Have updated my Books I’m Reading section with A Bend in the Road and A Walk to Remember (both by Nicholas Sparks). Look soon for reviews of I’ll Walk Alone and While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark, The Illumination by Kevin Bockmeier, Jeneration X by Jen Lancaster and I, Alex Cross by James Patterson.
Upcoming Book Signings….
Excited to hear that 2 of the authors that made the Deep South Magazine’s 2012 Summer Reading list will be coming to book stores nearby for book signings/readings. Kimberly Brock- The River Witch and Karen White- Sea Change.
Both books have intriguing covers and definitely have my interest for an addition to my summer reading list. As of now, I’m pretty sure I’ll be attending both events (I’m a book nerd- so I love to go to book signings), so check back for pictures and snippets of information from the book signing and readings.
Check the 2012 Summer Reading List for new books to read if you like interesting books or southern lit books. I dare say that the list Erin compiles is some of the best and brightest established authors or debut authors. Enjoy summer reading!
Always a Bridesmaid, never a Bride
My brother and his lovely fiancee will be getting married in the next few months. I was asked to be a bridesmaid- a time honored tradition that has it’s fun and frivolity; but also it’s times of headaches!
Because my brother is getting married and I’m truly fond of my future sister in law, I’m dedicating this blog post to them (and hoping to win the Wedding Cake for Breakfast for them- to hopefully aid them in the first year of marriage.
Advice for marriage I’ve read over the years: 1. Never go to bed angry. 2. Have separate checking accounts; but have one joint for combined purchases. 3. Be willing to laugh because there is plenty in a marriage that can be funny- you just have to have the right attitude. 4. Know where you stand on the important issues before you tie the knot- it’s easier to not tie the knot, than untie it (cheaper, too!)
Since I’ve been a bridesmaid more times than I can count (I’m not quite up to 27 Dresses-type), but close enough. My advice for bridesmaid’s: 1. Bring a bag loaded with essentials for the day of. 2. Stay Hydrated! 3. Remember to smile- the camera will be flashing all day!
Dedicated to my brother and his fiancee: May the road ahead of you be littered with bright and shiny things, good fortune and much love. May the days be long and bright, and the life be as charmed as possible. xoxo
2012 Summer Reading List (Deep South Magazine)
I love Deep South Magazine. It always has some fun little tidbit about something in the South I either did not know or wanted to know more about. What I love the most about Deep South Magazine is that twice a year they release the Summer/Spring and Fall/Winter Reading lists. These lists are always chock-full of good and interesting books- some I may not have heard of and some I am eagerly awaiting.
Last summer, through the list, I discovered Michael Lee West, author of Gone with a Handsomer Man. Between the description and the cover art, I had a good feeling about this book. It did not disappoint. For the fall/winter list, Erika Marks Little Gale Gumbo was my delightful discovery. I loved it so much that I want be friends with Erika- she’s that good with words!
This Spring/Summer list has the new Michael Lee West book A Teeny Bit of Trouble, Mary Kay Andrews Spring Fever, Kimberly Brock A River Witch (getting rave reviews already from the likes of Joshilyn Jackson and Robin O’Bryant and many others) and many other books.
On another note, an author who will be making a stop by for the Booktopia event in Oxford, MS is Jesmyn Ward. Her book, Salvage the Bones, also made the list.
Do yourself a favor- check this list out. Find a wonderful book to read, get into an adirondack chair, have a refreshing drink with an umbrella in it nearby (or some sweet tea- the house wine of the South!) Kick back and relax- don’t forget the sunscreen!
For more information about the list- follow Deep South Magazine on Twitter (@deepsouthmag).
Books…
I made a new page- called Books I’m Reading. Under that, each book I’ve been reading lately will be discussed. Some spoilers possibly, but mainly just thoughts about the book. The first 2 I discussed are :So Pretty it Hurts by Kate White and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Feel free to read my thoughts and let me know your thoughts. While I may not agree, I do enjoy hearing other takes on books.
Side note: I will be posting about Zippity Doo Dah 2012 in Fondren soon. Trying to get my thoughts together to describe a wonderfully fun weekend!
