Something I wanted to do before I died

I went to Alisal Elem entry School in California as a kid, and I was the only Caucasian in my whole grade. Same for my two siblings there, for their grade. They taught in Spanish and English, rotating every other day. We spoke more Spanish than English, and my best friend was Nonya Clark. I loved going to her house and watching "Mama Marie" braid cornrows in Nonya's hair, and adding coordinating beads topped off with tinfoil. Mama Marie couldn't braid my hair like Nonya's b/c mine was too thin to grab, no matter the amount of 'grease' added.

So I taught myself to braid on my corn-silk cabbage patch doll. I braided so many people's hair just like in the photos below, over and over. I loved that I could be like Mama Marie. But never had the chance to be the recipient of such fun. So it became a "must do before I die" thing. Funny the things that are important to people.

Tim just loved that it only took 5 minutes to leave the house each morning while in Thailand! He then asked if we could find people in China to do it when we got home. Funny guy.