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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 on3 December 201322 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

I’m just not that into you

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on I’m just not that into you

There’s something ever-so frustrating about the way life and love mix. We want so desperately to be part of a couple, but when someone reaches…

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Posted on26 November 201322 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Take up your quills!

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Take up your quills!

As regular readers may know, I am a fan of letters. Proper, hand-written letters sent to family and friends – or even to perfect strangers if there’s a cause. I honestly…

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Posted on11 November 201322 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Under attack

by Just Frances2 Comments on Under attack

Today has not been my best day. I knew it would be a hard one, as I was saying goodbye to my parents ahead of…

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Posted on10 November 201322 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

The hard things

by Just Frances1 Comment on The hard things

I’m packing my suitcases this evening for another return to Scotland. After two months in the Homeland, it’s a bit hard to say goodbye again. But it…

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Posted on4 November 201322 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

It’s finally here!

by Just Frances2 Comments on It’s finally here!

Excitedly, I have received my new UK visa today – meaning that I have all of the official bits of a government-issued ID to allow me to…

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Posted on23 October 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Life’s travels: Left or right?

by Just Frances4 Comments on Life’s travels: Left or right?

I’ve come to a major fork in life’s journey and all of my maps are outdated and tattered. There are very few signs and a…

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Posted on20 October 201321 July 2021Everyday Life, Musings & Ramblings

Modern conversations

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Modern conversations

This evening, I had the awesome privilege of going to a high school play with my way-cool nephew. And because he thinks I’m way cool, he let…

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Posted on18 October 201321 July 2021Crafting & Creating, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Autumn falls

by Just Frances2 Comments on Autumn falls

Ta-da! This is my latest swirl, Autumn Falls. I swirled it whilst sitting in my parents’ living room over about a week – whilst sitting in a lovely, comfy…

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Posted on2 October 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Home or away

by Just Frances2 Comments on Home or away

I’ve been here in the Homeland for nearly a month now, but I’m finding it hard to say that I’m “home”. It’s a confusing and unsettled part…

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Posted on1 October 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Frustrations and silver linings

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Frustrations and silver linings

Today is 1 October, which was my target date for beginning my PhD studies. Only I’m not in Scotland at the moment because I’ve not sorted…

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Posted on26 September 20133 May 2023Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Family, friends, and falls

by Just Frances2 Comments on Family, friends, and falls

Wow! What a busy week I’ve had. And – would you believe it from the title? – it was filled with family, friends, and (water)falls. For those who are…

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Posted on26 September 20133 August 2022Musings & Ramblings

Falling words

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Falling words

I went to Snoqualmie Falls on my way home from my Olympia/Portland journey and was amused when I noticed words embedded into the steps and sidewalk around the visitors’…

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Posted on25 September 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

On being happy

by Just Frances6 Comments on On being happy

In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed an increase in conversations around happiness and depression so I thought I’d throw some of my own words…

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Posted on20 September 201319 November 2022Musings & Ramblings

Education is Central

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Education is Central

I spent a lovely day on the Central Washington University campus today with my lovely niece, Virginia. It was so wonderful seeing the campus all spruced up…

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Posted on16 September 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Three first dates

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Three first dates

It seems that my dating life is of great interest to folks these days – just like it was before I was married. In fact, the vast…

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Posted on7 September 201316 November 2022Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

The log lady

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The log lady

On my first full day in America, I decided to give my loaner car (a pretty red Jag!) a test run. So, my baby sister and…

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Posted on6 September 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Hello, America

by Just Frances2 Comments on Hello, America

I am finally back in America after more than two years in Scotland – and after two emotionally draining days of international travel. I can’t really say that I’m…

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Posted on4 September 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Goodbye, Scotland

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Goodbye, Scotland

I’m on the train to England now and will be flying home to America tomorrow morning. It’s weird because part of me feels like I…

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Posted on2 September 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Empty fears

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Empty fears

My flat is now nearly empty. The only things that remain (other than the furnishings belonging to the property) are my (nearly) packed suitcases that I’m…

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Posted on1 September 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

The daydream

by Just Frances2 Comments on The daydream

I daydream. I always have and I always will. I suppose that it’s harmless, though it does sometimes mean that I pin a bit of…

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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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