The News And Views

BY

Today is Thursday--How tempus fugits--Well, Wednesday morning, I really got up early and dressed in my very best--even tried a new hair-style-and rushed down to the N. & V. office to greet all the people who would be there clamoring to See the new Woman's Page Columnist! You won't believe it, but there was not one single person, other than the regular staff in the office! As I breezed in right on time . . . As I always am . . . grinning from ear to ear, the boss, the Big Boss, that is, Mr. A., passed me going the other way. There was nothing different about his perfunctory "good morning", and the other Boss, Mr. B. B. merely grunted, "Hello"--ditto Mrs. Raney. Not to be so soon deflated I asked, "Any calls for me?" I soon gathered from the nod of the head sidewise, and a listless gesture of the hand of Mr. B., that so far as he was concerned, I was still just an unknown--same as day before. But, I would like to state here--I-did get one long distance call from Midway Park commending my column and I want to say 'Thank You' to my one fan! I don't feel too bad about it all for I realize that as the Bible says 'A Prophet is without honor in his home'-and, Jacksonville is my home--by adoption- which brings to mind as I gaze out the window over at what is now Don's Tailoring Shop . . .

You won't believe it--but, when I came to Jacksonville, June '41. that filling station was also the Bus Station! As I alighted from the bus, carrying several bags and a 8 mos. old baby, and gazed around at the unpaved streets and mud puddles, right on what is now Main Street, I almost reboarded that bus. I got in a taxi gave what address I had of the place we were to stay and I know the driver rode around and around through the town for 30 minutes before taking me the short distance, which I could have easily walked, and charging me one dollar. I cried and cried, then-now, I would cry and cry, too, if I had to leave! I like my new home . . .

Believe It or Not Strapless Blouse

What won't they think of next? You won't believe it, but that article I was telling you, about the other day of which I gave the customer the wrong size is what is known as a "strapless blouse". To my knowledge it is the first time that a customer ever asked for such an unusual article that a clerk was able to actually produce that very sought after item. You know the usual routine-we don't have exactly that-but, here is something just as good etc.--Well, this strapless blouse is something! Just a small piece of cloth, buttons down the back. A halter may be fastened on with Rhinestone buttons or it may be used strapless. So, with that old black evening skirt add one of those ultra smart blouses and you wil be right in style . . .

Speaking of styles, and of course styles are "of interest to women" of which I am Editor--there is a new trend in skirts--the zipper is right in front, instead of middle back! Now, I found this out the other Saturday when I was fitting a very attractive suit on a very attractive customer. I very efficiently zipped the skirt in the back, and stepped aside for the young lady to view herself in the mirror, meanwhile preparing to gush, "that is just the very thing for you- my dear."--when I see two large patch pockets on the back of the skirt where they by all means were never supposed to be. She sweetly said-"Is this the way it goes?" and meekly I switched the skirt around so the zipper would be right in middle front. Now, aren't you glad you read this far, so you are now in the know as to skirt styles?

I couldn't help remembering way back when I was first married this is not a hint for that husband of mine that our 20th Anniversary comes on Feb. 14th--he just said the other day--20th is that all- seems much longer than that-I can't remember when I was single --well, I was working in a Ladies' Shoppe and interested in but two things pay day and closing time. One afternoon at 1 minute past (CONT. ON PAGE SIX)