The Tiger's Tale: Chapter 3: Attack!

On another island, on the other side of the Caribbean Sea, there is another island. It is usually avoided since where the inhabitants of Striper’s island all live in harmony and peace, the animals on this island are terrible and cruel, and no one had ever survived an attack from them. Unfortunately, there is much on Striper’s island that their new chief wants. The animals on the island are getting ready for an attack. Several days later, their ship is spotted on the horizon of Striper’s island. A horn is sounded to warn the animals to stay in their homes. But Striper is frightened by the sound and jumps into a nearby bush. He is overlooked by the anxious eyes of his parents. Luckily though, the eyes of the creatures of the other island though much more ferocious, have no better eyes than those of Striper’s island so he is also overlooked by the evil eye of a jackal passing by at that moment. Oh, what is he to do?

The Tiger's Tale: Chapter 2: The Lesson

Striper’s parents are getting anxious, so they call a 8 year old tiger to teach him to be bold. The tiger’s name is Ms. Topaz and she is very strict, so Striper is reprimanded a lot of the time. The 1st lesson is reading of bravery, which he passes with flying colors, due to his love of learning. The 2nd Lesson is not so easy, however. He is to learn not to be caught off his guard, and no matter what Ms. Topaz tries, he always is alarmed at the slightest sound. On the 3rd night of Striper’s training, Ms. Topaz speaks to his parents. “I cannot see why he has such trouble in my classes.” she says. “He is afraid of everything! “He will have to work on many things.” Striper’s parents are still anxious. They can only hope for the best.

The Tiger's Tale: Chapter 1: Striper

Far away, out past the Caribbean Sea, there is an island. The beasts that inhabit this island all live in harmony. One of these beasts is a tiger named Striper. He is 4 years old, and almost an adult. He attends the Academy of Education for Young Beasts. In 1 year he will graduate and go off to raise a family of his own. He has only one problem. He is afraid of everything. The sound of the owls fluttering by carrying their books at the Academy causes him to jump. The only time he is able to ignore his fears is when he is studying his hardest in a pouncing or history class. His friends Growlson and Scarletheart cannot understand him. No one can. His mother has tried many times to help him, but it has become clear to everyone that if it can be done, he is the only one who could teach this subject to himself. It may seem hopeless. But it is not. Not quite.

I Was There On The Night He Was Born (A Sheep's Tale)

My name is Fluffer. I'm a sheep from around 2011 years ago, and my shepherd is horrible with names. It's not very shocking, though, seeing that his name is Kevin Doobler. But enough about that. Let me tell you a story. One night, I was up at the pasture with Baason (another of Kevin's name-victims) and Kevin himself. Nothing ever really happened in my life until that night. I was quietly chewing a piece of grass when suddenly, a blinding flash made me choke on and throw up the grass. My eyes were bad enough already. I saw a golden, flying, person singing to the paralyzed Kevin and almost screamed. The whatever-it-was pointed towards a star, and I became blind (almost). Kevin began walking towards the star and I followed him. Eventually we came back to my stable-except there were many strange people in it! I quickly galloped to the manger to get a quick snack-but there was someone already in the manger! There were other shepherds surrounding it, and dudes in gold crowns too. There was even a funny little chap tapping on a little wooden drum. Only after this scene back in my stall did I hear what had happened. I never get let in on things. But then, who talks to sheep?

How to Make a Toy

Hi, I'm Santa. This year I'm starting making toys early, since last year I waited until February and I almost didn't make enough toys. Since Mrs. Claus failed to iron my work overalls yesterday I'm going to have to wear my suit which I usually only wear on Christmas Eve nights. Oh, well. To work, now! First, I'll make a teddy bear. Oh, which drawer had the fabrics in it again? Ah, here it is! Now, where are the scissors? Honey, where did you put the scissors? Oh, right, I left them on the work table! Alright. First cut the ears, the head, and the arms. Next cut the waist, the legs, and the feet. O.K., now to stuff him. Oh, frostbite, where did I put it? Ah, thank goodness. Okay, he's all stuffed. Now I need the sewing machine. Argh, where could it be? This is ridiculous. Thank you, Merry. This is going to be a looooooooooooooong year.

The First Time I Flew

I'm Dasher. Now, 3 days after Christmas with nothing to do, I start to remember the first time I flew. The rest of the crew and I were only 4 months old. Cupid was babbling about how he'd be the best flyer of us all, and Vixen was moaning about how the wind would mess up her newly combed fur. Comet was being a nuisance by doing victory dances and shouting "I can't believe I was chosen for the team!" in people's-no, reindeer's faces. Me? I was just plain nervous. What if I found out in the middle of the air that I couldn't fly? What if I crashed? What if I got left behind? From Rudolph's expression, I could tell he was feeling the same way, and gave him a comforting nudge. Then an elf emerged from the door. Santa was with him. Santa got into the sleigh. The elf gave all of us a carrot and told us to eat it when he said "Takeoff!" He waited a moment then "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, takeoff!" I gobbled my carrot. It tasted like sugar. For 1 moment, nothing happened. Then, I felt my feet lift up off the grass and saw the other reindeer's doing the same. So much for What if... No. 1! I was flying!

Ode to a Chaotic House (inspired by Aunt Rita's card)

Crashing down the stairs,

Wait--what's that I hear?

I think somebody's drumming

On their new toy Mickey's ear.

The baby just woke up,

I can hear his cry.

I think somebody's dropping brand-new crayons

From the sky.

Oh, chaos here, chaos there, chaos up the stairs!

I'll always have to live with it--

Now, Henry, drop those chairs!

No, not on Maggie's foot...