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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Tag: pets

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

Cat-astrophe

Am I kicking myself for never discussing cats as a non-negotiable when on the path to marriage? Yes. Absolutely.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Pets Leave a comment May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 4 Minutes

What was Mrs. Noah’s name and did she take a lot of Xanax?

I'll be dedicating my next glass of wine to animal care workers. And also the one after that. And the next.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families Leave a comment January 2, 2023January 2, 2023 6 Minutes

Nature vs NO-ture

Deer, raccoons, and other reasons why I have rescinded this year’s application for “Favorite Parent.”

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Blended Families Leave a comment December 12, 2022 7 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 promotional image for the book 'Hi, Honey!' by Jyl Barlow, featuring text about the author's reflections on loss and grief due to dementia, with quotes from a hospice chaplain and a review highlighting its importance.

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  • Literary Titan Award Winner
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Blogs that you just missed:

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
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
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