Jazz Age Wednesdays 22 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 1)

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day

Dennisons 1920s Valentine girl

Happy Valentine’s Day from Jazz Age Wednesdays here at Teagan’s Books!  Awhile back I was lucky enough to do a collaboration with Fiction Favorites* author John W. Howell*.  He did one of his outrageous lists of “Ten Things Not to Do” and that took me to my short story, In the Pip of Time*. 

John Howell Books

I’m happy to say that John agreed to work with me again.  Reading the list that John created especially for this collaboration gave me such fun, vivid images that my story will be more than one post.  However, his list will be sort of a spoiler.  So I’m saving it as a treat for next week. 

Anyhow, in John’s lists of things not to do, a recurring character is Tiny, the WWF champ.  I thought it might be fun if Pip met a 1920s version of Tiny.

With this episode I will feature recipe links to some pos-i-lutely darb food bloggers!  Be sure to check them out too.

Let’s get a wiggle on and head back to the Roaring Twenties and see how Pip came to meet Tiny. 

Pip Meets Tiny — Part 1

1924 Feb_Theatre woman arrow heart Valentine
Theatre, February 1924

Granny Phanny gave me one of her old hats and some red velvet ribbon.  She encouraged me to get the hat “dolled up” for Valentine’s Day.  It was made of pearl gray wool felt with a medium height crown and a three-inch brim.  I used the velvet red ribbon to make a band and a large but neat bow for the front.  It was a big change from the nearly brimless styles I preferred.  However, I thought it would be fun to have something different.

I was ready to show off my hat, so I didn’t mind when Granny asked me to take care of her grocery shopping while she went to look in on Miss Olive, who had a cold.

“Pip, the wind’ll take that hat.  You should have used more than one hatpin.”

“I lost the other one, Granny,” I defended myself.  

“Lost it!  Paisley Idelle Peabody, those things don’t grow on trees, you know,” Granny chided.

“Anyway, it’s not windy today,” I said with a smile, trying to keep her in a good mood.

Granny grunted a contradictory reply as she stopped the Model-T in front of Gilley’s Grocery.

Another Foodie Blogger (click here)

I stumbled into a debate when I went inside.  The discussion was getting rather heated.  My spiffy hat would be last thing those guys would notice.  Godfrey Gilley, the store owner, was getting red-faced as he defended his favorite sport, professional wrestling.  Detective Dabney Daniels wouldn’t budge in his stance that it had become nothing more than modern theatrics.  I rolled my eyes when Hank Hertz, Savannah’s youngest copper, tried to defend both positions.  

Hank noticed my expression and tried to be nice.  He tried, but it just seemed like a criticism at the time.  

“Pip, you usually have two hatpins.  Are you sure one is enough?  My moma always uses two or three,” he told me.

Of all the nerve!  I guessed I should be glad somebody at least noticed my hat.  Sort of.   I gave Hank a glare and he looked like he was trying to figure out how to take back his poorly chosen words. 

1920s Girl Hat 2
Young Lucille Ball

“Pip, you’d best mind your Ps and Qs, and avoid strangers,” the copper told me.  “A bunch of professional wrestling carnies are in town.”

“Professional wrestling is a legitimate sport!” Godfrey Gilley inserted hotly.

The detective cleared his throat, pointedly ignoring the store owner.  Daniels and his chiseled features looked down at me, plainly dismissing my attempt to enter the conversation.  

I was getting pretty miffed.  Were they blind to the fact that times were changing?  I was a modern woman, a flapper!  As I stewed, they ran right over me and kept talking.

“As I was saying, they were supposed to pass through after one performance,” he continued, ignoring Godfrey’s sputter about the word performance.  “But they’re staying longer.  There will be folks around who are less than savory.  So steer clear of strangers.  Savannah, Georgia is not the sleepy Florida town you’re used to.”

Ringling Bros Bears circus

“I hear they’re even going to have a parade!” Hank Hertz inserted excitedly.  “They have a whole troop of wrestlers ― even a wrestling bear they brought all the way from Russia!

Detective Daniels frowned at his young cohort.  Then he managed to include me in the grimace too.

