How many times has this happened to you? You’re reading something online and things are going along great! You’re comfortable, interested and engaged. And then, in your lower peripheral vision, you see IT. The monster. Not again! You know it is there, but would rather pretend it’s not. It’s scary and ugly and you just don’t want to deal with it. But you must deal with it, and you always do. How? By completely ignoring it. Because that’s the best way to make i

This little creature is the Quokka, native to Australia. The cartoonish grin inspired a short story I wrote for my daughter today. It made her smile, and she suggested I share it with others:THE CHUMLINSDeep within a hole on a big grassy hillUnder a long bridge that keeps getting thinnerA family of Chumlins escaped the night’s chillTo get ready for a big Chumlin dinnerTheir feast for the night was beans and mixed greensAll grown with love by little Chumlin TeensWho care for their gardens