Spilling the news - It's Out!

Kat Out of the Bag

Today is Release Day

It's out of the bag

Praise from Laura Childs (author Tea Shop mysteries)

"A little bit cozy, a little bit thriller. Wendy Kendall knows how to develop great characters and an exciting plot, then wallop it home."

Hey Katherine, I haven't seen our author so excited in awhile.

You're right MJ. I guess I'm pretty excited myself. It's not every day that the adventures and intrigue of Bayside Washington are released to the public on the pages of Kat Out of the Bag available online on Amazon

Remember how it all started?

Oh for Heaven's sake MJ, can we skip that, not my best moment. I always argued with Wendy Kendall that chapter one should have started later.

No way, that's the beginning of it all  . . . .

Katherine Watson slumped in a heap, littering the side of the road, all branding for her prestigious purse and fashion company, K. Watson Designs International abandoned. She struggled to sit up in her muddied Kevan Hall designer gown, the strategically seductive slit up the left leg of her gown was now in tatters, and a hole was growing under her left arm. Her once upswept, auburn hair hung flat like the dense suede fringe on a poorly made Coach knock off.

A teenager walked by her, talking on his cell phone, "I'm not kidding. The mayor's dead. She was hanged."

And Katherine, when was it that you met Jason Holmes, he was on duty the night of the murder with his K-9 Hobbs.

I remember. I was lost in my own thoughts about Brenda, the mayor, at the time . . .

It was as if she'd killed Brenda herself. Bright flashing lights on top of yet another police car broke through her accusation. This car was speeding right toward Katherine on the curb. She barely had time to roll out of the way. After a stunned self-affirmation she was still alive, her head hung heavy as she moved to a sitting position again. The siren stopped as a loud, vicious barking from inside the car started. Katherine stared at a huge German shepherd jumping against the car's back window. A car door slammed.

A man kneeled next to her in the mud, leaning close. "Are you all right Miss? Are you okay? Do you think you can move?"

Katherine's first thought was that's a big gun, as she stared ahead at the sidearm in the holster hanging from his belt. 

You know Katherine, that Jason, he's got some issues.

MJ I'm telling you, at times he can be so aggravating, him and his dog Hobbs.

Right Kat, not at all like you and your cat Purrada . . . .

Katherine had been trudging around in her gown all night, through the heart break, the push by Russ, the speeding police car, those deep blue eyes. Jason. Then she remembered his lecture and that look in those eyes as he'd told her he'd keep the note as evidence. She slammed her broken clutch down hard on her desk disrupting the sleeping Purrada, who meowed in a loud complaint. The shiny black haired, sleek pet reclined on a fluffy cushion on the window seat next to the desk. Now that Purrada was startled and on the alert, Katherine could see the white fur patches scattered on her nose, chin, and along the front of her neck. The cat then feigned nonchalance and casually began licking the top of her front paw.

MJ that was the calm before the storm. I'll never forget my fear later that night on the phone with 911 . . . .

"There's an officer nearby. We'll alert him. Hold the line."

Katherine was worried by the operator's monotone. Did she understand the urgency? Katherine watched in disbelief as the shadow figure moved toward the she attached to the waterwheel. Too late, she thought to get a picture after the person disappeared inside the shed.

"Oh no," Katherine muttered. She spoke into the phone, "Hurry. I think it's the killer, maybe looking for something left behind? Hello?" Had the operator hung up?

"Yes, the officer is on the way. Please stay on the line." The operator's voice now sounded bored.

A sharp ray of light from inside the shed cut through the darkness. The light jumped around. Sweat collected on Katherine's upper lip as she imagined the killer looking through her things for something, maybe critical evidence. Dear gave way to irritation at the invasion. Irritation gave way to anger. Someone had to stop that killer from removing whatever incriminating thing was so critical it had driven a return to the scene of the crime. Katherine wanted to scream. Where were the police? Maybe MJ was right about them. She pressed against the French doors. The light in the shed went out. Her breath caught in her throat. The silhouette walked out of the shed toward the alley leading to the maze that burrowed throughout Bayside and beyond.

