Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

If you got me a poinsettia for Christmas, you better believe I’ve kept it alive until now. Better yet, I’ve even emptied out the spray bottle of vinegar, replaced it with water, and spritzed it today. Sure, I let it get dry a week ago, and it’s since dropped a ton of leaves, but sinceContinue reading “Plant Whisperer”

“Who comes to the airport and sightsees?” That’s my Dad talking, he’s in the middle lane, searching for United airline’s signage. You know how people pause, stop anywhere and everywhere? Well, he’s not a fan. All the way here, he’s sped, as much as twenty miles per hour over the speed limit. He’s determined toContinue reading “Birthday Belle”

The single hammock acts like a sail on the back porch, swirling in circles and flinging itself into the air. It’s a glimpse of foreshadowing; a thin strip on the weather map shows our area as the target for gusts up to 50 mph. For now, the weather station is clocking us in at 4.5Continue reading “Flying Monsters”

Unfiltered as a conspiracy theorist radio host, my kid’s processing and insight level are basic. “I didn’t like her,” she responded in her cute-kid-pitched voice. Fearing meanness by the teacher or some other oversight the mother bear in me readied to rear up. But instead was humbled, “She had those dots all over her face.Continue reading “Drop it Like it’s Hot”

I was sent rocketing into space, or rather, a failing engine spiraling uncontrollably when an email said I would be charged $90 for a running and exercise app. An app I downloaded, viewed its features, didn’t like, and didn’t know I was on a trial. A trial that if I didn’t cancel, I’d be payingContinue reading “May Day, May Day”

We gotta do what we gotta do. I’ve been on the phone for the past two hours with my close friend. She needed me, and I’m glad I’m someone she feels secure enough with to share all the complicated mess of what happened to her with me. I’ll go into more detail about it, afterContinue reading “Short but Sweet”

The latest part in the “Five Things We Cannot Change” book is about saying yes. And I’m a fan. Reality is what it is, and people do what they do, when we stay in a “yes” mentality, we don’t add unrealistic expectations, or shoulds, or impose our will and control on it. Sure, I willContinue reading “Rubbing Raw”

The inner thigh and the spot at the calf, when flexed, where a charlie horse can form—yeah, that’s where I hurt. How long until my body readily accepts and enjoys my New Year’s fitness resolution habit? Not yet; it’s been seven days, and I’m still counting. My writing voice feels boxed in like the magicianContinue reading “Sore Sport”

The elusive, never-done unicorn of hygiene tasks, aka flossing, is alive and well in our house. Neither Dave nor I had jammed that tiny string between our teeth until this past year. Why now? Like all of life’s unanswerables, who knows, but it sure does feel good. Especially the not having my gums bleed part;Continue reading “Dangerous Curves Ahead”

In a steamy bath and not even into the first chapter of “The Five Things We Cannot Change… and the Happiness We Find in Embracing Them” by David Riccho, I’m savoring the author’s thoughts. Much like the food I enjoyed earlier with friends. Sweetened Brussels sprouts with pork belly, chicken and mushroom ravioli in aContinue reading “Drawing a Line”