Articles written by Patti Mcquillen

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About me - Patti Mcquillen

The epitome of my writing encompasses experience, growth, and definition of my soul. Winning is an honor and signifies intense dedication. I welcome additional opportunities.

I learned to recognize and resolve my strengths and weaknesses while serving as an

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenthood Funny parenting stories: 2 of 85
The flat tire thumped as we made our way to the nearest parking lot. I teetered between calling my boyfriend for assistance and showing my two daughters the importance of changing a tire without help. The sky looked fine and the sunshine gave me a wave of confidence. Being a single mother offered me many chances to show them ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Overcoming a drinking problem: 3 of 78
Alcoholism cost my late father his marriage, more than a decade of time and almost his life. It began before my mother married him in 1970. He added liquor to her drink, knowing she would not drink it; he always did it for her. This continued during their five and a half year, turbulent marriage.One time he became outraged an... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Immigration Should illegal immigrants be entitled to receive benefits?: 5 of 60
Illegal immigrants do not deserve benefits. These include food stamps, welfare, financial assistance (travel money, childcare, vouchers for clothing needed for a job) and medical care. I understand these people work in positions Americans supposedly do not want, yet while they are here, they expect to have the same rights and... More..
Health & Fitness > Alternative Therapies Overview: Art therapy: 1 of 11
Shy, easily intimidated, and misunderstood normally topped the list of words and phrases describing the young boy. At only seven years of age, he wanted nothing more than to die. His parents knew little about him; yet, they attempted conversing with him each day. Frustrated, they now clustered around the low table in the offi... More..
Travel > Vacations The best vacation ideas: 3 of 25
Keeping vacations simple is the best way to have a vacation. I learned this through the years as I planned a myriad of getaways for my family. In the beginning, I spent hours combing through books for the best attractions. I worried about the amenities at hotels and compared them with the ferociousness of a tiger. We only ate... More..
Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing The benefits of journaling: 18 of 148
From the ordinary to the extraordinary, journaling the events that take place in life creates a sense of raw power and fulfillment. Thoughts, ideas, fears, hopes, and dreams find a safe home in journals. Learn more about the benefits of opening the soul and discovering connections through writing in a journal. Try these simpl... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: A train mystery: 1 of 7
The lights dimmed and a quiet snaked its way through the crowd of guests enjoying their rail journey. They appeared to be an assorted array of youth seeking adventure, and seniors seeking a lost youth. A few middle aged men, one family and two females, most likely single, blended to create a balance of age, temperaments and l... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Helping Kids Cope When Father's Day has no father: 4 of 24
Children are supposed to have a mother and a father. Yet, my two daughters have none. It is not because he passed away or serves in the military and cannot be here. No, they have none because he chooses to ignore them and refuses to pay his child support. This bugs them more because they know he is alive and still rejects the... More..
Business > Starting an Online Business How to start a small online business by yourself: 2 of 12
Starting an online business requires planning, solid ideas, research, facts, money, and a willingness to succeed. Some aspects may appear easier to accomplish than other ones. Yet, without a careful watch over all of them, your business may sink.First, what is the purpose of your business? Second, is there a need for your bus... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: In other words: 1 of 6
My grandfather, who is definitely an "old school" type, comes down the steps. He is ready to leave and he calls for my grandmother. He asks if she is ready to leave, and she replies with, "I will be shortly." This is a problem, for the word shortly to her is not the same for him.When she says it, she means within a reasonable... More..