~
She’s asking me if I’d do something a little weird for her….saying she needs someone to pose for her…some project she’s working on. All I have to do is look up. “You’re kidding, right?”
But I follow her up the back steps from the kitchen into the side alley. It’s a slice of sky. Blue. No clouds. Some festival music, piped in, drifting over from the Square.
She’s saying, ” OK Joey… relax. You’re really helping me out … just move around, slow like … and then look up.” I look at her instead. She’s animated, laughing, messing with her camera but I can tell she’s concentrating on getting her shots.
It isn’t easy…her looking at me this way. My shoulders tense and I notice my hands are balling into loose fists.
Between shots I look over and catch a glimpse of my car in the parking lot next to the alley. Mat black, it’s stripped down. Everything is in the engine.
I see some kids walking into the parking lot. The music from the Square is getting louder … not piped in anymore … charging the air. One of the kid stops, leaning on my car to light a cigarette. It ticks me off but then I can see it. I mean… look what else is in the lot. It makes him feel cool.
“OK … just one more. This is great.” She turns her head to see what has caught my attention. I look back at her and give her a nod. Her back is to the kids now as she angles to get her shot. I lift my chest, suck in, and look up one more time.
~
~
Pencil drawing ….j.h. white
Poetry of Light 
Such a multi-talented woman you are Jana H. White! Highly impressed with this intriguing work.
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Thanks Bonnie. Seems I’m being encouraged by the muse to expand into new territory. I have had to tinker with upgrading my computer, find new compatible programs, and learn how to use them before getting down to writing again. A pencil works for now!
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Power to the pencil ! You supply the talent, Jana. That’s what counts. No rush.
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I love this Jana. All three characters caught up with each other but experiencing three very individual moments. Great series and great artwork.
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I could feel your mentoring shadow all the way Mark….I’ve been practicing becoming immersed in a story on your pages! Thanks for the encouragement…it means a lot. xxoo
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Inspiration is a two-way street Jana – thank you so much.
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Your sketches, lovely. Your words, still being absorbed. 🙂
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That’s matte black for you….Thanks Eric
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once I read ‘his’ words, I could SEE him ‘look up’ when I looked back up …
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If I could but stop laughing I could look up, Mark, and see what you saw…. smiles
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car show
~
chrome
portraits
in
reflection
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parking lot
crows pecking at reflection
in hub caps
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primal behaviour
~
attraction
to shiny things
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Love these sketches Jana, and the story that travels moment by casual moment with them, lovely.
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Well, you know Teri….just staying in the moment. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series. I need practice drawing, and I’d like to see if it gives me the momentum and desire to tackle something more in line with my other work.
Love the paintings coming from your way!
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Moment in time. So cool. Mat black with grey tones. White, perfect light where there is no mark at all. Being… defined by shadows.
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Love your interpretation, Chris. It rings bells. I’m becoming very fond of my HB and No.2 pencils lately.
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This is amazing and the artwork is – well suffice to say I am in awe. The idea of a chain reaction of little things rather than some huge happening is immensely satisfying and the narrator’s pride in his vehicle comes to the surface instead of his anger. Wonderful.
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Interesting you should think of the story as a chain reaction Chris. It evolved that way…little explosions of recognition as it was being written. Coming from the Mistress of Subtle… greatly encouraging! Thanks Chris. xxoo
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This is such an interesting series and it’s evolutionary process is fascinating too! Loving your work! 🙂
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Gorgeous series Jana. Words and drawings… Poetry of Light is such a fitting name for your collected works.
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Oh, thank you Chris. All this encouragement adds to the momentum.
You know though…if you notice anything you’d add or change any time, it would be appreciated. I’m just playing in the sandbox…learning as I go.
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Beautiful portrait, Jana!
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Thank Richard…I thought of all you photographers out on the streets snapping pictures… The drawing actually is from a group of photos I took a long time ago.
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Okay- this is stunning work! Love your pencil drawing- it’s superb. And the story you’ve shared BLOWS me away. Wow! Truly remarkable. Well done. I really felt I was inside this guys head. Wonderful stuff.
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Thanks Pam. In truth I’m taking lessons from you, Tony & Chris & Mark. You guys are opening me up to a whole different way of looking at things and I love it. Some sandbox we’re all playing in…!
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A hypnotizing vignette Jana, the exquisite drawn images reflecting the images of your words that flicker across the screen of my mind…cerebral film footage of a moment in time…this is magical…
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One way to share a movie together, John. LOL
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Great, subtle interaction. Well written.
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Thanks Chris. It means a lot.
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So powerful and beautifully crafted, Jana! xoxo
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Thanks Chloe… trying on some new hats.
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Your drawings are beautiful ….and your words always … Xx
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sliced from a bit of memory.
the knife was sharp
the incision is clean
and sparkling
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