Abiding

Hello visitors! Please follow me back to my place. I've moved!

2011-03-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

I no longer update this blog but you can find me at http://www.allthingssouthern.com/index.php
And you can find my new blog there, too: http://www.shellierushingtomlinson.wordpress.com/
Hugs,
Shellie

Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy!

2010-05-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sue Ellen’s Girl Ain’t Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy!

I’ve moved!

2010-04-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

Not physically, that is, just my blog. I’ve just launched my newly designed website, Belle of All Things Southern, and my blog is now embedded on my home page. Please consider this your sincere invitation to come find me there!

Hugs,
Shellie

WREG Live at Nine out of Memphis welcomes Great Southern Wing and Prayer Tour

2010-04-01T06:03:00.001-07:00

Special thanks to WREG out of Memphis, TN for welcoming the Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour to Live at Nine’s Morning Show. And thanks to the viewers who dropped what they were doing and rushed off to That Bookstore in Blytheville right away! We talked about - what else? Story!

On a wing and a prayer, (and coming in on a shoestring!)
River and Shellie

That Bookstore in Blytheville

2010-04-01T05:55:00.001-07:00

These arch gateways into downtown Blytheville are so perfect because everyone knows what a mecca this store has been for writers for generations.

Shellie grabs a shot of the store but captures more. See that little white, darling, Jeep Angel in the reflection, just like the logo - she's been getting us down the road for 1000's of miles.

The shelves overflow with the most incredible stories of our day.

Friendly faces abounding. Someone here loves putting the right book in the right hands.

Mary Gay Shipley's High Profile was well earned. A lifetime of promoting authors and their good words is due a little recognition.

We wanted to take the neon home for a night light. Mary Gay said NO, NO - it must stay in the store.

If this character looks familiar it's because it is none other than Pat Conroy - Really. These dolls are from the story that his beautiful daughter created titled - Poppy's Pants.

Four friends for forty years. Is that what they told us? Can that be true? Retired School teachers who drove for an hour to join us. Love you every one!

Now we're missing some folks here but we managed to corral a few and snag this photo. Thank you to all of those who also saw the Channel 3 Live at Nine Segment and dropped what you were doing to get in the car and rush to the bookstore. We are honored by all of you!

Oh thank you beautiful for making a special trip and coming in to Grace us with your presence.

All we can say to this poster is AMEN!

Sometimes what you really need after a long day on the road is a little puppet play time.

But some puppets, just like their people, are a little camera shy!

What was the last thing we asked Mary Gay even with the gps systems and an Atlas? Oh yes we did, we asked her directions.
And some stories we just had to wonder about and leave behind because we had to continue on down that highway. On A Wing and A Prayer folks!

The Lemuria Gang

2010-04-01T05:52:00.001-07:00

We pause for pics with Jonni Webb, the original, founding, let's do a book club Pulpwood Queen of Jackson Mississippi. We loved visiting this famous bookstore and perusing the shelves. Then we joined the readers for a little storytelling time in the Lemuria.com room. All we needed was a stage, a mic, and a little encouragement and the stories started flowing. As you can see from all the photos below no doubt about it we were having a great time. If laughter is good medicine, we were over-medicated when we had to say our good-byes and get on down the road to be in Memphis. And if it looks like that one of us grew a little - that would be a special someone who surprised "her Keggie" with a visit to the Road trip. I do believe the Bellerina Czar even helped her sign books!

AS tempting as it was to put our feet up and stay awhile, library folks were waiting for us up the road in Memphis.

On a Wing and a Prayer (and a shoestring now)

River and Shellie

Leaving Dauphin Island…

2010-03-29T13:02:00.001-07:00

Hey folks, River’s driving and I’m throwing pics up on the blog to get us half-way caught up as we are going to be hitting Fairhope with a host of other things awaiting on the to-do list to be attacked in the hotel room before our event at Page and Palette. We’ve heard so much about this bookstore and the wonderful reading environment they’ve created. We’re excited about seeing and hearing from those of you who’ve been in touch letting us know that you’re coming out, as well as the many surprise conversations that we’re always finding at every stop.

Last night we were treated to the warm hospitality of Herman and Ginger King on Dauphin Island. Among other gifts, Herman writes for DeSoto. I’ve included a pic of his article in the zine I picked up in the living room as well as a neat shot of him holding a hand-written poem he read us aloud this morning. I enjoyed it and have plans to include it here when we emails it.

Below that you’ll see them pointing us out of the neighborhood as has become the custom on this great road trip and towards Shell Mound Park where I, of course, had to climb a tree to pose for a picture as I spent my childhood reading in a tree—and writing important works that have yet to be published. (I have not given up on the hope that someone will buy “Martha and Her Horse”.) Please note that “good pics” of the tree experience were taken by Herman while the one with the moss draped across my face comes compliments of River. Thanks, pal. (FYI: River says, “Shellie, I was going for the mysterious writer look and you must admit it looks mysterious.”)

I hope you’ll enjoy the scenery, but please don’t miss the last pic. It speaks to us as we feel a little more like road-kill at this moment (and, alas, I did see a pic of a dead possum that would fit really well right here but, we didn’t stop and let me get it) than the raring to go wordsmiths we were about fourteen days ago---- WAIT ----breaking news alert----FRESH BOILED PEANUTS –we’re pulling off now. Later dear ones…

On a wing and a prayer,

River and Shellie

The Road Warrior is a Child

2010-03-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

Meet Shelley and Jake. Good looking young people, right? But, oh, they were so much more than a photo op. Let me tell you a story…

We are more than half-way thru the Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour and a single most familiar line from literature sums up my thoughts on this most unique experience, a trip that has truly taken on a life of it’s own. “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.”

I hope that admission doesn’t surprise you. It shouldn’t. Not if you’re still doing the human thing with me. All is well between me and my traveling buddy, but the road has been long, the miles many, and this traveler misses home. During the first leg of the tour one of my favorite cousins went to meet her Jesus face to face. I’m talking favorite cuzin, you know, the one you played with as a child, the one you hid in the closet with and ate stolen Thanksgiving turkey before anyone was called to the table—that one. I was one of only two first cousins that weren’t able to make the funeral. Miles away I could see them in my minds eye and hear them in my heart, reliving old times and holding onto each other while I grieved from a distance. It wasn’t pretty. River kindly gave me space, physical and emotional space and I thank her for that.

Let me stop before you misunderstand and reiterate that there has been much joy in the journey. The good has been great! As the days rolled on I have laughed and cried with equal abandon. Months will pass before I come close to processing a fraction of what I’ve seen and heard. We’ve celebrated, talked, ate, cried, ate, muttered, mumbled, sang, ate, praised, grumbled, and did I say ate? And of course, we’ve stacked stories on top of stories, ours and those we’ve met along the way. I’ve met people I will carry in my heart as long as the Good Lord lets me walk this earth, and that, dear ones, brings me back to Shelley and Jake.

I walked into a coffee bar yesterday morning in Homewood, AL. It was a fall down gorgeous day, it was, but if you’ll let me be honest, I was feeling the onset of a “I Must Go Home and Never Leave Again” mood as I pulled my bottom and my rolly tech bag behind me, determined to edit some footage while River tended to a multitude of other things. With a Caramel Macchiato in one hand, (I’d like to thank God for Caramel Macchiatos as He does say that every good gift comes from above), and checking the bberry with the other hand, searching for fresh pictures of the Baby Czars, I parked at a table and began the “unpacking of the bag” for a long work session.

That’s when they caught my eye. The two of them, with their Bible open and their notebook, poring over a Beth Moore study. Of course we struck up a conversation. Of course we talked about our Lord—about how, if you want your life and His you’ll never know His sweetness this side of heaven, but that if you abandon all you’ll find Him nearer than you could ever dream of or imagine. They even allowed me to take a little video footage of them which I will edit asap, really, and throw it up here shortly.

Did I mention that her name was Shelley and she reminded me of both my daughter, Jessica Ann and my daughter-in-law Carey? And what about the fact that his name was Jake—the name of my other “son”, my BFF’s boy, Rhonda Perry’s firstborn, AKA the Madness Czar? The work session took a backseat as those two sweet young people ministered to this tired traveler. And right there, right there in that coffee shop, we bowed our heads and prayed together. I may never see Jake or Shelley again this side of heaven, but I will definitely see them again. And I look forward to that day.

Hugs,
Shellie

Hello Alabama!

2010-03-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

Blog in progress…

On a wing and a prayer,

River and Shellie

New YouTube Videos from the road

2010-03-26T14:17:00.001-07:00

We’ll be catching the blog back up in just a bit. Right now we’re about to head off to the next event. Just wanted to let y’all know we have more videos edited and up!

Keep reading, Keep Believing

River and Shellie

Yawn Books, Bound to Be Read, and SIBA within 24 hrs? SURE!

2010-03-26T04:17:00.001-07:00

Hey, hey, I said hey - do you know the way to . . . scroll down to blog post to see just how many times we will ask anyone or anything that stands still long enough for directions.

The quaint town of Canton, Ga where we wish we could have sat here, enjoyed sunshine, and the southern hospitality.

Books, ice cream and lunch? Now folks, What more could you ask for?

OKAY - so MAYBE you could ask for the Great American Trailer Park Musical. Now, why can't we stay in one place long enough to see a great musical.

Our favorite bathroom picture yet.

Our friends Carmen and Tara at Yawns.

We were having a creative moment here. Wonder if the Cohen Brothers have these kind of consultations in the middle of the stream.

Shellie, Michelle, and Tara discuss why they love Yawn's, books clubs, and their current reads.

New tech toys? SURE! One more for the road. Thanks John for pointing us in the right direction at Best Buy.

Jef and our earliest visitor at Bound to Be Read Books.

Pulitzer award nominee finalist Charles McNair shares a secret - he really did come from Alabama with a Banjo on his knee.

Best-selling author Patti Callahan Henry, Pulitzer author Charles McNair and the Wing and Prayer girls.

A beautiful global traveler who has been in 88 countries and came home again. So happy you found us and Bound to Be Read Books.

Then our gracious friend Patti Callahan Henry opened her home to us. God bless you Patti and Faye and all the other angels on the road.

OH we miss our dogs! This one is a real good hugger with much love. Patti's dog Hank who told us stories we are not at liberty to reveal. They were confidential.

This is Tracy, Patti's assistant. She is a superwoman and we want one.

