Vicki Vass's Blog, page 7

It’s a dog’s life

My dog is not a cat dog. I don’t mean that he’s the lead in the Nickelodeon cartoon series, I mean that he doesn’t appreciate or like cats. Much to his disgust, we brought home two kittens in March. He alternates between ignoring them and chasing them into corners.

Bandit ignores Pixel.

As a herding dog, his natural instinct is to keep them in place. Unfortunately, the kittens don’t agree. They also try to tempt fate by walking past him or sneaking up on him while he is sleeping. This tendency results in a great deal of running around the house.

I was not planning on getting two kittens to torture  him with. But we found when talking to the shelters, many of them would not adopt out just one single kitten. Their argument was its better for the kitten’s socialization to have a sibling. We ended up with two: Terra, a gray female tabby, and Pixel, an orange tabby.

In hindsight, I am glad we adopted two. They entertain each other. At night, we can hear them run up and down the stairs. They wrestle and they sleep together curled up on the bed we bought when they were four months old. They are each other’s best friend. When Terra was locked in a room earlier this month, Pixel came and got me. When she was let out, he gave her a big hug with his two front paws. It was very sweet. If only, Bandit felt that way.

I keep hoping as time comes by that Bandit will adjust to the newcomers. Maybe even become friends, but it doesn’t seem as if it will happen. When he is not ignoring them, he chases them across the room. They have adjusted. They look around for him before entering a room and tiptoe by him in a very catlike way.

I, however, have enjoyed watching them. And Pixel shares my love of boots.

The Bloom has Worn Off

It’s been almost three weeks since we returned from our vacation/research trip for the second Antique Hunters Mystery. And, reality has definitely set in. Work has returned with a vengeance. My day job requires me to be very focused and detail oriented. It also keeps me extremely busy.

I am managing editor of a peer-reviewed medical journal. Our executive editors meeting was yesterday, and I had several presentations to prepare as well as monitor the room. All went seemingly well. Everyone seemed pleased but at the end it only turned into more work for me. On this morning’s call with my Editor in Chief, my one page action list turned into four pages.

At the same time, work has been increasing, we have completed the first rough draft of the second Antique Hunters book. On Sunday night, we sat down and polished the first chapter from its raw state. It is interesting to watch the progression between versions. The story starts one way and then drastically changes as we work backwards from the end.

My weekend was spent on my presentations, working on work and then, of course, because I can never say no a freelance proofreading project. I did, however, take a little time Sunday afternoon for fun. We stumbled upon an estate/garage sale full of Russian collectibles. I was intrigued. I thought about buying several Russian lacquer boxes but where do you store/display them. I have limited space for display and two playful kittens.

While there, I spotted a piece I couldn’t resist. For the past few years, I have seen Chinese jewelry boxes. These intricate boxes have three to four lined drawers for jewelry. This particular one is hand painted with birds and cherry blossoms. I also bought several pairs of earrings, including Russian amber dangles. 

This provided a welcome break from my busy work weekend. Now that my work meeting is over, hopefully we can focus on the book and complete a second draft that actually makes sense and doesn’t contain a typo in every  other word.

Are you your characters?

At what point, do you realize that you are your characters or that your characters are becoming you? After my lunchtime shopping expedition shopping expedition today, I discovered that I have much more in common with Anne from my new cozy mystery, Murder by the Spoonful, than I originally thought.

Like Anne I cannot resist a sale. Luckily for the economy, my inbox is overflowing with emails from retailers advertising bargains, specials and deals. I am loth to delete any of them because you never know when you might need them. At last glance, there were over 200 of these unopened epistles.

My interests can range from a pair of Corral bluebird cowboy boots (thanks, Country Outfitter) to a Royal Worcester Lakme salad plate (courtesy of eBay). And, don’t forget the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, the Last Call flash sale, Amazon Prime Day and so many more. You might not what you need until you see in that pesky little email.

Unfortunately for my husband and my wallet, my new work office is conveniently located by the Saks Outlet, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Nordstrom Rack and of course, Woodfield Mall. So much temptation within a five minute drive. I like to get out of the office at lunch and visit these locales.

Today as I spent my lunch hour calculating how much would be left in my checkbook after splurging at the Saks Outlet Buy One, Get One clearance, I realized that Anne might be based on me. I cannot resist a sale. I can only calculate equations when there is a dollar sign in front of it and it involves a purchase.

