Overheard at.... a store in NW Portland

"This would make a great holiday present."

Really??? I stared at the faux fur hot water bottle and tried to imagine the person who would be excited to find it under their tree on Christmas morning.

On the other hand... gifts are funny that way. Since I was young I've had a knack for picking out completely inappropriate presents: silver jewlery for a friend who's allergic to that metal; a relationship game for a couple on the verge of separation; Harry Potter for a conservative christian family.

It's not like I intend to get it so wrong. It is always done unwittingly; either because I am clueless or just because of fate. Probably, though, it is karmic payback for a critical comment I made about a present when I was 5 years old.

"He bought mom deoderant," I jeered with a giggle to my sister; unaware that my brother was hidden in a nearby rack of clothes, listening to our every word. Needless to say, it took an awful lot of coaxing to get him to come out after that.

I am fairly confident my bad luck with presents goes back to this lapse in judgement. But, while my gift giving may be filled with setbacks, I continue to try anyway. Because, as I learned when my mom opened that present of Secret on a stick, and gave my beleaguered brother a heartfelt hug and kiss, it is always the thought that counts the most.

So, I hope you'll all know that it is with thoughts of a fun and relaxing holiday that I offer my gift to all of my friends and fans... Tomorrow, December 22nd 2011, for that one day, my book, Betting Jessica, will be free on Amazon.com

I'm sorry it is not wrapped:>) but if you haven't read it I hope you enjoy it... or feel free to gift it to somone who would. And a very, very Happy Holidays to you and yours! 

With love, Deanne