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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Category: Thoughts on Mental Health

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

The Importance of a Baloney Buddy

Growth comes at the edge of discomfort. Does it suck? Sometimes.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts from Whine & Wine, a Podcast by Bearlow Productions, Thoughts on Mental Health Leave a comment December 15, 2025December 14, 2025 3 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.

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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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