Jaclynn Loibl

Let’s Go To The Movies

With a start time of 9:55pm, Dave and I decided on a spontaneous trip to see the movie “Strays.” The news that it was “National Cinema Day” coupled with the incredibly low ticket price of $4 made the decision even easier. Plus, with the assurance that Grandma Carol and Grandpa Richard could handle Evelyn’s teethContinue reading “Let’s Go To The Movies”

Milk Cow Blues

Evelyn has made of soul-sister friend. Their instant bond formed as Emma leaped out of her aunt’s van and sprinted up the concrete driveway, with Evelyn’s split second decision to trail behind. Within minutes, they’d united forces, armed with makeshift swords against their much older and larger cousin. They’ve also dunked in an ice chest,Continue reading “Milk Cow Blues”

A Piece Of History

While tossing the romaine lettuce in a zesty lime dressing, I felt the sharp sting of a fresh cut. It took me a couple glances to realize that I hadn’t accidentally sliced the pads of my middle and ring finger. It was that I had spent hours meticulously scouring the Towaliga River, sifting through rocksContinue reading “A Piece Of History”

Let’s Talk About Sex

I never really talk about sex here, but I’m definitely a sexual being. Uh oh, while on the porch just now, the UPS driver, sporting his knee-length brown canvas shorts and flexing calf muscles, dropped off a package just a few feet away from me. If I hadn’t had thoughts of sex on my mind,Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Sex”

When Doves Cry

There’s a churning in my chest, not the quick paced stirring up of whipped cream, but close. I’m a writer. The idea is newly owned and is true as the strong breeze billowing my shirt and crashing it against my body like waves. Still, I wish I could speak as naturally and as long-windedly asContinue reading “When Doves Cry”

Drive-Thru Writing

I had a ten-plus minute stretch where I felt like I sucked. With the three-hour time zone change and diverting from my routine of meeting people in person, I made multiple scheduling mistakes that plummeted my self-confidence. Sure, everyone was understanding because people are, but I wasn’t. My favorite session was with a fellow writerContinue reading “Drive-Thru Writing”

Song of the South

Half a country away, I know woodpeckers to sound like mini jackhammering construction-workers. Then nabbing their grub they fly on, living an almost always quiet kind of presence. Here in the rib of Georgia, Woody approaches life differently. Post-head smacking he breathes out a ceaseless heavy-chested scream, like he’s scared for his life and runningContinue reading “Song of the South”

I’ll Take The Night Shift

I’m drawn to perfectly timed phenomena. Once, I pulled a skull welding helmet over my eyes out of fear – the promise of a protective, darkened layer just for a moment calmed me. Yet, as we all know, reality often diverges from what we’re told. Having made a game since I was little out ofContinue reading “I’ll Take The Night Shift”

Critic To Creativity

The power of reframing lies in a technique that, like a good editor, takes initial thoughts and transforms them into bestsellers. Instead of negatively reacting to rolling garbage bins down a long gravel road on Tuesday evening try on an “Oh goodie” attitude. If that’s too much too fast, how about a nonchalant shoulder shrugContinue reading “Critic To Creativity”

The Hottest Honker

An adjacent customer at the hair salon was spun to face me, giving her a stellar shot of my schnoz. “Your profile is gorgeous, I mean absolutely stunning.” I smiled and thanked her. While aging continues to enlarge it, my nose still has got what it takes! And not to brag, but my nose isContinue reading “The Hottest Honker”