Katherine spoke gruffly and fast, "Hello. Where's your officer? The suspect is getting away."

"Ma'am, please stay calm and hang on the line. They're on the way."

Katherine unlocked the door to the yard and whispered to the 911 operator, "I'm in pursuit."

Well Katherine, at least you had my daily meditations to guide you. 

Yes MJ, as always they were vague but irritating.

Katherine, did you mean wise and insightful? What about the day, when you started your suspect board with your grandmother and me - I rose to the occasion . . . . 

MJ paused as if to gather herself. She stood up, arms reaching forward with her thumbs and forefingers touching. She took a deep breath. Katherine and her grandmother exchanged patient glances, and Pam leaned back in her chair again. There was only the sound of the kettle heating up and the eggs scrambling. In her own good time MJ announced, "The only normal people are the ones that you don't know very well."

Always so helpful, or something MJ. And don't get me started on your antics at the Bayside City Council meeting.

Oh yeah, protest is my thing. That's my kind of scene, man

MJ, you did make a scene that night. Good thing too, so I could sneak away on my first ever stake out. I learned a few things that night.

Oh man, that's when things really got crazy.

Happy launch day Kat Out of the Bag!

Purraise from Purrada!

Rx to Thank Pharmacists

Moonjava - Welcome to our blog. We have a very special guest - Catherine Brugger Brown, one of our treasured health care workers during this pandemic.

Katherine – An enthusiastic welcome from Katherine with a K to Catherine with a C. Thank you so much for all you do as a Pharmacist, one of the health care workers on the front lines at this dangerous time. We can never thank you and the other heroic health care workers enough. And in addition to your work, also helpful are the knowledgeable warnings and advice you've taken the time to share online.

Moonjava – Catherine, you and health care workers here and around the nation and the world inspired my meditation for today: Your greatness is not what you have, it's what you give.   Catherine, what you and the others in the medical field do and give shows what greatness really is.

Katherine - You're a Pharmacist at a hospital in Washington State. Can you please tell us a little about your experiences and responsibilities before, and after covid-19?

Catherine -

I normally split my time between researching new medications the hospital should carry and working in direct patient care, where I review medications that physicians have ordered for patients to make sure they are appropriate and then making sure that the orders are prepared correctly.

My job has changed because I am able to do some of my work remotely. That doesn't apply for everyone, because for some tasks you have to be at the hospital, including my direct patient care shifts. My colleagues and I are working hard to care for patients at a time when some of our colleagues are also getting sick. So we are staying flexible with shifts and tasks to accommodate that.

Since COVID-19, the biggest concern that hospital pharmacists have is that many of the drugs that we use in the ICU are now in critically short supply. We must come up with creative alternatives to keep patients safely and comfortably sedated while they are on a ventilator. We are also involved in procuring and preparing the treatments that are being tried in COVID-19 patients, like azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and remdesivir, among others.
And let me just note that my opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect my employer’s positions.

Moonjava - Keeping that in mind, what's your advice for people now, in Washington state and elsewhere?

Catherine -

Unless you’re an essential worker, stay safe at home, so that we can flatten the curve. The fewer people go out and spread this disease, the better chance we have of not overwhelming hospitals. We need to have enough beds, staff, medications, and ventilators to treat everyone who is sick enough to need them. If you do go out, stick to grocery stores and medical appointments. Wear a mask and wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Sanitize whatever you bring into your home, including your phone.

Katherine - At this time I urge people when they must go out for essentials, to be careful where they put down their purse, or any bags they may be carrying, and to clean their purse when they get home. What is a cleaning method you have used?

Catherine -

I highly recommend not setting your purse down on any surface that might be contaminated. And don’t put your wallet or phone in your purse (or pocket) if you’ve touched it with dirty hands and haven’t sanitized it yet. I like to use sanitizing wipes or soap and water, depending on the surface I am cleaning. Some wipes, but not all, contain bleach, which aren’t appropriate for every surface. Check the ingredients. Depending on the fabrication of your purse, they may or may not be a good choice.

