Buckshots

      In the spring of the early 1970’s, I was transferred from Mounds Mall in Indiana to the “Promotions Director” role at Irving Mall…Irving, Texas!   At that time, Irving Mall was well before it’s time.   DFW Airport was under construction, there were no businesses to speak of on Highway 183, and little or no population until you hit Fort Worth.          I could have stood out in front of the mall with a cannon, fired off a round and not hit anyone in a  ten-mile radius.  It was QUIET.  I tried everything to get people to shop with us, but it was a battle.  Our tenant mix could be duplicated many times over in sexier, better located malls and my “promotions” did little to sway consumers to come to Irving, Texas.   There were NO SHOPPERS at our mall.  I seemed to be taking ALL my meals at the virtually empty McCrory’s buffet and could have rolled a bowling ball down the lengthy, one level mall and it would not run into anyone.  It was like an episode of the Twilight Zone…all t

      Remembering events and committing them to the written word has been a therapeutic exercise for me.   This little blog has helped me bring memories to the surface and work through, “what in the hell I was thinking” at the time they took place.   It further gives me the opportunity to reconcile to a few mishaps committed years ago, purge my soul of the associated guilt, while basking in the assurance of the statute of limitations.      One such incident occurred around the spring of 1958, shortly after I had convinced everyone in the neighborhood my little 4 year old brother, Bob, had rabies.  Our scottie dog, Heather Mary, was deeply in love and had a litter of puppies every time it was possible.  She willing gave herself to the love of her life, Nipper…a mixed breed, white and black dog who lived down the street.  Lord, she loved that dog, was always excited to see him (even when she was not in heat) and he did not give her the time of day, unless she was.  For some reason,