We’re gathered at the bar today to struggle through a self-inflicted wound. I am filling in for Linda G. Hill, and the Stream of Consciousness Saturday prompt I came up with is:
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is ‘ent’ ‘ten’ ‘net.’ Use one, use two or use all three (bonus points for using two, double-bonus points for using all three). As Linda would say, use ’em any way you’d like. Enjoy!”
What was I thinking?
If we were having a beer, we’d be enjoying the company of a couple special guests.
“Ah, Faith. It’s good to see you again. What brings you up this way?”
“Hi David. Dad and I were at the Big-E.”
“So, a beer to wash down the Tater-Tots and blueberry pie?”
“Exactly.”
“Did I hear someone ask for a beer?”
“You did, Cheryl, but that was an assumption by me. I will have…oh where are my manners, please take the young woman’s order first.”
“I think you mean women, David.”
“Huh?”
“If I’m not mistaken, that’s Teagan Geneviene entering the bar.”
“Teagan? Dan, did you know about this?”
“Of course I did. We made these arrangements while I was on the magical trolley through haunted Savannah last week.”
“But that was a…oh never mind. Teagan, it’s great to see you!”
“Hi, David. It is David, Right?”
“Yes. You know Dan. Have you met his daughter, Faith?”
“I haven’t, but I’ve heard a lot about her. Faith, it’s a pleasure.”
“Likewise, Teagan. Cheryl was about to take my order, why don’t you go first.”
“Hi Cheryl. It’s good to see you; that bartender the last time I was here was a little strange.”
“Brad? I’m sorry, I think these guys call him Skippy. Yeah, he takes a little getting used to. So, a dirty martini or something from the Roaring Twenties?”
“Wow, you are good, you know about the martini.”
“These guys told me about Brad’s apprenticeship .”
“That was funny. But, to your point, today, I would like a Bee’s Knees.”
“Hmm, that’s a new one.”
“It’s gin with honey and lemon, topped with champagne.”
“I’ve never made one of those, but it sounds fun. Faith, what can I get you?”
“Since you’re going to have the honey jar out, I’ll have a Gold Rush.”
“That one, I know. Bourbon and honey. You want a splash of champagne in there.”
“Oooh, that sounds good Cheryl.”
“David, Dan, I’m assuming the boring old regulars for you.”
“Yes, Cheryl, but if I could…”
“…cherries, I’ll add some cherries, David.”
“Thank you. Now, Teagan. What brings you to our bar today.”
“Why, David, the magic trolley, of course.”
“I think you’ve been hanging around Dan too long.”
“I couldn’t resist. I’m promoting my new book, and Dan invited me to visit.”
“Here we go, a Bee’s Knees, a modified Gold Rush and a Corona.”
“Um, …”
“Yours is coming, David. It has as many glasses as this bunch.”
“Sorry, I don’t want to be late for the toast.”
“Who are you toasting, David?”
“Well, Dan, I assumed we’d be toasting Teagan, or perhaps, Pip, or Teagan and Faith. I don’t know, but any day that I’m not stuck drinking alone with you, is a day worthy of a toast.”
“Here’s your John Howell’s ensemble, David. And I brought some water for the ladies.”
“Thanks, Cheryl. Can you bring my Dad a glass of water, too?”
“Sure, Faith, but he doesn’t often ask for water.”
“I know, but he should.”
“I like working without a net.”
“Which one of us is going to mention that to Mom?”
“Cheryl, I’ll have a glass of water, please. And, I yield the floor to David.”
“Why me?”
“For your toast.”
“Oh, right. Here’s to Teagan and the release of ‘A Ghost in the Kitchen’ – the continuing adventures of Pip and Granny Phanny.”
“Hear, hear!”
“Congratulations, Teagan.”
“Why thank you, Faith. I’m glad you’re here to help celebrate.”
“About those ‘continuing adventures,’ when did you first write about Pip?”
“Pip came along in 2013.”
“Why the 1920’s. I’m sorry if this sounds like an interrogation.”
“Don’t be, I love talking about Pip. I started a serial using three random things left by readers. The first “thing” was an oscillating fan. That created the 1920s setting.”
“So, are these books that you wrote and then published on your blog?”
“Ooooh, I can answer that.”
“Easy, Dad. Let Teagan answer.”
“No, I wrote the story on my blog, in response to a continuing flow of ‘three things’ from my readers. That serial was later published as a novella, ‘The Three Things Serial Story’ Available on Amazon – sorry, I had to say that.”
“Don’t be sorry and don’t be shy. I love your blog posts, I like the idea that I can binge read them.”
“That’s such a cool thought, Faith. Binge-reading Teagan.”
“So, when you said, ‘first serial,’ are there more Pip serials?”
