Zeke…

According to Allison @ The Book Wheel it’s National Dog Week! If you need to see some adorable pics of pups- she’s got them!

National Dog Week slipped up on me as I don’t have a dog anymore- my sweet dog is doing his “bunny hop” in a better place. I still miss Zeke, maybe not as much as in the days and weeks after he passed away- but still quite a bit. I can laugh about memories of him now, though.

Zeke’s bunny hop. The way he doggy smiled. How he would sit at the door waiting on me.

Other memories:

Coming back from New Orleans (Spring Break baby!) I was rolling my luggage back to the house, on the sidewalk. My roommate and I was chatting as we walked to my parent’s home, stopped and gaze Zeke a couple of quick pats and was going to head into the house to grab a drink and relax before heading back to college. I noticed, after a minute, that my luggage had gotten heavier, so I stopped and turned around- there was Zeke- riding on top of my luggage- with a big ole grin. He was happy to see me and did not want me rushing in! Plus, he just had this thing about luggage!

One day, I came home and was ready to get my Philosophy package- I had ordered the most divine smelling shower gel- this Melted Hot Chocolate. The package was not on the steps- which concerned me as I had checked the UPS order. I couldn’t find my dog, either. Then I catch a whiff in the air- a smell of hot chocolate. Immediately, I go searching. And yes, Zeke had ripped through the package. And chewed the bottle of 16 buck shower gel. Looking at him, I was pretty mad. I was in college- and that bottle cost me 2 hours of babysitting. And yet…. he looked so silly with shower gel all over him- and grinning- that I couldn’t stay TOO mad!

Other pictures and memoires of Zeke can be found here:

Zeke- my “you tell your dog first” dog

Dog + Reading A Book = Adorable!

Good-bye Zeke, Good-bye…. You Will Be Missed.

Literary Friday ya’ll…..

It’s Friday! What are your plans for the weekend?

1. Deep South Mag and their #literaryfriday: Flannery O’Connor and money, James Franco and “As I Lay Dying”, Gatsby Companion Reading List, Top 10 references to Faulkner in Pop Culture and much more!

2. Book-Alicious Mama has posted Week 3 Questions for Astor Place Vintage, our September Book Lovers Unite selection. Join in the fun ( it’s a great book!) Don’t forget, Book Lovers Unite fans- we’ll be back at Traveling With T in October for The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman!

3. Bookmagnet’s Fall for These October Titles is filled with interesting sounding books! Two have caught my attention even before she posted her list- The Last Winter of Dani Lancing by P.D. Viner and Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding.

4. Another AWESOME blogger- Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews! See Rhiannon’s #literaryconfessions for 2 #literarygiants she cannot stand!

5. Reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods, The Stranger You Know by Andrea Kane, and The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore.

6. My #fridayreads: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty ( from Sept 30-Oct 6th, come discuss at She Reads!), Wedding Belles by Beth Albright, and Grounded by Angela Correll (look for my review and interview next week with Angela Correll!)

Happy Reading!

Thursday Mashup

Got many things to report today- get ready!

#giveaways

Kiss and Thrill is giving away a copy of Hank Phillippi Ryan’s latest, The Wrong Girl!

Rachel Hauck is giving away a copy of Princess Bride!

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away a copy of The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden!

Writer’s Corner is giving away a copy of The Good Wife by Jane Porter!

The Book Wheel (thanks to Lithograhps.com) is giving away a lithography!

She Reads is giving away a copy of Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain!

#bookish things

Book-Alicious Mama has posted week 2 questions for Astor Place Vintage! Join in on the fun!

Want help for planning blog posts? Katherine Scott Jones give 5 tips to make your blogging life easier!

A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

Photo Credit: Amazon

Are you in the mood for sweet holiday story? One that soothes the soul, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy? A Seaside Christmas is what you are looking for!

Jenny Collins dreamed her whole life of having a big family, a family to love and support her. Her and her mother were close- but when she would look at the O’Brien family- she knew that was what she wanted. Until, her mother married an O’Brien and then became pregnant. Jenny begins to feel left out and replaced. For the last few years, Jenny has been living in Nashville working as a songwriter and becoming famous. The relationship with her mother has changed and Jenny feels some guilt- but not enough to make a change, Until this Christmas. After a cheating scandal with her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Green, Jenny is looking forward to being away from Nashville in the holiday season.

When her aunt Bree calls Jenny to ask her to write some songs for a Christmas play- Jenny agrees, but is still hesitant about seeing her mother, stepfather and brother. But Bree insists and Jenny needs a break from Nashville. So she decides to head to Chesapeake Shores and leave life behind for a few days.

