Vicki Batman's Blog, page 97
September 5, 2012
One Lovely Blog Award goes to... ME!!
Thanks to my BFF Plotting Princess, Michelle Miles, my blog and I were nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award.And according to the directions, I have to list seven things. I decided on seven, probably weird, facts.
1. My Texas roots go way back to the Battle of San Jacinto.
2. My three sissies have blonde hair and blue eyes.
3. I adore cats and have two malti-poos, Champ and Jones.
4. Am I too old to drive a Jeep Wrangler?
5. James Garner should have been People magazine's most sexiest man alive. (Seriously, see Great Escape!)
6. Guess who was Miss Oak Lawn Moped?
7. I really wish I could do needlepoint in church.
Thanks, Michelle, for nominating me.
August 19, 2012
An Interesting Question
Why Write that Story?
Two years ago, a girlfriend turned an unmentionable age (because she'd whack me if I said it), and a group of us traveled to Galveston to party on. We stayed at a historical hotel, dined at a famous restaurant with a large crab out front (reportedly real), did the spa thing. And being ladies, we had to have our shopping.
The Strand is the historic shopping area in Galveston. When my sister lived down that way a long time ago, the area was being renovated. Now, it is truly beautiful. As our group crossed the street to go into another shop, I paused in the middle of the road and looked down the street. Shops lined both sides. Kitschy touristy ones. Huh.
A few days later, I had an image of a guy and a girl running stores. He was an architect who left town eight years ago to go to college and dumped her. She was the hometown girl who wanted to make her own mark in the retail business. He comes home to run his mom's store, and oh boy, sparks begin to fly.
And that's how "Store Wars" came to be.
Here's a fun excerpt:
"So what else turns you off?" In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes." With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift." "I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with our store succeeding in the Depot District. We're better than the ones at the mall and all the other stores around here." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes." I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?" Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be—could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and returned to Sommerville?
Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-B... @Vicki BatmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Find Vicki's books at:MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookst... http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/... and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/man-theory-and-other-stories-vicki-batman/1108346172?ean=2940013707368
Two years ago, a girlfriend turned an unmentionable age (because she'd whack me if I said it), and a group of us traveled to Galveston to party on. We stayed at a historical hotel, dined at a famous restaurant with a large crab out front (reportedly real), did the spa thing. And being ladies, we had to have our shopping.
The Strand is the historic shopping area in Galveston. When my sister lived down that way a long time ago, the area was being renovated. Now, it is truly beautiful. As our group crossed the street to go into another shop, I paused in the middle of the road and looked down the street. Shops lined both sides. Kitschy touristy ones. Huh.
A few days later, I had an image of a guy and a girl running stores. He was an architect who left town eight years ago to go to college and dumped her. She was the hometown girl who wanted to make her own mark in the retail business. He comes home to run his mom's store, and oh boy, sparks begin to fly.
And that's how "Store Wars" came to be.
Here's a fun excerpt:
"So what else turns you off?" In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes." With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift." "I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with our store succeeding in the Depot District. We're better than the ones at the mall and all the other stores around here." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes." I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?" Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be—could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and returned to Sommerville?
Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-B... @Vicki BatmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Find Vicki's books at:MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookst... http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/... and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/man-theory-and-other-stories-vicki-batman/1108346172?ean=2940013707368
Hot Summer Nights blog tour visits Vicki today!
Welcome to the Hot Summer NightsBlog Tour!
Being the handbag fantatic I am, I'm giving away a lovely zip pouch AND a copy of STORE WARS!Leave your email addy in the comments to be eligible.
Why Write that Story?
Two years ago, a girlfriend turned an unmentionable age (because she'd whack me if I said it), and a group of us traveled to Galveston to party on. We stayed at a historical hotel, dined at a famous restaurant with a large crab out front (reportedly real), did the spa thing. And being ladies, we had to have our shopping.
The Strand is the historic shopping area in Galveston. When my sister lived down that way a long time ago, the area was being renovated. Now, it is truly beautiful. As our group crossed the street to go into another shop, I paused in the middle of the road and looked down the street. Shops lined both sides. Kitschy touristy ones. Huh.
A few days later, I had an image of a guy and a girl running stores. He was an architect who left town eight years ago to go to college and dumped her. She was the hometown girl who wanted to make her own mark in the retail business. He comes home to run his mom's store, and oh boy, sparks begin to fly.
