Wine Tasting at Duck Walk

On Saturday I went to Duck Walk Vineyards in Southhampton, Long Island for a wine tasting. I've always enjoyed drinking a glass of Chardonnay, so I was looking forward to taste what they had to offer.

I tried five different wines and though a Chardonnay was in the mix, the 2008 Aphrodite is officially my new favortie wine.



Before I could even taste this goodness, the aromatic smell of the Aphrodite drew me in. This wine has a frutty pleasant taste thanks to the honeysuckle, apricot, peach, and hint of spice. It is recommended to be served with dessert. I recommend to drink it anytime.

The other four wines were

2007 Chardonnay: Made with hints of pear, apple and vanilla. Great with seafood or chicken.


Windmill White: This wine displays hints of honey, pear and wildflower. Perfect alongside hor d'oeuvres, seafood, salad, and pasta.

Windmill Blush: Made with strawberry and rasberry fruit flavors. It's Long Island's challenge to White Zinfandel and can be eaten with barbecue foods, chicken, fish, and picnic foods.


Gatsby Red: A semi sweet blend of several red grape varieties along with plum, cherry, and spice flavors.


These latter four wines were not pleasing at all to my palate. They fit the defintion of "dry." To those of you that may not be accustomed to the wine terminology, just know that the first four wines can also be described as BITTER!

Overall, my wine tasting experience was enjoyable. I was just dissapointed that I could not get close to the actual grape vineyards.

Before the wine tasting, Brad, the tourguide, said that this site had been growing grapes since 1987. After a couple of different owners Dr. Herodotus “Dan” Damianos and his son Alexander bought the 30-acre vineyard in 1994 and renamed it Duck Walk. This vineyard grows five different grapes including Merlot, Chardonnay and the unique Pinot Meunier. Duck walk produces about 30,000 cases of wine a year. Now thats a lot of wine.

Three New Things I Learned About My Teeth

Yesterday I received a teeth cleaning for the first time in about five years. Thankfully, my hygienist told me that I was doing something right because I appeared to have no cavities and my gums were pink and firm.

During this visit, Ms. James my hygienist who has been practicing for over 30 years told me three useful tips that I would like to share with you:

• Brush teeth on an angle and be gentle. When brushing your upper teeth, the toothbrush should be pointed downward and for your bottom teeth, the tooth brush should be pointed upward.

(When my hygienist, Ms. James told me this, I responded by saying that’s not how they do it on TV. To which she replied why are you looking at an advertisement to tell you how to brush your teeth? I didn’t have anything to say after that.)

• Vigorous teeth brushing actually makes your teeth translucent. In turn, its harder for your teeth to have that dazzling white smile. Instead James said people ought to pay more attention to their gums since firm, pink gums (like mine, LOL) are the source of healthy teeth. She also said that whitening treatments are fine.

• Wisdom teeth don’t have to be removed if they’re not hurting you. James pointed out that wisdom teeth serve a purpose. They are just an extra pair of molars. Therefore they can help us grind our food better. Even if your wisdom teeth have a cavity, don’t pull them out! As an alternative, you could just ask for a filling.

I hope you learned something new but at the same time this piece of advice only scratches the surface. To learn more about great oral health, go to COLGATE.

Shout out to Ms. James who has so much experience in her field that she gave me content for a blog post by just having small talk during my treatment. I love that.

Perplexed and delighted at the NYC Ballet

Last night I was entertained by the classical sounds of Morton Gould, Sergei Prokofiev and George Gershwin at the 2010 Fall Season New York City Ballet in Lincoln Center. This was a new experience for me since the Nutcracker was the last ballet performance I saw as a little girl.



Now I am a fan of theatre, dance, and Broadway shows but the New York City Ballet is a bit different. For one the music is provided by an orchestra who at times put me to sleep. No manners? Right?

However, I will say that my eyes remained opened for the entirety of the last two acts which were “Opus 19/The Dreamer” choreographed by Jerome Roberts and “Who Cares?” choreographed by George Balanchie. “Interplay,” the first act, was also choreographed by Roberts.

As I was saying the New York City Ballet was boring at first. Then by the last act—“Who Cares”— things picked up once I heard songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “Strike Up the Band,” and “The Man I Love” all by Gershwin. Just like the Nutcracker, “Who Cares” was lively and it had a vague story line of girl meets boy, boy affectionately holds girl when they dance, and girl falls in love with boy.

