Previous My senses are bombarded with exhaust fumes, window-rattling bass, and many busy drivers I must keep attention to. A DJ on the radio speaks at an auctioneer’s pace, “Come on down to”—some car lot, I don’t catch the name of—”and spend that hard-earned Sturgis money on a brand new 2012…” Spying a turn offContinue reading “The Welcoming Committee (Book Part 17)”
Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl
Bear Lodge (Book Part 16)
Previous With Sturgis an hour away, a brown metal sign for Devil’s Tower tempts me. A detour up Highway 14 would work well for me with bikers likely still asleep. Searching its Wikipedia page, I find the Lakota Tribe’s mythology of the landmark interesting. “A group of girls were playing and got chased by hugeContinue reading “Bear Lodge (Book Part 16)”
The Sentimental Sort
I’m a shaken, not stirred snow globe of cloudy frenzy. But a cruise down I-5 at dusk soothes me, the shades of blue, from the horizon’s teal to the dark blue above. The smooth transition of blues is in the wheelhouse of a skilled painter, not mine. My task is painting with words the crispContinue reading “The Sentimental Sort”
The Longest Night (Book Part 15)
Previous Chapter 3 Therapist: Do you ever think of suicide?Me: That’s a weird question, considering I’ve never mentioned it. No, I’m too scared to do something like that.Therapist: In a way, how you’re using drugs and drinking to anesthetize yourself – not to mention the risky sex – could be looked at as a slowContinue reading “The Longest Night (Book Part 15)”
Steady as a Rock (Book Part 14)
Previous Turning into the gravel pull-off, I notice a car parked in my spot, which is unsettling. Halfway on the walk to my camping site, my shuffling feet and clinking cooking pot alert him. Sitting on a boulder is a man, who has turned and is looking right at me. With his heels set againstContinue reading “Steady as a Rock (Book Part 14)”
Taking the Night Off
To watch Below Deck and read. See you tomorrow. Love, Jaclynn PS The profile photo is a cross-stitch my friend made for me. Isn’t it beautiful?
The ‘Do Run Run (Book Part 13)
Previous At the three-month mark of the road trip, while in Slab City, an off-grid alternative lifestyle community, I met a nomadic woman. Her eyes, tanned skin, and lack of hair enchanted me. If she can do it, why can’t I, I thought. This young person’s ownership of her near-bald scalp inspired me and created theContinue reading “The ‘Do Run Run (Book Part 13)”
Living After Loss (Book Part 12)
Previous I wake up groggy and disoriented. The family has gone, and the sun is lower in the sky. With thoughts on my mind, I grab my journal and pen and start to write. “The sound of a crackling fire mimics the breeze brushing gently against the leaves. The breeze picks up to the wind,Continue reading “Living After Loss (Book Part 12)”
Under the Surface (Book Part 11)
Previous I walk up the sidewalk, the same one I’d mindlessly been up thousands of times. Like a dream, the familiarity and comfort splinters; I’m Alice inside the looking glass. Up is down, but with a directive: Say goodbye. Through the ajar front door, I walk. Down the eight-foot brick entry. Into a much too-litContinue reading “Under the Surface (Book Part 11)”
The Spot (Book Part 10)
Previous My mom had the most shiny, reddish-auburn hair you’d ever seen. In her senior high school photo, it flowed elegantly down her mid-back, parted precisely in the middle, and draped over her shoulder. Beauty was a family trait extending to her younger sisters, known as “The four Alexander girls,” whose house on Carriage LaneContinue reading “The Spot (Book Part 10)”
Going On 40 