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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Month: March 2024

The Packing Game

My husband has an unwritten rule that we have to wear everything we take on our trips. For me, that means lots of tough calls as I decide which of thirteen pairs of shoes will make the cut.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Marriage Leave a comment March 25, 2024April 13, 2024 6 Minutes

Excuse Me While I Sing When I Win

Last week, that project I was NEVER GOING TO DO finally came to fruition by landing on Audible, Amazon, and iBooks. Admittedly, I felt so much more proud of this checkmark than I did when the original, written book was published.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Marriage, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment March 18, 2024April 13, 2024 3 Minutes

Audiobook Sample

I know, it's Wednesday. You don't hear from me on Wednesdays, right? That's our agreement? It's just that this week, I have a share and, if you follow me on the socials, you may already know what it is. Friday is the official release of the accompanying audiobook for What to Expect When You Weren't … Continue reading Audiobook Sample →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families Leave a comment March 13, 2024March 13, 2024 1 Minute

Mary Lou & The 30 Surgeries.

At the end of last year when it was announced that Mary Lou Retton was in the fight of her life, one of the side notes was that she’d had some thirty surgeries to repair a long list of injuries spawned by her gymnastics era.  Gymnasts everywhere thought, "Oh, yes, that makes sense."

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Mental Health 2 Comments March 11, 2024April 13, 2024 5 Minutes

Zombie Closets (Bugging Out)

Am I ready for a Zombie Apocalypse? Sure, if sweet-smelling lotions will help. I'll let my husband handle the rest.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from Whine & Wine, a Podcast by Bearlow Productions, Thoughts on Marriage, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Political Stuff 1 Comment March 4, 2024April 13, 2024 4 Minutes
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Book cover for 'Hi, Honey! A Dementia Diary' featuring a woman in a floral swimsuit holding a snorkel mask, set against a nature background. The cover includes quotes and the author's name, JYL CJ BARLOW.
A descriptive text about the book 'Hi, Honey!' by Jyl Barlow, focusing on themes of grief, love, and loss, alongside testimonials highlighting its emotional depth and insights into the grieving process.

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  • Literary Titan Award Winner
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Blogs that you just missed:

Writers Conferences: From One Comfort Zone to Another

Writers Conferences: From One Comfort Zone to Another

Sometimes, leaving the couch is exactly how you find out where you’re most comfortable.

by Jyl Barlow September 28, 2026
Travel Etiquette Bingo: Team TPA

Travel Etiquette Bingo: Team TPA

Because I travel frequently, I have the (dis)pleasure of seeing all kinds of classless behavior in airports, and let me tell you, Crocs and pajamas are just the start.

I often wonder, as I’m making my way through TSA or to my gate or to the boarding line, if I’m the only one who…

by Jyl Barlow September 14, 2026
Saying Goodbye to My Watch. Also, Have You Seen My Phone?

Saying Goodbye to My Watch. Also, Have You Seen My Phone?

My best-therapy-practices have always included assuming someone else is the problem, ignoring advice on the first pass, and shoving my muted phone deep into my purse.

But then…the lines started to blur.

by Jyl Barlow August 31, 2026August 31, 2026
No Contact Kids: Finding the Quiet Relief

No Contact Kids: Finding the Quiet Relief

What’s the big deal with going no contact?

Well, for one, it’s dangerous, devastating and, often, unjustified. Beyond that, it’s not healthy. It stunts emotional maturity and growth.

by Jyl Barlow August 17, 2026
No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

No Contact Kids? It’s Like Walking Face-First into a Spiderweb.

I’ve become an expert at baiting my no-contact kid into a conversation.

My methods?

Forwarding mail, paying for college, having a death in the family, etc.

by Jyl Barlow August 3, 2026August 3, 2026
When a Calendar Fail &  Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

When a Calendar Fail & Lack of E.S.P. Collide.

Look, it was my mistake, okay?

Still, having hope for my husband’s E.S.P. to come in is fine, as long as I consider that a very loose and unpredictable fallback plan.

by Jyl Barlow July 20, 2026
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