About
Jane Devin’s storied life began on a naval base in Yokosuka Japan in 1962, where she was born to a married mother and unknown father. The lessons from her ragtag childhood and the cultural revolution of the 60’s stayed with her as she left home at 16 to live and work in California.
Unexpectedly becoming the single mother of two at age 21, Jane worked in a variety of jobs to support her family. From jobs in media and advertising agencies to her comedic stints in a penile implant factory and as the live-in waitress in a small town greasy spoon, Jane has seen life from many different lenses. Her diverse experiences informs her writing and her world view.
After several years of living a somewhat settled life in Minnesota, Jane found herself at a crossroads. 2009 would have been a banner year if the banner read, “Danger Ahead! Proceed at Your Own Peril!” Filled with disappointing almost-but-not-quite opportunities, a scary stalker, sickness, surgery, a lost job, 2009 was the kind of year that makes people ask the universal questions. Why am I here? What purpose is my life supposed to serve? What do I want to do with my future?
Jane’s answers came about, oddly enough, when she wondered what she would do if she won a sweepstakes prize. The answer was immediate: Go. Pack a bag, a laptop, a camera, some camping equipment, and hit the road. Take a year-long trip around the US in search of interesting stories and people. Get back in touch with the part of herself that has always loved challenges, adventures, and new discoveries.
Jane didn’t win the sweepstakes, but she did have an epiphany. She could go. There was no safety net in Minnesota that couldn’t exist elsewhere, and there were no guarantees in staying — or in leaving.
People have asked: Won’t it be hard? Aren’t you scared? Don’t you think it’s dangerous? What are you going to do for money, gas, repairs? How are you going to make it?
I considered all of those things and realized that, outside of the comfort that comes with living in an apartment, all the same questions apply to staying in Minnesota. I have no safety net here. My truck could just as easily break down in Minneapolis as it could in California, Denver, or Tennessee. I could spend money on rent — or on gas, repairs, campgrounds, and hostels. However, if I stay here I am no closer to having an adventure I’ll remember for the rest of my life. If I leave, I might just meet fascinating people from all over the United States, be inspired to write new things, and challenge my 47 year-old self to step out of the comfort zone and into something much more inspiring.
Jane will be hitting the road in October, 2009. The first leg of her journey will include other parts of the Midwest, and then the Southwest. She hopes that readers will find the stories from her journey compelling, and will offer their support along the way. She will be posting her stories here, as well as on the Huffington Post occasionally. She’ll also be keeping readers updated, and hopefully finding new supporters, through Twitter.
If you have any questions, Jane’s email is jtdevin @ gmail.com (close spaces).
Hello Jane:
Good luck on your trip. We live fairly close to Suzanne at 24 at heart. When you get in town, if you are free, I would happily provide a meal. Perhaps more if my finances allow.
God bless you on your trip and in your health.
stacy grossman
Jane,
Your story is compelling. After a rough summer, I can comiserate with you. I live in Southern Oregon and would be willing to try and find you work in this area. I have contacts to temporary positions.
Good Luck,
Michelle
Hi Jane,
Read about your upcoming “adventure” on 24′s blog. I’m excited, jealous, nervous for you. I’m a photo enthusiast from way back and kick myself in the ass at least once daily for not taking advantage of some once in a lifetime opportunities to shoot and document stories. See, I’m a native (northern) Californian (might have places for you to stay), relocated to southeastern Ohio (appalachia to be exact). As you know, it’s like night and day, black and white. I have been here for 15 years…another long story. Mostly hated every minute of it ..with the huge exception of learning to hear/listen to people’s stories. I worked as a home care nurse for many years and traveled to the far corners of BF southeastern Ohio and back. I saw wonderful people…things I never would’ve experienced (bulls blocking the road, flash floods, black snakes, donkeys, guns, squirrel stew, spit, hard-working farmers, etc.) had I stayed in the land of the beautiful people-CA. There were times when I did carry my camera and I took some 35mm random pics but always wished I could just photograph the people in black and white and document their stories. Anyhow, I admire your courage. One of the highlights of my life was a trip I made from Ohio via I-90 to CA and back to Ohio via I-40 as a single parent with two kids, ages 10 and 7 at the time. We camped along the way. It was crazy and wonderful. It was at a time in my life when I had a “f–k you I can do anything I darn well please attitude”. Unfortunately/fortunately??? I still think that way and it serves me well and really gets in the way. Good luck. I’ll be reading about your trip along the way. Be safe. My husband (I’ve remarried recently) is not working now. He is a tool and die maker by trade..company outsourced to Mexico. Money is tight but I’ll help if I can.