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zen3to5 · 5 years ago

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J/H 4-27: Love, Wisconsin Style

And here we go - Season 4 finale!

I didn't know when I started this project just how I'd end Season 4, and it was tricky to figure out. The goal was, without changing anything about the end of Season 5 (there will be a few Season 5 scripts coming, but none past the halfway point of the season), to make the ending of Season 4 give more weight to Hyde's insecurity and paranoia about Jackie and Kelso there. Feedback on how well that goal was met would be most welcome.

(I should say that I like the end of Season 5 quite a bit as it is. But, this being a project all about finding connective tissue between two different points in the show's run, I went a little further with that here.)

FF.Net AO3

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SHOW TITLE MUSIC NOTE: “Whatcha Gonna Do” by Pablo Cruise. INT. HUB - DAY A sunny afternoon, but the Hub is almost empty – it’s still school hours. But there are two customers – ERIC and KITTY. Eric leans against the counter as he talks with his mother. “Whatcha Gonna Do” plays on the jukebox. ERIC: So Mr. Hammond said it was fine for me to miss class, ‘cause I’m already getting an “A.” So just as you suspected, Mom, I am better than everybody. KITTY: All I know is that my little boy was very brave at the dentist today. Wasn't he? Yes he was, my widdle snickelfritz. ERIC: Okay, Mom, when a man reaches a certain age, the baby voice no longer comforts him. It urges him to kill. The door opens. In walk DONNA and CASEY. Well, Casey walks; Donna nearly falls over her feet trying to get through the doorway. She’s giggling fit to burst, and a large cup is in her hand. As she stumbles, she knocks over a chair. Casey rights the chair, steadies Donna, leads her toward the nearest table. CASEY: Okay, let's get you some coffee. Nobody pukes in the Trans Am. As they walk, Donna finally notices Eric and Kitty. DONNA: (gasps) Mrs. Forman! Uh-oh, you look mad. What did Eric do? (to Eric) Bad Eric! KITTY: Donna, why aren't you in school? CASEY: No worries, I called her in sick. Told ‘em, “lady troubles.” No questions asked. Donna starts to giggle again and loses her balance. Casey and Eric money to steady her. ERIC: Hey, easy there, wobbles. KITTY: (to Donna) Have you been drinking? DONNA: I hope so. 'Cause if not, this whole place is a-spinning! Hang on boys, it's a twister! She twirls her finger around and pivots on her feet, rocking back and forth between Eric and Casey as they try to get her upright.

MAIN CREDITS BUMPER INT. FORMAN BASEMENT - DAY THE CIRCLE. “Bad Time” by Grand Funk Railroad plays on the record player in the background. Eric is related the events of the last scene. ERIC: So, my mom and I were at the Hub getting ice cream, and we caught Donna with Casey, skipping school. And she was drunk. In the middle of the afternoon. It was like Sue Ellen on Dallas! Pan to Hyde. HYDE: (to Eric) You went to the Hub for ice cream with your mommy? (laughs) Why would you tell me that? Pan to Fez. FEZ: Hyde, the point is he went for ice cream. Without us! (to Eric) You cannot pick up a phone? Pan to Kelso KELSO: Hey, if we’re gonna burn Forman, can we hurry it up? You guys know I’m hiding from Jackie. The longer I stay in any one spot, the more likely she is to catch me, and then I gotta deal with her wanting to get married. TO ME! The record player skips. Kelso jumps at the noise and bolts for the stairs. Pan to Eric, who watches Kelso run upstairs before turning back to the Circle. ERIC: Guys, my mom's over at the Pinciotti's right now telling Bob about Donna being drunk. You can't do that kind of stuff in the middle of the afternoon. It'll mess up with your... your... your thinking thing. Pan to Hyde. HYDE: Yeah, you gotta stay sharp, man. That's why I keep myself pure until 3 o' clock. (checks watch) Two o'clock. That's why I keep myself pure until two o'clock. He lifts up his hand; his watch isn’t even on. HYDE (cont’d): I'm not wearing a watch. CUT TO: EXT. FORMAN DRIVEWAY - DAY A short time later. Hyde, Eric, and Kelso play basketball as best they can with the El Camino in the driveway. Kelso keeps shooting nervous glances down the street in both directions. ERIC: (to Hyde) Hey, you know what? Donna getting busted is actually great for me, because now she's gotta realize what a jackass Casey is. And when she dumps him, I'll be standing right here with open arms and a gentle “I told you so.” He mistakes Hyde’s frown for agreement. ERIC (cont’d): Oh yeah, that could happen. After all, I made that girl a woman. Kelso, dribbling the ball, bounces it into the hubcap of the El Camino. The clang makes him jump back and look around frantically. Eric puts a steadying arm on his shoulder. ERIC (cont’d): Kelso, you know you can’t hide from Jackie forever. Shouldn’t you just talk to her about this? KELSO: Eric, marriage is not a “this.” Marriage is not even an “it.” Marriage is the death of “it,” as in “doin’ it,” and me and my lightning rod in the pants have a lot more doin’ it to do! Hyde takes the basketball from him, starts to dribble, looks down the road toward the Pinciotti’s house. HYDE: (to Kelso) Hey, man. Here comes Jackie. KELSO: RUN! He shoves past Eric, rounds the El Camino, and cuts through the garage. Once he’s gone, Eric and Hyde share a laugh; it was a false alarm. ERIC: So, Jackie wants to marry Kelso. That’s gotta hurt, huh? Say, when you get them back together again, maybe you should offer to perform the ceremony. HYDE: Not this time, man. I mean, marriage in high school? That’s too weird, man. I’m staying out of it. Something over Hyde’s shoulder catches Eric’s eye. He strains to get a better look. ERIC: Here comes Jackie. HYDE: (scoffs) Come on, man. I’m not falling for that. But it’s no false alarm this time: JACKIE marches right up behind Hyde. JACKIE: Where’s Michael? Her shout makes Hyde jump and drop the ball. He turns to look at her; she is one pissed off girl. HYDE: He’s not here. JACKIE: Oh, don’t you give me that! I know that idiot still thinks the upstairs hall closet is a good hiding place! ERIC: (nods) Every game of hide-and-seek, ages 5 to 12. And he managed to get stuck under the bottom shelf every time. JACKIE: Look, he can’t blow me off like this! He proposed, I heard him. (holds up left hand) And he is putting a ring on this finger even if I have to chase him all the way to Minnesota! She tugs on Hyde’s arm. JACKIE (cont’d): Steven, I need you to help me look for Michael. HYDE: Excuse me? Jackie nods to the El Camino. JACKIE: He can’t go far on foot and his van can’t outrun your car. Come on, let’s go! HYDE: Jackie, I’m not driving you all over town looking for Kelso. I don’t even wanna look in the hall closet. JACKIE: (pouts) Fine! She elbows past Hyde, goes around the El Camino. Hyde shakes his head, turns to Eric. Before either of them can speak, they jump back at the revving of the El Camino’s engine. Jackie’s head sticks out from the driver’s side window. JACKIE (cont’d): Move it or lose it! ERIC: (to Hyde) Did she lift the keys to the El Camino off you? Hyde pats down his pockets. His jaw drops. HYDE: I taught her that move! ERIC: You’ve created a monster. HYDE: I know! And the worst part is, that was kinda hot! Eric throws his hands up, shakes his head, and turns to go inside. Jackie honks the horn. Hyde frowns at her, she scowls back, and he slowly makes his way around to the passenger’s side door. CUT TO: INT. DONNA’S BEDROOM – DAY The aftermath of Kitty’s news relay. Donna sits on her bed, arms crossed, as BOB and JOANNE loom over her. Bob is in a rage. BOB: (to Donna) What the hell’s going on with you? You’re grounded! No arguments! DONNA: Dad, I’m not grounded. BOB: Okay, well, then whatever you think is best. Joanne rolls her eyes. JOANNE: No! Not whatever she thinks is best. (to Joanne) You are grounded! DONNA: Hey, You're not my mother! You have no say in what I do. She stands, storms out of the room. BOB: (to Joanne) Well, she’s got you there. He shrugs and leaves Joanne shaking her head. CUT TO: INT. HUB - DAY Late in the afternoon. The sunlight coming in through the window is starting to turn to evening gold. “More, More, More” by Andrea True Connection plays on the jukebox. Fez and Kelso sit at a round table near the center of the floor, Kelso’s head jerking this way and that as he scans the crowd. FEZ: Kelso, you seem tense. I think living in a home with so many siblings does not provide you with enough privacy to relieve yourself – if you know what I mean. KELSO: It’s not that kind of tension, Fez. Being a one-woman man is one thing, but – but I can’t get married! I’m 18 years old, and way too hot! FEZ: So just say so. Go on, be a man! KELSO: That’s just it. I’m not a man. Which is why I don’t wanna get married! But... well, a lot of people don’t know this about us, but Jackie’s pretty much in charge. Fez raises his eyebrows; Kelso doesn’t notice. KELSO (cont’d): If she says she wants to get married, then it might happen! The only way it won’t happen is if I’m not around when she does. Something out the window catches Fez’s eye; he leans for a better look. FEZ: Here comes Jackie, driving the El Camino. KELSO: RUN! He throws himself out of his chair, sending it flying back to the door. He scrambles on all fours to reach the bathroom door, and we cut to: INT. HUB BATHROOM – DAY Kelso hurries inside, throws open the bathroom window, backs up just enough to get a running start, and launches himself cleanly through the window. KELSO (v.o.): (laughing) Man, that was awesome! CUT TO: INT. FORMAN KITCHEN - NIGHT An emergency confab. As Kitty ices a cake at the stovetop, Bob talks with RED and Eric by the island. BOB: And then I told Donna she was grounded, and she said no! KITTY: (looks up) She said no? ERIC: Can you do that? RED: No. BOB: I need your help, Red. I gotta get Donna away from that guy! ERIC: Oh, Dad, you know what's good? Threaten her with the old foot in the ass! KITTY: You know, that Casey. How could such a bad influence live in such a handsome package? Bad people should have a big scar and an eye patch so you could recognize them! BOB: The problem is, you know, there's a point where your kids realize you can’t do nothing to control them. ERIC: There is? RED: (to Eric) No! Now stop listening. (to Bob) Bob, I don't wanna get involved. I've got enough problems with the fourteen kids who think they live here now. CUT TO: EXT. FORMAN DRIVEWAY - NIGHT Immediately following the above. The El Camino pulls into the driveway. There is a dent and a long, red streak across the passenger side. Hyde exits out the driver’s side door, and Fez and Jackie exit out the passenger’s side. Jackie immediately crosses to Hyde. JACKIE: Steven, you get back here! We aren’t done yet! HYDE: Yes, we are. When you ruin the paint job and take out a fire hydrant, that’s the end of El Camino privileges for you, young lady! Something down the driveway catches Fez’s eye. FEZ: Someone’s coming. They all turn to look. It’s Donna and Casey, out for a walk-and-talk. CASEY: So the guy’s trying to tell me that his Z28 is the same car as my Trans Am except for the decals. DONNA: How can people be so ignorant? The patio door slides open. Bob marches out, followed by Eric, Kitty, and Red. BOB: I see you Donna! I see you! DONNA: Dad! BOB: Don't you “dad” me. You're not going anywhere, not with this guy. You're grounded again! Hyde, Jackie, and Fez huddle together. Fez brings out a box of chocolate-covered raisins. FEZ: (to Jackie & Hyde) Candy? JACKIE: Please. She helps herself to a piece. DONNA: Dad, I'm gonna do whatever I want with whoever I want whenever I wanna do it! BOB: We have to have a talk right now, Donna! CASEY: Mr. Pinciotti, sir, let me just say you're making a lot of sense here, and I think that when I bring Donna home tonight, you two ought to sit down and really hammer this thing out. Everyone’s on bated breath as they look to Bob. BOB: (beat) Okay, that sounds fair. Everyone but Donna groans together. ERIC: What? You're just gonna let her go off with him? BOB: What else can I do? RED: Oh, good God, that's it! Everybody in the living room. (no one moves) NOW! That does it. Everyone moves to enter the house. Red holds up a hand to block Jackie, Fez, and Hyde. RED: Not you. He enters the house. Bob, having been behind Fez, stays out with the kids. He takes a raisin that Fez offers. Red sticks his head out the patio door. RED: Bob, get in here! He heads back inside, Bob in tow. CUT TO: INT. FORMAN LIVING ROOM – NIGHT Tough love time. Eric stands by the front door with Bob. Donna and Casey are on the couch, the reluctant center of attention. Red stands behind his chair, leaning on it as he yells. RED: Donna, what has gotten into you? Skipping school, showing no respect for your father - BOB: That's right! RED: Shut up, Bob. Kitty hurries in from the kitchen with a big snack bowl. KITTY: Okay, here's snacks! She sets the bowl down on the coffee table. KITTY (cont’d): So, anybody need a drink? CASEY: I'll take a rum and coke for the road. ERIC: Hey, hey, buddy? A little tip? I think booze is what got you in trouble in the first place! RED: (to Casey) How could you take this girl out drinking in the middle of the day! CASEY: You know how it is. All the older girls were at work. He chuckles at his own joke and jostles Donna with his shoulder. She doesn’t look amused. ERIC: Can I say - this guy is not boyfriend material. BOB: I agree. You're not going out with him anymore. You two are done! DONNA/CASEY: No!/Alright. They look to each other. DONNA: What? CASEY: You gotta admit, this has been a real hassle. I mean, it was fun, and you're a great girl, but let's just call it a day. ERIC: Wait... you're breaking up with her? DONNA: Casey, I thought you said you... She looks around the room. She leans in close to Casey and drops her voice. DONNA (cont’d): You know... you said you loved me. CASEY: I have this thing where I say stuff I don't really mean. DONNA: Casey... CASEY: Look, Donna, I see what you're getting at, and I'm not that type of guy. He pats her knee. CASEY (cont’d): Mrs. Forman, let's say we rain-check that rum and coke. He stands, pats Eric on the shoulder, and walks out the front door. Eric looks to Donna. ERIC: Donna, I'm... I’m really sorry. DONNA: You're not sorry. You got exactly what you wanted. She stands, moves to the kitchen door. She throws it open, knocking into an eavesdropping Hyde, Jackie, and Fez. They fall back toward the fridge as Donna runs from the house. FADE TO BLACK COMMERCIAL BUMPER INT. FORMAN BASEMENT – NIGHT Eric is alone, brooding on the couch. He stands when he hears the door open. Kitty enters, with Donna. KITTY: Eric, there's someone here to see you. ERIC: (to Donna) Hi. DONNA: Hi. KITTY: Okay, can I get anyone a snack? ERIC: Mom. KITTY: Right, right. Have to stop doing that. (laughs) She makes a quick exit. Eric and Donna look to each other. ERIC: (beat) So, um... how are you? Donna crosses to him. DONNA: Humiliated. I'm such an idiot. I got dumped in front of the whole world. I don't... I don't even know what I said to your mom at the Hub and I hate that she saw me like that. What is wrong with me? ERIC: Hey, nothing. Look, your mom left. Come on – you’re allowed to freak out. DONNA: Everybody warned me about Casey and I fell for him anyway. He's such a jackass! ERIC: I really, really wanted you to figure that out. Just not like this. DONNA: Eric, I'm just... (sniffs) I'm so sorry. ERIC: Hey. He pulls her into an embrace. Donna nestles her head into the crook of his neck as she breaks into tears. DONNA: I was so stupid! As they pull apart, Donna brings Eric into a deep kiss. He just starts to give in when she pulls back and gives him a desperate look. DONNA: Eric, we should be together. ERIC: Wait, what? DONNA: Let's just, like, forget all this other stuff happened. She embraces him again. ERIC: Wait...wait. Eric pulls away. ERIC (cont’d): Donna... I mean, if you come running back to me now, I... Donna, I can't be your second choice. DONNA: But you're not! Eric... He bows his head. Even as her tears come again, he won’t look up. Donna turns, runs to the door. As she opens it, Kitty spills into the basement. She quickly stands and feigns confusion. KITTY: Oh! Where am I? She zips back out the door, and Donna follows. BUMPER EXT. FORMAN DRIVEWAY - NIGHT Hyde and Fez inspect the damage to the El Camino. Fez’s candy box is balanced on the rim of the flatbed. Jackie paces up and down the driveway, her eyes fixed on the road. Behind his shades, Hyde rolls his eyes. HYDE: Jackie, just go home. JACKIE: No! I know Michael has to be here some time. This is the only place he can get popsicles without one of his brothers trying to push the stick up his nose. FEZ: (nodding) It’s true. And believe me, that is unpleasant. Hyde sighs, crosses to Jackie. HYDE: Jackie, this is nuts. Shotgun weddings are for rednecks who knock up trailer trash and then get caught by her dad. Look, man, whatever you thought you heard, Kelso doesn’t want to get married. He’s not around because he doesn’t want to see you. JACKIE: Yes, he does, Steven! He told me that - HYDE: That he wanted to get married? Kelso? Michael “I didn’t know that firecracker would blow up the toilet” Kelso? Jackie’s eyes begin to water. She searches for words and can’t find any. Finally, she shakes her head. JACKIE: No. No, he didn’t. I got carried away, and I tried to control him, like I always do. (begins crying) But he wouldn’t even talk to me about it? She rushes to Hyde and throws her arms around his neck. Hyde throws his own hands up in the air. HYDE: Every time. FEZ: (to Jackie) Hey, he got the last two break-ups! Give someone else a chance! Hyde gives Fez a warning look. FEZ (cont’d): I know, I know. “Go home, Fez.” He begins slinking away, makes it halfway down the drive, then doubles back for his box of candy. He shoots Hyde one last dirty look before taking off. Hyde holds Jackie loosely by the arms and gently pushes her back. HYDE: Jackie... come on, man. JACKIE: (through tears) What kind of relationship is this when he tells me he wants to be together forever, then runs away as soon as I want a commitment? And after everything I put up with because he couldn’t get over that one kiss, when I never made him go through anything like that when he cheated on me. Well, enough is enough. I’m over him for good. She wipes furiously at her tears. Hyde shifts on his feet; he’s skeptical. HYDE: What did you want that kind of commitment for, anyway? You’re in high school. JACKIE: You wouldn’t understand. Steven, you’ve only ever had meaningless flings. I’m not like that, okay? I want love. True love. And Michael and I have been together so long, that I just thought - HYDE: Jackie, you’ve never been with anyone else. Even after the last time you two broke up, you didn’t see anybody, not really. Now, come on, man. You’re young and free now. Play the field. I told you before, you can find someone better than Kelso. JACKIE: But Steven, I’ve never felt anything for anybody else. HYDE: Anybody? Jackie looks up from wiping her eyes. She sees Hyde standing right in front of her. We cut to: JACKIE’S POV. She looks at Hyde’s chest, showing through the open buttons of his shirt... At his mouth as he smacks his lips... At his shades, as one eyebrow goes up... END POV. Jackie grabs Hyde’s head in her hands and pulls him down into a rough, deep kiss. Hyde gives in, snakes his fingers through her hair as Jackie runs her hands up and down his body. They break apart. Hyde coughs, adjusts his shades. HYDE: Huh. (beat) Jackie, you’re on the rebound, and this didn’t take the last time we were here. If you’re just looking to get back at Kelso - Jackie throws down the door to the flatbed of the El Camino and points. JACKIE: Get in. Hyde looks from the flatbed to Jackie. She holds up his keys in her free hand. HYDE: Hey, you keep stealing my keys, it’s gonna stop being a turn-on. Jackie gives him a look. HYDE (cont’d): (laughs) No it’s not. Jackie throws herself at him. Her weight sends them crashing back into the flatbed. CUT TO: INT. FORMAN KITCHEN - NIGHT Eric is in a chair from the kitchen table, turned to face the living room door. Red and Kitty stand over him, both furious. RED: Let me get this straight: Donna wanted to get back together and you said no? ERIC: I said no. RED: You said no! KITTY: (beat) Dumbass! ERIC: Look, I have my reasons, okay? KITTY: What could they be? What could they possibly be? ERIC: Casey dumps her and she comes to me? Okay, I'm not a rebound! RED: So you're too proud to take her back? And what do you have to be so proud of? You're not an athlete. The only smart thing about you is your mouth. And look at you! KITTY: Red, Red, he looks fine! He's just so darn stupid! I'm very upset. ERIC: Well, stop, okay? Because I already feel bad enough as it is. KITTY: Well you should! ERIC: Well, I do! I love her. He stands, starts to pace. ERIC: God, why do I always have to screw these things up, you know? Why does everything always have to be my way? That's why we broke up in the first place. KITTY: Well, we've all known that for a year! ERIC: Okay. Okay, I have to tell Donna how I feel. He doesn’t move at once. RED: Then go! Eric nods, heads out the patio door. Kitty leans on Red, and he puts an arm around her. KITTY: Oh, Red! RED: I know. We're never gonna get him out of the house. CUT TO: INT. DONNA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT The lights are off, but the door is open. Eric runs inside. ERIC: Donna? No one answers. Eric steps inside, looks around. Bob and Joanne enter. Eric crosses to them. ERIC (cont’d): Oh, hello, Mr. Pinciotti, Mrs... I'm sorry, Joanne, I don't know your last name. I have something to tell you guys. I love Donna. JOANNE: Well, she isn't here. We don't know where she is. (beat) And it's Stupack. ERIC: Well, if it's okay, I'll just wait. He sits down on the bed. Bob crosses to him, pats his shoulder. BOB: Sure. I always liked you. ERIC: Oh, thank you, sir. BOB: But do me a favor. Don't play with her undergarments. He and Joanne exit as Eric settles in. CUT TO: EXT. HUB PARKING LOT - NIGHT Past closing hours. Kelso’s Samba slowly pulls into the lot. Kelso sticks his head out, looking left and right. He brings the van into park, gets out, and stretches. Donna walks by, a knapsack slung over her shoulder. Kelso crosses to her. KELSO: Hey. Where are you going? DONNA: Bus station. I'm going to my mom's in California. KELSO: Oh, my God. You're running away. DONNA: I don't know what else to do. KELSO: No, I know how you feel. I feel trapped in this town. There isn’t any place I can go where I’m not gonna eventually run into Jackie. And when that happens – He hums a few bars of the wedding march, then mimes hanging himself. KELSO (cont’d): Hey... hey, you know what? I'll drive you. We'll both go to California! He slaps Donna on the shoulder and goes back to the van. DONNA: Kelso, are you up for this? KELSO: Hey, if the Beverly Hillbillies can do it, so can I. Donna chuckles and nods. DONNA: Great, let's go. They both climb into the van. Kelso starts ‘er up, and they take off. CUT TO: INT. DONNA’S BEDROOM – NIGHT Eric lies back on the bed. He plays with the pillows, twiddles his thumbs, and checks his watch. FADE TO BLACK CREDITS EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - DAY MUSIC NOTE: Theme from “The Beverley Hillbillies.” On the road for California. Donna sleeps while Kelso drives. Kelso glances over, sees that Donna is asleep. He reaches a hand back for her chest. She wakes up just in time to smack him away. DONNA: Kelso! I'm not gonna tell you again! KELSO: I was just reaching for my soda. Damn! DONNA: I should have taken the bus. END.

