God and Wine

Back in an undergrad African American studies class at Syracuse University, I was introduced to a film entitled 400 Years Without a Comb by Willie Lee Morrow. The film spoke abut the Atlantic Slave Trade through the lens of black hair care in America. Not only were black people forced to involuntarily migrate across the Atlantic Ocean and other waters as their families were ripped apart and their indigenous spiritual practices were dismantled and ignored, they were also forced to leave behind certain items, including the long-toothed comb (resembling what we call a "pick"). Without our precious tool, our natural hair apparently became more difficult to deal with. Now, this is not an essay about black hair politics; however, I think it's important to note that black hair not being "manageable" is a phenomenon rooted in post-colonial and western European standards of beauty. This conversation goes beyond our "unmanageable" hair, an early implantation ...

Last night I had a dream that I was digging up the grave of my close friend--my Leo. I always research my dreams and write them down if I can to keep track of the insanity that goes on during my slumber. I feel like I should have a dream interpreter on speed dial...or maybe I just need to visit my therapist--it's been a while. But, I digress. Halfway through the thought, "I need to call Leo," I'm reminded that this is not an option. I used to have that thought quite often after leaving an incredibly frustrating music rehearsal or randomly hearing a Diana Ross song come through my headphones (he was her biggest fan!). I still have that thought, quite often. I am, however, bombarded with the reality that I will never be able to call Leo again, that I'll never hear that voice again in this lifetime. I had a panic attack when I thought I had accidentally deleted his final voicemail to me from my phone. I'm trampled by thoughts of burying him merely two days befo...

...If not you, then somebody else! Hey friends! Welcome to God and Wine! Follow me on this fanciful journey as I ( finally ) step into myself over and over again. Today's Vlog God opens doors that so many of us miss because we're looking off in the other direction. Or fear and uncertainty keep us from walking through those doors. Regardless, there's a world out there waiting for you to walk through these promise-filled doors on the way to your purpose. I'm so glad I did. Not sure where it is that I'll end up, but God has promised me that it'll be great! So here's to getting the ball rolling! Today's wine Duckhorn Vinyards Varietal: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot Vintage: 2012 Winemaker Notes Both generous and graceful, this is a lovely expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black raspberry, red currant, vanilla bean and milk chocolate. One the palate, firm yet sup...

...about the life that led me to myself. You chose me, God? A lil girl from the south who used to play in the hymnals and rip out the pages?  In awe! Someday I will write about the life that led me to myself. 

"But there's something in me birthing on the horizon and nobody wants to hear me lament about the contractions I'm experiencing." One of the reasons why I hate engaging with new people (besides the fact that I'm an introvert) is that, predictably, the "What do you do for a living?" question pops up. Sometimes it's camouflaged as, "What brought you to the city?" or "What industry are you in?" The answer to those questions is so complex, so layered, and so multi-faceted that I have to take 3 seconds to chose whether I want to tell the long story or the more acceptable abridged version of my life events. I often don't know where to start. Do I lead with my career as a professional performer, going into detail about my extensive acting, singing, and dancing training? Do I give them the modified "I'm a teaching artist who sometimes performs Off-Broadway" schpill? Or do I tell them that I actually make thousands of...

[ Read "Way to Freedom" HERE ] I had a conversation with myself last night, re-imagining a previous conversation I had with God about 2 years ago. God was like, "I'm gonna sit here with my arms wide open, while you seek refuge in people and things that were not meant to shelter you, and I'll wait patiently for you to come back home to me." That moment with God 2 years ago was the beginning of my real relationship with God and my relationship with my purpose(s). As I watched things fall into place, in awe of the matchless moves of the universe pushing me toward my purpose (or myself), I never quite committed to the purpose; I never quite committed to God. I walked around God--around my purpose, around myself--but never stepped in. Maybe this is you. This has been your life for years...going in and out of the revolving door that is God's arms. And God still loves, even when you're outside of the door. God still loves, even when your head is pressed ...

[Read the Dating Chronicles: Part VII Here] Hey y'all! So I don't usually Vlog, but I'm trying my hand at it for this topic. Dating the "Church Girl" is one of the many conversations I have with myself, especially when preparing to have "that talk" with a man who's interested in me but not quite sure what he's getting in to. Hope you enjoy and do comment below if you feel it in your spirit. :)