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

 

Strange Brew Coffeehouse- Starkville, MS

I don’t usually find myself in Starkville too much, but when I read Mississippi Magazine’s summer issue- the one where they name the “Best” things in Mississippi-and I saw that Strange Brew made the list AND it was just down the road- well, I knew we were destined to meet one day soon. That day has come twice in the late winter- once in December and once in January. Both times I bought the same drink- I forget what they call it, but I asked for something similar to a Cups Blondie and they recommended this drink- and it was fantastic for a cold night. They have a drive-thru if you do not feel like getting out of the car for your coffee goodness- which I find appealing. I’m not going to rave about this being THE BEST cup of coffee I’ve ever had because I like drinks at a variety of places, but if you happen to be in Starkville, I urge you to go by and give it a try. It is really good, the atmosphere is inviting, and if you’re grabbing it on your way out of town- there is a convenient drive-thru.

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StrangeBrew Coffehouse- Starkville

One other positive thought about StrangeBrew- they are using social media to their benefit. After tweeting that I saw SB in the Mississippi magazine and wanted to try the coffee, I was tweeted back by Strange Brew “Thanks for the mention & show us this tweet for a 20% discount when you stop by!” Now, that’s what I call good social media!

To learn more about Strange Brew Coffeehouse- follow them on Twitter @SBCoffeehouse.

Meeting Joshilyn Jackson 1-31-2012

Today I had the pleasure of going to Turnrow Books in Greenwood, MS to meet Joshilyn Jackson. Turnrow had a luncheon/book signing today for her. I walk in and buy my book- first the book cover is intriguing. It shows a young woman in a vintage dress- green gingham printed. At her waist, you see a green apple- with a slice of apple missing. While, you cannot see the young girl’s face, it almost seems that this young girl is a beautiful girl- from her dress-style, especially. But the apple- the apple hints at something that is not obvious to a person looking at the book for the first time- however, when you hear the explanation of Joshilyn Jackson- the apple makes perfect sense.

Today’s lunch was shrimp and grits- and it was quite a delight for me- because it was my first time to eat shrimp and grits. Or maybe everything tasted so delicious because I got to sit and eat lunch with both Joshilyn Jackson (A Grown Up Kind of Pretty) and Robin O’Bryant (Ketchup is a Vegetable: And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves). Both of these ladies are smart, personable, funny, endearing, and entertaining.

Listening to Joshilyn speak as we were eating lunch was an amazing experience. She spoke of the books she currently writes as her boyfriend, her great love, but after the book is published- it’s more like an old boyfriend. She wishes it well and hopes the book goes on to have a good life. When asked if any of her books is in talks to being turned into a movie, she was quite honest that these talks do happen, but so far; nothing has happened in the movie world. Listening to her speak about book to movie option, it seems that she has a real understanding of the process- that she would be excited if a movie would happen, but will not let a movie not happening bother her, either.

Even though it was Joshilyn Jackson’s book signing- Robin O’Bryant was there to support a fellow author. Having missed the opportunity to meet Robin at a previous book signing at Turnrow a couple of months ago, I was excited to find that she would also be in attendance. I’d read her Ketchup is a Vegetable:And Other Lies Moms Tell Themselves on my Kindle a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the book. Found it to be quite funny- even hysterical at times. The cover art and the title was a draw to me- the title sounded like a Celia Rivenbark book (I personally enjoy her brand of humor)- so I decided to give Robin’s book a try. It’s a decision I did not regret (nor do I think you would regret, either). I picked up a copy of the book for Robin to personalize for me (which she graciously did- also posed for a picture with me).

Today was a good day- meeting 2 different authors, being able to add 2 new signed books to my collection and also add more pictures to my collection of photos with authors.

To learn more about Joshilyn Jackson- follow her on Twitter- @joshilynjackson. For Robin O’Bryant, follow her on Twitter @robinobryant. To hear of upcoming book signings or to buy signed copies of books, check out Turnrow Books at http://www.turnrowbooks.com

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Me and Robin O'Bryant

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Joshilyn Jackson (A Grown Up Kind of Pretty) and Robin O'Bryant (Ketchup is a Vegetable)

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Me and Joshilyn Jackson- Turnrow Books

“The Help” Book Signing May 25, 2011

The Help was just a few short months from being aired in theaters- and I was beyond excited to see the movie. Living not far from either of the filming places in Mississippi (Greenwood and Jackson) I was anxious to see what spots in towns I could recognize and how different the book was from the movie.

Then, I found out Kathryn Stockett was going to be at Lemuria Books in Jackson to sign copies of “The Help”. I loaded up, met a couple of friends and got there early enough to grab a prime position in line. Standing in line with my friends, laughing and discussing our favorite parts of the book helped the time pass, and Lemuria was so kind to have a TV set up with the trailer from the movie being shown constantly.