#z's fics #that 70s show #zenmasters #jackie x hyde #zen3to5 #fan fiction #fan script

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greenlocksandkeys · 2 years ago

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conniejoworld · 4 years ago

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Customers at Legends Diner in Denton are met with a new pink sign on the door when they visit the breakfast spot: “Our new surcharge,” the sign says: “$50 if I have to explain why masks are mandatory” and “$75 if I have to hear why you disagree...” Co-owners Wayne and Kat LaCombe are asking their customers and employees to continue to wear masks even though the mask mandate lifted in Texas on March 10. “I just can’t afford to get the virus. We’d have to shut our business down,” said Wayne LaCombe, a 41-year resident of Denton. His wife, Kat, is a retired nurse. She is now the chef and co-owner of Legends, and she makes what her husband says is “the best patty melt in town.” The two are getting their first COVID-19 vaccine today, but LaCombe notes that the shot doesn’t make people “invincible,” and he will still wear a mask afterward. Besides, he said, a majority of the customers at the 1950s-style diner are over 60 years old. “We want to stay safe for them,” he said. “For our customers, our employees, it’s the right thing to do.” Legends Diner joins hundreds if not thousands of restaurant owners in Dallas-Fort Worth who are continuing to wear masks and asking their customers to do the same. Our team of reporters found that customers and restaurant workers were mostly masked the day the mandate lifted in Texas. Co-owner Shad Kvetko in the middle of his drive-through outside of Las Almas Rotas in Dallas, July 18, 2020. Las Almas Rotas is one of many restaurants in Dallas that have pivoted to a drive-through option to keep their business afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Las Almas Rotas will also continue to require masks for employees and customers. The LaCombes got the idea to hang the “surcharge” sign after seeing a shop in Oregon post its own sign. People have been “lining up to take pictures of it,” Wayne said. So far, no one has been charged $50 or $75 for not complying with the Denton restaurant’s mask rules. But he’s ready to use it if he needs to. “I had two ladies who just left; and I was getting ready to charge them,” LaCombe said Tuesday morning. “They came in wearing a mask; they had breakfast. ... When they came up to pay, they didn’t have their mask on and I had to explain to them why it was important.” “But no,” he said, “I didn’t charge them.” Legends Diner is at 508 S. Elm St., Denton.

good for them

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whatthepr · 4 years ago

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PR Campaigns Amidst COVID-19

I’m not gonna lie, it’s been a weird time. COVID-19 has given us all quite the stir. Schools closed down, people who never thought they would be working remote are now wondering why it took them so long, companies had to reassess their strategies FAST and see profits go drastically down (hello, Delta?). Even Walt Disney World had recent layoffs; if that is not a reflection on the state of things, I’m not sure what is. All of that without taking into account the biggest issue: people’s health. Further, people are scared and don’t necessarily know what to do. Most who can stay home are, but there is much spare time as well, and it’s getting boring. I get it. I’m right there with you.

You might be wondering, what does all of this have to do with public relations? Well, PR agencies and companies alike are faced with a tough question: How to communicate about efforts, products and brand in a way that will not oversaturate publics but also keep them engaged? The good thing is that PR pros are used to the difficult questions. While this may understandably be crisis mode for a lot of organizations, communications specialists across the globe are still working hard to cultivate positive relationships between a company and its target audience. As such, I wanted to show you a campaign that has managed to do just that.

THE WILD DETECTIVES

A cute, small bookstore in Dallas, TX, found itself amidst a sea of face-to-face stores that could close their doors due to the decline in foot traffic and sales. So, what did it do? It reinvented itself as a travel agency. Yes, you read it right.

The Wild Detectives launched a website stating it had “pivoted” to become a travel agency. While it maintained its primary online retail shop, it created another in which current and prospective customers could type in a destination and choose a book that could “transport” them there, all in the safety of the customer’s home.

To go with its new and inviting website, the bookstore also created visuals showcasing some of the available destinations, much like what a real travel agency would do. What a simple and yet brilliant concept.

I typed in Rio de Janeiro—because of Brazil—and was not disappointed. The bookstore offered me two local destinations, which are named after the book titles. All I had to do was click “book this trip” to receive more information and finish ordering.

WHY IT WORKS

The Wild Detectives knew it needed a new way to attract customers and keep current ones engaged online only. COVID-19 threw them a big challenge considering a lot of people like to touch books and know what they’re about before buying them.

Dedicating a whole section of its business to one of the biggest advantages of reading did just that. It appealed to people’s desire to travel—which is almost non-existent right now and there is no sign of recovery in the near future—and the possibility of discovering something new through reading, all while staying home safely.

The results? The gimmick boosted sales 200% and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Longtime patrons continue to engage with the bookstore online, and new ones—including yours truly—have found a new and exciting way to converge the passion for reading with the love of travelling.

I definitely recommend anyone to check it out. Find a city you’ve always wanted to visit and see which books can take you there. Maybe it’s just the bookworm in me, but I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Overall, this is a great example of the ways companies have shifted to stay relevant in a world that has drastically changed in less than a year. The most important aspect of it all is that, yes, the campaign boosted sales, but it has created stronger, positive relationships with its publics and attracted new ones as well. And isn’t that what PR pros want?

That’s what I got for today, folks; I’ll see you all soon. In the meantime, I’m gonna choose some more destinations. ;)

Your host,

#whatthepr #PR campaigns amidst COVID-19 #class assignment #social media marketing #what the pr?

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usgag · 4 years ago

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Harlem dog groomer takes biz on the road to beat COVID-19 slump

The coronavirus led to some ruff times for dog groomer Brian Taylor.

But Taylor, who calls himself “Dogfather of Harlem,” found a way to reinvent his business amid the pandemic: He’s taken his show on the road, transitioning from his uptown brick-and mortar-shop to a mobile van that wheels around to pamper pups.

The 37-year-old owner of the beloved Harlem Doggie Day Spa at 734 St. Nicholas Ave. — which offers daycare, boarding and walking in addition to grooming services — was initially hit hard by New York City’s shutdown.

A Sierra Leone native, Taylor started his career as a JP Morgan Chase banker, but pivoted 10 years ago to start his pooch parlor. He attracted a coterie of devoted customers in the years since. But as spring, high season for groomers, loomed, COVID-19 catastrophe struck. Office drones were working from home, while frequent fliers were grounded. Their pups, then, didn’t need daycare or boarding.

Annual sales typically hummed to the tune of over $500,000, or upwards of $40,000 a month, but the health crisis forced operations to halt.

“We went down to $10,000 [in sales] for March,” said Taylor, who closed his doors to some 4,000 active pet parents. He was also forced to lay off his entire staff of 12, including many longtimers.

Brian Taylor, who in pre-pandemic times would groom about 250 dogs per month, cares for one of his pet customers, a 12-year-old Yorkshire terrier named Jade, in his new van.

J.C. Rice

Jade’s pet parent, Latoya Westbrooks, looks on as Taylor grooms her.

J.C.Rice

A lifelong dog lover, Taylor was also concerned for the health of his charges.

“If dogs don’t get their grooming, it could lead to bad health conditions. Their coats can get matted.” At the bleakest moments, Taylor contemplated shuttering altogether. “I thought about throwing in the towel,” he admitted.

But after Paycheck Protection Program money came through, plus $25,700 and counting from a GoFundMe campaign, Taylor decided he would ride out this tough patch — literally.

Tough customer Jade is satisfied after her in-van grooming.J.C. Rice

He outfitted a van with everything to groom on the go and told his local customers he could come to them. In normal times, he personally grooms 250 dogs each month.

Then he planned a six-stop cross-country road trip to support dogs in need across the US. Pet parents who lost their jobs, for example, can still provide for their four-legged friends.

His “Pandemic Pup Relief Tour,” which is performing pro bono grooming from Manhattan to Los Angeles, is powered by a team of all-black volunteer staffers from the Black Groomers Association.

View this post on Instagram

NYC-DC-Charlotte-ATL-Dallas-LA! We have 50 black groomers from across the USA ready to donate grooming services to the pups of America!

#pandemicpuprelieftour2020

A post shared by Harlem Doggie Day Spa – HDDS (@harlemdoggiedayspa) on Jun 12, 2020 at 5:42am PDT

“I needed to help as many people as I can,” said Taylor, speaking from the Wilmington, NC, leg, who treated some 100 dogs there along with the help of a dozen groomers.

Oddly, leaving the city turned out to be instrumental in gaining traction for both the van and his shop.

Taylor, who’s gained a steady following on social media with some 3,000 Instagram followers for himself and almost 10,000 for Harlem Doggie Day Spa, plans to reopen his storefront when he returns from the tour — and adding free grooming for those in need once a month.

