"I got a postcard from your mother. Boy, do I envy her in Death Valley."
No first name given. Director of the Ashfield Art Colony, indicating that her name might be "Ashfield," but this is not confirmed.
Ms. Ashfield was an old commune mate of Amanda Lane. She currently runs an artist's colony in an unnamed college town. Jane is accepted to the colony for a summer.
Apparently, Ms. Ashfield still corresponds with Amanda, receiving a postcard from her in Death Valley and expressing envy over not being able to be there too (even though it's the middle of July).