-
IMPORTANT NOTE!
If you are looking for Story Titles or Author names, use Quick Search in the Stories Archive by clicking Stories or Authors on the main menu and clicking in the box at the top left. Here is link to for additional help on how to use quick search:
https://gayauthors.org/faq/authors/stories/how-do-i-use-quick-search-for-authors-and-stories-r116/
The Search bar on this page is unlikely to find the stories. You MUST use the quick search linked above.
Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'department store'.
-
It's one of those things. I really can't explain it, but I do dream about a particular department store quite frequently. When I was six years old, my 1st grade teacher took our entire class on a holiday fieldtrip. We toured the big downtown stores, and were told to keep a tight grasp on each other's hands as we went along. At one, after huddling our cold noses against the plate glass to see the display windows, we went into the warmth. Massive chrome escalators – taller than me! – carried us up into the clouds, while our teacher pointed down to the floor. There, arrows were built right into the terrazzo to guide our way up to the next level, and Christmas was all around as we followed that magic path to ascended ever higher into the massive store – we were there to visit Toyland on the 8th floor, and Santaland on the 9th. That Christmas wonder seeped into my bones that day. It was in the smells, the music, the decorations, and most especially, it was keenly written on the happy faces of shopper and Famous-Barr staff alike. It's been brewing in my heart and soul for many years now, but I want to write a series of stories in praise of Christmas in that place, and over a number of years. I plan on writing 6 short stories, and 2 novellas, each covering a different Christmas season for years ranging from 1880 to 2006, and naturally, all centered on the downtown store of Famous-Barr. The first two installments are ready for this holiday season, and I thought I would offer a preview. So, without further ado, here is an excerpt from Katie's Sketchbook, Christmas at Famous-Barr 1976. Please let me know your thoughts. Katie's Sketchbook Preview: Part 2 – A Cast of Visitors Scene Two: "How do you do?" It was the end of their long day in the park; Katie ran into the house and left the door open. While Sloan was coming in, he heard her father's voice: "No running in the house" and "Get washed and changed – we're going out for dinner." As Sloan closed the door, Richardson appeared at the wide opening leading into the living room. Sloan went right up and started kissing. Richardson did not resist, but Sloan paused, as Richardson also did not engage. The younger man opened his eyes. Richardson's peepers were shining emeralds, but a bemused smirk played about the right corner of his mouth. "And what did I do to deserve that?" the older man inquired. "Nothing – like usual. We haven't seen each other since before Thanksgiving…and – and maybe I missed you." "Maybe, huh?" Sloan's response was to draw Richardson back into a bear hug. Movement from within the living room caught his eye just as Richardson sheepishly informed him "We have a guest." A six-foot-two-inch-tall woman advanced with an extended smile and hand. "How do you do? I'm Julia Child." The young man from Ohio weakly attempted to shake her hand while still latched onto Richardson. Mouth partially agape – until he swallowed the lump in his throat – Sloan finally managed to stand at Richardson's side and respond. "You most certainly are – " She interrupted with a friendly head-toss. "Now, don’t pay any attention to me whatsoever, boys. It seems you were in the middle of a most charming welcome home." Now, both 'boys' blushed. Sloan glanced to his side, thinking how Richardson had failed to mention exactly which celebrity he was shepherding around town. Katie came bounding in. "Hi! You're The French Chef, aren’t you?" "Yes, I suppose I am. You've seen me on TV, have you?" "Oh, yes! My dad said you were coming to town, and he watches you all the time – he's a good cook too, you know." Ms. Child raised her attention from the girl onto Richardson. "I'm sure he is. We've spent a good portion of our time together discussing food." Katie's enthusiasm began animating her whole body with heel-to-toe rocking. "You should have my dad make his famous Mississippi Mud Pie for you. Do you like chocolate?" "I do, and that very sounds nice." Richardson grew rigid next to Sloan's side, and interjected. "Katie, I could never presume to cook for Julia Child." The French Chef, unflapped, but bending down to Katie's level, told the girl, "Thank you for the reference, young lady. I may have to insist that he make it…" Her eyes drifted up to Richardson "Because I always follow local culinary recommendations." Richardson turned all-shades, and Sloan just wanted to laugh. Instead he said, "Well, I too can vouch for Richardson's amazing skills in the kitchen." Julia smiled. "And can you cook as well?" "Nope. But I am an expert eater." Ms. Child laughed, and placed her hand warmly on his forearm. "Dear boy, you sound precisely like my husband. Paul praises my cooking skills, and can even enjoy my failures." Sloan's face took on some color. "I didn't mean to suggest…Richardson…never 'fails' at food, at least not for me." The smile on Julia's face made Sloan believe he had just touched the woman in some way, but he was not sure how. (to be continued in October...)
- 23 replies
-
- 6
-
- christmas
- famous-barr
- (and 6 more)
-
This story topic is for AC Benus' historical Christmas Holiday Novella about Saint Louis' most prominent department store Famous-Barr. The first story is being posted: Katie's Sketchbook - Christmas at Famous-Barr 1976 and you can learn more about Famous-Barr and enjoy pictures in AC's blog and gallery. I would never have thought reading about the history of a department store could be so interesting. As one of the comments said: "Now You are being a Living Encyclopedia." But I guess it's not the first time AC has awed his readers by the depth of his research and attention to historical facts and details. If you're ready to get into a holiday mood or want to follow one of AC's amazing love stories, check out Katie's Sketchbook. I promise you won't be disappointed. And join us here to discuss themes and topics of the Novella.