Taylor hands a groomed Jade back to Westbrooks. J.C. Rice

“I thought I was going to lose the business,” he said. “But we opened during the recession [in 2010]. So I thought if we survived that, we could survive this.”

A customer — the longtime owner of a King Charles dog named Carey — told him, “If something happens to me, I want you to take care of Carey.”

It was a clarion call to carry on, and the origin of his nickname: the dogfather.

“That made me realize how important I am to their lives,” Taylor said. “I’m more than a guy who loves dogs. I want to give back.”

When Taylor returns from his Pandemic Pup Relief Tour, he will reopen his brick-and-mortar storefront (left) in Harlem — but still use the van to be able to go directly to customers.J.C. Rice

The post Harlem dog groomer takes biz on the road to beat COVID-19 slump appeared first on The Lastes US & World News - Opinion, Entertainments, Sports,....

from Bussiness – The Lastes US & World News – Opinion, Entertainments, Sports,… https://ift.tt/2ERUr4W via https://usagag.com

#bussiness gag

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dhierro · 20 days ago

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Top Custom Outdoor Light Fixtures Dallas Ideas For Christmas 2024

The holiday season is just around the corner. And this means almost every family in the residential corners of the country are looking for the perfect custom outdoor light fixtures in Dallas that still meets their space and resource needs while still maintaining the best view possible! What if we told you you could select customized fixtures for Christmas that can stay up throughout the year, looking artistic and brightening up your porch and backyard? If this interests you, keep reading to get a better understanding of the latest outdoor lights trends.

Best Ideas For Christmas Custom Outdoor Light Fixtures Dallas

Rustic Lantern Path Lights

What makes rustic lantern path lights the perfect addition to your home for Christmas?

These charming lights add a cozy warmth to any pathway creating a welcoming glow for holiday guests.

Designed to mimic classic lanterns they give your outdoor decor a nostalgic yet festive appeal.

The soft light reflects beautifully on snowy paths or decorated gardens enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.

With these lanterns your home feels like a magical winter retreat inviting everyone to experience the spirit of Christmas in a memorable way.

LED Wall Mounts

How would LED wall mounts transform the look of your home’s exterior?

These versatile lights can be strategically placed to highlight different outdoor spaces creating a stylish and welcoming ambiance. Installed beside the front door they provide a bright entrance that feels both elegant and secure.

Near garage doors or along pathways LED wall mounts add visibility while enhancing curb appeal.

In garden areas they cast a soft glow that brings landscaping to life at night. D’hierro Light Dallas offers options that bring this stylish functionality to any area making your home look both modern and inviting.

Color-Changing Tree Wraps

This is definitely one of the most common lighting solutions for houses on a limited budget!

These wrap around your trees in vibrant lights that shift colors creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The seamless color transitions transform your yard instantly adding a fun and unique touch.

They are simple to install and work well on any tree from tall pines to small garden trees giving your home a warm and cheerful glow.

With color-changing tree wraps each evening becomes a fresh celebration full of bright holiday spirit.

Sleek Modern Fence Lighting

How could sleek modern fence lighting transform your outdoor space throughout the seasons? These lights add a stylish touch that suits every occasion from Halloween and Christmas to cozy winter evenings.

With subtle yet powerful illumination they highlight fence lines creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for holiday gatherings or outdoor barbecues.

During the fall season which comes before, they enhance your yard’s beauty adding a soft glow to seasonal decor. Offered by Home Furnishing Store Dallas these lights provide a sophisticated and functional upgrade that complements your home all year long.

In Closing…

At any home decor furniture store Dallas, you can discover a wide range of stylish outdoor lighting perfect for enhancing your home’s exterior. During the festival season, special deals and discounts make it even easier to illuminate your space affordably. From elegant string lights to modern wall sconces you can choose options that fit your style and budget. Shopping smartly ensures you can create a festive atmosphere without overspending while transforming your outdoor areas into beautifully lit spaces for all occasions.

#home furnishing store dallas #d'hierro light dallas #outdoor lighting dallas #custom pivot doors dallas #custom bedroom furniture dallas #bedroom furniture store dallas

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jobsearchtips02 · 5 years ago

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American companies spent years in an economic boom. Then the coronavirus hit

A man walks past a store going out of business on May 5, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough in New York City.

Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images

The U.S. economy was slowing last year, but many companies entered 2020 with reasons to be optimistic and expansion plans to match.

Hotel construction around the country had never been busier. Airline employment continued to climb to the highest levels in more than 16 years. Retail sales in December were up for a third straight month. And consumer spending reached an annual record of $13.28 trillion in 2019.

Then coronavirus hit.

Reeling from the whiplash, the CEOs of companies from Macy’s to Ford, from McDonald’s to American Airlines have all used the same word to describe the fallout: Unprecedented.

The blow has been swift and vast.

The country’s unemployment rate, at a roughly 50-year low in February, is now at levels not seen since the Great Depression. The U.S. lost a record 20.5 million jobs in April — and many economists have warned the jobless rate of nearly 15% doesn’t fully reflect the pandemic’s toll on the workforce.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been beyond the worst case scenarios that executives at many of the country’s largest companies had prepared for. Instead of a gradual slowdown, the coronavirus — and efforts to contain it — ground much of the economy to a halt. The crisis has forced companies to shutter stores for weeks, lay off employees, shrink budgets and shift to other business models — quickly.

The virus is likely to trigger an economic hangover that could last for years. It’s also prompted soul-searching as businesses plot out how they can bounce back. And it could cast a long shadow, permanently changing how companies spend money, sell goods and run their businesses, as new requirements spring up that could add to their costs.

Kenneth Rogoff, an economics professor at Harvard University and former chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, said the pandemic is a stark reminder that “out-of-the-box shocks happen.”

“You have to avoid drinking the Kool-Aid,” he said. “You can find lots of articles from the investment banks, from economists about how we’re in this remarkable period of low volatility. ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ without any kind of sense of perspective that just because the market isn’t predicting a shock doesn’t mean that it’s not going to happen.”

A business plan called pandemic

Automakers saved billions in cash in preparation for an economic downturn — but even companies in the cyclical industry hadn’t predicted the extent of financial disruption brought by the pandemic.

“I never had a business plan that was called pandemic,” Ford CEO Jim Hackett said in an earnings call. He added: “we just never imagined the economy turning off.”

When it began as an outbreak in China, it wasn’t immediately clear how disruptive the coronavirus would become around the world.

Boeing‘s CFO Greg Smith, on an earnings call on Jan. 29, called the impact of Covid-19 on air traffic in the near term “clearly a watch item this year.” General Electric‘s CEO Larry Culp, when asked at a Feb. 19 industry conference about coronavirus impacts, said that “it’s just too early to call given none of us know just how quickly everybody will be getting back to work.” Both companies have announced job cuts in the last few weeks as airline customers for new planes post losses.

Before the disease spread globally, the impact of the pandemic began to show up in the form of supply chain constraints that made it harder to import goods or parts from China because of factories that were shut down there. Apple, for example, said it expected to have a shortage of iPhones.

In late February, Best Buy said the coronavirus outbreak in China was making it harder to stock stores with goods from the country such as computer monitors and video game systems. But the big-box retailer’s CEO Corie Barry said the company’s merchants knew how to deal with the inventory challenges because they dealt with the uncertainty of tariffs.

As the coronavirus began to spread in the U.S., shutting offices and schools, Best Buy tried to keep its doors open. It saw a burst of demand as thousands of people began to set up home offices, buy supplies to help their kids with remote learning and upgrade kitchen appliances. But by mid-April, it was hard to keep its customers and employees safe as the numbers of people with Covid-19 ticked higher. Best Buy announced plans to close its stores to customers, switch to curbside pickup only and furlough about 51,000 employees.

The number of cases was rising rapidly in cities like New York and Detroit. The pandemic brought global auto production to a standstill and shut down U.S. facilities, most of which remain closed. Consumers focused on the bare essentials, stocking up on groceries, prescriptions, cleaning supplies and other household items like toilet paper.

Having a business model which is flexible and adaptable was already very important in a world which is highly globalized and competitive with constant technological change. It is 10 times as important right now.

Kenneth Rogoff

Professor of economics, Harvard University

The abrupt change cost automakers billions. Ford tallied $2 billion in losses in the first quarter, and it expects the pandemic-related losses will be even larger in the second quarter. It forecast an adjusted pretax loss of more than $5 billion. Fiat Chrysler burned through about $5.5 billion in the first quarter. General Motors managed to report a $294 million profit and a cash burn of only $903 million for the quarter, $600 million of which was related to Covid-19.

U.S. airlines in the quarter ended March 31 swung to their first losses in years. U.S. business and leisure travel came to a near standstill. Many people were hunkered down at their homes, venturing out to the grocery store or the pharmacy, but little else. Spending patterns changed, as they contemplated an uncertain future.

Urgent action

The pandemic and measures to stop it from spreading upended daily life and sent companies scrambling to cut costs and reduce headcounts, the opposite of what many of them were planning at the start of the year.

Airlines that were gearing up for strong business and leisure travel this year did an about-face. Air travel demand fell to the lowest levels since the 1950s, before the jet age, according to Airlines for America, which represents the largest U.S. carriers, including Delta, American, Southwest and United.

U.S. airlines slashed flights, idled about half of their planes, froze hiring and asked their employees, which numbered more than 750,000 in March, according to federal data, to volunteer for unpaid or partially paid leave. Thousands signed up and executives encouraged more to follow suit. Carriers also rushed to raise new debt. They started receiving portions of $25 billion in federal payroll grants and loans last month that require them not to lay off or cut the pay rates of workers through Sept. 30, but warned they expect to emerge smaller airlines. They also expect to be able to receive part of another $25 billion in federal low-interest loans.

People wearing masks and gloves wait to enter a Walmart on April 17, 2020 in Uniondale, New York.

Al Bello

For companies that were still seeing demand, it was not business as usual. Modifications had to be made to protect workers and customers. Supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores selling essentials reduced hours to allow employees extra time to clean and stock shelves that were quickly stripped by stockpiling customers.

Walmart, which is already the largest private sector employer in the country, had to hire 200,000 additional employees in its stores, distribution and fulfillment centers to keep up with demand and fill in workforce gaps as some employees got sick or took off from work because of the additional risk or lack of childcare.

And Target halted the start of all new store renovations, saying they’d be too disruptive. It scrapped plans for a record expansion of small-format stores, designed for dense urban neighborhoods like in San Francisco or New York City. It delayed its addition of fresh food and alcohol to its pickup and drive-up services.

Target wasn’t alone in scaling back growth plans. Many companies also took drastic measures to stay afloat during the pandemic. Stock buybacks were halted. Dividends were suspended. Executive pay was cut. Employees were furloughed. Credit lines were drawn down. Financial outlooks were pulled.

Some made sharp pivots to new business models. Panera Bread, for example, began selling yogurt, fresh produce and other groceries as demand for typical restaurant fare like soups and sandwiches plummeted.

Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks said they saw a surge in loyalty program members as consumers downloaded their apps to order takeout or delivery. Both companies have heavily invested in technology in recent years, a strategy that’s helped them reach customers even at locations that lack drive-thru lanes.

While digital orders haven’t insulated either company from sharp sales declines, the two have outpaced the broader industry. But trying to attract cash-strapped customers with full pantries comes at a cost. Chipotle has offered free delivery since mid-March, which will weigh on profits. Delivery orders also squeeze restaurant margins because of extra packaging to safeguard food and drinks and the hefty commission fees paid to third-party delivery providers on every order, as Starbucks told investors last month.

American Airlines fleet services employees prepare to load cargo pallets on a 777-300 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) bound for Frankfurt Airport in Germany during the cornoavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on March 20, 2020 in Dallas, Texas.

Tom Pennington | Getty Images

For Yum Brands’ Pizza Hut, the pandemic is finally helping the struggling company shed its reputation as a dine-in pizza chain. Pizza Hut has tried to grow its digital and delivery sales as fewer customers want to eat their pizzas inside its restaurants.

“This three-month period we’re in right now, basically, we’re gonna have three years worth of changes in our business, and it’s accelerating our plan for Pizza Hut,” Yum CEO David Gibbs told analysts last month.

Airlines facing a dearth of passengers started scheduling flights that were carrying only cargo. For American Airlines, they were its first cargo-only flights since 1984. And General Motors began making ventilators.

Rogoff, the economist and Harvard professor, said companies will have to be nimble to weather what’s likely to be a years-long economic downturn.

“Having a business model which is flexible and adaptable was already very important in a world which is highly globalized and competitive with constant technological change,” he said. “It is 10 times as important right now.”

A long shadow

As stay-at-home orders lift in parts of the U.S. and the economy begins to reopen, companies are previewing how they’ll adapt to and operate in a changed world.

Millions of Americans have tighter budgets after layoffs or pay cuts. Some have new aversions, such as fear of going to restaurants or grocery stores. And many have heightened expectations for safety.

“I don’t think we’re all going to stand 6 feet apart forever, but I think there are going to be new norms about not going to work if you’re not feeling well and expectations for retail stores, entertainment venues and hotels to ensure high-quality standards for cleanliness,” said Steve Barr, a consumer markets leader for PwC.

Companies are already adopting new policies to prevent spread and put customers’ at ease.

Some grocers, including Costco, now require all customers to wear masks. And Best Buy has reopened hundreds of its stores to customers — but only by appointment.

U.S. auto dealers, many of which are small businesses, have moved to online sales during stay-at-home orders, something many dealers have resisted for years over fears about it hurting their traditional showrooms. They’ve also increased vehicle delivery options and established touchless delivery protocols.

Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft will require drivers and passengers to wear face masks . At Hilton hotels, housekeepers will put a seal on doors to indicate to guests that the room has been vacant since its cleaning.

The Westin Houston Medical Center is testing a germ-zapping robot that sanitizes and disinfects hotel rooms.

Source: Westin Houston Medical Center

I don’t see the strategic imperative in cancelling growth. If you follow everything the lawyers tell you to do, everything would freeze.

Richard A. D’Aveni

Professor of business strategy, Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business

The pandemic has turned some winners into losers.

Home-sharing giant Airbnb has fallen out of favor as travel demand plunged after shelter-in-place orders were implemented around the world and airlines cancelled much of their international service. The company had planned to go public in 2020. Now, it’s processing refunds and last week announced it would lay off nearly 1,900 employees, or 25% of its workforce. Its valuation has plummeted from $31 billion in March 2017 to $18 billion by the end of April 2020.

On the other hand, Peloton shares have surged. Investors that once ridiculed the company as a “bubble stock,” have seen new relevance in its pricey exercise equipment and virtual workout classes as trips to the gym and the spinning studio seem less appealing.

For some companies, the crisis will tighten capital spending. For others, it’ll force spending in new areas.

In the auto industry, research firm IHS Markit expects worldwide vehicle sales to decline 22% this year to under 70 million units, led by a 26.6% fall in the U.S. to 12.5 million units, compared with a year ago.

Scarred by the crisis, companies may speed up investments in automation so work can be done by machines instead of people.

“Coronavirus can’t kill machines,” said Richard D’Aveni, a professor of business strategy at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business.

Rogoff said businesses may have to spend money on restructuring. For example, he said, they may move their offices outside of cities hard-hit by the coronavirus to areas where they can have larger campuses where people spread out or invest in technology that accelerates the fulfillment of online orders, as people’s shopping behaviors shift.

Stores of the future may look different, too, Barr of PwC said. Just as airports added room for security after 9/11, he said grocery stores and other retailers may be built to allow customers’ more personal space and provide greater flexibility or safety in a similar crisis.

Even after the pandemic fades, executives may have a more conservative approach to expansion and the spending required. But if they’re too cautious, it could hurt them, said D’Aveni.

He said companies could miss opportunities if they are too cautious.

