Exquisite Intricacy
Look closely at a flower, not only taking in the color but really observing all the details of the bloom. What will be discovered is the exquisite intricacy of its form. Truly incredible really, that there are around 400,000 species of blooming plants that exist in the world with each showing off their uniqueness. Our senses are blessed & awakened by this beauty …. the exquisite intricacy…. zoom in, your senses will thank you!
xo, Jana
photo: Missouri Botanical Garden
Success Comes In Cans
It was 1980 and we were seated in our auditorium at Saguaro H.S. listening to a vibrant and fun motivational speaker. He was speaking to our Speech and Communications class, directed by Rose A. Nack.
The speaker’s name, Joel Weldon, professional public speaker, trainer and coach. He would later be known as instrumental in shaping the public speaking industry. He and Rose were great friends and we were excited to have Mr. Joel Weldon on our campus, enlighting us all! Beaming with his Arizona tan and bright white smile, we hung on every energetic word!
Rose Nack’s students were blessed with so many incredible tools for success. She equipped us with great nuggets from her tool box that I know many of her students, including myself, still draw from to this day. Not only did she teach us about the importance of a positive attitude, she helped us discover the genuine strengths each of us had within, helping us recognize and foster those gifts. And, as a bonus, she brought us Joel Weldon!
After Mr. Weldon was done shining his wisdom upon us that day, he left each of us with this quote and takeaway so we would never forget: “Success comes in cans, not in cannots”. Written on a can of course, to make it fun and really drive it home. Thank you Joel Weldon and thank you to the incredible Rose Nack … You made a big impression on us and planted amazing seeds for growth in our young minds! Forever grateful for your teachings, your wisdom and your dedication to us all!
~Jana
Into The Stillness
Through the haze,
it’s hard to see,
the distant light,
gently guiding me.
Into the stillness I go,
embracing the mystery,
taking it slow,
trusting the glow.
Surrounded by the beauty,
God’s hand in it all,
letting go of fear,
he’s got me,
even if I fall.
Into the stillness I go,
with strength & assurance,
it’s no mistake,
the heart is healing,
with each step I take.
Moving forward,
just being me,
walking with grace,
simple and carefree.
Into the stillness I go,
through the haze,
now I see,
he‘s always been there,
right beside me.
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Open Art
Moon Majesty
Moon Majesty all aglow,
midnight companion,
drawing us close,
hugging the soul.
Moon Majesty,
setting the night ablaze,
shining your face,
batting your eyes,
in mysterious ways.
Moon Majesty holding court,
beneath your radiance so bold,
memories are made,
stories are told.
A warm embrace,
a campfire song,
a tender kiss,
a quiet prayer,
the list goes on.
Moon Majesty,
what do you see from there high above,
do you shed a tear of sadness,
then a tear of love?
Moon Majesty all aglow,
midnight companion,
drawing us close,
hugging the soul.
Moon Majesty,
set the sky ablaze,
shine upon us from high above,
flood us with your majesty,
illuminate us with your love!
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Anzuoni
Black Flowers
Created in 2011, this painting was exhibited in my first solo art show in October, 2012. I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to create & feel blessed to have grown-up surrounded by art in my life! Black Flowers lives in a beautiful hacienda in Phoenix, AZ .
Black Flowers, 40×40 Acrylic on Canvas, 2011
Private Collection • Phoenix, Arizona
To The Sea
I was called to the sea,
the waves inviting me,
needing some time,
some time to just be.
Sandals in my hand,
barefoot in the sand,
sunshine on my shoulders,
walking the ocean land.
The sun‘s rays kissing my skin,
I close my eyes,
take it all in.
A daydream in the making,
drawing me far away,
beyond the ocean‘s edge,
like a castaway.
The salty air so sweet,
bringing me back to the now,
reveling in this glorious retreat,
the beauty and the wow!
I was called to the sea,
the waves inviting me,
needing some time,
some time to just be….
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Adorning The Nest
On my early morning walks I stroll past a Sparrows‘ nest in progress. At a distance, as not to disrupt, I quietly observe.
On the first day of construction, I witnessed the building supplies of twigs, feathers & dry grass meticulously being gathered from all around the desert floor. Then carefully, the collected items were placed at the base, using their beaks to weave and tuck creating a strong and sturdy foundation.
The next morning, I noticed the walls were being built. The density was noticeable and gave me the feeling of great comfort and protection. A small circular opening was left in the center, for the front door of course!
This morning, as I quietly approached the nest, I saw what appeared to be the finishing touch on this beautifully crafted residence! A piece of string, like a strand of bistro lights, had been strung and looped back and forth across the front of their home, adding such charm and character!
I have learned that both the male and female Sparrow play a part in building their nests, the entire project is a team effort! I have to believe, however, that the female added that finishing touch of the “bistro lights” …wanting to make their home extra special. I did not witness it firsthand but I can visualize her placing the string carefully between the spiky cactus branches, perhaps adjusting here and there to get it placed perfectly for her liking.
As I stood there in awe of how the nest had been brilliantly crafted & adorned, I thought how incredible it is that we are all connected on this planet in this instinctual way. Just like these sweet birds, human moms & dads have strong instincts to create a cozy and safe nest for their family …a home of protection & comfort…adorned with a little feminine touch to give it that extra sparkle!
xo Jana
The Dove’s Song
In the early morning stillness,
the sun gently wakes,
a tender sound echoes,
throughout this desert place.
Stunningly peaceful,
ever so strong,
sweet and assuring,
it is, the Dove’s Song.
Among the cacti they roam,
singing a pretty tune,
serenity washes over me,
in this magical place we call home.
The joys of growing up a desert child,
their cooing inviting us to play,
young imaginations running wild,
on those long hot summer days.
Over the years,
in the vastness of this land,
I have gladly shared their space,
quietly honoring the gift before me,
their dignity and their grace.
In the early morning stillness,
the sun gently wakes,
a tender sound echoes,
throughout this desert place.
Stunningly peaceful,
ever so strong,
sweet and assuring,
it is, the Dove’s Song.
~Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Unknown
Heart Fire!
Heart fire rises,
golden and ruby reds.
The body responds,
to the rhythm of the beat,
as if to say,
bring on the heat!
Heart of mine,
tender yet strong,
you know right where you belong!
No greater beauty,
nothing shines brighter,
nothing more fine,
than a loving heart,
Oh, this heart of mine!
Keep the fire burning bright,
all day, all night.
Freedom pumping through the veins,
Freedom to sing,
Freedom to play, to dance,
Freedom to love,
no holding back!
Heart fire,
light up the room,
passion exploding,
in full bloom!
Heart fire rises,
golden and ruby reds.
The body responds,
to the rhythm of the beat,
as if to say,
bring on the heat!
~ Jana
Poetry 2024
Photo: Unknown
Wonderful Day!
When a community comes together to create, I believe it makes God smile…it makes me smile too! A wonderful day guiding the art of surprise!
xo, Jana