Caleb Green has other plans for Jenny, though. Caleb knows he screwed up with Jenny- he was drinking too much, and the public scandal of his cheating hurt Jenny in so many ways. Caleb has had time to think about things- and he knows he needs to at least make amends with Jenny- so he heads to Chesapeake Shores to do that. The more he sees Jenny, though, the more he realizes that he doesn’t want to be just friends- he wants her back in his life. And he sets out to prove to Jenny that he’s a changed man.

Jenny is on a emotional roller-coaster- the O’Briens are ready for her to mend the rift with her mother, Caleb is back in her life, and Jenny is not sure what she should think of all this. Slowly, Jenny begins to see how much she’s missed Caleb- but can she trust him? Jenny also starts to see that the only reason she felt left out at the O”Briens is because of herself, not them. Can Jenny finally see that there is a place for her in the family?

Set in a beautiful town, with characters that are loving and memorable- A Seaside Christmas is full of love and happiness- and second chances.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Sherryl Woods book- but I’ve been looking for sweet and romantic book to read for some time. I’m a sucker for stories like this- and A Seaside Christmas did not disappoint. Slightly predictable- but warm and fuzzy. Fans of Sherryl will not be disappointed (I’m sure!) and if you are looking for a sweet read for the upcoming holidays, you’ve found it!

*This book was requested through Netgalley, All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews

Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews is a fellow She Reads blogger. So, naturally, I adore her for that. But she’s quick-witted, charming and knows the importance of finding a good pair of jeans. I think Rhiannon would be an excellent person to sit down and talk with for hours while enjoying a glass of wine!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews

Rhiannon- when did you begin blogging?

I began blogging about three years ago and was posting such a crazy variety of topics (lipgloss ratings, coupons, book reviews, recipes, my academic work.) I decided last September to streamline and focus on just one of my passions, book reviews. September 17th is my 1 year blogversary for Ivory Owl Reviews and I have learned A LOT!

How did you come up with the name Ivory Owl reviews?

Last summer, my mom and I were shopping in downtown St. Charles and she found this ceramic, ivory and blue, owl that I thought was so adorable. I sat it on my nightstand next to all my books and joked that he was going to help me with my book reviews.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I love being able to create my own community of readers. I believe anyone who loves to read has a connection but not everyone likes to read the same style of books. With blogs, I’ve been able to see what people generally like at a glance and decide if I would like to follow them. I personally like having my blog so that when someone asks me to recommend a book to them I can simply direct them there instead of trying to rack my brain on the spot to give a good recommendation. I also like knowing other bloggers to direct someone to when I don’t think our styles are similar.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love to cook. Some people dread the time it takes to make a meal but I like having a glass of wine, listening to an audio book and whipping up dinner. I try new recipes I collect from Pinterest and my family gives me their critiques. I even like cleaning up dinner because no one comes in the kitchen (knowing they’ll be put to work) so I take my time and maybe have another glass of wine while I load the dishes and wipe down the counters. I also like to go walking at the park. It helps me clear my head and get my creativity flowing. I’m also a crazy coupon lady! Not like the ones on TV but I love saving money and would say I’m intermediate/advanced not full blown crazy!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’ve not read Fifty Shades and I can’t stand Henry James or Hemingway.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

This one stumps me. I don’t think I’ve ever swooned over any characters. I love Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in the movie version of “Gone with the Wind” but I didn’t read the book so I’m not sure if it is the character or Gable himself I would have my crush on (Maybe not reading Gone with the Wind should be a #literaryconfessions!)

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

My number one most anticipated book of 2013 is Maddaddam by Margaret Atwood. It is the third book in the Maddaddam trilogy with Oryx & Crake and The Year of the Flood as the first two books. I squealed and did some seriously goofy dance moves when I saw that my request had been accepted for an ARC. I’m currently re-reading Oryx & Crake and then The Year of the Flood to be fully refreshed before I dive in. My close second is Joshilyn Jackson’s Someone Else’s Love Story. I love anything she does but read an excerpt at the beginning of the year and am especially excited because it is set in Atlanta.

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I can never just pick one! Can anybody? My Top Four: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara. A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

This summer I loved Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky, On Grace by Susie Orman Schnall, and The Wishing Tree by Mary Beth Whalen.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I like them all. I read paperbacks in the bathtub, listen to audiobooks and read on my Ipad, and listen to books on CD in the car. I like all formats but I do love the smell of a physical book.