Thanks Patti for a refreshing pause and a great interview to be featured on our respective radio programs.

Hold our breath - we found our way to the SIBA event at the Spring Book Tour.

Check out the digs. Yes, it did have special hotline telephone.

The SIBA visitors and board members were the greatest! Everyone gets their name tagged to their picture tomorrow but for midnight - smiles, places, action. We told stories and celebrated the same. Thank you booksellers across the south and the U.S. for loving books and making them a life long passion!

See you tomorrow in Birmingham and yes - We'll be coming in On a Wing and A Prayer -

River and Shellie

We Know Exactly Where We Are…

2010-03-25T19:59:00.001-07:00

More of these to come!

Keep believing, Keep reading,

River and Shellie

Video Conversations from City Lights

2010-03-23T21:36:00.001-07:00

It’s a little after ten Tuesday night. We’re in Woodstock, GA, where we’ve just checked into our refuge for the night after a perfectly wonderful evening at Foxtale Books. We’ll be blogging about our delightful events at both Blue Ridge Osandu and Foxtale as soon as possible! For now, please enjoy these video clips from City Lights, Sylva, NC while we get back to the editing.

Book Conversation from City Lights 3-21-10 Part I and Book Conversation from City Lights 3-21-10 Part II

Bye for now but not for long!

River and Shellie

Face first

2010-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning from the road and the back porch of the awesome Bed and Breakfast that is Brookside Mountain Mist Inn in Waynesville, NC.

I can't speak for River--she is in the room at this moment enjoying a moment of solitude, so please note that I am in no way implying she looks like the duck on the right. I, however, am closely identifying with the duck on the left in this picture. Her posture and her expression suggests she has tripped face first, unknowingly and accidentally into something amazing. The story of my life meets road trip.

Hugs,
Shellie
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

A Conversation from Cowan’s Book Nook

2010-03-22T20:46:00.001-07:00

One of the challenges of this tour is editing and delivering the clips for y’all in a timely manner. These have been ready for two days but Internet problems have made it difficult to post them. We hope you enjoy.

Cowan’s Book Nook, Part I and Cowan’s Book Nook, Part II

Keep believing, Keep reading,

River and Shellie

Lest You Entertain Angels

2010-03-22T05:06:00.001-07:00

I bring you greetings from a writer’s loft above City Lights bookstore in Sylva, NC.

It’s Sunday evening. River and I have hit pause on the The Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour. In just a bit, I’m going to venture out and take pictures of this lovely town. Even now, I can see a rock solid church steeple from one window of my loft and the stately Blue Ridge Mountains from the other—they are both calling me outdoors. Tomorrow I’ll resume the tour blogging and catch y’all up on Chris, his staff, and the other good folks we’ve met here, as well as their thoughts on the state of the book.

There is much I could do in these few moments, not the least of which is editing tons of footage or working on my manuscript while River hammers out her own deadlines in the room below me, but I’ve got a story for y’all that’s burning in my fingers. I want to talk about the Hand of Providence. I am seeing it at every turn in this road, in every face, every detour, every delight and yes, in every challenge.

Today we’ve driven through scenery that has spoken of our Creator with such voice that at times it seemed to stop just short of audible.

I want Him to know that to my knowledge and the best of my ability, I didn’t miss a mountain, a stream, a pebble, or rock that He wanted me to see on our drive. But, that’s where my story begins, for I could have missed it all and this my soul knows very well.

The landscape picture posted above and the ones you’ll see below represent only a segment of today’s road trip. The rest of it will have to be drawn with words as we spent the larger part of the day navigating the backroads, detouring around a huge rock slide that has wrecked travel horror on this neck of the woods. And trust me, there was no picture taking on the beautifully dangerous mountain pass that wound up, down, and around these hills. For two people who routinely make jokes about our lack of concentration, focus was no longer an issue. The curves had our attention, God had seen to that last night in the form of a homeless black man on the streets of Chattanooga, TN. I’m just betting if you’ve read this far, I now have your attention, too. Good.

We were leaving Rock Point Books when he approached us. I’ve forgotten his legal name, if he gave it, but Street-wise could’ve been his handle. Could he help the “lovely ladies” with those heavy bags in exchange for some money for supper? (Let me stop here and say, should my loving family be reading this, that neither of us felt the least bit threatened. We were in a well-lit area with help, should we need it, at hand.)

We were putting something in Streetwise’s hands when the moment turned Providential before our eyes. In the middle of what seemed a time-tested routine of well-honed smack, Streetwise became someone else entirely. His voice lost it’s gaiety and turned forceful, authoritative. His eyes nailed ours in a fierce glare and I could not look away, nor do I remember considering it. “SLOW DOWN,” he said, once, and then twice, “SLOW DOWN and pay attention. “Watch the road. Keep your eyes open. You may be awake and you may think you’re paying attention but you have to watch out for the other people who aren’t.” And then, if I remember correctly, he reiterated, “SLOW DOWN.”

Afterwards, once both of us had been able to process the moment, River and I agreed that Streetwise had been sent to us on a mission. The passionate warning was no different in message than what we’ve heard from readers and loved ones, (and those who are both), but it cut thru the clutter in a way no warning has ever broken thru for me before. Maybe River and I would have made it thru those mountain passes to continue to do what God has called us to do. Maybe not. But, this I know. Because of God’s providential love and one fiery-eyed homeless man on the streets of Chattanooga I was able to see what I may very well have missed.

Hugs,
Shellie

Technorati Tags: angels,road trip,tour,mountains,rock slide

Greetings from Cowan’s Book Nook

2010-03-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

Shellie: Oh, what a wonderful time we had at Cowan’s! Can’t wait to do some video editing of the conversations we had with readers and sellers about love of the story and state of the book. On the far right here is Melinda Cowan, owner, and her lovely staff, Ansley in the middle and Sharon on the far left. Somehow, in all the confusion, I missed taking pics of the customers, but they’ll be represented in the video clips~ We appreciate all of you! It was fun.

River: And the customers greatly appreciated our fun give-aways from Panola Pepper and Literary Threads.

Shellie: Of course, after all that talking, we needed sustenance, which it just so happened was waiting for us around the corner at the Pig on the Hill.

River: As it happens, Gary an employee of the Pig and a Cowan customer had stopped in the bookstore to say hello and pick up a copy of a travel book on London he had ordered, a place he longs to travel to…

Shellie: While we oh, so badly wanted to buy a flag with our name on it and have it “planted on the hill”, (please note that the flags are in the shape of a pig), we were flat out of time.

River: Slap out of time or not, we could not pass up a chance to ride the wild pig.

Shellie: Which, no doubt, increases our literary respectability and creds. See y’all in Chattanooga~

Keep reading and Keep Believing,

River and Shellie

From Knoxville to Ellijay, GA—on the road again

2010-03-20T19:48:00.001-07:00

Shellie: It wasn’t easy, but we did have to leave Faye and Jack’s home. The first pic is the scene they are forced to look at from their back porch. Poor things, suffering for Jesus they are..

River: Southern hospitality took on a new charm as they opened their door and their hearts to these two tired writers on the road.

Found Jamee and her adorable coffee bar on the way. Coffee, always coffee and more coffee.

Set two books free at the coffee shop. River released, “The Last of the Mohicans” and I released “The Swiss Courier”. Find out more about releasing books at http://www. bookcrossing.com

Shellie: And, THIS is where I got all kinds of sad. Met Cleo at a hardware store who looked just like and I mean, just like Dixie Belle, the baby I left home. They say everyone has a twin. Dixie’s has an obsession similar to her tennis ball fetish. Only, Cleo’s addiction is to having visitors toss rocks for her to retrieve. The way it works is that she places the rock on your shoe, you toss it with your foot, and she FINDS it, that rock, that very rock, from all the others on the the concrete.

Don’t forget me, Dixie Belle—I am coming home again and I will throw your tennis bal, tomboy honor.

River: While Shellie was whining about her Dixie Belle lookalike I was falling in love with Darlene’s 55 Chevy Bel Air. Darlene assured me that it was gonna be washed today and she hated for me to picture it dirty but I find this baby sweet beyond words. And have I mentioned I’m a car girl and not a cow girl?

Next stop, Cowan’s Book Nook, Ellijay, GA at noon today, (Saturday).

Keep praying, Keep believing,

River and Shellie

LandMark Books in Franklin, TN

2010-03-18T17:40:00.001-07:00

Our second stop of the day was vastly different from our Loveless get-together but every bit as charming! We were greeted at Landmark books by owners, Joel and Carol Tomlin. (Joel and I immediately decided that our family trees may intersect somewhere back down the line as he has been told that their family name was once Tomlinson before someone began dropping the last letters. I’m figuring that person was what you’d call bone tired, amen?)

Rivuh and I were quite touched with our billboard. Made us feel all Hollywood.

Here is a shot of the Tomlins with a sweet reader we met from Shreveport, which, of course, isn’t that far from my stomping ground. I interviewed her with my flip camera and will try to send that up, too!

Now, I just don’t know what to say about this mother-daughter duo. The Wells just may take up where The Judds left off! Mom, Korie, is a talented poet and daughter, Kelsey, is a very accomplished musician. They blessed us with a performance of Korie’s poems set to Kelsey’s music, and because I just know I can’t do this justice with words, I’m keeping this post short on purpose so I can try to find and upload that video!

On the road again,

River and Shellie

Technorati Tags: southern wing and prayer tour,Landmark Books,poet,musician

Breaking Bread at The Loveless Cafe

2010-03-18T17:39:00.001-07:00

Notes from the road:
By 1:00 today we had lost and recovered one blackberry, one camera, AND the jeep keys (the sunglasses remain at large), but none of that could dampen our enthusiasm! Here we are at The Famous Loveless Cafe, breaking bread with fellow writer and word people. I’m NOT going to try and name these wonderful folks. Rivuh is in this ginormous mall somewhere and I’m posting from Starbucks and just as sure as I try, I’m gonna mess up. Can I just say they were all precious—precious! Yes, I may have teared up when it came my time to introduce myself and tell a little about me and what it is I do, especially since River was smiling at me across the table with some sorta twisted proud parent look like, “You tell ‘em, buddy.” I’ll let River add the names later! Please note that my priorities were straight. There are a number of pics toward the end of the food, first the legendary biscuits in the making and then one of River’s plate and another of River enduring me taking a pic of her plate. The last couple shots are of our wonderful waiter and host—a fine example of southern hospitality. We enjoyed it, Loveless!