Katherine - Is there a type of purse you'd recommend carrying at this time if you must go out to go to work or other essential duty, and why? Whether a wristlet, shoulder bag, satchel, backpack, crossbody, or something else? Or will you shock me and say no purse? What are you carrying these days?

Catherine -

That’s an excellent question. I favor my cotton Vera Bradley wallets and purses these days, because they can be laundered in the washing machine with detergent when I return home. They are the perfect choice in a pandemic with a virus that is destroyed by soap.

Moonjava – With the stay at home, what essentials should you store handy, maybe in a purse or something else during this pandemic?

Catherine -

Hand sanitizer is my top pick. And a portable pack of wipes.

Katherine - I understand that you are also a stylist with Lilla Rose at Hair Charms by Catherine. Is it not just fashionable, but also important to keep hair off the face as well as hands off the face? These hair charms could be a good way. 

Catherine - I am an Independent Stylist with Lilla Rose, yes. Our Flexi Clips are perfect for pulling your hair back into a ponytail or an up-do and keep it out of your way. We sell seven sizes, so they fit all types of hair from baby fine, to long heavy hair. These clips are a creative way to secure your mask while out and about so it doesn't rub on your ears. The clips are also a fun way to decorate the handle of your tote or purse.

 

Katherine - Vera Bradley, is such a lovely, quilted choice. Besides the easy care, they are so pretty and also provide great organization. Often Vera Bradley purses offer matching accessories too. I love your charms. I've added these two to a favorite cotton purse a certain hippie mother gave me years ago. A cheerful blue denim color with embroidered flowers. Don't you think the Lilla Rose hair pins just accentuate the flowers well? The purse is a swagger style with two side sections that just snap shut for quick access, and then a securely zippered middle section.

Like so many Vera Bradley purses, this cotton fabric purse also came as a set including an organizing pouch/make up bag and the cutest little key chain coin purse.


And this is another cotton choice I have.
It looks so cheerful with it's Hawaiian flowers. This is a tote, so easy to carry over the shoulder. With it you see a menehune box. Hawaiian legend has it that many centuries ago, the Menehune were a mischievous group of people who lived hidden in the forests and valleys of the islands before the first settlers arrived from Polynesia. They were smart, extremely strong and excellent craftsmen. They were rarely seen by human eyes, and they are credited with mighty feats of engineering and overnight construction. They worked at night so as not to be seen by others, cutting, transporting and fitting stones for their projects in a long bucket brigade. If they were discovered, their work would be abandoned. I keep my Menehune box filled with notes on projects I'd love constructed, in the hopes that the Menehune will come back some nights ready to work.

Moonjava - You may get your wish Katherine. Even though the Menehune were said to be displaced when the first settlers arrived in Hawaii, some people still believe that the Menehune are roaming the islands, carrying out tricks on people, and some good deeds. An 1820 Census of Kauai listed 65 people as 'Menehune.' Keep wishing!

Now Catherine, your hair clips are groovy. I'm devoted to the lifestyle of the sixties flower children, and with these clips I can always have flowers in my hair, and other beautiful designs. In the little spare time of your very busy life I understand that you're a flash fiction writer, award winning short story writer, and that you're writing a novel. That blows my mind. I dig written words in a cool story. Will you tell us a little about your novel in progress?

Catherine –

I am writing a young adult fantasy novel called The Appearance of Power. It’s the story of a teen who is son of the late King, a tyrant mage who abused his magic. As a result, this young man hates magic and is forced to try and prove he doesn’t also have it. Then it begins to surface in his life. He must find a way be a better person than his father, even though magic is his part of his destiny after all.

Katherine - I can't wait to read that. It's obvious you have so many passionate interests in your life, Catherine. And you're avid about conservation and animal rescue too. We're so fortunate that we can rely on you and other dedicated people like you all the time, and especially at a time like this. What can we do for you health care workers?

Catherine -

If you can sew, make and donate masks. That’s such an appreciated gesture right now, and I know that there’s so many people like you, Katherine, out there that have those skills. Second and most important – stay home. If it helps you, and your mom, and your grandparents, stay out of the hospital, it takes the burden off your health care workers at the hospital caring for the sick. To keep up spirits, I like to distract myself with a favorite hobby, watching movies with family, or to connect with loved ones in other parts of the country online.