With a glare at the detective, the grocer turned to me and spotted the list from Granny Phanny.  Godfrey Gilley took the list from my hand.  He read over the list.  Then he appeared to have a moment of inspiration as he narrowed his eyes and gave a calculating glance at Daniels.

“I take it, Miss Phanny is making cookies?” he said and cleared his throat.  “I’ll throw in this new red vegetable dye that just came in.  Tell your grandmother it’s a little Valentine gift from me.”

The debate over professional wrestling seemed to have brought out a competition between the two men.  Dabney Daniels made a quick scan of the table displaying sale items and picked up a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Picture
Sunny Cove Chef (click here)

“I’ll take this cookie cutter, but put it with Miss Phanny’s purchase,” Daniels told the grocer.  “Pip, tell your grandmother it’s from me.”

“What a couple of palookas…” I muttered as I left the store.

Granny Phanny had been right about the calm wind not lasting.  As the door closed behind me, a breeze caused my skirt to flit above my knees.  Granny would have been scandalized, but what did it matter if a kneecap showed?  I headed up the street, in the direction of Miss Olive’s.  I expected to run into Granny in her Modle-T before I walked very far.

With one hand on my grocery basket and the other holding my skirt, I was unprepared for the gust of wind that caught my hat.

I knew that wider brim was a bad idea!  Why didn’t I wear my favorite pink cloche hat?

The single hatpin was not sufficient to the task.  The wind tore the hat from my head and it sailed away.  To my astonishment, my hat flew directly into the largest man I had ever seen.  I don’t know what surprised me more ― the unlikelihood of the hat blowing right to him, or his extraordinary girth.  Why, he was a broad as a door and as tall as a ceiling… or at least it seemed that way in the moment.

The stranger smiled and politely handed back my hat.  However, the cat had his tongue.  He fumbled and muttered some words I couldn’t make out before blushing and tipping his hat.  I tried to thank him, but some other men walked toward him, urging him to hurry.

IMG_0516
A Pug in the Kitchen (click here)

Detective Daniels’ caution came back to me.  I was alone and there were several unknown men walking toward me.  So, I smiled and thanked him, as I continued to walk.  Just then the yellow Model-T drove up, with Granny Phanny at the wheel.

She gave a friendly wave to the large stranger.  That was Granny’s way, and she would expect the same of anyone else.  He awkwardly tipped his hat again, that time toward her.  Then his friends hurried him along.

***

That evening I was helping my grandmother make supper.  A thud sounded from the front porch.  Granny was checking the oven and asked me to go and see if anything was amiss. 

When I opened the front door I found cuddly stuffed bear.  A red cutout heard was pinned to the ribbon bow around his neck.  Written on the heart was the old poem, “Roses are red, violets are blue.  Sugar is sweet and so are you.”

“Not very original,” Granny Phanny snorted.  “But a lovely, wholesome sentiment just the same.”  

When I looked closer, I saw the heart was attached under the bow by two rhinestone hatpins.  Then I realized that no one had signed it.  

“It must be for you, Granny.  Detective Daniels and Mr. Gilley both sent you something with ingredients I picked up for your cookies.”  

My grandmother gave me a long suffering look.  She muttered a denial.  Then she hustled me back to the kitchen.  Granny Phanny was determined to make me learn to cook.

End Part 1

***

Thanks to our sensational chef bloggers for sharing their tasty Valentine treats!

You will surely want to share these sweet desserts with your sugar.  Check out these treats and more recipes from Kathryn “Another Foodie Blogger,” Gerlinde “The Sunny Cove Chef,” and Suzanne at “A Pug in the Kitchen.”

Ya’ll are pos-i-lutely the cat’s pajamas for visiting.  

 

Now, for that shameless self-promotion… Here are the links to the books about Pip and her friends.

Bijou front only 2

Murder at the Bijou — Three Ingredients I

Novel-book-The Three Things Serial Story-Teagan Riordain Geneviene-The Writer Next Door-Vashti Q-spotlight-author

The Three Things Serial Story: A Little 1920s Story Kindle 

 

 

This is a work of fiction.  Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2018 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.

