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pam lach

@plach.bsky.social
3.1K followers 2.5K following 2.8K posts

Digital Humanities Librarian/DH Center Director living/working on unceded Kumeyaay land (San Diego). US historian (PhD) + info scientist (MSIS). Disappointed UNC-CH alumna. Podcast teacher. Still masking. Dogs are my jam. @ach.bsky.social Co-Prez. she/her

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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
It was slow getting back into it, but I found a rhythm before too long and hit my goal of finishing July. I stitched 31 nights of sleep 💪 Z = 1 night Thread colors = amount of sleep Beads = a type of wakefulness #DHmakes
Embroidered Zs in various shades of blue and teal stitched in a spiral pattern on black fabric. The fabric is patterned with gold stars and dots circled by gold swirls in various sizes. A mix of orange, pink, copper, and mauve beads are stitched into many of the Zs
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
I fell so far behind in my #DHmakes sleep/insomnia physicalization that it started feeling too overwhelming to pick it back up (I’ve got more than 3 months’ worth of sleep stitch). So I’m gently pushing myself to chip away at it, a little at a time. Hoping I can at least get thru July’s sleep today
An in-process embroidery project sits on a light wooden table. An array of blue embroidery floss sit in front of a clear plastic organizer box. My scissors, red pin cushion and sleep journal frame the embroidery hoop, which features Zs in various shades of blue and teal stitched in a spiral pattern on black fabric. The fabric is patterned with gold stars and dots circled by gold swirls in various sizes. A mix of orange, pink, copper, and mauve beads are stitched into many of the Zs. There’s a smallish pink dahlia on the table for extra encouragement
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Our dahlias have struggled this year. This first bloom is far smaller than it should be, but lovely just the same. (This is definitely not the Hercules dahlia that we ordered from the very fancy dahlia farm)
A pink dahlia on a grey tile floor. The inner petals are dark pink. The petals on the outer edge have white tips
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
A dream come true: the first permanent artwork in our #DigitalHumanities Center. Local artist Neville Green's dëcode diaspora, from "Even Cold Rolled Steel Can Have a Heart and Soul," a group exhibition at a local gallery founded by one of our e-lit alum. Top: “SACK_BOY” Bottom: “NEWGROUNDS_HTML”
Two 12 in. x 12 in. mirrors mounted on a wall, one on top of another. Digital image laser engraved on mirror. A description of the pieces appears on the wall next to the two mirrors
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Plum torte with plums and pluots
View from above of a plum torte cooling on a wire rack. We used 3 kinds of plums/pluots. The outer ring of plums are dark purple, the middle ring are golden and the center plum is burgundy
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
My little sweetheart 😍
A black dog with a golden brown beard, graying eyebrows, and white socks lays on a turquoise couch cover with a wistful expression on his face. A large monstera plant is partially visible behind him
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Last day off of work before I return to campus. Spending it reading for pleasure (for the first time in more than a month) and eating leftover birthday cake
A large, decadent piece of chocolate cake with layers of white frosting decorated with white and red rose petals. The cake sits in a pool of swirled dark and white chocolate sauces. Blurred in the background is a small white box with a sticker from Extraordinary Desserts in San Diego
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The passing weather system (a remnant of the most recent hurricane?) produced a lovely pink sky along side a double rainbow for tonight’s dog walk
The western sky glowing bright orange-pink a few moments after sunset. The tops of trees are partially visible in silhouette The eastern sky featuring one end of one of tonight’s rainbows. Eastern mountains are partially visible in the background between the trees lining either side of the street we were walking down
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Because I hate reading e-books AND want to support the amazing @walshbr.bsky.social, I bought 2 physical copies of his book (one for me and one for my DH Initiative Co-Director, @kyliesago.bsky.social). Can’t wait to dig in!