Katherine - Yes along with individuals, so many fashion designers too are jumping in and making masks or making donations. I'll get Katherine Watson Designs on that. No mystery, you don't have to be in the same room to help others. And as you say, connect from a distance to a neighbor, a small business, a family member, an animal, you get the idea, when you help others your world will feel brighter. And use time now to take steps in purse-suit of your own dreams.

Katherine and Moonjava – A most sincere Thank You! to you and your colleagues, Catherine Brugger Brown

And here's the link to Lilla Rose

April Purse Fool

A Fool And Her Purse Are Soon Parted 

Okay Katherine, here's my April Fools' day meditation - 
There is nothing more precious than self-trust. 

The lady raccoon pictured looks like she could have been 
punk'd back in 1582 in France when the April 1st taunting day
started. France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian
that starts the year on January 1st. People who kept celebrating 
new year's April 1st became the butt of jokes and hoaxes.

Those April Fools were taunted with paper fish stuck on their backs
and were called poisson d’avril (April fish) meaning they were 
too gullible, like an easily hooked fish.

This picture caught a raccoon d'avril

 

MJ, here's my Spring/1st of April handbag. Isn't it gorgeous and shiny? The metallic glitter artwork is butterflies! What better way to celebrate the season. Many designers have glitter purses in their collections, including Kate Spade, Coach, Neiman Marcus, and others. Perhaps that's an idea for my Katherine Watson line. And look at the handy kiss clasp opening on the metallic hardware strip along the top. It keeps everything secure inside. Not a shoulder bag, obviously it's designed to be carried in your hand.

Cool Katherine. Not everyone celebrates April Fools Day and spring has sprung.

April Fools! You're a poisson d'avril MJ. This is a mini bag.Now you can see it's real size.

You got me! I'll just laugh, breath deep, and go back to my meditation on the joy of self-trust as I guard against any other deceptions by you. The micro and mini bags date from long before today. From the early to mid 1900's, women carried around small purses called ‘reticules’. They were carried by the wealthy as a status symbol because they were small, elegant and held very little.

As far as the contemporary mini/micro bags, it was at Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection that Karl Lagerfeld first introduced the phenomenon. His take was structured and embellished, accompanied by fluffy oversized key chains. Chanel played with size in their Resort 2020 show, where tiny bags were hanging from gold-chained belts on the waists of top models. Not anything I've seen in downtown Bayside, at least not yet.

Here's some other mini bags. The one in the back left corner is handmade in Hawaii. The other two in the back are fun creations from Lori Greiner. Inside each they even have a secure zip pocket.

What was that black, furry creature I saw hanging in the corner of that other picture? Was that your cute cat Purrada?

Not hardly. That's a Diane K creation.

This is a cousin of the contemporary mini/micro bag. It's a wristlet. You can see from the ring at the top, this is meant to be worn like a bracelet.It's a sateen inside, contrasting from the fluffy outside.

Seems like wristlets are much harder to steal. And with the length you can carry more than just a mint, which is all I can imagine fits in some mini bags. 

The beaded, pretty clasp at the top closes with a snap. It's looped around the bottom of the bracelet ring and sewn on tight so you can open the clasp and reach inside.

 I can see now that's a purse and not Purrada, she never wears beaded jewelry. You fooled me again Katherine. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice . . . .

Happy April Fools, Everyone! We really mean that! Stay safe, and one last picture for you to meditate on,

Raccoons d'Avril

Thank You Medical Workers - Doctor Satchel Bags

Thank You Medical Workers, you are saving our lives. We appreciate especially in this terrible time, the risks that you take, your great sacrifices, and your sincere commitment to help people. The heroic efforts of those in your field through history is celebrated by many, including those of us in the fashion industry. As international purse designer in the new mystery book Kat Out of the Bag, I know the doctor satchel handbag design well. It's a beautiful structure, and so practical. Here you can see one example, including its handle, one on each side. And you can also see the double zipper dangling from the top. Striking, yet understated hardware.

