Vicki Batman's Blog, page 20

Are You a Burger Fiend? #greateating #MFRWauthor #hamburgerandfries #readromance

I love hamburgers. A lot. A lotta lot.

Most of the time, I order my burger with mustard, lettuce, pickles, extra onions, and tomatoes. Sometimes, I order onion rings and fries. When I go crazy, I add bacon and even cheddar cheese. 


I do watch my cholesterol and have omitted the bacon and cheese. I've even cut the burger in half if it's on the larger size. 

I don't eat out often anymore; so a burger is a great treat. Once, I went to a high-end restaurant which featured various other types of exotic meat. That time I ate a Kobe burger. 

About every three months, some friends and I go out for lunch, usually for a hamburger. We have agreed on which burger is the best--soft, fresh meat which hasn't been frozen. One of us loves vegetarian burgers and scores for that. We've been known to order milkshakes and vary our fry order with sweet potato ones. The bonus is we catch up with each other. 

One place we've gone to twice is Dairyette, a local drive-in. It's not glamorous. It's quirky. Burgundy vinyl booths. Laminate on the tabletops. Pine paneling. The burgers are good, but not on the scale of the Kobe burger. The fries are skinny and super crisp. The store is known for its in-house root beer. I used to take my friend, Handyman Bob, there and wish I still could. 

But truly they key to eating with friends is partly food. Mostly, it's being together. Sharing. Laughing. Being together in person. 


Do you have a favorite food? 



There's great news coming soon. I'll share when the time is right. To hold you over, try this:





Print: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Other-Stories-writer/dp/1718719302/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=just+desserts&qid=1554829514&s=books&sr=1-28/




Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/823338/

Handbags, Books...Whatever: guest #author Seelie Kay - #readromance Cult, a Feisty Lawyers book #MFRWauthor

I alternate between a walker and a wheelchair, so at the best of times a purse gets in the way. Many people have given me all sorts of designer bags as gifts, but for me their use is limited. I always tell people, “If you want me to bring a purse you have to carry it!” 
When I‘m not stuffing the essentials in a pocket, they may go in my sock, boot, sleeve, or worse-case scenario, in someone else’s purse or pocket. Money, my driver’s license, and a debit cards are held together by a trusty money clip I found at a dollar store. My phone simply travels alone. 

It’s supposed to be a simple assignment. A quick trip to a South American country for an “in and out” fact-finding mission. Unfortunately, the cult has other ideas. When college students begin disappearing from American campuses, a notorious cult, God’s Delight, is the primary suspect. God’s Delight has been hosting shows featuring sex, drugs, and rock and roll around the country, and young people are flocking to them. 
Among the missing is the President’s goddaughter, and he wants answers. When he asks Agent Cade Matthews, a member of a secret covert organization, to find her, the mission appears fairly straightforward. Find the God’s Delight compound, determine whether a welfare check on American cult members is warranted, and get out. Simple. Clean. Easy. 
Cade sends newly-married Agents Dianna Murphy and Anders Mark to the University of Wisconsin to follow the trail to God’s Delight, but when they wind up in Bolivia, things go sideways. Suddenly, what appeared to be nothing more than a simple in-and-out could cost Dianna her life. When an Agency extraction is ordered, chaos erupts, and the question becomes, will anyone survive? 
More about Seelie Kay: Seelie Kay is a nom de plume for a writer, editor, and author with more than 30 years of experience in law, journalism, marketing, and public relations. When she writes about love and lust in the legal world, something kinky is bound to happen! In possession of a wicked pen and an overly inquisitive mind, Ms. Kay is the author of multiple works of fiction, including the Kinky Briefs series, the Feisty Lawyers series, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, and The President’s Daughter. When not spinning her kinky tales, Ms. Kay ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. She resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she shares a home with her son and enjoys opera, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine. 
Red, White or Blue? Colbalt blue Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? I love the colors of fall! Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? French Silk pie! Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Tiny bubbles… Country music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble Pencil or Pen? Sharpie (marker) 
Find Cult at: VendorFind Seelie Kay at: Website