Also “Who Cares” lived up to of all my expectations of what the ballet should be: romantic, ballerinas in pink tutus, and magical.

Unfortunately, for the first two acts this was not the case. Although most of the movements were graceful and beautiful, I just couldn’t understand for the life of me what the choreographers were trying to convey. This could’ve been avoided if the orchestra added some vocalists. Then, I would’ve been able to connect the dancer's movements with what the vocalist was saying.

Still I was very excited to say I attended the ballet but MsKonflicted would like to know what‘s the point of attending a high cultured event such as the ballet if you don’t even understand what’s going on? Just asking.

Trying to see the “Best in Me”

Marvin Sapp has a song called “Best in Me.” The chorus says “You saw the best in me when everyone else around me could only see the worst in me. “ It’s a great song that makes plain the love and mercy that God has for each of us.

But what happens when in addition to God seeing the best in you, so does everyone else? I would assume that you’re joyfully on your way to living out God’s purpose for your life. Great! Two thumbs up!

But what happens when God sees the best in you, your family sees the best in you, your friends see the best in you, random strangers you meet see the best in you BUT you only see the WORST in you?


What happens when a perpetual emptiness is with you throughout the day? An emptiness that makes everything feel pointless. An emptiness that causes you to forget important things like deadlines, doctor appointment and dear friends' birthdays.

What happens when you see that great future? But a part of you believes it’s a mirage that will quickly disappear as soon as you get close enough. A part of you that feels you’ll always be miserable.

What happens when you can’t shake these negative, self defeating thoughts? Even though you have a relationship with GOD. Even though you’re surrounded by people who really love you for you.

Without a doubt you will never fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

So why can’t I get it together? I have tried prayer, herbal concoctions, talk therapy, exercise, acupuncture and nothing lasts.

So now what? I must keep looking. That’s the only answer.

Recently, I had one of my “moods” as my very close, close friends are familiar with me saying. In these moods, crying for every conceivable thing that gets me upset or makes me feel overwhelmed is my choice of expression. Getting annoyed at the simplest question like when my little brother caringly calls to ask me “Shari, when are you coming home? It’s late. I’m worried about you,” gets no response in return. I usually disconnect the call.

Not nice. I know but during these moods I don’t want to be bothered with explaining anything to anyone.

What’s scary to me is at the age of 26, these “moods” are never far away. I’m up then I’m down. What’s frustrating is that these moods literally attack me like my indoor/outdoor allergies that have so many triggers it doesn’t even matter anymore if I dusted around the house or the pollen count is low outside. In time, my eyes will tear up.

I can’t give into this idea of seeing the world as a dark, lonely place any longer especially when people say that I light up their world. I just want to begin to light up my own world so that the happy episodes grow longer while the darker periods grow shorter.

Please pray that I figure out the solution to this persistent depressive mood that takes my joy away every time I feel like I’m getting better. I believe in the power of prayer and I know that the squeakiest wheel gets the oil. So I’m sharing this so that you can include me in your prayers.

GOD, HEAR MY HUMBLE CRY.

Exchange Art wants to level playing field

You’ve heard of Netflix, R-A-C (Rent-A-Center,) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. These companies were successful because they offered people a necessity or a luxury—depending on how you look at it—for a period of time at a reasonable cost. But where do you draw the line between necessity and want?

Hardcore fashionistas who must have the latest designer duds can now rent a classic Louis Vuitton bag at sites like bagborroworsteal.com. Many of you Mary Jane dressers may think that’s a waste of money but the creators of bagborroworsteal.com who have over one million members that each pay between $5 and $10 per month are shaking their heads in disagreement all the way to the bank.

So movies, cars, furniture, and designer clothes are all fair game in the rental category. What about art? Yes, what about showcasing a piece of art in your home from the next Jacob Lawrence (aka the unknown artist in your city) for a couple of months. Curious? Read on to find out more...

Jonathan D. Pierre feels that just because young urban professionals lack the funds to purchase an expensive piece of fine art that should not prevent them from displaying art in their home.