And that's how "Store Wars" came to be.
Here's a fun excerpt:
"So what else turns you off?" In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes." With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift." "I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with our store succeeding in the Depot District. We're better than the ones at the mall and all the other stores around here." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes." I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?" Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be—could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and returned to Sommerville?
Thanks for stopping by!
Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-B... @Vicki BatmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Find Vicki's books at:MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookst... http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/... and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/man-theory-and-other-stories-vicki-batman/1108346172?ean=2940013707368
Don't forget your email addy to be eligible for the giveaway! :)
Being the handbag fantatic I am, I'm giving away a lovely zip pouch AND a copy of STORE WARS!Leave your email addy in the comments to be eligible.Why Write that Story?
Two years ago, a girlfriend turned an unmentionable age (because she'd whack me if I said it), and a group of us traveled to Galveston to party on. We stayed at a historical hotel, dined at a famous restaurant with a large crab out front (reportedly real), did the spa thing. And being ladies, we had to have our shopping.
The Strand is the historic shopping area in Galveston. When my sister lived down that way a long time ago, the area was being renovated. Now, it is truly beautiful. As our group crossed the street to go into another shop, I paused in the middle of the road and looked down the street. Shops lined both sides. Kitschy touristy ones. Huh.
A few days later, I had an image of a guy and a girl running stores. He was an architect who left town eight years ago to go to college and dumped her. She was the hometown girl who wanted to make her own mark in the retail business. He comes home to run his mom's store, and oh boy, sparks begin to fly.
And that's how "Store Wars" came to be.
Here's a fun excerpt:
"So what else turns you off?" In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes." With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift." "I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with our store succeeding in the Depot District. We're better than the ones at the mall and all the other stores around here." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes." I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?" Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be—could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and returned to Sommerville?
Thanks for stopping by!
Find Vicki at:Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-B... @Vicki BatmanPinterest: http://pinterest.com/vickibatman
Find Vicki's books at:MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookst... http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/... and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/man-theory-and-other-stories-vicki-batman/1108346172?ean=2940013707368
Don't forget your email addy to be eligible for the giveaway! :)
August 11, 2012
August 10, 2012
STORE WARS Launch day!
HAPPY LAUNCH DAY!!
The competition heats up when Janie's old flame returns to town and is running the family business.
"So what else turns you off?"
In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes."
With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift."
"I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with our store succeeding in the Depot District. We're better than the ones at the mall and all the other stores around here." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes."
I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?"
Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be—could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and returned to Sommerville?
https://museituppublishing.com/bookst...
LAUNCH DAY!!! STORE WARS
HAPPY LAUNCH DAY!!
The competition heats up when Janie's old flame returns to town and is running the family business.
WHERE TO PARTY? AT the Plotting Princesses, of course! Go to: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
THERE'S A COOL GIVEAWAY! Comment with your name and email!
FIND VICKI AT:
Website: http://vickibatman.blogspot.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicki-B... https://twitter.com/vickibatmanPinter... http://pinterest.com/vickibatmanGoodr... http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... Central: http://www.amazon.com/Vicki-Batman/e/...
August 6, 2012
Handbag Mania!!
Handbag Mania (1) - Margaret Smith of Gardiner Maine
When I have visited my sissie in Tulsa, we always-always-always went to the flea market on the state fair grounds. Mostly, the prices are excellent, and I load up on goodies, like the homemade strawberry jam that tasted like berries, not sugar. Or vintage postcards, books, etc.
One of the first times I went to the flea market, my sissie introduced me to a woman who sold Margaret Smith of Gardiner Maine handbags. I broke down and bought a nice tote and still use it today. On a second trip, I purchased a smaller one and carried it to death.
Here's a bit about Margaret Smith:
Margaret Smith made beach bags and totes in the forties, eventually leading to the formation of the Margaret Smith Company. Her bags were considered the Kate Spade of the fifties, sixties, seventies. She became the first woman to represent Maine in the Senate and the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress.
I love my other handbags. Not long ago, something caught my eye on eBay, and I investigated. I found a Margaret Smith bag, one totally different from the ones I have. And the price was fantastic, way more affordable than the garbage bags currently found at the department store. (I really should have been a handbag buyer or designer in another life.)
