Yes Gordon, I confess...I wrote the story too! :)

Gordon,

I'm so glad that you found the humor in my Billy Bob novelty creation.

Actually, the FAQ on the Billy Bob roach site tells a little bit about the day he entered my imagination - deep in the heart of Texas...just outside of San Antonio.

For over a decade, Billy Bob wouldn't leave me alone. :) I mean...I just couldn't get him completely out of my mind...and in times of stress - when I needed more humor in my life to counteract it, 'fleshing' out the Billy Bob story and the idea for the pin was a wonderful way to escape reality for short periods of time. (Makes you wonder about my sanity doesn't it?) :)

A 3rd grade teacher in Texas has read the story to her class while wearing her pin. She said they were fascinated! :)

Even a preacher wore one on his tie (after church services!) to lunch. A post office clerk has worn one on her blouse for giggles from the customers, and a local exterminator wears one on his uniform to inspire confidence in his clients.

My husband gave one to each of his two visiting business guests from Germany, along with a large gift basket of Texas goodies. They got more excited about their Billy Bob pins than all the other good stuff... and even wore them on their tie at a fancy restaurant where they were entertained for dinner that evening. :)

Oh the satisfaction that I have had from the reports coming back to me, so far. It's been great to know Billy Bob is out in the world now doing his 'thing' after all these years while he was haunting my mind - begging to be released in story and physical form. Yep.

This is not exactly what I wanted to become known for...but anytime I begin to take myself and my other work too seriously, I remind myself to lighten up a bit -- and find something to laugh about.

If seeing Billy Bob gives just a few people of the world a few good laughs, then I'll be happy and it will have been worth any humiliation I may possibly suffer. ( I hope) :)

So, he's now 'come out' of my zany imagination to do his 'thing' ~ to entertain and inspire...and motivate!

Is the world ready for a cowboy cockroach? I don't know, but here he comes! Yee-ha!

Yours truly,
Amber