Jennifer’s Journal
Honest words from the quiet corners of this life.
Stories about becoming, belonging, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape us.
Jennifer’s Journal is a collection of personal essays inspired by life in and around the Western industry. Some stories are joyful. Some are difficult. All are true.
Whether you’ve followed The Trainer’s Wife for years or you’ve just found your way here, I’m glad you’re here.
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September 13, 2026 • Jennifer’s Journal
Grassfires
A note before I share this one.
I know that real grassfires can cause tremendous devastation – to land, homes, animals and people. I don’t use the word lightly.
But fire can also be tended. It can be controlled. And when fire threatens something we value, people have a remarkable way of coming together – to protect the land, help their neighbors and care for what matters.
That’s where the metaphor lives for me.
This Jennifer’s Journal is about the little flames we carry. The ideas we choose to feed. The things we decide are worth tending.
But mostly, I think it’s about connection – and the people who gather around us while we’re doing it.
August 30, 2026 • Jennifer’s Journal
The Headache Monster
For the love of all that is holy – why have I done this to myself.
Write a blog every other week, I said.
It will be easy, I said.
What could go wrong, I said.
Just to be clear.
The blog writing is not hard.
Life is hard.
I just completed one of the most successful and meaningful experiences of my life.
Really.
I cannot tell you how much hosting the very first Finding Center Retreat meant to me.
August 16, 2026 • Jennifer’s Journal
Two Needles & a Necklace
This morning, I cleaned the vacuum. I mean, doesn’t everyone do that on occasion? It’s just been stinky, so I took it apart, washed it with Lysol and put it back together. Back in business!
I also dusted, decluttered, organized and have been having an amazing time hauling stuff to the trash bin. It is so satisfying!
After my first time through with the vacuum, I shut it off and it puked something on the brown throw rug I finished up on….
August 2, 2026 • Jennifer’s Journal
The Flowers and the Marmots and the View
For some reason, the same conversation keeps surfacing in different ways with different people, and it always seems to lead me back to the same place.
I’m just not super competitive. At least I don’t think so.
Maybe if I’m competitive, it’s about the destination and the win. But if I’m not, it’s about the journey… to anywhere… and figuring out what the destination is along the way.
I think there are a lot more opportunities for wins on a twisty path like that.
A path with marmots frolicking at tree line, wildflowers surviving harsh conditions, and at least one metaphorical mountain goat getting to the top.
New Journal entries are published approximately every 10 days.
If these stories resonate with you, I hope you’ll visit again.
If these stories resonate with you…
Finding Center Retreats was created for women just like us.
It’s a weekend to reconnect—with yourself and with women who understand the journey.