Author: Jana

  • morning thoughts…

    8:33
    Look at clock, acknowledge that it’s about time to get out of bed. Roll over and curl into the warm hollow left by John’s body and note how super-cozy his pillow is in the morning.
    9:10
    John walks in with latte, heaping high with foam. Remind self what a good thing it is to have coffee-colored sheets when sipping in a supine position.
    9:30
    John joins me in bed at my request. Noted: the charming way a bead of sweat pools in the divot at the base of his throat between his clavicle bones. What is this oh-so-sweet spot called?

  • caught in the act…


    she likes the asus, too, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

  • down and out

    FYI: my main email address was down for about eight hours last night (due to a technical glitch). If you received a bounced message when you sent something to me, please resend and it should go through now…

  • the score


    camellia buds, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    I’m 2 for 2 now. Two notices received back from funding agencies, two fellowships scored.

    Still waiting to see what happens when I go up against teams 3, 4, and 5. :)

    PS: And the best part? Today’s Fellowship was from the Huntington Library, which means that I’ll be working there daily during the term of my award (and getting paid to do so–weehaa!). Can you see me sitting here in my purple chair and smiling ear to ear?

  • interview

    Today I’ll be interviewing a historian of the American West who’s a post-Mormon, environmentalist, personal essayist, and a bit of a maverick. Many peg her as the founder of New Western History.

    And, of course, she’s my hero.

    I’m so excited! (And can I just say that I have the best non-paying entirely-voluntary super-cool job ever)!

  • the little podcast that could

    Episode 5 is finally posted.

    For those of you engaged in making history, let me just say that Rachel’s advice on garnering research funds is priceless.

  • take a deep breath and


    Contemplation., originally uploaded by mind on fire.

  • exhale


    Intrusion., originally uploaded by mind on fire.

  • gardens in winter


    Postcard-like Photo, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

    See the arbor running across the middle of this picture? There are some benches there where I often eat my snacks or lunch while I’m at the Huntington Library. We’re not really supposed to eat on the grounds, so I’m sort of sneaky about my snacking :)

    But isn’t it beautiful, even in the greys and drab greens of winter? John took this pic, and did such a fine job with it….

  • Hinamatsuri


    Girl + Girl’s Day Celebration, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

    CatGirl, celebrating the Japanese holiday of “Girl’s Day” at the Huntington Library.

  • scarcity


    bright pink camellia, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    Generally I feel abundance. There is so much in the world, so many opportunities at my fingertips, etc.

    But last night while editing one of my podcasts, I realized that I am out of disk space on my junebug. How I could fill up 90 gigs is beyond me, but I suspect it has much to do with my photography and ‘casting hobbies.

    Sigh.

    So I am moving files, deleting, defragging, making choices about what to keep and where it should go (laptop, external hard drive, web-based storage, trash bin). Feeling some scarcity. Not liking the choices and the wee bit of desperation I feel at having to take care of this right now so I can keep up with my extra-curricular activities as well as my research.

    Ack.

  • watch this

    stars, trains, and shadow puppets. groovy music. you won’t be disappointed, I promise. :)

    H/T omondieu