Oh yeah, you can take it from me, Moonjava, Katherine's Purse-onality Museum historian, the doctor satchel bag was copied from something known as the Gladstone bag.

Here's a picture of a Gladstone bag made from ox leather. Hinged luggage was first developed in the mid 19th century. The Gladstone bag is a British patent registered by Edward Cole. The catchy Gladstone name came from a UK budget minister William Ewart Gladstone (1809-1898), who used a red one to carry his paperwork around. And so, his budget briefcase was called the Gladstone bag. He was later the four time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as if his bag wasn't fame enough. By the end of the 19th century, the practical advantages of the Gladstone bag were noted by doctors who began using them to carry their medical tools.

MJ, you're right about practical uses. Here's a close up of the side view. You can see the stylish tapering to the top, and how the zippers give you such a very wide opening so you can easily access what;s inside, yet nothing will spill out. In this example the side measures 8" across at its widest point.

This bag, for example measures 8" across at its widest point. Height is 7" and it's 13" across the front. Notice the side paneling that expands across the low zipper opening to prevent the contents from spilling out.

Just look at the light colored interior in this example, so you can easily spot what you're looking for among everything you're carrying in this very roomy interior.Roomy is the key Katherine. A Gladstone bag was really a small suitcase built over a rigid frame. It was designed to separate into two equal sections. The innovation it had was that unlike a suitcase, it was deeper than it was long. Gladstones were made of stiff leather and belted across the top. 

Here's a view of the one interior, zippered side pocket. The rest is all wide open spaces. As a purse, designers have made the doctor satchel a wonderful design that's stylish and easy to carry.

When doctors adopted the Gladstone, they filled it with what they needed when they made their house calls and when they went out on emergencies. Their bags were well worn with all the use of the hard working medics. As medicine changed, it was used less and less. Some doctors in the 20th century would stuff the smaller things they needed in their medical white coat pockets. But recently a different medical bag is being seen at times. Tools like pocket ultrasound machines, a PanOptic ophthalmoscope to check eyes including for abnormalities in arteries, and an ipad which helps in so many ways not only for the doctors but also to explain information to patients, and those are just a few examples. To carry the modern tools a doctor needs, many are now turning to new, modified messenger bags.

And here's our message to all you medical workers/heroes - Thank You!

Irish Tweeds and Celtic Purses

Top of the day, Celtic style 

As an international purse designer, I enjoy the diversity of designs and materials used in purse designs around the world. This week is a great time to savor the Celtic style, and that's no blarney. Today, the term Celtic generally refers to the languages and respective cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany, also known as the Celtic nations. The Irish tweeds are a most beautiful and durable wool. Here is an Irish Tweed Satchel Bag with Celtic Knot embroidery by Mucros Weavers, made in Ireland. Approx. dimension (14″ x 12″ x 5″).

MJ look at the amazing colors these tweeds have in store for us, a pink plaid . . .

Or a multi vernal plaid crossbody

Oh man Kat, your tweed crossbodies remind me of another Celtic purse in history that's so cool. The sporran shows how necessity is the mother of invention. Kilts have no pockets. Made from leather or fur, the sporran was a wallet. It hung front and center from an ornate belt buckle on a leather strap or a chain. Whenever it got in the way, it was shifted over to hang from the hip out of the way.

Check out this one made completely of leather. Three tassles was a common ornament, the number three of course being significant. They were often hand tooled with Celtic knot, or thistle or other groovy design. They closed with a stud or hook

Back to Irish tweed MJ, it doesn't always have to be a plaid. Here's a picture of a pretty Mucros Weavers of Ireland Niamh Tweed and Leather Bag in Rust Herringbone.

Kat, I'll tell you that as a Flower Child, I've read all kinds of stories, including Irish myths. You'd appreciate the Druid Crane Purses I've learned about, a magical bag. Manannan mac Lir is a major sea god and guardian of the otherworld. He made his bag from the skin of a crane - those birds were the third most common domestic pet in Ireland. His bottomless bag was full of treasures - knife, King of Scotland's shears, another king's helmet, bones of a whale, all kinds of stuff. These Crane bags are also in stories of other Irish heroes. A Crane bag and what it carries is as unique as each person who carries one.

