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)”
Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl
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)”
A Dynamic Duo Strikes
As you know, I’m quite the expert at selling second-hand goods. Tonight’s sale featured our nearly perfect condition chair-and-a-half, marked down from $1,000 to $340. The interested buyer’s profile image showcased her in a black lace bra and thong underwear, accessorized with fuzzy gray boots that reached mid-calf. Tattoos crept up both her arms, extendingContinue reading “A Dynamic Duo Strikes”
All in a Day’s Work (Book Part 9)
Previous I calm myself by taking one breath and then another. If I don’t find Jim’s spot, I console myself; it’s not that big of a deal. I’ll sleep in my car, which is what it is. Reassuring myself lessens the threatening thoughts, and it’s a moment more before I shift my car into gearContinue reading “All in a Day’s Work (Book Part 9)”
The Hard Truth (Book Part 8)
Previous Chapter 2 Therapist: What kind of relationship did you have with your Mom?Me: It was ok. Therapist: Did you feel close to her?Me: Not really. It’s weird, but I don’t respect her. My memories are of her burnt out from cooking, cleaning, working, and dealing with my brother. Therapist: Dealing with your brother?Me: Yeah, they hadContinue reading “The Hard Truth (Book Part 8)”
Crumb Dungeon
The area of my shoulder blade, toward my back, where a wing would protrude, feels like it’s twisted in a knot. Tensely moving my arm repeatedly for two days straight is the culprit. Dang painting! With rosy cheeks fresh out of a hot bath, I’m in a curmudgeon of a mood. There I’ve said it,Continue reading “Crumb Dungeon”
Going On 40 