Oh—and by the way—watch for us on the Food Network. Yep—there was film crew there and we just “happened” to get in the shot.

On the road again,
River and Shellie

Technorati Tags: wing and prayer tour,authors,Loveless Cafe

Hey Loretta—love you more than my Irish Setter (but not more than Dixie Belle)

2010-03-18T16:14:00.001-07:00

So, I’m minding my own business trying to get to River’s house to take off on our Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour when what before my wandering eyes doth appear but a sign announcing, “Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch and Gift Shop”. Are you stinking kidding me? It’s no accident that I run Loretta Lynn bumpers on All Things Southern LIVE! I sent Rivuh a new ETA and exited faster than quick. Alas, it was too late in the day and everything was closed down, but I took pics anyway.

Oh, I do appreciate that invite and I will—on my return trip home!

Hugs,
Shellie

Technorati Tags: loretta lynn,southern wing and prayer tour,dude ranch

Be there shortly, Rivuh!I'm at Loretta's

2010-03-17T15:13:00.000-07:00

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Bubbles Galore

2010-03-16T17:56:00.001-07:00

Monday morning the All Things Southern office took a bubble break. The Madness Czar helped me take pics while I played with the Bellerina Czar. You could say she enjoyed it!

Hugs,
Shellie

A Documentary from Grant Thomas

2010-03-16T17:46:00.001-07:00

Hey y'all,

Click on the video below to watch the documentary Grant Thomas made with my Flip Video last week! He's holding the camera in his own sweet little hands.

Hugs,
Shellie

From the Eyes of a B aby
Video Length 0:28
Click here to watch

To learn more about the Flip Video Camcorder, click here.

Documentation

2010-03-11T18:35:00.001-08:00

When in the course of human events, it become necessary to spend the afternoon picking up pine cones in advance of the first yard mowing of the season and taking them to the farm to discard them in the wood pile, someone has to pause from the actual work to document the process.

At least that’s what I told Beloved Hubby. You may notice he looks like he is questioning that idea in several of these photos. But, of course, I get the smile I love because that’s just who he is. Love this man.

The event depicted here transpired a couple Sunday afternoons ago. I’m just setting up Live Writer tonight. One more thing crossed off the list before hitting the road for the Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour! Seven days and and counting. Ready or not, here we come!

Hugs,
Shellie

Why do you have to go, Keggie?

2010-03-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

You're breaking my heart, Grant Man, just breaking my heart.

Hugs,
Keggie

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Tour Time!

2010-03-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

As the Great Southern Wing and a Prayer tour nears, River and I are trying to carve out time to discuss the many tour details that need addressing before we hit the road. And yet, as said road trip nears, the list of personal and business details that must be crossed off before we pull away from our respective homes is growing faster than the mold on the leftovers in my refrigerator (for the record, that’s on the list, too) and almost as fast as the list of caring questions from our family and friends, in particular our mamas, “Honey, do you really know that girl well enough to take off on a two-week road trip?”

Amidst today’s hustle and bustle, it occurs to me that River and I have talked to each other about the give-a-aways we’ll be doing along the way, but I don’t know that we’ve told y’all how this is gonna work. So, here goes...

At each stop on the landing we’ll be drawing winners/door prizes from those attending the event. (Please see box on left hand banner of our tour site to know where we’ll be and when we’ll be. Asking me would be useless, but I actually think River has it memorized. Memorized. Color me impressed.) Yes, that means you must be present to win and while we know your mamas are just as adorable as ours, she can’t win unless you bring her. Prizes include books and Literary Threads book bags, All Things Southern t-shirts, Book Crossing cool things, and Panola Pepper Products!

We’re also gonna be giving away daily prizes to those who follow the tour. I was gonna say “track us” on tour, but that just looked scary in a stalker kind of way. I’m not gonna stop here and tell y’all about Stalker Boy from high school who stashed prizes in my locker and hid to watch me find them even though it is a great story cuz he may find it and then, well, there you go.

Rules to win the “follow” prizes: You must be signed up to follow the tour here and you must leave a daily comment on facebook, twitter, or here on the blog. We would prefer these to have something to do with the tour, but heck, if you feel the need to comment on your Cousin Betty’s fourth husband we’ll be fine with that, but do know she may find her way into our next project. Material is a finders’ keepers thing with us.

And now, back to the races. You may return to your regularly scheduled browsing.

Hugs,
Shellie

Priming the Pump

2010-02-27T11:25:00.001-08:00

Oh, friends, I hope y'all are having a most wonderful day. And if it isn't wonderful, I hope it's causing you to seek the King. That's one way we can count it all joy, you know. If what is hard causes us to seek His presence and enjoy the delights of His love we can, over time, "reckon" the most despairing circumstances to have been friends dressed as foes.

I type these words to you from my back porch, my winter weary soul having been enticed out here by the beautiful day. Already my fingers are beginning to stiffen in the chill but I'm determined to ignore them and wait it out. Maybe my body temp will get adjusted. I so need the fresh air and it is indeed lovely out here, even if the brown grass has yet to catch the spring vision, even if one has to look past the badly weathered house plants and the back porch sorely in need of a good spring cleaning.

I feel up to the challenge seeing as, mind you, I came out here to write on Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy. If I'm lucky, I generally get a few hours on Saturday to work on this manuscript that must be turned in by June 1st. Whew. If you're listening, oh dear editor, I'm gonna make it. Tomboy honor.

I can't just start on the book, of course. That's not how it's done. As I mentioned on my and River Jordan's Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour blogspot, writer type people often Procrastinate with a captial P when they're supposed to be writing. This can mean checking email, playing on facebook and twitter, which I'm doing RAT now (love you folks commenting on The Builder and Cruel Gravity comments) instead of writing. While this is indeed a form of procrastination it is also a way to prime the word pump, and by that I mean working your way thru the first words that bubble up in order to settle your mind down enough to write. As I also noted on that other blog post, (can you tell I'd really really really really really really appreciate your following us and leaving us comments so that we know we're not hollering into a cyber space echo), sometimes I seem to have to go thru more than my share of miscellaneous words to get to any that count. And now, I shall go see if I'm there yet. Later gators.

Wait--- one more thing. speaking of gators. Did you know my All Things Southern 2010 Southern Pearl t-shirts were delivered to Simmons Sporting Goods in Bastrop, LA yesterday? Here's a pic of me showing some Gator Love to a big fella there.

And here's Stormy holding up DNA-- Duly Noted Abnormalities that tie a Belle to her tribe. (That is soooooooooooo me and my big messy family. How about yours?)

Yippy Skippy! It was tons of work to get 'em to retail, but I'm so excited about it. Plans are to get them in the All Things Southern online store next week for those of you who aren't from around here. :) And now, I'm outta here. Sue Ellen is calling...

Hugs,
Shellie

Attention one and all--

2010-02-25T18:46:00.001-08:00

My grandson, Grant Thomas, has something to say:

“Pigs Have Flown"

2010-02-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

Note from Shellie: When we first learned that we were going to the big game, I asked my favorite South Louisiana boy to write a column for All Things Southern about what this season has meant to Saints' fans everywhere. He graciously agreed and sent me these poignant words bright and early Monday morning after the Saints were crowned Super Bowl Champs. It warmed my heart. I hope you'll enjoy today's Southern Quote, penned by my son-in-law, Patrick Maher.

"Pigs have flown. Hell has frozen over. The New Orleans Saints are on their way to the Super Bowl!!”

Those were the words of Saints radio man Jim Henderson 3 weeks ago as the field goal of 23 year old Garrett Hartley went through the up rights. Throughout the Who Dat Nation grown men cried and strangers embraced. The city of New Orleans was in a euphoric state of disbelief, shock, and utter joy.

This was the moment many Saints fans thought they may never see. The Saints were in the Super Bowl after 43 years of futility and heartbreak. This is a team and a city parched for success, always seeming to come up short. However, this team is not the “Aints” and these ain’t your daddy’s Saints! This is a team that deserves to be in the Super Bowl and a city that deserves to be a positive spotlight.

After Katrina, it appeared that the Saints were gone, as the future of the city, its scattered people, and Superdome all were uncertain. However, the Saints stayed and became part of rebuilding and healing process, woven into the fabric of the people.

I can’t help but remember sitting in the Superdome in 2006 for the first game back in New Orleans in over a year. The Saints blocked a punt for a touchdown 3 minutes’ into the game and a year’s worth of emotion boiled over from the crowd. I thought the building was shaking from its foundation. On Monday Night Football, for 37 seconds, an eternity on live television, the announcers said nothing, just the noise of the crowd could be heard.

A connection that spans generations and transcends race, class, and creed, New Orleans sees itself in the Saints in a way that cannot be compared to any other sports team in America. The Saints and New Orleans are one in the same. This is a tale of rebirth, rebuilding, and redemption. A team made up of castoffs, undrafted free agents, and underrated late round picks. If there ever was an underdog story of a franchise and a city this is it. This year was more than just a great football season for the Saints; it was a reflection of a city on the rise. The New Orleans Saints are not a symbol of rebuilding, but a symbol of what has been rebuilt, and that the best is yet to come.

Throughout this season, NOPD reported a dramatic drop in crime during games. After away games, thousands of fans lined the streets outside of the airport, waiting to cheer on the team in a scene that looked like an impromptu Mardi Gras parade. The Monday after the Super Bowl, New Orleans schools and courts were scheduled to close. The Tuesday following the Super Bowl, the city planned a parade for the Saints…win OR lose!

On Super Bowl Sunday, it was all lagniappe as the Saints seemed to be playing with house money. In an epic battle against the greatest quarterback of all time and favorite son of New Orleans, Peyton Manning, the Saints took chances and made big plays all over the field. These Saints were not settling for just a seat at the table of football greatest, they wanted to seize it.

After the game, as black and gold confetti painted the turf, Drew Brees held his 1 year old boy with tears in his eyes and soaked in the moment. Said Brees earlier, "God puts you in a position for a reason, and me coming to New Orleans was a perfect example. It was a calling to come to a city like that. We were not only rebuilding a team, we were rebuilding a city, a region, a mentality. We've been through so much, but we're going to comeback stronger.”

This season will never be forgotten, rich in storylines, parallels, and divine intervention. In words of Jim Henderson, “To believe in the New Orleans Saints is to believe in miracles that seemingly never come. But this season - this incredible, unlikely season - they have."

