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Jyl Barlow

Navigating life with inappropriate laughter and near-perfect hindsight.

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Tag: Travel

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.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment June 1, 2026May 28, 2026 2 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

An Unexpected Reminder of My “Why”.

In the land of travel planning, not every booking is a big one, but sometimes, the smallest booking of all is the one that offers the biggest reward. Sometimes, that means an early drive to the airport on a day that I'm not going anywhere at all.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Aging, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 4 Minutes

FORCED!!! Okay, Calm Down, People.

Forced?  Well, that’s a strong word. Mixed in with this week’s news salad of sabotaged escalators and songs from a showgirl was a variety of reports on the Serenade of the Seas–a story reported as a whisper on some news channels and a scream on others. The report that finally sent me over the railing … Continue reading FORCED!!! Okay, Calm Down, People. →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment October 6, 2025October 5, 2025 3 Minutes

Is This The Line?

It never fails, when I hear this, the devil on my shoulder goes into overdrive with snarky responses while the angel on the other gently places her hand over my mouth. 

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment September 15, 2025September 14, 2025 3 Minutes

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

Life Outside the Disney Bubble

What is life like outside the Disney bubble? Look around. Do you see any Mickey waffles on the stove?

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Mental Health, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment August 4, 2025 6 Minutes

A Prime Time to Grab Some Travel Musts!

It’s been an interesting week in the land of travel as the now viral Netflix documentary “Train Wreck: Poop Cruise” has been the talk of the town. If you have watched it (or plan to), be sure to follow that viewing with a listen to this month’s episode of Whine & Wine, where we interview … Continue reading A Prime Time to Grab Some Travel Musts! →

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear Leave a comment July 7, 2025July 6, 2025 6 Minutes

At Some Point, Their Journey Becomes Their Journey.

At some point, the travel planning mantra goes, their vacation becomes their vacation. I'm learning that the same is true when raising children.

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Parenting, Thoughts on Travel 2 Comments June 16, 2025June 13, 2025 3 Minutes

On a Break: Just the Tip

If I'm on vacation, that means you are, too! Well, kind of. Enjoy this piece from one of my favorite travelers, Rick Steves!

Jyl Barlow Thoughts from a Frazzled Bear, Thoughts on Travel Leave a comment June 2, 2025May 30, 2025 4 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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Aren't all writers gazillionaires? It turns out...no. If you love to travel and have someone else organize your life, reach out! I'd love to plan your next adventure! There's no cost to you as travel planners are compensated by destination vendors. Read more here.

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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
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
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