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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A New NEW Black Woman in the Digital Sisterhood

Ananda Leeke  from the Digital Sisterhood Network and Christelyn Karazin over at Beyond Black &White showed me major love on their websites.  As a writer and multimedia diva, I appreciate when people compliment my work and respect what I do.  And it brings a big grin to my face.  Thank you ladies!

In December, Ananda asked me to be a guest blogger during Digital Sisterhood Month. She is currently writing a memoir about her experience with new media and “the power of women and the internet.”  I was excited when she asked me to write a guest blog about personal things like how I keep peace of mind and my plans for living fiercely in 2012.  Living Fiercely. I love that. Don’t you?  She asked me what was my favorite moment of digital sisterhood, or when I saw the power of women online in 2011. Take a peek at how I responded to all of these questions here. And make sure you check out the other women listed.

After being inducted into the Digital Sisterhood, Christelyn profiled me in Beyond Black & White’s series The New, NEW Black Woman.   Wow.  Also on the list are Danielle Belton of the Black Snob and Miss AwkwardBlack Girl herself, Issa Rae. It’s ironic that Christelyn started this series because I’ve been thinking about the idea of a “new black woman” recently.  The thought really struck me after listening to R.R. Banks, author of “Is Marriage for White People?” on a panel in Oakland.  He said, “"Black women should have the same freedom that other women take for granted."  I wanted to yell, “Hell yeah!” For the last 10 years I’ve been liberating myself more and more. I’m in this space where I want to explore, try new things, meet all sorts of great people, surround myself with positive images, write and just be ME.  And as Christelyn wrote, I continue to, “Take the bull by the balls,” while working toward my goals and dreams.  I don’t have a set definition for the new, new black woman. Hmmm, maybe that’s what makes the new black woman more new. In a society that continues to label black women, we choose to be indefinable.   However, being that I have a slight-obsession with superheroes, Christelyn comparing me to Lois Lane was kinda cool.  Read her write-up here.

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