“I don’t see the strategic imperative in cancelling growth,” he said. “If you follow everything the lawyers tell you to do, everything would freeze.”

Rogoff said the economic downturn triggered by the pandemic will likely cast a long shadow. He said he expects to see a shift away from globalization as travel becomes more complex and less appealing and as companies tighten control over their supply chain.

“2008 brought radical changes,” he said. “This is worse than 2008.”

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/american-companies-spent-years-in-an-economic-boom-then-the-coronavirus-hit/

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captaincommunityoffice-blog · 5 years ago

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Digital Advertising Techniques to Consider During Coronavirus

1. Connect with your customers on Social Media During Crisis Management

We are all responsible for the impact a coronavirus outbreak has had on our lives whether or not you have been tested. We all take precautions. We are locked in our homes and our children are not in school. We will not visit our friends. We won't eat at our favourite restaurants or go out to the movies. Sure, it's all a little ready but still worthwhile. This is a time to show empathy to others and help where you can. This is a time that all of us need to be sensitive - and not over-selling or depressing - but it's a good chance your brand can emerge at a difficult time. Many people are on social media now while they are busy at home, scanning updates and trying to stay connected in one single nation.

Also, use your business to contribute to local food banks or assist the elderly with their grocery shopping. And promote your best practices through Social Media Marketing Services to help build your brand.

2. Ensure Your Business Is Available Online

If you didn't realize, more people are online now than in their cars or on the road. Search traffic has increased significantly this past week and will continue to climb as we go down. We are all integrated into our computers and phones looking for updates within our community. And we want to have fun and ways to pass the time. For many, that includes shopping online.

Anything online currently will be consumed more than ever. This is not the time to be hidden online. You should use Search Engine Optimization Services (or) SEO Consulting Services techniques to go up the search engine optimization pages (SERPs) to make your business more accessible. This is not the time for the business to go into the shell and scratch your head every few days to see that the sun is out.

3. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising by Smart Move Right Now

With so many people at home in front of their screens, it's a great opportunity for businesses to use Google PPC Marketing Agency to connect with their customers and gain competitive advantage. Oh, and it's also a great opportunity to save some money within your digital marketing budget. On average, cost cuts have dropped by 6 percent on all cosmetics since last week, according to PPC senior manager James Wolff. And the CPC is likely to continue to decline next week, reducing the amount of advertisement that the publisher pays for every click. That gives your business another chance to recover that lost market share from others shrinking at this time.

4. Sit Forward or Jump Forward To Your Race

Digital Marketing Company in Kukatpally, KPHB, Hyderabad helps your business increase the average traffic to your website and streamline your competition. You want to be on the first page of Google SERPs - and at the top of the list - so that when your customers are looking for specific keywords the company ends up phoning you. Going to the top of the SERPs takes time and tricky strategies to work properly. If you do not continue to optimize your website and content every day, you lose valuable ground in search results and your freefall can cost your business thousands of dollars in lost revenue.

5. Prepare Your Bounce-Back Surge Business

As we mentioned earlier, coronavirus outbreaks should cease altogether (as in China) every few months. This is where the commonality and consumer habits come into play. You have to remember that Digital Marketing Agency in Kukatpally, KPHB, Hyderabad is a long-term strategy. What you do today with your SEO campaign will affect your search traffic from two months from now. Pausing your SEO campaign now can have a devastating impact on the revenue you receive two months from now when the coronavirus starts to become a distant memory.

6. Different Circumstances Provide Opportunities for Special Work

In this time of uncertainty, you have the opportunity to show your customer base support by offering special discounts that will keep your money flowing. Identify the market value of your products and create a special offering. Many people look around the home, looking for discounts to save during wartime. It is a great way to get involved with your customers and keeping the cash flow available will keep your doors open. You can redeem your special offers with Facebook Advertising and Marketing Services and social media promotion.

7. Local SEO is now active; such is your Internet Review

We all reduced our travels and stayed closer to home. On rare occasions when we leave our house, we look for nearby places for services and amenities. So you want to make sure your business uses Local SEO Services strategies to make your website search “next to me”. You want consumers in your geo region to easily find you online so they turn to you first. At a time when we all want simple profits, this gives your business the opportunity to provide assistance during critical family times.

One way to strengthen your local SEO at this time is to not forget about the importance of adding good reviews. During the coronavirus, managing an online reputation is just as important as it was before because this is a good time to connect with your target audience during the chaos. Providing a service or product that is right for people in a time of stress like this - when they were desperately needed during this COVID-19 demolition - may have been rewarded with glowing reviews.

Even though Google My Business (GMB) has been suspended for publishing online reviews, you still have to press to get updates posted so they publish when GMB returns to normal. One way to grow your brand during a disaster is to turn to a company that specializes in online shadow management such as ORM Services to help you with your review responses.

8. Be Prepared for Pivot as a Business and Inform Your Customers

In a liquid state, your business should also be liquid. This is the time to find ways to connect with your customers more than ever. It shows you empathy and keeps you entertained at a time when your business is likely to be impacted by homebuyers. For example, restaurants are now closed because customers do not eat. You must make sure that you provide free delivery services. Just the other day, a Dallas-based e-mail restaurant offers email three ways to get their food into the hands of their customers: delivery, curb side ordering and parking. Also, let your customers know how to add your own hygiene habits and how to do exactly that.

But other businesses have to hold the pivot right now, too, as we live in it. Gyms have closed their doors in an effort to prevent coronavirus spread, but why not offer online fitness classes now? Dentists can offer online consultation. Grocery stores should offer a free curb side van. All these opportunities can be boosted by social media campaigns.

9. Don't fall victim

How many papers do you have for going to your house right now? If your answer is a full costume, you may be one of the people who entered the store when coronavirus hysteria began to rush on the weekend. This is not how you want to react if you want to use a smart digital marketing strategy. You will not want to do the shaking. You always want to use metrics and analyse all the information you have before making a decision.

Knee-jerk reactions rarely end in digital marketing. Be careful when responding to sudden economic or market changes.

10. Use this extra time to complete your digital to-Do list

Now that you are not traveling to the office or taking in person meetings, it may be that your plan frees you up for a while. Those promotional items that may have gone down the cracks and were completed can now be resolved.

Maybe your website needs a whole new look. DigitalGYB web design experts can change your website. This is also a great time to have a Google PPC Marketing Agency, Facebook Advertising Marketing and Lead Generation Services specialist to perform CRO Auditor for your business. Make sure your call-to-action (CMAs) turn around leads to customers. Also, it is a good time to do SEO research on your website to make sure you optimize your optimization strategies.

#Social Media Marketing Services #Search Engine Optimization Services

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cynthiadshaw · 5 years ago

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Perspective & Advice for Those Facing Insurmountable Odds

Throughout our journey with Voyage, the one thing we have learned over and over is that hidden within every challenge is a blessing or opportunity. It’s up to us to determine whether a challenge we face will be a step back or the catalyst for a step forward.

We had the honor of connecting with some of the city’s brightest leaders and role models and we asked them our question of the month: What is the best advice you have for someone who feels like they are facing insurmountable odds.

Below, you’ll find their advice and links and other info so you can learn more about them, their work and how to connect with them. We’ll be interviewing many of these amazing individuals in the coming weeks, stay tuned.

Liliana Garcia | Dallas Blogger

My advice is to never give up. There will be times that you are faced with challenges and obstacles, but you should do your best to keep moving forward! Every successful person has dealt with similar situations. There will be good phases and bad phases. You just have to keep fighting for your dreams and passion! It’s ok to take a break and reevaluate your approach sometimes-but don’t give up!

Website: https://www.coffeewithlilly.com Instagram: @lillynillyy Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lillynillyy

Victoria Raines | Media Influencer & Photographer

Stop. Look. Listen Stop. Take a deep breath. Look. If you think what is in front of you is impossible, look behind you at all of what you have already overcome. Listen. What is your heart saying to do? Some situations can only be overcome by being true to yourself.

Instagram: @v.daniellephotos, @itsyourgirlvic Youtube: @itsyourgirlvic Email: [email protected]

Ashley Allen-Founder of The Grand Ivory

Hard work, time, and believing in yourself are essential in achieving success. Facing obstacles are a given, but it’s how you react to them that will define your path. Every experience you go through will make you stronger and more knowledgeable.

Website: www.thegrandivory.com Instagram: @thegrandivory

Ken Chalk | Fitness Professional & Content Creator

As silly as it sounds the best advice I can give when facing insurmountable odds is to just trust the process. I do believe that everything happens in due time and when it is meant to happen it’ll come to fruition.

Stay true to yourself and know that if the odds are always against you it just means that you are meant to learn something from your experience.

Website: www.kensfitnesscorner.com Instagram: @kens.fitness.corner

Kati Long | Lake Highlands Social

My best advice for someone who feels like they are facing insurmountable odds is to assess your situation and prioritize what you have left to accomplish. This will allow you to focus more on the larger tasks and have less things bogging you down. Chipping away at your tasks a little every day will help you have a sense of accomplishment and provide you some confidence to carry on. Allow yourself some grace and accept that not everything is going to be perfect and seamless. You can accomplish what you set your mind to! Instagram: @lakehighlandssocial

Joanna Latham | Owner of Jo Latham Fine Jewelry

We first have to open our hearts and minds and accept what we cannot change and focus on the things that we can. Never underestimate creativity, hard work, a positive attitude and asking for help when you need it. We are not alone in this world. Approach your challenge by taking small bites out of the problem, never try to tackle something big when you are tired…a good night’s sleep is the best remedy. Believe in yourself, believe in silver linings when things don’t go your way, and be willing to go the extra mile!

Website: www.jolatham.com Instagram: @jolatham Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolathamjewelry/

Joshua Espinosa | Fitness, Health & Wealth Enthusiast

I’ve had so many different kinds of struggles in life, from money problems to relationship issues. You can’t ever give up on who you believe you are. Regardless of how you may sometimes look to others. You gotta stay true to yourself, keep your head up & always take the advice of your closest friends with a grain of salt. But make sure you take it. Always push forward and don’t EVER give up. I’m here for anyone who is doubting themselves. I’ve been there many times. I feel like I’ve gotten past hurdles that would stop most In their tracks. I’m here to share those experiences.

Instagram: @j_aint_eezy

David Oun | H.M.C.I.C. (Head Mother Clucker In Charge)

I would say the best advice to give someone facing insurmountable odds would be to keep at whatever they are doing till the very end with good and positive attitude. I’m actually facing the issue myself with my location being extremely hidden in a part of town no one frequents, and plagued by bad construction. I’m going at it everyday giving it 100% being as positive as I can. For me it’s extremely important especially while talking to customers and letting them know my story and my passion for food. For me if I make it through this I will know that by hard work and grit paid off. If it does unfortunately fails though I can move on my life knowing I tried my best and hopefully be successful in my future endeavours.

Website: https://mothercluckertx.com Instagram: @mothercluckertx

Utsav Singh | Personal trainer, Competitive Fitness athlete and Model

In life, there is no success without failure. Life is full of obstacles, and when you’re going through the bad times eventually it will end. The key is to take a step back, rethink, focus, make a strategy to follow and stick to it. Eventually, you will overcome any odds and it will be more gratifying that you didn’t let the bad times keep you down. Believe in yourself and keep up the “I got this!” mentality. Instagram: @saltysingh__ Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/4kh1LbTzLlc

Cindy Kerr | Managing Partner/Owner of Get Cozy of Dallas, LLC

My advice is to focus on opposites, for anything that appears as insurmountable there is an opposite, something that is attainable. I dissect the challenge down to its core to understand how to conquer it piece by piece. Applying the knowledge, skills, talent and determination you have used to achieve in the past will help you achieve again. It may take longer than you hoped, or happen in a different order, but in the end, your discipline and innate qualities that have made you successful in the past will make you successful again. It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed, or fearful, we’ve all be there, chase away the fear, seek perspective and conquer it. Then when you do, take time to celebrate the victory large or small, remember the feeling of accomplishment, and have the confidence to take on anything in your path!

Website: www.bubblesandbrewbar.com Instagram: @bubblesandbrewsdallas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bubblesandbrewsdallas Email: [email protected]

Miriam hernandez | Local Baker

My advice to anyone that is facing insurmountable odds is to understand that you must keep an open mind to all possibilities. Start off by visualizing and writing down your goals. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Things don’t happen from one day to another you must be patient. Accepting failure is something important , as you may fall , but it’s solely up to you to get back up and continue to push for your dreams. Remember that it’s okay to start back from zero, learn from previous mistakes, to achieve greater outcomes. As I once read “Done be afraid to take the WHISK!”.

Instagram: @choco_sweets1 Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Chocosweets19/?ref=bookmarks

Bailey Shelton | Hairstylist & Make up Artist

My best advice for someone who is facing insurmountable odds is..this could be a blessing in disguise, the push you needed or the door opening that changes your future. I had my dream job, I loved being a full time make up artist, I couldn’t imagine doing anything different. I loved the relationships I had with my coworkers and on air talent. Then I got laid off, it was crushing and I didn’t know what to do next, but realized that this was my chance to go back to school and get my cosmetology license. The timing ended up being perfect. I went back graduated school, received my license and now work at salon. I still have amazing relationships with my coworkers and now my clients. I am still a make up artist at heart and continue to do make up but I’ve learned new skills that have broadened my career. Now I love and couldn’t imagine doing anything different. So you never know, some of your hardest days may turn to be the most rewarding and may lead you to something that will forever change your future! Instagram: @Beauty_bybailey

Adela Chavez | Calligrapher and Invitation Designer

I think it best when trying to accomplish something that feels insurmountable, to put blinders on and stay on your own path. This is your own unique adventure to travel through and if you start to pay too close attention to others in your field, you may start to make decisions or pivot based on where they are in their adventure. I heard once “Don’t ever compare your start to someone else’s middle”. I think that statement rings so true. Starting a business carries with it all the emotions, fear, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, accomplishment, and more. Listen closely to your intuition, it has already gotten you this far, keep your head down and as much as you can enjoy the adventure. It’s worth it, every step of the way.

Website: http://www.adelachavez.com/ Instagram: @adelachvz

Fort Worth Music Academy | music lessons for kids and adults

Break down the insurmountable into manageable chunks. schedule out each smaller task. for example, in music practice, instead of thinking “it’s going to take me years to get good!,” ask, “what small tasks need to be accomplished today to move me forward?” chords- 5 min, rhythm- 5 min improv- 10 min songs- 10 min. Now you have a 30 min daily plan that is very doable and prevents overwhelm

Website: https://www.fortworthmusicacademy.com/

Bessy Martinez-Founder | Photographer & Social Media Strategist

Don’t give up on sharing with others what you have to offer. You have a story and you’d be doing a disservice to yourself and the community if you let your fear of failure take the best of you. Remember it’s not about the destination but about the journey that got us there. So do it scared, do it unprepared, but do it because it’s what lights up your soul. The next challenge in your life your face, you’ll walk in better prepared and more confident to fight again. Instagram: @bgmmediagroup Facebook: @bgmmediagroup

Maria Leal | Believer, wife, Mom & hairstylist

It can’t rain forever! Focus on the positive and believe that this shall pass too. Don’t get discouraged and settle, the best part of your life is still up ahead. I’m feeling exactly like this at this moment and this verse keeps me going… God reminds me that it doesn’t matter what I go through , He will always be with me. Life it’s hard, circumstances change your life, people’s decisions change your life or even your own bad choices make a huge impact in your life.

You just gotta keep pushing, keep believing that everything we go through shapes our character and will determine who you will be. Get the best out it, learn from it!

Instagram: @hairstylistmarialeal Email: [email protected]

Scott White | Deep Red/Duell

I would say to keep in mind your goal and accept that you won’t reach it easily in most cases. The hardest obstacles never seem as difficult when you break them out on paper. Writing a song is just making the decision to sit in a room with your guitar or your pen and making noise until you notice the right thing and it carries you off. Every song I’ve written feels like the last one until the next one surprises me. The world surrounding your goal, problem, or solution isn’t the problem nearly as often as you may be to yourself. So breathe, fuck up, and accept that things may not work. But you’ll learn and do it again just a little better the next time.

