Local Author Shares Her Thoughts on Pasadena

Patch recently caught up with and retired teacher Jane Reville, writer of the memoir The Plaid Robe, over e-mail and asked her about Pasadena and how the community has influenced her writing.

Pasadena Patch: You've lived in Pasadena for more than 40 years—what's your favorite part of this community? Why have you stayed in this area for so long?

Jane Reville: Even drizzly cold rain cannot dampen the scene as I gaze out my window in Pasadena. Droplets of water dance on Wharf Creek. The dark brown trees bare of leaves give squirrels, cardinals and blue jays places to rest. It is quiet. Away from the turmoil everyday business, Pasadena draws me. The creeks, rivers and bay are a part of my life. And the people smile and greet me wherever I may walk, be it in the neighborhood or meeting strangers in the park. The drivers are polite on Mountain Road, known for its disastrous traffic. They let me into their busy lane of traffic. Pasadena is a place to make friends. For example, there is no friendlier place than the Downs Park Quilters. , still friendly after all these years, is my favorite store with a good variety of food and nothing compares to their coleslaw.

Pasadena Patch: Has your experience in Pasadena influenced your writing?

Jane Reville: Pasadena holds fond childhood memories of swimming in Stoney Creek. So, it is a part of my memoir The Plaid Robe. Having grown up in Baltimore City, Pasadena was and is a retreat from heat, exhausts and noise. Being on the water brings relief and I came back here to live and eventually write about my experiences.

History is hidden in the waters, literally. Sunk deep in the mud is the Lion of Baltimore. Many residents do not know about this treasure so I am currently writing a historical novel for young readers about a raven that interacts with the British on Bodkin Creek.

Pasadena Patch: Where's your favorite writing nook in Pasadena?

Jane Reville: Strung between two maple trees, my hammock and I are one.  Paper and notebook in hand, I watch the sun sparkle on the creek as my mind places me in different scenes of my book. There are no interruptions here except for the blue heron who may squawk if he is disturbed from his fishing spot.

Pasadena Patch: What are some memorable places in Pasadena for you?

Jane Reville: There was a produce farm and stand near . Summers would find me purchasing fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and corn and placing my money in the honesty box. My family loves to sail. Many evenings we would set out for Seven Foot Knoll lighthouse. Each time the wind would be different and challenge our journey circling the old lighthouse.

At Christmastime, we pile into our car to search out light displays in Pasadena. As you draw near to some houses, it seems that the whole forest is ablaze with twinkling lights. is our historical gem. The original house is intact with no alterations including plumbing. A skirmish with the British before the attack on Fort McHenry occurred here. Today you will find me with my two cavaliers, a ruby and a Blenheim, and my husband walking the trails at and stopping to gaze across the bay watching the cargo ships or sailboats tacking. Did you know the water looks like the Caribbean at sunset?

Pasadena Patch: What sets Pasadena apart from other communities?

Jane Reville: The river and creeks set Pasadena apart from other communities as well as its abundance of forest. There is easy access to the bay and its treasures. Yet, by car, we can travel to Baltimore and Annapolis in 30 minutes or less. We have two worlds at our fingertips, city and country living.