Rhiannon- you are a member of She Reads. To you, what does that mean for women readers? Does She Reads give them a voice in this book world? A place to go and say “These are the kinds of books I want to read?”

I think we are able to give praise to books and authors that may not have gotten the attention they deserved. That makes me feel good. I enjoy the sense of comraderie on the site. I’m a Twitterer (Twitterholic?) and I can chat about anything I’m reading at any time and someone is sure to join in or respond. Since we are all reading the book at the same time (kinda) we can all chime in. I find it easier and more enjoyable than a physical book club. We don’t have to get out of our pajamas or find a sitter to participate.

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.”

― Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

Roughly translated to “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

I am drawn to certain covers so “yes.” Unless I am searching for a particular book, the one with the best cover is the one that usually gets picked.

If you liked reading
about Rhiannon @ Ivory Owl Reviews, check out her blog, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+

The Stranger You Know (Forensic Instincts) by Andrea Kane

Someone is murdering red headed women in New York City. Someone who has an axe to grind against a particular red-headed woman. Can the Forensic Instincts team find the murderer? Before he attacks the target of his obsession, their leader, Casey?

Casey has assembled a team of the best of the best. Some might call it a dream team of investigators. Casey calls it Forensic Instincts. With each person on the team having a specific set of skills, collectively- they solve cases others can’t. But there is one case, Casey has never been able to solve. A case that haunts her to this day. The case of her missing friend, Holly.

When Forensic Instincts is hired by a man searching for his missing daughter, Casey knows it’s a long shot to find the daughter. The case is 15 years old, and cold cases are tough to solve. However the man is dying and Casey wants to try to give him peace of mind. Casey also has an ulterior motive- the details from the missing girl Jan’s case are eerily similar to Holly’s case. Casey wonders if the two could be linked.

While the team is searching for clues about Jan’s disappearance, a man is setting other plans in motion. From his jail cell, he is keeping tabs on the case and making plans. And he has plans for Casey- plans that involve pain and torture.

At Columbia, a young petite red-head is raped and killed. Right after, Casey gets a call taunting her about the murder and the plans for her. Casey knows of 1 man who wants to torture and kill her- but he’s in jail serving a 30 year sentence- so it can’t be him. Can it? And if it’s not- does he have something to do with the phone call? As more red-heads are being killed, Casey gets calls from the killer- taunting her, letting her know he’s getting closer.

With each call, Casey knows he’s getting closer to his ultimate goal- and she’s ready. Casey refuses to change her life, refuses to be a victim. Instead she puts herself in the hot seat and goes to the prison to visit the man in jail. There, Casey finds a tie between the killings happening and the man in prison. She wonders how things are tied together- but does not have to wonder long- as the master plan becomes apparent quickly.

Will Casey and the Forensic Instincts team be able to solve the case? Will Casey ever get peace about Holly? And will the plan, the plan of evil, torture, and pain beyond all measure happen to Casey? And if so- who’s the person inflicting the pain- the man that Casey thinks or a stranger she knows?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is a series (although this is the first I’ve read). Casey and her team set out to solve crimes that the police cannot solve- due to limited resources. The team is a merry band of folks- with each person having a skill that comes in handy. Twists and turns throughout the novel, but the ending is not quite as good as earlier in the book. Some red-herrings, some misdirection to throw the reader off the scent of who is the mastermind- but, some readers will be able to guess. Still enjoyable and worth a read.

*This book was requested through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Funeral Dress by Susan Gregg Gilmore

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Sometimes family is found in the most unexpected places…..

When Emmalee meets Leona at the shirt factory, neither knows how much their life will change. Leona is gruff with Emmalee at first, but soon takes her under her wing- showing her tips and tricks to sewing the collars and other things. One day, Leona asks Emmalee to bring her baby to live with Leona and Curtis, her husband. The next day, their life is changed forever.

Leona has been busy sewing slipcovers and getting Emmalee’s and Kelly Faye’s room ready- so the last thing she needs is a delay in cooking her famous hashbrown casserole for the church. But, it happens and Leona is busy rushing to get things ready for church. On the way to church, while Leona is worried about being later, her husband does not see the log truck drifting in his lane. When he does see the truck, he tries to move over, but moves too far- then loses control. Curtis and Leona die on the way to church.