~Patrick Maher

The Rest of the Story

2010-02-05T14:23:00.000-08:00

Since many of you were in on my early morning drama, I figured it was only fair to fill y'all in on the rest of the story, but first I'll set things up for anyone reading who wasn't with us.

I arrived at the FOX studios to host All Things Southern LIVE at my regular time. Being the first one in the parking lot didn't bother me as I am the first live show of the day and it's generally only me and my boardman there in the morning's earliest hours. As the clock neared "kickoff" however, I began to be concerned. Where was Boardman anyway? I couldn't get him on the phone, but I was sure he'd be driving up any minute. Wrong.

When showtime came and went with no sight of missing buddy it occured to me that I needed to open the old laptop, log in and begin facebooking and twittering the status of All Things Southern LIVE, thinking that, worse case scenario, we'd be a few minutes later going on and I should tell the loyal listeners. Wrong again. It would soon become apparent that we were going to be more than a few minutes late. We weren't going to go on at all.

While visiting via email and social media with everyone and their mama wanting to know where I was and why I had been "Becked", (Glen Beck was playing on the automated system), I contacted my guests, Ad Hudler author of "Man of the House", Jackie K. Cooper, Entertainment Man Of Middle Georgia, and Tonya Pesek from Jim Taylor Chevrolet to make my apologies. By this time I don't mind telling you that I was getting more than a little worried as Boardman is a most dependable, responsible young man. I was also more than a little irritated with myself for never seeing the need to get a key to the stinking studio!

But enough already, I'm gonna wrap up this half of the story with a very simple explanation. Boardman wasn't hurt. He had overslept. That is correct. Overslept. He was very sincerely apologetic and I very sincerely forgave him. That, however, is just FYI, here's the rest of the story...

For some time now I've known that I needed to learn to run my board myself, for reasons that are too wordy to go into here. It's just something I know I need to be able to do but I was putting it off. Was. Past tense. I recognize this spot, folks. I've learned that when I'm wanting to do something, thinking about it, and avoiding it while praying about it, and if it's something I need to do, Father God will just kindly push me out of the nest. Fly little birdie.

So, starting next week, yours truly will run the board and host the show. (Once Boardman arrived today, I had him give me an initial lesson.) It looks difficult. It looks doable.

I will learn a lot.

I will mess up a lot.

I will pray a lot.

It should be very interesting. The big question is, will y'all hang with me?

Hugs,
Shellie

Only One Sees the End from the Beginning

2010-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

One would have to really feel the need to share in order to blog from a bberry, right? Well, I guess that's me.

Beloved Hubby and I are leaving Houston. (Be at peace. He's driving.) We spent the weekend baby-sitting Grant, our nine month old grandson, so his parents could go to a friend's wedding in The Big Easy. No, there isn't a serious shortage of baby-sitters in Houston, we just needed a fix.

But back to my need to share. These thoughts are for anyone out there trying to raise kids to love and follow Jesus Christ and the message is, "Keep on keeping on."

See, my husband and I raised two kids the same way. One, our son, seemed to say from the first, "Sounds good. I'll worship your God, make Him mine, and try to follow His teachings."

The other one, our daughter, seemed to say, "I'll probably do that, too--but I don't know. I kinda like the world's way." She wasn't openly rebellious, but her heart always seemed divided at best. "

So, why do I open our families' closets for you today? I'm not really sure but I think it must be because somewhere out there is a parent as worried as I once was, worried that the culture is trying it's hardest to hold up as attractive everything you abhor and destroy everything you value.

Someone needs to be encouraged to hold the faith, live the example, and trust the One who tells us that if we train up our children in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from it."

The picture I attached-- I snapped it in the once casual child's bathroom, only she's all grown up now. And the paper--it's a personal prayer she wrote out with accompanying scriptures because now she has not only a heart to know Him, but a determination to see that her child knows Him too!"

Can anyone say amen?

Hugs
Shellie

P.S. I did call back and get permission to post this :)

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Sneak Preview of my 2010 T-Shirts!

2010-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

I give! I can't take it anymore. My new t-shirts designs are only a couple weeks away from being available in the online store (and in selected local stores) but I can't wait another minute. I think they're so stinking cute that I've just got to give y'all a sneak peek. These are just approved graphics and not pics of the actual shirts, but you'll get the idea! First, the new logo. Please note the pearls adorning the ATS Egret's neck. Isn't she the bomb?

Southern Girls, Southern Pearls-- why, of course, I think they're one and the same. But it's also a play on words that applies to my sayings on the back of each shirt! I've got five new designs (and more to come), but I'm gonna share three with you right now.

DNA: Duly Noted Abnormalities that tie a belle to her tribe:

When you're Southern and you know it say, "AMEN!"

And, my personal favorite, coming soon:

"When life throws you a curve, suck your stomach in and put some color on!"

Give to Haiti Relief and Win!

2010-01-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

My friend, Karen Spears Zacharias, has just launched a fantastic appeal for Haiti combined with an opportunity to win an advanced copy of her soon to be released book, "Will Jesus Buy Me a Doublewide?" She promptly issued a challenge to her fellow authors to follow suit and I'm honored to take her up on it.

I'm delighted to pitch in an autographed copy Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On.

Read about this worthy cause at Karen's place and jump on board! Let's see what we can do.

And then, as Karen says, "Go tweet it from the tweetops!" And, if you would be so kind, post it as your facebook status, email your address book, whatever you can do to help raise funds for a worthy cause.

Hugs,
Shellie

Rivuh Jordan, Chile, You Gonna Wear Me Out

2010-01-10T18:54:00.000-08:00

In the event that you haven't heard, River Jordan and I will be taking a Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Road Trip this spring, thru a host of southern states and as many bookstores, schools, or libraries as we can fit into the schedule. More details on facebook. And, for the record, I'd surely understand if you aren't in that loop! What with all the info coming at me these days, I do believe I could miss a nice-sized pink elephant playing spoons with Dixie Belle in the center of the living room. But, as I was saying, we are indeed setting off on a wild advernture. As Rivuh (my affectionate pronunciation of her name) mentioned yesterday, "Never has a tour been more aptly named". We are both notorious for arriving in that very manner. Sometimes, when I manage to stop long enough to breathe, one of the voices in my head will ask, "May I please speak to whoever it was here that thought it was possible to squeeze a two-week tour into our schedule this spring?" So far, this question has been dissed by the others.

Don't get me wrong. I'm reallllllllllllly looking forward to it. I expect it to be a full out HOOT. It's just the logistics of life that can get crazy, yes? And speaking of crazy...that's what I had in mind when I pulled up this page, to get the crazy dream I had last night out of my head and down on paper, er, laptop. (As a general rule, the only way I can get something outta of the brain loop is to get it in words.)

We had driven up to our first "event". I had begun unloading the few promotional goods and books I planned to take inside when I noticed Rivuh's process of unloading looked a whole lot like that old scene of the clowns emergin with all their worldly good from a tiny car. I mean the girl was unloading, and unloading, and unloading. About that time we were greeted by our contact person who, after the initial meet and greet, asked which one of us was cooking.

"Cooking?" I asked.

Rivuh grinned. "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you, Shellie. I added a few things to our agenda." That's when I discovered that Rivuh had felt free to tell our hosts that I would "cook up a few things" for the crowd. Did I mention that we were at a school of 500? As they escorted me to the kitchen while Rivuh continued to unpack, I made a mental note to shoot her, later.

After I cooked and served the masses, I met up with Rivuh in the gym to prepare for our presentation, only Rivuh wasn't preparing, she was finishing a little building project-- a portable concession stand to be exact-- from materials she had brought along with her. I had to ask. You would've.

"Rivuh, what are you doing now?"

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you about this, too." Our conversation was interrupted by someone ordering a snickers which was the first time I noticed a line was forming. In between the next few customers Rivuh explained that setting up a concession stand at each stop was her brilliant idea to help defray our expenses. Brilliant was her word.

I woke up about that time and breathed a sigh of relief to find it was just a dream. Of course, in the interest of full disclosure, I did call Rivuh this afternoon, you know, just to make sure we were on the same page...

Hugs,
Shellie

All Things Southern LIVE in the morning...

2010-01-07T18:00:00.001-08:00

Hey folks! Sitting here in the chair and a half with Beloved Hubby watching the big game. Major torn on this one. Hate to cheer against the SEC but that means cheering for Alabama and Saban, sigh, not what a LSU Tiger likes to do.
Oh, well, my point for writing this up is to get y'all in the loop about tomorrow. Someone hacked into the website at the FOXFM92.7 site. Bummer. The site should be back up soon, but for tomorrow at least you'll need different directions to get to the stream. I hope you'll join me! (FYI for any newbies reading, the show airs at 8:00 to 9:00 CST on Friday mornings.)

Big fun show planned. Guests are Deborah Dunn, author of "Stupid About Men", Jackie K. Cooper, Entertainment Man of Middle Georgia, and Kathy Patrick, the Pulpwood Queen of Jefferson, TX to talk about Girlfriend Weekend coming up!

Of course, we'll have good music, I'll try to chat w/y'all via facebook and twitter while we're LIVE, and I will have a ton of opinions and obervastions as it's been three whole weeks since we've been live.

Here's the scoop. You'll need to use this link. If that doens't work, go to shoutcast.com and type in 92.7 FOX FM. If all that fails, holler help on facebook and I'll try to come to the rescue.

"See" you in the morning!
Hugs,
Shellie

Dixie's in the Doghouse

2010-01-06T18:32:00.001-08:00

This would be the explanation I promised y'all earlier when I abandoned several twitter and facebook threads in midstream...

I decided I'd open with a picture of Dixie the night I got her, five years ago, just so you'd understand a little more why she made me crazy earlier. But in order to really set the story, you'll need to know that in the last few months a number of dogs have gone missing within a few miles of our house, and that includes the much loved Shadow, my bff's golden retriever.

There has been a lot of speculation on the culprits. Some of the suggestions made me sicker than others but all of them were unsettling, a gator, a panther, a dog-fighting ring stealing our pets and making them fight for their lives?! Horrible scenarious all, and for a brief time this afternnon, a missing Dixie Belle had me worried that she may have fallen to the same fate.

Sure, I got ahead myself. Sure, she'd only been missing for a couple hours and my vivid imagination was to blame for getting me all worked up-- but have I mentioned that Dixie is always at the door (when she isn't sleeping at the foot of our bed) and she never roams the neighborhood?!

