Mara woke early, the soft murmur of the city’s usual sounds blending with the chirping of birds outside her window. As the first light of dawn slipped through the curtains, she stretched and took a deep breath, ready to face another day. To the untrained eye, she was just a regular person. But to the world’s animals, Mara was someone special—someone they could talk to.
Her gift wasn’t something she’d ever asked for. It came suddenly, when she was fifteen, and over the years, it had become both a blessing and a burden. Mara could hear the thoughts of animals, not in words, but in a deep, intuitive sense—an unspoken language of feelings, intentions, and vivid images. With practice, she had learned to interpret it, and now, it was a part of her, as natural as breathing.
She pulled on her jacket and stepped outside. The first to greet her was a small squirrel perched on the balcony railing, its bright eyes glinting in the morning light.
Good morning, Mara! the squirrel’s voice echoed in her mind, high-pitched and filled with curiosity. The sun is so warm today. I think I’ll go play in the park later. Have you seen any good acorns lately?
Mara smiled, nodding as she walked past. No acorns yet, but I’ll keep an eye out for you. Have fun in the park!
The squirrel scampered off, its thoughts trailing behind like a faint, excited buzz. Mara loved these little exchanges. They reminded her that the world wasn’t just made up of people and their busy lives. There were stories unfolding everywhere, in every corner of the world.
As she continued her walk through the neighborhood, she could feel the presence of others. A cat resting lazily on a porch looked up as she passed, stretching with a languid grace.
Ah, Mara. Always in a hurry, I see. The cat’s voice was smooth, filled with a gentle mockery. You humans, always rushing. Slow down. Feel the sun on your fur. You have much to learn from us.
Mara chuckled, her pace slowing for a moment. Maybe you’re right, Willow. But I’ve got work to do today. We’ll talk soon.
Hmm, yes, of course. But you’re missing the point. Willow yawned dramatically, turning away. When you’re older, you’ll see. It’s all about the nap.
As Mara walked through the park, the world seemed more alive than ever. A group of pigeons fluttered down in front of her, and she could sense their collective awareness—simple but content.
We’ve been here longer than you, human, one of them thought, puffing out its chest in what could only be described as a very pigeon-like sense of pride. We know this place. You’re always just passing through. But we stay. We are the silent witnesses to everything.
Mara stopped for a moment, taking a seat on a nearby bench. It was true, the pigeons had seen so much—decades, perhaps centuries—of human life in the park. Their patience was infinite, their perspective humbling. They weren’t interested in making grand statements; they simply observed.
As she sat there, a rustling noise came from the bushes behind her. A small rabbit, its fur a mixture of gray and white, hopped into view. She didn’t need to hear its thoughts to understand its anxious energy. It was nervous, darting glances left and right.
Please… I’m just trying to find some peace. Is it safe here?
Mara turned to the rabbit, her tone gentle. It’s safe here. No one will hurt you.
The rabbit blinked, then relaxed slightly. Thank you… the world is so loud sometimes. So many predators… so many dangers. It’s hard to trust.
Mara’s heart softened. She could feel the rabbit’s fear, its vulnerability. She knew that feeling all too well, the constant awareness of threats that lurked just out of sight. It was something animals understood deeply, in a way humans often didn’t.
After a few moments, the rabbit hopped away, its cautious steps eventually disappearing into the underbrush. Mara stood up and continued her walk, but the rabbit’s words stayed with her, echoing in her mind.
At work, Mara’s interactions with animals continued, though more subtly. She was a veterinarian’s assistant, and throughout the day, she cared for the various animals brought in for treatment. There was the old terrier, who couldn’t see well but had an uncanny knack for finding the most comfortable spot in the room. She could feel his warmth, his joy at simply being around people. His thoughts were gentle, like the quiet murmur of a stream.
Is this a good spot? I like this spot. The sun comes through the window here. It’s nice.
Then there was the anxious cat, Mr. Whiskers, who hated being at the clinic. His fear filled the room like a storm cloud, the air thick with his unease. What are they going to do to me? I don’t trust them. I don’t trust anyone. Why are they so big?
