Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Artist Synthia Saint James Unveils Piece
Inspired by Pres. Obama


A few days ago renowned artist Synthia Saint James unveiled her latest piece "Fire Rainbow Obama" to onlookers at the African American Fire Fighter Museum in Los Angeles. Saint James says the piece is inspired by the hope that President Obama has created throughout the world. She learned about fire rainbows a few years ago from her aunt. They are a rare phenomenon in nature. They've been seen in the Midwestern United States.

The painting features a group of people of various races, nationalities and ages gazing up at this vibrant rainbow. There is no overt image of the president but he and his family are in the crowd. Also if you notice in the center of the front row, there's an African man and white woman next to each other. They represent the President's parents.

The painting is beautiful. I love the rainbow because it's bright and strong, yet peaceful. The piece reflects the spirit of many Americans and much of the world during and after the election. Saint James says she is working on getting a copy sent to the Obama's.



The day of the unveiling marked Saint James' 60th birthday. She looks nowhere near 60. See what happens when you take care of yourself and do things that make you happy? This year also marks her 40th anniversary as a professional artist. And what a career. Saint James has written and illustrated 13 children's books, created the U.S. Postal Kwanzaa stamp, designed architecture for facilities in California and Florida, won numerous awards and her paintings have been on the cover of more than 60 books. If you read Terry McMillan or Iyanla Vanzant you've probably seen her art on some of their book covers. According to her website Saint James is celebrating her 60th birthday in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photo Credits: Both photos by Cocoa Fly/Jenee Darden

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    That piece is beautiful, and it's crystal clear why he won the election. People were looking for someone to save them from the last eight year of a do nothing administration. Hope has arrived!!!

    ReplyDelete

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