Author Archives: Jaclynn Loibl

Descending the gentle slope toward the Chalet Theatre in my hometown brought back a flood of memories. I remembered my very first group date with a boy I had a crush on, watching the movie “Twister.” I could almost picture my mom’s auburn hair as she leaned out of the passenger window, telling me, “MeetContinue reading “I Go Back”

Once a bi-weekly hiker, a frequent coffee shop dweller, and a library nook stalker, my solitary adventures have gradually come to a standstill. But then, on a whim, I decided, “Why not now?” I parked my car in a downtown spot right next to the Junker’s Nest Village and moved with haste as if IContinue reading “On A Whim”

Other people’s burdens found me today. Like plops of piles of garbage on my front porch, one after the other, they cluttered the sight of my scarecrow, pumpkin, and corn stalk fall decorations. And what did I do? First, I assessed what was mine to bear. What ownership or responsibility did I need or wantContinue reading “Burdens, Bickers, and Bedtime Battles”

I’ve found myself entangled in a city-defense, clan-joining, and monster-fighting app today, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of irritation at myself for it. You know the feeling – someone cuts in front of you in line, and you don’t say anything, but you can’t help grumbling under your breath, maybe even lettingContinue reading “Addiction Lite”

One moment, I’m immersed in the delightful aroma of chopped leeks and Yukon gold potatoes simmering in vegetable stock, and the next, I’m hit with a spontaneous burst of go juice, prompting Dave and me to jump in the car for a surprise outing to treat Evelyn to the new Paw Patrol movie. Dave andContinue reading “When Doubt Creeps”

My least favorite question of all time, “So you gonna have another one?” slipped right out of my uncle’s mouth, right there in the church’s basement post-funeral. Internally, I cringed as I saw the hopeful anticipation in his and his wife’s eyes, waiting for my response. “Not happening,” I said, and I could practically seeContinue reading “A Farewell to Grandma”

“You’ll never get eaten by an alligator,” I reassured Evelyn as her fear of the toothy, snouted swimmer took hold of her imagination. It seemed I had managed to provide some comfort because she responded with a heartfelt, “Thank you, Mommy.” Our attention then shifted to the world of baseball, where the Mariners were dominatingContinue reading “Mastering Moments”

After a significant break in our communication journey, our couple from part one is now ready to embark on part two. “Do we want to pick up where we left off last time?” I inquire, curious about any updates. However, met with silence, one promotes me, “Where was that?” I gently remind them, “You feltContinue reading “Couples Counseling: Part Duel”

After countless hours of poring over house plans, Dave and I have finally found the one that captivates us. Its defining feature is the tall vaulted ceiling in the family room, with fans and rustic wooden beams. It gives the impression of a cozy cabin tucked away in the forest. However, there’s one aspect thatContinue reading “Lost Keys and Lofted Dreams”