I am not going to disclose here if I bought anything but will say this addiction will play a part in the next Antique Hunters Mystery.

Adding My Two Cents

I did not intend to write a post about “Go Set a Watchman.” I was not even sure whether I planned to read Harper Lee’s long-lost work. I have been curious about it since its publication was announced. Intrigued at the thought of continuing the story that was told so brilliantly in “To Kill a Mockingbird.”  And, what could I say that hadn’t already been said about this new discovery?

Excuse my rambling here, I feel I had to write this post. To start, I was  incredibly skeptical at this sudden discovery as well as the timing of it. Lee does not/did not seem the type of individual to forget a manuscript. Rather I wondered as did others if it was hidden for a reason. Perhaps the author did not want to share her early works with the world. I know I sometimes feel that way.

Throughout grade school, high school and even my 20s, I wrote various versions of stories, half completed, bits and pieces, scattered around my room. The stories were always in my head. Reading them back now, I cringe. The writing is juvenile and I would not want others to read those early writings.

The first time I read Mockingbird, I remember relating to Scout. I also appreciated its depiction of Atticus and the courtroom drama of the unjustly accused. Upon second and third reading, its characters and themes still resonate.

The story remained with me in the same way that “Gone With the Wind” and “Pride and Prejudice” remain with me. Perhaps it is the time in life when I first read all three — approximately sixth grade. Perhaps it is because they all share similar themes although in different context of dealing with various prejudices.

Adding another work with the same character creates fear that it will not live up to our expectation — the way that we want and expect the characters to behave or evolve. I know I felt that when I read Alexandra Ripley’s Scarlett, the “authorized” sequel to Gone With the Wind. I also felt for Margaret Mitchell, who throughout the years had very clearly stated that there would be no sequel.

In respect to Ms. Lee, who I admire, I hope this is not the case, and that she has truly authorized this publication.

Touching Family History

I spent the past weekend with my mother. She came in for my cousin’s daughter’s wedding. When I was young, we spent a great deal of time with my cousins. Over the years through various moves and job changes, I lost touch with many of them. That has changed recently though. Facebook and family events have brought us together in unexpected ways, and I have enjoyed getting to know them again.

As I get older and spend more times researching the past, I become more and more curious about my own family history. What were my ancestors like? What brought them to America? My father’s side has been easy. My dad’s brother has done considerable research, tracing his parents roots even journeying to the town in Hungary where my grandfather was from.

I do not know as much about my mother’s side. She has always been reluctant to share stories about her parents, and she has hardly any pictures. Both of her parents died when I was three years old. I felt fortunate today when my aunt, my mom’s older sister, invited us over. She and my cousin brought out photo albums that they had pieced together of my mother’s side.

This album included pictures taken in Germany of my great-grandmother and later of my grandmother as a young girl. This picture struck me of a young girl dressed up for a wedding. Her hair is bobbed, her dress flapperish. She appears pensive, thoughtful.

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I am immediately drawn to this picture and this girl. I know she will appear in a story someday. Who is she? What are her hopes and dreams? This is how character is developed. They are drawn out from those images that we hold. I am happy that I had the chance to touch this piece of my family history and become a little closer to my past.

The Takeaways

It has been almost a week since we arrived back in Chicago. I was hoping for a gradual easing into my regular life. Unfortunately that was not the reality. I could no longer head off those emails that started with, “I know you’re on vacation but. . .” Or, ignore the fact that our editorial board meeting for the journal I work with is less than 2 weeks ago. I have many reports to prepare. . .

But first my blog post. One of the terms that always come up at our meetings at work is “what are the takeaways from this meeting?” I’m going to share the takeaways from my almost 10-day vacation. This was the first real vacation my husband and I took in almost six years. I also have to say some of these are not really new or unique but I appreciate them in a different light following my/our trip.

1. It’s ok to unplug. Ignore the emails. Work will be there when you get back. This was most important for me. I usually have my phone at my side and am connected constantly. Ok, maybe I did sneak in a peek or two with my iPad.

2. Go with the flow. My day is usually full of appointments, errands and commitments. Between my full-time job and writing my cozy mystery and working out, I never have time to do nothing. I am always moving forward to the next item on my list. On this vacation I decided to relax and just go with whatever happened. If I hadn’t Brian would never have played this awesome guitar and I would never have got these rocking boots.

