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Just Frances

Just Frances

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Category: Musings & Ramblings

Posts under this category tend to be reflective and at times a form of my own “talk therapy” as the act of writing down my thoughts and feelings can sometimes help me to work through them. I try not to be political or controversial in what I write, so you won’t find many of my “world views” shared here. (But in this COVID-pandemic world, I urge my fellow humans to wear a mask, social distance, and get the blood vaccine when it’s offered to you!)

Posted on11 March 201423 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Wet toes

by Just Frances4 Comments on Wet toes

I’ve never been a swimmer, but I’ve always loved the water. I tend to dip my toes in slowly to check the temperature then inch-by-inch…

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Posted on4 March 201423 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

40 days for my soul

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on 40 days for my soul

Tomorrow is the first day of Lent and I am once again finding my soul humbled at the grace of God and my Lord Saviour, Jesus…

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Posted on27 February 201423 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

I’m ready, but I don’t know how

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on I’m ready, but I don’t know how

I decided quite some time ago that I was ready to date again, though I admit to not actually doing anything about it. It’s not because I secretly don’t…

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Posted on24 February 201423 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Dreaming dilemma

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Dreaming dilemma

The alarm clock is set for 7 o’clock, but something has woken me at 6, stirring me from a pleasant dream that I want to…

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Posted on23 February 201423 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Keep living until you feel alive again

by Just Frances18 Comments on Keep living until you feel alive again

“You will feel better than this. Maybe not yet. But you will. You just keep living, until you’re alive again.” I heard this quote the…

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Posted on21 February 201423 July 2021Everyday Life, Musings & Ramblings

Hello, 40!

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Hello, 40!

I was born 40 years ago today. It was a Thursday and I like to think that it was a day of great celebration.  I…

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Posted on18 February 201423 July 2021Academic Life, Musings & Ramblings

Finding money

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Finding money

A year ago, I was excitedly talking about applying for PhDs and how I wondered how I would ever afford to actually study if I was accepted somewhere. My…

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Posted on6 February 201423 July 2021Everyday Life, Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

The meet cute

by Just Frances4 Comments on The meet cute

Way back on 6 February 2002, my friend bailed out on a day trip to St Andrews. With nothing better to do, I decided to walk…

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Posted on5 February 201419 November 2022Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

De-can’t-ing

by Just Frances2 Comments on De-can’t-ing

[De-can’t-ing is part of my desire to “prioritise me” during February.] I can’t. You can’t. We can’t. But why can’t I, you, we? Maybe it’s not because…

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Posted on31 January 201422 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Prioritising me

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Prioritising me

When I wake up tomorrow it will be February; the shortest month in the calendar year and my birthday month. Yes, by the end of…

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Posted on21 January 201422 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

On the other hand

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on On the other hand

(Updated September 2020; see the end of the post.) I was halfway over the Atlantic when I moved my wedding rings from my left hand…

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Posted on17 January 201422 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Ten ways to win my heart

by Just Frances6 Comments on Ten ways to win my heart

If you asked me what my perfect man looks like, I couldn’t describe him. I imagine he’d be taller than me and I’d like to…

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Posted on14 January 201422 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Thirty nine before 40

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Thirty nine before 40

My 30s are nearly over. Yes, in just 39 days my age will tick over from 39 to 40. I’m not stressed or upset about…

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Posted on9 January 201422 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Why should I settle?

by Just Frances2 Comments on Why should I settle?

It’s been more than four years since my husband died and I’ve yet to enter into a new relationship. I’ve now had four first dates…

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Posted on4 January 201422 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Inspiration from writers

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Inspiration from writers

Tucked away in a wee close off of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is one of my favourite museums in the city. It’s the Writers’ Museum in Lady Stair’s Close and even though…

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Posted on1 January 201422 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

A new me for a new year

by Just Frances6 Comments on A new me for a new year

It’s a new year, so it’s time for a new me. OK, not a new me, but hopefully an improved me. Yes, it’s time to…

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Posted on31 December 201322 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

2013: A year in (distorted) review

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on 2013: A year in (distorted) review

As 2013 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year’s ups and downs. I’ve been thinking about the good points and the…

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Posted on9 December 201322 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

I believe…

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on I believe…

My apologies, I seem to be in a poetic mood today. I believe…By Just Frances I believe in so many things.I believe in so many…

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Posted on8 December 201322 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

That old settled feeling

by Just Frances2 Comments on That old settled feeling

It’s been nearly a month since my return to Scotland and I am finally starting to feel a bit settled. In fact, I’m feeling settled for the…

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Posted on4 December 201319 November 2022Academic Life, Musings & Ramblings

Am I an imposter?

by Just Frances2 Comments on Am I an imposter?

Last night I went to my first Connect talk, and I was left feeling that I certainly need to connect with Connect a bit more! Connect is…

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About Just Frances

Just Frances is a personal website maintained by me, Frances Ryan. I am a quirky runner, writer, thinker, drinker, crafter, adventurer, and researcher. I am also a daughter, sister, aunty, friend, and widow. But mostly, I am just Frances. (She/Her)

I blog about my life, including my travels and adventures, my experiences with PKD and ITP, my life as a young(ish) widow, and my life in general, really. Learn more about the topics I write about here.

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