Ruthie's Ramblings

Pain?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:08:00 +0000

I was doing some free writing one day and came up with the following.

Pain, what is pain?
Some things hurt more than others.

A papercut can send me "to the moon"
Yet, everyday arthritis pain is ignored.

What makes the difference?
Familiarity creates numbness.

Living daily with pain.
Ignoring, accepting, and overcoming.

Subtle pain niggles at the mind.
I feel, yet, I don't feel,
It's all one and the same.

Sudden, unexpected, mind alert
Unfamiliar pain cries for attention.

What's the cause? What's the cure?
Is it serious or a temporary nuisance?

Don't be a hypochondriac
Be aware, but not dramatic.

Foreign pain subsides,
Back to normal.
Pain, that is pain.

Curly Wolf, the Book, on SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:31:00 +0000

Greg Laws is working on a second volume of Curly Wolf comics. Volume two will be available after the first of the year. To keep up-to-date with the adventures' of Curly Wolf, I have a great suggestion for you. Give Curly Wolf, the book, as a gift this year. Right now is a good time to buy because it's on sale.

Buy Curly Wolf now.

Happy reading.

Greg's New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:33:00 +0000

I set up a website for my fiance, Greg Laws. He is a great cartoonist and needed a platform to get his work out to the public. Go check it out at Greg Laws

The site is under construction, however there are a couple of pages already put up.

Word Check Please

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the correct spelling of the word eludes me. I've always thought of myself as a good speller, however there are certain words that often trip me up. For example, is it weird or wierd? Or how about, receive or recieve? In these instances Spellchecker comes in handy. I just click on the button and, viola, my manuscript is marked with red lines under the misspelled words; I even get a list of words to choose from.
Unfortunately, there are some words, well correctly spelled, are incorrect in their use. Recently I wrote "take a peak at my new website." Peak is spelled right, however the context is wrong; I should have written "take a peek at my new website."

Because of this mistake, I no longer skim through my work; I look at each word to make sure it's used in the right way. I want my readers to enjoy my writing, not be confused by an incorrect word or phrase.

I can't help but think how great it would be if someone would develop a program that could not only catch misspelled words, but also misused words. They could call it, Wordcheck.

Shifting Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Hello my friends.

I want to let you know that I am shifting my major focus to building and maintaining my website right now. I will continue to post on this blog, but it will be sporadic. If you want to keep up with my news, please go to Ruthie's Writings and click on the "News and More" tab.

I hope to see you there. Oh, and be sure to sign up for my newsletter to stay informed about updates.

Thank you.

Happy Fourth of July!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:43:00 +0000

As Americans, today is a day to celebrate with family and friends with picnics, fireworks and fun.

It also represents freedom and independence; let us also take some time today to remember our brave soldiers; the men and women dedicated to ensure us the right to that freedom.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL: book review

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Imagine you and your family are going on a trip; you pass the hospital where a year ago your three-year-old son underwent surgery because of a life threatening illness. You ask him if he remembers being there and he answers, "That's where the angels sang to me."

Todd Burpo had that experience and wrote a book about it, Heaven is for Real. It is an amazing story about the experiences and sights his son Colton had while visiting heaven during surgery. Little by little, the story unfolds as Colton reveals what he saw. He talks about sitting on the lap of Jesus and having angels sing to him. He tells of meeting his grandfather, who died when the author was six years old, and the sister his mom miscarried before his birth. There are details about heaven found in the bible, details not normally taught to a small child in Sunday school.

Heaven is For Real is a must read. Not only is it easy to read, it is entertaining and thought provoking. I'm not surprised it is a #1 New York Times Bestseller. I totally enjoyed it.

Buy it now at amazon.com

Heaven is for Real

Text Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:54:00 +0000

People who know me, know I like technology; I have a desktop computer, a laptop, and an iPod. So it should come to no surprise that I recently got a cell phone. Not that I needed a cell phone, I wanted a cell phone. I have access to the home phone and seldom need to call someone when I'm not home, however, when people call me now, they are able to speak directly to me or leave a voicemail. Having my own phone number gets me a greater sense of independence.

