Articles written by Margaret Shauers

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About me - Margaret Shauers

My name is Margaret A. Shauers. I have been a "working writer" for 40 years, with hundreds of children's stories published and 5 books. Short story sales include Vt. Ink, Red Herring, The Fiction Primer, Dana Literary Society, Web Mystery Magazine, Highlights

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Childhood: 1 of 100
THE DECISIONWhen Rodney Timmons left the junkyard, he was limping. "Rats on old Mr. Jarvis," he muttered to himself. "Imagine having a pipe sticking out of the ground like that. It's a wonder I didn't break my whole leg, not just bash my ankle."Rodney was on his way home. Already, he could hear his father reminding him he'd b... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Loving your pets as if they were babies: 1 of 32
If we treated animals as if they were babies, we would also guide them onto the pathways of becoming adults. Animals treated like babies are forever treated like babies, which isn't fair to them.This doesn't mean we can't love newborn or very young animals like we love babies, pampering them and making sure they have love, fo... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Tips for keeping goats as pets: 1 of 22
Goats are sweet creatures and can make great pets - well, Nanny goats are sweet creatures; don't get a Billy unless you need to breed which isn't always easy. The rutting season is not pleasant and nannies tend to chose the worst weather possible in which to kid. They often need help. Goats provide some of the most healthful ... More..
Personal Finance > Credit Cards Should teens have credit cards?: 4 of 77
No one should have a credit card until they have the job and financial background on their own to insure payment. Hey, some teens do have both a working record and decent credit ratings, and if they qualify without an adult co-signer, let's hope they are wiser than most adults today in using these cards.My late husband and I ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > People in the News Michael Vick: Is he a criminal for promoting dog fighting?: 6 of 111
I first responded to this right after Michael Vick's arrest. This is an update.My first contentions still hold.Dog fighting is illegal-and should be. In my opinion, it is a crime to purposefully make any creature suffer pain. Sure, I know dogs aren't human, but anyone who has owned a dog knows that they are sensitive creature... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Friendship stories for children: 1 of 17
NEW KIDMrs. Jenkins was chalking the homework assignment for math on the board when the classroom door opened.Todd Rumble turned in his seat. One of the secretaries came in, followed by a skinny kid wearing ratty jeans and a really strange colored shirt. It was purple and orange, with a big parrot printed on one side."New kid... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Problems Parents Face How to deal with former in-laws: 1 of 16
FORMER IN-LAWSNot only two people get a divorce. The entire family gets one. Children, of course, but in-laws, too.I dearly loved my first mother-in-law and, although we weren't as close, admired and liked my first father-in-law. The divorce harmed all of us, but luckily, in this case, there was a child whom both my ex-husban... More..
Business > Small & Home Business Recommendations for home-based businesses: 3 of 47
YES, YOU CAN EARN MONEY WRITING-IFA friend recently gave up on writing as a moneymaking venture because he couldn't make a profit. So? Every published writer understands the feeling. The first year I wrote, I earned $6.80 and two bars of lemon soap-one of my editors in those days sold cosmetics on the side. The second year, I... More..
Health & Fitness > Drug Legislation & Safety Should Americans be allowed to import and purchase safe and affordable prescription drugs from other nations?: 3 of 46
Only American pharmaceutical companies are protected from outside intervention by the U.S. government so far as I can tell. And the American consumer pays outrageous prices for prescriptions when much cheaper prices are available from other countries, even when the drugs are exactly the same.At this point in time, I have Stag... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Grandparenting Why grandparents play a vital role in your child's early development: 1 of 15
I am answering this one as a grandparent.Why do we play a vital role in a child's early (and later) development? I think it is because grandchildren are born LOVING US! Because we also simply and honestly love them. Because we are no longer responsible for daily decisions, and have more time than just-starting-off parents, we... More..