“There are a lot of things in life where you can say well if you can’t afford it you shouldn’t have it but … art is something to me that should and can be appreciated by all. It shouldn’t be exclusive because… everyone can find a piece of art that resonates with them …no matter what your background is,” he said.

With that in mind, Pierre teamed up with Shante Cozier three months ago to launch exchangeartnyc.com. The web site was set up for anyone who creates art to have their work seen, shared, and appreciated. He got the idea after hosting a charity art show with Cozier and meeting artists who didn’t have a venue to display their work once the event ended.

“We’re here for the artist. There are many artists out there that might not have the marketing capabilities or the marketing ‘know-how’ to get their name out there or have the connection to get themselves into galleries or restaurants, “explained Pierre who has a background in public relations.

Acquiring pieces of art from Exchange Art is similar to renting a video even though Pierre does not like the connotation. He likes to think of the site as a community and here’s why. A person can “exchange” a piece of art for a period of time that they determine with Pierre. Then that piece of art is on to its next destination.

“We don’t believe in having the word rent in our lexicon, we really are a community. It’s an atmosphere of sharing in the sense that the art you may be seeing today was in someone else’s house last month is the piece that went in someone’s office three months ago. “

A customer can have up to four pieces of art at the same with the first piece starting between $20.00 and $25.00 and the second, third, and fourth piece increasing by increments of $5.00.

Pierre believes that “a lot of people like art but not everyone is an art buyer. We try to target those people who may not have the income or the desire to commit to an expensive piece of art.”

Currently Exchange Art is only available to people living in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania but Pierre wants to expand. “I would love to reach any and every corner accessible where there are artists that need a medium to exchange, who need a medium to get there work out there and seen by the local community and beyond,” he said.

In time Pierre would also like to have a gallery space in New York City where emerging artists can submit their work and art enthusiasts of any income bracket can purchase fine art.

To learn more about Exchange Art, go to exchangeartnyc.com or contact Jonathan Pierre at Pierre@exchangeartnyc.com.

Fashion Meets the Word

I did a phone interview with Marchello Eans, creator and Designer of "Crying Tears" T-shirt company, from the Hotel Pennsylvania in midtown NYC. The room I was in overlooked Macy’s in Herald Square. After hearing his story, I told him “There’s no reason your T-shirts shouldn’t be sold in Macy’s one day.” Tell me if you agree.

With messages on grunge Eurocentric, perfectly fitted, white or brightly colored T-shirts such as “Made in His Image.” Or “Love One Another.” Eans says he wants "to fuse together morality with swagger. For so long we thought that being right was a bad thing. When did “yes sir,” “no sir” become a bad thing. Stand up for what you believe in.”

Growing up as a Christian, 34-year-old Eans said “it was only in 2000 when I truly took a plunge into really knowing God for myself. I came to develop love through this relationship.” So he looks at his T-shirt line as a vehicle to spread the word and love of God.

Roughly five years ago “Crying Tears” was born when the Bronx-resident Eans started wearing the T-shirts he made around Fort Greene, Brooklyn and throughout the city. Thus far he has received mostly positive reactions.

After a “Crying Tears” fashion show in a club, a DJ told ‘Yo man I love the clothes, I’m a Christian and I love what you’re doing. You just preached to me.’”


Now that Crying Tears has been seen in places Las Vegas, Little Rock, AK (his hometown), and London, Eans is ready to explore more taboo topics.
An upcoming T-shirt will say in the front “Limited Edition…man married to pussy.” The back will have the name Adam and Eve and a silhouette of a married man and woman.

“We really don’t have any straight men left or men looking to marry a woman and keep life going on and on. What life can come from a homosexual couple?

“I truly believe once I wear it out, there’s gonna be some controversy. But this is who I am, this is how I feel. I got the Word to back it up. I’m open to discussion. This isn’t about pointing my finger.”

If you’re wondering why Eans chose to push Bible-based messages under a name that most folks would associate with being sad, you should change your mind set.

“I truly believe that crying tears is where the soul really meets truth. The ultimate release is the shedding of tears. I think about that mother who was told by doctors she wouldn’t be able to have kids. Then all of sudden she and her husband make a baby.

“The Bible says all things are possible for those who believe. When that child is born, those parents shed tears. That’s a celebration, it’s a happy time,” Eans said.