I was frozen solid when I finally found her returning from who knows where, just a block or so from the house and not only did she not look at all contrite, she looked quite pleased with herself. Have you seen those antelopes or whatever bounding on the out door channel? That's exactly what she was doing, bounding, and I'm almost sure she was grinning. I probably went from worried to angry in .9 seconds.

But that was then and this is now. She's resting on her blanket in front of the fire now and my heart has softened, exactly like it used to do when my toddlers would make me want to pull my hair out-- until they fell asleep and looked like little angels. She is jerking my string, that dog, but I love her something crazy. And now, you know the rest of the story.

Hugs,
Shellie

Not Your Mama's Dress Code

2009-12-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was channel surfing while blow-drying my hair while making up the bed, (yes, I'm a ridiculously unreformed and unrepentant multi-tasker), when I ended up on the beauty pageant for little kids show. Have you seen this? Have you seen what they do to these children? I would seriously like to sic Dog the Bounty Hunter on some of those parents.

I realize as Belle of All Things Southern this might be a surprising position for me to take, so let me clarify. I've never been in a beauty pageant, (true, no big surprise there) but as a general rule, I don't have a problem with them. Wait, let me correct that. I LIKE them-- if the contestants are old enough, say, to go to the bathroom by themselves. Driving age is even better. My daughter and I have popped many a bowl of popcorn and watched a ton hundred of older girls and younger women compete. And before that, it was me and my mama watching 'em together and cheering for Miss Louisiana regardless of what she looked like that year. So, there are our bona-fide southern credentials.

Now, this isn't the first time I've caught the show. And in the interest of fairness, I've actually seen a few parents who didn't remind me of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest and a few children who may not need psychiatric treatment, soon. But frankly, I'm afraid they're in the minority.

I was already grieving for some of those wee ones when I heard something with my own two ears that I haven been unable to digest. It was right before the bathing suit division started. One of the pageant officials was recapping the rules to the camera when she said, "Many of our contestants wear one piece swim suits. We allow two pieces, as well, but we do not allow thongs."

No thongs for the wee ones?! Well now, I was in the process of saying to no one in particular, "Thank the Good Lord there's a tiny bit of common sense left" when the woman actually finished her sentence with this startling observation, "it takes a perfect body to wear a thong."

Really? Really?! Are you stinking kidding me? The only reason they don't allow three year olds to parade around in thongs is because "it takes a perfect body to pull it off?!" That's the sort of thinking that really should be criminal. And frankly, it renders me practically speechless and that is some kind of hard to do. (Just ask my husband.)

About the only thing left for me to say is, "Anyone got Dog on speed dial?"

Hugs,

Shellie

Christmas Chopsticks

2009-12-29T19:46:00.001-08:00

Message from Shellie:

The Baby Czars put on a show!

Click on a video below to watch it:

Christmas Chopsticks
Video Length 1:57
Click here to watch

To learn more about the Flip Video Camcorder, click here.

Quieting the Masses Would Be Easier if They Weren't in My Head

2009-12-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

The voices in my head are in fine form today. There is the one that would like to go back to where I was in my Bible Study earlier and stay there all the live-long day. I like her but she has been outvoted for now.

There's another who keeps reminding me that I have recently agreed to deliver "Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy" by June 1st, this June 1st. Ouch. She's something of a pest, albeit a necessary one.

They're both competing with the "you should just go ahead and take down the Christmas tree now and get the house clean so you can think straight" Martha Stewarty/I know these things/petulant voice (and I mean that in the nicest way Martha).

And then there's the "Excuse me, but this is Monday and you know it's radio segment taping, website updating, ATS administration day and why are you putting off getting started" voice. She bores me to tears.

I suppose I'll have to tend to all of 'em and their friends eventually, but I can't do it until I get one big thing off my chest. Here it is. If you haven't read "Same Kind of Different as Me", do so, please, as soon as you can.

It will make you laugh, cheer, and cry in turns. No, you won't be a better person for reading it, but I double dog dare you to read it and not want to be.

Hugs,

Shellie

P.S. And when you do, because you just know you can't ignore a double dog dare, please come back here and enter a discussion about it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Act III-- Christmas Day Finally Arrives

2009-12-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

How about a few random pics from the days before Christmas before we get to the final act? I was so hoping you'd say that...

Simply had to find a spot to post Emerson and her pretty red coat Nanee bought her! How cute is this, I ask you?

Great Nanee and Miss Emerson

Baby face, you've got the cutest little baby face

Grant Thomas and Nanee

CHEESE!

I love me some sweet taters!

And finally, yes finally-- Christmas morning! Baby feet and baby sugah ruled. The babies may not have understood the commotion but they hung with us, they sure did!

"Emerson, you're older than I am. Tell me, is this as crazy as it gets?"

"Well, Grant, I saw some stuff on the Fourth of July that ranked right on up there. We'll talk about it later..."

Pops and I gave the babies their official bibs. Emerson's reads "Bellerina Czar" and Grant's reads "Baby Beau Czar". I was happy to purchase them from my dear friends, Sarah and Debbie, at Prints Charming!

The kids gave me a Kindle. In this pic I'm saying that

I sure hope it's what's on the box! Well, I was just

being honest, folks!

Emerson opening presents with mama

Beloved Hubby gets a new sportscoat from the kids!

Phillip is packing!

Christmas love with Daddy

Opening presents with mama

Look, Grant! It's from Keggie and Pops.

"So, is it over yet, Emerson? I'm getting tired?"

"I know, Grant. But after we get dressed Keggie's gonna want a couple more pictures. I heard her saying it."

Emerson was right!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! We pray you each know the width, depth, length and height of the wonder of God's love, the miracle that is Immanuel, God with Us.

Hugs,

Shellie

Tomlinson Perry Night! Old Friends are Best Friends

2009-12-26T12:19:00.001-08:00

Act II

Next up in the lead up to Christmas is our annual Tomlinson/Perry night or (as we called it on facebook and got responses from people who thought Red and I were up to no good toilet-papering yards), TP night. The rules are simple-- there are none! My and Phil's best friends, Lamar and Rhonda Perry, get together for some laidback snacking and a rousing game of choice with as many of our collective kids and their respective spouses and/or friends that can make it. In the past years we've played everything from Pictionary to Jinga or Win, Lose and Draw! This year we played Chain Reaction, girls against the boys. Is it really necessary for me to say the girls won?

Me and Madness! We'd like to think we're aging gracefully! LOL!

Emerson Ann and her "Other G-Mother"

Lamar, I can't believe this is the only pic of you I took the whole night! Sorry, man. You know I love you!

Emerson makes Other G laugh!

Pops and the Grantster share a moment.

Jami-Lyn meets Grant Thomas!

What are Phillip and Carey talking about?

Aunt CeCe and Grant doing some loving

The men are talking, oh, let me guess-- HUNTING?!

The Baby Bar Czars!

And yes, these bowls are their fav toys. When

will we learn? :)

Jessica Ann with an armload of sweet babies!

Jami-Lyn brought her friend, Kathleen, a welcome

addition!

The Mahers discuss the game

In fully gaming mode. Please forgive the mess!

Phillip, "Jake, please get ready. You're after Jac-lyn."

Uncle Jake and Emerson Ann exchanging pacies?

Pops has a winning moment!

Aunt CeCe is happy!

My two hearts!

Okay, I realize this isn't our best look, but I thought

it's be fun to show total exhaustion turned giddy.

Old friends are a special kind of joy. If you don't have any, I pray that you would begin today to forge a new friendship and nurture it daily. Remember, the best way to have friends is to be one!

~Shellie

Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a friend's counsel that comes from the heart. Proverbs 27: 9

Christmas begins at Nanee and Papa's

2009-12-26T07:21:00.001-08:00

Official warning: I'm about to try and capture this past wonderful week in the next three blog posts. No doubt, I won't be able to do justice to our big wonderful, unorganized, crazy, way less that perfect Southern family Christmas and for sure only the stout-hearted will make it to the end of the triology, but at least you've been warned. Oh-- and FYI, Rusty Guenard and his girlfriend, Jill, didn't make it in and Blake's sweet wife Rachel was too sick to make the trip so I simply must stop here and say "WE MISSED Y'ALL!" And now, let the remembering begin...

For me, the Christmas season officially began with the children's Christmas play held at my parent's church, (Nanee and Papa). For it was there at Melbourne Baptist Church, many years ago now, where I tapped my patent leather, lacy-sock adorned feet in time with the Christmas carols and took in the wonder of Christmas for the very first time. For this lover of words, it remains the greatest story of all time. God, stepping into flesh to open a door that would bring His people unto Himself. Over and over this season I've found myself meditating on a definition of mercy I recorded in a recent Bible study. Oh, friends, do let this speak to you. Mercy: God's immediate and special response to the misery that is the consequences of our own sin. WOW in caps.

But back to Melbourne. My sissy and her husband, Rick, along with my niece Hillary and her babies, Emery and Jackson, have moved home this year. (Let all God's people say Amen!) This year, at the Melbourne Christmas play, Emery the Cow, and Jackson the little lamb, in full costume, along with a large contingent of other Melbourne children, gifted us with a most precious rendition of the Christmas story. Oh, how we laughed as the rambunctious cow and the sheep joined the rest of the children's choir, a frisky donkey and a camel/rhino, angels, readers, and a narrator. (Clarification: the camel/rhino would be a little fellow who posted his objections to being a camel and stated preference for being a donkey a little late -- the donkey outfit had already been taken. He wore half of his Halloween rhino outfit and home-made donkey ears instead.)

My daughter Jessica Ann, her husband Patrick, and my grandson, Grant the Baby Beau Czar, came in a few days later to join me and Pops, my son Phillip, his wife Carey, and Emerson the Bellerina Czar, and Christmas was fully on! The next event on the calendar was Nanee and Papa's Christmas where the whole extended funky bunch gathers to meet, eat, and greet and there was plenty of all of that going on. Forgive me, but I really can't resist commentating on the pics.

Uncle Rod and Aunt Carmen enjoy the fun!

Emerson Ann says, "COOL!"

Hillary and Blair with Blake hamming it up

"Notice, Ruthie and Cyn are trouble, but I'm not!"

The Mahers oblige me with yet another family pic!

Daddy daughter moment

"Keggie, everywhere I look, there you are with that camera!"