Two copies of Brandon Walsh’s “Embedded Pedagogies: Digital Humanities Teaching and the Infrastructure of Change” sit on a wood surface
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
A magical autumn sunset 😍
The western sky after sunset. The sky is full of puffy clouds glowing bright red over the tree line
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Celebrated the start of my 50s — what I’m calling my goddess era — the best way I know how. With beaches and wine
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Spending the last day of my 40s driving up the California coast and picnicking on the beach
Pacific Ocean lapping the rocky shore of Malibu on a clear autumn day
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Because I’m arguing for a joyful approach to refusing the AI-powered university, my calendar is now instructing me to engage in joy 🪩
Screenshot of my Google calendar. Saturday and Sunday are blocked off in bright yellow from 10am-6pm for JOY
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Here are some of of the students' responses to the opening prompt about what "the digital" means to them (all drawn on our writeable tables)
White dry erase table with the following written in red marker: When I hear the words the digital I personally think of the internet, devices that are connected through some online pathway. However it isn't just devices connected through the internet, but anything that is electrical powered by electricity. Its snake, like the web game! The text is written in a snake patternA white dry erase table with hand drawn icons in blue marker: AI, iPhone, camera, headphones, laptop, TV, digital footprint and a picture of the globe with networked connects labeled as "connection worldwide"White dry erase tabletop with the following written in black marker: 
The Digital
- Relating to numbers ("digit")
- Computers and the Internet
- The global connectivity world we live in
- AI and the other applications of digital technologies
- Smartphones
Below is a drawing of the Earth
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Bonus sparkly AI-fighting “kapow” sticker cut from an unused piece of the original Luddite sticker #DHmakes
Peacock blue Hydro Flask water bottle covered in stickers. A sparkly sticker in the shape of a cartoon “kapow” has been placed next to the sparkly Luddite sticker that reads: Breaking machines that enshittify livelihoods since 1811
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Huzzah! My Luddite stickers arrived. Can’t wait to distribute these on campus next week! Thanks @wolfproofpress.com and @literaturegeek.bsky.social
25 glittery Luddite stickers fanned out on a wooden table. The sticker features the iconic Luddite image and reads: Breaking machines that enshittify livelihoods since 1811
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
This week (Sat) marks my 10 year anniversary working as a #DigitalHumanities Librarian here. I was hired to create/lead our DH Center, which turns 10 next year. What started as an idea among a few people has blossomed into a thriving space of curiosity, experimentation, play, and dance parties! 🪩🕺🥳
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
We ran out of pesto ingredients (Parmesan and oil) for the amount of basil we picked. So now we have an incredibly aromatic flower arrangement
Two mason jars (one large, one small) filled with basil in makeshift flower arrangements. A bunch of our large tomatoes, recently picked from the same garden bed, are piled next to the basil bouquet
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Our basil won’t quit! We just harvested 3 large colanders of the stuff, and there’s still a ton left
Two colanders overflowing with freshly picked basil sit on a granite countertop (i dumped the 3rd colander of basil right into the sink)A big bunch of freshly cut basil piled in a steel sinkOur basil plant after removal of a ton of leaves. It’s in a raised bed made of bricks, surrounded by a mulch path. The edge of an orange hibiscus bush is visible in the left background
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
After several experiments, I figured out—and documented—the tweaks needed to replicate this magical batch of cookies 😋
Closeup of thick golden chocolate chip cookies lined up on a black wire cooling rack on a granite countertop
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Such a lovely sunset
The western sky a few minutes after sunset. The sky is filled with clouds glowing orange-pink
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Wish I had a proper camera to capture this eclipse. On the bright side it finally cooled off enough to enjoy the view on our back deck
The full moon in near total eclipse, framed by the leaves of a Brazilian Pepper Tree. The poor quality of my phone camera makes the moon look more like a pale orange sun with a little bald spot on top
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Teefs!
