Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

I’m in a “do the bare minimum” mood. Except when it comes to refreshing the house — there, I’m kicking dust bunnies’ butts. I take my O-Cedar mop, toe-press the lever to let physics spin the water out, and swipe along the inch-deep tops of the baseboards. I’d walked into the office — aka theContinue reading “Here Kitty Kitty”

I told Dave I needed him today — another small step of my feet inching toward security in another person, toward trust, toward healing. Outwardly, those words are the most fragrant, vibrant blooms in the bunch, but I know the pricks of the thorns that stood — and still stand — in my way. ToContinue reading “Unbreaking My Heart”

Every so often, I seek a teacher — preferably spiritual or philosophical — to swaddle me in the cushiony comfort of the inner psyche. Whether it’s the wisdom itself or simply the experience of listening to someone’s calm words or voice, I don’t really care. It’s like the first half of a beer, or aContinue reading “When I Think About You I Trust Myself”

Damn, that Market Spice tea from Pike Place in Seattle is good. I’m not a fan of the cost, but semi-sweetened with orange peels and a handful of bright spices — like cinnamon apple pie — it makes sipping a hot beverage feel like a spa massage for my mouth. Something from a session earlierContinue reading “How Close is Too Close”

It’s a cold day for a birthday. Being the house person I am, I stayed inside — working, helping Evelyn with her upper- and lowercase writing, and reading my book. I can’t say my birthday was something for the books — and yet, after a two-mile walk/jog, a call with one of my oldest friends,Continue reading “Whittling Wood”

Every so often, vulnerability in writing swirls together with a checked-out, ennui kind of feeling. It’s a blizzard. I’m less interested in the why and more interested in getting over it—jumping past it, shimmying into a more comfortable spot. Something about dreaming of this weekend’s getaway to an Airbnb in South Carolina put a littleContinue reading “Another Trip ‘Round”

I am in a bathtub filled with unicorn pee.Or strawberry Skittles vomit.The water is pink. Yesterday’s bath bomb experience—courtesy of a cross-country gift package sent by my bestie—left me off-gassing like I’d partied at a rave with pixies and fairies. Words I say so rarely that I first got stuck on fixies, then had toContinue reading “Pink Pony Bath Bomb”

I’ve taken it upon myself to be our family’s concierge for our upcoming Disney World vacation. I am no expert. I do, however, have an expert next door—an annual passholder—whose brain will happily be picked and picked and picked. I took notes last time. My action items include printing maps of the five parks andContinue reading “A Stroll For the Soul”

Is it possible to be kicking life’s ass while, at the same time, feeling like it’s kicking yours? If so, clip my ticket. I’m swimming—mostly gulping water—against a rushing river, and then, as if remembering that’s not how this race is won, I relax. I point my toes downstream, lean back, wear myself out less,Continue reading “Right on Time”