Mara stayed calm, reassuring him with her presence. It’s okay, Mr. Whiskers. You’re safe here. Just a little check-up, and you’ll be back home soon.
By the end of the day, Mara’s mind was full of the voices she had heard—each one a thread in the vast, interconnected tapestry of life. She’d spoken with dogs, birds, rabbits, and even a squirrel who had come to say goodbye before heading off on its migration. Each conversation had been different, but they all left her with the same quiet sense of awe.
As she walked home, her thoughts were a mix of the animal world and her own. She felt the weight of her gift, the privilege of hearing what so many others could not. But it was also a reminder of something that humans often forgot: that the world was not just made up of human voices and human concerns. There were lives unfolding in every corner, filled with meaning and depth, and sometimes, the animals had the wisest things to say.
Mara stopped for a moment to gaze up at the sky, the last light of the day painting the clouds in soft oranges and pinks. She closed her eyes and smiled, her heart full. The world was noisy, yes—but in the quiet spaces, the ones where humans weren’t listening, there was a whole universe of stories waiting to be heard.
WOW! This is what she popped out in a few minutes.
Where’s Miss Emily?
Four-year-old Leo couldn’t stop bouncing in his seat as his mom drove him to school. This was the day he’d been waiting for—his very first day of kindergarten! The sun was shining bright, and the sky was so blue. It felt like everything was perfect.
When they finally arrived at the school, Leo leaped out of the car. He had his new backpack on, with a shiny red dinosaur sticker stuck to the front. “Bye, Mom!” he called, running toward the school doors, his little legs moving as fast as they could.
Inside, he was greeted by colorful walls full of pictures and letters. There were kids running around, talking to their new friends. But something felt off.
Leo skipped over to his classroom, where the sign on the door read, Miss Emily’s Kindergarten. He smiled to himself—he had already learned Miss Emily’s name from the big board in the hallway. Today was going to be great!
But when he walked in, his smile disappeared. The classroom was all ready for the day—crayons, markers, and scissors neatly arranged on the tables, a big rug in the middle of the room—but there was no Miss Emily. No teacher anywhere.
“Where’s Miss Emily?” Leo asked the nearest kid, a girl with a pink bow in her hair.
“I don’t know,” she said, looking confused. “Maybe she’s just late?”
A few other kids started asking the same thing, and soon the whole classroom was full of whispers. Leo walked up to the window. The playground outside was empty, except for a few birds flying by. He looked back into the room. Everyone seemed nervous.
Leo knew teachers were always there, ready to help. But where could she have gone? Maybe she was just taking a little nap? He liked to take naps, so maybe Miss Emily liked naps too. But he wasn’t so sure. Something didn’t feel right.
Just then, the principal, Mr. Anderson, came into the room with a big smile. “Good morning, kids!” he said. “I know you’re all excited for your first day of kindergarten, but we have a little problem. Miss Emily is missing.”
The room went quiet. All the kids stared at Mr. Anderson, unsure of what that meant.
“Don’t worry,” he continued, trying to sound cheerful. “We’re going to have a substitute teacher come in. It’ll be a little different today, but we’ll still have lots of fun. We’ll find Miss Emily soon!”
Leo felt a little better, but still, he couldn’t stop thinking about Miss Emily. Where could she be? What if something happened to her? He really liked her, and he wanted her to be there.
Mr. Anderson patted Leo on the head. “You’ll be just fine, buddy. Let’s all play for now, okay?”
Leo nodded, but as he joined the other kids on the rug, he kept looking toward the door, hoping Miss Emily would walk in any second. Maybe she was just playing a game too, and she’d pop up with a big smile on her face.
The day went on, and Leo had fun playing with the blocks, coloring pictures, and making new friends. But through it all, he couldn’t stop thinking about where Miss Emily could be. He decided that tomorrow, he would ask his mom to help him find out.
For now, he’d just have to make the best of his first day of kindergarten… even without Miss Emily.
Ella Rivers is a 16-year-old artist who sketches detailed worlds in her notebook.