A black dog with a light brown beard lays on his back on a grey blanket. His mouth is partially open to reveal his teeth. His eyes are partly open, as I’ve interrupted his morning nap to take this pic
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
We tried out a cooling vest for Pablo on his evening walk. You soak and wring out the vest before putting it on. It’s supposed to be like a swamp cooler. He seemed to tolerate it (not sure he actually liked it). The real test will come during this week’s heat wave
A black dog with a golden brown beard and white socks on his front paws stands on a green lawn. He’s wearing a light grey vest, with a blue harness over it. He’s looking up above the camera with a somewhat skeptical expression
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
New year, new joyful flair in our #DigitalHumanities Center! We’ve jokingly referred to the instruction room that’s home to our disco ball as “Studio M” for years. Now it’s official, and our official room for dance parties 🪩🕺(w a glimpse at the mockup for our 1st permanent art installation) #DHmakes
The outside of an interior classroom. Affixed to the wall above the room’s windows and door are multicolored disco balls. The words Studio M in blue computer-like font are centered between the balls and under a digital clock. To the right of the room are the outlines of two 12” squares stacked on top of each other in blue painters tapeThe outside of an interior classroom. Affixed to the wall above the room’s windows and door are multicolored disco balls. The words Studio M in blue computer-like font are centered between the balls and under a digital clock.
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Nearly forgot to share last night’s lovely evening sky. I feel like a lot of folks could use this right about now
The southern sky a little after sunset. Low clouds glow bright pink over the silhouetted tree tops
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
The pup is despondent this morning (he didn’t want to get out of bed and hasn’t wanted to go outside). I hear ya, buddy
A black dog with a golden brown beard rests on a tan pillow atop a turquoise chair. His head rests on his white-socked paws as he gazes lazily at the cameraSide view of a black dog with a golden brown beard rests on a tan pillow atop a turquoise chair. His head rests on his white-socked paws
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I was so distracted I nearly missed tonight’s sunset. Good thing I paused to look up
The western sky a few minutes after sunset. Closer to the horizon the sky glows bright pink-orange, with a few scattered clouds. Higher in the sky the clouds reflect the last of the pinkish glow. The tops of trees, a roof, and a utility pole are visible in silhouette at the bottom of the frame
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Another gorgeous sunset over here 😍
The western sky a few minutes after sunset. Fluffy clouds glow bright orange-pink over the silhouetted tree and roof line
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Commence “Pesto Festo” 2026! On the left: all the basil my partner just harvested 😋 On the right: all the basil he didn’t pick 😮
A huge pile of basil leaves on a light wood tableA very tall basil plant growing out of a raised brick bed. The plant comes up to my chest (I’m 5’5”)
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Tonight’s sunset is a lovely remedy for my Sunday Scaries (returning to work tomorrow after a week off)
The western sky at sunset. Fluffy clouds glow orange-pink above the tree and roof lineThe western sky at sunset. Fluffy clouds glow orange-pinkThe western sky at sunset. Fluffy clouds glow orange-pink above the tree and roof line
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Timeline cleanse, courtesy of Pablo Socks 🐾
A black dog with a golden brown beard and getting eyebrows sits on a turquoise couch, looking intently at the camera in anticipation of receiving a treatA black dog with a golden brown beard and getting eyebrows lounges on a turquoise couch, his paw extended across the couch’s arm
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
All gender bathrooms are welcoming spaces. Love this playful approach, reminding us that the only thing that matters is washing your hands when you’re done Seen in Manhattan Beach, CA
All gender bathroom sign with a mermaid on the left and a centaur on the right. Below them reads: “Whatever just wash your hands.” The sign is black and white, posted on a deep blue wall
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Today was rough, but I managed to get to the beach for sunset. Here’s hoping tomorrow is a better day
A SoCal beach about 30 minutes before sunset. The sun is peaking out of the clouds, casting golden rays over the lapping waves
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Sweet boy
A black dog with a golden brown beard and white socks lounges on a turquoise chair, cradling a tan pillow. His head rests on the chair’s arm and his paws are crossed next to the pillow. His expression is a mix of sweet and sleepy
