Hi, Phoebe--I don't know anything about magical realism, but it sounds intriguing. My life before OHIO (B.O. :o) was kind of unusual--so I haven't learned about a lot of things. That little picture of me was taken in the desert of SW Texas (I'm smiling at a hawk that I'm about to release back into the wild). For the ten years I lived there, my focus during my boys' school days was learning to hear the still small voice inside me. I've been a part time monk/part time soccer mom, and still am. So that's me. Glad you like my name. I grew up as just plain "Jan", but it never felt like enough of a name for a spirit as bright and colorful as mine. The "rose" reminds me of the way I am unfolding each day in mysterious and lovely ways. Have a nice day...maybe it's sunny there, too! (your website is fun--is that your favorite dress?? because it appears a jillion times :o) Bye, now!