The Magic at Villa Verde

1
Essie the Elephant—
Love Yourself

Essie the Elephant was the most magnificent of all the creatures.
She was majestic, grand, and had eautiful features.

Unfortunately, Essie had gigantic issues.
She was always crying and wiping away tears with tissues.

As she was so testy, Essie had only one friend, Homa the Hen.
Homa was wise and gentle, and her sword was the pen.

Essie and Homa lived in Villa Verde, a beautiful place in the hills.
It was home to many animals and filled with many thrills.

One day Essie was complaining to Homa that being an elephant was ridiculous.
Homa was in awe; she had never heard anything so ludicrous.

Essie looked at Homa with a pouty face.
“Look at my long nose. It’s such a disgrace!”

Homa the Hen shook her head in disbelief.
She muttered to Essie, “Oh, good grief!”

“In fact, Essie, I think your long nose is supercool.
You can use it to wipe your drool!”

“That’s my point, Homa—I don’t like my nose.”
Homa responded, “I’m sure you can find a use for it. How about as a hose?”

Essie had never heard of anything so silly and stomped away, super mad.
Homa was just trying to help, but obviously she didn’t, and felt very bad.

One summer day, Kathy and Sam, the owners of Villa Verde, had a very special guest.
Their granddaughter, Kayla, was visiting for the day, dressed in her Sunday best.

Kathy told Kayla to have fun in the sun.
Kayla was an adventurous girl who loved to climb and run.

Kayla roamed about Villa Verde and was fascinated by the tall magnolia tree.
Kayla decided that she wanted to climb it, even though she kept bumping her knee.

Homa saw Kayla quickly climbing the magnolia tree higher and higher.
Homa thought that this situation could become quite dire.

Sure enough, Kayla climbed too high and was scared to come down.
Her beautiful smile was replaced by a worried frown.

“Grandma! Grandpa!” shouted Kayla. “Come find me.”
Homa had an idea and found Essie as quick as could be.

“Essie! Essie! Come quickly. Kayla is stuck up the magnolia tree. What can we do?”
Essie followed Homa to the tree. Her thoughts were jumbled like a vegetable stew.

“Homa, let’s see how high my long nose can go.”
Homa nodded in agreement, nervously pacing to and fro

Essie’s long nose inched up higher and higher.
In fact, Essie’s nose was extremely powerful and could even put out a fire.

Essie’s trunk reached to where Kayla was sitting.
And Essie wrapped her nose around Kayla, which was very fitting.

Essie then gently lowered her trunk until Kayla was safely back on the ground.
Kayla was happy and started laughing, which to Essie’s ears was the most beautiful sound.

Kayla then gave Essie a big hug and kiss.
Essie was in a state of pure bliss.

Kayla whispered in Essie’s big, floppy ear,
“I love you and your beautiful nose. Thanks to you, I have nothing to fear.”

Essie looked bashfully at Homa and started to blush.
“You were right, Homa. Next time I say something negative about my nose, please tell me to hush!”

Homa responded, “Don’t you worry; I will remind you to cherish what makes you unique.”
“Yes, Homa. I’ll think twice before I speak.

“Spoken words come from thoughts, and your thoughts become your reality.
From now on, I will love everything about me.”