 

98 thoughts on “Jazz Age Wednesdays 22 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 1)”

  1. What a great first part of a story, Teagan. It’s lovely of you to take us back to these past folk whom we have connections with in the present. Tiny sounded quite dapper and certainly, a well turned out gentleman. I hope Pip finds out who that stuffed bear was from. It was Tiny, wasn’t it? And isn’t Granny Phanny lucky with so many admirers? I’m sure she put that heart-shaped cookie cutter to very good use.
    Hugs to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hugh, your visits are always such a delight! I’m so glad you enjoyed this. In John’s posts, now and then Tiny shows an indication of a softer side, and that’s what I went with. In Murder at the Bijou, we see that Granny Phanny has feelings for both Dabney Daniels and Moses Myrick… so I figured the grocer would not be immune. LOL. Or he would at least do something to tweak the detective’s nose. 😉
      Thanks for visiting. You’re the bee’s knees!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I’m delighted you enjoyed the opening, Christy. I miss adding foodie bloggers to my posts. It was such fun to do with the Three Ingredients Serials. (I don’t think you were around for those, but Murder at the Bijou is the book version of the first culinary mystery serial.) So I was excited when Gerlinde, Kathryn, and Suzanne volunteered on Facebook. Thanks for visiting. You’re the bee’s knees!

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      Reply
  3. Pingback: Jazz Age Wednesdays 23 ― Pip Meets Tiny (Part 2) | Teagan's Books

  4. Anytime I see a Pip story in my mailbox, it’s a good day … even if I missed Valentines! Looking forward to the next instalment of this one.
    I’ve actually tried to use a hat pin and found it utterly useless. I think your story gave me a clue as to why … 1 pin is just not enough 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. What a lovely thing to say, Joanne. 🙂 Thanks so very much
      As for the hatpins, I guess if the wind is strong, the wind will win every time. I figure they just give one a second to grab the hat before it flies away. 😉
      I appreciate you taking time to visit. You’re the bee’s knees!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Pingback: More Thistledown next week… | Today, You Will Write

    1. It seems a lot of women are unfamiliar with them, Robbie. A hatpin is usually a very long straight pin, with some kind of “jewel” topping it. Some are just a simple fake pearl, while others are elaborate jewelry. You would stick the pin through the hat, use it to pick up a bit of hair, and then stick it back out, so that the hat and hair were sort of hooked together.
      Back in the early 1900s for some, they were a handy self defense weapon, against muggers and molesters. I didn’t realize that many of the women got into trouble for defending themselves (or having them) until I just now found this article: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/hatpin-peril-terrorized-men-who-couldnt-handle-20th-century-woman-180951219/
      For a while it was a fad here to pin (sort of weave) several of them into the side seam of bluejeans (the leg). But they are hard to find, so the fad didn’t endure.

      Anyway, thanks for visiting. I’m very happy you enjoyed the opening to this story. You’re the cat’s pajamas!

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  12. Dear Teagan , thank you so much for adding my recipe to your wonderful story. I can’t wait to find out who the secret admirer is. You describe all the characters so well. Happy Valentines Day and I hope you got something sweet today.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Gerlinde. It was a delight to use your recipe! Thanks again. Everyone is drooling over the photos, so I hope they are also visiting the chef blogs.
      Ha. It was “sweet” to get home and shake off the workday. My leftover (but home made) potato soup was as much of a treat as I had energy for, and seemed like a feast. I’m so happy you enjoyed this part of the story. I haven’t written the rest yet, so your guess as to the admirer is as good as mine! 😀 ❤ Thanks for taking time to visit. You're the cat's pajamas!

      Like

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  15. I love the story, Teagan and I’m looking forward to a little more of Tiny the shy gentleman. Between you and John, I’m getting used to being on the edge of this cliff. I can wait for the next episode, but I’m gonna have to get me some cookies and maybe Skandia chocolate milk. By the way, I think you nailed the way those combative men would behave.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. LOL, well, I’ve seen enough of that behavior. 😀 But thank you! ❤
      I'm pos-i-lutely delighted that you enjoyed the opening to this story, Dan. I hope my story can do justice to John's list. Happy Valentine's Day hugs! …Now where's the cookies and milk…? Ah yes, heading home!

