Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

I feel as self-absorbed as a sponge in a water-drinking competition. But aren’t we all, in our own way self-focused? That’s nothing to be ashamed about, right? I’m feeling somewhere between feisty and lazy, and lazy is winning the race. When was the last time I took a morning walk with the ladies? At leastContinue reading “There’s a Tree”

It may seem like any old ordinary day—one where goats stand upright against persimmon trees to yank their fruit, and hymns among family are sung around an unlit campfire. The invite to the HoDown had dwindled to the bottom of Dave’s and my priority list, not because we weren’t interested, but because of the medicalContinue reading “A Day of Days”

I anticipate my survival of the fittest mantra will go into effect shortly. With my plant itch reaching a fever pitch, a swing by the local native pollinator nursery is definitely on the agenda. The garden has a plethora of spots left that could use greenery, and I’m ready to give the bees and butterfliesContinue reading “Home Fires Burning”

The northern lights found their way south tonight, and for a short walk, hand in hand, Dave and I took a seat next door on Maria and Tim’s porch. It’s been a long day, emotions raw, and just to sit together for five minutes, then stroll home like responsible parents should, was the reset weContinue reading “The Night the Lights Go Out in Georgia”

Evelyn’s first sleepover is officially in effect. At 10:33 pm, she and Emma are tucked under a sheet, wearing their onesie pajamas, surrounded by stuffies like life preservers in an ocean of a double bed. Just an hour ago, I found them both on the living room couch with pillows and blankets. “A monster withContinue reading “Surging to Sleep”

There’s a cool humidity in the air, like the stuffy indoor pool at the YMCA that’s been without patrons for several hours. The breeze is refreshing, and the sounds of crickets, cicadas, and locusts set the tone for this pitch-black night. I’m out here late, writing—11pm, a time that usually sends me into a panic.Continue reading “Shelter From the Storm”

I’m ramped up, ready to vroom my Evel Knievel motorcycle through flames, around the double loopy-loop, and off the ramp into a river of crocodiles. A spirited talk with a good friend, a little caffeine from a mini Pepsi, and an overall rush of positive vibes have me on the edge of my seat. “What’sContinue reading “The Difference Between Knight and Day”

Five minutes before the hour, I logged into the Zoom link provided on my cousin’s Facebook page to attend my aunt’s funeral. As I joined, I was transported to a bird’s-eye view of my childhood church, Calvary Presbyterian, while my cousin’s husband’s band filled the air with music. Unfortunately, when the microphone switched to theContinue reading “Fair Enough Day”

I’m on chicken duty. With thirty lady birds needing their nightly roost and their owner off with her kids, having their scarecrows judged at the fair, it’s fallen on me to see them safely into the hen house. Just yesterday, Evelyn played in their pen, crouch-walking with arms outstretched, trying to pick them up. SheContinue reading “Poultry Plucking”