Author: Jana

  • journey (and a giveaway)

    Jana and Heather ArmstrongBack in August when I spoke on a panel with Heather Armstrong, many people asked me about the necklace that I was wearing. It was a hippy-ish strand of turquoise beads with a tree pendant in the center. I’d come across this necklace awhile before when I was looking on etsy.com for a handmade pendant with a ‘pilgrim’ or a ‘journey’ theme. I’d found a great “journey” necklace in this shop (perfect for a pilgrimgirl, I’d say), but then decided to purchase the tree necklace instead (if you know me, you will know that I have this “thing” for trees and will often carry on conversations with them).

    Anyways…

    So this seller is having a giveaway on her blog this week and it just so happens that she’s offering one of her “Journey” necklaces to the lucky winner. Of course I entered right away, and suspect that you’ll want to do the same! (note: leave your comment on her blogpost and not mine!)

    Photo by John

  • sneezewort, wolf’s bane, and the funny fruits of my family tree

    orange

    I mentioned to my sibs that I was using arnica oil to help fade some bruises, and had an email exchange worth sharing:

    From esteemed scientist Bro:

    Since I work in a chemical biology department, let me me chime in for a second and remind everyone that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean that it’s safe or without side-effects. A quick google search brought up these precautions for arnica:
    —–
    Precautions
    Arnica is generally safe when used topically (externally). However, prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.

    Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. Do not take arnica internally except under close supervision of your doctor. Homeopathic remedies, which use very small amounts of arnica, can usually be taken safely.

    If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.

    Then, later, from same Bro:

    i saw that it has another name: mountain tobacco

    so, by the WoW, tobacco can be used as “an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgement and skill.” (italics added).

    [Note: WoW=Word of Wisdom, is the Mormon health code. Not to be confused with World of Warcraft tobacco, which is not good for bruises]


    From librarian Sis:

    I just happen to be cataloging of handbook of natural herbs and supplements today, and I can tell you that Arnica also affectionately known as Leopard’s bane, sneezewort, mountain snuff, and wolf’s bane. I think Jana should tell people she rubs sneezewort on her leg. Sounds more Harry Potterish.
    Also, be sure not to use any of the following to apply it, no matter how tempting it may be: celery, ginger, onion, licorice, wild carrots, or wild lettuce, as they may react with Arnica. Also, you shouldn’t use Arnica if you are allergic the chrysanthemums (or if you have trouble spelling chrysanthemum).

  • in the commons

    I’m a fan of Creative Commons. I share my photos, my web content and my podcasts with CC licensing, which means that you’re free to use my stuff, but you’ve got to give me credit if you do so. Sure I know that people ‘steal’ my pics sometimes–it happens most often with pics of me that are reposted by these folks (which, btw, I find fairly disturbing but I try not to think about it too often).

    Recently I discovered that a picture of me was lifted from John’s flickr feed and was used to illustrate a misogynistic blog article. I learned this because a friend had seen the article and recognized me in the photo. This made me feel incredibly uncomfortable–primarily because I felt that my picture being affiliated with the post implied that I had endorsed the writing or was somehow involved with it (FWIW, because the article detailed the sexual exploits of the author, I felt it was possible some people might assume that I’d had a relationship with him). Now in this case the blog author didn’t use appropriate CC attribution, so I dropped a comment on his post suggesting that he review the rules for the Commons and also made it clear that I had no connection to the author’s words despite my image being on display. Within 48 hours my pic was gone, replaced by that of another nameless woman.

    I tend to assume when I license something for Creative Commons, that my generosity will be mirrored with responsibility on the part of those who use my work. Surely I am naive. And there’s little that I can do when my images are connected with content that’s antithetical to my values, especially if the user has followed the rules of the Commons by giving appropriate attribution (which, in some cases might be even more discomfiting than if the image was used anonymously because my flickr identity links directly to my various websites).

    I’m not going to stop sharing via Creative Commons and if anything I think I’ve got a bit thicker skin now–so when this happens again (and I’m just assuming it will) I won’t take it so personally. However, I’d like to know if any of you are wary of the Commons or have been burned by the unattributed use of your work? Many of my friends add a copyright watermark to their photos to discourage theft, and while I’ve considered this, I figured it not worth the time investment on my part. Perhaps I should reconsider?

  • short shameful confession #8

    I once had a pet fish that I named Sushi.

    It died shortly after the birth of my son. It was weeks before I noticed.

    After that I vowed never to have a pet again.

    Then broke that vow about 6 years ago when I became a cat lady

  • giggly


    Caught in the Act!, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

    This pic of TobyJoy from John always makes me laugh. He says:
    “Toby told us that she had given up drinking, but it was an open secret that she had fallen off the toilet wagon.”

  • it’s his big day


    the right shot, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    John’s birthday is today, number 38. If you have a sec, drop by his blog and wish him a good one!

  • calling all artists!


    Given that my new bionic leg is a blank canvas that needs some attention, I’ve decided to offer the opportunity for my artist friends to decorate my prosthesis. I’m planning temporary “installations” that will be changed 3 or 4 times per year. While I’m wearing your art I’ll feature you on my blog and if you’d like I’ll carry your business cards and be a walking advertisement for your work.

    If you’re interested, drop me a line and we can discuss the details–the medium and the type of art that would work best for the dimensions of the project. Do note that you’d have foot, leg, and thigh to decorate. (no need to be physically present in SoCal, either–I can apply the art myself if you send it to me).

    I’m open to all types and forms of art–for example, I could imagine that poetry would work as well as visual art. So many of you, my readers, are incredibly creative and talented–I’d be thrilled to wear your work!

    Looking forward to hearing from all of you artistic folks: phddillyATyahoodotCOM. Feel free to forward this link to anyone outside the PilgrimSteps circle that might be interested.

    Pic by Gus Greeper from flickr

  • my new best friends


    paradasaical, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    I find new best friends all the time on teh internets. Of course they usually don’t know that they are my best friends, but I start reading their blogs and then follow their twitter and all of a sudden I feel like I know them, and what they’re doing is important to me. Isn’t that a wee bit creepy?

    Maybe…

    I’ve met so many amazing folks through teh cyber-magic, usually getting acquainted with your words and your lives long before I see a photo of your face (and when I do finally *see* you, what fun that is!). I love that the ‘net brings us all together.

    So please don’t be freaked out when I drop a comment on your site, k? And now can we can all hold hands and sing a round of Kumbaya together?…anyone play the guitar?

  • vintage


    IMG_0880, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

    The Edwardian Ball was held in a old LA theater that’s mostly closed-down these days, but is used sometimes for movie filming (Mulholland Drive was filmed there). All was in a state of decrepitude and disrepair–loose railings, peeling paint, soiled carpeting (where the carpet was extant), bathroom doors askew, etc. A perfect venue for a cabaret-punk style event.

    I enjoyed watching the parade of costumes, marveling at the creativity and ingenuity of each attendee. Of course the music and the goth/vaudeville-style show were great, too.

    Most of all, it was fun to share it with John & friends.

  • for real!


    Jana’s Lovely Hair!, originally uploaded by mind on fire.

    Picked these roses from my garden just moments before we left. They were my favorite part of my costume. :)

  • no wonder


    trees in winter, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God’s first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. ~John Muir

  • I, robot


    Jana 2.0, originally uploaded by pilgrimgirl.

    Really excited about the upgrade. Love the new sleek and shiny look and it feels so good!

    I’ll be hurting tonite, though. Getting a new leg is far harder than breaking in a new pair of shoes. It’s like hiking 20 miles in new stiff hiking boots that go all the way up to your crotch (not complaining, though–happy, happy, happy).