Jane Devin

Chris, the boys and I have had the privilege and pleasure of hosting a wonderful writer and friend, Jane Devin, as she travels across the United States in an effort to "find her America". The About page on her blog summarizes Jane, her journey, and provides key links. My attempts to reword what she has already so succinctly written have been futile.  Please read the following:

Jane has been writing about cultural & social issues for several years. She presently blogs at Finding My America, which will chronicle her upcoming year as a writer on the road, as well as on The Huffington Post. Older articles can be found on JaneDevin.com. She can be reached by email at jane@janedevin.com. You are also welcome to friend her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

To learn more about the origins of the Finding My America project, you can find the short version here. Or, if you’re feeling really industrious, you can read the following articles, which are in reverse chronological order.

• http://janedevin.com/2009/10/08/new-trails/


• http://janedevin.com/2009/09/29/waking-up/


• http://janedevin.com/2009/09/16/24-ford-hank/


• http://janedevin.com/2009/09/12/contest/


• http://janedevin.com/2009/08/16/ride-sally-ride/


• http://janedevin.com/2009/08/14/mustang/

Jane arrived at our home Wednesday evening. She made noise about leaving on Friday, but I successfully guilted her into lengthening her stay. Whining works.  She's been a delightful, low-maintenance houseguest.  I've embraced my opportunities to visit with her when she's not writing or thinking...or going to Starbucks.  For those of you who have followed Jane on Twitter and know about her coffee habit? It's a heavy habit. HEAVY. I don't know how she sleeps.

Please peruse Jane's writing as time permits during these busy, busy days. We're all drawn to different writers, blogs, friends, and relatives for unique reasons. If you enjoy her poignant, thought-proving, beautiful writing as much as I do, at a minimum continue reading her blog. Leave a comment if you're comfortable! 

Jane communicates her needs via her blog, Twitter and Facebook as she travels from city to city. Sometimes she needs a host [a place to stay], recommendations for affordable, clean, safe hotels [if a person isn't available to host], Starbucks gift cards, and contributions to her PayPal account, even in the most nominal amounts.

The Ross family just bid farewell to a lovely, interesting and gracious guest. Although my history with Jane is currently shelved under "recent", I feel like a woman I've known my entire life just pulled out of the driveway. If you have the opportunity to meet Jane Devin, I suspect that you'll feel the same way.

Comments

[Mrs. D]

What a neat experience! I'll have to check out her stuff. Her journey sounds a little by-the-seat-of-my-pants... which is totally not me so it's intriguing!

[Cheri @ Blog This Mom!]

Oooo. A writer. She's a pretty one, too. I would fawn over her if she ever came to San Diego.

Thanks for the introduction, Chris. I will check out Jane's blog!

[Di]

Lucky you. I'm watching her progress from Europe and loved what you wrote here.

[Jane]

Mrs. D - it's one part seat of the pants, one part careful planning, and one part being ready for anything. :-) So far I've been fortunate -- the people I've met, like Chrisy, are really amazing.

Cheri, awwww.....now I really want to go back to San Diego. I stayed at the Motel 6 downtown when I was there and the only fawning going on was between the night clerk and the morning housekeeper.

Di, you should plan a trip to the States when I'm near V-Grrrrl's.

Chrisy -- I can't thank you enough for everything, from the great accommodations and food, to listening to me when I needed to talk. You are such a beautiful person, and I feel so lucky that we met in person.

[Middle Aged Woman]

And Mary approves! She must be o keeper.

Love,Claire

[Connie Weiss]

She sounds amazing! I love travel/adventure stories...and would love to do one of my own someday.

I'm following her now...and I can't wait to read her blog.

Thanks for sharing her with us!

[Chris]

Thank you, Di! Jane speaks highly of you. Maybe Jane will take a European vacation after her journey to recover and write. I imagine she'd have plenty of hosts over the pond too. :-)

[Chris]

She's a neat gal, Claire. You'd enjoy her. I want YOU to come to Utah. Please... Love, Chris

[suzikressler@comcast.net]

Your "visual" description of Ms. Jane's visit can be summed up in a few words. You got her number down~ Her number, by the way, is good, great!We had the pleasure of Jane's company too.Everything you shared about Jane is spot on especially when you wrote "low-maintenance house guest. I still scratch my head wondering how she knew to be so present and engaging at the perfect times & how she was here but "not here" when I was busy doing whatever I usually do alone. She wins the prize for "Perfect house-guest" in my book.

I hope other's will extend an invitation to her when she's in their area. I am most certain they will see her visit as we did- One of the best highlights of our year.

By the way, we own the same ashtray, "Jesus Hates it when you Smoke".We are Christians with a sense of humor.