Handbags, Books...Whatever: blog w @VickiBatman - There’s No Escape! EMFRWauthor #readromance #escaperoom

Recently, #2son had a big birthday and when I asked what he would like to do, he said an escape room. I had read about different ones. My DIL and #1son had done some. So I was game to try.
Eight of us arrived and picked Alien Blood Bank Robbery. The hostess demonstrated how different locks worked. Gave us gear to wear—lab coats and head bopper headbands (the kind with hearts, stars, etc. which bob on a spring). We were told we could ask for three clues and had one hour to complete the task.


Here’s the background:


For decades, the aliens have been modifying human DNA. Eddie the Alien cleans the lab every night and has developed a secret love for humans. He wants to help and has left clues for us to use to break in and steal the blood samples.


Inside the first room, we found a school locker, table, various locked boxed. Magnetic board. We wandered around to get accustomed to the room, and secretly thinking something would magically pop out and we would be on our way. Yea, that didn’t happen. We asked for a clue.


The clue enabled us to work one lock, which enabled us to work another lock, etc. Finally, a door opened to an adjacent room set up with more locks, boards, etc.  We solved those and eventually, were able to unlock a safe and procure the DNA.


We finished with minutes to spare. LOL


Would I do an escape room again? Yes! Using our brains is a good thing. And our group worked well together. I’d like to try the Wild West Bank Robbery. All that bandana and hat stuff sounds like fun.


Have you done an escape room?





Want to submerse yourself in a great read and escape? Why not try Just Desserts…and other stories:

Vicki's newly released collection of 11 sweet short-fiction reads is where ordinary life
takes cute and unexpected turns.



Find your copy at:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-...

Print: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-...

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just...

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

Handbags, Books...Whatever: Author Kate Hill - What Does a Bat Bag Look Like? #Halloweenhandbag #MFRWauthor #readromance

This bat bag was a gift 
from my brother and sister-in-law. I'm not really into handbags and basically have one that I use every day, and it's pretty boring, but I do like oversized bags to carry things like books and workout gear. 
This bag is very roomy, and since Halloween is my favorite holiday, I truly love the bat design. 










Ben wants Laura to reconsider staying overnight at Demon’s Grotto, and he has information about the club’s history that should convince her. He tells her three creepy love stories, hoping she will change her mind. After hearing these stories of love and murder, will Laura decide to spend the night at Demon’s Grotto? 
More about Kate Hill: Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who loves romance and horror. 
Red, White or Blue? Red Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Fall Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Cake Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Tea Country music or Michael Buble? Neither, but if I had to choose, it would be country. Pencil or Pen? Pen 
Find Demon's Grotto at: Vendor

Handbags, Books...Whatever - Finding a New Name #grandmaname #MFRWauthor #cozymysteries #babynames

Over my lifetime, I've had several names. I was born Vicki Lea Means. 


In grade school, there was at least three of us with the same name (along with Debbie, Susan, Kathy...) - Vickie, Vikki, Vickey. 

When demanding my attention, my mother yelled, "Vicki Lea." Sort of a Southern scary Mom thing. 

Along the way, I picked up the nickname Ugly. And sometimes, my sister (who is also an Ugly) calls me Ug. 

My after college roomie called me Vicks. That's right--like in Vapo Rub. She still calls me this and I've always liked it.

I married Handsome and became Vicki Lea Batman. We had two sons and they call me Mom.

Now, I have to find a new name as #1son and his wife are expecting! 





I'm not a Glamma, Grandma, Meemaw, Mimi, Jamma, Grandmother, Gig--you know there are oodles of variations out there. So I finally landed on VB. 

Some people say the grandkids will name you. Yah, not into anyone naming me. Besides, my mom was called Nanny because she wanted to be and my sons called her that. 

VB. It's different. How does that name sound to you? 



