Jenna Nienhuis

nature writer | artist | mother

  • On the Way to Painswick

    On the Way to Painswick

    Dave leaned against the weathered, wooden gate, his mannerisms gruff like his beard and earth-stained clothing. He appeared as much a part of the landscape as the sycamore trees and worn paths of the Cotswold countryside. His DNA made of the dirt under his fingernails. As we stumbled upon his stall from the adjacent road,… Continue reading

  • Ode to the Early Years

    Ode to the Early Years

    I wish I could bottle the scent of grapefruit blossomsto remind you of the Seed School days. “Good morning!” your teachers called,greeting you with hugs. Behind me you stood, warming up to the day,wearing a halo of golden curlsand a shirt that read: A little dirt never hurt. Free-range children and chickensmingled with Elizabeth Mitchell… Continue reading

  • The Night Nothing Happened

    The Night Nothing Happened

    This story first takes shape as a scramble of words into the notes section of my iPhone, then in folklore form to my family. But what is the “story” if nothing happened?  Daytime in the wild brims with adventure, freedom and possibility. We chase sunlight around the redwood-shaded campground and float in translucent water where… Continue reading

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  • 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