But I have to admit, the greatest advantage to having a cell phone is the ability to send text messages. It's more convenient than talking on the phone and often quicker than sending an e-mail. It's a great way to send a short message and get a fast reply. At first, I wasn't sure if I would be able to send a text, however, even though the keys are small on the flip out keyboard they are easy to use.

I've had my cell phone for couple of weeks. This is more than a phone; it has a camera, calculator, and a web browser! Every day, I'm discovering new things, but none of them will ever top the ability to send a text message.

Amazing Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:18:00 +0000

My grandma, Grace, was small in stature, but big in spirit. The mother of nine children and grandmother to hundreds of grandchildren, Grace was the glue that kept them all together.

Under 5 foot tall, she was a force of great intensity. She controlled her family firmly with love and a deep faith. She made everyone feel valued.

I remember the mouthwatering aromas often wafting from her kitchen: fresh baked bread, savory roasts, or fried chicken. The bread dough became loaves of delicious, warm bread, sticky sweet rolls, or stacks of fried dough dripping with cinnamon sugar and butter. The aroma of pork rendering on the stove promised "cracklins,"crispy, salty bite-sized pieces of meat, to snack on. The fat saved for frying future meals. (We didn't know about saturated and cholesterol back then.)

Grandma was the one who encouraged me to read the Bible; she gave me my first Bible after I learned to read a verse to her. I remember the verse well, it's still one of my favorites. John 3:16 "for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

My grandma's been gone for quite some time now, but I think about her every day and I find myself repeating her advise often. She was a wonderful woman and I really miss her. I was blessed to have a grandmother like her in my life.

Do you have such an influence in your life? I certainly hope so.

Writing and Procrastination

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:42:00 +0000

I'm enrolled in an online writing class; I've been taking the course for almost three years. There are only twelve classes and most students finish within two years, sometimes quicker. I'm taking longer because I have asked for a leave of absence a couple of times. My most recent time off stretched into a year and a half.

Even in college, I always put off writing my papers until the last minute. I said I worked better under pressure. One of the negative aspects of an online writing class is that the pressure really isn't there. Yes, the assignments have due dates, but it is easy to go to the website and ask for an extension or a leave of absence. There are no questions asked, you just click on the form and submit it.

Unfortunately, my action has resulted in the loss of an instructor I really enjoyed. I recently learned that she has retired from teaching and I'm being assigned a new instructor; sadly I only have three classes left and I really wanted to finish the course with my old instructor. It's hard to have a new person come in this close to the end; I feel like I will have to learn a new way of doing things. I also wonder if she will see the progress I've made, recognize my strengths and help me overcome my weaknesses.

I'm happy for my other instructor, her career in writing is really taking off and she needs the time to devote to her career. Not only is she publishing some books, she also has contracts to write a couple more. Although the reason for her retirement wasn't given, I'm sure her success is a big factor.

Sometimes life overwhelms me and I just don't feel like writing, however most the time it's just pure laziness; I would rather surf the web, watch TV or read a magazine.

I regret my procrastination and I feel guilty about not putting my best effort into finishing the class sooner. I would like to say that I won't ever again "put off until tomorrow, what can be done today." I unfortunately that probably wouldn't be true.

I Talk to My Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:03:00 +0000

I like to talk; sometimes my friends say I talk too much. But talking comes easier to me than typing does; that's why I bought a new voice recognition software program for my computer. Rheumatoid arthritis has twisted and deformed my fingers, therefore typing on a computer can be very difficult because I have to use a pencil and type one letter at a time. With this program, if I have a thought all I have to do is talk into the microphone and it's on the paper.

I still like to write using pen and paper. The process helps me to better organize what I'm thinking, however now I am able to read my words into the computer instead of trying to type them. I'm hoping this new software will help me be more consistent in writing entries to this blog. But beware it might turn into real "Ruthie's Rambling."

Curly Wolf, The Book

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Greg Laws's comic strip Curly Wolf is now available in print format.

Curly Wolf is a precocious boy and his father is the perfect counterpart to Curly Wolf's off-hand comments or questions. Curly Wolf and his dog have exciting adventures, utilizing a vivid imagination and ordinary items found around the house. Very much like my generation did before computers, video games and game consoles were introduced. He is a "super hero" performing heroic feats, an archaeologist digging up the past and other fantasy characters.

