Michael Lee West- A “Teeny” bit of wonderful.

Michael Lee West (@michaelleewest) is the author of several books, although her last 2 books have been about the tales of Teeny Templeton and her fun ways, getting into trouble, and finding her way through life. Teeny is a character, interesting, fun-loving, the kind of character you can root for.

Both of the book covers for the Teeny books are beautiful, eye-catching and quite a conversation starter.

To me Teeny is the type of character that is made for summer reading. Michael Lee West’s books are light-hearted, fun, quirky at times, and with a bit of mystery. The 2 books in the Teeny Templeton series (Gone with an Handsomer Man and A Teeny Bit of Trouble) are perfect beach reads.

Deep South Magazine had an interview with Michael Lee West about the latest book in the Teeny series (A Teeny Bit of Trouble) and what she has planned for Teeny in the future. It’s definitely a worth-while read, so please check that out.

Deep South Magazine also has a 2012 Summer Reading list. If you are in need of a beach read, take a look. The list is chock-full of good authors- such as Mary Kay Andrews, Michael Lee West, Kimberly Brock, Jesmyn Ward, Karen White and others. Practically guaranteed to find at least one book for summer reading!

 

The River Witch by Kimberly Brock (June’s She Reads Book Club Selection)

Kimberly Brock has taken the publishing world by storm- her debut novel, The River Witch, is earning high praise from other authors and getting quite a bit of attention from other bloggers.

Kimberly- no stranger to social media (if you follow her on twitter, you’ll see that posts quite a bit and retweets even more) has been promoting her book like crazy. Reaping the awards of good promotion- on June 8th Deep South Magazine will conduct an online chat with her about her book and writing, She Reads has picked The River Witch as their June book selection of the month, and other bloggers have been giving away her book to their followers.  Hallie Sawyer featured a fabulous chat and book giveaway a few days ago with Kimberly Brock

She Reads will be hosting The River Witch as their book club selection for month of June. They will also be giving away fabulous prizes for commenting and joining in the book club.

With all the great publicity for The River Witch, if you have not found a book to read this summer- give this one a look. Find you a cool place to get, a comfortable chair, delicious drink and sit down to enjoy this book.

To learn more about Kimberly Brock or to read the first 2 chapters of her book, The River Witch, for free- please visit Kimberly’s website

Zippity Doo Dah 2012

I suppose it’s better late than never, so here goes about Zippity Doo Dah 2012 (ZDD). This is the 2nd year of this event- the event used to take place during the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Day parade in Jackson.  Now Jackson has 2 weekends of parades- so March is just a big fun month!

When I arrived in town on Thursday, I immediately saw a pile of women from last year- we all hugged and did the “Ahh! You’re here! What’s been going on?” thing. After unloading my car and taking my stuff to my room- I had to sit in the AC for a bit- it was HOT. Then I went and met up with some of the women- we stood around, talked, and made plans for dinner that night. 18 of us piled into Burger and Blues (a great little place to eat- good hamburgers, sweet potato fries, and and fun atmosphere.) Bless our server’s heart, he did not quit that night after setting 18 women wearing crowns and/or boas. We were a slightly loud crowd, but we were having fun and reuniting after a year of being apart. After eating till our heart was content (and everyone had a full belly) it was back to the Hilton for a night of bands and music. Several different bands played that night- and it was a blast hanging out with friends I see once a year and meeting new ladies!

Friday the first event of the day is called Big Hat Luncheon. And yes, we wear BIG Hats. The past couple of years it’s been held at Sal and Mookies- this great place to eat in Fondren. Pizza, pasta, great drinks and desserts-it’s got something for everybody. It’s non-smoking, has a great patio and a good staff. Eating there and hanging out with friends was a great way to start the Friday. After lunch, most of us went walking around Fondren (it’s small enough you can walk, but big enough that there is much to do!) Most stores were having sales, the weather was nice, and it was just a good day to play outside. After playing in Fondren for sometime- I went to Everyday Gourmet to pick up my Gail Pittman bird (yes, the Gail Piitman that does the dishes- well she designs a bird to sell for Zippity Doo Dah, as well). After that, went back to the hotel to see what was going on and begin to get ready for the night events- The Sweet Potato Queen Ball. After spending some of the afternoon getting made up with false eyelashes and glitter eyes (Thanks to Jen and Jodi!) I went to my room to put my sparkly dress and electric blue wig on- and then I headed to the ball. There was live music- good live music! And it’s always nice to see everyone so dressed up in their outfits- wigs, crowns, sparkly dresses- you name it, it could be there.

