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Writer's pictureTiffany Tillema

How a Great-Horned Owl Boosted my Career as a Mason

Updated: Jun 25




In the heart of the small East Texas Town stood an old building, weathered by time and neglect. The once grand brick grocery store built in 1903 was now hidden beneath layers of poorly applied stucco. My masonry crew arrived to restore the building to its former glory, and we were ready to strip it down and see what we had to work with. We had been excited to start working on this particular building because it was in our town. In restoration, you rarely get owners who want to restore older buildings, especially in small towns, so when this one came along, we were a little more than excited. Little did I know that my journey would take a turn with this particular job, which would be guided by a wise and watchful Great-Horned Owl.


As the crew began peeling away the stucco, revealing the layers of brick beneath, they were met with a sight that filled them with awe and concern. The brick, laid four wythe thick, was crumbling from years of moisture damage. As we stripped away the stucco, whole bricks were pulled away from the building, leaving gaping holes, and the mortar had turned into a fine powder. The owner, unsure of how to proceed, halted our work while he deliberated on the building's fate.


Days turned into weeks as we awaited the owner's decision. Finally, a call came to resume work, but not to restore the building as it deserved. Instead, the decision was made to cover up the damage again, sealing away the building's potential for restoration and increasing the damage.

Upon returning to the site, the crew was met with a surprising sight. Nestled within the cavity where a vent once stood was a magnificent Great-Horned owl, its golden eyes closed in peaceful repose. As I approached, the owl opened its eyes and fixed its gaze upon me, a silent exchange of understanding passing between us. No fear, just peace. His right wing seemed to lie at an odd angle, but he did not seem to be in any pain.

Sensing that the owl may be injured, the owner took precautions to protect the creature, blocking off the area with construction tape. The city animal control was called, and plans were made to transport the owl to a rehab center. However, as help arrived, the owl spread its wings, looked at me once more, and silently flew away.

The owner saw this as a bad sign and abandoned his plans for the building, leaving it open to the elements to fade further into neglect. However, the encounter with the owl sparked a new beginning for me.


You see, in 2018, I injured my right shoulder and could not physically participate in the jobs. After 31 years of physical work, I was reduced to watching from the ground or, even worse, working in the office. I lapsed into a depression and, for the first time, actually started to hate my job. I still loved finding and bidding on jobs and watching transformations happen as my crew brought new life into old structures. But the fun was gone.

So, The owl became a symbol of transformation and inspiration, guiding me on a journey of discovery and purpose. He helped me transform myself into an inspired, determined person once again.


I always had a special connection with animals. My mother would tell tales of me picking up birds and snakes when I was a little girl. As I grew older, I still had that connection, but I also understood they didn't like getting picked up, so I would sit and connect with them quietly on their level. Thus, it was with the Great-Horned Owl. We sat quietly together, waiting for the rehabbers. Only when they got there, he decided it was time to go. He was not hurt after all. First, he stretched out his left wing, and then, as he stretched out his right wing, he paused, looked at me one last time, and glided off. It was as if he was telling me that my injury was not in the way of my success. I needed to find a way to fly.

And so that's what I did. I started this website with a blog to help others, and it has blossomed into a mentorship and coaching program for women in the trades and other male-dominated businesses. I help women to choose their careers and become successful in their trade of choice. Seeing a shy woman turn into a confident, strong woman who thrives in her environment is thrilling.


I still have my masonry company and enjoy watching the crew restore the buildings of yesteryear. But while I enjoy my days out, I always look for a Great-Horned owl. I'd like to thank him for his inspiration.

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Apr 27
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

A great story from the Heart of an amazing Woman!

Well done Tiffany.

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