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Just Frances

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Tag: hopeful

Posted on27 September 201321 July 2021Academic Life

ATAS girl

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on ATAS girl

Remember how I told you that I had to manoeuvre through an additional obstacle before I could apply for my new Tier 4 student visa? And remember how…

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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 on12 September 201321 July 2021Academic Life

The ATAS hoop

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The ATAS hoop

Today I learned that I have another obstacle to manoeuvre around before applying for my new student visa. Apparently, because I will be in a computer-based…

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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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Posted on1 September 20139 May 2022Chronic Illness, Health & Wellness

ITP Awareness Month: Living and coping

by Just Frances30 Comments on ITP Awareness Month: Living and coping

It’s September and that means that it’s ITP Awareness Month. So I thought I’d share a bit more about my ITP journey with you to give…

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Posted on29 August 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

The guilt of schadenfreude

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The guilt of schadenfreude

Schadenfreude \ˈshä-dən-ˌfrȯi-də\ (noun, often capitalised) [German, from Schaden damage + Freude joy First Known Use: 1895]1: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others1 I like to think that I am a…

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Posted on26 August 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Finding rainbows through the tears

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Finding rainbows through the tears

I’m not a big fan of the rain but when the skies open up I do find myself looking – and hoping – for a rainbow. Rainbows make me…

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Posted on22 August 201321 July 2021Chronic Illness, Health & Wellness

Bob & Dave: Just normal

by Just Frances2 Comments on Bob & Dave: Just normal

Today was my annual check-up for my kidneys, Bob and Dave. I’ve been really nervous about it because I know that the last year hasn’t been…

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Posted on21 August 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

The complexity of simplicity

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The complexity of simplicity

Note: This is a piece I’ve been working on for a couple of years (I always have a few ideas/drafts in progress) and isn’t a…

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Posted on20 August 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

Saving strengths

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Saving strengths

Following up on yesterday’s post, today I am acknowledging the strengths that save me from the bitterness of my weaknesses. These are a bit more difficult…

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Posted on18 August 201321 July 2021Academic Life, Musings & Ramblings, Travels, Adventures & Explorations

Packing up – again!

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Packing up – again!

I am packing my home yet again and it’s filling me with a sense of dread and panic. It shouldn’t be so difficult, but it is – in part…

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Posted on12 August 201321 July 2021Health & Wellness, Musings & Ramblings

When I close my eyes

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on When I close my eyes

Sometimes I like to close my eyes and imagine the life I want. It’s by no means an extravagant life – it doesn’t even include winning the…

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Posted on10 August 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings, Widow Life

Love hesitates

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Love hesitates

She stood staring at the ticket in her hands, her mouth trembling as she tried not to cry. As she crept further along the security…

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Posted on4 August 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

Forgiving a ghost

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on Forgiving a ghost

It’s been 20 years since I last saw him. Twenty years since he caused me an unimaginable amount of pain – pain that has stayed with me…

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Posted on24 July 201319 November 2022Academic Life

The hat trick

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on The hat trick

When I put in my first PhD application, I was filled with self-doubt. But I was accepted. When I applied for a second PhD opportunity, I worried that…

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Posted on17 July 201321 July 2021Musings & Ramblings

And I wait

by Just FrancesLeave a comment on And I wait

Today is just a random poetry day… And I wait By Just Frances I draw in a breath; long and slowAnd I waitDesperately, hopelesslyI wait…

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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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