Emmalee knows that when Mr. Fulton comes to the house, death is in the air. Her daddy, Nolan, helps Mr. Fulton with transporting of the bodies. Emmalee is trying to get Kelly Faye to sleep, and hates to hear the arrival of Mr. Fulton- but especially hates to hear that the bodies are Leona and Curtis. Emmalee mourns the loss of Leona, the one person who believed that Emmalee could be a good mother. Emmalee decides to make her friend a funeral dress, something nice and wonderful for her dear friend, Leona.

Many in the town are against Emmalee, unmarried with a baby, making a funeral dress for Leona, a woman who was church-going. Emmalee is determined to make the dress, though, and she sets out to do just that. Emmalee knows that her friend deserves a beautiful dress, and Emmalee knows that despite her background- the dress is for her to make. No one else would take the time or the care with the dress the way she will.

While Emmalee is making Leona’s dress, she begins to learn more about Leona’s life- the hopes and disappointments- and why Leona decided to ask Emmalee to live with her. Emmalee also begins to realize how much she wants to be a good mother- to provide Kelly Faye with the life she did not have. People in the area, though, have other plans for Kelly Faye and those plans do not include Emmalee. Can Emmalee find the strength to stand up to the town? With the help of an unlikely ally, Emmalee might just be able to.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The Funeral Dress weaves together themes of loss, hope, desire for a better life, finding strength and faith to create a story that is heart-warming and an intimate look at life for women working in a factory. Susan Gregg Gilmore takes two characters that, at first glance have nothing in common, and creates a story where they both play a pivotal role in the others life. Highly recommended for book clubs and fans of Southern Lit.

*This book was requested through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Author Spotlight: Peggy Sweeney-McDonald

Monday, Peggy was at Traveling With T for an interview. Today, she’s revealing her #literarycrush ( a “Grey” literary crush!), showing her Southern roots, and telling us what type of food she would be (if possible!)

Author Spotlight: Peggy Sweeney McDonald

Peggy, when not working- what do you like to read?

New Age Spiritual books (anything by Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer and Neal Donald Walsh) and any Oprah picks.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I’m a magazine junkie! I have to keep up on Hollywood scoop as I live in L.A.!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Christian Grey – Fifty Shades of Grey (I can’t believe I am admitting it! Don’t tell my husband!)

What are some authors you really enjoy?

Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Kate Chopin – my southern roots are showing!

If you could meet anyone (living or dead) who would you pick?

Judy Garland. I’m a huge Wizard of Oz fan!

If you could be any food in the world, what would you pick? And why?

We ask this question in the shows and the book to all our storytellers and it’s always so much fun to see their personalities shine through. I say I would be a Godiva chocolate, sometimes bitter or sweet or nutty or a tasty combination, but always a treat!

*Special thanks to Peggy Sweeney-McDonald for agreeing this Author Spotlight!

To connect with Peggy, please visit her website or Twitter page!

Bloggiesta- Accomplishments!

Another Bloggiesta has come to an end! While I did not accomplish all my goals, I did get some finished that I’ve been putting off for some time- so yay me! Plus, I have a set of tasks to continue working on in my free time. #winning!

Here is my goals when I started Bloggiesta!

This is what I accomplished:

Interview Archive
Author Spotlight Archive
Review Policy

While I’m sad that I did not manage to find time to post my review archive, the 3 tasks I accomplished were time consuming.

Other things I learned this weekend: how to make a button (hopefully!)

From my perspective, Bloggiesta was a success!

Interview with Peggy Sweeney- McDonald, author of Meanwhile Back at Cafe Du Monde

Last year, I had the pleasure to meet Peggy Sweeney-McDonald at Lemuria Books in Jackson, MS. I had won the book from Deep South Magazine in a contest- but since Peggy was so close by, I decided to drive over and meet her. And I’m so glad I did! Peggy is vivacious, entertaining, and just plain fun! Chatting with her about her book was the best way to spend an afternoon.

When I met Peggy, my blog was a year old; but still getting it’s feet on the ground. And I regretted the missed chance at interviewing her (as we just talked and talked that afternoon!) However, Peggy was kind enough to grant me an interview after I contacted her- and now readers of Traveling With T will be able to find why she’s a success- and how dear Café Du Monde is to her heart and soul.

Interview with Peggy Sweeney-McDonald

Peggy, Meanwhile Back at Café Du Monde originally was a show. Now it’s a book. What is next?

It has been an incredible journey from inspiration to idea to shows to book and beyond. I’m now trying to pitch it as a television idea and would love to do a radio show too! I’m being asked to write for food magazines and to present Meanwhile, Back at Café Du at conferences. I’m scheduled to do the show at the Chili Pepper Extravaganza in New Orleans September 27-29^th and will have some of the “Pepper Heads” on board to share their food stories.