I bought several more in various prints and sizes. Here are my precious babies:
So what's your favorite style of handbag? And do you change weekly like I do? Or are you a "one bag fits all occasions" gal?
And leave your email addy in a comment, and we'll have a drawing for a never been carried Margaret Smith bag!
(entries from She Writes, PP, & HBW combined for the drawing)
With a diet coke in hand, Vicki is currently thinking about heading over to eBay or ETSY to look for a new "prize." She can be found at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com or at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com.
"Store Wars," a hilarious romantic short story, is available in August from MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?keyword=vicki+batman&Itemid=1&option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse
When I have visited my sissie in Tulsa, we always-always-always went to the flea market on the state fair grounds. Mostly, the prices are excellent, and I load up on goodies, like the homemade strawberry jam that tasted like berries, not sugar. Or vintage postcards, books, etc.
One of the first times I went to the flea market, my sissie introduced me to a woman who sold Margaret Smith of Gardiner Maine handbags. I broke down and bought a nice tote and still use it today. On a second trip, I purchased a smaller one and carried it to death.
Here's a bit about Margaret Smith:
Margaret Smith made beach bags and totes in the forties, eventually leading to the formation of the Margaret Smith Company. Her bags were considered the Kate Spade of the fifties, sixties, seventies. She became the first woman to represent Maine in the Senate and the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress.
I love my other handbags. Not long ago, something caught my eye on eBay, and I investigated. I found a Margaret Smith bag, one totally different from the ones I have. And the price was fantastic, way more affordable than the garbage bags currently found at the department store. (I really should have been a handbag buyer or designer in another life.)
I bought several more in various prints and sizes. Here are my precious babies:
So what's your favorite style of handbag? And do you change weekly like I do? Or are you a "one bag fits all occasions" gal?
And leave your email addy in a comment, and we'll have a drawing for a never been carried Margaret Smith bag!
(entries from She Writes, PP, & HBW combined for the drawing)
With a diet coke in hand, Vicki is currently thinking about heading over to eBay or ETSY to look for a new "prize." She can be found at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com or at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com.
"Store Wars," a hilarious romantic short story, is available in August from MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?keyword=vicki+batman&Itemid=1&option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse
July 26, 2012
Hero's Blog Hop is Here!
Interview with a Geek: Ethan from Man Theory and Other Stories
All commentors who leave an email address are eligible for a copy of Man Theory and Other Stories!!
"Hi, Thanks for stopping by. I'm Ethan." After shaking my hand, Ethan looks to his left then right. "Are you sure you want to interview me about...women?"
"Yes, sir."
"Follow me. I'm packing."
We go into his bedroom. A typical male one--except obsessively neat. Shirts are color coded. Jeans folded over hangars. And his shoes are in boxes on shelves.
"Women." He tosses a shirt in his bag. "I dunno. I have the hardest time meeting them...dating them...whatever. Best to settle for friendship only like the one I have with Diana, the company's new designer. We've gone to lunch, traded movies, etc. Perfect."
"Diana sounds nice."
"She's cool. A real woman."
"Real woman?"
"A real woman is one who will eat at any ol' burger dive. Likes ordinary cars." He presses white and black socks in a special zipper pouch for each color. "We're going to the web designer's convention in Colorado Springs."
"I hear the hotel's swanky."
"Got high marks from the office receptionist who went there on her honeymoon."
"So why not ask Diana on a date?"
"I wouldn't mind having a fling with Diana." He walked over to the mirror and scrubbed his chin. "Guess I should shave. She said my skin feels sexy smooth afterwards. You know, one girl told me I'm anal. Me?"
I nodded to the closet. "It's pretty organized in there."
"I can grab stuff faster this way. Be honest--is it the geeky glasses? I can't see without them."
I tilted my head and studied him. Ethan would be a good person to feature in my story about Guys and Geeks and Girls. "I'd say no."
His arms flung wide. "Then what is it? I'm tall, workout. Diana says I have an admirable six pak."He zipped the suitcase shut and rolled it to the front door. "I really like it when she gives me a goodnight hug. And a part of me would like something more. I wonder... What if I tell her my theory about love?"
I closed my laptop. "That might work."
Thanks for blogging with me. Enjoy the Hero's Blog Hop (Don't forget your email address!!! SQUEE!!!)
