Articles written by Jeanette Mcdonough

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About me - Jeanette Mcdonough

Jeanette McDonough is a freelance writer, holed up somewhere in the Great American West. When she's not wrestling coyotes over scraps of rabbit fur, she fills her days writing and making origami cranes to decorate the walls of her cave. Her work has graced

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Horror: 3 of 233
The homestead despaired. Awnings creaked and shutters rattled while the wooden structures buckled under the accumulated weight of years of neglect. Left derelict by those who once lived there, them that had planted seeds in the alkaline soil, and those who had watched their crops turn to dust beneath the brittle sun, the hous... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Taking the bus: 2 of 56
The morning light was the color of a dove. Dense Pacific fog had feathered the lines of distinction between earth and heaven, rendering the familiar neat rows of houses on the street to shades of gray. Mario had slept fitfully the night before, so he emerged into the half-light of dawn disoriented. He glanced over his shoulde... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: My most memorable Fourth of July: 3 of 64
He was big and goofy; 16 hands high with a gait that made my fillings rattle, but I was in heaven astride the old roan horse headed for the starting line. It was the annual Fourth of July rodeo in 1968 and I was about to race for the first time ever. The crowd, the colors, all the sights and sounds; still vivid in my memory a... More..
Food & Drink > Dining Etiquette How tipping works: 5 of 87
In the best case scenario, tipping should be a pleasurable experience. The act is a demonstration of civility and generosity. As such it should bring a good feeling to the person who is sharing their good fortune with someone who is providing an appreciated service. In the worst case scenario, the act of tipping can feel like... More..
Food & Drink > Breads, Grains, Pasta & Rice How to make pizza dough: 2 of 33
Making pizza at home has dual benefits. For one thing, it's a pretty impressive meal when it comes hot out of the oven directly to the table. It looks like a lot of effort went into its creation despite the fact that it's fairly easy to prepare. It can also be surprisingly affordable. The first step to making the perfect pizz... More..
Creative Writing > Drama Drama: Struggle: 1 of 13
Shadows Listen - A One Act PlayEXT Dark Inner-City Street-NightThere are warehouses and a few ramshackle houses lining the street. In the distance a large factory looms over the set, it is backlit by mustard yellow lights so that it's a menacing silhouette that looms over two small children alone on the street. Street lights ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Hunger, Disease & Poverty What are some examples of corruption involving water and what is the impact of the corruption on people and communities?: 1 of 12
In the American west water has a volatile history. In fact, water has been the cause of range wars and murders. For example, in the 1870's water was the impetus of the Lake County Wars in Colorado (WHERE THE BODIES ARE Shaputis, June, 1995). The fight over control of local irrigation rights resulted in murder and mayhem. Acco... More..
Food & Drink > Food & Drink (Other) Become a coupon savvy shopper: 1 of 8
People are feeling the pinch from the economy, and many are scrambling to find ways to stretch the family dollar while still maintaining the quality of the meals they serve. One great tool for accomplishing this feat is to use coupons as part of an overall budgeting strategy. Using coupons saves money on food in the short ter... More..
Jobs & Careers > Nonprofit & Service Sector Jobs Secrets of a successful fund-raising event: 1 of 8
Planning a fund-raising event is incredibly rewarding, especially when you have a strong commitment and passion for the nonprofit that you are supporting. Organizing a fund-raiser can be a lot of fun too, providing you keep a positive attitude and don't allow the stress involved in such an undertaking wear you down. Odds are ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Futility: 11 of 86
FutilityI shout against this roaring clamourthat fills the space between usWhile my every thought gets whisked awayby the gale of a raging wind tunnelWe care no more for the sentimentof words no longer realPhathoms inhabiting a shadow worldPowerless and frail.Futile like planting groundthat is waterless and barrenthe seeds we... More..