“Two, but those were culinary mysteries, so I called them ‘Three Ingredients’ rather than ‘things’ – ‘Murder at the Bijou’ and ‘A Ghost in the Kitchen’.”
“So now they’re all available as books?”
“Yes.”
“Will there be a fourth serial for Pip?”
“Pip might get another story, but I have several other books I want to finish, so it’s hard to say when.”
“That’s awesome, Teagan. Now, how would they have said that in the Roaring Twenties?”
“Haha. There were a lot of fun phrases in the 1920s for something or someone that was cool, splendid, or terrific. Since you said not to be shy, I actually plan to publish a book of them called ‘Speak Flapper’. One of my favorites is…That’s the cat’s pajamas!”
If you are interested in any of Teagan’s books, follow the universal links below. If you’re like me, and want to know how to speak flapper, that book should be on the shelf before the end of the year. I’m putting it on my list to Santa.
A Ghost in the Kitchen: Three Ingredients II
Most of today’s pictures were taken at the Big-E.
This is lovely, Dan! Thanks so much for letting me visit. It was great to chat with you and the crew. Terrific use of the prompts too. Cheers. And hugs!
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Thanks Teagan. It was a pleasure having you join us today. I hope the book launch is going well.
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Terrific story, Dan. I was happy to see Teagan could make it to the bar.
I can understand why those 2 black horses are in the show – they are magnificent animals!!
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Thanks GP. I’m really enjoying Teagan’s latest serial, so it was a treat to have her visit the bar.
Those horses were stunning to see. The wet black hair was shimmering in the sun.
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I agree about the horses, GP. I’d like to figure out how to use that photo on The Delta Pearl. :) Thanks for visiting. Hugs!
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If one didn’t know better, one would think you went to the Big-E for its great fair food. Good thing you did a lot of walking. :-) That is some kind of traffic back up. Maddie looks pretty darn comfy there. Hope she has a good weekend sitting.
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Thanks Judy. Most of the food we get comes from the state houses. I always enjoy walking through the Better Living Center. It’s good to see this year’s version of the Magic Mop 😏
I got more than 10,000 steps in. I figure that justifies the ice cream. I think the highway backup is worse this year, because the other main road to the fairgrounds has a bridge that is under construction.
Maddie is enjoying her new cot-topper. She has enjoyed a few nice long naps out there while I’ve read the paper. Hopefully, I will finish painting the stair structures today, measure for the Trex and get that order in on Monday.
I hope you have a great weekend.
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I guess I was a child out of time cuz I used that expression! And Bee’s Knees. hahaha Love to be a peeping tom on your Saturdays!
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Thanks Pam. I remember hearing both expressions when I was growing up. I think it was more of a throwback, by older folks, but I like both of them. I’m glad you enjoyed our conversation.
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The language of the 1920s was such fun, Pam. So much better than the slang we use today. I try to sprinkle Pip’s stories with it. Thanks for visiting. You’re really the bee’s knees! :)
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Is the Big-E like your state fair? Blueberry pie and ice cream? Yes, please. Maddie’s gone fancy! That cot cover looks very nice–glad she approves.
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Hi Lois. The Big-E is the New England fair. All six NE states take part. It’s always a good time. Maddie is liking the new addition to her cot. It’s been cooler in the mornings, and this helps her to stay warm. Not that we spoil her.
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I can’t get my tastebuds off the blueberry pie and lobster roll. I would go to the Big-E for those two things alone. Yum!
Congrats to Teagan on her book release and to you, Dan, for downing mass quantities of food at the fair and buying Maddie her warm fuzzy. Happy Saturday!
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Thanks Mary. The Big-E can be scripted by what we eat. Tater-tots, pie, lobster roll. Faith and I have recently added the Bloody Mary, since we’ve been going early.
The Editor noticed the cot-toppers on sale last week. Maddie seems to approve. She’s resting as I write this. I’m answering comments here, and at Linda’s place and reading the paper. It’s hoodie weather but that’s ok.
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Thanks for your kind words, Mary! You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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All my favorites at the bar today. Sheryl, Faith, Teagan, Dan, David, super photos of food, Mimi, Maddie, and Willett. Super use of the prompt and thanks for filling in for Linda.
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Thanks John. It was a good time. We were too full from the fair to order wings, but the liquid refreshment was most welcome.
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Thank you John. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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😁
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Well this is just the skeeter’s elbows! Funny conversation.
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Ha! That’s a new one for me, Ally. Thanks for visiting. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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I was wondering if you knew this one 🙂
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Haha – I like that. Thanks.
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What a fun way to do an author interview! Congratulations on the new book, Teagan! Oh, and I’ll have a lobster roll and the blueberry pie with ice cream. And a Bee’s Knees. Thanks!