<script src="http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/2012/...http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=147358" type="text/javascript"></script>
All commentors who leave an email address are eligible for a copy of Man Theory and Other Stories!!
"Hi, Thanks for stopping by. I'm Ethan." After shaking my hand, Ethan looks to his left then right. "Are you sure you want to interview me about...women?"
"Yes, sir."
"Follow me. I'm packing."
We go into his bedroom. A typical male one--except obsessively neat. Shirts are color coded. Jeans folded over hangars. And his shoes are in boxes on shelves.
"Women." He tosses a shirt in his bag. "I dunno. I have the hardest time meeting them...dating them...whatever. Best to settle for friendship only like the one I have with Diana, the company's new designer. We've gone to lunch, traded movies, etc. Perfect."
"Diana sounds nice."
"She's cool. A real woman."
"Real woman?"
"A real woman is one who will eat at any ol' burger dive. Likes ordinary cars." He presses white and black socks in a special zipper pouch for each color. "We're going to the web designer's convention in Colorado Springs."
"I hear the hotel's swanky."
"Got high marks from the office receptionist who went there on her honeymoon."
"So why not ask Diana on a date?"
"I wouldn't mind having a fling with Diana." He walked over to the mirror and scrubbed his chin. "Guess I should shave. She said my skin feels sexy smooth afterwards. You know, one girl told me I'm anal. Me?"
I nodded to the closet. "It's pretty organized in there."
"I can grab stuff faster this way. Be honest--is it the geeky glasses? I can't see without them."
I tilted my head and studied him. Ethan would be a good person to feature in my story about Guys and Geeks and Girls. "I'd say no."
His arms flung wide. "Then what is it? I'm tall, workout. Diana says I have an admirable six pak."He zipped the suitcase shut and rolled it to the front door. "I really like it when she gives me a goodnight hug. And a part of me would like something more. I wonder... What if I tell her my theory about love?"
I closed my laptop. "That might work."
Thanks for blogging with me. Enjoy the Hero's Blog Hop (Don't forget your email address!!! SQUEE!!!)
<script src="http://vickibatman.blogspot.com/2012/...http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=147358" type="text/javascript"></script>
July 19, 2012
I've Got the Giggles over Mr. Sexy Runner
I've got the Giggles over Mr. Sexy Runner
At least three times a week, I work out at Jazzercise. My route there takes me along the west side of the small lake in my neighborhood. Eventually, the road connects with a main street, then another. I reach my destination in fifteen-ish minutes.
So what does this have to do with "giggles" and "Mr. Sexy Runner, Vicki?"
Most days, I pass Mr. Sexy Runner. LOL
One particular morning, a dark, heavy fog reached the pavement, blanketing everything. Ghostly, tree trunks stretched skywards, their limbs resembling thin fingers eventually disappeared in the mist.
Because of the poor visibility conditions, I drove a safe 20 mph. Then, I heard a shout --insert profane word-- and a slap on my bumper. Snapping out of my concentration, I realized a runner had appeared out of nowhere. And I hadn't seen him. Not at all.
Slamming on my brakes, my heart beat increased to almost a hurt. I looked in my rearview mirror to find he'd stopped as well and stared at me. A black running outfit covered him from head to toe. Then, he shot me the bird.
The rat.
All day, I couldn't get the incident out of my mind. He blamed me for nearly hitting him when I hadn't seen him--couldn't see him. He should have added some neon duct tape stripes to his clothing to make him stand out better.
So I wrote my thoughts down (for therapy) and kept going back and revising. Before I knew it, a story, "Running to Love," had developed. I sold it to August 2010 True Love magazine. For fun, I named the hero Mr. Sexy Runner.
So why this post, Vicki?
Today, I saw Mr. Sexy Runner and giggled because every time I see him, he has no idea how he inspired a story.
Have you run over any Mr. Sexy Runners today?
Vicki Batman is drinking a diet Coke, hanging out at her PC with the cat sleeping next to the screen. Her new story, "Store Wars," will be available in August from MuseItUp Publishing. Find Vicki at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com or at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
At least three times a week, I work out at Jazzercise. My route there takes me along the west side of the small lake in my neighborhood. Eventually, the road connects with a main street, then another. I reach my destination in fifteen-ish minutes.
So what does this have to do with "giggles" and "Mr. Sexy Runner, Vicki?"
