It just HAS TO BE SAID!!

I really love all of the people  I have met in 2009 as a result of blogging, vlogging, etsy-ing and being a part of this fabulous natural community. When I started my blog I really had no idea what to expect. Would you believe, I thought I was going to be the first person to tackle the issue of natural hair acceptance on the internet?!?!?!? Yes! I was completely oblivious to the many wonderful resources us naturals have.

I was rolling up my sleeves and preparing to fight the good fight solo, when the most amazing thing happened.  I MET YOU and found out I was one of many. I found out  I was a small fry in this natural game! I found out about places like Black Girl with Long Hair and Leave in the Kinks and Le Coil and Curly Nikki... and, well, you get the hint. But I found out I WAS NOT ALONE, and that was a wonderful discovery. So thank you to all of the many wonderful people I have met in 2009 for the roles you have played in my feeling included in this community.

It hasn't even been a year yet and already there are 260+ followers here on Naturally Fabulous! For which I am so truly humbled and honored. Over on the Social Network , Natural Sunshine (which is just about 5 months old) there are already 614 members. When I sit still long enough to think about how many wonderful people I have met, just because of our desire to rock our natural textures, I can honestly tell you, I am AMAZED.

The love in the natural community is contagious, infectious and I can't imagine what I would be doing right this minute if it weren't for its abundance carrying me through 2009.

A couple days ago I was blog hopping and of course Leave in the Kinks was one of the first places I landed, only to see that they had mentioned lil ole me AGAIN!!!! I read what was written, blushed, felt SO HONORED and wanted to write a comment, but was in the midst of the never ending whirlwind which is my life and was not able to. But the post stayed on my mind all that day. I want to say to the ladies over there,

ZARA and MISS FIZZ,

Thanks so much for welcoming me into the natural community with open arms. I remember when I opened Peace Love and Sunshine Products, you wrote about me and encouraged support of my business (without me EVER saying anything to you about it). That day I was blown away by you and I continue to find myself in awe of your openess, and genuine interest in promoting natural hair acceptance.

When I read your blog I know I am not alone in my passion for natural hair acceptance. Even just a few puffs of LITK leaves me feeling recharged and ready to take on the world. I feel better prepared to demand my curls receive fair and equal treatment. And I know you'll be there to back me up!

I really love you guys and want you to know how much I appreciate your blog and your HUGE role in putting me on the map in this natural community. I want to jump through this computer and give both of you hugs, so accept this virtual version until we meet in person ** HUGE HUGS!!!!**

Thanks for the music when I was pregnant, and thanks for answering my many HTML, tech type questions.

You gals ROCK!!!!

♥♥

I have made so many friends this past year and to all of you... THANKS! Thanks for joining me on this ride and encouraging me along the way. Thanks for your comments, your feedback and being interested in my little 2 cents. I look forward to what we all accomplish in 2010.

UZURI ASAD, you rock!!  DIANNA (Natural Sunshine) you rock! MILAN, you are too cool! BRANDISS, we absolutely MUST make our way to Panera Bread as we have been planning.

 And LEILA (BGLH), you are SUCH a celebrity in my eyes. Whenever you e-mail me, comment on my blog or interact with me in anyway, I become star struck and I proudly  share the story with my husband. I am a HUGE fan of what you do and I wish you all the success in the world.

And to YOU, you know who you are, if you have ever sent me an e-mail, or left a comment or kind words of any kind,  TRUST ME when I say YOU MADE MY DAY!! Reading what you write to me is my payment. It's what keeps me going.

I know this was...different, but it just had to be said♥♥

~Sunshine