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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Tag: gymcastic

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

Mantras for Miles

“I don’t have time to sit around and wonder what people that don’t love me think about me. Who does that?” (Ashley Miles Greig)

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Mental Health 2 Comments July 9, 2023April 13, 2024 5 Minutes

StoryWORTH It

Yes, a rare "early" post. I give you this gift today as I know many are beginning the holiday shopping bonanza. Just know that tomorrow I will panic ten times as I think, "Wait, don't I have to post something today?" I have never been a history buff. I have never been a history anything, … Continue reading StoryWORTH It →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families Leave a comment November 27, 2022 5 Minutes
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Blogs that you just missed:

Unpacking my Suitcase, Urn included.

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.

by Jyl Barlow April 6, 2026April 6, 2026
Go in with Delusion

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.

by Jyl Barlow March 23, 2026March 22, 2026
Message Received: The Erma Story

Message Received: The Erma Story

As I left the Richmond airport, two weeks ago, my phone pinged announcing a voicemail that had been received while I was in the air. I was returning from a second attempt to avoid the feelings surrounding the first anniversary of my mother’s death, arriving home on that very first anniversary date.  Because I was…

by Jyl Barlow March 9, 2026March 8, 2026
Navigating Grief: One Year Later

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?

by Jyl Barlow February 23, 2026February 19, 2026
Doggy Style: The Luge

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).

by Jyl Barlow February 9, 2026February 3, 2026
A Handmade Goodbye

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.”

by Jyl Barlow January 26, 2026January 23, 2026
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