Ella’s bedroom is a cozy, artistic haven that reflects her creative spirit. The walls are painted a soft lavender, adorned with her sketches and paintings pinned up haphazardly, covering every inch. A large bay window with a cushioned seat overlooks the misty sea, perfect for daydreaming and sketching.
Her bed, covered with a patchwork quilt, sits against one wall, piled high with colorful throw pillows. A wooden desk cluttered with art supplies—pencils, paints, brushes, and stacks of sketchbooks—rests under a wall-mounted bookshelf overflowing with fantasy novels and art books. Fairy lights drape around the room, casting a warm, magical glow in the evenings. The floor is scattered with art materials and crumpled papers, a testament to her constant flow of ideas.
In one corner, an easel holds her latest work-in-progress, and a vintage record player on a small table plays soft music while she works. The room is a perfect blend of chaos and comfort, a sanctuary where Ella’s imagination comes to life.
Another one using her VOCAB WORDS
The Bickering Bunch
The Monteros family set off for a weekend getaway, the car loaded with bags, snacks, and an air thick with tension. Riley, sitting in the back seat, was already irritated, her mood sharp. She threw a glance at Emily, who was staring out the window, pensive as ever, lost in thought. Without warning, Riley slapped her on the arm, hard enough to make Emily flinch.
“Hey!” Emily yelped, rubbing the spot where Riley had hit her. “What was that for?”
Riley glared at her. “You were staring at me. Stop looking at me like that.”
“What?” Emily’s voice was quiet, confused. “I wasn’t looking at you.”
“Oh, please,” Riley snapped, crossing her arms. “I know when you’re thinking your little thoughts about how I’m being annoying. Just stop.”
Emily sat back, her patience quickly evaporating. “You’re the one who’s being annoying right now!”
Mark, who had been silent in the front seat, let out a deep sigh, clearly uninterested in the drama unfolding in the back. “Can you guys’ just chill for once? It’s a long drive; I don’t need this.”
Riley rolled her eyes but didn’t respond. Instead, she huffed loudly, clearly put off by Emily’s reaction.
Their mother, who had been trying to keep the peace, glanced at them nervously through the rearview mirror. “Can we just try to have one day where no one hits anyone?” she said, her voice quiet but weary.
“Yeah, good luck with that,” Mark muttered under his breath, leaning back in his seat, clearly resigned to the chaos.
Riley, her usual oblique attitude taking over, turned to look out the window. “I don’t even care,” she said under her breath, though her words were sharp and angry.
Their mother, usually magnanimous in her attempts to keep things calm, clenched her jaw. “I’m serious. No more fighting, please.”
The squabbling died down a little, but the tension lingered. Ava, their younger sibling, started to argue with Jake about who would get the front seat on the way back. Jake teased her about her “territorial” behavior, and the arguing quickly escalated again. Emily was caught in the crossfire, trying to keep everything from exploding.
“I don’t get why you always think you’re the boss, Em!” Jake said, leaning forward with a teasing grin.
Emily shot him a frustrated glare. “I’m not the boss! But can we please just have one trip where we’re not fighting?”
Ava, still upset about her seat, scowled. “Yeah, why are you always so serious, Em? Can’t you just have fun for once?”
Riley, who had grown quiet again, added, “Maybe you should just chill out and stop thinking so much.”
Their mother, now visibly frustrated, took a deep breath. “Alright, no more fighting. I’m serious,” she said, her tone peremptory as she tried to regain control of the situation.
The tension remained, but something unexpected broke the silence. In the backseat, a small voice spoke up. “Can you stop fighting?”
The kids all turned, surprised, to see little Lily—just 2 years old—sitting in her car seat with big, innocent eyes. Their baby sister had been quiet up until now, but her sudden interjection caught them all off guard.
“I don’t like it when you yell,” she added, her small voice filled with the pure honesty only a toddler could offer.
For a brief moment, all the kids stopped. The argument paused, and even their mother, who had been trying to mediate, was momentarily taken aback by Lily’s unexpected wisdom. Riley, her usual defiant attitude momentarily gone, exchanged a quick, silent glance with Emily.
