Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

Tonight, writing feels intrusive. I’d rather be hiding behind the couch—writing feels like someone knocking at the door when I’m in no mood for visitors. It reminds me of when the Mormon missionary boys came by. Living in the country, we rarely got solicitors. But one afternoon, spying white button-downs and slack-wearing teens through theContinue reading “Floating Up, Up and Away”

I signed up after receiving what I thought was just another junk email—a podcast invitation. I still don’t know if it’s legitimate, but it could be fun if it is. Also? Uncomfortable. And scary. But after yesterday’s addition to my book, I felt confident in my story, in my knowledge of mental health, and abilityContinue reading “Small Town Delight”

The sky’s tummy has been grumbling all day. The latest crack was too loud and too close, sending Evelyn, Dave, and me inside from the patio. It’s the laziest kind of Sunday—one where my eyes linger on downed limbs and branches, on the eroding bank beside the pool. That? That’s future Jaclynn’s problem to cleanContinue reading “The Dog in Me”

In less than ten seconds, I went from thinking I’d need to break its neck to wanting to squeeze it, love it, and make it mine forever. I swear, I didn’t wake up thinking a chipmunk would become the latest addition to our family. But when Cora—the dog—injured the little guy just enough to leaveContinue reading “Love, Kiss, Squeeze ‘Em”

I’ve got a basketball-sized ball of dough out on the patio with me. The crickets and frogs are in full swing, harmonizing beneath the glow of the patio lights. What can I say—I’m a night baker. Supposedly, I’ll get 36 hamburger buns from this buttery beast, but that remains to be seen. I’m in myContinue reading “Tick-Tactic-Pull”

I’m not her. I never will be.Because—I fall into Alice’s hole,where painting the sky is literal. Three-inch brushes globbedinto pails of purples, blues, and yellows,streaking dawn into being. Where the hose’s nozzle,spraying its lazy arc across the garden,casts a rainbow—a portalto the dimension of fairies,and giants,and play. I smell like clouds.I sound like quiet.I speak—andContinue reading “The Reflection: A Poem”

This afternoon, I ping-ponged between seeing a client and catching hour-long breaks. I felt like Mr. Rogers—remember how he’d change from a blazer into a cardigan? Well, I went from a stylish jumpsuit to a swimsuit at least three times today. As someone who tries out jokes on Dave before deciding whether they’re blog-worthy, IContinue reading “Pants Off Dance Off”

“Mama, I want you to be quiet. I need it to be peaceful over here.”Evelyn joined Dave and me in the hammocks—three straps cinched around a single tree, each stretching out to its own trunk, like spokes from a center. There’s enough room for us to swing gently in our own directions, but as youContinue reading “The Psychic Umbilical Cord”

The more sugary the cereal, the more I loved it as a kid. Chocolate! I’m a ’90s kid, so mornings with Count Chocula, Cookie Crisp, and Cocoa Krispies felt like early school release days to go to the State Fair. Watching the hand vaccum slurp up our bunny’s turds—their swirling like chocolate Kix in aContinue reading “Unlikeliest of Friends”