Dare I say that, after last week’s vacation, posting has resumed, and will now continue as usual. But first, if you aren’t in Chicago, you may have missed my article in Newcity last week. Fortunately, you can check it out now.

The other day I saw that Vanessa Williams’ album wasn’t selling at all at work. And I wondered what it must be like to be a celebrity that everyone knows, but doesn’t necessarily care about.

“Hi everybody! Thanks for coming out today! We’ve got lots of great events planned all throughout our opening month, but of course today is the big opening. And now I’m happy to welcome our very special guest! I know you’re all very excited, and I am too. She’s a former Miss America. She has had 14 Grammy nominations, including for her theme song to the Disney movie Pocahontas, and appeared in Eraser, Soul Food, and Dance with Me. She also had a successful stint on Broadway in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Now, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Miss Vanessa Williams!”

“Thank you, thank you everybody. I’d like to thank Joe for this wonderful opportunity, and the Westville Downs Chamber of Commerce for inviting me out here today.

Boy am I excited about this new mall, right? They’re going to have a little bit of everything, I think! I got to eat in the food court yesterday, and the Chick-Fil-A was just amazing. It’s something you’ll really want to bring your family out for. They have over 30 restaurants in there, and it’s just a treat all around. Stop by, won’t you?

And the stores– I can’t drive by a mall nowadays without running into a J.C. Penney’s, can you? Now, Westville Downs has it’s own Penney’s, so you too can take advantage of their terrific sales, including 30% off all women’s outerwear this week, and an extra 20% off kids swimwear. I’ve got to go over there before I’m done here today!

Speaking of kids, of course you know I have four of my own now, and each one of them likes different things, just like all kids. I know my girls would love Bath and Body Works, which you can find on the first floor, second concourse here at Westville Downs Shoppingplace. And my son is such a reader– he’ll really love the Books-A-Million up on the second floor, right across the way from the yummy Great American Cookie Company! I can stand among the bestsellers and smell those great cookies, all here at Westville Downs Shoppingplace! What a dream!

Well, in a few moments, I’ll have to get back to the airport, and jump a plane back to California– I’m hosting a benefit for a childcare center in Pomona later on this evening, so I have to run. But, really, I want to thank you all for having me here today. I’m sure you’ll love the experience Westville Downs has to offer, just like I loved the experience of being Miss America all those years ago. It’s great to see you! Have fun!”