      Liked by 1 person

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  21. Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Teagan! All those pictures of delicious chocolate treats made my mouth water. Great episode and how creative to bring Tiny into it! Well-Done. Can’t wait to see what you and John have collaborated on. 🙂

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  22. Happy Valentine’s Day to you Teagan!! What a fun first part to your mini-serial, a mysterious lover and unsavory wrestlers to boot! Thank you so much for the link-up, all those treats are making my tummy grumble. I’m looking forward to part two and seeing what is on that also mysterious list!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Our weather situations seem to have switched, Lavinia. We finally have a few warm days on the horizon. Sounds like you have a good day for hot chocolate — and a kitty or three to snuggle with! 🙂
      I haven’t written part 2 yet, but I think it will be fun. I really appreciate you visiting. Happy Valentine’s Day hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  26. This made me happy and hungry = so hapungry? Either way, it made my day (and I sure needed this) so thank you, dear Teagan, hope this week is treating you kindly. 🙂
    Mega cupcakes are joy hugs xoxoxoxox

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  28. Pip and Tiny!! Two of my favorite characters. How clever of you to write a story that hooks the two together. And, this is a REALLY good story. Looking forward to next Wednesday. Many thanks, Teagan. ❤️

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    1. Oh! Thank you so much Jennie. You gave me a huge smile. Even if it is a Roaring Twenties version of John’s character Tiny, I was hoping everyone would think it was fun. I suppose it could be Tiny’s great grandpa. I really appreciate you taking time to read and comment. Happy Valentine’s Day hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Yes, Tiny’s great grandpa! It was such fun to read. I loved how you wove the story together with the characters. You always do that so very well! Happy Valentine’s Day to you, Teagan. ❤️

        Liked by 1 person

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        1. You just made me smile again! 🙂 That’s no small task when I’m in Mordor. No wonder your children adore you. When I’m writing a story, I have to be able to see it in my mind… playing out as a TV show or movie, complete with setting, clothes, and facial expressions. Often it’s hard to know whether I’ve given enough detail or too much. So I appreciate your comments. Hugs.

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          1. Oh, you definitely give the detail, because I can picture everything in my mind as I read your story. I tell my preschoolers when I chapter read that they have to make the pictures in their head. It’s true! That’s what makes a great story. I am so glad that I made you smile, Teagan! 😀

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  30. How delightful! I wonder who sent her the hat pins? I’ve always wanted a jar full of them. Just last week I remarked to a woman I passed while on a walk that I wished I had some hat pins to hold my hat in place. The string just wasn’t cutting it. I had to hold my hat in place the walk. 😦

    Hope you have a lovely day today! Happy Valentine’s Day! xx

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Deborah. Oh, I would love to have some vintage hatpins! Horsefeathers, I’d settle for some modern ones. o_O. I’ve had to explain to a couple of people what a hatpin is, when I’ve made a remark that I wished I had one… I guess they’ve become a rare thing.
      I’m tickled pink that you enjoyed this opening to the story. Huge thanks for taking time to visit. Happy Valentine’s Day hugs!

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  36. This was really good. I always say that if I could go back in time to any time it would be the 1920’s although I don’t know a huge amount about the period. My favourite periods of history however are the Middle Ages, the Stuarts and the First World War.

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    1. All exciting times to explore in books and movies, Tom. Growing up, I loved any movie with costumes from far away eras. I’m happy you enjoyed this opening to the story. Heartfelt thanks for visiting. Happy Valentine’s Day hugs!

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  39. Good morning Teagan, and a very happy Valentine’s Day to you and Crystal. I love the way your blog always takes me back in time, bringing up so many happy memories. I can remember going to the Ringling Bros Circus as a child….and those wonderful tasty valentine’s treats….my mouth is watering and it’s only 8 a.m. here in London!:) Thank you for another wonderful journey back into the 1920s jazz age. Hummingbird Hugs to you and Crystal. Janet xxx

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. I’m delighted to be your virtual time machine, Janet.
      I have never been to a circus. I’m sure it was a magical thing to a child. Yes, I was drooling while I added those delicious photos. I vote for dessert for breakfast! ❤ Happy Valentine's Day hugs!

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      Reply
  40. Pingback: Jazz Age Wednesdays 22 – The Militant Negro™

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