Strangely, owls have been appearing when I'm at a turning point in my life. In February 2007, as I was trying to decide between taking a corporate communications job and writing metaphysical articles as a freelancer, I noticed a barn owl perched in the tree outside my condo in Los Angeles. I was totally enchanted. I named the owl Mr. Hoot, and he lived in my tree for a year, sleeping during the day and hunting over the hillsides at night. Since owl symbolizes wisdom, the message was clear: I needed to share my knowledge with others, which meant writing spiritually themed articles.

Then in July 2009, my husband and I traveled to Spokane, Washington to scout out the area before we moved there. When we returned to L.A. to pack, much to my surprise I discovered another barn owl perched in the same tree on the same branch! It's apparent from pictures I've taken of both owls that this one is not Mr. Hoot. What are the chances of two owls, at different times, residing in a tree in the middle of a condo complex in Los Angeles? Unlikely - unless, of course, you need a message from one. My new feathery friend is a reminder to share my knowledge, wherever I am.