Finally, it was my turn to meet Kathryn Stockett. She was quite pleasant, signed the book, and was gracious enough to pose for a picture or two.

Kathryn Stockett and me at Lemuria Books

Jess and Me waiting on our books to get signed

Me and Lee- waiting to meet Kathryn Stockett

After reading the book and watching the movie-while both were good, I thought the book was better (But isn’t that always the case?)

Christmas in Canton, MS- City of Lights

Canton, MS. Home of Nissan, movies are filmed here (A Time to Kill and My Dog Skip), and The City of Lights. The town square is decorated with Christmas lights and open to visitors from Thanksgiving weekend to right before Christmas (the lights stay up and you can go look after Christmas, but all the other activities end before Christmas).

This has become a little tradition of mine for the past 3 years- I ride to Canton, MS and walk around, listening to Christmas music being played over the loudspeakers, see the bright and twinkling lights, and take pictures. It’s a bit of a magical experience- I feel almost as if I’m walking in my own personal “Winter Wonderland”. Sometimes I get lucky and meet some friends for the night- most everyone likes the lights and agree that it’s a nice Christmas tradition to have.

Seeing the “Singing Christmas Tree”, the twinkling and blinking lights, children running around, hot chocolate and hearing the music does wonders for my spirit. It’s also a great place to get pictures- several places to sit down, take pictures to send to family, and find a bit of Christmas magic.

Christmas in Canton, MS

 

The Singing tree

 

Lights around the Square

 

Carriage rides

 

View from the Carriage Ride

 

The Singing Tree

 

Where else can a person can go and feel like they are in their own Winter Wonderland? In the South, there are many towns who try to capitalize on this thought, and all the ones I have been to have many charms; but this is my favorite.

Carriage rides, train rides for the kids, hot chocolate, apple cider, twinkling lights- it’s worth a trip to see the City of Lights in Canton, MS.

Blast From the Past- Graceland at Christmas

Having the opportunity to be in Memphis at Christmas time a couple of years to see the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes at the FedEx Forum was great. First because the show was simply wonderful- the kicks, the costumes, the music- all of it was wonderful. The show is definitely able to put a person in a Christmas spirit.

After the show was over, I was discussing things that made Memphis known worldwide with the others who went to the show, and I said that I’d never been to Graceland. Well, the people I was with could not believe that and demanded that the situation be changed- immediately!

We hopped in the car and headed to Graceland quick, fast and in a hurry since we had dinner reservations at The Butcher Shop ( the restaurant is talked about for it’s good food, but I was not blown away).

While I did not get to tour Graceland, just seeing the outside was enough for me (for now). One day, I’ll tour Graceland (it’s on my bucket list!)

Graceland- Christmas Lights

 

An opinion of many people

 

Graceland Sign

 

My companions laughed at how excited I was to get my picture taken with the Graceland sign and the car, but mostly laughed about my small-town existence since I’d never been to Graceland. While it’s been 2 years since my Christmas at Graceland, I know that one day I will be able to say that I visited Graceland properly.

 

Tunica Queen- Day Cruise

I get the urge to go gambling about 3 or so times a year- the sound of slot machines, free drinks, live music, and a buffet all start to crowd my thoughts. I grab my players card and hit the road- in less than 2 hours, I can be at a casino.

Occasionally, though, the lure of something else calls me to a gambling town. Today’s post is about the Tunica Queen- a riverboat that you can ride for a moderate fee in Tunica on the Mississippi River. October 2010 was a month that I found myself wanting to be rolling, rolling on the river- so loaded up the car, found a friend to go with and hit the road for a nice road-trip.

First stop was the Tunica Riverpark Museum (currently closed for remodeling due to flooding in early 2011) which is where tickets can be purchased for the Tunica Queen. If a person is interested in the history of Mississippi (particularly the Delta) this is a good stop for history buffs. It’s a self-guided tour, with videos, pictures and artifacts.

After a tour of the museum- on to the Tunica Queen. Having never been on a riverboat, I was unsure of what to expect, but the trip was great. The weather was nice, the wind was blowing through my hair, and the sun was warm.

Going on the afternoon riverboat tour was a perfect way to spend the afternoon in Tunica, MS.  The staff and captain was quite nice, music was being played, and the captain was pointing out interesting things and giving facts about the Mississippi River and Tunica.

The Captain and I

Tunica Queen

All in all, a delightful way to spend a day in Tunica. Highly recommend. If interested in visiting Tunica, MS- whether it’s for gambling or other activities, follow @TunicaMS on Twitter or like TunicaMS on Facebook. It’s the best way to stay in contact with all events, activities, and promotions in Tunica.