Website: https://deepredtx.bandcamp.com/releases Instagram: @deepredband

Osmin Sariles Founder | General Manager

Our best advice to someone facing insurmountable odds is Believe in yourself! Pray & Believe! Prayer changes things, be Thankful for everyone and everything. Find the support and the help in your family and friends. Never give up on yourself, stay focus and confident of your talents and skills. Put positive energy towards your goals, work hard and remain passionate. We all have the power instilled in us to be successful and achieve our goals, we just have to believe in ourselves.

Website: https://www.casamialatincuisine.com Instagram: @CasaMiaLatinCuisine Facebook: @CasaMiaLatinCuisine

BCT Plans It | Your party planning sisters

YOU WILL GET THROUGH THIS. You’re not the first to go through whatever it is that you’re facing and you won’t be the last. Keep your head held high and hold on to even the smallest ounce of faith. Dig deep into a book, a podcast, or a friend that covers the topic of your struggle or has went through something similar. That sense of community can take away that feeling of isolation we so often feel when faced with insurmountable odds. Instagram: @bctplansit

Ashlea Sapp | Marketing & Sales Strategist

Never give up. Whatever you are going through right now will pass. No one ever succeeded or got where they wanted without failing along the way. It’s about the journey and learning how to overcome the obstacles. One day you will look back and see how far you’ve come. Instagram: @ashleasapp

472Nero | Fort Worth Artist

Now matter what your struggles are that your goin through, no matter how big the obstacles may seem that you have to endure, keep your faith and believe in yourself. God will never put to much on you that you can’t handle.

https://music.apple.com/us/album/from-the-trenches-single/1493370752

Cathleen | food blogger and photographer

If someone was going through insurmountable odds, my advice to them is to hang on and give it time. We have bad times in life so that we learn to appreciate the good times.

Website: Catchows.wordpress.com Instagram: @Catchows

Jose Argenis Rodriguez | Licensed professional Barber and Co-owner of Beard & Bristle men’s grooming Located in Allen Tx

Sometimes all you need to do is take a step back and look at how far you’ve come. We can get so distracted by our daily tasks that we forget about the challenges we’ve already overcome. Take a deep breath and focus on what you can control in the moment. Take things one step at a time and remember it’s ok if you don’t have it all figured out. Instagram: @argenis @_barbero @beardandbristle

Chris Shoemaker | Home Loan Advisor, TREC CE Instructor, and Wedding Officiant

At times, insurmountable odds will be found on our path to where we want to be. Anyone with a goal or dream is going to face resistance, and we should anticipate this. I grew up very rural, had to have bi-lateral knee surgery when I was 12 years old in order to straighten my legs and ensure I’d still be able to walk later in life, was the first person in my family to achieve a college degree, became an officer in the US Army, and now run a successful home lending team and real estate network that I’ve developed from the ground up since moving to Dallas with no personal support network. Combined with being the type of individual that often places unrealistic expectations of myself, battles negative self talk daily, and deeply internalizes grief and struggle – I am no stranger to feeling like there’s always a mountain of insurmountable odds between myself and achieving my aspirations. I’ve ultimately come to expect these challenges. I believe we all must. We could likely choose easier paths in life and possibly avoid these challenges, but where would be the fun in that? Decades from now, when I’m looking back on my life, the decisions I made, the odds and obstacles I had overcome – I will have no regrets.

Website: rdhloans.com/chris, mortgagelendersouthlake.com, rdhloans.com Instagram: @thechrisshoemaker

Laura Lester | Artist / Mom

“They call me Mommy” When I am asked how it is being a mama to three, my answer is something to the effect of “ It’s incredibly rewarding and self-fulfilling!” Honestly, I don’t feel that way… at least not all the time. For me, this reality is a lonely place to be. Don’t get me wrong- it’s not a quiet loneliness! Let me just say I’ve grown accustomed to drinking coffee cold; My three daughters, ages 5, 3, and 1, are very energetic and have imp-like curiosities. There are painting nights and rock collections and nature hikes and trips to the library. There are hugs and kisses and nose “boops” and giggles… you know, the good stuff! There’s also the reality of the minute to minute- complaining about (fill in the blank,) sisters pulling each other’s hair, mood swings, hustling the eldest one out of the door every morning for school, sleepless nights…. and the list goes on. There are days where a shower and real clothes feel like something other worldly and times I feel like a complete failure- that I’m raising wild animals!

Then I remember that I’m only one person. That I’m not designed to handle it all myself. To think I could do so is a total lie! I believe that life gets hectic to physically remind us of our need for our tribe. My family, friends, and my Faith are all a part of this child rearing journey. In those moments where it all seems like too much, I meditate. I make a list. I carve out a few minutes to create. I GIVE MYSELF GRACE. Then slowly I do a basic needs check- have I had a shower today? Brushed my teeth? Had a glass of water? A nourishing meal? Made a personal affirmation? Many times at least one of these basic needs has been sacrificed to meet the needs of others. As my girls get older, I’m working on making my daily needs a priority. Seeing myself as a part of THEIR team helps me to take care of myself so I can show up for them. I won’t lie- it’s hard! But with the right mindset and small steps towards my goal it’s ok for it to be hard- but it’s not impossible.

“The Artist” As a freelancer, much like being a mother, has its highs and lows. It can be a lonely place, especially when starting out and navigating how you want to create a thriving business. But when asked how it is freelancing, guess what my “go to“ answer is?

I leave out the gritty reality it can be. How lost and isolated you can feel in the beginning. For me, there were so many ideas I wanted to explore but fear held me back. What if no one buys what I make? What if it’s not well received? Believe me, I sure had my moments of that! But with time, and a willingness to shift when something didn’t work, it got better. There are highlights! Making connections, your first sale. Designing something that both makes you happy and generates income! (Oh happy day!) I’ve learned to give myself grace in those moments where I had a great idea that doesn’t make any sales, or get a negative/ awkward experience with a client. I now choose to view those moments as a way to learn how it can work better in the future instead of letting them consume my day. Again, it’s a lot of highs and lows… sometimes all at once!

When I feel low I cannot be in that space longterm. It’s important to feel all feelings, but I can’t wallow. Creating a bit of manageable structure helps me to see my potential and helps create a positive mindset. A business planner/ workbook has really helped me to focus my limited time and energy. I feed a positive mindset through listening to podcasts and maintaining relationships with my dear friends, many of whom are artists and/ or moms themselves. These tools and strategies are working for me, and helping me switch the “go to” narratives I’ve become accustomed to using as answers to the questions about what “I do.”

If you have ever felt similarly, know that you are not alone. Raising children and growing a creative business are a lot to take on. Both are raw, unfiltered, and (at times) rewarding in ways you couldn’t have imagined. Like anything worthwhile, it takes time to see the fruits of your labor.

There’s not one thing that magically fixes stressors or problems in life. It takes grace (heap fulls of it!) for you and others. It takes a little structure to manage the chaos. It takes honesty when you need a little support. And the biggest thing it takes? Showing up for yourself and your tribe- no matter what!

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LLesterArt Instagram: @llesterart

Elaina Bryant | Creator of the lifestyle blog Elainafaye

I would say that if you are facing insurmountable odds in a situation and wanting to give up, you need to, one, remind yourself of your “why”. Why are you chasing after your dream? why are you going after that job promotion? Why do you want to change your life? Your “why” is your motivation. Because once you conquer those odds the reward will be worth the pain, the headaches, and the struggles. Two, find an accountability partner. Someone who is going to give sound advice and support you through your journey. Three, prayer. My belief is that I don’t have the power or knowledge to get through things on my own so I need lots of prayers to give me strength and hope.

I understand that struggles of facing insurmountable odds. There have been many times that I’ve faced them. But you have to remember that it’s going to suck, you are going to feel hopeless, frustrated, angry, and defeated. You will be stretched and pushed outside your comfort zone. However, you will come out stronger, wiser, and thankful. I can look back and remember that in those difficult moments I was so confused and frustrated with what I was going through but now I can look back and see the lessons that it taught me and those odds have shaped me into the person that I am today.

Website: www.elainafaye.com Instagram: @Elaina.faye Facebook: @elainafayeoffical

Marlen Alimanov | Photographer and freelance principal ballet artist

Just keep fighting. I like to look back at the famous people in history and remind myself of the trials and struggles that they went through. No matter how hard things get, just keep your mind set on your goals and don’t stop believing in yourself.

Website: https://www.malimanovphotography.net/ Instagram: @m_alimanov_photography

Chris Ayala | Gym Owner / Master Trainer

Sometimes the ones who are the most successful are the ones who face the most difficult struggles. In the end, the person you become from the journey is what’s going to determine how successful you will be in life. Take each challenge as a chance to learn, improve, and master. The more you master along the way the faster and further you will grow in life.

If you feel like your ever facing insurmountable odds, don’t quit, you could be one step away from your next big breakthrough.

All you need to do is stay focused. Instagram: @chrisayalafitness Facebook: @chrisayalafitness

Becki Willis | Blogger, Speaker, & Counselor

To become our most beautiful selves, we must go through the pain of life. Choosing to lean in to the grief and pain that faced me 6 years ago has shaped me into the person I am today. When you face those inevitable insurmountable odds, lean in to the discomfort and allow yourself to go through the metamorphosis that awaits you.

Website: www.jarsofhopeministries.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jarsofhopeministries

Flavor of the Island |Fernando and Selina Sosa / Chef & Owner | Jeremiah Sosa | Sous Chef

FIGHT

Focus on your dream, don’t allow anything to knock you off track.

Invest in your dream, financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Give 100% while working. No distractions.

Hold strong during tough times.

Take a step back, breathe and think through every decision. Any mountain can be overcome with fight and commitment. One of the hardest experiences we’ve had is slow starts and minimal income. However, staying committed to your dreams and not backing down will reap great benefits in the end. There has not been one person we have met that has not shared a story of their rise to greatness. What I have learned is that they did not quit. Prepare yourself for sleepless nights, early mornings, and some tears. Stay committed, stay on course, do not give up, it will be worth it in the end. FIGHT! Don’t give up on your dreams.

Facebook: @Flavoroftheislands Instagram: @Flavoroftheislandstx Twitter: @Flavorislandtx

John Roberts | AIA

The best advice that I have is to have faith. Your faith that everything will work out will lead you down a path that will work itself out.

Website: www.fortwortharchitecture.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/FortWorthArchitecture Instagram: @FortWorthArchitecture Twitter: www.twitter.com/FortWorthForum

Swapnil Sharma | Team Lead at The Sharma Group

When you are up against insurmountable odds you have to keep pushing through and fighting. Be the person that takes all the punches and gets up and keeps going.

Website: https://www.swapnilsharma.com/

Gladys Alvizo | Local Fort Worth Photographer

My Best advice I can give someone that is facing insurmountable. Will be don’t give up! You got this. Take a deep breath, brainstorm your difficulties, set your Goal. Don’t be afraid to make the jump to change your life. Instagram: @ghiplady_photos

Stage Works | Design and Fabrication for Luxury Events

Take a step back and try to see the situation from a different perspective. Often times simply adjusting your angle of approach will enable you to figure out a solution, defy the odds, and create a small miracle in the process.

Website: stageworksusa.com Instagram: @stage_works Facebook: stageworksusa

Jordan Petty | Lagree Pilates Instructor & Wellness Advocate

Photo by: Ashton Steele

I’m a firm believer in my faith. I truly believe that God works on our behalf, even when we don’t see or understand it. Trust the journey. I’ve been through many trials where I’ve had to step back and refocus my perspective. My husband and I just recently went through the hardest trial of our married life- it felt like a complete and insurmountable wilderness that we were walking through, almost like we’d never see a victory again. But now we’re here. Finally on the other side, celebrating this life because of how the alignment and timing of everything truly works out perfectly. Take your eyes off the temporary. I promise you, whatever you are facing, the joy at the end is far greater than the pain you are experiencing right now. Don’t stop believing for your victory and don’t stop having faith. You can’t have real joy unless you have genuine faith and you can’t have genuine faith unless you’ve gone through REAL pain. Maybe this pain is what you’ve prayed for. His ways don’t always make sense to us in the storm, but they are good. God is doing on your behalf what you cannot even see or fathom. You will see victory.

Website: www.jordanpetty.com, www.studio6fitness.com, www.ashtonsteelephotography.net Instagram: @ashtonlsteele, @jordanfieldspetty

Aimee Boss | Environmental Scientist and Traveler Enthusiast

Feeling that there is no way out or no way you can accomplish something is incredibly overwhelming. I can absolutely relate. Simplistically, it’s a problem. Look at all options to solve it and reach out to others if you can’t see a solution. Don’t underestimate the value of somebody else’s advice or resources. Keep an open mind and take it one day at a time.

Instagram: @akeentraveler

Jenn D. Ridgeway | Portrait and Wedding Photographer

I feel like my life has been a series of insurmountable odds. 😉 My journey to photography started because of a devastating circumstance. Honestly, having the odds stacked against me has taught me to fight harder for my dreams and to push when I feel like I cannot stand! I think of it as hiking; the harder the climb, the more sweet the victory. When things come easy we tend to appreciate them less. In the midst of facing what may seem like a hike you cannot make, remember the prize. Think about planting that flag on top of the summit of Mt. Everest. It will be worth it. Never stop pushing! Plus, once you make it, you can look back at those insurmountable odds and say “I DID IT ANYWAY!”

Instagram: @jennmarkphotography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennmarkphotography/

The post Perspective & Advice for Those Facing Insurmountable Odds appeared first on Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide.

source http://voyagedallas.com/2020/02/03/perspective-advice-facing-insurmountable-odds/

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biofunmy · 5 years ago

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The Photographer of Choice for Influencers Is Everywhere

There are several big milestones in an influencer’s life: hitting a million followers, getting your first brand deal, and (for the very lucky) landing a photo shoot with Bryant Eslava.

Mr. Eslava, a 27-year-old photographer, is known for working with the biggest social media stars, often before they hit the mainstream. His Instagram feed, on which he has accrued more than 4.4 million followers, is a who’s who of the internet. There’s Kylie Jenner, Emma Chamberlain, David Dobrik, to name a few.

“He’s the biggest social media photographer there is,” said Dixie D’Amelio, an 18-year-old TikTok star with more than 7 million followers. “Everyone knows his name.” She added that growing up watching YouTube, it had been her goal for him to shoot her. “He’s shot like every single person on the internet,” said Addison Easterling, 19, another social media influencer. “Just shooting with Bryant opens doors.”

The Hype House, the largest and most prominent TikTok collective, recently announced its arrival in Los Angeles with a series of photos by Mr. Eslava.

His photos are distinctive. Mr. Eslava shoots with film, not digital. The images he captures are candid, but always flattering. He often photographs his very famous subjects out and about, but away from hoards of adoring fans.

“They get to see whoever I photograph in a different perspective,” Mr. Eslava said of his followers (and the followers of whoever he is shooting). “A lot of people who watch these influencers only see them through TikTok or YouTube. I show them this behind the scenes.”

Mr. Eslava makes the majority of his living doing brand work and commercial photography. This allows him to have a more casual relationship with his subjects, some of whom have become close friends. It’s a win-win situation: They get photos to post on social media and Mr. Eslava gets to capture a world he’s been immersed in for nearly a decade.

Influencers he has shot often view the photos as keepsakes from a particular time in their life, often when they were just coming up, before they achieved true internet fame.

Viral Beginnings

After receiving a Nikon D40 camera from his parents for getting good grades his sophomore year of high school, Mr. Eslava began posting his work to Tumblr. He taught himself the mechanics of photography on Google and by watching videos online. He pored over Urban Outfitters catalogs for inspiration.

