Vicki Batman's Blog, page 90

Astonishing! Amazing! Awesome! 3 New Reviews Don't you want to read now?

Every now and then, I go to my Amazon, B&N, Goodreads pages and check out what's going on. Update stuff. Then today,

 I found 3--THREE--new reviews!!!
A lovely person discovered my work and posted. Here's what she said:


5.0 out of 5 stars So cute! I ordered "Man Theory and orher Stories" after reading the three stories in "Little Birdies..." I agree with all of the other reviewers. These stories were light and fun and well-written. I especially liked the third story about Stephen's visit to see "the hammer," the librarian at his son's school.

I highly recommend this collection.




Little Birdie Who...and Other Stories-4.0 out of 5 stars Short and sweet Like the other reviewers, I found the two characters named Ben confusing, but I really enjoyed this short story collection. Vicki Batman is a new author for me--I love short stories. My favorite in this book was "This is not Working." I can so relate to layoffs and computers that won't do what you want them to do. I hope there will be another story about Mike and Kate in the future because I'd love to know what happened between Kate and her hunkalicious boss after her first day.                
Twinkle Lights-5.0 out of 5 stars Happy holidays! A lovely story about the meaning of the holidays--with plenty of snappy dialogue and a hero and heroine (and secondaries) who pitch in and help the town. I love that the hero was an ex-bad boy. I agree with another reviewer who said the descriptions made them feel like they were right there.

Another winner from Vicki Batman!     This validates why I write. Thank you to all who take the time to review.   Find Man Theory at:Amazon - viewBook.at/B00704USSI
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/213612
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/man-theory-and-other-stories-vicki-batman/1108346172?ean=2940013707368   Find Little Birdie Who at: Amazon - http://bookshow.me/B00AYOT9GS/Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/273091/ Barnes&Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/littl...  Find Twinkle Lights at:MuseItUp Publishing - http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/ Amazon - http://bookshow.me/B00AJ07Y8M B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twink... Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/276648  And for a fun free read, Bug Stuff at: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/FreeReads/bugstuffbyvickibatman.html#.UhfPMLso6Ul       

Why I’m Enthralled with Mah Jongg

Why I’m Enthralled with Mah Jongg
Years ago , a relative gave my dad a cd with games on it for his computer. Once installed, I took a look and discovered Shanghai Second Dynasty by Activision. I played several rounds of a match game which features mah jongg tiles. The layout, level of hardness, tiles, and more could be changed. If successfully completed, a Chinese saying appeared.
I was hooked! I played and played until I got my own computer. And when I searched for an upgrade, there was none. A very sad day.   
Then I found a simple one which was probably best in the long run. I no longer had the time as my writing had literally overtaken my any spare time.
Until…  I made a new friend in Jazzercise. She asked several of us if we would be interested in learning how to play Mah jongg. Seems the game I'd been playing was nothing like the real thing.
The real game is played with real tiles. They are shuffled and "walls" are created. The dealer passes the four of us thirteen tiles. We set them on the racks and using the "Official Standard Hands and Rules" created by the National Mah Jongg League, Inc., we create hands. It sorta resembles rummy.
Our group does use futures, which adds a great dimension to winning. However, I'm told pros shun futures.
Once a hand is collected, a player can declare "Mah Jongg," and the other three pay up, in our case a quarter or two.
Why am I enthralled with Mah Jongg?First, I love being with this group and sharing with them. Second, playing has to be good for my head. And don't we need that nowadays?
Check it out: https://sites.google.com/site/mahjrules/home/rules/
 
Confess. What games are you addicted to? I know there's all that Farmville, Candy Crush, Spyder, etc out there.
 
With diet Coke in hand, Vicki Batman plays Mah Jongg every week and usually wins one hand, maybe two, occasionally three. Find her at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com Or at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com  . Her latest short story set in the loverly city of San Diego, "San Diego or Bust,"and is available at: http://bookShow.me/B00BXNNO2Y .

@VickiBatman & #HandbagMonday asks: What's in Your Closet?