Ryle and Kristin keeping it real.

Gene is no where near as evil as this makes him look!

Grant Thomas needs a Daddy fix!

Phillip, Carey and Emerson striking sweet pose

Nana Parker poses with my man!

Cuzin Blair and Emerson Ann

Nanee and Jackson opening gifts

Cyndie and Jackson, ignoring someone's hand. (Is

that you, Hillary?)

Rhonda's kids, left to right-- Blake, Blair, and Brad

Hillary and Emmie in foreground, Cyndie, Jackson and Papa

in the rear.

Emerson shows her Christmas dress to Aunt Kristen

Rhonda and Gene looking happy to be there!

Grant still dissing all gifts in favor of $1 toy in

his stocking

Emmie loves her Cousin Brad

Me and my Blair!

Nana helps Emerson open a gift

Cyn and Rick looking good in the neighborhood!

The Wonderful Papa opening his new rifle

I love this man!

The great Nanee of the bunch looking like

anything but a great grand in her new shades!

Oops! Caught 'em kissing and no mistletoe

in sight!

Thanks Nanee and Papa! It was crazy, wild, wonderful and unforgettable. Another one for the books! Thank you for consistently setting a wonderful example for your family. Your love for each other sets a high bar and I'm grateful for it, but the greatest blessing you've given this family is a heritage of faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord. We thank you. We love you.

~Shellie

"A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

P.S. Consider me corrected. I just got a rather harassing phone call from the sister who wasn't mentioned by NAME in the opening to this blog. That would be my middle sister, Rhonda Arlene. She had pictures; she had captions, but no "mention". (This is the kind of thing that happens when you nickname a person Pretty Woman in her childhood.) Henceforth, let it be known throughout cyberspace that Rhonda came in all the way from the Big D and we all felt so fortunate to see her lovely and accomplished self with her handsome friend Gene and her beautiful kids, Blake, Blair and Brad. (All better now, Nana?)

WHO DAT?!

2009-12-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there are just nine hundred and some more pics I wanna put up, along with all sorts of notes for y'all here two days before Christmas, but this is absolutely all I can do right now-- and I'm stealing time to do this!

If you've been around the porch a while, you may know that we aim for a really cool gingerbread design every year. Two years ago it was a cajun shack.

Last year it was a two story doll house for Emerson Ann's first Christmas.

This year-- what else-- but a WHO DAT theme for Grant Thomas's first Christmas! Please check out the one and only Superdome, complete with attached parking garage.

And, of course, you wanna look inside! (Okay, so our dome is sagging, just a bit. We're not

exactly architects people.)

'Ya like? We'll be checking back for compliments, oops, I mean comments!

Merry Christmas Hugs,

Shellie

I'm Celebrating Christmas

2009-12-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

Earlier today I posted the following message on Twitter and Facebook: I've put up a Christmas tree with Christmas lights. I've bought Christmas presents and I'm listening to Christmas music. I'm celebrating Christmas. And you?

Methinks that needs some clarification. It wasn't a Christmas update. It was more like a for-the-record announcement. What I would've said, had Twitter allowed me the additional characters, is that I'm not celebrating just any old holiday. I'm celebrating the gift that tops all others-- Immanuel, God with us-- and my soul is sorely tired of the word Christmas being avoided like it's an offensive slur.

When I wish you a Merry Christmas, friend, I don't mean Happy Holidays or I'd say Happy Holidays. When I wish you a Merry Christmas I'm saying that I hope that in this season of Christ's birth you would enjoy His presence and know His love.

And now that we've got that clear, how's your Christmas coming? I'm way into it! Nary a room around here has been neglected. About the only thing left to say is lights, camera, action! (As soon as I add the fresh greenery, I'll share some pics with y'all.) To be honest, I may have went a little crazy with the white lights this year. I just can't get enough of 'em. If it were up to me, Dixie Belle would be wired with a battery operated lit up collar, but she has declined the offer. She has, however, agreed to cooperate, kinda, with this Santa hat pic-- if I do it quickly.

Funny, yes? I can't help it. I'm feeling particularly jolly tonight. Somehow, I've managed to get most of the house decorated and the majority of my shopping done without falling behind on writing deadlines. But what's even better, tomorrow Beloved Hubby and I are going to have our annual Christmas shopping wrap-up/movie and meal date. And by annual I truly mean once a year! We always say we're going to go out more in the next year, see more movies, yada yada. We never do. And we're fine with that. The man and I are suckers for a home movie and a bowl of popcorn in our chair and a half.

But, that's tomorrow... Tonight there's a fire cracking in the fireplace, the lights are shining, and our tummies are full of tacos, the man's favorite meal. If we're lucky, there will even be some college hoops on the tube later. Meanwhile, I think I'll be pecking away on the old laptop, polishing up a new Facebook page I'm working on. It's all about River Jordan's and my "Great Southern Wing and a Prayer Tour"-- coming to a southern city this spring. Watch for it.

Enjoy life's sweet moments, friends. They come and go much too quickly.

Merry Christmas Hugs,

Shellie

P.S. Are you celebrating Christmas?

Giving Thanks is a Habit

2009-11-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

Several years ago now, Hurricane Katrina swept a not-so-elderly refugee into our lives. This lady was extended family in a round about, several degrees of separation sort of way, but my Mama took over her care as is she were flesh of her flesh and bone of her bone. The storm had dealt Mrs. Shirley a hard blow, but it’s after effects were nothing compared to the cancer that was ravaging her body. She was only here for a few months, but I'll never forget the valuable lesson she taught me as she dealt with her impending death.

I remember it clearly. I sat on her bed and reached for her hand.
“How are you today?” I asked.
She smiled widely. “I reckon it’s a pretty good day…as far as dying goes.”

We went on to talk about other things, including her craving for coconut cookies but I couldn’t get that phrase out of my mind, “as far as dying goes.” I knew what the doctors were saying, too. We all did. Their verdicts offered little hope. Unless the Lord granted Mrs. Shirley a miracle she was looking at days, not weeks. Knowing that you’re dying brings life a clarity that can’t be reached any other way. Mrs. Shirley had a hard won perspective. Even now I remember her telling me how badly she wanted to shake people and tell them to enjoy life, to treasure every day.

I left Mrs. Shirley’s room that evening with a renewed purpose, not only to count my blessings but to live in a way that spreads those blessings to those around me. Sound familiar to anyone? Then you can probably write the next line. Everyday life wasted no time coming in to challenge that commitment. It always does, doesn’t it? Sometimes our attitude of gratitude slips, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it flat out goes missing. I say, thank the Good Lord we can always find it again in God’s word and in prayer.

For, here’s a truth perfectly for Thanksgiving. If we can have a grateful heart for an hour, we can have a grateful heart for a day. If I can count my blessings today, I can count ‘em tomorrow. Just because we slip is no reason to quit trying. Gratitude is a habit, and it only gets better with practice. Let’s aim to live such a grateful life that it never takes someone else’s loss to remind us of our gain, or someone else’s pain to remind us of our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving friends! It's back to the kitchen for me. :)

Hugs,

Shellie

The Blessings of Rejection

2009-11-22T15:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all,

I shared these thoughts recently on a writer's blog I contribute to occasionally. It occurred to me that y'all may enjoy it, too, if for no other reason than to remind everyone to keep on keeping on towards your dreams and goals! We were asked to opine on reviews and rejection...

Somewhere between my ears another book is rolling around picking up mass. If you need a visual think more along the lines of a tumble weed in an Old Western than a snowball headed down the mountain. (My muse has attention deficit issues.) I don’t know how it works for the rest of my more learned colleagues but in my head the story shares attic space with a half dozen other tales insisting upon their turn at the keyboard. That’s where it gets complicated and it’s precisely where my thoughts on reviews and rejection begin.

The book I mentioned, the latest one forming in my head, the working title is something like “The Blessings of Rejection” and if writing what you know is the maxim, I’m well-equipped to share the power of no. Let’s just say I’m blessed and blessed indeed. I have rejection and review stories that will make you laugh and cry, simultaneously.

For whatever reason, my lot in life appears to be doing what I’m told isn’t done. I’ve learned to simply sigh anytime someone says, “Well, Shellie, it’s not altogether impossible, but it’s really not done.” Experience has taught me that I’m about to throw another log in my little engine that can and go where wiser people have the good sense not to travel.

I seem bent on pursuing rejection from a host of different sources. Apparently I like my rejection variety style. One would think that after stacking up that magic number of rejection slips and getting a foot in the door with my first non-fiction book, and after having it do better than the wildest dreams of myself, my agent, and my editor, I’d be content to bathe my wounded oft-rejected writer’s ego in it’s modest success and stick to what’s working. But no, being rejected in one genre isn’t enough for my muse. She’s turning out children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, Bible studies, you name it she’s writing it, despite the well meaning and knowledgeable ones who insist that it’s hard, if not impossible, to cross genres unless you are a seriously big time author. (Hello John Grisham.) Sigh. In the interest of full disclosure, I’m finding it difficult to find CBA representation that’s willing to take on this horse of many colors, even though my precious ABA agent is willing to split the pie and share the responsibility and the rewards of my talkative muse.

The funny thing is, I’ve stuck around long enough to do some of those “not dones” and I know something about next to impossible; it’s still possible. Almost ten years ago now, long after I had tired of filing rejection slips away alphabetically, and before my first book deal with Penguin, I birthed All Things Southern, self-pubbed a few books of my own, and decided to approach the radio world about running my daily segments, (think a rambling female Paul Harvey.) I was told that Christian stations wouldn’t pick up All Things Southern because four of the five days were just good clean fun, but not inspirational. I was told secular stations wouldn’t pick up All Things Southern because one of the five days was inspirational. Sigh. Today my short taped segments air in more than two dozen markets across the South, on country stations, oldies, talk, easy listening, and Christian. I also have a one hour live talk show called All Things Southern LIVE. FYI, heavy metal stations haven’t picked me up, but who knows what tomorrow holds?

And now, a closing thought on reviews. Despite my obvious hard-headedness in the literary world, it should be noted that I really do know when to fold ‘em in other areas. Once, many years ago, I was holding my young niece in my arms during church. It was a beautiful day and the song service was extraordinarily uplifting, which I suppose encouraged me to forego my normal trepidation about singing in public as I can’t carry a tune were it deposited in my well-meaning hands. I was well into a robust hymn when sweet Blair took her wee head off of my shoulder, looked around for the offending noise, located it, and promptly whacked me in the mouth with her rattler. I have yet to contact a single person on music row.

