Janet Bodet Carr
Not polished, not perfect -
just the quirky bits that make me, me.
I am a...
Child of God.
Keeper of stories.
CEO of the Carr household.
Wife, mom, sister, aunt, cousin, friend.
I love hard, stay loyal to a fault,
And embrace being perfectly imperfect.
Follow the Footprints
Here is a snapshot of me - imperfect, grateful, and loved by God
Everybody has a story - and mine begins on a quiet back porch in Cypress, Texas, with a notebook, a cup of coffee, and a heart full of prayers. I’m Janet B. Carr: a storyteller, memory keeper, designer, wife, mom, and woman of faith.
I’ve worn many hats throughout my life - from a career in politics as a senior advisor and speechwriter, to earning my BFA in Graphic Arts and Advertising with a minor in Public Relations, and later a master’s in art history. I’ve always been drawn to words, images, and the way stories connect us. Alongside that, I’ve carried a lifelong love of photography, capturing the “micro-minutes” of life that might otherwise slip away.
But my most important roles have been closer to home: wife for 36 years, mom to a son who is now a professional photographer for Disney and ESPN, and today, caregiver to my husband as we walk through the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and prostate cancer together. These chapters are not the ones we expected, but they’ve taught me about resilience, grace, and the quiet beauty of God’s faithfulness.
Out of this mix of creativity and real-life trials was born Lenny the Lizard’s Backyard Adventures - a children’s book series inspired by our backyard and filled with gentle lessons of faith, friendship, and God’s love. My hope is that these stories spark joy in young readers and remind families that God is always near, even in the smallest corners of life.
Perfectly imperfect, fueled by coffee (and maybe a few too many Starbucks runs), I’m passionate about weaving stories that encourage, uplift, and remind us all to live with open hearts.
Quirks & All...
TALL SURPRISE
ONCE UPON A TWIRL
THE KEEPER OF BOOKS
OCEAN RESET BUTTON
SERIOUSLY? SOMETIMES
SUNSET PUTTERER
THE OLIVE ENTHUSIAST
Once upon a time, a girl grew to 5'8" - and in college she decided to grow a bit more. I’m 5’9.5”, and most people are always surprised how tall I am when they meet me in person.
Doesn't every story have a spin? I was a twirler in high school - baton, fire baton, sequins and all. I spun batons under the Texas Friday Night Lights... and thanks to all the sequins, I sparkled with every toss and catch.
I love real books - the old-fashioned kind you hold in your hands. The older the better! Taylor Caldwell and Ken Follette are two of my most favorite authors. I equally support my local library, small independent bookstores, indies and Amazon self-published books.
The sea Is where I breathe deep and regroup... let go and reset my soul.
I can take life too seriously (hence those ocean breaths).
Sunset is my favorite time of the day. Before I was an empty nester, I adored the evening hours when we all came together as a family, ate dinner and had our nightly routines. I truly miss those days. I now love wondering and messing around the yard at dusk... soaking in all the new growth, the change of seasons and the gorgeous Texas sunsets. We are known for our wide-open spaces.
I'm sassy & savory! Green olives reign supreme; it truly is a salty thing - salty over sweet every S.I.N.G.L.E. time... salt makes my snacks complete.
STORIES ON THE PORCH
Whether it's cocktail hour, lunch, dinner, or simple porch laughter, I love gathering people close... be it bible study, craft time, family, friends, or happy hour - let the festivities begin, gather around, soft music playing in the background while fun conversation and candlelight set the mood. We have a 12ft table outside that is perfect for fall days and evenings!
There’s something sacred about gathering around a table. It’s never just about the food - it’s about the laughter that spills out between bites, the stories shared like treasures, and the way God’s love shows up in the simplest of moments. A table holds room for everyone, just like His heart does. Whether it’s a feast or a handful of olives, when we gather, we are reminded that life is richer when it’s shared.
LIVE THE LENGTH & THE WIDTH
I do love the quote by Diane Ackerman - live fully, deeply and openly in every season. Live the length and the width... as in Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” A reminder that every inch of our lives - length and width - belongs to Him.
CERTIFIED FOODIE -
FORKFUL OF JOY
Grace at the table... Cooking, tasting, and sharing meals - food is my love language.
For me, food has always been more than just a meal - it’s a way of loving people well. A forkful of something delicious can carry comfort, laughter, and even a memory in every bite. Cooking, tasting, and sharing at the table is how I connect, celebrate, and show care.
It’s not about fancy recipes (it could easily be order in, pizza, or family buffet) - it’s about the togetherness. Food becomes my love language, the thing that says: You matter. You’re welcome here. Stay a little longer. Around the table, we swap stories, pass plates, and discover that even the simplest meal can be a feast of joy when shared.