Most days, I pass Mr. Sexy Runner. LOL
One particular morning, a dark, heavy fog reached the pavement, blanketing everything. Ghostly, tree trunks stretched skywards, their limbs resembling thin fingers eventually disappeared in the mist.
Because of the poor visibility conditions, I drove a safe 20 mph. Then, I heard a shout --insert profane word-- and a slap on my bumper. Snapping out of my concentration, I realized a runner had appeared out of nowhere. And I hadn't seen him. Not at all.
Slamming on my brakes, my heart beat increased to almost a hurt. I looked in my rearview mirror to find he'd stopped as well and stared at me. A black running outfit covered him from head to toe. Then, he shot me the bird.
The rat.
All day, I couldn't get the incident out of my mind. He blamed me for nearly hitting him when I hadn't seen him--couldn't see him. He should have added some neon duct tape stripes to his clothing to make him stand out better.
So I wrote my thoughts down (for therapy) and kept going back and revising. Before I knew it, a story, "Running to Love," had developed. I sold it to August 2010 True Love magazine. For fun, I named the hero Mr. Sexy Runner.
So why this post, Vicki?
Today, I saw Mr. Sexy Runner and giggled because every time I see him, he has no idea how he inspired a story.
Have you run over any Mr. Sexy Runners today?
Vicki Batman is drinking a diet Coke, hanging out at her PC with the cat sleeping next to the screen. Her new story, "Store Wars," will be available in August from MuseItUp Publishing. Find Vicki at: http://vickibatman.blogspot.com or at: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
July 11, 2012
The TRR Summer Blog Hop visits Handbags, Books...Whatever
Join in the summer fun with 400 authors!!!
I'm giving away an e-copy of Man Theory and Other Stories and a Brighton bracelet.
Come and play!
http://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php Here's today's from my soon to be released in August 2012 story, "Store Wars":
"This stuff is crap." I ran a finger along the edge of a faux-finished table parked inside the store's entryway, flicking more than a hint of dust from my fingertip. My best girlfriend, Tracy, and I were scoping out the competition in the Sommerville Historic Depot District, one of which was Tejas Souvenirs owned by an old flame's mom. So far, no business we'd visited had measured up. The other stores all looked...tacky touristy. I walked through to the next section, thoroughly disgusted with what lay before me. This store needed major first aid. No quality merchandise anywhere. The overpowering scents of vanilla and cinnamon from the cheap candles loaded on another table top caused me to have a major sneezing fit. Tracy passed a tissue. "Janie, need this?" "T'anks." I stuffed the used wad in my pant’s front pocket, praying the urge to let loose again would bypass. "Why in the world is a huge candle display by the front door, assaulting a customer when he-slash-she walks in? I can't be the only one who's allergic. And look..." I pointed to the section at the top of four steps, "room diffusers up there. Another brand of candles over there. And yes, people, let's combine those with scented bath products. A whole lotta stinky people and stinky homes are out there in the big wide world." Tracy scribbled notes as I surreptitiously took pictures of the store's contents. "Undoubtedly," she said in a hushed tone. "So what else turns you off?" In one corner, imitation leather purses embellished with rhinestone crowns had been stacked on a glass and chrome shelving unit. Cheap, gemstone bracelets decorated a nearby display stand. I pointed to a shirt rack and said in a soft voice, "I'd never wear these clothes." With a frown, Tracy cupped her mouth. "Me, neither. They're aimed for the nighttime crowd—if you catch my drift." "I do. Yuck." Taking in the whole enchilada, I stopped when I spied the jean-clad backside of a male employee sweeping the floor. God, I hope he hadn't heard us. I steered Tracy aside and whispered, "We'll have no problems with Twinkle Toes succeeding in the Depot District. Even better than the mall." "I agree. Let's split up, take mental notes, and meet out front in fifteen minutes." I peeled off to the left, and she went to the right. The man cleaning glanced over his shoulder and straightened. "May I help you?" Instantly, my body froze like an icicle. It couldn't be— Could it? Fletcher? As in my once upon a time boyfriend, Fletcher Babcock? When had he abandoned the bright lights of Big D and return to Sommerville?
Question: What is the name of Janie's store?
Go to TRR to answer the question. You must be registered with TRR to participate.
Have tons of fun!