*Handbag Monday*
For Handbag Monday on this fine summer day, I have white. White goes with all. However, take a good look. I know you're thinking this is quite different, Vicki.     
It is.
Notice the large, over-the-shoulder handles. Not my norm. And overall, it is bigger. And vinyl.
But what's totally cool is on the inside. It has lots of storage pockets. Sunglasses, business cards, tissues, etc. all go in those. Then the wallet, make up bag, etc. fall to the bottom. And a nice pouch on the outside for my phone.
I'd gone to RWA in Orlando and in the gift shop, I'd seen one exactly like it by Vera Bradley. The only difference was hers had been done in her fun fabric. I (actually) resisted and didn't buy it there, but did when I came home. I carried it for a bit and didn't like it at all. No cool pockets. Everything was lost in the bottom. I gave it away.
Hey, don't swoon! I do give bags away. LOL. And I do like Vera Bradley. I have a couple of keepers. (And while doing "research" for this blog, I perused several sites and found one. Are you surprised??? Maybe we shall do a giveaway one day…)
The vinyl one holds its shape. No digging away. And remember, there are the cool pockets.
I can't remember how much I paid. You know me, usually around $20.00. Way less expensive than the Vera B. one.

  How do you feel about pockets in your bags?

@VickiBatman: How crafty are you?

You made this?

I like to do needlepoint. I'm not the world's best. I've seen those intimidating grand prize winners at the State Fair. The crafters do the fanciest stitches in the tiniest silk threads on intricate canvases.

I'm more a paint by numbers kind of person.
I find a painted canvas and match the colors in the project to the cotton floss found at the local craft stores. I'd tried wool and bits of fiber found my eyes and nose. A huge sneezing, itchy fit followed.  
Floss is affordable; so I splurge on the fabrication. When my creation is finished, I head to the nearest needlepoint store to make a pillow, handbag, stocking. I'm always a little nervous the clerks will snicker about my project, but they never do. They always, always say the nicest things. And when I pick up the finished product, I'm totally amazed. They make my work look even better.
But the paint by number thingy, Vicki? Surely, someone as creative like you can do more?   Nah, I'm totally happy. The colors come alive. And the best benefit--I can ponder about other things, like my latest writing project. Or watch TV with Handsome. I really believe my brain is quieted and rejuvenated through needlepoint, through the simplicity of the basic stitch and its repetitiveness.

 So what hobbies help you rejuvenate?
 
Vicki Batman is also rejuvenated with her favorite beverage, diet Coke, 'cause champagne cocktails, her true favorite, would make her too woozy. Find Vicki at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com Or at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/ . Here's her link to Pinterest to find other crafty items: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman/my-needlepoint/

Vicki Batman asks What's in Your Closet, Anna Campbell? #HandbagMonday

Handbag Monday Several years ago at RWA, I went to a publisher's booksigning and met today's guest on Handbag Monday, Anna Campbell. Anna writes amazing historicals and is a truly fun gal. So when she posted a gift from a friend and it was a handbag, I was all over it. Let's see what she brought to show off: Hi Vicki! Thanks for inviting me here today! There’s nothing sadder than when a beloved handbag reaches the end of its life with no possibility of resuscitation. That happened to me recently. Luckily my dear friend, historical romance writer Christina Brooke, leaped to my rescue and gave me this gorgeous Spencer-Rutherford handbag as an early birthday present.
I love the colors, they’re subtle but still fun. And that perky little bird is too cute to mention. So the handbag is dead! Long live the handbag!


I thought I’d celebrate my new bag by taking a photo of it with another prize possessions, my 1901 Trautwein piano: 
 The old and the new together!  If you’d like to see more beautiful Spencer-Rutherford bags, here’s the website: http://www.spencerandrutherford.com/ If you want more fun with Anna, go to: www.annacampbell.info.  Thanks, Anna sweetie, for being on HBW today.

@VickiBatman: Top 5 Reasons to Party with the #PlottingPrincesses on August 10

  We all know the Plotting Princesses are cool gals--right? So why not celebrate with them on August 10 at The Romance Studio.  Here's five great reasons to: 1. Giveaways2. Lots of laughs3. Talk to your favorite authors4. Leave a comment to win our big prize-a Nancy Drew book clutch5. It's about books!   The Plotting Princesses celebrate TWO Years! All Day Party at TRS!!! on August 10 http://trsparties.com You have to register at TRS to participate. Great prizes all day. Books. Gift cards. Any commentor who leaves their email address in their comment becomes eligible for the Nancy Drew clutch. Participants in the U.S. only. Hurry! Hurry! and Mark those calendars.    See you on August 10!! 