3. Stop and enjoy the music. I like some country music but not the real twangy country music so I never expected to enjoy the show at the Grand Ole Opry as much as I did. The show was great. I have now become a fan of Holly Williams and Thompson Square.

4. Start planning the next one. When we were less than 40 minutes from home, my husband and I felt that dread and started pondering where we should go next? I am going to spend the next six months planning our next trip.

Return to Reality

Vacation ended with an abrupt snap. For eight days, I had the luxury of ignoring emails that started with, “I know you’re on vacation but. . .” or “When you return from vacation, please. . .” I could not put it off no longer. So on Sunday evening, I looked very briefly and started to panic. Then I put my phone down and joined my husband in plotting the second book in the Antique Hunters Mystery. My day work could wait. It didn’t appear that anything had blown up.

The dog was overjoyed to see us, and the kittens were happy, too. While I shared their happiness in being reunited, I was not ready to let go of my vacation mindset. Unfortunately I have blown through all my vacation days at my new job. I switched employers in October and while I don’t resent the decision I do miss having three weeks vacation. Going back to two weeks was a challenge for me as I do enjoy my time off. I wish the United States would be like other civilized countries who give their employees additional vacation time.

On Monday I started early and waded through the emails. While I had several hundred, there were only about a dozen that required my attention. I responded to those and then checked in with my staff. Those items consumed most of my day. I was feeling ok until I realized I had missed my post date for the Cozy Cat Chronicles blog. I rapidly crafted that and posted it by five, but that meant I neglected my personal blog.

So here it is Tuesday, and I am finally updating this. Thoughts of my vacation and images of the Smoky Mountains dance in my head as I write. I am reliving my vacation as it is fresh in my mind. I’d like to ask you where was your favorite vacation spot? Or, if you don’t have one, how do you unwind?

Heading Home

Amidst threats of flash flood warnings, we left Nashville and the wonderful staff at the Hermitage Hotel early Friday morning. I will miss the exceptional customer service of the Hermitage which I think has spoiled me for any other hotel stay. The staff is truly the most accommodating staff of any place I have ever stayed. And the hotel itself is beautiful.

Rather than driving the 7 plus hours straight through, we decided to break up our trip and extend our vacation one more night. We headed for Indianapolis. Luckily the rain held off, only pelting us briefly near Bowling Green, Kentucky. 

We arrived in Indianapolis in the early afternoon and stopped at the Mid City Antiques Market. An eclectic huge antique mall in an old factory. It advertised itself as being voted one of the “Midwest’s best” so of course we had to stop. While they did have a great collection of antique and vintage items, including cowhide rugs, furniture, copper kettles, the staff was few and far between.  

    

When I asked to look at a lapis lazuli necklace, the girl removed it from the cabinet and said, “Do you want to buy it?” I repllied I would like to try it on so I know if I like it. I did and didn’t like the way it lay so opted not to buy it. At this point, I was tempted not to buy anything but we bought the brass Viking bookends I found. 

Brian and I then headed to downtown Indianapolis for an early dinner at St. Elmo’s Steakhouse. Over the years, Brian has heard Steve Dahl say this restaurant has the best steak in the Miidwest so he had to try it.  

The staff at St. Elmo’s made up for the staff at the antique market. I had lobster bisque.  

  And followed that with their petite filet and baked potato. The first potato I’ve had in months. For those who know me, I will be returning to my low carb diet on Sunday when I am back home. 

 Brian had their chopped steak with blue cheese and grilled onions.

  It liived up to its reputation. The steak was tender and the potato was excellent. I could not finish my meal. We then headed the few blocks to our hotel, the Omni, a beautiful restored building built in 1910. The lobby was magnificent.  

We have had a most excellent vacation filled with adventures. It has been our first one in probably ten years so it was well deserved. While I can say I am sad for it to be over, I am excited to head home and see the dog and kittens. 

Happy Fourth of July everyone and safe travels! 

Guitars, Boots & Music

We arrived in Nashville just in time on Tuesday for lunch at Arnold’s, one of the city’s original meat and three locations. I had ham, Brian had meatloaf. Following lunch, I ran into the antique store across the street while Brian visited Carter Vintage Guitars. There was nothing at the antique store to inspire me. CC though would have loved it as it was full of industrial supplies and equipment. 

