Category: Rough Draft
Posted on April 1, 2019
by jillianreal
1 Comment
[su_heading]A Mother Gives Thanks[/su_heading] If we could, would we raise our children any differently knowing then what we know now? The woman who submitted her story for me to publish to my readers listened carefully as I trepidatiously asked her for more details. I… Continue Reading “A Mother Gives Thanks”
Posted on September 7, 2016
by jillianreal
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“When I think about the things that we’ve been through, I know just one thing is true, life is better with you!”. Happy 15th Anniversary to my hubbie.
Posted on December 6, 2015
by jillianreal
28 Comments
Bringing spirituality and meaning to our childrens lives can be stressful over the holidays with our mixed marriage.
Posted on October 30, 2015
by jillianreal
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[su_heading size=”18″]Seeing Aspen Through a Teenager’s Eyes [/su_heading] It has been a long time since I have actually written about the children of Aspen Real Life, as soon as the older ones turned 14, all bets were off. They went from take me, film me, let… Continue Reading “Seeing Aspen Through a Teenager’s Eyes”
Posted on October 24, 2015
by jillianreal
8 Comments
What you have no time for sex with your spouse? Time to change the scene and add some spice into your life. Life is to short for drudgery.
Category: Jillian's Real Life, Rough DraftTags: enjoying each other, flirtation, how to enhance your sex life, how to get along with your spouse, lingerie, marriage, rekindling the love, schedule dates, sex, surprise
Posted on October 21, 2015
by jillianreal
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If you haven’t been living this way already, it’s time to start letting go and live for the moment…even if the consequences may make you blush.
Posted on October 14, 2015
by jillianreal
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There is a quiet buzz of concern one can hear if one listens carefully enough to the conversations of many parents in our valley regarding the health of our youth. Last year, while on the board for the Valley Partnership for Drug Prevention… Continue Reading “Top Ten Ways to Help Keep Your Teen Safe”
Category: parenting, Rough DraftTags: being present as a present, changing social norms, changing the climate of drug use in Aspen, Daniel Sigel, dopamine levels, helping our youth, it takes a village, Keeping teens safe, mindful parenting, Parent to Parent Alliance, Parenting teens, substance abuse, taking care of our children, Teens and the developing mind, The developing mind, top ten parenting list, top ten ways to keep your teen safe, Valley Partnership for Drug Prevention
Posted on October 8, 2015
by jillianreal
14 Comments
As I sat at the bar I imagined what it would be like to still be single and living in New York City. When an attractive young man sat down alone right next to me I thought about….
Posted on September 29, 2015
by jillianreal
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[su_heading size=”18″]Can True Love Survive Children[/su_heading] Everybody wants to know how to find that true love, but what about finding it and keeping the love while raising children? So far, Baddy and my love has endured the true test of time, from building and… Continue Reading “Can True Love Survive Children”
Category: Jillian's Real Life, parenting, Rough DraftTags: Does true love exist?, Everlasting Love, Falling in love in Aspen, finding love and staying in love, happily married, love after marriage and children, love in the mountains, Mandy Len Catron, TED Talk, the key to making love last, the love project, True love
Posted on September 29, 2015
by jillianreal
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When I think back, he was always there in my imagination, the man I would fall in love with one day. A tall, dark and handsome cowboy version of a straight Carey Grant with a chiseled jaw and smiling eyes. My search for the… Continue Reading “Chapter 1: Morphine Drip”
Posted on September 19, 2015
by jillianreal
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Anybody who has moved understands the emotional and physical distress it causes, and here we are possibly about to do it again! Anybody want a home on a gorgeous lot in Basalt, Colorado?
Posted on September 16, 2015
by jillianreal
4 Comments
I’m thinking it would be far easier to live with a Buddhist philosophy if we didn’t live in Western society. So, how to live peacefully in a fast paced environment? Don’t get stuck in a rut.
Posted on September 16, 2015
by jillianreal
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Ever eat a raw meal and have dreams about being pregnant? I did.
Posted on August 29, 2015
by jillianreal
4 Comments
So…how was your summer? Are you sad that your kids are back in school? I’m not!
Category: Rough DraftTags: back to school, Basalt, Colorado, fly fishermen, Frying Pan Road, Living in Basalt, recovery, Ruedi Reservoir dam, still enjoying summer, summer in Basalt, The Riverside Grill
Posted on August 3, 2015
by jillianreal
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An annual summer trip to Nantucket no longer retains the innocence of days gone by.
Category: Health & Wellness, Meditation, Rough DraftTags: Aspen Center for Living Peace, don't let fear rule your life, feel more alive, getting rid of fear, Nantucket, Nantucket Island, parenting, Rid yourself of fear, Rod Stryker, Spirituality, teens, The Enlightened Life
Posted on July 11, 2015
by jillianreal
2 Comments
Basalt may be sleepy but if you catch it on the right night you may find yourself listening to poetry quoted to you by a drunk cowboy.