@VickiBatman : #HandbagMonday asks What's in Your Closet?

*Handbag Monday*

It's Handbag Monday! And today's is from my Enid Collins' collection. Take a look:       A clutch entitled "flower garden." Enid named each of her creations. This one has a nice roomy pouch with a pocket, and a very handy wristlet. Alas, while carrying it, the seam has become unsewn. I have to take my treasure to the shoe shop for a tiny repair. And unfortunately, the perils of carrying vintage sometimes. I found the bag at an antique mall. I'd just begun buying Enid Collins and noted this one was different from the traditional totes we know her for. As I learned more about the company's history, I discovered it had been sold to the Tandy Corporation. Thus, the logo change from "ec" to the small horse with the "Collins" wrapped around it..  Enid did produce some designs for the Tandy Corp.  I *think* I paid $24.00. A bargain for something quite unique. Although I did hesitate before completely deciding and went through the whole store before going back and claiming my prize.   What do you think?

@VickiBatman: Finding Your Oasis

OasisToday, I went to yoga. I'd arrived early and sprinkles were beginning to fall--a nice treat for July.
I gathered my mat and bag and walked to the door where there was a protective awning. My stuff plopped to the floor and I dropped to my bottom, resting my back against my bag and just looked.
Did I say my class is held at an old building near a lake? Totally ideal.
The birds flew around to find shelter from the rain. I got to study how they folded themselves for flying and landing. A mockingbird chased another species off. I saw two green parrots fly over the trees. Ants crawled around my legs. The sprinkles increased and the pattering sounds pinged on the boathouse's metal roof.
A truck drove by which is remarkable because this street isn't a drive through. Its engine rumble sliced the sounds of nature for a moment and slowly, faded away.
Truly a wonderful morning.
 Do you have those oasis moments where you can sit and observe?
 
 
Vicki Batman finished one diet Coke and needs another while she gets back to writing the sexy one. Find her at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com or at http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com Also on FB, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Vicki Batman asks Jerrica Knight Catania: What's in Your Closet? #HandbagMonday

Handbag Monday 
A few weeks ago, today's guest on HBW, Jerrica Knight Catania, commented and mentioned her famous bag. I instantly messaged her and snagged some information on it.  Let's take a peek:

 Several years ago, my husband acquired a client in the fashion industry.
Her name: Darby Scott. Her product: Luxury Handbags.

Her cheapest one, I think, retails for around $900, but they go on up into the thousands! I never imagined she'd be so generous (though I dreamed it many times) to give me a handbag for free.
But she did. ( squee! )
It was near Christmas; so she took my husband into the warehouse and let him choose from a selection of clutches to give to me. He chose this lovely snakeskin clutch with a black onyx clasp.
I can hardly fit anything in it, but I don't care. I love it, and I always pull it out for date nights.
   Jerrica! I am totally drooling. That onyx clasp is gorgeous. (And well done Jerrica's hubby!) I'll definitely be taking a look at Darby Scott!  Thanks, Jerrica, for being on Handbag Monday!