By the time Mr. Eslava arrived in New York City in 2011 as a freshman at the School of Visual Arts, he had amassed a major following on Tumblr. He became so well known that the platform itself took notice. In February 2012, Tumblr invited Mr. Eslava and several other Tumblr stars to cover New York Fashion Week.

The experience proved to be a pivotal moment. Mr. Eslava was captivated by the energy and passion he saw from designers and loved documenting backstage moments. “I was like, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said.

Tumblr began inviting him to more and more events. Eventually, Mr. Eslava dropped out of school to move back to Orange County, Calif. and pursue photography full time.

When Cameron Dallas, then just a Vine star, invited him to collaborate in early 2014, he jumped at the chance. Before long, Mr. Dallas and the boys of Magcon, a social media influencer tour, were regularly working with Mr. Eslava. He eventually moved into a house in Los Angeles with Mr. Dallas and Nash Grier, another Vine star, to continue documenting early creators. “I was just doing it for fun — for me it was keeping me creative and busy,” Mr. Eslava said.

His Own Kind of Fame

Like many of the influencers he works with, Mr. Eslava is quick to leverage new technologies to promote his work. Already he has more than a half million followers on TikTok alone.

When Snapchat (and later Instagram) rolled out the ability to create custom filters for Stories, Mr. Eslava launched several. He hands out stickers printed with Snap codes that link directly to the lenses. And he worked with a developer to customize his Instagram filters to include a pop-up that encourages people to follow him.

“It’s funny,” Mr. Eslava said. “I was at a coffee shop in Orange County and the very first time I got recognized the girl at the coffee bar asked for my name and she was like, ‘Omg you make those filters right?’”

Only recently has Mr. Eslava embraced the fact that with such a massive online following, he has become somewhat of an influencer himself. “Building a social media presence was never a goal of mine,” he said. Throughout most of his career, Mr. Eslava remained behind the lens. “I didn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera,” he said. “I had a lot of chances to be in my friends vlogs or stories, but I’d always say no.”

It wasn’t until last year, when Mr. Eslava began to update his followers about his efforts to lose weight, that he put more of a public face on his work. “Now I post photos of myself and I see comments like, ‘Yes king! Keep it up! You’re glowing.’ It’s motivating,” he said. In addition to his photography, Mr. Eslava released a hoodie and T-shirt with Fanjoy, an influencer merch platform.

On Monday, Mr. Eslava and two other influencers walked into a Brandy Melville store in New York City unannounced, and were swarmed by fans. Teenagers waited in circles as Mr. Eslava doled out photography tips and answered questions. Bahja Smalls, an 18-year-old from Philadelphia, said that she had been following Mr. Eslava’s work since she was 12. “He really gets the people who are the hottest,” she said. Destinee Bartsch, 18, said: “My friend Liv started taking pics because of him.”

Mr. Eslava told people in the crowd that they didn’t need a fancy camera to get into photography. “You can shoot with a disposable,” he said. When one group of giddy teens asked if he could do the “Renegade” with them for a TikTok, he admitted that he still hadn’t mastered the viral dance.

Mr. Eslava’s demeanor is earnest and accessible. “He’s not just going to use someone,” said Ms. D’Amelio.

In terms of how he’s developed such a skill for capturing those who are about to go viral, “I can just tell,” Mr. Eslava said. “I spend a lot of time on all platforms and I can see when someone is consistent, basically. I’ll reach out to them and be like, would love to collaborate with you. It’s funny because a lot of people I work with are big right now, but what people don’t realize is that I’ve worked with them since a long time ago. If they go down on my Instagram they’ll see we started a while back.”

While others in traditional entertainment and media once scoffed at the idea of influencers going mainstream, through his photography, Mr. Eslava has had a front-row seat to the power shift in Hollywood. There was a moment in Milan with Mr. Dallas about five years ago that Mr. Eslava said he’ll never forget. “I remember being in his hotel room on the balcony overlooking the street,” he said, “and the entire streets of Milan were filled with fans. You couldn’t even see the end of the street. That’s a memory that will always stick with me, being able to capture that.”

“In a lot of photography I’ve looked at from the past, you see all these black and white photos of fans of, like, the Rolling Stones,” Mr. Eslava said. “I think to myself, someone had to take those. They had a photographer with them at the moment, and I see myself in that position now.”

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mastcomm · 5 years ago

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The Photographer of Choice for Influencers is Everywhere

There are several big milestones in an influencer’s life: hitting a million followers, getting your first brand deal, and (for the very lucky) landing a photo shoot with Bryant Eslava.

The Hype House, the largest and most prominent TikTok collective, recently announced its arrival in Los Angeles with a series of photos by Mr. Eslava.

Influencers he has shot often view the photos as keepsakes from a particular time in their life, often when they were just coming up, before they achieved true internet fame.

Viral Beginnings

Tumblr began inviting him to more and more events. Eventually, Mr. Eslava dropped out of school to move back to Orange County, Calif. and pursue photography full time.

His Own Kind of Fame

Like many of the influencers he works with, Mr. Eslava is quick to leverage new technologies to promote his work. Already he has more than a half million followers on TikTok alone.

On Monday, Mr. Eslava and two other influencers walked into a Brandy Melville store in New York City unannounced, and were swarmed by fans. Teenagers waited in circles as Mr. Eslava doled out photography tips and answered questions. Bahja Smalls, an 18-year-old from Philadelphia, said that she had been following Mr. Eslava’s work since she was 12. “He really gets the people who are the hottest,” she said. Destine Bartsch, 18, said: “My friend Liv started taking pics because of him.”

Mr. Eslava’s demeanor is earnest and accessible. “He’s not just going to use someone,” said Ms. D’Amelio.

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othersportsnews-blog · 7 years ago

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NHL - Fantasy hockey - Prime 250 rankings just after free company, expansion and the draft

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NHL - Fantasy hockey - Prime 250 rankings just after free company, expansion and the draft

There are a couple of chips remaining to slide, but not numerous. Pursuing an fascinating NHL offseason that included an expansion draft to go together with the standard bevy of additions via free company, investing and the entry draft, the roster photograph for NHL groups has been typically settled.

There are nevertheless a couple of free agents lingering that could have some impression, but very little earth shattering. Jaromir Jagr, Thomas Vanek, Andrei Markov and — in the suitable situation — the likes of Jarome Iginla or Jiri Hudler could locate their way into a fantasy-pleasant role. But people adjustments will be simple plenty of to track as we go ahead.

The issue is that we have plenty of information now to clear the books and re-rank our fantasy belongings heading into the time.

Instead than go via the risers and fallers specially, we are likely to consider some further time to track the new faces that are between the leading 250 (or could be there just before the time starts), as nicely as contact on some players who switched jerseys. We are going to also glimpse at the goaltender carousel which took a couple of much more turns than we get in most offseasons.

Introductions

Vadim Shipachyov, F, Vegas Golden Knights (enters ranks at No. 150): A shiny new addition for the Golden Knights, Shipachyov played for the powerhouse KHL squad SKA St. Petersburg for the past 4 seasons. This past time, he typically played on a line away from Ilya Kovalchuk and Pavel Datsyuk, nevertheless finished with 76 details. That was excellent for 3rd in the league, just two details guiding Kovalchuk (and in 10 less video games). He can develop details, and will undoubtedly be supplied the role of No. one centre out of the gate. Now thirty yrs aged, Shipachyov is no rookie and has never played in the NHL just before. His 26 objectives and fifty assists in just fifty KHL video games previous time will not likely translate right, of training course, but he has the profile of a 20-intention, 40-guide pivot in the NHL, with loads of rising area.

Pursuing the Vegas Golden Knights’ expansion draft choices, we project how the group must complete in 2017-18 why they missed an chance to build a significantly far better blue line and why they have a shot at the playoffs up coming spring.

With his new 8-calendar year, $a hundred million deal that kicks in just after the 2017-18 time, Connor McDavid is the highest-compensated participant in the NHL. How lengthy will he keep that title? Here are the candidates to consider the throne.

With the 2017 NHL draft in the books, Corey Pronman grades all 31 groups on their hauls. The Vegas Golden Knights strike the jackpot, adding 4 superior-end potential customers, but which other groups did nicely?

two Relevant

Evgeny Dadonov, F, Florida Panthers (enters ranks at No. 169): A linemate of Shipachyov’s previous time, Dadonov experienced thirty objectives and 36 helpers in fifty three video games to complete fourth in KHL scoring. He is also crossing the pond, but to rejoin his authentic NHL franchise in south Florida. Dadonov experienced 20 details in fifty five video games overall throughout a few NHL seasons just before bolting for Russia in 2012. He is more compact and speedy, and profiles to generally swap the role played by Jonathan Marchessault previous time on the leading line and leading power-participate in unit. Marchessault experienced a excellent time actively playing with Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr, but nevertheless only finished 165th on the ESPN fantasy hockey Player Rater. Dadonov will have to demonstrate that his abilities translate to the NHL to press greater. Though Artemi Panarin is a excellent tale of a KHL import acquiring his game immediately, there are circumstances these kinds of as Roman Cervenka, Jiri Sekac and Sergei Plotnikov that failed to pan out nicely in new seasons.

Nico Hischier, F, New Jersey Devils (enters ranks at No. 174): With very little remaining to demonstrate in junior, Hischier is a near lock to get started in the NHL just as earlier to start with general picks Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid. Oops … I shouldn’t have pointed out people names. Hischier is nowhere near the generational talent of Matthews or McDavid, and very little of that kind must be envisioned from him. That explained, he’s a talented two-way participant with loads of offense and acumen on the power participate in. The Devils could use him as their No. one centre about Adam Henrique and Travis Zajac, and it is really not likely any one would bat an eye. He could also just as quickly marinate on the Devils’ 3rd line, nevertheless. There is some upside here, but not practically as significantly as we’ve experienced from past pair rookie crops. He must be on a fantasy group, but as a late-stage, hopeful pick.

Nolan Patrick, F, Philadelphia Flyers (enters ranks at No. 183): He missed a ton of previous time owing to accidents, but was nevertheless a stable decision by the Flyers with the No. two general pick in the draft. He is a surefire leading-6 ahead, likely starting this time. That explained, he nevertheless sits guiding Claude Giroux at centre on the depth chart, so he’ll possibly have to participate in on the next line or switch to the wing. The Flyers’ offense is a bit much more crowded than the Devils’ while, so Patrick will have to battle for time with the biscuit much more than Hischier will. Thus, he ranks a little guiding his draft counterpart for now.

Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins: (enters ranks at No. 229): A sterling playoff debut has McAvoy penciled in to participate in a important role for the Bruins out of the gate this time. Great matter, way too, as Zdeno Chara isn’t getting any young. In actuality, McAvoy could immediately swap Chara on the next power-participate in unit. He has loads of offense to his game, as evidenced by higher than-common scoring in faculty and dominance at the Environment Juniors.

Dylan Strome, F, Arizona Coyotes (up 5 spots to No. 232): This isn’t our to start with introduction to Strome, but the Coyotes can’t preserve him out of the NHL this time. Following getting a cup of coffee with the Desert Dogs previous time, Strome went again to the OHL to avoid his entry-stage offer from kicking in. He immediately scored at far better than a two-details-per-game pace for the 35 video games he played with the Erie Otters in the normal time, experienced 10 details in seven video games at the Environment Juniors, 34 details in 22 playoff video games and 11 details in 5 video games at the Memorial Cup. In other terms, he created anyone else in junior hockey glimpse silly. He’ll be a leading-6 centre for the Coyotes and, if his teammates are up to the undertaking this time, the could very nicely translate into some stable fantasy generation.

Familiar faces, new sites

How significantly will Alexander Radulov up his scoring totals if he skates with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in Dallas this time? Kim Klement-Usa Now Sports

Artemi Panarin, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (down 12 spots to No. 35): Only 6 players have much more details than Panarin throughout the past two NHL seasons, his to start with two seasons in the NHL. But how significantly of that generation has arrive from his elite-stage chemistry on the ice with superstar ahead Patrick Kane? There is no question that Panarin brought a ton to the table for the partnership, but there’s no denying Kane’s all-world talent, possibly. The Blue Jackets’ other leading-line winger is slated to be 1 of Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson or Nick Foligno. Atkinson experienced a fantastic 2016-seventeen time, but he’s no Patrick Kane.

Alexander Radulov, F, Dallas Stars (up fifteen spots to No. fifty five): With 54 details in 76 video games, Radulov experienced a excellent — not excellent — return to the NHL previous time with the Canadiens. Boy, oh, boy did he indicator in the suitable place for this coming time. Radulov is penciled in to fill the revolving door that has been up coming to Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin on the Stars’ leading line for the past pair seasons. This is an fascinating blend — specially on the power participate in — that could drive Radulov up to the thirty-intention mark for the to start with time in the NHL.

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, New York Rangers (down 4 spots to No. sixty five): When you might be a bona fide superstar NHL defenseman, there isn’t significantly wiggle area to locate a huge improve in worth just by changing jerseys. Shattenkirk’s position will not likely alter significantly now that he’s with the Rangers. The general talent in entrance of him might be just a hair less than what he experienced in St. Louis with Vladimir Tarasenko main the charge, but the Rangers have loads of offense, way too. Even now in his key yrs at 28, Shattenkirk has the potential to be a No. one fantasy defenseman that gets appeared at much more like a No. two throughout drafts.

Jordan Eberle, F, New York Islanders (up 69 spots to No. eighty four): From a situation exactly where he would likely be lingering down the depth charts on a talent-packed Oilers roster, Eberle lands in a situation exactly where he could see the ice each time John Tavares does. That is a very excellent matter. Even now only 27 yrs aged and with loads of offensive prowess on his résumé, Eberle could be the scoring linemate Tavares lacked previous time.

Patrick Marleau, F, Toronto Maple Leafs (up 78 spots to No. 92): Extremely almost certainly slated for operate on the leading line with Auston Matthews (who must be getting much more ice time and responsibilities), Marleau could be in for a renaissance time at the age of 38 (in September). Though his assists have been down with the Sharks in new seasons, Marleau has 52 overall objectives throughout the past two campaigns. Actively playing with a talent like Matthews — or, for that make any difference, any of the Leafs’ other youthful guns — must have Marleau sensation youthful yet again, way too.

James Neal, F, Vegas Golden Knights (down 4 spots to No. a hundred and twenty): Neal was handed by a number of Predators players for actively playing time and accountability previous time, ending up with the lowest somewhat nutritious time totals of his job. But there is no 1 to contend with him for all the key ice time with the Golden Knights. Neal is the team’s key intention scorer, and it is really not really even a opposition. Even now, right until we see some thing from him and his new teammates, we don’t know if Neal will give us 1 if his damage-riddled fantasy headache campaigns or 1 his sniper-centered fantasy gold campaigns.

Swift hits: Brayden Schenn moves from 1 crowded depth chart with the Flyers to another with the St. Louis Blues. It can be the same situation for him, as his worth is tied to his role on the depth chart. … Derek Stepan makes a somewhat lateral move to the Coyotes. His game isn’t as tied to his linemates as others in the league. He is a stable, puck-going centre with a nose all over the web. Count on his worth to continue to be the same, with the provision that he could be in for a breakout if some of the youthful Coyotes exceed expectations all over him. … Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp give the Chicago Blackhawks two prodigal sons returning to the fold. Do they immediately return to their familiar lofty position between the leading 6? Or have contributions from Nick Schmaltz and Richard Panik supplied coach Joel Quenneville the self esteem to unfold out his assault? … Jonathan Drouin nevertheless has a good deal to demonstrate in the NHL, but his frame of mind must boost now that he’s in Montreal. He experienced a stable marketing campaign with Steven Stamkos out previous time, but don’t neglect his demotions and suspensions for not reporting to the AHL the time prior. We’ve viewed flashes of his potential, which include the 2016 postseason when he experienced fourteen details in seventeen video games, but we’ve viewed a good deal of inconsistency, way too. He is nevertheless only 22, so the alter in jerseys could be what aids him split out.