Meeting Shellie Rushing Tomlinson…
Last summer, I met Shellie Rushing Tomlinson at a book signing at Lemuria Books in Jackson, MS. Shellie was signing copies of “Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She just Weighs Heavy”. With a title like that, I knew I had to meet this author.
Shellie is a Southern writer, and has this drawl when she talks, is kind and funny, and just makes you feel welcome when talking with you. Having only a few ladies at the book signing was actually nice because we were able to sit at the big table in the back and just have an informal talk of books and stories- and of course, Shellie read a couple of excerpts from her book.
Shellie’s 2 latest books: “Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On: What Southern Mamas tell their Daughters that the Rest of Y’all Should Know” and “Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy” may not be for everyone- some Southern writing isn’t, but if you are looking for a funny book, with a tinge of advice, then give these a try. Also, if you have the opportunity to meet Shellie, go and meet her. A nice lady who has a gift for story-telling, so the visit will be fun!
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson and her fans at Lemuria
For more information on Shellie, follow her on Twitter @ShellieT or friend her on Facebook- Shellie Rushing Tomlinson. She posts quite often, either with something funny or a thought that makes people think.
Kindle or Books for traveling?
When traveling, books or Kindle (or Nook)? I love books, but I also have a Kindle, and I have to admit that I adore the ease of being able to take several books with me while traveling. Now, I don’t go traveling so I can read, but during the down-time or before I go to sleep, I may read a chapter or 2.
The Kindle has the advantage- more books, easier to pack, and lighter to carry. The downsides- if I left it behind, if it got ruined at the beach/pool, if it was stolen.
Book vs Kindle- the war rages on in my choices to take with me when traveling.
Mississippi State Fair 2011
There’s something about a state fair that makes me happy. Maybe it’s the food? In a single place, you can consume more “bad for you, but oh so good” food. Personally, I like to bring a friend who likes fair food and split things with them- that way you can enjoy much more. Penn’s Chicken, funnel cakes, lemonade, cotton candy, roasted corn (ooh, I think I’m drooling)- that and much more can be found at the Mississippi State Fair.
I do enjoy some of the rides, as well. Huge fan of the Pirate Ship (arms raised and screaming), the Scrambler, and the Ferris Wheel. I don’t enjoy the carnival games, but as a kid, I did. Now, much smarter about my money.
The best days at the fair- the weather is sunny with a nice breeze. Arriving around lunch to start eating the best food, ride some rides and watch some fair entertainment. Basically, rinse and repeat until time to leave. That’s a day at the fair!
No telling what kind of food you'll see at a fair!
Ferris Wheel. Something magical about it being lit up at night.
The Hollywood Cafe: Tunica, MS
Fried Pickles. Just looking at the words make me hungry. Actually getting to eat really good fried pickles is a treat. When I saw a place in Mississippi boasting “Home of the Best Fried Pickles” I thought to myself “Game on- let’s see how good these fried pickles are.” The Hollywood Cafe may be boasting some when they state they are “The Home to the Best Fried Pickles”, but they are not lying. Quite yummy and perfectly fried.
Now while the food at the Hollywood Cafe is something to rave about, the outside decor is not. It looks a bit run-down, but isn’t that the type of place where the food is usually pretty good? So park your car and walk in- order yourself the fried pickles and some other yummy foods.
The Hollywood Cafe is not only known for it’s fried pickles, it’s also known for the Marc Cohn “Walking in Memphis” song. Marc Cohn sings: Now Muriel plays the piano, every Friday at The Hollywood… If you’ve ever wondered where “The Hollywood” is, wonder no more. It’s in Tunica, MS. As you walk in, look to your right- there is a poster, some records, and other memorabilia on display.
The Hollywood Cafe
While in Tunica, after riding the riverboat, gambling and having a general grand ole time- go to the Hollywood Cafe. And get the fried pickles!