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Birds of paradise are truly among my favorite flowers
Two bird of paradise flowers on a sunny summer day. The bird in the left has only just opened up. The bird on the right is in full bloom and catches the sunlight in its orange petals. Various greenery, including a hibiscus, surround the flowers Closeup of the fully blooming bird of paradise glowing in the afternoon sun. Various greenery surrounds the flower
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Tonight’s sunset
The western sky just after sunset. The clouds glow pink above the tree and roof line
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
While I was at work today my partner made an olive oil fig cake with fruit from our Black Jack fig tree. We’ve been struggling with a Mediterranean fig fly infestation for several years, and this is the first crop he’s managed to save, thanks to an intricate system of mesh bags and traps
A bowl of large blackish figs bathed in soft sunlight on a wooden table. These are the leftover figs he didn’t use for the cake Overhead view of a fig cake cooling on a rack. The cake is found with large thin slices of fig dotting the top
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Shame on @apnews.com for taking Polymarket advertising dollars
Screenshot of the AP News app. An add prompting readers to install the Polymarket app is circled in thick pink digital ink
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
A much-needed summer sunset
The western sky after sunset. The clouds glow bring pink-orange over the silhouetted roof and tree topsThe western sky after sunset. The clouds glow bring pink-orange over the silhouetted roof and tree topsThe western sky after sunset. The clouds glow bring pink-orange over the silhouetted roof and tree tops
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful
A black dog with a golden brown beard sleeps on a peacock blue blanket, in front of a closed blinds
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
The motorized stand I bought for our ball revolves slowly, but I think there are faster ones out there. We should get you down here to observe
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Today’s cherry tomato haul. We’re guessing it’s around 3 pounds
A huge pile of cherry tomatoes, some of them still green, sit in a metal colander on a wooden table. The background is blurred out
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Homemade toasted almond and candied cherry ice cream with chocolate nibs, paired with a small almond + anise cornmeal biscotti cookie (also homemade). The perfect summer treat
A round scoop of homemade ice cream in a turquoise cup. The ice cream has chunks of cherries, nuts, and chocolate. A small misshapen biscotti cookie is placed next to the scoop
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
I had to repair a damaged night (I accidentally cut a previously stitched Z, weakening it substantially), which got me reflecting on repair work more generally in the world #DHmakes
The back of my embroidery project, showing a blue stitch that I accidentally partially cut, weakening itCloseup of my embroidered Zs in various shades of blue and teal stitched in a spiral pattern on black fabric. The fabric is patterned with gold stars and dots circled by gold swirls in various sizes. A mix of orange, pink, copper, and mauve beads are stitched into many of the Zs. One of the blue Zs at the top of the pattern is partially unraveling
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
#DHmakes is the best way to avoid doomscrolling + manage my anxiety about the state of things. Here’s the latest in my sleep visualization. Each Z is 1 night; threads are amounts of sleep, beads are types of wakefulness.
Embroidered Zs in various shades of blue and teal stitched in a spiral pattern on black fabric. The fabric is patterned with gold stars and dots circled by gold swirls in various sizes. A mix of orange, pink, copper, and mauve beads are stitched into many of the Zs
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Closeup of the beard and teefs
Closeup of a black dog’s golden brown beard and black snout. His lips are slightly parted, showing some of his little teefs. Though you can’t see at this angle, he’s laying on his back on a turquoise blue couch, with his side flopped over on his right
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
He’s such a fur puddle
A black dog with a golden brown beard, white speckled belly, and greying eyebrows sleeps contentedly on his back on a turquoise blue couch. Two of his bottom teefs are partially visible
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Lovely SoCal evening 😍
Wispy clouds in the western sky glowing pink after sunset
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pam lach @plach.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Here he is burnishing the papyrus with a smooth grey stone Alt text: White hands gently rub a smooth grey stone over papyrus paper on a wooden table
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