“Yeah… maybe we should all just stop,” Emily said softly, her voice filled with a pensive realization.
Riley didn’t say anything, but she looked down, the fight leaving her for the first time that day. Jake, too, fell silent, a small smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at Lily, who was still looking at them with her wide, trusting eyes.
Their mother, though exhausted, couldn’t help but smile at the peace that had settled, however fleeting it might be. “Alright, let’s just enjoy the ride,” she said with a magnanimous sigh.
For the rest of the drive, the usual bickering quieted down. The kids, now a little more aware of how their fighting had been affecting their youngest sibling, found themselves a little less willing to argue. Even Riley seemed to settle into a rare calmness, and Lily’s soft voice was the unexpected bridge that brought them all back together.
I don’t like the idea of resolutions because it puts a lot of pressure on oneself to completely rehaul and revise their lives. With me, I am already on the path of newness and recovery, so for me, it’s going to be keep doing what I’m doing but add some new ideas to the mix.
We started the day out making our plans for the year.
I bought these fake coins to help Tatum keep track of her screen time.
Let’s see how this goes! I just want her to be more mindful.
Then the three of us sat down to be reflective of last year’s goals and make new ones.
Tatum has some simple goals, and I like them because they are doable! We met with my cousin Kasey and my aunt Connie today, and so adding these times will be key for our new year. HOPEFULLY BIRDING!!!!
My honey has some revised ones too.
Mine again include the following. I am going to add these books since Kas and Morgan suggested them (and are reading them too)
Tatum wanted to add eating more lamb. SHE LOVES MY MEATBALLS and always does the happy dance.
May 2025 be wonderful and blessed. I love you, Jesus!
January started out with an immense amount of hope. Little did I know it would also be the end of many things. Vacations, dates, school, and well, quality of life as I knew it.
I had just been given a diagnosis of Colitis, and with that, I found an answer to guide me. This came in the form of a Dr. who would coach and guide me. It started out with a bang if you will. However, I did start to have some strange effects with my ears. I was put on Predinsone and Zithromax in thinking I had an ear infection or labyrinthitis. I also went to see an ENT and neurologist. These issues worsened as the year went on, but we weren’t sure if they were stemming from the gut or some other area of my body. I developed GERD and some horrific gut issues which superseded any SIBO or other I had faced in the past few years. And with this (due to the steroids probably or something (!!!??) which would begin the…)
This started the JOURNEY. The ADVENTURE (if you will)
Dr. Jordan Peterson has discussed the issue of the MESS. “The more mess at hand that you can see the more opportunity that’s there. OPPORTUNITY??!” (Huberman Podcast Dec 2024)
In his class, he has students do a project to find something around their neighborhood or family that isn’t set right and see if it could get set right. WHAT CAN HAPPEN!!? You GROW UP like MAD and you learn to become more patient and humble.
IT EITHER MAKES YOU OR BREAKS YOU.
The journey began after the unraveling of my health in February 2024. I thought I had hit rock bottom with SIBO and dysbiosis, losing over 20 lbs. But now, we were on a whole new level of suffering. The “quest” to find the answer (to the “MESS”) became my sole purpose.
Enter the Cancel Culture
Every Sunday, I used to sit down and make a plan for my week. Who will I contact for a coffee date? Who will I text to check on? What can we do as a family? What will be our dinners? Etc. I always have an AIM. A GOAL. A PLAN. Why? Because it gives me a sense of purpose and “giving back.”
Symptoms would become more and more debilitating. TO the point of “will I be able to function today?” I wouldn’t know until that morning. So plans began to wane as I would have to cancel last minute. (THAT KILLED ME as I am a planner and one who can be relied upon). But making plans was out the window. My soul would begin to ache as I would have to change my whole way of life. No longer could I look forward to vacations, dates, friendships, ministry opportunities. I would have to savor the moment and smell the roses in front of me. WOW. It would challenge me to the core.
