Articles written by Marla Hansen

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Carving pumpkins: 2 of 41
Why do I smile like this you ask, as if you didn't know. Is it the brightness of my orange or my inside glimmery glow? Could it be the perfect roundness of my Jack-O-Lantern style? Is that the answer to your query of why like this, I smile? I'll tell you true, once and for all leaving no further doubt. You would smile like ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Feeding & Breastfeeding Should babies be breastfed exclusively?: 2 of 20
As a new mother many years ago, I knew that the only way to ensure maternal success was to exclusively nurse your little newborn. Of course, being an Earth-Mama from California in the '70s helped to further instill this truth into my young mind. So it was, at 20 years old I eagerly prepared for the birth of our first son. I t... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) Where to find jack-o-lantern patterns for Halloween: 1 of 8
In the past, when Halloween rolled around, every kid would grab the perfect pumpkin and transform it into a smiling fellow with the help of a kitchen knife and a parent. Check out any front porch this Halloween and you'll soon learn that carving Jack-O-Lanterns has turned into an art form. So what do you do if you lack that c... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Why I love the Midwest: 3 of 22
The food. There, I said it. I am not ashamed to admit it although maybe I should be. That is the plain and simple gluttonous truth of one of many reasons why I love the Midwest so much. Maybe I should explain.I am a native Californian. I grew up on fresh and healthy. Oil was organic and used sparingly on pasta or salads. A th... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Helping Kids Cope Childhood fears: Tips for getting rid of the monster under the bed or in the closet: 4 of 28
When I was a child a terrible, horrible, smelly and foul, green-faced witch lived in my closet. She would never dare show herself as I dressed for bed or climbed beneath my blankets. But once my mother turned the lights out, she took every opportunity to annoy, harass and scare the begeebers out of me. No matter how many time... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Halloween horror: 8 of 51
The house, yellow and white, pride of the street, Surrounded by flowers until death it would meet. Young mother inside, daily baking her pies, Little son by her side playing villain and spies. Years later, war looming, calling her son To a place never heard of, til somebody won. Soldiers arriving with letter in hand, Dear mo... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Why we write: 33 of 182
All my life I have been told I am a good writer. It started in elementary school really. Teachers would single me out & read my papers aloud to the class pointing out this or that and always ending with, "Marla, you have a real gift" or some such similar phrase. This would always leave me red-faced with a burning embarass... More..
Sciences > Medical Science (Other) What to expect when you donate blood: 6 of 32
You've just spent the last five hours watching a Count Dracula marathon and it's got you thinking. "There MUST be an easier way to give blood". You're right, there is!The American Red Cross is known for helping people in need including providing blood. This incredible gift comes from a community of volunteers. That's you and ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Caught inside a tornado: 2 of 10
May 3rd, 1999 started out just like any other ordinary day. There were breakfasts and lunches to make, backpacks to fill and faces to kiss goodbye. Once everyone was safely out the door I began my work day on our farm. We had two steers and six hogs going to market that morning so I headed out to the barn to prepare things an... More..
Business > Sales Characteristics of a good real estate salesperson: 2 of 10
Purchasing a new home can be a stressful time for just about anybody. One of the key components to making the right purchase is choosing the right real estate agent to assist you. Walk into any local real estate office and the number of agents ready and willing to help you can be overwhelming. Even so, remember, the choice of... More..