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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Category: Thoughts on Being a Writer

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

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

Unpacking my Suitcase, Urn included.

“Did you bring your mom?” “Yes! She's right here!”  I said as I pulled a tiny urn from my pocket for all to see. ALL. All six-hundred attendees of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. All who giggled and clapped as I held up the Tiny Traveling Urn that brought me to the Dayton stage.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer Leave a comment April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 6 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

Wave Season? Tsunami, Actually.

January's tsunami has not mixed well with a quiet morning, a cup of coffee within arm's reach, and a few hours dedicated to mapping out my Monday morning epiphany.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment January 19, 2026January 19, 2026 1 Minute

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 Year in Review

In 2024, you read nearly 60,000 words delivered directly from my brain to your devices. That's a lot of words. I cannot thank you enough.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on...WWU, the Original Blog Leave a comment December 30, 2024December 28, 2024 3 Minutes

Back to Reality. Eventually.

Anytime I’ve taken a writing break in the past, I’ve lasted just days before the keyboard called me back. I’ve always answered the call lest whatever was percolating was actually the BEST ARTICLE EVER WRITTEN. Not this time.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment October 14, 2024October 13, 2024 4 Minutes

The Blog Tag

If my blog was a person who would it be? Riveting answers to that question and more in my first Blog Tag!

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Being a Writer, Thoughts on...WWU, the Original Blog Leave a comment September 23, 2024September 23, 2024 5 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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Blogs that you just missed:

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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