me SOOOO much better than black men do! Black men always lying, playing games, and cheating. They don't wanna work. I can do bad all by myself!" Take it from a sista who has been played out, hurt, broken and everything else in my dating life, I have been through the "I hate black men" phase. But once I got over the initial pain, I was already to go back into the dating game again, with a black man.k It's a preference, but if I were to see someone of a different race I was interested in, I would also give him a chance. People, these stereotypes are not just designated to a certain race, but more so a certain type of person, and if you are constantly attracting that person over and over, its time to take a good hard look in the mirror and ask yourself (write this down) *ahem* 'WHAT AM I DOING TO KEEP ATTRACTING THIS PERSON??' I don't believe that the person you attract is the same person you are, but I do believe that you attract what you have already engrained in your mind that you will settle for. As women, we tend to wear our emotions on our sleeve and all over our face, and not only that, but we radiate those feelings so strongly that Ray Charles can see what we got goin' on! Men know when you are lonely, desperate, sad, and if you show this, they WILL jump on the opportunity to hurt you. Once again, not all men, but some.  So it has nothing to do with the color of their skin, but more so their morals, and their respect for others.   This is getting a little off topic, but you know what I mean. All of this to say open your mind! If you do, you could be pleasantly surprised. And if not, you will at least have an interesting story, and a memory. In days like this, we as a people need to stick together and open ourselves to love in a world that is so filled with hate. Ladies (and gentlemen), I know we love us some brothas and sistas, and there is nothing quite like that Gina and Martin, Cliff and Clair Huxtable, Michael and Jay Kyle type of love, but the bottom line is love is love. And its still beautiful. -NaturallyNikki

Welcome to NaturallyNikki!

First off, let me personally say thank you for coming to visit my blog! It will be about a variety of subjects from natural hair care, relationships, entertainment, current events, makeup, fashion, etc. I'm an aspiring writer, hence the blog. Besides, everyone needs something in their lives that keeps them productive, don't you agree? If you have any topics you would like to see covered here, feel free to make them known. I am ALWAYS open to suggestions! -NaturallyNikki