Vicki Batman's Blog, page 36

Travel and Book w Madison Michael #exploreChicago #writingromance #WindyCity

Travel and Book with
Madison MichaelChicago is my hometown and a visitor’s paradise. As a native of the Windy City, I have to brag about the beauty and fun to be found here and in the surrounding area. After all, Chicagoans bragging is how it got that sobriquet. Chock full of things to see and do, Chicago is a world-class city. It’s easy to get to and navigate. With a well-earned reputation as the friendliest of the big cities, this expanse of parks along Lake Michigan has world-class museums, great shopping (handbag anyone?), music, sports teams, culture and unbelievable food.
Come on. Admit it. Food makes the vacation for most of us and Chicago offers fine dining with Michellin starred restaurants like Alinea , Grace and Tru, a constant battle between Unos , Giordanos , Lou Malnati’s , Gino’s and Nancy’s for the best deep dish pizza and SuperDawg , where you get a famous Chicago red hot and an hour of nostalgia.

We have the World Series winning Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, a neighborhood arena that was the last hold-out against stadium lights. Want a different sport? Try the Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Take in a game or if you prefer, go listen to Chicago’s famous Blues at House of Bluesor Jazz at Andy’s.
You can bike Chicago, walk Chicago, Segway Chicago or boat Chicago. Explore our world-renowned historic and modern architecture with tours on foot or from the comfort of a guided architecture boat ride. As you skim along the river – reversed so that it flows out of Lake Michigan rather than in – picture it on St. Patrick’s day, when it is dyed bright Kelly green!
Visit our Irish neighborhoods, Indian and Jewish neighborhoods, Latino, Polish and Russian neighborhoods. Discover gorgeous college towns in Evanston and Hyde Park built around world class Universities, ramble Greek Town, China Town and surrounding suburbs famous for Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio and houses.
Our beaches are beautiful and public, and you can see them from land walking miles of trails or from a ride upon the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier. After all, the Ferris wheel, also referred to as the Chicago Wheel, was designed and constructed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Can’t get here anytime soon?
If you want to see Chicago from the comfort of home, you can watch it on TV and movies. We have been the backdrop of movies like The Untouchables and John Hughe’s classics Risky Business and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as well as The Blues Brothers,Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Empire.
Discover Chicago in my novels too. I have used their art festivals as the backdrop of Bedazzled where Keeli and Wyatt fall in love. Their museums, events and restaurants are part of the elite upper crust world of my characters for Beholden and Bedeviled . Chicago –its great museums, parks, restaurants and music – are the landscape of my Beguiling Bachelor Series, because it has the vibrancy and excitement a setting needs, and because Chicago’s business environment does create the young, well-heeled and handsome millionaires like my bachelor heroes.
With Deceit on Both Sides, is their Love Bedeviled? Smart, sassy Charlotte escapes danger by building a new life on lies. Rich, handsome Alex, holds the irresistible Charlotte at arm’s length to protect unrevealed secrets of his own until a suspicious injury lands her in his bed. Does he dare risk family, fortune, and heart without knowing the truth? Here’s a excerpt of my most recent Beguiling Bachelor novel, set of course, in Chicago…
Available for a limited time as part of the Sultry Nights Collection Follow Madison's blog or join her mailing list at: website        
 
 

Handbag and Book with Fran Thomas When is a lunchbag a #handbag? #accessories #designerfashion #songanddance

