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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Category: Thoughts on Mental Health

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.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Family, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment July 20, 2026July 19, 2026 4 Minutes

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.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment June 8, 2026June 8, 2026 3 Minutes

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.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment May 4, 2026May 1, 2026 2 Minutes

Go in with Delusion

On one hand, I tend to do everything with intention, very thoughtfully planned out. On the other hand, I dive in without looking back. Why? Delusion.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Hobbies, Thoughts on Mental Health 3 Comments March 23, 2026March 22, 2026 4 Minutes

Navigating Grief: One Year Later

Today marks one year since losing my mom. It’s been both the longest and shortest year, during which I learned a hell of a lot more about grief than I ever wanted to.  For instance, did you know there is no trophy for Best at Grieving?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment February 23, 2026February 19, 2026 4 Minutes

Doggy Style: The Luge

As I was shitting my pants, I was praying that our dog missed all the trees in her sledding path (she did) and remained upright (she did).

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Pets Leave a comment February 9, 2026February 3, 2026 3 Minutes

A Handmade Goodbye

It really wasn’t that hard, except for the tears that kept filling my eyes as I pushed the needle through the quilt's sturdy fabric to form the words, "Love, Judy."

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Mental Health 1 Comment January 26, 2026January 23, 2026 5 Minutes

Looking Both Ways: 2026 Edition

I think the most important thing I learned was that having grace for oneself is a gift. Make sure you give yourself that gift, too, okay?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health 1 Comment January 5, 2026January 3, 2026 8 Minutes

F**king First Times? What the Sh*t.

Current status? Buckled up with a bit more confidence than I had a week ago.  Oh, and a giant box of tissues, just in case.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment December 29, 2025December 28, 2025 4 Minutes

Father Christmas had One Job. One.

Nothing says, "I have my life together" like a holiday card that arrives weeks before the actual holidays, right? Well, it’s the thought that counts, I suppose.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Marriage, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment December 22, 2025December 21, 2025 4 Minutes

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Hi, Honey! is now available! Click here for a hard copy, here for Kindle, or here for additional ebook platforms.

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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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, 2026July 19, 2026
The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

The Price of Pets (is totally worth it)

“She brought an emotional support toy into the appointment.”

The price of pets? Worth it.

by Jyl Barlow July 6, 2026July 5, 2026

Hiking the Mendenhall Glacier: A Questionable Adventure

Did I have any business hiking across a glacier in Alaska?

Probably not.

Did I live to tell about it?

Mostly.

by Jyl Barlow June 22, 2026June 21, 2026
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
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