Hugs,

Shellie

The Lord is my shepherd....

2009-11-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hello dear porchers! Beloved Hubby and I are blessed to have two wonderfully strong God seeking young women in our immediate family. There's Jessica Ann, (AKA Grant's mommy) our firstborn, and Carey, (AKA Emerson's mommy) brought to the family by our number one son. This evening I'm honored to have Carey here as a guest blogger. I hope you enjoy her thoughts. We do! Hugs, Shellie

The Lord is my shepherd...

I shall not want.

The beginning of the 23rd Psalm, one of my favorites as a child, and the first scripture I ever memorized. How could it be that I've known that scripture for almost 15 years and never really thought about what it means? Honestly, almost everyone knows this passage. I've read it myself and heard it read countless times, and not until the last couple of days have I stopped and pondered on it....

I just finished reading a series of books by Francine Rivers (a wonderful author by the way) called The Mark of the Lion. There is scripture all throughout and that line "the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" for some reason caught my attention. The series is set in ancient Rome and trust me many people lived in want during that time. It is absolutely atrocious how little life was valued. But those early Christians clung to the knowledge that God was the Good Shepherd and in Him they would not want for anything. As I read and pictured these people living in dire situations, persecuted even till death for their faith; I thought of how blessed I am. Seriously, if I want to go on the street corner and yell to the top of my lungs that Jesus is Lord, I might get some funny looks, people might talk about me, they may even ostracize me; but no one would feed me to a pack of lions or wild dogs for entertainment.

Do we ever really stop and think about how much we have and yet we still want for more?

I find myself walking through a store, any store, even Wal-Mart picking something up, wanting it and then saying, "No I don't have enough money, or I don't really need it, but man, I want it!" Even as a Christian, I still want what this world has to offer...why? I believe it's because I constantly feed on the world, I constantly look to them for what I'm supposed to say, what I'm supposed to look like, heck even what I'm supposed to cook for supper. I live in want, simply because I go to the wrong source for my sustenance.

Jesus said come and eat of the bread of life and you will hunger no more. You will not want from the world because you will know that the Lord alone can satisfy! Beloved, feed on His Wonderful Words of Life! Don't just memorize them or read them or hear them, but feed on them.

You shall want no more.

~Carey

Today's 3 R's: Round Ball, Rambling and Refreshment!

2009-11-07T16:14:00.000-08:00

'Fess up, time.

I woke up this morning wishing I could just stay home. It'd been another very long week, albeit a good one, and the bones were weary. Beloved hubby was scheduled to drive in from his week long hunting trip in Kansas and I was in a nesting mood, eager to see him and thinking about how nice it'd be to put a big pot of soup in the crockpot and settle in with the hard-to-get-around-to current manuscript. Instead, I was looking at an hour and forty-five minute drive and a speaking engagement. For the record, Dixie Belle was even more unhappy with my plans. Boy, that dog can pout.

It wasn't easy, but I began surrendering my attitude to the Father's plans. (Hey-- this is a confession folks.) Total honesty-- God loves it. Our hearts are never a surprise to Him, but baring them and inviting Him to change 'em is all He asks.

I would be speaking to a group of pastors' wives while the men met separately. When I accepted the invitation months ago, I'd been informed that it would be a small group, (which matters to me none at all), and told that the need was for refreshment. Laughs and inspiration, Mrs. Bessie had said. That's what these ladies need. That's what I asked the Father to help me give them.

I told the pouting dog good-bye in the carport, promising her a game of fetch upon my return, and shoved in the praised and worship tape Rhonda, AKA Madness Czar, had burned for me last month when we were ministering together in Mississippi, (thanks Madness). I knew if I made my mouth start recounting His glory, my heart would catch up. And, of course, it did. Before long I had to pause the tape to pray, and then back to song, prayer, song, prayer, song, the miles came and went. By the time I arrived at my destination, which included a spell where I thought I was lost and had daughter in Houston google the address and make sure I was headed in the right direction (oh, the wonders of technology), Eyore had long since morphed back into Tigger.

I parked my car at Seeker Springs Ministry Center at 9:30 A.M. with awe in my heart for the beautiful day as I took in the interesting vista before me. By now my spirit was fully awake and up to speed. Another surprise awaited when I opened the car door. Was that the sound of someone playing basketball inside the building? This ex-coach LOVES me some basketball and the sound is pretty unmistakeable to me, but I decided that it couldn't be. (Stay tuned.)

Walking up to the building was neat in itself. A gorgeous wrap-around porch stretched before me, outfitted with a couple dozen rocking chairs.

And then, I was thru this door and immediately in the presence of a smiling group of folks, and the lady who had invited me. They were instant friends!

And yes-- right behind them, visible through the foyer, was nothing but-- a GYM-- a full-sized gym and a handful of people shooting roundball! Come to find out, this retreat center was once a vibrant country school. Okay, so I know you're wondering. The answer is YES, of course! It wasn't but a few minutes and I was out of the heels and shooting basketball with my new buds!

We had a blast and that was BEFORE it was time for the meeting. That, was another blessing entirely. Oh, the joy of sharing laughter and love with those pastors' wives will be with me for a while! Let's just say that I rambled all over the place and they didn't mind one bit!

After the meeting, and before a fantabulous lunch was spread out, I slipped around and took some pics of the place. Below is a shot of the softball field and the gazebo meeting place outdoors.

Here's a shot of the pool out back. You can't see it well in the pic, but there's also a big porch back here in case some folks would rather watch the water fun from the shade.

I left Seeker Springs totally today feeling like I had just been privileged to one of my Heavenly Father's Super Set-ups. I hope and pray those women were just half as refreshed as I was by our visit. I love the way He does things. Everything with our Father is a win/win. Yes, the day was for those ladies, but because He is who He is, it was also about rest and respite for me! I could almost hear my Father planning the day..." Oh, and Jesus, let's throw in some basketball. You know, she does love that silly game."

There's more here-- I had one forever more awesome idea while I was there that is continuing to percolate in my spirit, but the time is not quite right to spill it, not yet. Beloved Hubby is home and I want to spend more time talking to him and I also need more time with the Father to iron out the wrinkles. When I do announce it, we'll reference this post.

Y'all take care and have a good day in the Lord's house tomorrow. I plan to.

Hugs,

Shellie

Oh, yeah-- I did it. I said I would!

2009-11-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

P.S. When it's been several decades since you actually cheered, things tend to slip your memory. Case in point, as the Madness Czar (aka, BFF Rhonda) and I were walking into Jehovah Java she said, "You do have on bloomers, don't you?"

"Bloomers?!! I knew something didn't feel right."

Hence, no jump at the end of the cheer. But seriously, folks, y'all have to give me my props for going this far, right? And speaking of props, thanks again to everyone who helped ATS raise $4,800 to drill a well for a needy community. I love y'all to pieces!

Hugs,

Shellie

It's Grant's Style

2009-10-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's only a matter of time until this crawling style gives way to some real boot scooting boogie.

Hugs,
Shellie

The Angel of Lake Providence

2009-10-25T14:40:00.001-07:00

Hey sweet porchers,

Ok, so in reality, you're looking at a kudzu covered beacon at the airport near my home. In my crazy noggin, however, she's The Angel of Lake Providence. Can you look past the weather sock and the steel cage and see her quiet beauty?

Dixie Belle and I have been admiring the kudzu angel on our evening walks for some time. I've thought about sharing her with y'all a dozen times in the past few months, but my cell camera wouldn't do her justice.

The other day I finally came home and got a real camera and drove to the airport to get a better shot. As you consider her image, I'd like to encourage you to join me in giving thanks to Abba Father for the wondrous incomprehensible love of our Savior! Behold the love that led the Creator to step out of glory and into the image of man to rescue those He fashioned from dust and make a way for them to come into His presence. To quote the Psalmist:

What is man, that thou are mindful of him?

and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,

and hast crowned him with glory and honor.

— Psalm 84: 4 - 5

I'm glad I took our kudzu angel's picture when I did. While I was at the airport my friend, Barry, told me the vines were interfering with the tower and they were getting ready to strip her nekkid, so to speak. While that makes me a little bit sad, it only serves to provide more fodder for praise. When our kudzu angel is no more, the Father's love will be as strong and enduring as ever. Join me, will you?

"Give thanks to the LORD for He is good and His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Hugs,

Shellie

Props for the Medical Profession

2009-10-16T11:56:00.001-07:00

Beloved hubby busted me out of the hospital yesterday evening. ATS will be swearing off medical jokes for the foreseeable future. I have a total new appreciation for the profession. So, here's the short rundown...

Kidney stones are evil. Mine is still with me. Fever and swollen kidney prevented them from blasting it. Instead they gifted my insides with a stint one day and removed it two days later. (Trust me, you don't want more details on that.) They have plans to blast bothersome stone to smithereens Monday.

I'm so thankful I had a Madness Czar in place. Huge kudos to Red for keeping this thing from running into the ditch in my absence! You just couldn't ask for a better friend/assistant. Thanks are in order also for Mike, ATS Radio Production Czar, and Irene, Czar of KWCL, for seeing to it that classic reruns are running.

I will have to ask y'all a favor now. I'm trying to read thru all the caring Facebook wall posts, Facebook wall to walls, personal emails, and DM twitters. I hope you'll understand my decision to try and jump back into the ongoing conversation as I can. I just don't think I can respond to each of these individually unless it's business that must be addressed. We'll see. Right now my the couch is calling, loud. Later.

Hugs,

Shellie

P.S. Almost forgot-- thanks to Linda in PA for yet another wonderful donation to our Water from the Porch Drive. Thanks also to Amy in LA! All told, our new running total is $4,200! We're only six hundred dollars from our goal. I'm so thankful to you all.

Jumping Fit AKA Dancing with Strangers

2009-09-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Just got notice that we are delayed! Not good. Got a tight connection in Atlanta. Oh, well, it has given me time to offer y'all proof that I am a woman of my word. I give you a jumping fit with additonal footage of Dancing With Strangers.

Please pray I make connections!

Hugs
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Enter to Win Ginormous Prize from All Things Southern!

2009-09-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! With just a little more than $400 left to go on our Water from the Porch Project, My Madness Czar and I stormed our brains, (it was way scary) for an idea to kick the momentum up a notch. Here's what we decided: Everyone who donates ten bucks or more will be eligible to win a ginormous prize-packed All Things Southern gift box!