How did you transition Meanwhile Back at Café Du Monde from show to book? What was the process?

This was a “learn as you go” experience with lots of ups and downs. I had never thought about writing a book before. I had the idea for the coffee table book of the stories from the shows when I was getting ready to go on stage for the first show. I was in the gift shop/kitchen of the Myrtles Plantation and there were coffee table books on a table for sale. I thought to myself, “This would be a great book with the stories, recipes and pictures”, I turned one of the books over and saw Pelican Publishing had published that book. I invited Pelican Publishing to come to a New Orleans show the next month as I knew they would be a good fit. They came to the show, loved it and gave me a book deal. Soon I had a literary agent, entertainment attorney and was learning the ropes of a book contract. At times it has been very overwhelming but thrilling. I’m trying to stay centered, focused, excited and enjoy the ride. The book has received rave reviews from Emeril Lagasse, Chef John Besh, Rex Reed, Pulitzer Prize winning author Jeffrey Marx and more. It has been reviewed in newspapers and magazines including Southern Seasons, Texas Home and Living, Louisiana Cooking, Flavors, Chili Pepper Magazine and more.

Did you have better luck with having Meanwhile Back at Café Du Monde becoming a book because it’s about food and has great pictures?

I think the publisher liked the idea that it wasn’t just a cookbook and it was unique in that the stories originated from a live show and were shared by people from all walks of life not just chefs, restaurant owners and typical foodies. We have the Mayor of Baton Rouge (Kip Holden) to a college student (Hannah Blomquist) and a Broadway theatre actress (Savannah Wise) and more that aren’t typical “foodies”.

Or does a book like this present it’s own unique challenges? I had a 3 month deadline after signing the contract and trying to gather stories, pictures and releases from 67 people over the 2011 Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays was a huge challenge. I know everyone was tired of getting my calls and emails but I wanted the book to come out the Fall of 2012 and so it had to be turned in by January 2012. It was a crazy time and so many days, I didn’t think I could get it accomplished but a day at a time, I did! It was such a great feeling to turn in my “baby” to my publisher. You think you have done the hard work at that point, but it has only just begun with the editing over the next 6 months and then planning the promotion. I feel like I learned so much about publishing, myself, and life! It was a wonderful time in my life.

Is Meanwhile Back At Café Du Monde a “foodie” book? Or is it an “everyone who likes food book”?

It is a book for anyone that loves stories about life, love, family, friends, joy and sorrow and if you are a foodie, you will treasure the book as you will relate to something in every story!

Peggy, are you working on more books? Another show?

I just finished a round of shows in Los Angeles and went back to Baton Rouge for the 3 year anniversary shows. I’m taking a break from the live shows now as I’m concentrating on meetings with production companies to pitch the television idea. I am planning on writing a book about my journey of Meanwhile, Back at Café Du Monde… and the spiritual and life lessons I have learned along the way. When you listen to divine inspiration and start taking the steps toward your dreams despite your fear, life gets bigger and better in so many ways.

What is your absolute favorite food that makes you think of life back home in the South? How is the food different in California than New Orleans?

Of course it would have to be beignets and Café Au Lait from Café Du Monde! The sweetest thing in the world! As I say in my title monologue, “no matter where I live or what is going on in my life, I always end up at Café Du Monde… taking life one beignet at a time!”

We have great food in Los Angeles. You can dine internationally here without ever leaving the city. However, New Orleans food has soul and there is something about the food that once you have tasted it, you just want more. I go back to Baton Rouge to visit my family and once I have the first taste of good Louisiana food, all bets are off and any thought of dieting or eating right is down the drain . It’s off to the races. It’s like the first bite explodes my taste buds and I’m once more I’m awakened to how fabulous Louisiana cooks are! I have to come back to Los Angeles to eat right and exercise so that I can go back to Louisiana a few months later to eat again! It’s a vicious cycle but so worth it!

What is the best “foodie” story that you’ve experienced?

It would have to be my own story as it comes from my heart . My story begins when I left New York to move back to Louisiana with my New York fiancé and all the amazing years we lived in New Orleans eating our way thru the French Quarter and always ending up at Café Du Monde! Everyone has a “Café Du Monde” or Café of the World – a metaphor for your favorite comfort food place. Everyone has a food story…. life spun around a thread of food!

*Special thanks to Peggy Sweeney-McDonald for agreeing to this interview!