Exploration Archives - The MockingOwl Roost

May 16, 2026

Square image in deep red-purple. One 1/4 of the image (far left) has mixed colors in paper textures. The image features the cover of the Wide, Wild World magazine issue of the MockingOwl Roost. TEXT: Quarterly Issue, Volume 6, Issue 2: Wide, Wild World. MockingOwl Roost contributors and staff

Published by The MockingOwls at May 16, 2026

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Quarterly Issue

Wide, Wild World

Come play with the saiga, mustangs, and bobcats in the latest issue of the MockingOwl Roost: Wide, Wild World. Every story, every poem, every essay wanders the world with curiosity with wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and invigorating delight...

March 11, 2025

A person walks the wall of a terraced rice paddy - TEXT Tulatulahan Part 6, Travel Stories, Vartan Koumrouyan

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at March 11, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 6

I see the rhythms, and not just the form. Life here remains ever in motion, circling in predictable paths as easily seen by me now as the landmarks are by Uncle Norbing.

March 4, 2025

Sunset on a tropical, sandy beach - TEXT Tulatulahan Part 5, Travel Stories, Vartan Koumrouyan

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at March 4, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 5

We walk to the parapet wall, gazing at the white clouds as they form fantastic shapes and rainbow sunset stripes over the sea and the mountain range beyond.

February 25, 2025

Street scene from Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island - TEXT Travel Stories, Vartan Koumrouyan, Tulatulahan Part 4

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at February 25, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 4

This is the Pacific, raw and authentic, with its animalic, predatory eyes and paws ready to pounce. The people here learn the lessons of evolution in the face of adversity.

February 18, 2025

A family smiles at a camera as they carry fresh banana bunches - TEXT Tulatulahan, Part 3, Travel Stories, Vartan Koumrouyan

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at February 18, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 3

I smile in greeting and stay out of the way. I know I’m a curiosity, probably the first stranger they’ve seen apart from backpackers who motor through without stopping.

February 11, 2025

Lightning storm over forested hills - TEXT Tulatulahan, Part 2, Travel Stories, Vartan Koumrouyan

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at February 11, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 2

As the storm comes nearer, I count ten seconds after the lightning before the thunder hits. We watch, entranced, reveling in the feel of nature’s power.

February 4, 2025

A peaceful jungle with mountains in background and a nipa hut in the foreground. TEXT: Tulatulahan, Part 1, Vartan Koumrouyan, Travel Stories.

Published by Vartan Koumrouyan at February 4, 2025

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Tulatulahan, Part 1

Here on this land purchased from Sheryll’s family, we have no one to compete with but ourselves. It’s our chance to be who we are, rather than who others think we ought to be.

January 15, 2022

MockingOwl Roost quarterly issue: Exploration (illustration of Asian woman on beach looking up at hot air balloon)

Published by The MockingOwls at January 15, 2022

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Quarterly Issue

The MockingOwl Roost Volume 2, Issue 1: Exploration

It's official! The MockingOwl Roost is now one year old! We've got a brand new quarterly PDF issue for you to enjoy on the topic of exploration. New contributors and old, plus staff, share their views on exploration through poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and more. Please enjoy!