Goaltender carousel

Marc-Andre Fleury must have a really stingy defense actively playing in entrance of him this time, but the Golden Knights might not feature very significantly offensive pop. Bruce Bennett/Getty Photographs

Ben Bishop, Dallas Stars (up 74 spots to No. 67): The Stars have created some big advancements, not the least of which is adding stalwart defender Marc Methot on the blue line. Bishop delivers a good deal much more poise and consistency to the table than Kari Lehtonen or Antti Niemi ever did. This blend must bring Bishop again to elite position between fantasy goaltenders.

Brian Elliott, Philadelphia Flyers (down 16 spots to No. 116): Elliott strike his stride late in the time for the Flames, but it wasn’t plenty of to clean away the bitter flavor of his to start with half. He’ll get a likelihood to strike the reset button as the No. one in Philadelphia. The Flyers have a good deal to offer you in the way of safety and two-way participate in, but they have a youthful defensive group and some inexperienced forwards peppered in the ranks. This could go exceptionally nicely or exceptionally improperly for Elliott. But, fantasy entrepreneurs are much more than prepared for the wild swings Elliott will offer you.

Mike Smith, Calgary Flames (up 88 spots to No. 137): Clearing their crease from any reminiscences of previous time, the Flames have handed their goaltending reins to Smith. He is put up some very stable numbers (considering his situation) for the past couple of seasons with the Coyotes. Calgary offers 1 of the ideal 1 via 6 defensive ranks in the NHL, so this is an intriguing blend for fantasy entrepreneurs. Smith must certainly be drafted as a No. two goaltender.

Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights (down 4 spots to No. 166): Though he escapes from the shadow of Matt Murray to be an unquestioned No. one goalie yet again, the Golden Knights don’t accurately glimpse like contenders on paper. Fleury can win video games by himself, and this group will likely development toward restricted defense with a absence of pop up entrance, but how numerous video games can we be expecting him to win?

Antti Raanta, Arizona Coyotes (up 32 spots to No. 176): Though the Coyotes are almost certainly nevertheless a calendar year away from providing a likelihood at 40 wins for a goaltender, they could surprise if all the potential customers simply click. Raanta appeared the portion of a potential starter even though filling in for a spiraling Henrik Lundqvist previous time. There is a good deal of upside here.

Scott Darling, Carolina Hurricanes (up fifty three spots to No. 187): Similar to Raanta, Darling gets his to start with crack at a commencing gig with a soaring youthful group. That explained, the Canes don’t glimpse prepared to be a leading contender (on paper) and Cam Ward is nevertheless waiting around in the wings. Darling is far better served on your group as a No. 3 goaltender that can possibly patch holes or be trade bait if he exceeds expectations.

Swift hits: Steve Mason will examination Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck much more than his predecessors did. In actuality, he could examination him so significantly that he wins the No. one goaltending position. This is wanting like a potential timeshare fantasy nightmare. … Jonathan Bernier confirmed he nevertheless has the potential abilities of a No. one NHL goaltender even though filling in for John Gibson late previous time. If Semyon Varlamov looks anything like Varlamov from 2016-seventeen, Bernier will get another likelihood really immediately. Regretably, he could locate defending twine for the Avs is a good deal distinct than the Ducks. … Ryan Miller usually takes Bernier’s role guiding Gibson in Anaheim. Though Miller’s birthday cakes are getting really crowded with candles, Anaheim is a good deal safer place to participate in web than Vancouver, and Miller could shine if he’s referred to as on for any purpose. … The same could be explained for equally Antti Niemi and Ondrej Pavelec, who be a part of the Penguins and Rangers, respectively. Niemi was in goaltending hell with Dallas, even though Pavelec was in purgatory with the Jets. Backing up Murray and Lundqvist could be at ease for equally veterans. We might end up seeing them much more than envisioned, way too, as Murray has a checkered damage heritage and Lundqvist has been declining for two consecutive seasons.

Prime 250 rankings

This is my midsummer update of the leading 250, which include exactly where every participant ranks at his situation. The “previous 7 days” column has been replaced by a reference to exactly where every participant was rated in my update posted just after the normal time.

Take note: Sean Allen’s leading 250 players are rated for their envisioned efficiency in ESPN normal leagues. ESPN normal stats contain objectives, assists, power-participate in details, shots on intention, plus/minus, penalty minutes and common time on ice for skaters, and wins, objectives-against common and save proportion for goalies.

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anavoliselenu · 8 years ago

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Monday Chapter 1

Getting married every single year was becoming a pain in the ass. Especially for the maid of honor.

“I really didn’t think he was serious about a yearly wedding.” Selena Havens fiddled with the edges of the yellow chiffon bridesmaid dress, which had entirely too many yards of material. The damn thing belonged on a slow talking southern belle, complete with parasol and white ribbons, not on her as she stood up for her best friend…again.

“It’s romantic,” Gwen offered.

“It’s stupid.”

Samantha and Blake were going on two years of marriage and already had little Eddie. At first when Blake announced he was going to marry Sam every year on their anniversary in a different state, Selena had thought it was sweet. Now after a full week of non-stop wedding planning, she and Gwen, Blake’s sister, were sweating it out in San Antonio planning their big Texas-themed wedding. Except Gwen was English and entirely misguided about Texas. Where there should be cowboy hats and western flavor attire, everything had turned south. Deep south. More like a scene from Gone With the Wind than Dallas.

“Don’t fret, Selena. They won’t all be this grand.” It took some time to get used to Gwen’s British accent, but Selena was used to it now.

“I’m not fretting. I’m pissing and moaning. Get it right! Do you have any idea how hot these dresses are going to be outside in the smoldering heat?”

Gwen displayed perfect teeth as she smiled. She pivoted in a circle, reached into a large bag from the bridal knick-knack store they’d found the day before, and removed two white and gold folding lace fans. “I thought of that.”

Well, at least it isn’t a parasol.

Gwen handed her the fan and turned to the bag again. Out came two perfectly matched frilly umbrellas.

“Ugh! I spoke to soon.”

“Excuse me?”

Selena refrained from rolling her eyes as she reached for the parasol.

Why did it have to be yellow? Nobody wore yellow!

“You don’t like them.” Gwen’s arms dropped and her excited expression fell.

I hate ’em. “They’re very…country.” In a southern plantation kind of way. But Selena couldn’t say that to Gwen. Pampered, rich, and completely naive, Gwen meant well. She executed poorly, but did it with a golden heart.

“Isn’t that what we’re going for, country?”

Selena opened the sunny umbrella and forced a smile to her lips. “This does say country.”

“Splendid. I think we have all we need then.” Oblivious to Selena’s unease, Gwen continued removing small trinkets from her bag, perfectly matching earrings, necklaces, and yes, even ribbons for their hair. Selena started to think she’d look like a buttercup on top of the cake by the time Gwen finished. “Oh, look at the time. We need to run,” Gwen said.

“I thought we were done.”

“We need to make another pass at the ranch and assure Neil that security won’t be a problem.” Neil, Sam and Blake’s personal bodyguard, was built like a brick house, completely immovable if he wanted to stay in place. He smiled so seldom Selena hadn’t known he had teeth until after she’d known him for six months.

“Can’t Neil check it out himself?” She was hoping for a cocktail in the hotel bar, followed by a hot bath in the penthouse suite. While in Texas, she was working on finding new clients for Alliance. Men and women. Samantha founded the elite matchmaking firm and brought Selena on as full partner after she married Blake. In the past two years, Selena had recruited over a dozen women and matched three couples. Unlike other matchmaking companies, Alliance matched couples based on their life goals, not for love or a happily ever after. There were men out there who wanted a wife as a status symbol, or needed a temporary partner to obtain a job or promotion. In Samantha’s case, she and Blake married because of a mandate in Blake’s father’s will. As it turned out, the two fell recklessly in love with each other and had Eddie before their first anniversary.

Selena was always on the lookout for new clients. What better place than Texas, where the men were often rich, and the women were perfectly polished and sometimes available.

“You know how difficult Neil can be. I’ll need to convince him the paparazzi won’t make it past the gates.”

The taste of that cocktail was drifting farther away. Selena reached into her purse and grasped a clip before piling her shoulder-length, hair high on her head. The humidity had flattened it to nothing on their earlier excursion. No use pretending her hair would cooperate after more assaulting heat.

“Okay, let’s go. But I’m driving.”

Gwen was used to having a hotel driver taking her wherever she wanted to go. She said she didn’t like to drive in the States because of the cars being on the opposite side of the road. Selena didn’t care for the dependence on another driver to get her around so she’d opted to rent a car.

Thirty minutes later, they were driving down a Texas highway in a compact rental car. The air conditioner running at full speed hardly made a dent in the oppressive heat. Selena clutched her fist and hit the top of the dashboard. “I don’t think the air is working right.”

Gwen sat quietly in her seat, using the folding fan she’d bought for the wedding. “It’s not far. We’ll survive.”

Yeah, but the heat was weighing on Selena’s nerves, not to mention her shirt was sticking to the back of the seat. Considering Gwen was from Europe, Selena was surprised she wasn’t full of complaints.

In fact, Gwen hadn’t stopped smiling since they’d left the hotel.

Hmmm, she’d have to analyze that.

There was a guard gate on the property. When they approached, and Selena gave them their names, the attendant waved them through. “Mrs. Hawthorn is waiting for y’all,” the cowboy said while tipping his hat.

“I love the Texan accent, don’t you?” Gwen asked.

“It grows on you after a while.”

“I think it’s charming. Everyone seems so polite.”

Selena drove the car down the long tree-lined drive to the front of the sprawling ranch house. “Americans think everyone with a British accent is intelligent. We both know that isn’t true. One night in a honky-tonk and you’d learn that not all cowboys are polite.” For some reason Selena felt it was her duty to keep an eye on Gwen, much like an older, more experienced sister would.

“I’m not as naive as you think I am,” Gwen chided.

“Hmmm.” Ya, right.

“I’m not.”

Selena glanced over and met Gwen’s scowl. Her porcelain features and perfect makeup, along with the accent, added to the innocent poster child image.

“I may have gone to boarding school, and lived most my life at Albany behind locked gates, but I’ve done some traveling on my own.”

“Let me guess, with a bodyguard the size of Neil hanging around?”

“Hans isn’t nearly as big as Neil.”

Selena rolled her eyes. “Hans? His name is Hans?”

“He’s from Sweden. His specialty is in martial arts.”

Selena would have laughed if Gwen wasn’t so serious. “So where is Hans now?”

“At home. I didn’t think he needed to accompany me here. I knew I’d be with you and could call on Samantha or Blake anytime. Besides, you don’t seem to need anyone holding your hand to keep you safe.”

That’s because I know how to take care of myself. “You’re not me.”

“No, but I’m capable of staying out of trouble without a bodyguard.”

Unaccredited confidence could lead to trouble. “You know I’m leaving the day after the wedding.”

“I know.”

Selena put the car in park and kept it running to keep what cool air they could blowing on them as they talked. “When are you flying home?”

“I haven’t decided. Mother wants me to fly home with her, but I think I might stay here for a while longer.”

“I think you’d be better off going home with your mom.”

“I’m not a child.”

“Didn’t say you were.”

“I think you did.”

Gwen’s defenses were up. Selena placed a hand over the other woman’s. “How old are you, twenty-five?”

Gwen’s jaw dropped. “I’m thirty-one.”

Too old to be walking around with a babysitter. “I tell you what. Tonight we’ll put on a pair of jeans, find a couple of hats, and look for that honky-tonk. Maybe I can give you a few tips so you can stay out of trouble.” Not exactly the environment to recruit new customers, but leaving Gwen to her own defenses was kinda like leaving a kitten with a dozen pit bulls.

“What if I want to find some trouble?”

“Then it’s best you have someone to keep you from getting hurt. Hence, you’ll need someone like Hans.”

“Fine, no trouble. I’d like to keep myself safe, have some fun, and leave un-accosted.”

“Fine.”

Gwen smiled and pushed the door open.

The sweltering heat sucked the energy from every pore of Selena’s body. Maybe a cool bar and a beer would help knock her out of her current funk.

Selena hiked her purse over her shoulder and rounded the front of the car.

“Oh, Justin, how nice of you to come.” Gwen’s voice pierced the air with her greeting.

Selena skidded to a stop. Justin?

Gwen reached the steps to the ranch house and greeted Justin in the classic European style, kissing both of his cheeks. Dressed in casual slacks and a cotton button up shirt, Justin Billings tossed on his easy smile. As usual he said exactly the right things, at exactly the right times. “Don’t you look lovely. You’d never know it’s a thousand degrees out here.”

Selena’s heart pounded in her chest. Here stood the real reason for her unease. Justin Billings was everything she’d ever wanted in a man, but completely out of her reach. Something inside her ignited every time she saw him. Sadly, that response usually ended up in a snarky remark or defensive battle. He walked with more confidence than a tomcat in a dark ally in Brooklyn, charmed everyone he met with only a smile, and oozed sex appeal like syrup dripping off a double stack of pancakes.

Justin ran his hand through his sandy blond hair and caught her gaze when Gwen walked past him and into the house. Selena watched his chest rise and fall with one deep breath before he started down the stairs to greet her.

“Hello, Selena.”

“Hey, Justin. What are you doing here?” Damn, that sounded snotty. The heat was frying her brain.

“I take it you’re not happy to see me.”

“Didn’t say that. Wasn’t expecting you is all.” Is all? The locals were sliding into her speech.

He crossed his arms over his chest, tucking his fingers under his arms. “Gwen asked Neil to come, Blake asked me to give a report on Gwen.”

Selena glanced over Justin’s shoulder to the empty doorway. “Why doesn’t Blake ask Neil about her?”

“Neil doesn’t offer gossip, only facts. Blake would be more frustrated with a, ‘she’s fine’ response.” Justin dipped his voice to mimic Neil’s. Selena couldn’t help but smile.

“She is fine.” How did one woman instill such a need for these men to coddle her?

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

Selena shoved a lock of hair that managed to fall out of her loose bun from her eyes. Justin watched the movement, his eyes wandering to the tip of her head. “Let the judge, judge then.”

“I’m not a judge any longer.”

“No, you’re a politician.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“Politicians are hated almost as much as lawyers.” Which Justin was. Or had been anyway. At thirty-seven he’d climbed more ladders and overturned more goals than a man twice his age. His sights were now on Sacramento and, according to the polls, his chances were good.

“Ouch.”

“I call ’em as I see ’em.”

He stood aside, his smile never falling from his full lips. “Well why don’t you call ’em inside. It’s hard to judge my ward out here in the heat.”

“She’s not your ward,” Selena informed him as she walked by. Even in the heat, she managed to catch of scent of the musk rolling off his frame. She shivered, ignoring the pleasure his scent brought over her.

“She’s not yours either, but I didn’t see her driving up here alone.”

“Don’t you have laws to pass or something?”

He chuckled as she passed him on the stairs. “I’m not the governor, yet.”

“I’d think babysitting a grown woman was off your list of judicial duties.” The cool interior of the house was welcome relief from the heat.

“Maybe my political ones, but not my friendship ones. You’d do the same for Sam and don’t even try and deny it.”

He had her there. Not that she’d let him know her thoughts. “Whatever.”

****

Justin followed the lucky bead of perspiration that travel down Selena’s neck and disappeared down the ‘v’ of her shirt. He shifted on his feet as he thought of where that tiny bit of moisture might have traveled. At five seven, Selena’s sun kissed skin and sultry, brown eyes had a way of drawing him in.

As if sensing his attention, Selena tilted her head to the side. Her movement forced his eyes from her br**sts to her face. He didn’t even have the decency to be embarrassed about being caught checking her out. He should be, he knew. But he wasn’t. Justin lowered his eyes to their hostess who stood beside Gwen and Neil and pretended to listen.

Thirty minutes later, they stood on a vast lawn surrounded by split rail fences a few hundred yards away. The smell of horses and heat filled the air.