Saturday morning, back in Fondren, at Duling Hall- Jill Conner Browne signed her newest book, Fat is the new 30. Cathead Vodka helped sponsor the book signing- there was biscuits, bacon and screw drivers or bloody mary drinks to enjoy. Also Randall Wallace ( We Were Soldiers) was there. He comes most years, if he can make it, from what I understand- I missed seeing him the year before; but he was so kind to pose for a picture with me this year.

Randall Wallace and me- ZDD 2012

Melanie, Jill, Me- getting our books signed

After a delightful morning of yummy food, meeting Hollywood royalty and getting my book signed- it time for some more shopping and then decorating our float for the parade. Once the work was over, though, the ladies in my group headed to eat at Que Sera Sera- and then some of us went back to hotel to start getting ready (it takes a long time to get in those dresses and get wigs, false eyelashes and crowns looking right- BUT, it is so fun!). The parade line-up began at 6, so we did not have much time to waste.

The parade is just something a person has to see to even believe. Tons of women, dressed up in various outfits, laughing and having a great time. People stopping us to take pictures. Beads flying through the air. Waving to friends. Seeing kids excited. And knowing that while you are having a good time, by doing this, the money you help raise is going to Blair E. Batson for the sick children who are there. After the parade is over, and the car has been given away- begin heading back to the cars and we see the Sweet Potato Queen Float. And they let us take a picture on the float. So cross that off the bucket list, folks- I have a pic of myself on the float, in the big chair. It’s a good night.

SPQ Float- with PPPPPQ’s

The last event of Saturday is the Pearls and PJ’s party. And you guessed it- everyone shows up in Pearls and PJ’s. There is live music, food, and the giveaway of the big crown. It’s fun and fabulous- and a chance to relax while having fun because you are not in the costumes.

Sunday morning dawns bright and early for Bathrobe Brunch- shrimp and grits, pig candy, and other yummy breakfast foods. This is where we are reminded that play is good for the soul, and gather to say goodbye to new and old friends. Bathrobe Brunch is the more serious of the events- it’s a quiet reflection of why and how play is good for you, a reminder that life, if you don’t squeeze some fun into it, is boring.

The weekend is a fun weekend, filled with interesting ladies and great memories to be made!

What Booktopia means to me….

A few weeks ago, I registered for a weekend retreat in Oxford, MS. The weekend is being sponsored by Books on the Nightstand and it’s called Booktopia. In short, several authors will be in town and the participants will be able to meet them, listen to author talks, ask questions and meet other book people. In short, it will be a book lovers dream weekend. After I registered, Ann and Michael ( the Books on the Nightstand creators) asked everyone to please consider contributing what their idea of Booktopia was, and it would be printed into a small souvenir type book. I submitted my idea of what Booktopia is to me, and the book has been published. So I guess, technically, you could say that I’m a published writer! Since it does not seem fair to only let the people who bought the book ,Living in Booktopia, know what my dream of Booktopia is, I decided to write a blog post about it.

My vision of Booktopia is this: Walking in a room with great lighting, bright and colorful bookshelves crammed with books, but organized. Books are divided into sections- chick-lit, suspense, fiction, and the like. There is a beautiful plush pink velvet chair with a table beside it. There is also a rich midnight blue couch with a silver blanket and plush pillows. I can sit or lie down as I rediscover favorite books or invite new friends to my collection. I simply snap a finger and the book I currently want to read just magically appears. The room never gets over-crowded, the bookshelves just expand for more reading material. This room houses all my books- from childhood to current age. In short, when I unlock the room with my antique key, it’s like a magical room: filled with promises of laughter, good times, some sadness, but mainly unlocking emotions and fulfilling me. This room is my utopia- it is where I go to rest and relax. It is where my best friends live and eagerly await my return. Simply put, this vision of Booktopia is magical.

While I understand that not everyone enjoys to read as much as I do, I’ll never understand why some people so proudly announce that they never read. I firmly believe that there is a book out there for everyone- a book that is a game-changer and that will instil at least a slight yearn to read more. When a person does not read, they are willingly shutting themselves off from worlds and stories that can be enjoyed from the comforts of home. Traveling is great, and I firmly believe people should travel; but reading takes you traveling much cheaper than airplane tickets.

Now that I’ve shared my vision of Booktopia- consider your vision, if you are a reader. Might it be a porch where the wind blows and there is a glass of sweet-tea ever present? Or a deep footed claw tub with never ending bubbles and a glass of wine that never empties (yet, you do not get tipsy?) Maybe your vision is walking in a bookstore and seeing row after row, and knowing you have all the time in the world to explore?

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.

2012 Summer Reading List.

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

CONTESTICA!.

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)

2012 Summer Reading List.

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.