Or, in other words, what I’ve been up to over the last two years (since I’ve updated this blog).
In writing…
here are a few pieces I’ve published that I am proud of, for Big Think
An interview with Anne Lamott & Neal Allen about their new book, Good Writing
A piece on why the short story deserves more attention
A personal essay about my time living in a van (available in a very beautiful print magazine, as well – the art team nailed the photos and layout)
An interview with Dr. Martin Picard, who is leading an emerging field in biology that studies the intersection of energy & health through empirical studies involving mitochondria.
A profile of Dr. Betül Kaçar, an astrobiologist, and a lovely, wise person.
and many more, over on Big Think
In climbing..
In February 2025, I sent The Route of All Evil – my hardest and proudest climb to date. Last winter I began to work its famous cousin Necessary Evil , generally finding my fingers to be far too weak – and my power too lackluster- to reliably tackle the v11/12 intro boulder. This summer, I embarked on a training plan to see if I could level up. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to try the route some more this winter.
I traveled to Greece and various parts of Spain. I began speaking Spanish again, more regularly.
Ticked my first 8a+ flash (more like a ‘flosh’)
I went exploring across the western United States to “rando” crags and boulder fields – SW Colorado and Utah, around Las Vegas, Colorado, California..
I’ve been navigating a dropping sense of motivation, paired, however, with a growing sense of pride and accomplishment in what I’ve managed to do and how I’ve lived my life—even if the path I am looking back on may no longer be the path I want to take ahead.
In life...
Ending a serious relationship in 2024 – and pursuing other threads since – has left questions I still confront on a daily basis. I suppose I figured I’d have it all worked out by now. I try to keep Rumi’s advice in mind – that is, to love the questions themselves.
I’ve been prioritizing going to see live music. Unforgettable nights ensued – Justice, Jamie XX, Lane 8, The XX, the list goes on. I relish in gaining energy from others on the dance floor, everyone on the same wavelength, all of us letting go.
I wrote a short story that I’m far too embarrased to publish here.
After a long break, I began shooting with my film camera again.
I lost my more stable writing jobs, I suspect to AI, and couldn’t find another one.
I accepted a teaching position at a community college in Sacramento, dusting off that ole PhD and re-immersing myself in the world of botany.
I’m 35, without really any friends in Sacramento. I like to ride my bike around town and get to know the neighborhoods (and impressive tree canopy).
It’s all a bit of a trip.
AKA – I’m new here, will you show me around?
More soon.
Jasna Hodžić, PhD 