If you want to read Curly Wolf anywhere, and everywhere...or give it as a gift, you can buy it here.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 20:24:00 +0000

2011, a new year, a clean slate. A time to let the past go with all it's challenges and worries and look forward to a better time.

I'm starting this new year with an attitude of optimism and great expectation; I believe that life is what you make it and a positive outlook can carry you through all perils. Yes, you might get a dent or two, but, you will also be stronger, more capable of handling the next obstacle.

So with joy and determination I move forward,
committed to making 2011 joyous and prosperous. Won't you join me?

Journey of the Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:29:00 +0000

Slowly, the sun appears over the horizon,
illuminating a walker on a Florida beach
as he absorbs the energy of the beginning day.

Warmly, it beams down on a child
running through the Kentucky grass
as he embraces the air with open arms.

Steadily, it beats down on a farmer
plowing a dusty Iowa field
as he prepares the arid soil for his crops.

Softly, it glows down on a girl
racing her horse across a Montana field
as she relishes freedom with shouts of joy.

Slowly, it disappears below the horizon
illuminating a walker on an Oregon beach
as he absorbs the energy of the ending day.

East to west, the sun treks across the sky.

An endless journey from coast to coast.

Victory

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:26:00 +0000

Black ink, blue ink, purple ink,
the results remain the same.

Words appear on the paper,
covering the entire page.

Ideas float through my mind,
unfinished and chaotic thoughts.

Attempts to tame and organize
bring only frustration and gloom.

The story refuses my control,
staying as concepts and phrases.

But wait, a paragraph emerges,
followed by many more.

A saga filled with adventure
materializes before my eyes.

I jump with joy and excitement,
delighted with my imaginative creation.

Isn't she cute!

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:15:00 +0000

The cutest dog in the world!

Please vote for my puppy to win Petmeds Cutest Pet Contest. Must vote soon!

Which Will It Be?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:04:00 +0000

Pen to paper, I pause,
my mind filled with chaos.
I ponder the possibilities,
grown-up words or child-like scribbles?

Slowly, I move my hand,
purple ink stains the page.
Letters appear, forming clear words;
they expand into strong sentences.

Reading the written prose,
sadness overcomes me.
Once again the adult emerges;
the playful child overshadowed.

Maybe next time, I think,
laying the piece aside,
my muse of written word will prefer
the unfettered imagination.

On Another Subject

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:36:00 +0000

I enjoy watching cooking shows and reading food magazines, yet I haven't written much about the subject, until now. I have published two articles on hellium.com. Both pieces draw on childhood memories on making mealtime fun.

Pancake Party is about the times my mom and aunt would make uniquely shaped pancakes and add various ingredients to the batter. I add a few suggestions for doing this at different holiday.

Mashed Potato Stuffed Hot dogs is an article about a simple meal to prepare if you are tired and don't feel like cooking a big meal or ordering pizza.

Let me know what you think.

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:48:00 +0000

Welcome to a new year. Welcome to a new decade.

The past is behind us and the future is ahead. It is filled with hope and promise; a clean slate, unsoiled and ready to be written on. Let's fill it with joy and peace and prosperity.

Happy 2010, everybody!

How Do You Unlock Creativity?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:30:00 +0000

My muse has taken some time off; it took the Christmas season to go on vacation. I sit down to write and end up staring at a blank sheet of paper. I try doodling, free writing, and music, all to no avail. My mind is resisting the itch my hand has to get busy.

I would like to blame the "holiday blues" for my dry spell, but it is more likely the topic of my next writing assignment, an article about the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Having lost a cat to this disease, the subject is a difficult one.

Last night I resorted to a favorite child's game. Taking the letters from the words, Merry Christmas, I created as many words as I could find. I ended up with 210 words; this morning I discovered a couple more.

This exercise has released the grip on my creativity; I feel more inspired and motivated. I'm still struggling with my article, but at least I put pen to paper and restarted the process.

I am interested in other tips on unblocking creativity. What do you do? If you have any tried and true strategies please leave a comment below. I would appreciate it.

