29 Comments
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Miriam Boland's avatar

One thing about working in a cool place (while you are still young and haven’t Found yourself yet!) is the extraordinary things that happen there. I worked in the Academy of Natural Sciences, and one day when I took a file from Development over to Finances, there was a great hubbub going on — they had moved the file cases over for some electric work, and just like that! they found two Egyptian mummies in the wall, a lady and a baby. I would have never had this experience working anywhere else, and it gave me a solid base when it was time to find another job! 😄

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Miriam Boland's avatar

I’m sending you this link bc it reminds me of all the characters in your store/office. You’ll see why! Or maybe they’re all you?….

https://www.yourtango.com/self/signs-you-have-complex-mind-thinks-completely-differently-normal-people

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Stephen Beals's avatar

That was a good list. I fixated on small talk. My inability to keep small talk small is a comedy bit. A conversation of, say, the weather has me attempting to turn it into….anything else, really.

I gave lack of small talk to Tabby.

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Miriam Boland's avatar

But Tabby is a good observer, with her popcorn and all. The list was interesting to read; funny that I pictured your characters as I read it!

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Stephen Beals's avatar

I really appreciate that. Characters are based on various people, then they take on a life of their own.

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Stephen Beals's avatar

Interesting. I shall read it!

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Peter Gimpel's avatar

BS"D

Don't kid yourself, Miriam. It could happen anywhere. Read Hedley's story, "The Lobby" on my substack. Clarifcation please: Were these real mummies or just neglected job applicants? Still LOL about your "solid base" line! Best, Peter

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heydave56's avatar

Develop an action plan before crying; love it!

Yes, I do read the background signage!!!

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Jim the Geek's avatar

I've been mystified at why my comments always get far more traction (as measured by "likes") than my actual posts. There's probably a lesson in that. Is it still a post when it has only 3 or 4 sentences?

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Tell Me a Mystery's avatar

Having taken a little trip and read one of your posts, I'd say it's because you write about interesting topics and get your readers thinking. You make them want to comment. That's a gift! 👏

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Jim the Geek's avatar

I have considered writing about our experience running a Mom & Pop retail store. I've avoided it due to the high probability of boredom. Retail is even more stressful when you own the danged thing!

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Tell Me a Mystery's avatar

I can imagine, but you've probably met some interesting characters coming thru your store.

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Elizabeth's avatar

I visit this place every chance I get for a respite from the sea of darkness and despair that is world events and politics. THANKYOU for your dedication to your art. It’s good medicine.

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Shawn K. Younkin's avatar

Dude, if someone brought me a baby ferret to look, at I would SQUEEE so loud dogs two cities over would hear me.

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Rudy Says's avatar

Within 2 hours of closing at the grocery store, one checkout, no bagger maybe the cart guy helps out. That's it. Better not need a quick break.

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Shell's avatar

I’m *crying* at haunted hamburger and the broken milkshake machine. Now I’m going to go see if it works yet😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

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Stephen Beals's avatar

I still say there should be a chain of burger places called Haunted Hamburger, with Scooby Doo as the mascot.

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Shell's avatar

The real one would probably have kittens if they were made into a chain.

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JES's avatar

I tend to comment a lot about what books I'm reading, so since you mentioned buying Beatrix Potter and Stephen King on the same day, this all resonates with me!

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Stephen Beals's avatar

Good book recommendations are always encouraged here.

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C J's avatar

I love how his pants and the basket are the same shade of pitiful plaid.

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Yvonne Elizabeth  Aston's avatar

I love your cartoons and the comments are frequently hilarious. Carry on cartooning and creating the cartoons' conversations.

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kat13v's avatar

I’m in Rusty’s position - its a privilege because I can leave whenever I like :)

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Ërb's avatar

Of course Tabby is a supernatural being. How else can she pull a tub of popcorn out of the air?

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Heather's avatar

I love your comics! Thank you!

Just had a mind bending conversation with a wealthy customer who doesn’t grasp the concept of paying on time. I swear this rich don’t understand money… give me the remaining 98% of the population any day…

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Stephen Beals's avatar

Oh, thank you so much. Yes, give me the person who is scraping by any day. Someone I can relate to. The amount of people who blow past bills faster than the expensive car they are driving is staggering. And eye opening.

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Jane Finch's avatar

There are days when St Beals is the highlight of my inbox. And I get a ton of email. You are doing many things right.

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Stephen Beals's avatar

I can’t think of a better compliment. Thank you so much!

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STOP The Insanity's avatar

I once worked at a place I’d write a list of all the things I hated about working there. I Also made a list of those i wanted to communicate my displeasure . When i finally left none of the lists ment anything . I was just very happy to be gone .

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