Articles written by Denise Murphy

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About me - Denise Murphy

I am a grandparents rights examiner at www.examiner.com/x-9752-Des-Moines-Grandparenting-Examiner and created the organization at www.iowagrandparentsrights.com to help strengthen the rights of grandparents to their grandchildren. I am a grandparent myself

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Home & Garden > Gardening (Other) True gardening stories: What my garden taught me - the hard way: 5 of 88
My neighbors gardening mishap nearly cost him his life and it taught me never to take a plant for granted. It happened on a crisp clear April day in a cool but sunny Iowa backyard. Spring growth was just beginning to emerge and like most gardeners the call of spring was just to strong to resist. My neighbor and long time frie... More..
Relationships & Family > Dating Psychology Dating: Unrealistic expectations: 2 of 23
Unrealistic expectations when dating depend on your definition of realistic. Dating for instance after a divorce. Are you emotionally ready for the dating scene? Are you going to compare everyone you date to your ex-spouse in a positive or negative light? Comparing your date to an former spouse or lover is not fair. He or she... More..
Home & Garden > Gardening (Other) True gardening stories: Oops!: 10 of 63
A close friend of mine always wanted to grow a garden like mine. She wanted my help in planning it out and I was happy to help. Well at first I was. She was an expert at houseplants but when it came to outdoor gardening she didn't have a clue. She expected her garden to just grow and look like mine. I tried to explain that it... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Addiction: 4 of 24
Morning comes and the birds wake him up. He rolls off the couch and slowly walks to the dining room where sits his morning hot cup of coffee. She looks at him and shakes her head sighing in disappointment or disgust. He isn't sure. He looks in the mirror as he brushes his thinning hair and notices how much gray is showing. Ho... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Grandparenting Grandparents and their rights: 1 of 6
All states now have legislation that protects the rights of grandparents but mostly just for visitation. Key factors to remember when petitioning the courts for your grandparents rights to visitation are: is their a bond between the grandparent and child, best interests of the child and is the parent a fit parent. These are t... More..
Autos > Motorcycles & Scooters Buyer's guide to motorcycle helmets: 1 of 6
Buying a motorcycle helmet is all about safety first. The reason you buy a helmet is to protect your head and brain from serious injury and a fatality. When searching for the right helmet there are six key things to look for in your purchase. The first thing to consider is if the helmet is safety approved by either the D.O.T.... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Should the United States have universal health care?: 12 of 60
Universal Health care sounds good on paper and is a rallying point for the coming Presidential election but how do the politicians intend for the project to be funded? Who is going to pay for the health care reform that they want to put into action? If the government is allowed to grow bigger and reach its ever increasing arm... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Gift Advice Great gift ideas for a house-warming party: 11 of 51
You know the guest of honor enough to know their likes and dislikes. This is a moment to think beyond the box. Normally you would be safe in acquiring a houseplant but in this instance think again. Does your friend have any small children or a cat? Many houseplants are poisonous. Personally I can't have any houseplants becaus... More..
Home & Garden > Cleaning (Other) Home organization tips: 7 of 32
Does organization of your home feel like an chore? It doesn't have to be with tips to put even the clutter bug's home to the test. The first tip is simple but for some may find it very hard to put to the task. Go through your closets, kids too, and anything you haven't worn in a year needs to go. Get several large boxes and m... More..
Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) How to hide wall imperfections without wallpaper: 2 of 9
One of the best ways I have found to cover wall imperfections without using wallpaper is to use sponge painting instead. I discovered this the hard way when I bought a house that was built in 1930 and two of the rooms still had the old plaster walls. The bedrooms were both in a two bedroom bungalow home and had been painted w... More..