Posted on July 6, 2015
by jillianreal
5 Comments
An unexpected adventure happened yesterday when I went on a bike ride with a friend along the back roads of Old Snowmass.
Posted on May 9, 2015
by jillianreal
4 Comments
How wonderful it is to receive birthday wishes from all over the world. I am a very lucky girl and so appreciative of all of your love! Thank you for being a friend!!!
Posted on May 6, 2015
by jillianreal
9 Comments
Note to self: don’t have six shots of tequila and then go to a benefit with a live and silent auction. It has trouble written all over it. What’s a girl to do?
Posted on March 3, 2015
by jillianreal
3 Comments
[su_heading size=”18″]Trying to Survive Without Sleep[/su_heading] Last night I skinned up Buttermilk with my fellow Monday evening companions. We gathered in the parking lot as we put our skins on our skis and stuffed our packs with lights and warm clothes for the descent.… Continue Reading “Trying to Survive Without Sleep”
Posted on December 31, 2014
by jillianreal
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In this new year, let’s all pay it forward!
Posted on December 4, 2014
by jillianreal
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Aspen Real Life is four years old, gives back to the community and has put in over 10,000 hours. It’s Time!
Posted on November 17, 2014
by jillianreal
1 Comment
At four o’clock in the morning, I’m ready to be a bit more raw and confess that this blogging business hasn’t been easy but things are happening.
Posted on November 16, 2014
by jillianreal
6 Comments
What’s it like being the mommy of a… “mommy blogger”? My mother tells all.
Posted on November 13, 2014
by jillianreal
16 Comments
This is a question that I often get when I tell people that I am a blogger. It’s not always easy to be ahead of the curve, where people look at you as if you have three eyes, but I’m kinda liking being different.
Posted on November 8, 2014
by jillianreal
8 Comments
Although I do miss living in the country, maybe I was not quite cut out for country living.
Posted on July 12, 2013
by jillianreal
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Summer in Aspen is awesome…if you can leave your life behind like all the tourists and actually stop your life to enjoy it…so I’m putting-out. You?
Posted on August 15, 2012
by jillianreal
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Moving from our contemporary home in the country-side to our vinyl home in town has had its glitches but somehow, beneath the stresses of mold and monsters, we are content.
Posted on July 2, 2012
by jillianreal
5 Comments
Moving from house to house is not easy but the transitions that occur with each move are enlightening. It is not the life I planned for my children but in today’s world it seems to be the way it is. If you haven’t had to move, consider yourself lucky!
Posted on February 28, 2012
by jillianreal
12 Comments
If I ever become famous I am going to become a motivational speaker for bloggers because nobody becomes somebody without working their little bottoms off, do they?
Posted on January 2, 2012
by jillianreal
8 Comments
I’ve made my New Years Resolutions and I’m ready to go…only, it’s going to take some time. How bout you?
Posted on December 2, 2011
by jillianreal
2 Comments
It’s been a whirlwind of a week with Thanksgiving and Aspen Winternational but we survived, barely!
Posted on November 4, 2011
by jillianreal
9 Comments
Moving out of our home and moving in with our extended family was nice and cozy, to say the least. Thank you Michele, Jim, Devon, Nikki, India and Loki!!!
Posted on October 29, 2011
by jillianreal
7 Comments
Have you ever been so self-absorbed that you couldn’t read the signs?
Posted on October 25, 2011
by jillianreal
12 Comments
So many families are in transition right now, moving from the homes they love to rent and we are one of them. But as life would have it, there is always humor tossed in amongst the stress and the disbelief of the work load, if you choose to let it in to help you than you’ll make it through.
Posted on October 5, 2011
by jillianreal
8 Comments
With our house closing on Monday and no home to move into things are getting very interesting over here at Aspen REAL Life.
Posted on April 18, 2011
by jillianreal
8 Comments
As we travel about life, I wonder how many of us are reflective of our Horoscopes and our signs?
Posted on March 23, 2011
by jillianreal
4 Comments
A big congratulations to Carbondale local, Michelle Manning-Kogler, for making it past the first round in the Conari Press Competition for the next top Self-Help Author.
It is Michelle’s wish to help others through spiritual healing, a gift she was born with, and to make lasting, positive changes in their lives.
Let’s help her to make it to round three!
Posted on March 13, 2011
by jillianreal
6 Comments
I did it. I made it through the hour long interview about “Cool Bloggers” on The Jerry Bovino Show, without getting sick or passing out. I must be maturing as Aspen Real Life grows up.
