Articles written by Beth Hermes

What is Helium

About me - Beth Hermes

I started journaling as a child and was encouraged to pursue writing as a career by a fabulous middle school teacher.

In high school, I was one of the founding editors of our student newspaper, and I realized that, while I enjoyed storytelling, somehow it was

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Pets & Animals > Horse Training & Riding Best horseback riding experiences: 2 of 42
In July, I dusted off my saddle and tested my tack for the first time in more than three years so that the children of a friend could "ride" my horse, who turned 28 in May.My horse and I both suffer bouts of arthritis, so riding had become less of a pleasure for either of us, until the days without riding turned into years an... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Where is God?: 4 of 63
My grandmother used to tell me "God is everywhere and sees everything." She didn't say it as a warning to be good, but as a way of passing on what she believed to her granddaughter. She lived every moment of every day like God was beside her, watching her, guiding her and it showed in the way she spoke, in the decisions she m... More..
Relationships & Family > Divorce & Legal Issues Should it be compulsory for couples to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage?: 5 of 52
A prenuptial agreement is just as important in some situations as premarital counseling. A few decades ago, the thought of either prior to saying "I do" was unheard of. Should it be a requirement? Of course not. But it should be considered.People live longer now. Wives and husbands both work. People move away from their famil... More..
Other 'The best things in life are free' defined: 19 of 71
During my college days, there were times when the small paycheck I earned as a department editor for the school paper and the slightly larger check I received from my father for living expenses didn't quite stretch to the end of the month. My husband (who was then my boyfriend) was in the same boat, so we'd combine whatever w... More..
Home & Garden > Home Interior The secret of downsizing: Have a plan: 3 of 11
With the trend over the last decade being to "supersize," the trend to downsize was almost inevitable. Having sold homes to "empty nesters" for the past five years, I've heard every reason for and against the trend to downsize, as well as a number of ways to (and not to) go about this next, best phase of living. As with any m... More..
Relationships & Family > Acquaintances & Co-Workers Healthy acts of kindness: 35 of 127
When the world hands me lemons, I can either choke on the bitterness or make lemonade. Either way, I will make an impact.Each morning we are presented with a great opportunity to make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those with whom we interact throughout that day. Which side of the bed we wake up on, so to spea... More..
Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: Childhood memories: 10 of 25
I was in a swimming pajama a nightdress of sorts with a great straw hat covering my red curls, carrying a little tin pail of water over to Mama and getting the hem of my dress soaking wet. Mama would laugh and dig little holes in the sand into which I would pour the water. Suddenly, everyone on the beach looked up at a strang... More..
Personal Finance > Retirement 2,838,071: The number of Americans turning 62 in 2008: 4 of 9
Theirs was the first generation to have television, rock & roll music. Members of their generation used illicit drugs in the 60s (followed by doctor-prescribed drugs in the current decade!). Their ranks fought for "women's lib" and in Vietnam. The Baby Boomer Generation (1946-1964) has been breaking molds and making the rules... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: How to give yourself an ulcer: 3 of 6
Is your life perfect? Do you need a distraction that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, leaving you with a burning sensation that even a Yoplait with the highest concentration of active cultures can't touch? Maybe a stomach ulcer is for you!Unlike shopping for a sweater or a car, or even a dog, finding the perfect ill... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Bible Study Is the Bible outdated and irrelevant?: 48 of 95
There have always been people who refute the teachings in the Bible, to call it irrelevant, to try to compel others to ignore its teachings and become more "realistic."If the Bible were truly irrelevant, there would not be so much controversy surrounding it. However, like everything, the context must be understood and people'... More..