Jenna Nienhuis

nature writer | artist | mother


poetry

  • Girl in the Water

    Girl in the Water

    I tiptoe through the shallow waters, clench my arms to my chest, and squeal as whitewater crashes into my bare stomach. I wait for an unbroken wave to arrive and then— sink under like a desperate prayer. Saltwater rushes around my ears, into my nose, down the back of my throat. It soaks my day-old hair into submission, sweepsmy body into… Continue reading

  • First Impressions

    First Impressions

    When I first saw her she was all stick and bones. Her thin trunk, merely the keeper of weathered branches. Had she just lost everything or was she just about to bloom? I couldn’t see her whole story, I just knew she had one. She didn’t seem worried, confident it was just a season; fruitful… Continue reading

  • Ode to the Early Years

    Ode to the Early Years

    I wish I could bottle up the scent of grapefruit blossoms to remind you of the Seed School days. “Good morning!” you were greeted with a warm smile No shoes…no worries. The squeaks and squeals of free-range children and chickens melding into Elizabeth Mitchell melodies. Bubble magic was only the beginning of where you might… Continue reading

  • San Diego Manifesto

    San Diego Manifesto

    Welcome to San Diego,the current weather is 75 and sunny.Home to students, families, athleisure wear, tourists, surfers, yo-pros, yogis, artists –all are welcome. Deep breaths of fresh air come easyin our humble city of effortless beauty,where kindness and curiosity meet for a cappuccino. Discovery is limitless,if you dare to travel by mind, foot, breath, board,… Continue reading