AMAZON'S FAVORITE ADDRESS
I'm fairly sure I have my own private delivery person... yes, they stop here that often.
COFFEE CONNOISSEUR
I love coffee, especially from Starbucks. It is all about the foam! Forever foam, please. No tea for me! I have recently discovered mushroom coffee... Yes and YES!!
HIGH TOPS & HAPPY SOCKS
Wild socks + comfy kicks = everyday joy! Life is too short for boring shoes - the funkier the better.
STRIPES & OVERALLS FOREVER
JEANS AND TEE'S PLEASE
I will always choose big, baggy, soft clothes over anything fussy. Love my overalls and striped shirts. Give me an old pair of worn-out, tattered jeans, boyfriend cut and a white t-shirt for the win. In second place I'll take leggings and a large soft denim shirt. Can you say, Saphire's and faded jeans? That is so me!!
COCKTAIL HOUR
Yes, please! I love a dirty martini, margarita, or a cold Shiner Bock in a bottle, of course.
WHISPERS OF HOOVES
My love for horses runs deep, even today. I once owned and showed horses and trained in dressage, where discipline and beauty dance together. Horses taught me rhythm, patience, and the quiet language of trust. Riding dressage showed me harmony between strength and gentleness. In my last show, I took grand champion.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
I deeply admire Melania Trump for the way she carries herself with quiet strength, grace, and her timeless class. In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, she reminds me that dignity doesn’t have to shout - it can simply shine. Her poise, elegance, and unwavering composure inspire me to walk through life with a bit more grace of my own, even in the hard seasons.
THE PERFECT HOMEMAKER
Martha Stewart Living reruns are my comfort TV, a soothing soundtrack to everyday life. There’s something so soothing about Martha Stewart reruns. Maybe it’s her calm voice, her steady hands, or the way she makes beauty out of the ordinary - folding linens, arranging flowers, baking something simple but elegant. Watching her reminds me that life doesn’t have to be rushed to be full.
Martha brings order to chaos, turning everyday moments into something intentional and lovely. For me, she’s a reminder that home can be a haven, creativity can bloom from routine, and peace can be found in the simplest details. When the world feels noisy, a Martha episode feels like a deep breath - steady, grounding, and quietly inspiring.
THE FAITHFUL PEN
I'm still writing my next chapter, trusting God to hold the pen.
For as long as I can remember, words have been my way of making sense of the world. I’ve been a storyteller, a speechwriter, and now, the voice behind Lenny the Lizard and his backyard friends. But more than anything, I see my pen as a tool of faith.
Every story, every sketch, every devotional thought begins with God’s whisper and my willingness to put it on paper. The pen in my hand is a reminder that I’m not writing alone — the Author of Life is writing through me. Some days the words come with laughter, other days with tears, but always with the hope that He will use them to reach someone’s heart.
For me, the faithful pen is not about being polished or perfect. It’s about showing up, letting God guide the ink, and trusting that even the smallest stories can plant seeds of truth and love.
CHROME & CLASSICS
There’s just something about old cars that makes my heart skip. The shine of chrome, the rumble of an engine, and the timeless designs - they carry stories from the past that I can’t help but admire. I love the stories that have been left behind with the history of each car, like little echoes of another time that still roll with us today.
INK WITH MEANING
I carry my dad’s insignia inked on my skin - a tribute and a reminder of the love and strength he gave me. The tattoo reads "To my sweet, all my love."
Not every tattoo comes with a story you’re proud of. One of mine? A mistake that still needs fixing. But even that little misstep reminds me of God’s grace - how He takes what’s broken or wrong and gives us the chance to rewrite the story. Just like my faith, it’s a work in progress, perfectly imperfect and still covered in love.
MONDAY BLUES
I’ll be honest: Mondays and I have never been friends. As Sunday evening creeps in, that familiar knot of Sunday night anxiety settles in too - the dread of schedules, to-dos, and the rush of a brand-new week. It’s a real thing, and for me it often feels like wanting to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich hiding from the world. Coffee helps (a little), prayer helps (a lot), and sometimes just admitting “Mondays are hard” is the first step to making them softer. But even in the heaviness, I try to remember - every Monday is also a fresh start, a brand-new page God gives us to write on.
From advising leaders to guiding children - a storyteller’s journey of faith.
MESSY HAIR
DON'T CARE
Most days you’ll find my hair piled up in a messy knot or tucked under a baseball cap - my easy “everyday uniform.” But every once in a while, I’ll surprise you with my hair down, and it feels like a whole different version of me shows up.
MY ANCHOR VERSE
TRUTH I HOLD ONTO
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (KJV)