“Vi, you are so different. I mean, it's cool. You’re just different.”

“Yes, we can hang out but, PLEASE no museums or art exhibits today.”

“You’re the first black girl I’ve met who (insert any normal human behavior).”

"You're so earthy...with your natural hair and all."

“You are like a weird, hippie black girl.”

These are direct quotes from some of the people I love most in the world. And I’m not offended by them at all. Heck, they’re mostly true. I spent so many years trying to get a good grip on who I am and what I’m supposed to accomplish in this crazy life that I get all mushy inside anytime someone makes an assessment of who I am that is even remotely accurate. So, today I’m letting the world (or at least the few friends and family who will read this blog) know that YES, I AM THAT WEIRD HIPPIE BLACK GIRL. Ahhh…now, that I've gotten that off my chest, I’ll let you in on a few of my weird hippie black girl secrets.

First, people always want to know about my hair. I’ve been natural for about 8 years with one shameful relaxer somewhere in between. I mean, is it even possible to be a relevant, black, feminist, hippie, weirdo without unruly natural hair? I guess it’s possible but definitely not recommended. I don’t buy into the idea that women have to have silky-straight hair falling perfectly down their backs to be beautiful. My hair is the ultimate expression of the freedom I strive to fully embrace. And let's face it, nothing is better than your hair blowing in a good gust of wind and feeling the cool breeze all the way down to your scalp.

Another one of my weird hippie super powers is that I avoid over the counter medications like the plague. Honestly, I haven’t done much research about this and don’t really care to. My own logic tells me that my grandfolks and great grands had headaches and cramps and other normal discomfort and pain and they survived without popping pills. I do understand the occasional need for immediate pain relief but I think we can push through most minor ailments. Also, natural remedies are a good alternative that actually work but that is a whole other post. And I won’t even get started on my concerns about birth control pills. Let’s just say I’ve never taken a single one (and I only have one illegitimate child to show for it LOL). I’m hoping that someday my body will thank me for not ingesting lots of man-made pharmaceuticals.

Also, I practice yoga and meditation AND still love Jesus. I like to think that yoga calms me down so I can hear God more clearly. I know some people feel it’s sac religious but here is my proof that meditation in and of itself makes God smile: “blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, or stands in the way of sinners, or sits in the seat of the scornful but his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” -Psalm 1:1-2. As long as we're meditating on things that are lovely and kind and beautiful, we're all good.

~~Sometimes, I talk to strangers.~~ I talk to strangers quite regularly. I’ve found that it can be very liberating. Although it freaks my family out a great deal, I like to challenge myself to strike up random conversations with people in checkout lines and at gas stations. You’d be surprised how many meaningful encounters have come from me breaking out of my comfort zone. Everybody has a story to tell but not everybody has someone to listen. I'm just trying to help balance the scales.

Aside from the above mentioned stuff, the following is a list of all the weird, black girl-hippie things I do that make people look twice, ask questions and sometimes feel uncomfortable because they are not easy to categorize and certainly don't fit into tiny little boxes like race and class. I love country music (old country more so than the newer stuff). I enjoy scrapbooking and often make handmade greetings for my loved ones. I take a glass of wine with my dinner and without it sometimes. I could never survive this life without good books, poetry or quaint little coffee shops where troubles seems to disappear. In fact, I read so much that I haven't had cable in over 5 years and I don't miss it at all. When I do watch TV, it's usually a documentary, which I prefer over any other film format. I’m addicted to rummaging through thrift stores to find treasures that have been lost or let go of. And I would venture to say that about 40% of my wardrobe is used. I gravitate toward society’s outcasts and have found that they are the most genuine, least judgmental humans you’ll ever come across. I wear my hair in it's most natural state. I only wash with shampoo once a month (proven to help with hair growth and overall healthiness). And street festivals... I mean who doesn't love an outdoor event with live music, art and artists and carnival food? And lastly, I love to write. When I'm sad, I write in my journal. When I'm happy, I write poetry. When something bothers me, I write an article. When I've exhausted every other outlet and still feel slightly unfulfilled, I write a blog called Vi verses Life. Amazingly, none of the things I love seem un-black to me. In fact, this stuff is so embedded in my heart that it could never be anything other than black (because I’m black, of course). Essentially, I am proof that stereotypes are ridiculous and only hold merit with the simple minded. Cheers to the people who live and let live; the ones who do the things they love without fear or conformity. The ones who are weird and proud. Crazy and unbothered. This is for all the weird hippie black girls of the world and every other person who has been categorized by their preferences rather than their person. May we always have the courage to be who we are.

-Vi

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