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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Month: August 2025

Happy New Year! Kind of.

When we dropped our youngest off last weekend, Rich and I both felt this weird mix of doom and delight. As it was just after we’d dropped him off last year that the first shoe dropped, there was a natural gurgle of PTSD. Could everyone just be cool this year and…stay alive? 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment August 25, 2025August 23, 2025 4 Minutes

The Skid to Summer’s Finish Line

Currently, the broken rules in my youngest’s room represent the actual bridge between childhood and adulting: Teddy Grahams on one side, Stoli on the other.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Parenting Leave a comment August 18, 2025August 17, 2025 5 Minutes

Weekend at Bernies. Or with.

“I can guarantee you one thing. A new purse will never throw up a pair of children’s underwear.” It was a long weekend, full of regrets.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Pets 1 Comment August 11, 2025August 10, 2025 5 Minutes

Life Outside the Disney Bubble

What is life like outside the Disney bubble? Look around. Do you see any Mickey waffles on the stove?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment August 4, 2025 6 Minutes
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Coming May 2026! Hi, Honey!

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.

How do you like your books? Click The Books! tab to purchase one of mine in your favorite format!

  • Literary Titan Award Winner
  • IPPY Award Winner
  • Today Parenting
  • Grown & Flown
  • Dream It!
  • Disney Earmarked Agency
  • Certified Autism Travel Professional

Aren't all writers gazillionaires? It turns out...no. If you love to travel and have someone else organize your life, reach out! I'd love to plan your next adventure! There's no cost to you as travel planners are compensated by destination vendors. Read more here.

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Blogs that you just missed:

Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball: Six for Six

Banana Ball’s season may be short but for a super-fan, seeing every game just takes a little creativity and coordination.

Oh, and maybe a few friends who will say “yes” to anything.

by Jyl Barlow June 8, 2026June 8, 2026
Vacation Alert: Back to Alaska.

Vacation Alert: Back to Alaska.

I’m off on another adventure!

Want to follow along? I mean, why wouldn’t you? Join me on the socials under Bearly Home Travel.

by Jyl Barlow June 1, 2026May 28, 2026
Banana Ball (and all its Bliss)

Banana Ball (and all its Bliss)

Just when I thought all things wholesome had been extinct, I walked into a Banana Ball game and my faith in pure goodness was instantly restored. It was as unexpected as the midgame nod to Magic Mike courtesy of a slew of shirtless firemen dancing on the dugouts midway through the seventh inning.  If you…

by Jyl Barlow May 18, 2026May 18, 2026
Available Now: Hi, Honey!

Available Now: Hi, Honey!

Happy Mother’s Day! I’ve chosen this very day to publish my third book, Hi, Honey!: A Dementia Diary because it truly is a love letter to the relationship I had with my mom, who passed away just over a year ago. I wasn’t really aware how unique the relationship was between my mother and me…

by Jyl Barlow May 10, 2026May 10, 2026
Hi, Honey! A Dementia Diary

Hi, Honey! A Dementia Diary

For decades, 4 p.m. meant one thing to me: a phone call to my mom.

And then one day, it was gone.

Hi, Honey! A Dementia Diary shares the story of loss, grief, and growth.

I can’t wait for you to read it.

by Jyl Barlow May 4, 2026May 1, 2026
Skin Scans, Schedule Chaos, & Travel Fails.

Skin Scans, Schedule Chaos, & Travel Fails.

A week of chaos, ranging from expired passports, weekday graduations, skin scans, and no-contact children.

Can I get an amen? No? How about a margarita?

by Jyl Barlow April 20, 2026April 19, 2026
Blog at WordPress.com.

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