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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Princess & The Frog Toy Line

I am sooooooo looking forward to seeing Disney's "The Princess & The Frog." Disney debuted the toy line for Princess Tiana in New York a few months ago. The doll is so cute. Tony Award winning actress/singer Anika Noni Rose is the voice behind the New Orleans princess. I'm really happy for Rose. This is a big role for her career, especially since this is Disney's first African-American animated princess. I'm also happy Disney stepped out of the box and casted a black actresses who isn't mainstream.

I'm not a little girl anymore but I will be at the Disney Store buying my Princess Tiana doll. Sistas, this is a job opportunity for you. Finally, we can dress up like a real Disney Princess and work at little girls birthday parties. You know what I'm $ayin'?

Disney is going to make so much money off of this movie. Not only will little girls of all races be skipping to the theaters, but probably masses of black women, like myself, who've waited to see a movie like this their whole lives. And these same women are probably going to buy the toys. If only the doll came with a real prince.

Oooh I hope there will be a"Princess & The Frog" parade at the Disney Theme Parks. Incorporating the New Orleans culture and spirit in the parade would make it extra lively. I remember going to Disneyland years ago and watching The Lion King Parade. I've been to Disneyland countless times and I had never seen so many black people in a Disney parade. The African themes and music were so beautiful. The parade carried the same energy as the musical that was created years later. I remember the parade got rave reviews. "The Lion King" parade was probably the best parade I've ever seen at Disney. There weren't many black visitors at the park but most of the people in the parade were black. This may sound crazy, but the performers were so proud to be in that parade. I was a kid but I was proud too see their black faces too. I loved watching Disney parades when I was a little girl and seeing people who looked like me in the parade made an impact on me. The black performers waved and smiled directly to me and my mom. It was a special wave and smile. If you're black, you probably know what I'm talking about. I think my mom may have even threw up the black fist because she was so excited. LOL

We have to wait until December 11, 2009 to watch Princess Tiana get her man. I can't wait and hopefully Disney's next princess will represent my Latina sistas.

Photo credit:
Bazar Pr

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