Handbag and Book with
Fran Thomas
My favorite purse isn't really a purse at all. I guess it is meant to be a small cooler or lunch bag since it is lined with insulating material, but I have always used it as a purse. It was given to me by a fellow member of Calendar Girls Florida. The Calendar Girls are a song and dance team made up of women over the age of 60. Their mission is to raise money to sponsor puppies that go on to become service dogs for veterans through the Paws for Patriots program. I had the pleasure of performing with them for several years. We always wore the most outrageous costumes when we danced, so an animal print present was particularly appropriate.
Zumba teacher Isabella Ramos moved from Miami to quirky, small town Calusa to open a restaurant. Luc Girard arrives on the Florida island to become a painter, or so he says. The attraction is instant. But the secret he’s keeping threatens to deflate their relationship like a fallen soufflé. It takes just the right mixture of ingredients for dreams to come true.  One step closer to her dream. Isabella Ramos drove her refurbished van across the drawbridge and towards her home in Calusa.  After catering a breakfast at a golf club on the mainland, she had already dropped off the two women she hired for larger jobs like this one. She yawned and let go of the steering wheel long enough to rub her eyes.  It was only noon, but she had risen early to prepare three varieties of Cuban pastries along with the hot items she had served. The society women who belonged to the club had oohed and aahed over her food, and many had taken her business card, promising to call her for future high-profile events around town. The manager of the club was a valuable contact too. Isabella was certain he had a vast network that she hoped to tap into when she finally opened her restaurant. Isabella had loved to bake from the first moment she stood on a chair before her abuela’s kitchen counter back in Miami and wielded a miniature rolling pin. As she got older, and taller, she learned how to prepare the Cuban dishes that made her grandma’s home the place to be when mealtime rolled around. The seed of the dream to open her own restaurant was born. Up ahead, she spotted a man standing on a ladder next to a utility pole.  She didn’t recognize him, and he wasn’t dressed in an official uniform of any kind.  She didn’t see a truck, only a rusty bicycle that lay flat on the adjoining bike path. Who was he? Was he up to some mischief? But what if he was in trouble? Before she could stop to think twice, she pulled the van over to the side of the road and got out. The man shaded his eyes against the Florida sun as Izzy approached. The light glinted off his brown hair, gathered in an untidy man bun. A beard obscured the bottom half of his face making his expression unreadable.
“Can I help you?” he called. He spoke with an intriguing accent. French? “Oh, no,” Izzy said. “I wondered if you needed help.” “You mean you wondered what I am doing,” the man replied. He gestured to several open cans at the foot of the ladder, half hidden in the weeds. “I am painting.”
“Painting on that pole? Why?” He chuckled. “Because it is there. Is that not what people say when they climb Mount Everest? Simply because it is there.”
Find Island Dream at: Amazon Find Fran at : Rusticating in the Tropics   Oh Fran, I had to laugh as I have a wicker lunchbox I use as a handbag.

Run, Hide, Read #giveaway #reading #mysterylover

https://runhideread.blogspot.com/p/enter-to-win.html
Romantic suspense, mystery, and thriller lovers, just imagine curling up in a cozy chair on a rainy day this fall with 80 bestselling ebooks to choose from and a new Kindle Fire HD 8 to read them on. One lucky winner will get this prize package. Why not you?
Grand prize includes ebooks by Janet Evanovitch, Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, Mary Burton, J.D. Robb, Gina Lamanna, and Loreth Anne White, and the list goes on and on, not to mention 30 page-turning reads donated by the talented authors (me, Vicki Batman!!) sponsoring the giveaway. Two runner-up $25 Amazon gift cards are also up for grabs.
Visit our website and enter for your chance to win, but don’t wait too long. This giveaway ends October 6. (No purchase necessary.)

A New Life Adventure for a Friend #sayinggoodbye #moving #yoga

Many years ago, I drove past a rec center and on the sign near the street was a notice about yoga classes. I was intrigued, but did nothing about it. Mostly because I didn't know if I wanted to add something else to my schedule.

I talked with a good girlfriend and she said she had been interested in trying; so we decided to give it a go. After about a year in, we felt fairly competent in what we were doing. The class became known and one teacher brought a student studying to become a teacher to our class to practice on us.

Soon this young man achieved his goal and started subbing. When the rec center closed for renovations, the program opened at another location, and my friend and I moved there with our new teacher. We loved his sarcasm and wit. He's also an excellent actor and singer. A good friend.