To buy T-shirts from “Crying Tears" or learn more about them check out,
www.cryingtears.com. Also stay tuned for a documentary coming this November about Marchello Eans' journey in Christ from Sin City Las Vegas to New York City.

By Shari Logan

McDonald's Gospelfest 2010

Over the weekend I had backstage access to this year's McDonald's Gospelfest held in Newark, New Jersey. While backstage I got a chance to interview singer Regina Belle and meet Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

However, the real blessing for me came after I heard Bishop TD Jakes' message. He spoke on pursuing your purpose. He warned that many of us are frustrated with our lives because we have yet to pursue our purpose. While speaking to those that are frustrated, he said "your destiny is not tied to your history, its tied to what you got left."

Jakes encouraged the audience to use what's already in our possession to get what we want. Simply put "Work it, work it, work it." He said that although our circumstances may have not changed, our mindset must change first. He suggested telling ourselves "I'm getting my strength back. I'm getting my fight back."

Then calling on the Word, Jakes read Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” AMEN AMEN AMEN

If you don't know, Gospelfest is a local talent competition between choirs, poets, steppers and praise dancers. For over 27 years this show- which grew partly from the idea of some Black operators within the McDonald’s Tri-State Owner Association, has raised millions of dollars in scholarship money for the local community. It also features a lineup of who's who in gospel music like the previously mentioned Regina Belle, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Vickie Winans, Cissy Houston, J Moss, The Kurt Karr Singers and Hezekiah Walker-who reached star status after he performed at Gospelfest with his group back in the 1990s.

Before the show, I was a part of a conference call with Dionne Warwick, who was the head liner for this year. Yours truly, MsKonflicted, didn't how to receive Ms. Warwick. On one hand I'm happy she's earning some income as her relevance to my generation is non-existent.

On the other hand I wasn't very thrilled to find out during the call that a woman who says she owes her career success completely to her relationship with the Lord decided to be a psychic getting paid big bucks for most of the 1990s. What's up with that? Then her music could be considered secular by some.

With all of those thoughts in my head, I asked Ms. Warwick: What advice would you give artists that do have a strong relationship with Christ but their songs do not necessarily fit into the Gospel regime?

"Music first of all is music and if you have a relationship with the lyrics of the music, that is the most important thing. If you’re able to share an emotion as you are singing these particular lyrics. I think that’s what God gave you the gift to do."

Whether or not singing is the gift God gave you, I hope all those reading this will identify and then pursue their purpose. I know I'm about to.

Alvin Ailey at BAM

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre recently finished a run at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). Before they left Brooklyn I got a chance to watch a performance.

As soon as the house lights dimmed, I had a flashback to the first time I saw this company. Immediately images of toned women dressed in yellow floor length dresses and sculpted men in gold vests with Black ties and slacks came to my mind. For those of you that are not familiar with Alvin Ailey’s work, the attire that I just described is worn in one sequence that goes along to the song “Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham” from “Revelations” portion which was choreographed by Alvin Ailey back in 1960. Something about the music and the jubilation of the dancers in that sequence always makes me feel…well, joyful.

“Revelations” is usually performed at the end, so first I had the pleasure of watching “Mary Lou’s Mass” which was also choreographed by Alvin Ailey in 1971 and then “Dancing Spirit,” a new piece choreographed by Ronald K. Brown just in 2009.

Since I saw Alvin Ailey on a Sunday, “Mary Lou’s Mass”—which was based entirely on scriptures and included old spirituals with words like “For our lack of Faith…For our lack of Hope…Lord Have Mercy”— was appropriately placed at the opening of the program. My favorite sequence in “Mary Lou’s Mass” was done to the Bible story of “a selfish rich man and a beggar man named Lazarus.” The rich man stood tall and proud in his purple robe throughout the sequence always admiring his gold rings and jewels; while Lazarus wore a dark colored cloak and constantly begged the rich man for food or money. By the end of the sequence, the tables had turned. The rich man was begging the Lord and Lazarus for forgiveness when he realized that he would not be entering heaven since he was so selfish to Lazarus. Now it was Lazarus’s time to stand tall and proud. Yes the scripture says that “The meek shall eat and be satisfied, they shall praise the LORD… (Psalm 22:26)

I also enjoyed “Dancing Spirit” which had drum and flute infused music. Or so I thought, the program says that “Dancing Spirit” included music by Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis, Radiohed and War. So now I’m a bit confused but the fact remains that the dancers moved to a different beat for this piece. There was a lot more jumping, movement of the waist and use of the hands. “Dancing Spirit” has this great energy.

