Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

For the first time today, I went to another homeschool co-op mom’s house and couldn’t help but be a know-it-all plant person. “Ooh, Alyssum,” I said, sticking my nose within an inch of the teensy white flowers whose scent punches way above their weight. When Joyce gestured at some thick green leaves and said, “IContinue reading “Cheddar Off Dead”

I’m having a crisis of confidence, but I’m not allowing it. Maybe daily discipline feels a tad excessive when all I want is a break.A question drifts unanswered: A break from what?It echoes through the soft meadows of my mind. From the twisted, topsy-turvy knots of thought.From answers that are both yes and no,with noContinue reading “Crisis of Confidence”

On Facebook Marketplace, I thread the needle. It’s the art of lowballing unapologetically, with a “don’t shoot the messenger” white flag waving in the breeze. I’ve already told you—people overvalue what they have. Which means my undervaluing it doesn’t exactly set the tone for a graceful first move on the dance floor. Their inevitable “HowContinue reading “Spirit in the Sky”

I’m reading The Wizard of Oz in Spanish. As I turn the pages, the Technicolor version of the movie plays in my head—but the book throws in new scenes and backstories that make it feel like I’ve landed in the land of Munchkins and witches all over again. One part that really stood out wasContinue reading “Pieces of Me”

The night air is 71 degrees, the cicadas low and steady, and I’m full of chips and salsa—again. But underneath all that comfort is this feeling I know too well: insecurity. It lives deep down, where the dark anglerfish roam. A matchstick light leading the way, illuminating the mushiest, muddiest silt. That spongy chill whereContinue reading “There Will Be Mud”

Dave considered declining, then turned to me and asked, “Want to go to a crawfish boil?”The invite came from two doors down. A friend of theirs—who owns a 500-acre property just eight minutes away—was throwing a party. Maybe it was their way of reciprocating after politely declining our offer for their daughter to come swim.Continue reading “A Backyard Boil Blunder”

Some clients come to counseling sessions with bulleted or numbered lists—reminders of what they want to touch on. “If we have time, I’d like to get to…” they’ll say, and off we go. For this post, I’m doing the same.Here’s what’s on my mind: Let’s begin. 1. The Scream Apparently, I’ve inherited my grandma’s shrillContinue reading “Startle Me and Soothe Me”

There’s a wall of mind gunk I have to wade through before I find a quiet spot to write. It’s the thought banter of the day—guys bullshitting over beers after work, idle chatter at a hair salon. It’s taxes, Katy Perry on the moon, and other crap I don’t care about, poking their heads intoContinue reading “Waiting For the Quiet”