   We then went to Antique Archeology, the Nashville location of the Frank and Mike from the History channel’s American Pickers. The store was crowded and full of eclectic items including Rick Nielsen’s checkerboard guitar and jacket and Loretta Lynn’s sequined dress.

  

After that we braved the tourists on Broadway and headed to the Johnny Cash museum. This was hallowed ground for me. My father loved music and his all-time favorite was Johnny Cash. He shared that love with me and my brother. 

The museum was great. It had original items from Johnny’s collection including guitars, his boots, handwritten lyrics and the coat he wore on the Rolling Stone comeback cover.

  

And, then we, or I should say I, went boot shopping. It goes without saying that I have a boot obsession. I love boots, have many pairs but I do  not have a genuine cowboy pair or a red pair. So, the search began. I tried on pair after pair until I was overwhelmed. Did I want mid calf? Higher? Sequins? No Sequins? My head was spinning but then the nice man at Trails West directed me to a pair of studded red/black wine boots. It was literally the last pair of those Dan Post boots they had. And, they happened to be my size. So, when the shoe fits. . .

  

We then enjoyed dinner in our hotel room. 

The next morning we headed to the famous Pancake Pantry, expecting a long line. There was none. We were seated right away. I had pecan pancakes and Brian celebrated his heritage with Swedish pancakes with lingonberries.

After breakfast, we spent three hours at Gruhn Guitars. Brian played a variety of acoustics including Guilds, Martins and Gibsons. Undecided we walked away with a hat and sticker. 

  

  

  

We then enjoyed a great Italian lunch at Giovanni’s near Vanderbilt. It was the freshest, best Italian meal I’ve had in a long time. I had spinach ravioli and Brian has lasagna.  

   

By that time, I was exhausted. We headed back to our luxurious hotel to take an afternoon nap. And, then we went to the Grand Ole Opry to take in their Wednesday evening show. On the bill was Ashley Monroe, one of the Pistol Annie’s, the Willis Clan, and John Conlee. Holly Williams, Hank Williams’ granddaughter, sang three new songs from her new album. She was awesome. 

  

In between the main acts, the announcer provided an old-time radio feel by interjecting with jokes and commercials from Cracker Barrel and Dollar General. Second to last was Thompson Square. They sang two new songs along with their hit, “Are you going to kiss me or not?” They were great. Closing out the show was Ricky Skaggs. Thompson Square joined him for a Patty Loveless classic, and it tore the roof off the building.

It was an action packed day full of music, shopping and food.

Ville to Ville

After a sleepless night in Franklin, North Carolina, on uncomfortably hard beds, Brian and I ventured away from Franklin and headed to Asheville. We decided the perfect place for Anne and CC to venture would be the Tobacco Barn Antiques, an old 70,000 square foot tobacco warehouse that had been transformed into an antique lovers dream.

We pulled up to the barn and were pleasantly surprised. Wrought iron gates decorated its exterior and the large overhead door was open.  

 

I was immediately overwhelmed by its interior and rows and rows of antiques all gathered into one location. It seemed to stretch on for miles. There was an overwhelming selection of furniture, primitives and even some china. I was looking for something unusual.

Upon first glance I decided I wanted a glass hurricane lantern for our back deck. I found this one.  

It is now wrapped and tucked in the back seat of our car. (I had urged Brian to take the SUV but he wanted to take the car). Hopefully we can make room for the boots and guitars sure to come. 

Brian found a decoy duck that he liked so we got that, too. It’s a 1941 signed decoy to add to his collection. 

   We also picked up a small white and green vase.

  

We narrowly missed buying a copper rooster weather vane complete with stand. Someone grabbed it from Brian as he was looking at it. 

But we did fiind this lovely iron rooster dinner bell that will hang somewhere in our backyard.

  

I also talked to the local antique dealers about our story. They were very helpul and gave us tips about what to look for in local antiques particularly pottery and primitives. 

We then headed to the next store, which supposedly had a good collection of estate jewelry. Unfortunately none of it was to my taste. Leaving Asheville, we headed west to Knoxville. The nice woman at the front desk upgraded us to a suite on the top floor with a view. Thanks, Amber! 

Tomorrow, we hit Nashville. We’re hitting all the villes we can find.