I loved the entire performance but MsKonflicted couldn’t help to notice that most of the audience did not match the color of the primarily African-American company of dancers. Why is this?

My community has long been associated with the performing arts since the Harlem Renaissance but yet we only represent a handful of the patrons in the audience. This has been my experience whenever I go the theatre. D0 you notice the same thing whenever you go to the theatre?

Intro

My name is Shari Logan and the name of my blog is “MsKonflicted.” With this blog I intend to cover everything from Christianity TO spirituality TO food TO health issues related to the foods such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol TO mental issues like depression TO cultural events TO entertainment TO race relations TO local news TO whatever else catches my interest.

I choose the name “MsKonflicted” for the following reasons:

1.) I’m a Christian woman who believes in God and the fact that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins. But at times I become very impatient waiting on the “Word” to fulfill itself. That’s when I choose to disregard everything that I read in the Bible and then unfortunately I follow the way of the world. Am I Christian or a sinner? Both?

2.) I’m finally ready to do God’s work even though I’m unsure of what exactly that task is, but I know this much: I was born to tell stories. So with the scripture of 1 Timothy 4: 14-15 in mind which says: “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress,” I have created this blog but pray for me since I struggle with consistency.

3.) I have caramel colored skin, dark brown almond shaped eyes, and dark hair that I wear natural. I was born and I still live in Brooklyn, NY, USA. So this country considers me African-American. But my mother and father are from the islands of St. Vincent and Jamaica respectively. So am I Caribbean –American? I think so but my mom says there no such thing. She is a naturalized citizen now and she says that both of us are African-American. My mom thinks the category of African-America is just fine for every Black person living in America regardless of where they were born.

4.) Now that you know who I descended from, I must let you know that I love to EAT. My favorite breakfast consists of fried bakes, smoke herring and cocoa tea. But by lunchtime I’m craving for an all beef burger and seasoned French fries and an ice cold coco-cola. As I write this, it’s a Thursday, and I’m reminded of my college days. On Thursdays at Howard University in Washington D.C. lunch consisted of fried chicken, Mac and Cheese, greens, sweet potato and occasionally black eyed peas. Nothing but comfort. Or is it?

The Office of Minority Health says that in 2006 African American men were 30% more likely to die from heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic white men. Also, African American adults are twice as likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes. http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=23

5.) I am a proud Black American who will not deny any part of her ancestry starting back from the West Coast of Africa where my people were forced on to large ships and packed like sardines to advance the capitalistic greed of European men. To the islands of the Caribbean where my people worked in the blistering sun to harvest a land that still isn’t theirs even in 2010. To the lunch counters of the South where young men and women like myself were spat upon or sometimes beaten to death because by ignorant White people that felt a Black person should not be afforded the same opportunities and privileges as they had received. So I wonder if America will ever be able to fit me into one of their nice boxes that appear on the census form every 10 years? I doubt it.

6.) I also love the performing arts, trips to the museum, documentaries and movies. With that said I equally love the thought provoking works of Spike Lee and Tyler Perry, even though many educated people like myself call his work buffoonery. I love to laugh, so am I a sell out? I don’t think so. I just understand that both of those men have a gift. One man has gift to educate while the other has a gift to entertain.

7.) Last but not least. I told you that I was born to tell stories. Therefore, I’m attracted to people that tell compelling stories. My two favorite books are “Banana Bottom” by Claude McKay and “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton. However my favorite author is Pearl Cleage. Some of the best musical story tellers I have come to know are Tupac Shakur and Scarface. My other favorite artists include Michael Jackson, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Chrisette Michelle, Whitney Houston, Yolonda Adams, Donald Lawrence, Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, Sanchez, Lucky Dube and countless others.

I hope you will enjoy stepping into my world and my mind. As this intro comes to a close I would like to leave you with some words from Jamaican poet Staceyann Chin. “I’d like to be that girl that never ever cries. I want to go down in history in a chapter marked miscellaneous because the writers could find no other way to categorize me in this world where classification is key. I want to erase those straight lines so I can be me. ”