Now, our friend is moving far away and I'm sad, but thank goodness for Facebook so we can stay connected. He is going to have a new life adventure and that is very good indeed.

From the bottom of my heart, your favorite student says good luck and



BTW, legs up the wall - best pose ever.



Coming September 16-October 6:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3ab15db224/?

Handbag and Book: Annual Fun Day #handbag and #giveaway #nomorebirthdays

To celebrate Annual Fun Day, I treated myself to two handbags. Today, I'll show you this one:

It's a pale blue Kate Spade which came with a crossbody handle and tote handles. Inside, there is a center pouch and on the sides are large zippered pockets. I liked the pockets because I could put little things and they wouldn't fall out and roll on the car floor. However, the zipper pockets are of leather and could be why the bag feels heavy. I can carry a paperback and a small needlepoint project as well as a tiny water bottle.

Then I was walking through Joann's and saw a card with one black and one white bow hair clips. Ding! I could add the white one to the bag and did. Isn't it adorable? I took off the clip and added a detachable carabineer clip. You can bet I will be using the black one on another handbag.


Do you ever personalize your handbag?


BTW, I'm having a giveaway on Goodreads-3 copies of Temporarily Insane, my second Hattie Cooks romantic comedy mystery. Find all the fun at: Goodreads

Celebrating Annual Fun Day! #nomorebirthdays #happybirthday #giveaway

 Last year~ I decided no more celebrating the number of the year of my birth. Instead, I created for me  ANNUAL FUN DAY!  This day is pretty much like the others except for the big thing--no numbers. Ever. LOL And I decided I didn't need any presents a(lthough you won't be surprised to learn I did buy two handbags).  And to celebrate, I asked Handsome for one thing-a walk to the donut store with my family. To laugh and share. To eat a favorite treat. And cake donuts are kinda like birthday cake--right? And to further celebrate ANNUAL FUN DAY! I am having a drawing on Goodreads.  

All I ask is you click on "Follow Author" and scroll to the "Enter" button. I'm giving away three copies of my romantic comedy mystery, Temporarily Insane, #2 in the Hattie Cooks series. Link here: Goodreads

And if you would like to learn more, try my newsletter at: Newsletter

Meanwhile, celebrate everything with your family and friends. Love those affected by Harvey. And keep reading.

Hugs, VB

#Happyanniversary , Handsome! #letsparty #ayearlater #family

Another year has rolled by. And I'm happy to say Handsome and I are celebrating a big anniversary.

Many years ago, a young man showed at his friend's apartment and that's when I met him. Definitely, not love at first sight. We went to a movie and ta da!! That was it.
 But a few weeks later, he phoned out of the blue and I invited him to a party. He came, wearing a sweater in July (because it was clean. And now we wonder why #2 son is the same way???) My friends liked him. And he kept calling and eventually, I saw what a great guy he is. The values I admire. His good nature. His work ethic. And lots more stuff I can't say because I would be in big trouble.

We'd known each other almost a year when he proposed. Together, we picked out a beautiful sapphire and diamond ring. And six months later, we wed.

We've had times we've cried. Times we've laughed. Times of trial. Times of success. Time of bad health. Times of good health. And best of all, two great boys and now, a lovely daughter in law. And loads of experiences.

Wouldn't change a thing.
 
Happy Anniversary, Handsome.

