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Just Frances

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Tag: self-reflection

Posted on26 April 202216 June 2022Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

13 years of missing Paul; of missing me

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on 13 years of missing Paul; of missing me

It’s now been 13 years since my beloved husband, Paul, died suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s a strange feeling, being this far from the immediate grief…

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Posted on21 February 202228 February 2022Everyday Life, Fitness & Exercise, Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Blessings at 48

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Blessings at 48

Today, I am 48 years old. And today hurts. Not because I’m 48, but rather because I am now officially older than my late husband.…

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Posted on7 February 202227 February 2022Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Home and heartbroken

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Home and heartbroken

I arrived home in Scotland yesterday, a month later than my initial plan. Home, and heartbroken… My holiday was meant to be a wonderfully happy…

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Posted on1 January 20223 February 2022Chronic Illness, Everyday Life, Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

2022: Life, the Universe, and Everything

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on 2022: Life, the Universe, and Everything

It’s another new year, and I feel it’s going to be a chaotic one. Which is more reason for me to set some goals and…

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Posted on31 December 20212 February 2022Academic Life, Everyday Life, Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Goals 2021: Reviewing and recapping

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Goals 2021: Reviewing and recapping

As always, I had some pretty bold ambitions for 2021. And, as always, I had to let go of some of my goals along the…

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Posted on26 November 202128 September 2022Academic Life

The dream job: Frances the University Lecturer

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The dream job: Frances the University Lecturer

I have a new job; one that I have dreamt of for more than 20 years. Yes, as of this week, I am a Lecturer*…

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Posted on1 November 202112 November 2021Academic Life, Musings & Ramblings

The visa anxiety cycle

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The visa anxiety cycle

It’s been a month since I shared that the start of my job was delayed for a few days as I was still waiting on…

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Posted on8 October 20214 November 2021Fitness & Exercise

The running goal that won’t stretch

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The running goal that won’t stretch

When I set my goals for 2021, I tried to be realistic about what I could accomplish. You know, something that I can manage but…

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Posted on18 September 2021Everyday Life, Musings & Ramblings

20 years of Scotland

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on 20 years of Scotland

Today marks 20 years since I first arrived in Scotland for “just one year” as a study abroad student. At the time, I never expected…

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Posted on5 September 202113 September 2021Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Running with nature

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Running with nature

A few years ago, I shared my thoughts on (and reasons for) running with music. Despite previously being a “no music” runner, widowhood meant that…

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Posted on14 August 202126 August 2021Chronic Illness, Health & Wellness

Thanks for the health, COVID!

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Thanks for the health, COVID!

As I look back over my (general) health over the last 18 months, I am struck by how healthy I have been. And, ironically, it’s…

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Posted on22 July 202121 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Older by a day: 47+

by Just Frances4 Comments on Older by a day: 47+

Today is not my birthday. But it does mark the day that I am older. Oh, sure, every day is a day that we are…

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Posted on1 May 20212 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

A mindful May for motivation

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on A mindful May for motivation

It has been more than a year since my COVID19 isolation began. In that time, I have slowly lost more and more of my motivation…

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Posted on28 April 20212 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Walking with grief

by Just Frances2 Comments on Walking with grief

I met a man when I was out walking the other day and the encounter provided me with so much to ponder about life –…

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Posted on26 April 20212 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Twelve years forward, mostly

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Twelve years forward, mostly

Another year has gone by without my husband by my side. After 12 years of this horrible widow life, I have come to know what…

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Posted on2 January 20214 July 2021Academic Life, Everyday Life, Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

The ABCs of 2021: Accountability, balance, and calm

by Just Frances6 Comments on The ABCs of 2021: Accountability, balance, and calm

A new year means new goals! For 2021, my primary goals are all about holding myself accountable (to myself), creating and maintaining the balance between…

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Posted on31 December 20204 July 2021Everyday Life, Fitness & Exercise, Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Goals 2020: Reviewing my successes

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Goals 2020: Reviewing my successes

I had some bold ambitions for 2020 but, like most of the world, many of my plans, hopes, and dreams were put on hold because…

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Posted on10 October 20204 July 2021Everyday Life, Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

A stroll down Memory Lane

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on A stroll down Memory Lane

Over the past two months, I have gone back through every single one of the 1,400+ posts here on my blog, as part of the…

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Posted on1 May 20204 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Checking my privilege

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Checking my privilege

I have long been aware of the privileges I have in this world simply because I am a white, Christian, American. That’s not to say…

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Posted on12 January 20204 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

A woman of virtue

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on A woman of virtue

My primary 2020 resolution is to be a stronger, more confident me. As part of that goal, I am working to identify my strengths and weaknesses,…

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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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