A Sad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:48:00 +0000

In July, I wrote about a stray cat that came to us in June. He was scrawny with scraggly, dull fur; his nose was bloody and he looked beat up.

We took him in and started to feed him. We talked to him and kept an eye on his condition. My family called him "Sick Kitty" but I named him "Bruno."

The scraps of chicken and dishes of canned cat food appeared to make him better. He didn't get any fatter, but his fur got shiny and his nose stopped bleeding. He was spoiled, yet, he still had sad eyes.

Last week, his bloody nose returned. Since it's getting colder, we toyed with the idea of bringing him inside for the winter. Before making the final decision, we took a trip to the vet; we thought he had a respiratory infection and needed antibiotics.

Sadly, after running some tests, we discovered he had the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) also known as feline aids. The vet said cats infected with FIV could lead normal lives when properly cared for, but there is possible risk of transmitting it to other cats. The common advice is that the diseased cat is isolated from healthy cats; unfortunately, we have two indoor cats and this would be a challenge. There are places that accept FIV infected felines; the vet told us they are full and can't take any more. Ultimately, we made the difficult decision of euthanizing Bruno.

He wasn't with us very long, yet he will always have a spot in my heart.

Good-bye Bruno, we will miss you.

My Muse Has Bad Timing

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:17:00 +0000

The house is quiet, my bedroom is dark, and I'm snuggled in bed, settled down for the night. Then it begins: the ideas, the characters, and the snippets of dialogue, dance in my mind.

"Stop!" I mentally stamp my foot. "It's eleven-thirty and I want to go to sleep."

The cacophony of thoughts persists. On and on it dances in my head; I can't tame the babble. There is but one escape. I throw back my blankets and sit up. After turning on the light, I grab my pen and paper and begin to write. Words spill onto the page in reckless abandon; releasing them and allowing them their freedom. Black ink flows from my pen, hour after hour. Then, satisfied, the clamor fades; my mind is clear.

I put down my writing tools. After shutting off the light, I crawl back under the covers.

"Why can't my muse visit during the day?" I think before falling asleep.

Have you seen my zucchini?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Fall has arrived and the offerings from my garden are dwindling. It's been an interesting experience.

My tomato plants didn't disappoint, giving an abundance of cherry and grape-sized fruit.

But, the zucchini plants didn't produce.

The strawberries yielded a couple of juicy bites; I have hope for next year. Someone told me the more mature, the more productive and these were first year plants when I bought them.

But, not one zucchini developed.

The herbs are thriving. Even though I haven't cooked with them, they are a lush and fragrant addition to the group.

But, I didn't get any zucchini.

Yes, it is possible to plant several zucchini plants and not have an over supply of squash; I have proved it. The occurrence of many flowers promised the possibility, but the promise was false.

My zucchinis are missing. Have you seen them?

I Tweet

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Over the last couple of weeks I've been trying to decide if I should join the masses and become a member of twitter.com. Do I want to join another marketing website; do I have enough time to "tweet," and what should I post? After some deliberation, I took the plunge. You can find me at writer_ruthie. Although I don't intend to spend a lot of time there, I will add links to new entries from this blog and the I Live By Faith blog.
According to the information I read, you don't have to be very involved; you don't even have to tweet, you can sign up and just follow other people's tweets if you want. If you are an artist, writer, or other business guru--or just someone very social--Twitter.com is another strategy to get your name out there.

So, if you want instant notification, come join me.

My Trip to the Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (Ruthie) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:03:00 +0000

I went to the dentist yesterday because of a broken tooth. Although the appointment was to fix the tooth, it turned out I had to have it pulled. That doesn't sound like a big deal, except the tooth didn't want to come. The dentist tugged and twisted that tooth; I visualized him standing on my chest for leverage. It took almost a half hour to get the root out. My mouth doesn't open up very wide because of my rheumatoid arthritis, so my jaw hurt from trying to fit the tools in my mouth.

The procedure was done at five-thirty and I was still bleeding at ten that night. I was wondering if it would ever quit. There was blood everywhere; it reminded me of a horror picture, bloody teeth and all.

Today I'm feeling very little pain, a couple of ibuprofen is all I need. The biggest challenge is trying to eat on the other side of my mouth. I'm happy that's my only complication.