The New York Botanical Garden is currently hosting its annual Orchid Show in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The theme of this year's show is Singapore, in honor of the country that exports more than 10 million sprays of orchids per year. The flowers were so beautiful, magical, and so fragrant. I had a fantastic time yesterday and it's a must see! Hurry, it will only be there until April 6.
Terrie Williams at the Doles Center with her mother Marie Williams
By Deena Parham
I have a vivid recollection of when Terrie M. Williams, made her public admission of living with depression, in ESSENCE Magazine in June 2005. It startled me, because it is rare, for a high-profile member within the Black community, to disclose a medical condition, which has been unjustly stigmatized. Far too often, it is uncommon, for many African Americans to divulge their mental health issues, in an open forum.
Recently, Ms. Williams released her fourth book, entitled Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting, published by Scribner. It’s an obvious labor of love, born out of the determination, to have an open dialogue about a disease that she could have easily been treated for, without ever revealing it to anyone outside of her inner-circle. Instead, she has selflessly given her time, strength, and an energetic commitment, to establish a healing circle, to make depression the focus of a national conversation. Below is a video, where she explains what led her to write Black Pain:
San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown Oxonion Society
Yes, a rare politician sighting on this blog. Above is Willie Lewis Brown, Jr., the former Mayor of San Francisco (1996-2004) and previously a California Legislator. Mayor Brown has the distinction of being the FIRST and ONLY African American mayor of San Francisco. I had a chance to see him at the Cornell Club in Manhattan on a promotional tour for his autobiography, Basic Brown: My Life and Times. The discussion's moderator called him "the most influential Black American politician ever."
Mayor Brown, at the age of 74, is known as a fastidious dresser. He even has an entire chapter in his book dedicated to grooming and appearance. From Basic Brown: "You really shouldn't try to get through a public day wearing just one thing.... Sometimes, I change clothes four times a day."
Thankfully, fashion 101 never came up as a topic of conversation, but he did speak about his early days of much humbler beginnings in East Texas. Here are some of my notes/observations.
It is always great to report about small havens of sunshine that takes me away from the gray, less than glamorous days of dreary winter. Soapology, a six-month-old beauty apothecary provides that glimmer of hope with the promise of DELUXE pampering. It is a small West Village wonderland of soap, lotions bath beads, sea salt scrubs, and every fantabulous indulgence imaginable.
I've visited the store twice in the past two months, more mesmerized and converted by the experience each time. Soapology doesn't product test on our furry friends, and it prides itself on using all natural with organically based ingredients.
The old fashioned alabaster walls, the graceful chandelier, large soaking tub sink, and wooden shelves are reminiscent of a small country cottage. The super friendly and exceptionally accommodating staff members immediately made me feel like I was at home, as they gave an in-depth introduction of their fantastic product line.
A complimentary in-store demonstration of their products immediately sold me. My weather cold stung hands were treated to a warm water wash with gentle exfoliating salt scrubs, shea butter soap, a walnut polishing scrub followed by sumptuous lily of the valley scented body butter. It made my hands look so bright and renewed! I will return!
Here's the scoop: Soapology
67 Eighth Avenue, New York
212.255.SOAP
Manhattan, New York, Soap, West Village in Retail 
The internationally acclaimed, New York-based group, Imani Winds made a recent appearance at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. The extraordinary wind quintet participated in Purchase College’s yearlong project, Africa and the African Diaspora: Traditions, Revolutions and Innovations. They spent four days in residence, and performed in venues throughout Westchester.
The ensemble included Mariam Adam (clarinet), Valerie Coleman (flute), Monica Ellis (bassoon), Toyin Spellman-Diaz (oboe), and Jeff Scott (French horn). They are currently celebrating their 10th anniversary, and are noted for their eclectic repertoire, which embraces classical, jazz, African and Latin music. Their show included music by Maurice Ravel, Paquito D'Rivera, and an original composition by Jeff Scott.
Valerie Coleman founded Imani Winds. She said, “the idea just came into my head to form a group. I called everybody. All of us are sought after freelance musicians.” The word “imani” means “faith” in Swahili.
Members of the quintet told the audience that they primarily focus on the works of the African Diaspora. While they readily admitted that woodwind compositions were rare, it also provided a unique opportunity for resident composers, Valerie Coleman and Jeff Scott, to expand their repertoire.
The informal performance had a lively question and answer component. The musicians also provided a brief introduction to each instrument.
To commemorate their 10th anniversary, the ensemble has embarked on a five-year project to commission 10 new compositions from established and emerging composers of color. The Legacy Commissioning Project will explore elements “that embrace African and Afro-Cuban traditions, Asian and Middle Eastern culture, and jazz.”
This year marks the tenth anniversary of my inaugural visit to New Orleans. After I graduated from Tulane, it took me a full five years to return to the scene of the dazzle, the glitter, the charm, the excitement of the Crescent City.
Whenever I miss New Orleans, I usually manage to find a musical surrogate to guide me through the longing. Fortunately in New York, the jazz scene is deep and varied to include some of the best New Orleans musicians who manage to appear here on any given weekend. I recently had what I consider to be one of my best concert experiences ever, right at the House of Swing, Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Manhattan in Arts/Culture, New Orleans, New York, Nonprofit 
The calorie-free experience that you have been waiting for! LOL.
Yes, a sure cure for the winter blues is a fast trip downtown to enjoy something delightful.
One of my favorite new occasional spots is Jacques Torres Chocolate. It is the quintessential New York experience, as it celebrates the city’s industrial past, and its richly decadent present. The retail store, combined with an active chocolate candy manufacturing plant, is a sweets enthusiast’s delight. Chocolate is processed from the bean to a finished product onsite. 