Life got more complicated
Tatum developed some health issues, and we made a decision as a family for her to be homeschooled; Right smack dab in the middle of me not being able to be …well, ME! MY PASSION is to TEACH yet God would put me in the midst of my passion without being able to be passionate with my actions. My heart would ache as I lay in my bed wanting to be the BEST teacher for Tatum. (Coopster would comfort me) (big smile here)
Then there’s my Doug. My husband who I married till death due us part.
I felt the “Death” of me and who I was as a wife and mother. Mysterious symptoms with no answers would haunt me daily, as he hungered to have his wife present, all I could muster was fixing his meals and a measly conversation after him coming home from work. My energy would be used on research, teaching Tatum, and just existing.
Would I be taken seriously by ANYONE? Would anyone get it? Could I find a doctor who would hear my symptoms and help me find the ROOT CAUSE? Or would we continue down the road of bandaids, more tests, and more frustration. (AND THE QUEST TO FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING ALL OF THIS!!??)
November: Endoscopy: 3 biopsies of the esophagus.: I had 15 on the left side of esophagus
December: Allergist (thank you Dr. Koenigsberg!) and GI Doc (Shaheen): Got put on Budesonide and Dupixent
December: MRT test showing YELLOW foods only ! (no red means my gut is not leaky! YAY!)
19. December: CT and MRI scan of sinuses to see if EAR issue (MORE TO COME HERE!)
Dr. Katz, Dr. Patel, Dr. Dasari, Dr. Ruiz, 2 Endocrine docs (for thyroid and diabetes scare), Thyroid Queen (for hormones and thyroid), Dr. Bracher, Dr. Shaheen, Dr. Koenigsberg, and Dr. Killian (Neuro), and Dr. Bartell (ENT).SHEESH!
It’s exhausting. I’m exhausted. Tatum and Doug are totally exhausted. Could all of this…nausea and regurgitation and WOOZINESS be stemming from EOE? My gut? Or was there an inner ear issue? Some doctors chalked it up to me being in need of emotional support or even an antidepressant. That just broke me in half because I felt completely disregarded. Doug and Tatum would know I’m not making this up and I’m not DEPRESSED!
Highlights and serendipities
We discovered what was wrong at least in my gut. EOE. It’s called Eosinophil Esophagitis. FINALLY. Dr. Shaheen would help me and refer me to an Allergist who would put me on
A $6000/month medicine we got for FREE with her help writing the RX correctly and a COPAY program. JUST WOW.
With watching me struggle daily, Tatum has had her own bout of health struggles. I won’t go into detail here, but suffice it to say it was enough to bring her home from school. I had no idea how this would go as with each day I’d have to pretty much wing it. (sad face) Well, I watched her BLOSSOM.
Her writing would explode with creativity, voice, rhythm, maturity, and style (and her presentations)
Her ability to self monitor and be self-disciplined would be challenged yet grow
Her love and compassion for others would quadruple as she started to volunteer in special needs ministries. Also in the nursery at church. She is a NATURAL NURTURER
Her responsibility in taking care of not only RIO but our new OLLIE would abound.
Her frustration level with math and other challenging subjects would wane and she would pray more. (leading people to Christ)
We would begin the hunt for the RIGHT provider to help her with her health. (AND FIND ONE!)
She’d start strength training!
She would start a YOUTUBE channel to “channel” her creativity and display her love of God.
She’s playing so much piano!
For me, well, I had a few goodies happen too! I was part of a group of ladies called ENRICH where we met often to discuss leadership, goals, and becoming a true disciple through a lens of loving and growing with others. WOW. I met some phenomenal women!
Our small group grew closer and I have met a few TRUE friends who would pray for me and support me (and who I COULD LOVE ON AND PRAY FOR!!)
Also, my FOREVER friends (they know who they are) still are around and we continue to talk. I may not see them often, but our friendship is FOREVER!!!
My brother and Dolly (big squeeze to them) would call me often, and these relationships continue to grow!!
My mom started taking UBER and it has really opened up many opportunities for her. She and I continue to grow our relationship, and I’m so very grateful for her!! xoxox
I drew a few new art pieces. I will continue to draw because in it I get lost, and I also “overcome” the difficulties since this isn’t my natural talent.
