Articles written by Tanya Smith

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About me - Tanya Smith

So here's the segment that needs to set me apart from Joe Schmo, where I define my whole being and purpose with such clarity and eloquence, that I succeed in seducing each and everyone of you and leave you wanting more...But what if I am Joe Schmo? What if

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Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Tips Tips for parents raising children with special needs: 3 of 20
I am the mother of a 10 year old girl who is medically defined as mentally retarded. I am a prize fighter. The Muhammad Ali of the Disabled world. I am my daughters advocate because the one thing that I have learned is that only I truly have her best interest at heart. Here are my findings: Tip# 1 The Special Education Depar... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Dark stories: 144 of 662
I was told that I was sitting on the patio sofa with glazed unresponsive eyes smoking a cigarette when the paramedics came... this I do not remember. I was told that I was soaked, my hair disheveled with blood running down from the scratches on my arms...this I do not remember either. I was asked what happened and for a mome... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: The road to sobriety: 4 of 17
I knew my time had come. No one had to persuade me that I had a drinking problem that I was in fact, an alcoholic. It was as clear as the glass in my hand. The thing was, what was I going to do about it? Should I try just laying off the booze for a while? but hadn't I already done that? Should I change my tipple? to what? I ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Accepting people for who they are: 18 of 69
Throughout history, the despondent and destitute have always been alienated, consciously ignored and sneered at. We, as a society do not like to see our shortcomings and one of our biggest flaws is our total lack of empathy for the unpalatable and uncomfortable. " Wait a minute," I hear the outcry now. "What is she talking a... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Traveling with a disability: 5 of 16
"I've booked the flight to England babes" I hear my husband vaguely say. The running water from the kitchen sink which I am bent over makes his words difficult to catch, yet I know what he said and that sudden pang of panic takes over me once again. It's not that I don't want to go, not at all, I love going home and regroupi... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald: 4 of 8
Comparing The Great Gatsby to a food that sums it up I know that I'll be put on a ship and sent to Guantanamo bay for saying this, but I do not quite understand why thousands of American school kids have to study "The Great Gatsby" as part of their curriculum. I understand it's social relevance; the summarization of a genera... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: We Need To Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver: 2 of 4
Comparing We Need To Talk About Kevin to a food that sums it up I won't threaten you with a knife, or creep into your house whilst you are out, to put this book next to your day old glass of water on your night stand, but if my voice bears any weight whatsoever (which is not always so apparent with my kids), YOU need to read... More..
Food & Drink > Cooking (Other) Book reviews: Julie and Julia, 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, by Julie Powell: 1 of 2
I'm going to let you in on a dirty little secret, I feel quite ashamed really as if what I'm about to reveal might erase that little-bittyl amount of feminine savoir faire hidden deep within me...take a deep breath, here goes... I hate cooking. There, I said it. I also hate ironing, each time I try to use the damn thing the ... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: Paradise, by Toni Morrison: 1 of 1
Comparing Paradise by Toni Morrison to a food that sums it up I believe that I've tried to read a Toni Morrison novel before but for some reason, probably age, gave up not long into it. Although confused as hell I worked my way through the first chapter of Paradise determined to rise to the occasion this time. I must say I w... More..
Arts & Humanities > International Writers & Literature Book reviews: The Attack, by Yasmina Khadra: 1 of 1
Comparing The Attack to a food that sums it up Although I feel that I am politically active mentally, my days of marching, lobbying, and flipping the bird to the powers that be have slowly dissipated with age and acquired wisdom. Yet, on November the 11th 2004, my cage was rattled so I thumped my chest and roared. Here's why... More..