Still true MJ, each purse and it's contents reflect the purse-onality of the wearer. Here's one of my favorites when I'm wearin' of the green, whether St. Patrick's or another day. It's a sleek, beautiful, and functional tote by Iman. Just look at the spaciousness and organization of the interior!  Two easy access side spaces, split in the middle by a roomy, secure zippered pouch. There's even two slip pockets. And just look at those tassels. 

Happy St. Patrick's celebration everyone.

And Katherine, here's my Moonjava meditation, it's an Irish saying - May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far.

A Purse With A Story

Happy International Women's Day!
Let's Celebrate Every Day!

Katherine Watson here, of the mystery Kat Out of the Bag. An international purse designer and founder of the Purse-onality Museum, I can confirm that all purses tell a story.

I'm going to share a story by Jessica Leigh Hester about a purse that literally tells a story. It's an Italian purse made, likely in the 17th century, with a "trashed manuscript".  

Inspired by International Women's Day, let me show you what the world has carried around over time.

It's interesting that even long ago, trends spanned the globe.

Moonjava, what do you think? Purses are all through history. 

You're right on Kat. Take the 12th century, it's recorded purses were made from leather for the sole purpose of carrying money. But around the world purses have been made from materials available, making a beautiful variety. One example is basket purses. Your picture here is a contemporary bag by Baskets of Cambodia. In Africa they also had basket purses in the beautiful African prints that are so very vibrant and colorful.

This is an example of a Contemporary African print purse made with the ankara fabric

Yes Moonjava, and this contemporary basket bag is so light and easy to carry. The materials a bag is made from can be so intriguing, and also helpful to the purpose, as well as beautiful.

And look at how roomy the interior, including three side slip pockets and a zippered side pocket. All of this is kept securely with a full zippered top.

Well, Katherine, leap to the 16th century, the Renaissance, purses became adorned with ribbons, fringes, lace, bows, beads and decorative stones.
MJ, that reminds me of my beautiful beaded replica of a 16th century, Italian beaded purse, pictured here.

I admire the intricate beading, and I love the color!

It is cool, Kat. The originals and replicas both show skilled crafting.

And considering the style, it's actually quite roomy, with the beautiful silk lining, and even a little slip pocket. It was in the 16th century that we began to see velvets, brocades, and satin used.

Yes Kat, in 16th century Italy we saw the Cartella, a more spacious purse that included a knife pocket. That was also the period of the Brachetta which men wore over pants as a codpiece and it carried money and a handkerchief. Yes, men carried purses. They also carried hand bags. And the Renaissance invented the Borsada Matrimonio that was filled with money as a wedding gift. This was also a time when messenger bags became popular, catering to the needs of the Italian working classes, and also in other cultures around the world. Yes, messenger bags in history!

In the 17th century all the rage were small bags with drawstrings. These were made of silk, and sometimes of metal. The one in my collection is made of metal, yet surprisingly light to carry. In France this style was called reticules. In the United Kingdom they were called Indispensables. And for peasants and travelers, the drawstring style was the sack made from leather or fabrics and worn cross body.

This was also the beginning of swete bagges. These were bags filled with sweet smelling materials. In a time when personal hygiene was grim and grimy, swete bagges were stuffed with sweet-smelling herbs and spices, lavender or perfumed balls of cotton. In the long run, swete bagges were also stored with clothes and linens and used for aromatherapy.

 

Admire the space inside this vintage drawstring bag

Shall we tell them, MJ?

Go ahead Kat, you're bursting to tell

In my mystery Kat Out of the Bag a note is discovered hidden within the lining of a vintage bag. Amber who is in charge of the gift shop finds it. What she and her roguish boyfriend Michael discover is quite revealing. I analyze it along with the clues I find myself. What an exciting chase ensues!

Enjoy the following published story, and Happy International Women's Day! - Let's Celebrate Every Day!

How a Trashed Italian Manuscript Got Sewn Into a Sweet Silk Purse

Book waste can be beautiful.

BY JESSICA LEIGH HESTER

 https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/manuscript-fragments-purse-lining