What grandma name do you like?
Short, sweet, sassy tales in this fun collection! Find your copy at:
 
Print: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Other-Stories-writer/dp/1718719302/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=just+desserts&qid=1554829514&s=books&sr=1-28/


Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/823338/

Handbags, Books...Whatever: Vicki Batman on Oh Woe is Me! #MFRWauthor #romanticcomedy #computerissues

Yea, Monday was problematic for me. 
I began working away and all of the sudden, what was that, oh no, the computer, specifically Office stopped. I found I could access email via Chrome-not my fav.


Tearing my hair out came to mind. 
I knew fixing was above my skill set; so I set off for Best Buy and Geek Squad. Yah, no luck shown on them either as I got a phone call they would have to reinstall. Mentally, I had prepared myself this could happen. 
Whenever I have computer issues, a small part of me panics. I fear I will lose books and stories even though I back up. So before I went to BB, I did a download. 
BB did a download too which was comforting to know. I probably could have reinstalled Office (I am pretty sure I've done this before). Sometimes, it is more comforting to know professionals have your back--right?
I was told the computer would be ready on Friday and readied myself with some chores I'd put off, books to read, laundry to wash. Only I got a call on Tuesday night the computer was ready!!! Great rejoicing. 
I picked up and the tech and I did some work. His downloading of my files went waaayyy faster than mine would have. I played around and did some other work. All looked perfect. I came home and added my virus protector. 
Crisis over!
Maybe I'm just getting better at this stuff. This laptop is my first. I had desktops for years; however, with traveling, impossible to work. (Maybe that was a good thing. LOL.)


What sends you into crisis mode?

I'm thinking JUST DESSERTS...and other stories is perfect when in crisis mode. You'll laugh a lot. 
Find yours at these vendors:
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/823338/

Handbags, Books...Whatever - I Failed at Painting #paintbynumbers #MFRWauthor #shortstories

I like to think I’m something of a creative person. After all, I write books and short stories. I stitch needlepoint and embroider. I can do lots of things. But I can’t paint.
Every morning, I work out, come home and have a bit of breakfast while perusing the paper. Last week in the metro section at the top of the page, I saw an obit for Dan Robbins followed by the heading “Artist created first paint-by-numbers pictures.”
I had to read the whole obituary to learn more about Mr. Robbins and paint-by-numbers. He developed his idea based on an inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci. He remembered “Leonardo used numbered background patterns for his students and apprentices.” He decided to try that too.
His boss hated it but saw potential. Mr. Robbins created landscapes, horses, puppies, and kitties.
Sales reached at peak at 20 million in 1955.
I remember going to the five and dime stores and seeing the kits. I tried once. Lousy. I didn’t have a good steady hand for painting.
Nowadays, I’ve seen finished paintings at flea markets and antique malls. Some are pretty good. I searched the internet and found many places where one can purchase a kit. I even found a museum: https://www.paintbynumbermuseum.com/catalog-page/8565
Not long ago, I went to an event where an instructor taught a class in how to paint a specific painting. She really broke down the elements and I enjoyed what I’d done immensely. The most interesting thing happened after we broke for lunch. At the back of the room, I turned and looked at the tables topped with paintings. All were different. Just like the artists.
Were you bitten by the “paint-by-numbers” bug?
Here's my creative bit--Just Desserts...and other stories:



Print: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Desserts-Other-Stories-writer/dp/1718719302/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=just+desserts&qid=1554829514&s=books&sr=1-28/



Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/823338/

Handbags and Books w Leslie Bowes: Did you Ever Just Had to Have It? #newbook #readromance #designeraccessories

We had just moved to VA from SC and it was a very cold winter. So when I went into Walmart I saw it with all the flowers it reminded me that Spring would be here soon, and I had to have it.

It's a small handbag. It does hold much there one pocket in the front. 








In the darkest hour can time and love truly heal all wounds?

Catherine Andrews is an English woman living in the 1800's. Her father sells her to Blake Von-Clyer to be his wife to pay off debts owed to Mr. Von-Clyer. Catherine soon finds out Blake is a cruel and horrible man.

On their wedding night, to escape his cruelty, she throws herself into the river. Death is better than marriage to a beast.

