Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

I’m not one to skirt around an issue; I plunge right into the jello-y center with a swan dive even Michael Phelps wouldn’t attempt. I don’t know where this comes from—this need to go straight to the heart of the matter—but I’ve learned not everyone handles things the same way. There are the avoiders, theContinue reading “The Heart of the Dive”

A blank screen and a blinking cursor aren’t usually intimidating, but tonight, they are. It feels like getting blank stares from professors after giving a presentation. Where are the roses being thrown at my feet? The enthusiastic cries of “Encore, encore!”? Right now, I’m enjoying Ellen DeGeneres’ new comedy special on Netflix. So, I’m goingContinue reading “Just a Quickie”

Some days are just wonky—like a slinky flipping end over end down a 70’s green shag carpet staircase. It’s messy, unpredictable, but it’s okay. After all, as the morbid saying goes: it’s another day above ground. On days like this, I lean into the fact that I’m a good person and so are the peopleContinue reading “Slinking Through”

How do I paint the picture of the musical houses that unfolded a couple of hours ago? First, our family of three visited next door where Dave’s brother’s family of four was. Then, two family members, Alice and Holt, from across the street stopped by on their way home, having just taken a flight homeContinue reading “Easy Comet, Easy Go”

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”