Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

Reading the headlines “French pole vaulter’s bulge cost him the Olympics” and “French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati misses Olympic final after manhood catches on crossbar” had me laughing harder and harder at each reporter’s try at skirting around the word penis. I worry I’m not being authentic when writing. That felt like the most genuineContinue reading “A Wang in the Way”

I’ve been eyeing a crape myrtle at the end of the road. The pink blossoms fling into the air on branches like a drag queen’s hands at pride. She’s a beaut, and I want her. Well, her distant cousin, anyway. Illegally digging up my new neighbor’s tree wouldn’t make the best first impression. Planting sodContinue reading “Flamboyant Flowers”

I’m in that space now. One foot in a new life, but not fully there—teetering between worlds. My head spins with the newness, yet I find encouragement in the Roberta Hardware store. It’s the kind of place where old men sit and talk about politics and the weather, and where the owner takes you byContinue reading “Down on the Corner”

Not knowing when I’d have the chance again, I fumbled through the all-too-quiet rented condo for Archie’s leash. After a few bumbles and bonks, and with Dave helping me like a shuffling zombie, I found it, and we were off. What first was meant to be a walk around the block to let him peeContinue reading “Cross Country Move: Nashville, TN to Roberta, GA – Day 7 – 4.8/5”

I feel shame for who I am, for who I’ve been, and who I will become. But then I reached tippy-toed for a bar, and my nose did not know. It’s the wind’s whip that brightens my face to a glisten as vivid as the symbol on a tooth-whitening carton. Don’t you cower in theContinue reading “A Lightning’s Strike”

Tonight, we’ll sleep in Pray, Montana, in a canvas tent the size of a hotel room. It’s fabulous here. With thick rugs, a plush and long leather couch, and fixings for s’mores in the refrigerator, the little extras feel kind and giving, whereas, in hotels, I feel slimy and taken advantage of. Dave and EvelynContinue reading “Cross Country Move: Coeur d’Alene, ID to Pray, MT – Day 2 – 4.4/5 Stars”