Christopher King is living in 2014 doing his best to raise his young son Ryan after his wife left him. One night, Christopher finds a woman in the river unconscious and barely breathing. She is also wearing old fashioned clothes. Christopher does everything in his power to help the young women. When Catherine regains consciousness, she finds herself in a strange and unbelievable situation. Terrified, she does her best to keep her guard up against Christopher. But as she gets to know him, she can't help but fall for the man who saved her life. When Catherine's dangerous past comes back to haunt her, it has Catherine and Christopher fighting for each other and their love.
More about Leslie: I never saw myself as writer but when I had to take a writing class in colleg--that was it for me.
Red, White or Blue? Blue Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Summer Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Cake Coffee, Tea, Champagne? ChampagneCountry music or Michael Buble? Michael Buble Pencil or Pen? Pen
Find Heart Healer at: Vendor
Find Leslie at: Facebook

Book and Bag: Linda Nightingale-Her handbag has a long story and her #newbook #vampireromance #classicalpianist #readromance

My handbag has a long story. Put briefly, I rescued it on eBay from a woman who didn’t love it at a ridiculously low price. It’s a Michael Kors.
The Buy It Now price was $125, but it was up for auction beginning at $19.95, plus shipping. I bid the starting bid, never dreaming I’d get a MK handbag she said had only been carried once.  I did! So, for $36 I got an almost new Michael Kors handbag. 


Sinner's Opera cover
Morgan D’Arcy is an English lord, a classical pianist…and a vampire.  He has everything except what he desires most—Isabeau. Many forces oppose Morgan’s daring plan to sire a child with Isabeau—not the least of which is Vampyre law. For the first time in eternity, the clock is ticking. More about Linda Nightingale: Linda is grateful to have lived an interesting life—from breeding and showing Andalusian horses to working for a Circuit Judge—and won some prestigious awards for her writing. Find out more about her on her website and various social media, and she’d love to hear from you via email. 
Red, White or Blue? Red Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter? Spring Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Chocolate pudding Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Champagne Country music or Michael Buble?   Who is Michael Buble? Pencil or Pen? Pen 
Find Sinner's Opera at:Find Linda Nightingale at: Web Site – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story. 

Handbag and Book with Leona Bushman: Darkest Valentine What does one do when seeing a crochet pattern? Get #crafting #readromance #MFRWauthor

I made my bag. Saw a pattern and loved it. So I crocheted it. It’s a messenger bag. I added a button for my personal aesthetic.

The bag is 8x8x2 inches with a long strap. It's made with 3 strands size 3 crochet thread. It's one of my favorite purses ever. The purple is size 10 crochet thread and is some my grandma gave me, so the purse is extra special to me. I love the handiness of it.  I want to make so many colors. :)
Death and destruction haunts The Dark Duke. Left unchaperoned and stranded, Lady Lillian Lancaster has no choice but to find her way home, and quickly before her reputation is ruined. Betrayed by those closest, she’s forced to trust the daring rogue who rushes to her rescue.
More about Leona Bushman: USA Today bestselling author Leona Bushman is a crazy writer taught by dragons and known as Dragon Queen of the North. She loves to write and paint, even when her muse tries to muck things up. She chases after the three out of the five children still at home, and sometimes after the other two and the grandbaby around her freelance editing jobs. She has many hobbies like SCA, painting, quilting, sewing, and gardening. Or, as one blogger succinctly put it, Leona Bushman is a whirlwind made of sheer will with a dash of clumsy to keep her grounded.

She can be found solving mysteries, exploring space, making art, and loving dragons and other creatures of the supernatural at these placesRed, White or Blue? BlueSpring, Summer, Fall, Winter? All of them… Maybe spring?
Chocolate pudding, cake, pie? Cake.Coffee, Tea, Champagne? Coffee.Country music or Michael Buble? BublePencil or Pen? Depends. Drawing, def pencil. Writing, Pen.
Find Darkest Valentine at: VendorFind Leona Bushman at: Website