loving art, science and creative kids

A MASKED VIEW

The picture above, is a painting of two African American girls wearing masks. Eight years ago, I became the American grandma to two wonderful children, shown in the picture above. It was painted after a mask-making craft session. Their parents came to the United States as African refugees seeking a life away from gunfire and poverty. I’m pleased to say the children are thriving—excelling in their studies and making many good friends. Though the parents’ education did not go beyond middle school, they are warm and loving people. I have enriched their lives by introducing them to cultural and athletic events. It is a privilege to have them as part of my life’s journey, and I encourage other empty-nesters to do the same.

A Memoir: My Two-Sided Brain

I try to live as though I’m on a journey, taking in each moment as a special gift. The ups and downs, even when difficult to embrace, have helped me grow. To me, this means living fully in the present while accepting the emotional seesaw that comes with exploring new frontiers.

What helps me overcome hesitation and heartache is allowing part of my brain to step outside myself and observe situations from a distance. Much like a reporter, this detached perspective keeps me curious and helps me maintain a sense of objectivity.

It is this reflective part of my mind that puts words on paper and paint on canvas, capturing moments from my journey. My books are filled with experiences drawn from my life, as are my paintings.

For my sixth-grade birthday party, all the girls in my class were invited except one—the only Black girl in the class. Her birthday happened to fall on the same day as mine, and I thought it would be fun to celebrate together. My mother didn’t want to invite her, saying she would probably have her own party. Although I didn’t protest, the reflective part of my mind knew something was wrong. It was the first time I realized my mother was prejudiced. I have carried the guilt of not inviting my friend to this day. My first encounter with injustice hurt deeply because she mattered to me.

That interaction with my mother became an important part of my journey. From that moment on, I became more sensitive to the prejudices and assumptions of the adults around me. I also grew more curious about how race, religion, intellect, and culture shape the way people respond to one another. The more diverse communities I encountered in my travels, both at home and abroad, the more I understood where people were coming from—and the more meaningful life became.

This is why the plots in my books often involve third-world and indigenous nations. It is a way to introduce readers to the struggles faced by people around the world. The Water Factor takes readers to Ethiopia. Antheia in the Thorns introduces them to Manila and a small Oregon town. My next book, Kingdom of Greed, journeys to a South Sea island.

  I hope you will share a childhood event that influenced your life’s journey. Share it on this blog site so others can enjoy your insights.

Art is always available through my website and through https://www.Eichingerfineart.com

Eichinger books are available on AMAZON.

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