“We own over five-hundred acres,” Mrs. Hawthorn was explaining.

“How do you keep out unwanted guests?” Neil asked.

“I’ll have extra ranch hands available to head off any wandering spectators. They’ll have to walk a long way to reach us here. And if they drive a car, we’ll see them long before they have a chance to sneak in.”

Mrs. Hawthorn strolled over to the large outdoor entertainment area, complete with fire pits and permanent tables. Bales of straw outlined the area adding to the charming Texas setting.

Selena walked away from Mrs. Hawthorn toward one of the ranch’s employees. The cowboy wore tight blue jeans, boots, and a Stetson. The man smiled and tipped his hat when she strolled up. Justin walked a couple of steps her way but couldn’t hear what she was saying. The young cowboy glanced over to Gwen and made a couple of hand gestures. Selena seemed to thank the man and turned back to their tour.

Gwen directed her attention to Selena. “Why don’t you go on and show Justin the inside layout while I speak with the man in charge of security.”

“Don’t have to ask me twice. It’s hotter than sin out here.” Selena pivoted on her heel and bee-lined for the house. “Coming?”

Justin picked up his pace to meet her at the door, holding it open while she walked inside.

“Mrs. Hawthorn has offered half a dozen rooms for our use the night of the wedding. For guests who might have too much to drink, or for those who come at the last minute without accommodations.” Selena walked past a back staircase and pointed. “There’s a balcony overlooking the venue—one where Blake can post extra security who might be able to spot something in the distance, or an uninvited guest.”

Justin followed behind, watching the sway of her butt as she rounded the corner and walked down the long hall.

“You guys can stage in here while you’re waiting on Sam.”

She kept walking and talking. Justin barely heard a word. Much like most of the times he’d been in Selena’s presence, she numbed his brain to nothing, making it difficult to think. He’d always felt a sizzle when she walked in the room. If he had to guess, he’d say she was as attracted to him as he was to her. Yet neither of them ever acted on it.

Well…almost never.

Christmas the year before while celebrating with Blake and Samantha and about fifty friends, there was their almost kiss under the mistletoe. They’d both been drinking, barely skimming the surface of sarcasm with each other the whole night. Selena had worn a skintight red dress that was slit half way up her thigh. She’d pulled back her dark hair allowing only small bits of it to swing along her slender neck. Every time she’d passed him that night, her perfume caught hold of him. It was like she’d gripped his neck and squeezed. Sucked in by her light, he’d noticed when she peeled away from the crowd and followed her.

She’d turned unexpectedly, colliding into him. They stood there for a moment, appraising each other. Selena broke eye contact and glanced at the ceiling. She’d mumbled something under her breath and he’d looked up. God bless mistletoe. He placed a hand on the side of her face and fanned his fingers to the back of her neck. He remembered the need to kiss her slowly.

So much for that plan.

Just as he leaned in to taste, one of the party guests called his name from across the room. Selena jumped back and out of his arms.

Neither of them ever spoke of it. In fact, they went on as if it had never happened.

He supposed it was because both of them were such good friends with Sam and Blake that neither of them wanted to screw that up.

Justin went on to date, or at least be seen with other women, and Selena did whatever she did for the company she and Samantha ran.

“So what do you think?” Selena was talking to him, but he didn’t have a clue about what.

“Excuse me?”

“The house?”

“What?”

You’ve not heard a word I’ve said.”

“No, no you told me about the room we’ll be in, about the balcony.”

She perched her hands on her hips and offered a haughty look. “I went over that fifteen minutes ago. I don’t know why I bother,” she said turning away.

“I’m distracted,” he admitted. “Lot of things on my mind.”

“I have better things to do with my day, too. Tell you what, why don’t you just tell Neil you approve, and we’ll be on our way.”

Justin smirked. “Trying to get rid of me?”

Her eyes shot to his faster than lightning strikes a stormy sky. “Wanting you gone would imply I care that you’re here.”

She was trying hard to keep a disinterested look on her face, but she started to nibble on her fingernail and broke eye contact. You care. You might not want to, but you do.

“Ouch.”

She glanced at her fingernails and fisted her palms. “Oh, forget it. Let’s get out of here before I melt.”

“Sounds good.” Because standing here fantasizing about her wasn’t doing anyone any good. Besides, last time Justin checked, he had a date for this wedding and it wasn’t with the woman in front of him.

Selena strolled off and followed way behind. He really should be thinking about the Texas millionaires attending this “renewal of vows” ceremony and not about the maid of honor.

“I’ve thought of everything, Neil. You can tell my brother he’s perfectly safe and the only media pictures being taken will be from the one reporter he’s invited to attend.” Gwen waved Justin’s way. “Be a love and appease him, will you?”

Justin eyed Neil and shrugged.

“Thank you again for your time, Mrs. Hawthorn. We’ll see you in a few days.”

Mrs. Hawthorn allowed Gwen to kiss both her cheeks and waved as the two other women climbed into the car. “Have fun, girls.”

Justin stood beside Neil and Mrs. Hawthorn while Selena and Gwen drove away.

Selena didn’t even glance in her rearview mirror as she drove away.

“They were in a hurry to leave,” Neil announced.

“I noticed that, too.”

Mrs. Hawthorn placed a hand on one hip. “Wedding planning isn’t easy. They’ve been working hard. It’s a good thing they can get away for a night of fun before the festivities.”

“Night of fun?” Neil asked.

Justin followed the dust down the road.

“According to Billy, Selena asked about a local watering hole where the two of them could kick back and relax for a few hours. Dance a little and blow off some steam.”

Justin rolled his eyes. “Watering hole?”

“I can’t see Miss Gwen in a Texas bar,” Neil exclaimed.

Selena maybe, but Gwen? “Looks like you’re not flying home tonight,” Justin told Neil. Passing up the opportunity of spying on Selena and Gwen was out of the question.

Chapter Two

The hotel gift shop provided the perfect pair of skin-tight jeans, cowboy boots, and cowgirl hats. Gwen wasn’t about to go into a Texas bar dressed as the daughter of a duke. Unlike shopping for the yellow bridesmaid dresses, Selena actually enjoyed their brief walk on the country side of the store.

Loud music with just the right amount of twang, and lyrics about lost love filled the bar. Several couples crowded the dance floor. Their bodies were glued together and moved as if they were one unit.

Selena took the lead and walked through the crowd to a couple of empty seats at the bar. The two of them turned a few heads and received a couple of smiles before they sat down.

“I can’t believe how crowded it is,” Gwen said over the noise.

“Makes it more interesting,” Selena told her.

The bartender placed a couple of napkins in front of them. “Ladies,” he said, tipping his hat.

She lifted up two fingers. “Two beers.”

Gwen scoffed. “But—”

“You can’t drink wine in a beer bar, Gwen.” Selena knew where her friend was going with her haughty but. Surprisingly Gwen didn’t argue.

Gwen folded her hands in her lap on top of her purse. She sat rod straight with her big doe eyes wide open. Her fingers tapped to the music and a smile played on her lips. What did Gwen see? For her, this night was about adventure and overcoming some of her social fears. Sure, there were people dancing and having a good time. From the looks of the crowd, there wasn’t anyone completely wasted, yet. Beer drinkers tended to get rowdy later in the evening.

“Here ya are, ma’am.” The bartender sat the bottles down. Selena reached into her purse to pay. “Already taken care of,” he said nodding to the end of the bar. There sat two single men with button up western shirts and Stetsons. Selena made eye contact with the one sitting closest to her. His dark hair and finely manicured mustache outlined a ruggedly attractive face. She lifted her bottle with a tiny nod.

“Did they buy the drinks?” Gwen asked.

“Seems so.”

“Should we go over and thank them?”

Selena turned away from the men and brought the bottle to her lips. After a sip she said, “No need. They’ll be here in less than five minutes.”

Gwen held her bottle and smiled over the bar to the cowboys. “How do you know that?”

“Because you’re still staring at them which they’ll take as an invitation.”

Gwen dropped her glance to the floor and swiveled in her seat.

“My God, you really don’t get out much.”

Gwen’s cheeks turned red. “I’m pathetic.”

“You’ve been sheltered. Not completely your fault.”

Gwen sipped her beer. To her credit, she didn’t frown at the taste. “Sheltered and pathetic.”

Just how innocent are you? “Please tell me you’ve had boyfriends.”

Gwen’s jaw dropped. “I’ve had lovers. I’m not a virgin if that’s what you’re implying.”

“Why that’s a mighty fine piece of information, darlin’. I could swear you’re as innocent as a new born calf.”

Selena and Gwen both shot their eyes to the rugged cowboy who had made it to their side in less than two minutes.

Gwen’s cheeks grew instantly red, and her eyes opened wide.

“Thanks for the drinks,” Selena said, trying to remove the attention from Gwen’s outburst.

“My name is Rick. This here is Jimmy.” Jimmy was an inch or so shorter than Rick and a good twenty pounds thinner. Both were easy on the eyes.

“Selena,” she said, “And my non-virginal friend Gwen.”

Gwen elbowed her in the side and Selena laughed.

Rick and Jimmy were kind enough not to keep the joke going. “Mind if we join you?”

Selena nodded to the empty seat on her right. Rick sat and Jimmy said, “I’ll keep an eye out for an open table.”

Gwen moved a little closer to Selena when Jimmy stepped closer to her. This was going to get awkward in a heartbeat. “Why don’t I hold this,” Selena reached for Gwen’s beer, removed it from her fingers. “And you two dance.”

Gwen leaned over and tried to whisper. “I don’t even know him.”

Selena smiled and nudged her out of her chair. “Go. We’re here to have fun.”

Jimmy was already reaching for Gwen’s elbow.

“But I don’t know how to dance like that.”

Jimmy helped her to her feet. “Where are you from?”

“Outside of London.” Gwen sat her purse on the barstool.

Jimmy winked. “Well, English, I learned the two-step when I was five. I’m sure I can show you.”

“You sure?”

“C’mon.”

Selena followed Gwen as she stepped on the dance floor. She stiffened when Jimmy wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to his frame. After only a couple of missteps, Jimmy successfully had Gwen swinging to the music in what appeared to be complicated dance moves.

“Do you always watch your friend so closely?” Rick asked.

“It’s in the handbook of girls. We go to the bathroom in pairs, tuck each other’s tags in, and we watch out for each other.”

“She doesn’t seem to be watching you.”

Selena let her gaze drift to the cowboy on her right and smiled. “She’s just trying to keep from breaking your friend’s feet. Hard to do that and watch me at the same time.” Rick was cute. His accent adding to his smooth demeanor, but he wasn’t doing a thing for her libido. Chemistry was a bitch that way. On the outside, two people might seem to be right for one another, but on the inside, they simply didn’t fit. Or they exploded much like her and Justin.

Rick must not have felt the same. He settled into his chair and kept the conversation going.

****

Justin elbowed Neil into the back of the bar far away from Selena and Gwen and did his level best to slip into the shadows.

From the look of Gwen’s faltering steps, the women had been in the bar for at least an hour, maybe two. Gwen’s hair was falling out of place and on occasion her voice rose above the others. She’d danced with at least three different men in the short span of time he and Neil had been there. If it was any consolation, Selena dumped some of Gwen’s drinks into forgotten glasses on the table.

Neil’s white knuckles clutched the beer in his hands as he watched Gwen spin around the dance floor. “She’s drunk,” he muttered through clenched teeth.

“I’d say you’re right.” Justin took a pull on his beer, eyes glancing over to Selena. She was talking with two men sitting at her table where she’d spent most the night. One of them stood and offered her his hand. She hesitated, but then stood and let him lead her to the dance floor.

Her tight little ass wiggled in step with the music as if she were born to country western dancing. Her partner kept his hands on her hip for about thirty seconds, and then they started to slip.

It’s hard to hold the glass when my fingers want to crush it. Another couple blocked Justin’s view. He shifted in his seat but still couldn’t find Selena in the crowd. When he caught up with her, she’d called the dance short and was sitting at her table again, this time talking with another guy. When cow-dick number two reached over to touch Selena’s shoulder, Justin couldn’t take any more. “You watch Gwen.”

“Don’t worry, I am,” Neil said.

The music shifted into something slower by the time he reached Selena’s table. Not too gently, he removed cow-dick’s fingers from Selena’s back and grasped her elbow.

Her shocked expression met his and the cowboy took to his feet. “Can I help you?”

A tattoo of a cross sat on the man’s hand who was making time with Selena. It was almost unnoticeable, but Justin knew its meaning. “You owe me a dance,” Justin told her while ignoring the man

Maybe she was too shocked to deny him, but she stumbled to her feet and let him pull her in his arms. Her heat socked him in the gut as his body grazed hers.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Justin darted a glare at the men watching them from across the room. “Saving a woman from a bunch of yahoos planning on a night of fun.”

He spun her around, she spun him back and glanced at the men. “They’re harmless.”

“Really?”

“They only look rowdy.”

“So they’ve been buying you ladies drinks all night to test your limit for nothing?”

She stepped on his foot. He quickly recovered and kept them dancing. “How long have you been here…watching?”

Oh boy, he shoved his foot in far this time. “Long enough.”

“How long, Justin?”

“Neil was worried about Gwen.” Thinking of his best friend’s sister, he lifted his gaze around the room to try to find her. He caught a glimpse of her blonde hair and petite frame as someone led her out the door. “Oh, damn.”

Justin abruptly ended the dance and tugged Selena alongside him.

Neil was already ahead of him.

The crush of sweaty bodies made it hard to cut across the bar. Justin knew at least one of the men at Selena’s table followed.

“What are we doing?”

“C’mon,” he told her. They finally reached the front door and emptied onto the parking lot just in time to see Neil grab the guy Gwen had been dancing with. Neil pinned him to the hood of a truck and pulled his fist back.

“Stop!” Gwen shrieked

Neil hesitated, but only for a second before his fist flew.

The man across the hood of the truck was no match for Neil. The bodyguard let loose two blows and pulled back. “The lady said no.”

“Where the hell did you come from?” one of the men from the bar yelled as he shoved his way into the mix.

More people poured out from the bar to watch the drama. Justin was sure at least one cell phone zeroed in on him. A bar fight in a parking lot in Texas was probably not the best way to get votes.

“It’s all over, buddy. The big guy here is just protecting an innocent woman,” Justin said trying is best to defuse the situation.

“She looked willing to me,” the guy yelled before the stranger’s fist flew and connected with Justin’s face.

He spun around and came up low, tackling his attacker around his waist and shoving him onto the nearest car.

Everything exploded around him. Justin took another blow to his torso before he returned punch for punch. Adrenaline ran through his veins like fire, fueling his swings. Muscle memory took action and within twenty seconds, Justin had the man pinned to the car alongside his buddy. “No, always means no!”

The man under him stopped struggling. Men from the bar broke through the crowd like linebackers at the fifty-yard line.

“Dammit, Jimmy, what are you two doing?” someone called.

Justin pushed away from the man he’d fought and stepped out of swing range. He stared at his enemy, waiting for him to flinch.

He didn’t.”

“Neil,” Justin yelled. “Why don’t you take Lady Gwen back to her rooms? I’ll ride with Selena.”

Selena patted Gwen on the back. “I’ll see you back at the hotel.”

When Justin focused on Selena, she had her arm looped through Gwen’s, both of them stared at the crowed with unease.

Gwen nodded.

He motioned for Selena to move to her car.

“My purse is in the bar,” she told him.

Neil escorted both women away from the drunken men, and Justin went inside after her purse.

He picked up Gwen’s designer bag and then Selena’s. Yet when his hand landed on Selena’s bag her felt something hauntingly familiar inside. Unable to stop himself, he opened the purse and found exactly what he thought he’d see.

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minneapolisfoundationservices · 8 years ago

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For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.tctimes.com/news/cornerstone-condo-owner-won-t-be-home-for-christmas/article_120d8786-c3c2-11e6-95d1-37daaf79daab.html

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For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/broken-pipe-damage-cleanup/624808741

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