Jeanne Henriques
Over the moody brown Scottish landscape, I bonded with a distant friend, Jeanne Henriques. We were taking an online photography course with Kim Klassen, learning how to enhance those rich, earthy tones. That quickly led us to sharing travel photos, where we immediately recognized we were kindred spirits. Jeanne has lived the expat life—something I had always dreamed of, following along through books and blogs—while I was rooted in suburbia, craving adventure.
It wasn’t long before our conversations moved on to travel gear, tote bags, and trench coats, which became our almost daily connection. Thankfully, Jeanne lives within driving distance in New Hampshire, and I finally got to meet her in person at her beautiful Tahilla Farm when I attended a workshop she hosted with Sharon Santoni of My French Country Home Magazine on the theme of Reinvention. I’ve visited a couple of times since, and her husband now jokingly fears I’m moving in whenever he sees the gear packed in my trunk.
When Jeanne and I get together, it’s nonstop creative play—wandering her fields with our cameras, setting up flower still lifes, baking cakes, and, of course, always sharing a bottle of wine. Sometimes that even makes it into the photoshoots. When she came to Sharon Springs for the Poetry Festival and her session for the 50 Women Project, we naturally expanded our creative play, taking the shoot into the soon-to-be renovated theater next door. The raw, unfinished space became the perfect backdrop, adding another layer of depth and atmosphere to her portraits.
After planning two weddings for her daughters last year, Jeanne is diving back into creative projects and making plans to host gatherings at Tahilla Farm. And knowing us, there just might be a collaboration or two in the works.
Enjoy Jeanne’s thoughtful responses to the 50 Women questions, and be sure to follow along on her Instagram—where her beautiful images of Tahilla Farm are always paired with words as thoughtful and inspiring as she is.
What really matters to you?
What matters most is cultivating meaningful connections with loved ones and kindred spirits. I enjoy focusing on what brings genuine joy and purpose—whether through community engagement, creative expression, or quiet contemplation. My journey has been shaped by distinct chapters, particularly my expat years in my forties and fifties, which transformed my understanding of life, relationships, and identity. These experiences continue to influence who I am today.
At 67, I embrace the freedom to pursue personal aspirations. Photography and writing anchor my daily life. Tahilla Farm represents the convergence of nature, creativity, and community where I find renewal and meaning. I find fulfillment in giving back and nurturing connections.
What brings you happiness?
The deliberate, unhurried pace of life at Tahilla Farm breathes life into my creativity—it's my sanctuary. Creative expression within our landscape and gardens constantly inspires me, from the old pasture stone walls rolling our landscapes to the blossoming profusion of dahlias emerging in our garden in late summer. I don’t strive for perfection, I am happy to be in a constant state of learning and sharing.
Spending time with my family is always a blessing, no matter where in the world we connect. On a broader level, building community through local volunteerism and hosting workshops at Tahilla Farm are some of my happiest memories.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?
One of the biggest challenges Ive faced has been moving from country to country as an expat, each time leaving behind a dear friend. I remember the tearful goodbyes, the heartbreak of parting, and the fear that things would never be the same again. We made promises to stay in touch, and as the days turned into months and years, I’ve been grateful to find that those friendships have not only endured but deepened. These women are my “heart friends”—a testament to the fact that moving on doesn’t mean letting go. Instead, it opens the door to new beginnings and even stronger connections.
What would you change if you could?
In my creative practice, I aspire to manage time more effectively and reduce procrastination. While I often take on numerous projects that energize me, they can sometimes lead to scattered focus. Though I consistently complete my work, it often follows my own timeline. I'm working toward finding better harmony between creative spontaneity and structured productivity.
What single word do you identify with?
HONESTY
"Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step."
~Nadeem Callaway
Thank you Jeanne!
Enjoy the video below and thank you for following the 50 Women Project.
About Jeanne:
Jeanne Henriques is a writer, photographer, and storyteller who draws inspiration from Tahilla Farm, her home in rural New Hampshire. Her creative perspective has been enriched by decades living abroad in Australia, New Zealand, England, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, where she and her husband raised four children. Through her blog and photography, she documents life at Tahilla Farm while exploring themes of expatriate experiences, rural living and finding purpose in the next chapter of her life.
