Saturday, October 13, 2012

"You're Going to Make it After All" MTM


There comes a day when every teenager's desire to have their own spending money pushes them into the work-a-day world of adulthood. For me this day coincided with a new boyfriend and the need for a wardrobe to impress. If the newly built indoor Mall was the Place to Be, J.R. Harris was the store for me.


With every word of wisdom my parents had ever given me filling the molecules of my being, I entered the refined ambiance that was J. R. Harris. Powder blue alcoves fitted with French Provincial settees, the latest in apparel ushered in an out of shuttered dressing rooms, larger size discretely required.


The manager stood behind the check-out counter, her minions hurridly attending to orders barked left and right. I had never seen a more homely looking woman. Nearly six feet tall with a pancake flat face, lips the color of blood red, fingernails to match. After my carefully practiced introduction, she spoke in the deepest voice I had ever heard. "I like your manners. You're hired!"


I couldn't have spent more happy days than those spent at J.R. Harris where friends were made and sales were compared from little slips of paper kept within our pockets. Paycheck garments set aside, boyfriend visits to admire, stolen kisses before exiting the store. Cloud Nine belonged solely to me, or so I thought.


Customer after customer my greeting remained the same, "Welcome to J.R. Harris, how may I help you this evening?" Customer after customer remarked, "You're voice is so melodic, you sound just like the lady on "Mary Tyler Moore"! Puffed with pride that my emulation of my personal hero was being validated, I finally had the courage to respond, "Thank you so much, I love Mary Tyler Moore."   


To which my cloud began to rain, "Oh No! Not her! You sound just like Ted Baxter's wife Georgette!" At this very moment, my manager came and put her arm around my shoulder and boomed to the customers, "That's why I hired her. I like that show!"


Please do not Pin pattern to Pinterest.



23 comments:

RetroSandie said...

Hi E! I love your cute Pumpkin guys! I loved all my goodies from your sale, too, BTW. Thank you for your darling Creative Breathing plaque. It's hanging on my wall above my desk and next to the window. Beautiful! Oh, and my BLOG is UP and RUNNING although it's not exactly how I want it. I even put on a teensy post, just to have something on it!! LOL So, I finally did it! I stayed up all night messing with it until 7:15 am, when I went to bed-sooo tired!!
It's listed under RetroSandie-http://retrosandie.blogspot.com/. I DID IT!!!!!

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Your pumpkin people are so cute. They're such a cute couple! Happy Halloween :) Have a great weekend xo Holly

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Your pumpkin people are so cute. They're such a cute couple! Happy Halloween :) Have a great weekend xo Holly

Tammy's in Love said...

Well, you managed to weave an adorable story in with your cute as a button Halloween characters! That blackbird is absolutely my new favorite! MTM's show took place in Minneapolis, My Hometown, you know!

Erica of Golden Egg Vintage said...

OK, I don't know what Georgette sounded like...but I'm sure the "not so pretty" woman hired you mostly because you sounded like Elizabeth!!!
Darn...I want one of each of those little trick-or-treaters!
Erica :)

Celestial Charms said...

Love your pumpkin cuties, and your story is so funny. I don't suppose you have any photos of the store where you had your first job? Sounds like the type of shop my mom used to do all her clothes shopping in. I used to love to go there with her, to see the one to one personal attention. Bring back the old fashioned and professional sales ladies, I say!
Maureen

Jenée said...

I love to read your "stories." I am not gifted in the area of needle crafts, but the adorable items you display and share with your followers are my "style." They remind me of my growing up days in so many ways -- like the Dick and Jane primers from which I learned to read. There was definitely a charm and innocence that now seems to be lost. Keep on sharing, please, as your blog is a joy to visit.

Kateyed said...

Dear E,
So good to be back to your blog that has always brought me such cheer. I have become a Pinterest addict and see you darling characters and, of course, pin them. I have just been returning to other blogs in the last couple days and had to pay you a visit...you who welcomed me with the wonderful heart!!!!
Sending you a big hug!
Suz

vintage grey said...

Sweet story, and the cutest pumpkin characters! Have a blessed Sunday! xo Heather

Shirley Hatfield said...

Georgette! Could you just die? I loved her...she had the most adorable voice. I see her on Raymond occasionally and she still sounds so sweet and kind. Isn't it funny...I was on That Girl and you were on Mary Tyler Moore! =D

Anonymous said...

Oh Elizabeth! Would you believe I'm watching season 2 of MTM right now?! I just flipped when I saw your title cuz I've been going around singing the theme song! Ha-ha!

I'm loving all the vintage decor in the girls' apartments and I love seeing what Mary and Rhoda will wear next- oh and Cloris Leachman's character, too! (I can't reember her character's name.) Georgette isn't in season 2but I remember her! How fun!

Did you know that I love fashion? Not evening gowns or styles for older women but the current styles of the younger women and teens. The other day, I checked out a 17 magazine at the library just to see all the cute bots, scarves and sweaters that they get to wear this Fall! I also love to look and shop at Rue 21 and I even bop around to the music a bit. I get some weird looks but I don't care. :)

Okay! Now I'll have to go back and look at your characters! ♥

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi "E"
I had to catch up with your posts. Love your shadow box filled with "Season Greetings"! It's a wonderful way to show off those little bits and pieces!
Too cute "Halloween" orange boys!
Warmly,
deb

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi "E"
I had to catch up with your posts. Love your shadow box filled with "Season Greetings"! It's a wonderful way to show off those little bits and pieces!
Too cute "Halloween" orange boys!
Warmly,
deb

Holly said...

What a wonderful and special manager you had! She sounded so sweet and kind hearted, just what your younger self needed :) I love the pumpkin patch characters! What fun! I will have to make some before I switch over to Christmas soon! Have a wonderful night and happy crafting, Holly
Ps I am going over to RetroSandie to say "Hi". She is so sweet.

Ina said...

well, i'm not sure what to say except Georgette was a wonderful character and her voice only made her more sweet and gentle! ;p

vivian said...

thats funny Elizabeth.. but georgette was the sweetest girl! I loved that show too.
another great story from our fabulous E.. no matter who you sound like we all love you here!
xoxo

Perfectly Printed said...

I can just see you tossing your hat into the at the end of your work day. Georgette was such a kind soul!,, love your Pumpkin characters!

Chris

LBP said...

Love your stories! I liked Georgette! Cute Halloween characters!

Blessings

Linda

craftyles said...

I have to say I loved Georgette! Your little characters are adorable.Love that story!

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

OH how this made me laugh! I love Mary Tyler Moore as well! But at least they liked the way you sound!!

My Vintage Mending said...

Miss E...I am so inspired when I find bits of myself in such an amazing woman and friend. Courage. strength and love like no other. God has placed me in the company of love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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