Articles written by Shannon Hilson

What is Helium

About me - Shannon Hilson

I'm an independent artist and writer originally from California, but currently located in Montana. I have been a creative individual for literally as long as I can remember and have always relied on my creativity as a means of self-expression, as well as communication

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Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing The benefits of journaling: 2 of 148
The practice of keeping a journal is one that has been around for hundreds of years, dating all the way back to 10th century Japan. Leaders have kept them to preserve information and experiences for future generations. Writers have kept them to record their reflections and hone their skills. Still others have kept them simply... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values The importance of good manners: 1 of 39
From an early age, my mother made a conscious effort to see to it that I grew up to be an exceptionally well-mannered young lady. She was constantly telling me how important good manners and polite social graces were and assuring me that even though I thought they were silly at the time, one day I would see she was right and ... More..
Relationships & Family > Tips for Marital Happiness Should couples live together before getting married?: 8 of 275
If you're someone who's ever shared living space with a significant other, within wedlock or not, you know that there's a lot of truth to the saying "you never truly know someone until you live with them". I think this is especially so these days. Like it or not, times and people HAVE changed, and so have attitudes toward mar... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Which would you rather have: Courage or wisdom?: 2 of 52
Although both courage and wisdom are noble qualities that all of us strive to possess, courage is of little benefit to a person unless he also possesses the wisdom to put it to proper use. After all, how many times and in how many different ways have we been cautioned to think before we act - to look before we leap? Courage w... More..
Arts & Humanities > Art Appreciation Basics of art appreciation: 1 of 23
If you're like a lot of art lovers out there, you already know that you absolutely love art. You love the way an artist can use color, composition, and simple materials to create something magical that speaks volumes to the heart, mind, and soul alike. You also love the way a painting that sparks such a powerful reaction whe... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Mythology: 2 of 44
Apollo's Sheep........Amorphous and strangeAre these wishes we haveLike the sheepThat follow Apollo's leadLike the secret jewelsHidden under their woolAnd the crystalline kissesThat appeared on my windowWhile I slept softly in fractionsAnd dreamed of him in days.Impossible and fragrantAre these wishes we haveLike the light th... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Guide to seasonal weather in Cancun, Mexico: 1 of 16
Located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is one of today's most popular south of the border vacation spots. The overall temperature there can best be described as warm and tropical, with temperatures ranging on average from 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months to around 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter time, alt... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Sin: 1 of 14
As someone who likes to ponder all the really big questions in life from time to time, the concepts of sin and salvation are things I've thought about often over the years. I suppose I'm the type of person to overanalyze just about everything, so this hardly surprises me, but already I digress. I've often thought especially h... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Racism Mixed race: The identity crisis: 2 of 27
Speaking as a woman of mixed racial background myself, I personally feel that the real identity crisis is not to be found within my own psyche or background. It's in society's perception of me and others like me. I myself am perfectly comfortable not fitting into a preconceived ethnic box. However, society really does still s... More..
Food & Drink > Spices, Herbs & Condiments Creative toppings for hot dogs: 1 of 12
A hot dog really is one of those foods that everyone seems to like to indulge in at least once in a while. They're easy to make, they're easy to eat, and the mere act of enjoying them tends to bring back many fond memories for all of us in regards to our childhoods. However, even our favorite foods can get old or boring after... More..