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Haha! The same for me, waiter! Thanks, Marian. You’re the berries!
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Thanks Marian. It’s a long trip for Grubhub but I’m sure someone would be willing. The lobster roll was so good, and the pie, what’s not to like about pie?
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Such a fun post!
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Happy Saturday, Joanne. You’re the cat’s pajamas!
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:)
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What a happy time at the bar today with the addition of the two lovely ladies. Congratulations to Teagan on the book release. It must be very exciting, and probably a bit nerve-wracking too!!
The Big E looks like it provides something for everyone. A lot of walking, but so much to see!! Food looks scrumptious. The black horses are magnificent, but the traffic jam isn’t!
What a nice addition to Maddie’s cot. Extra cushion and toasty warm. I think MiMi realizes her cradle provides an additional measure of warmth on these cooler days.
I wonder if one of these days we’ll see a picture of you curled up on Maddie’s cot taking a little siesta?! 😂😂
Hope your weekend is everything you want it to be.
🐾Ginger 🐾
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Thanks so much Ginger. We went early specifically to miss sitting in that traffic. It’s worse this year due to bridge construction. The Big-E is s special place We gong ho every year but we go often.
I’m beginning to be a little jealous now that Maddie is sleeping on the new cushion. I might have to try it out.
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Thanks so much, Ginger. The book launch and making the blog post for it was a huge amount of work — but I loved every minute. You’re the bee’s knees!
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Fabulous post, Dan! I loved how you pulled Teagan into the bar conversation. It was a perfect way to introduce readers to Pip and Granny, and her new book. Really nice! Glad to see the pics of the Big E. Always a treat. Hope you wore bug spray.
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Thanks Jennie. I like it when people visit the bar, especially when we learn nest stuff. We were prepared for everything at the fair, except overeating 🙂
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It’s how you say what you say, and your bar post really let readers learn much about Teagan. Just think of all the friends who could ‘show up’, like John Howell. Ooo! Glad the fair had lots of food! 🙂
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Hmmm, I wonder what John would be drinking 😉
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One day I’ll have to order his bourbon. 🙂
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Heartfelt thanks for visiting, Jennie. It’s always a delight to visit Dan and his crew at the bar. He did a fabulous job with this post. Something different so that people don’t get sick of seeing my regular book launch. I appreciate all his help — and all of your encouragement. You’re both the cat’s pajamas!
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You are most welcome, Teagan, and I meant every word. Dan is the best!
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They really did have a lot of fun sayings in the 20s. I’m intrigued by the shop with the big red face. I wouldn’t be surprised to find the cat’s pajamas in there.
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I think you could find anything in there. I did break the “minimal planning” rule, because I asked Teagan to answer that last question. Thanks for stopping by, JoAnna.
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LOL, Dan, as much research and formatting as I put into everything, that still qualifies as “minimal planning” to me. Well done as always, my friend.
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It’s hard not to plan sometimes. I do let the stream flow freely once I start typing, so even if a plan develops, there’s no telling where it will go.
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That’s true. These conversations often end up in unexpected places.
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Hi JoAnna, and thanks for visiting. I love the slang of the 20s. It’s so much more fun than any we use now. I’ll be publishing a dictionary of all the whimsical terms I’ve collected over the years of writing Roaring Twenties stories — later this year. I’m still formatting and editing. Have a wonderful new week. You’re the bee’s knees!
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Thank you! :) Sounds like fun!
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Hi Dan, Hi David, Hi Teagan, Hi Faith. Hi Cheryl.
Wow! You had a virtual party this weekend!! Lots of food, lots of drink … I wish I had got here earlier!
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Hi Joanne! As far as I’m concerned, the party is still going. :D It’s always great to see you at any time. Thanks for all your encouragement. You’re the oyster’s earrings!
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😁
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This bar never closes, Joanne. you’re always welcome. It’s always a good time when Cheryl is behind the bar and David and I have some company.
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How fun to see Teagan and Faith at the bar with you and David for Teagan’s new book launch! I have the first 3 Ingredients book with Pip and gang. It’s the bee’s knees! I plan to get the second one.
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I’m glad you enjoyed this, Deborah. I love Teagan’s stories, blogs and books.
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Awesome post, Dan!
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Thanks Linda. It was fun filling in for you.
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I like the sound of Faith’s champagne embellished Gold Rush. I’ll have that, the blueberry pie a la mode, and some funky bright metal art for my back deck. The Big E looks splendid! :)
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The Big-E is always fun, unless it’s really crowded, then it’s hard to navigate. The pie is the best.
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I baked a blueberry pie this summer. Bubba and I are the only ones who eat it, and that meant I had to take the rest into Mentor before it spoiled ;)
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You shoulda called 😏
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