I was honored to have an opportunity to speak to a group of teachers at a local school about my PASSION (from my dissertation: Writing Across the Curriculum). God opened the window that day, and I was SYMPTOMLESS. What a true blessing and it was totally run by HIM. I also continue to speak for GCU as an “expert!” (me!?)
Teaching is my passion. This never changes. I LOVE to give back at GCU and also to COYOTE (Tatum’s coop homeschool group)> And of course to my Tot. It’s truly an honor and a blessing….feeding into my own child. (and discipling her)
Doug
What happens when you begin an “adventure” or quest to find the “answers!?” Well, you assemble a team. Doug became my president. He would be present at all of my appointments. He’d pay for everything without question. He’d cry with me. BUT MOST IMPORTANT: HE became a prayer warrior. I know he’d leave for work feeling completely helpless. But at work, he’d spend each hour in prayer; and I felt it. HIS relationship with JESUS would grow. Our relationship? Perhaps it fell a bit in terms of romance and excitement. But in other ways it grew due TO THE STRUGGLE> This is what James calls “Call it all JOY that when you struggle, you develop perseverance.” (James 2)
He is the most patient man. (like Job). I’m so BLESSED. SO blessed!
Neuroplasticity
One of the benefits (?!) of being so ill is that you are forced to make changes. Sometimes in order to make a change and learn something new, you have to hit bottom (as for me, my health) and change ways. Now, it’s not a requirement, but if you want to grow and get better (no matter if it’s physical, mental, spiritual) it requires some sacrifice. This is where the beauty of design of God’s creation, our BRAINS, comes in handy! Andrew Huberman spoke extensively on this rewiring endeavor, and he pointed out that error-making is FUNDAMENTAL to growth. Many FEAR this, and give up too quickly. Well, for me, I had to learn many new things this year. For example, I went on many elimination diets and new ways of eating. It would take me about two weeks before I could wrap my head around making meat stock, for cryin’ out loud!
Why did I fear it so?! Or, making sauerkraut…or kefir or yogurt! Heck, they make it look so easy! But, again, when you are desperate, you WILL LEARN. I see that now as a benefit. I COULD learn and change! That is what neuroplasticity is all about. We can BECOME BETTER AND GROW! We just can’t give up in the midst of the struggle and not be afraid of making mistakes. Then the dopamine really kicks in! (Ha!)
Becoming Others-Centered
Being housebound and feeling so sick every day, you tend to become completely focused on the “TASK AT HAND” and that is: “WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME AND LET ME SOLVE THIS!” (as Peterson would task his students with). It becomes an obsession. From the outside, it looks as if I’m completely self-absorbed. But I know better. I know that all of this learning and isolation is leading me to a higher plane. A place of HELPING others (someday). I know this all has a higher purpose as I live by Romans 8:28 (All things work together for GOOD…HIS GOOD (for those who love HIM.) Oh, and I LOVE HIM!
Throughout this whole year I’ve experienced a gamut of emotions ranging from rage to apathy. Sadness, discouragement, frustration….complete and total despair. BUT, through it all, I’ve never left my first love. HIM. I know from the depth of my soul, that this will be made into something great. That HE WILL USE THIS FOR HIS GOOD, and something will be made into something so much bigger than me.
I continue to pray:
The Outlook
2025 promises to be bright. We have come so far and learned so much. I’ve lost many acquaintances but not true friends. They have stuck by me and have weathered this with me…with patience and understanding. My husband, daughter, and mom have been amazing. I also hired a coach, Astrid, to guide me in my nutrition and fitness. She is a rockstar due to her kindness, compassion, knowledge and patience with me. (she also just won a few fitness competitions YAY!)
I’m not going to sit here with a big game plan of goals and dreams, as I plan to take it one day at a time. However, I do have hope, and I do have a true TEAM of people cheering us on. I even got a new look to welcome in the new year.
Tatum will continue to thrive. Doug will continue to grow in leadership and with God, and we’ll grow too. Stay tuned. God, you’re definitely not done with me yet.