Posted on December 30, 2010
by jillianreal
4 Comments
On our way up we talked about my decision to not write about how The Aspen Times was pouring salt onto my wound, once again, with the new developments in the Madoff fiasco. I refuse to fuel the tabloids with my anger and disappointment, I told him and he agreed happy that as much as I write about our family life, I never reveal anything too private.
Category: Health & Wellness, Rough DraftTags: Aspen Film Academy, Being kind to your mother, Belly Up, dancing with sisters, depression, financial stress, G Love and Special Sauce, getting emotional with tequila, helping others, John Oates, Kahlil Gibran, Living in the moment, New years resolutions, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, The Aspen Times, The King's Speech, The Madoff Ponzi Scheme
Posted on December 5, 2010
by jillianreal
3 Comments
You know that feeling when you’re on an airplane and the pilot announces that it’s going to be a turbulent ride?
Posted on September 27, 2010
by jillianreal
6 Comments
Ready for the second chapter of finding love in Aspen? Here it is, all on a dark and beautiful Halloween night.
Posted on August 12, 2010
by jillianreal
13 Comments
How to master the art of social networking
Posted on May 17, 2010
by jillianreal
33 Comments
So many of us are having to let go right now. Even though I try not to get attached to material things I still can’t shake the sadness of having to leave our Paradise.
Posted on May 11, 2010
by jillianreal
12 Comments
Jack Pierce McDonald may be physically gone but the legacy that he has left behind will resonate within all of us forever.
Posted on May 5, 2010
by jillianreal
12 Comments
What would I do without my sisters?
Posted on April 21, 2010
by jillianreal
13 Comments
I can’t tell who has greater anxiety, me or the puppy.
Posted on March 19, 2010
by jillianreal
13 Comments
Spring Break is here and Bono says it all.
Posted on February 13, 2010
by jillianreal
27 Comments
I fear that I’m giving in to accepting that Valentine’s Day is just an overrated, commercial Holiday.
Posted on January 28, 2010
by jillianreal
16 Comments
Do you ever feel like your head is about to blow off your body as you try to accomplish the impossible? No? Then I need to talk to you, sooner rather than later.
Posted on January 8, 2010
by jillianreal
23 Comments
Trying to understand my obsession as a blogger.
Posted on January 1, 2010
by jillianreal
11 Comments
Having high anxiety over the holidays?
Posted on December 26, 2009
by jillianreal
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On Christmas Day we arrived at my sister Micheles house with the Vini-Man loaded with presents for all the cousins. The kids ran around in their pajamas taking them off throughout the day to plunge into the hot tub and then dive into the… Continue Reading “Dealing With Concussions”
Posted on December 1, 2009
by jillianreal
8 Comments
The holidays can be a wonderful way to reconnect with family and friends but they can also be detrimental to your health.
Posted on November 19, 2009
by jillianreal
12 Comments
It is amazing to me the fascination with vain celebrities. People want real. They want raw. Of course sex and good looks always sell, but many Mommy Blogger’s have all that it takes to make it as a Celebrity.
Posted on November 16, 2009
by jillianreal
40 Comments
Every now and then I receive mail from somebody who I have clearly offended with my writing. I thought that I would share it with you and also give you the opportunity to critique my writing for the better good of my novel. Have at it!
Posted on November 13, 2009
by jillianreal
15 Comments
You wanted a bit of adversity? Well here it is. Read and weep for me my friends, read and weep.
Posted on November 5, 2009
by jillianreal
23 Comments
All mother’s have a secret that I am about to share with the world. We are all superhuman.
Posted on October 29, 2009
by jillianreal
6 Comments
A Halloween tale
Posted on October 16, 2009
by jillianreal
6 Comments
I am aware that I am in complete denial that taking the kids on a road trip could be a total bust but I am just that desperate.
Posted on August 24, 2009
by jillianreal
13 Comments
In all of this self-analysis I have deduced that my writing has become a reflection of my spiritual journey as a wife and a mother. It has helped me to live in the present more completely and spiritually then ever before. Every nuance, every impressionable expression, every tribute to life, resonates in my being and writing it all down helps me to grow.
Category: Rough DraftTags: Bikram's Yoga, calming the monkey chatter, Dali Llama, Jaylee and Paul Balch, Julia and Julia, near death experience, positive thinking, pranayama breathing, Tao Masters, the chakra system, Tibetan Masters, yoga
Posted on July 26, 2009
by jillianreal
4 Comments
Kids are gone and Wade and I are hitting the towns of Aspen, Basalt and Carbondale with a vigor!