Vicki Batman asks Whose Hot? It's #HotMamaFriday with Susan Royal

Hi, Lara, welcome to Hot Mama Friday. Tell us about yourself.
Hey, Vicki. Thanks for inviting me. My name is Lara, and I work downtown in the Metropolitan Building. I’m not really all that good at talking about myself to someone else. Just ask my good friend, Carrie. She’s forever trying to get me to be more social, especially since my dad died. Sometimes I give in and let her drag me to some party, just so she’ll get off my case for a little while. Once we get there, Carrie circulates the party like the social butterfly she is, and I lurk around the edges of the crowd, observing and never participating. She’s always threatening that she’s going to give up on me, but we both know that’s never going to happen.   
The quick-fire stuff!
Short or Tall?   When people tell me I should have been a model, I always assume it’s because I’m 5 foot 10 in flats. Even when I’m slouching, that’s tall enough to intimidate some men. I guess it bothers them if their date is on the same eye level with them. It’s funny. That’s one of the first things I noticed about Rhys. My height didn’t seem to bother him a bit. 
Hair color?   My hair is a dark coppery red that refuses to cooperate. No matter what I do, it’s determined to crawl out of any kind of order, and do its own thing.
Jeans or LBD?  I’m pretty much a jeans girl when I’m not working, but I’ve realized something about myself that surprised the heck out of me. I love wearing pretty dresses, especially the kind that make me feel…I don’t know…like a girl.
Favorite color?  Normally I’d give you a half a dozen different answers depending on my mood. (any color that looks good on a redhead, naturally), but lately? Well…I would never mention this where Rhys could hear me, but his eyes are the clearest shade of green I’ve ever seen. I could get lost in them. That is, when he’s not glaring at me like I was the source of all his trouble.
Car? I’ve got a nice little economy car that suits me fine most of the time. Thank God it’s a standard, though. I had the tires squealing when we left the parking lot the night I met Rhys. We were trying to get away from tattooed ninjas that attacked us before they had the chance to regroup.
Flipflops, sneakers, or heels?  I used to wear running shoes a lot, back when exercise was an activity only done in my spare time. Nowadays I spend all my time in boots. Heels are out of the question, unless I’m forced to another fancy reception at the citadel or one of Sameer’s parties in the City of Tents. With all the running I find myself doing in this world, flip flops are out of the question. It wouldn’t be practical, considering the Rock lizards we came across. Makes me shudder to think.
Favorite music?  Music has always been a large part of my life.  A guitar soothes me. The beat of a drum fills me with the urge to move. Cellos and violins make me want to cry. I love the new and the classic. I’d be hard pressed to pick any one type of music. Until I heard Cobal play. His music was unlike “anything I’d ever heard, the melody seemed to penetrate deep into my innermost self, awakening strong emotions that triggered memories of my father and happy times.  His smiling face and his laughter were vivid scenes within my mind.   Tears and laughter welled up inside, filling me like liquid pouring into a container.  How serene.  Every unpleasant thought in my mind melted into nothingness. How peaceful.”
Favorite drink?  I’ve been wanting a double expresso macchiato for quite a while. A grande. Thing is there aren’t any Starbucks in Rhys’world…not anywhere…or any fast food places for that matter.
Favorite meal?  I’m not one of those dainty little things that picks at their food like a bird. I love to eat, especially Mexican, Italian or Chinese. Even if we weren’t on the run most of the time, I’m not likely to be able to indulge in any of my favorite dishes. See above.
Bestfriend?  That’s easy. Carrie. We’ve been BFFs for a long, long time, even though we are total opposites. She’s cheerful. I’m sarcastic. She’s outgoing. I’m a loner. We went to school together, and now we work in the same building. She worries about me, especially since my dad died. She knows I blame myself for his accident. She’s always been there for me. I just wish she’d quit trying to fix me up with some guy she thinks is my Mr. Right.
Blurb from In My Own Shadow:
     Talk about the worst day ever! Lara lets her friend Carrie talk her into a blind date, only it turns out the handsome stranger waiting for Lara after work isn’t Carrie’s cousin after all. And, when they’re chased through a portal to another world, Lara realizes Rhys really is out of this world.
     Lyra, her alternate in another dimension, has left clues to the whereabouts of the Book of Secrets that explains the mystery of time travel in Lara’s subconscious.  Or so Rhys thinks. Power-hungry telepaths pursuing them will stop at nothing to get it, even if it means breaking Lara’s mind. To complicate matters, Lara gets tangled up in her feelings for Rhys while exploring her connection with Lyra.
     With Rhys as her guardian, a bear of a man named Azle to guide her, and the spirit of Lyra haunting her dreams, Lara must find the Book of Secrets before it falls into the hands of those who want its power.  Only then can she return to her world safely.


Who is Susan Royal?
Born in west Texas and raised in south Texas, Susan makes her home in a 100-year-old farmhouse in a small east Texas town that comes complete with a female ghost who has been known to harmonize with her son when he plays guitar.  

Her newest book, In My Own Shadow, is a Fantasy adventure/romance. Her first book, Not Long Ago, is a time travel adventure/romance. She is currently working on a sequel to Not Long Ago, because her daughter insisted there was still more of Erin and Griffin’s story to tell, and she was right.

Buy link for In My Own Shadow: http://tinyurl.com/bqbxm4l Buy link for Not Long Ago: http://tinyurl.com/85vgye3
Blog:  http://susanaroyal.wordpress.com/

 
 
Thank you, Susan, for being on Hot Mama today!