Articles written by Michelle Cannon

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About me - Michelle Cannon

Originally from Tennessee, I have lived in Florida since 1982. I am a 39-year-old, single mother of 5 children ranging in age from 5 to 22 years. I have been a parenting teacher, a domestic violence victim advocate and worked in the natural health industry.

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Baby Sleep Issues Arguments for co-sleeping: 1 of 14

The issue of co-sleeping is often a hot debate. There are those who are adamantly opposed to it, saying that it will "spoil" the child or "you'll never get that child to sleep alone!". Then there are those who believe it's a fad, "we didn't do this 25 years ago". Finally, there are those of us who practice it wholeheartedly....
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Form letter in response to criticism: 17 of 94

Dear People of Misery, I'm sorry that you're unhappy. I'm sorry your dad was an abusive jerk. I'm sorry you're mom didn't step in to save you. I'm sorry you're an alcoholic. I'm sorry you try to make guys love you through sex. I'm sorry that you feel a need to beat women. I'm sorry that you're husband snorts coke. I'm sorry ...
Home & Garden > Household Cleaning How to clean the inside of the microwave: 3 of 16

Cleaning a kitchen isn't always a pleasant thing. For me, it's a task to be avoided like WalMart on Black Friday. I simply don't like cleaning kitchens! Cleaning certain items can bring new meaning to the word "chore". The microwave that has been neglected can certainly prove to be one of these dreaded tasks if one doesn't k...
Home & Garden > Household Cleaning Organize your kitchen by clearing the clutter: 6 of 29

Clutter can be the downfall of any well-run house. Not only is it overwhelming to the mind, but clutter can give the impression of "dirty" to even the cleanest home. It is also a big time-killer. In the United States, each person loses approximately untold hours simply trying to find things. I've found a somewhat complex way...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Humility: 9 of 18

In a place of humility there is room to grow. In this place of humility, you are small and that allows room for much. You recognize that everyone is small. Your size and strength against the universe seems almost pointless, yet you are worthy of so much because you are humble. In a place of humility you realize you are small...
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Empty nest syndrome: 12 of 20

Rough is the road I travel. Always there is an obstacle; a pot hole or a dead end. Mostly it's gravel and my back hurts from the ride. My children have always been the beautiful scenery that distracts from the pains and bumps from the long haul. As an imperfect human/mother, sometimes the scenery doesn't seem so wonderful. S...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Domestic violence: 94 of 142

The flowers wilt away and the trees adorn themselves in shades of orange and red. The smell of firewood burning fills the air. The warmth of summer gives way to crisp autumn breezes and the sound of children laughing as they enjoy the seasonal changes. It is October...a month for change. I am enjoying my life, my children an...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Birth of a child: 4 of 6

Five weeks ago today was a most special day in our home. Really the entire week was special. Our home was full of food and family; laughs and games; music and silence. The stage was set for a most special event: the birth of my granddaughter. My daughter, Lee Anne, was about to become a mother. Labor had begun on Monday morn...
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Should you have an epidural or natural childbirth?: 26 of 30

In discussing whether or not to have an epidural or a natural birth, it is a temptation to point out how unnatural an epidural is or how it doesn't fit into nature's way. However, I'd venture to say that a woman choosing this option is not concerned with how natural it is or isn't. Rather, she is concerned with the pain. A c...
Home & Garden > Cleaning Products The many uses of vinegar: 9 of 10

While most people recognize that vinegar is a top-notch window cleaner and can be used to clean a coffee maker, mention using it for the entire house and you're certain to be faced with some funny looks! The fact is that vinegar can be used as a mainstay in your home cleaning supply kit. In our home and natural cleaning busi...