Previous “I didn’t know there was a cost,” I say, standing on the stoop with my new biker friends, not wanting to appear ungrateful. “I’m on a road trip and staying in my car to save money. Last night, I was camping in Wyoming, and a man told me this was happening. So I –.” “Wait!Continue reading “The Sturgis Scoop (Book Part 18)”
Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl
Sweet and Short
Dave, Evelyn, Archie, and I are snuggled in the guest room in my parents’ downstairs guest room. With a morning flight, we figured bunking here would give us maximum sleep. It’s been a long day, and with Evelyn rustling on the air mattress nearby and my fingers clackily-clacking at the keys, my mind is awhirlContinue reading “Sweet and Short”
Show Me the Way
My oversized black T-shirt with a skull made up of white kittens and cats received five compliments today—the most of any work outfit I’ve worn. Not to worry, I dressed it up with heels and a cardigan. Don’t you love it when you head toward something you need only to realize you forgot what you’reContinue reading “Show Me the Way”
Moaning in the Morning
Writing is hard when I worry. The neighbor’s dog bit Archie, and although I’m not concerned, I’m concerned. He has an inch-and-a-half slice on his side that I put hydrogen peroxide on, and he’s on bed rest. It reminds me of the time I had a 16-year-old cat, Patches, who ran away for three days.Continue reading “Moaning in the Morning”
Plucks and Paragraphs
Have you seen the “If you lived here, you’d be home” banners roped to apartment buildings? I think they’re dumb. As it took two shampoo washings to do the top and bottom half of my breast-covering long hair, I’d had enough. If only the top existed, I’d be home. Fast forward, and I booked aContinue reading “Plucks and Paragraphs”
Bon Voyage Beach
Before heave-hoeing an electric lawn mower into the truck’s bed, I stopped Dave and, with pleading eyes, vented, “I can’t do chaos. I just can’t do it”. My utterance came after a phone call with a highly escalated client in the thick of dysfunction. I wanted to help, but the call with yells, sobs, and threatsContinue reading “Bon Voyage Beach”
The Welcoming Committee (Book Part 17)
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)”
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)”
Going On 40 