Hollywood Sign
Fried Pickles (Home of the Best Fried Pickles)
Marc Cohn "Walking In Memphis"
Zippity Doo Dah Parade 2011
Sweet Potato Queens- a group of fun-loving women from Mississippi. The main SPQ is Her Royal Highness Jill Conner Browne (shortened to HRH Jill for rest of my post). HRH Jill had the idea of being in the St.Paddy’s Day Parade in Jackson many years ago- and through a lot of hard work, determination and the power of a crown- she is known world-wide. Jill writes books, as well. Most are things our Southern Mama’s have been telling or thinking for years, but Jill has a way of collecting stories of hers, her own mom’s, and countless friends and associates-adding in a lot of humor, and some good advice- and making a book that is funny!
I came upon her book on a horrible weekend- my boyfriend had taken me on wedding weekend for his friend that I barely knew and I was stuck with a group of people I hardly knew, a bridesmaid that was his ex (and did not like me), and without my own set of wheels. I was having a not-fun weekend. Enter Jill- the people we were staying with had a copy of Jill’s first book, and while my boyfriend was off at a bachelor party, I stayed in and read- this book basically salvaged my weekend.
After that, I began reading all the books I could find by Jill. In the back of mind, I wanted to go one day to the St.Paddy’s Day parade/Sweet Potato Queen Weekend. Sadly, at this time, I was under the thought process that to go- I had to have a friend or 2. I would beg, plead and cajole- to no success. But, I never gave up wanting to go. In 2010, through a series of serendipitous events, I not only managed to make a plan, but to also find a group to be part of. So March 2011 found me at the parade weekend, except it had changed- it was being held a weekend later than St.Paddy’s and was now known as Zippity Doo Dah!
Upon my arrival on Thursday, I was a bit nervous- I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The group I was a part of would not be coming in to later, and I really did not know those ladies that well either. I tapped a dark haired lady on the shoulder and asked if it was her first time at the parade? This dark-haired lady turned out to be a lovely lady named Deb- who proceeded to become my “welcoming committee”. Deb introduced me to several ladies and these ladies were NICE! Everyone I was meeting was sweet and kind and quite interesting.
Me and Deb loaded up on the bus to Fondren and walked around- I took her to Brent’s Drugs (as seen in the movie “The Help”), and we went to Campbell’s Bakery for sweets. After wandering around Fondren, we headed back to the Hilton- they have live music for the Queens to enjoy! Later that night I met 3 of the nicest ladies- The Mermaids- Jen, Sharon and Kathy were wonderful and really made me feel like I was welcome!
Friday was Big Hat Luncheon- we had lunch at Sal and Mookies (and wore BIG HATS!) Friday afternoon was shopping, and Friday night was dinner and The Sweet Potato Queen Ball- live music from the Bouffants from Memphis- a great band.
Saturday-early part was more shopping, a carnival, a car giveaway and then the PARADE. Everyone got dressed up in sparkly outfits, wigs, and crowns and walked the streets of Fondren- waving to the crowds, throwing beads and other things, posing for pictures- and just having fun. Saturday night after the parade was PJ’s and Pearls. More music and karaoke next door for PJ’s and Pearls.
Sunday morning ends with Bathrobe Brunch- and this wonderful food called Pig Candy-yummm! The brunch reminds all the Queens who attend as to the reason why we played all weekend. HRH Jill will be the first to inform you that play is important- it’s what keeps us going. This whole weekend is not just about giving adults a reason to play and have fun- it’s about raising money for Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, as well. Last year, over 65,000 dollars was raised!
Some Pictures to see how much fun ZDD is!
Black Eyed Peas Queens
Queens having fun!
Mermaids and Me
More Queens having fun
ZDD Banner
PPPPPQ's having a good time!
Some Rolling River Queen's getting on the Trolley
Ladies in Blue!
Friday Night Sweet Potato Queen Ball
Deb- my welcoming committee
For more information on Zippity Doo Dah- like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter @Zippity_Doo_Dah. To find more about Fondren- an artsy community that is part of Jackson- on Twitter @FondrenMS or @finditinfondren. To learn more about Sweet Potato Queens- http://www.sweetpotatoqueens.com
Traveling With T 