Jaclynn Loibl

The Door: A Writing Exercise

The following is a writing exercise that involves making a new poem or story from a combination of adream-state and a prompted imagination using a method somewhat like self-hypnosis. A link to the exercise is above. The door is nothing special, except for the vibrance of its blue color. With painter’s tape, I’d lined itsContinue reading “The Door: A Writing Exercise”

Pickin’ at the Ritz

It’s our annual family reunion potluck at a sprawling park it’s been at for decades; fit with two playgrounds, a broken-down water feature I’d play in as a kid, BBQs, and cedar siding picnic areas. I enjoyed observing the customs and norms of my family today. “Is she a mushroom picker yet?” Evelyn’s eyeing theContinue reading “Pickin’ at the Ritz”

Burn Baby Burn

I’m a run a trail of gas, light a match, and burn everything to the ground type of person. These past few days, it’s been tough to break this pattern. Its sweet, cunning words say, “Follow me, I know best,” as its snake-charming, beckoning finger takes me in a direction. I must abide. Move toContinue reading “Burn Baby Burn”

Untethered Parenting

I juggle; three balls max of the same size and weight. Do I intend to add a fourth? Nope. This party trick I learned in 7th grade PE is fine as is. So why am I trying to juggle 50 balls in my work life? Am I a masochist, an aspiring Guinness Records circus performer,Continue reading “Untethered Parenting”

Otter Than You

I’m in a self-editing and walking on eggshells mood in my writing. So it’s challenging to speak my mind. For example, I had four paragraphs of content written, then simple Simon selected all and deleted them. I’m all twisted up like a cow’s stomach. Cow brought up a thought about Stolz’s dairy farm across theContinue reading “Otter Than You”

Last Resort River

Picture two people who hate one other more than anything. Now, put them in a room together. Ta-da! Welcome to my 4 pm appointment. The white water rapids in my mind were intense and jostled me out of my seat more often than I preferred. Gripping the safety rope, I did my best to maintainContinue reading “Last Resort River”

The Art of Daily Blogging

At the year’s start, I took up blogging. Not only to improve my writing chops, but to also give myself a consistent place to process day-to-day experiences. I’ve tried to keep the stakes low, tossing as few pennies into the pot as possible. Because, like Seinfeld, it’s a show about nothing. And the simple things;Continue reading “The Art of Daily Blogging”

Damned If I

I’m that fan of myself, the one with an absurdly large number one finger on my hand, but just as quickly, I will back myself into a corner with the snarling, foaming mouth of a pit bull. That’s because “Sometimes you’re the windshield. Sometimes you’re the bug.” For part of today, I felt like a big, red,Continue reading “Damned If I”

Da Doo Ron Ron

On a pontoon boat with friends today, I felt my maternal claws loosen their grip as Evelyn sat in the boat’s rear with her friend, his attentive Mom, and his equally attentive Grandma. Nestling into Dave’s chest, I felt the unknown feeling of complete relaxation as the wind blew across my face and the sunContinue reading “Da Doo Ron Ron”

Ginnin’ About Town

I want a cute little Disney-esque curated Wild West-themed duck sanctuary. Picture a mirror – ducks LOVE looking at themselves in mirrors – with a little sombrero hat at its top. And perhaps a couplea’ six-shooters affixed to the left and right sides of it, providing a photo op-like experience for said ducks. What ifContinue reading “Ginnin’ About Town”