Recipe and Book and a #handbag story with mystery author Judy Alter #fashion #accessories #goodfood

A couple of years ago, I developed a bad habit. I’d stick my driver’s license and debit card in the back pocket of my jeans and take off for errands and the grocery. Not that I didn’t have a closet shelf with more than two dozen handbags, including pricey ones my kids had given me. This was just easier. The result was inevitable.
A friend and I were flying to El Paso for a meeting of the Texas State Historical Society and, trying to act like a grown-up, I was carrying a purse. When asked for i.d., I confidently pulled out my wallet to get my driver’s license. It wasn’t there--it was home in my jeans pocket. I had my university i.d. card and my social security, which the guard reluctantly accepted. I carefully kept from making jokes knowing that airport security people were a bit sensitive about such things. Getting to El Paso turned out to be a breeze.Getting home, not so much so. I suppose, being a border city, that airport has tighter security. But the airport people were unimpressed by my makeshift identification. They patted me down, and I considered myself lucky they didn’t do a full body search. They questioned me thoroughly. They searched my carry-on suitcase, pulling everything out and stuffing it back in so carelessly I was sure it wouldn’t fit.My friend Carol stood and watched, trying to figure what she should do if she had to get on the plane without me. Fortunately, I never let my mind go as far as being stranded in El Paso. I think I knew two people in that city, only one of whom I could call upon. Call it luck, but they let me on the plane.Once home, I pulled my purse from under the desk and carefully transferred its contents to another purse. I’m not sure yet why I thought this change would help, but I was quite dedicated about it. Although it was only March, I chose my favorite, most summer-like purse, a brightly colored concoction of ribbons, sequins, and embroidery. At least, it was once brightly colored and had a nice shape. That day it proved to be a bit lumpy, but I carefully tucked things in this pocket and that. Poking into the depths of a deep pocket, I felt a piece of paper and pulled it out, hoping it was a long overdue and overlooked bill. Instead, it was a recipe I’d been searching for and had thought lost.
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. chopped red onion
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. chopped canned green chilies
1 tsp. grated lime peel
1 tsp. lime juice
1/8 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. chili powder

Mix all together and let stand one hour at room temperature before serving. Serve with tortilla chips. Great for an appetizer or light lunch or supper.
A college student, dead, in an empty pasture. Rifle-carrying strangers in the local grocery store. An irresistible and loveable Labrador puppy. These add up to trouble for Susan Hogan, associate professor of English at Oak Grove (Texas) University, and her partner, Jake, chief of campus security. Susan’s independent investigation involves a shooting, a break-in, vandalism, threats, a clandestine spy trip to the woods, and two attempted kidnappings. Throughout, she trips over—and trips up—law enforcement investigation, to Jake’s ongoing frustration. Small college towns just aren’t always as peaceful as they are billed.
Follow Judy at: AmazonFind Judy at: Blogsite
 

A BIG day in my life. #happybirthday #givingbirth #Momslove

Happy Birthday #1
In a few days, #1 son has a birthday.
I just love this picture. He's just past age one. My sister gave him the cute Santa outfit and I couldn't resist taking a few snaps.

And here's a photo with #2 son at Christmas:
And now, all grown up and handsome.  (Yep, I'm getting a little sobby now.)

Happy birthday #1 Son. May your candles always burn bright. ox.

An odd kind of story #hospitalvisits #doctorcheckup #somethingfishy

Something odd happened to Handsome and me recently. We were at the doctor for his check up, riding the elevator to the tenth floor, when we overheard a younger man say into his phone, "Papa died. I'm at the hospital. Can you call so and so? I don't know. I don't have enough money for gas. If I have to push my car to get there, I will."

My heart strings were pulled and before exiting the elevator, I handed him some money as did the other woman in the elevator. He thanked us and said, "God bless you." Tears crowded my eyes.

Then a few weeks later, Handsome and I were waiting for the doctor follow-up when right by my shoulder I heard, "Papa died." My eyes widened. I looked and yes, the same man. My gaze went to Handsome and he acknowledged he'd heard to.

We quickly deduced something fishy was going on.

The man finished his spiel and moved on. We thought and thought about what had happened. I spoke with security and he said there are people who move from hospital to hospital, telling their stories. That they are very good actors.

My heart sunk. I felt incredibly naïve. I want to help those in need. What's more disappointing is this person took advantage of people at a hospital. That make me sad. The saying about "there's all kinds in the world" is true.