Category: Jillian's Real Life, Rough DraftTags: Aspen music scene, dating your husband, Go out on a date with your husband, Independence Pass, kids travel, Limoncello Martini, Lu Lu Wilson, peace and quiet, rest and relaxation, Summer evenings in Aspen
Posted on July 3, 2009
by jillianreal
3 Comments
Twitter has become such a large part of my life as I grow my blog that I am Twittering in my sleep. I have always had crazy, fun dreams, especially about New York City and have started recording them on my blog.
Posted on June 29, 2009
by jillianreal
14 Comments
A half hour later I walked out of his office stunned. In my forties, I have found an inner peace and an entirely new view on life and love. My senses are deepened and my openness to the world much greater. I am learning Spanish, writing, reading novels, juggling three boys, relishing in the affections of my husband and deepening my bonds with my girlfriends. Who was this man who could not appreciate the beauty of women in their forties?
Posted on June 20, 2009
by jillianreal
5 Comments
As parents, we all need time to escape and reflect upon who and where we are in our lives. Life does not always offer up these opportunities. When a day turns sour, we need to dig deep into our own resources to help us get through it because nobody else is going to save us.
Category: Behind the Scenes, parenting, Rough DraftTags: Basalt, Bernard's, bike ride, dining, French food, Friends, health, martini's, small town, taking care of yourself
Posted on May 19, 2009
by jillianreal
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[su_heading]What Not to Do With a Pregnant Mama[/su_heading] What Not to Do With a Pregnant Mama? Don’t breathe on her, don’t look at her, do as she says, and everything will be just fine! The first time we saw our first baby, it was… Continue Reading “What Not to Do With a Pregnant Mama”
Posted on May 18, 2009
by jillianreal
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When I was five months pregnant with Hootie-Hoo, Baddy surprised me by presenting me with a trip to Paris, just the two of us, to celebrate my fortieth birthday and our pregnancy. Spring in Paris that year brought droves and droves of uninterrupted rain… Continue Reading “A trip to Paris, Pregnant”
Posted on May 6, 2009
by jillianreal
1 Comment
We have all struggled with keeping up with technology and I just happened to take it as far as I was able. I soon plunged into website hell and have finally climbed back out.
Posted on May 2, 2009
by jillianreal
1 Comment
I love my husband but obviously have some deep rooted insecurities that are divulged in my dreams. He sure wished he could be privy to his lecherous behavior, in my sleep.
Posted on April 20, 2009
by jillianreal
5 Comments
When I was pregnant with my third child, Tucker, I had to trade in my Toyota Fore-Runner for a mini-van to accommodate my impending larger family. It was a difficult decision for me to make. My father had a BMW fetish and that is what I grew up driving in.
Posted on April 19, 2009
by jillianreal
4 Comments
[su_heading size=”18″]I Saw The Tooth Fairy[/su_heading] The other night Axel’s tooth fell out, or rather, Wade yanked it out as usual. This family is not for the weak hearted. When the children hurt themselves they scream louder when they see their Daddy approaching. Both Wade and… Continue Reading “I Saw The Tooth Fairy”
Posted on April 18, 2009
by jillianreal
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[su_heading size=”18″]Getting Chicken Eggs From a Neighbor [/su_heading] Tonight at dinner I asked my family to take note that I was actually wearing a short sleeved shirt without a sweater on. It probably was the first time since the last warm day in the Fall… Continue Reading “Getting Chicken Eggs From a Neighbor”
Posted on April 18, 2009
by jillianreal
2 Comments
[su_heading size=”18″]Staying Balanced as a Mother[/su_heading] This morning Baddy and I laughed, cried and spat at each other, and the kids, in the one hour we had together before we shoved everybody into the car to go to school. Oh to be able to… Continue Reading “Staying Balanced as a Mother”
Posted on April 12, 2009
by jillianreal
1 Comment
Nymphs in the forest, hot springs pools, makes for a dreamy weekend spent in nature, that is unless you are there with your girlfriend.
Posted on March 4, 2009
by jillianreal
1 Comment
It is not always easy to remain calm and patient with children.
Posted on February 14, 2009
by jillianreal
2 Comments
January 1st I decided to stop doing everything for the boys and teach them how to clean up after themselves. I am doing their future wives a favor.
Posted on January 30, 2009
by jillianreal
2 Comments
[su_heading]Our Baby’s Flight for Life[/su_heading] Taking a flight for life from Aspen to Denver when our middle child was 12 days old was one of the biggest scares of our lives. Now I just picked him up from pre-college at California College of the… Continue Reading “A Flight for Life”
Let Negative Comments Help You
Posted on November 16, 2009 by jillianreal
40 Comments
Every now and then I receive mail from somebody who I have clearly offended with my writing. I thought that I would share it with you and also give you the opportunity to critique my writing for the better good of my novel. Have at it!
Category: Rough DraftTags: how to handle negative feedback, listening to feedback, negative comments on blogs