Thank You, God, for Special Gifts
On this very special day to be thankful for our families, friends, online friends, country and freedom of religion and life, I'm also thankful for the gift of writing. Because that's what it is: a gift. If God didn't give me the quirky ideas, active imagination and spare time to put them down on paper (or laptop), my writing would never get farther than fleeting thoughts and wishful thinking. What's a gift God has given you that you can be thankful for?

Linked Website - Ruthie's Rocks
When you click on the link below, you'll find my new sister website: Ruthie's Rocks. I've actually been painting longer than I've been writing, but thought it was time to add my rocks to a new site linked to this one. Enjoy! Let me know what you think!http://www.ruthiesrocks.blogspot.com/

Howie Mandel - Nice to Meet Ya
Who knew I would have so much in common with Howie Mandel? I mean, I know we've both suffered from severe OCD for years, we are germaphobes, and hate to come in contact with anything remotely resembling a germ. But now there's something else. We both have books published about our struggles with OCD. I tend to think his will get a tad bit more attention than mine. Okay a lot more. Still, it's interesting to see how much I might have in common with someone I've never met. Who knew? OCD: the great mental equalizer.Okay Howie, I'll make you a deal. I'll read your book if you read mine. Then we can compare notes. (Literally!)  In case you haven't heard of mine, it's titled

Who Knew A Mouse's Tail Could Do All That?
Every year about this time, I participate in the Christmas Village, an arts and handmade crafts fair. Well, this weekend was it. I sold several of my painted animal rocks. I also sold several copies of "My Life in Mental Chains." Along with this good news came a humorous surprise. I'd put my animal rocks on one side of the table and my book display on the opposite end. I had a few mouse rocks left over, so I sat them next to the sign that advertised the price of my books. These gray painted mice all have thin ribbon "tails" glued on to their hind quarters. While I watched people perusing my wares, one woman pointed to the mice and said to her friend, "Oh look, bookmarks!"I start

Guest Post - Brigit's World
Click here to read a guest post at the blog "Brigit's World." (Thanks, Brigit!)http://brigitsworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/ruth-hartman-everyone-welcome-her.html