Yes, siree. Every person who donates to this worthwhile cause will be entered into the drawing -- which will be held the day after our goal of $4,800 is met. Those of you who have already donated, not to worry! Your name is already in the hat!

The All Things Southern gift box includes:

An ATS cap and ATS t-shirt an authentic Suck Your Stomach In Apron designed and handmade by your fellow porcher, Chris Williamson, and autographed copies of each of my 4 books, Lessons Learned on Bull Run Road (in audio and print), Twas the Night Before the Very First Christmas, Southern Comfort, and Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On. You can donate one of two ways: 1) Log onto www.allthingssouthern.com and use the Paypal button on the left hand side of the homepage, or 2) Write a check to All Things Southern and mail it to 610 Schneider Lane, Lake Providence, LA 71254. Come on Friends ~ Let's dig that well! What? You say you're behind? In the dark about the Water from the Porch Drive? Details here.

Hugs,

Shellie

Day Unto Day

2009-09-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to this fellow in the early morning hours for a long time now. I have tried my best to get his pic. I've zoomed in on him at a distance, I've crept up under his favorite perch, I've strained to find him in the predawn light, all without success. The best I had was a blurred image high in a tree top that only I could identify. And then, yesterday, I was headed down to the dock with my camera around my neck and my hands totally full when I looked up and met him face to face. We both startled, and then paused. I swannee, y'all, I honestly think the bird was laughing at me. "Do it," he seemed to say. "Take a picture of me before I can fly away, but be careful, one false move and I'm gone."

Always up to a challenge-- especially a double dog dare from a bird-- I clinched my Bible between my knees (the ground was soaking wet from yet another storm). Holding my coffee in my left hand and the lens cap in my mouth, and using my chin to help twist my zoom out, I steadied myself for the single opportunity I knew he was giving me-- and praying Dixie Belle wouldn't come roaring up out of the semi-darkness, I pointed and clicked. True to his word, he flew away. But I, for once, was left with this.

Does he not look like he is saying, "You would think she'd never seen an owl before."

The ducks are far more sociable, not to mention plentiful. I have duck pics to spare.

The squirrels like to bomb Dixie and me on the dock with chewed up cypress balls and taunt my poor canine by sliding down the tree for a sip of water.

"If I ever get my paws on that squirrel, well, you know..."

This closing shot would run a close second with my owl if the resolution was better but I had to enlarge it too much for y'all to see and it lost something in the process--

"YIKES!!!!! Put the brakes on, we're running out of dock!"

Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare thy glory Lord and the earth reveals your handiwork. Day unto day utters speech and night unto night reveals knowledge."

Hugs,
Shellie

Memories that Move You

2009-09-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

***** As of 1:32 PM, CST, 9-25-09, running total is $2,805 *****

Hello folks, let's chat...I was typing the words "Water from the Porch" as a title for my guest blog on an author's site just now when I had a little epiphany. It occurred to me that I can't say those words without thinking about my grandmother's porch in Natchez, MS, the one framed by the big beautiful hydrangeas, the one where I joined with my sister and our favorite cousin to take refuge from sudden storms and hold endless talent contests and beauty pageants-- acting as both contestants and judges. (My sister Rhonda always won the beauty pageant, and though Lisa and I secretly decried the results you really must give us our props for the honesty with which we continued to cast our votes.)

To be sure, the porch really belonged to the small country church next door were my grandfather preached his heart out, as did that house and every other house they ever lived in as a young married couple, and later as a growing family with four kids.

At first glance, I almost passed by that bit of porch information, considering it irrelevant to what I wanted to share with them, but as I took a closer look it began to dawn on me just how integral it is.

You see, it was from that porch that I watched my grandmother offer water over and again to men who came down Pine Ridge Road, down on their luck and in sore need of a friend. Food was offered, too, and whatever spare money could be raked together. My grandparents always gave what they could. Only now do I realize that not once did they give out of an abundance of anything other than love. This is my heritage. Forgive me for being so nostalgic with y'all, dear friends and complete strangers, but my eyes have begun to water at the memory and the realization that such a heritage is a treasure without price. Water from the Porch. It's funny that I didn't see that connection until now, but I had to run back over here to my place and share the memory with y'all as soon as I tied things up at "A Good Blog is Hard to Find."

Of course, you who listen to me blather day in and day out would know that's where I took off in a dead run telling them about our Water from the Porch Drive. Maybe they'll join us, who knows?

Thanks for listening! If you're intending to join the cause and you haven't done so just yet, I respectfully ask you to act on that intention. Y'all are the best readers in the world and I want you to receive the blessing that will be yours on the authority of His word.

"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name... I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mark 9:41

Hugs,
Shellie

P.S. Remember, if you wouldn't mind posting this on your blogs, facebook profiles, website, twitter pages, etc., I sure would be obliged to you!

Why This, Why Now?

2009-09-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

***** As of 3:43 PM, CST, 9-20-09, running total is $1,836 *****

9-16-09

Your recurring question is why, why does this project mean so much to me? It's a hard question but a fair one. Let me fumble around and see if I can explain.

Inertia. I hate it. I hate to allow feelings of powerless over the size of a problem paralyze me from taking action at all. And yet, I do it all the time. All. The. Time. I do it when I change the channel from a commercial that breaks my heart. Reminding myself of the different ministries I support helps-- for about... two seconds, and then I realize that I could do more. I could always do more.

I pushed this cause away when it first fell in my heart, knowing full well I would be just ONE MORE VOICE asking you for action, suspecting that I would possibly drive off readers who were as weary as I am about bad news and had thought they were coming to the All Things Southern porch for something else entirely. The idea pushed back, again and again. Every time I saw Life Today's Water for Life program-- every time I thought, "How cool would it be to drill a well, not to offer a thirsty soul a drink of water once, but to be a part of giving an entire community fresh water for a lifetime!"

I continued to war with myself. Why this program, why when there are just as many other wonderful people doing wonderful work, (like my own dear sister-in-law and husband who faithfully operate a feeding ministry and orphanage in Kipsongo, Africa). The only answer I have is that not only did the idea refuse to go away, it grew! It beat within me like the tell tale heart from Edgar Allan Poe. (Sorry for the obscure reference.)

And while I rationalized, a mother looked from a contaminated water source to her dying thirsty child and rationalized in her own way. Would she give her baby water that may kill him eventually or let him die of thirst before her eyes?

So there, that's why Water from the Porch means so much to me. I'm so sorry if that's a downer. You asked.

Hugs,
Shellie

9-14-09

Well, I just received some news that took my breath away-- and not in a good way. As you know, I recently asked y'all, my dearly loved readers, to join with me to drill a well of life-giving water in cooperation with Life Today's Water for Life outreach program. A single well sustains a village of 1000 people for an entire lifetime. Surely, this is a worthy goal by anyone's measure.

Our stated goal was to raise $2400 in September '09, ten dollars from two hundred and forty people, so that children just like yours, grandchildren just like ours, wouldn't have to drink contaminated water because it is all they have.

This dream was first laid on my heart several months ago when I heard about the one time matching grant of $400,000 Life Today had just received from an anonymous donor, meaning that whatever well monies taken in for a certain amount of time would be automatically doubled. It is why we could drill our well for $2400 instead of the actual cost of $4800.

I could make all kinds of excuses for how busy I've been to explain why I never got around to making this challenge earlier, even though the idea was burning in my heart! But that's exactly what it would be, excuses. The truth is I dropped the ball. I've just been on the phone with Life Today and discovered that the matching funds have been allocated. The cost of one well is once again $4800. Sigh.

If the money were rolling in, I suppose it wouldn't have been such a kick in the gut, but it isn't. (We're somewhere around $500.) Yes, I've heard all the excuses. I know people are hurting right here in America. I didn't choose this cause, it chose me. And yes, I know pocketbooks are tight and the economy is sickly. I live in the real world with you. (As I type this the rain is coming down and my husband and I are praying that it will stop so we can harvest.)

I also know that I didn't dream this up. The Lord gave it to me, so I will see it through. It may take longer than I had hoped and I may have to do more to see it happen. I'll be contacting radio affiliates as time allows to see if they'll allow me to come on and discuss my goal on air. You may tire of seeing it in the postscript of the weekly newsletter, but we will press on. My heart still yearns to know that our community could actually put a well down that would serve a village for life-- for life!

If you are enjoying the humor and inspiration of All Things Southern, please consider making your yearly donation for this good cause. You can use the paypal button at my website to donate, or you may send your donation to:

All Things Southern
Water from the Porch
610 Schneider Lane
Lake Providence, LA 71254

Please join me to share a drink of water in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hugs,
Shellie

"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name... I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mark 9:41

More details at Life Today!

P.S. We've had contributions so far from Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Tennessee-- with Louisiana leading the tote board!

I'd like to ask those of you with facebook pages, twitter profiles, and or blogs to help spread the word by posting this blog or this link to your friends and family. Remember, we're not giving food that will feed a hungry belly just once-- we're drilling a well that will give life-giving water to many needy men, women, and children for years to come. Speaking of children, Rozel from Louisiana donated in honor of her grandchildren and challenged everyone else with grandchildren to give in their honor. I think that's a fine idea.

One more note: For whatever reason, the paypay button here on the blog keeps timing out, but the donate button on the left hand banner of the website works every time. :)

Hugs,
Shellie

Update from the Porch

2009-09-14T13:55:00.001-07:00

***** As of 11:30 CST, 9-15-09, running total is $1,400 *****

9-14-09

Well, I just received some news that took my breath away-- and not in a good way. As you know, I recently asked y'all, my dearly loved readers, to join with me to drill a well of life-giving water in cooperation with Life Today's Water for Life outreach program. A single well sustains a village of 1000 people for an entire lifetime. Surely, this is a worthy goal by anyone's measure.

Our stated goal was to raise $2400 in September '09, ten dollars from two hundred and forty people, so that children just like yours, grandchildren just like ours, wouldn't have to drink contaminated water because it is all they have.

This dream was first laid on my heart several months ago when I heard about the one time matching grant of $400,000 Life Today had just received from an anonymous donor, meaning that whatever well monies taken in for a certain amount of time would be automatically doubled. It is why we could drill our well for $2400 instead of the actual cost of $4800.

I could make all kinds of excuses for how busy I've been to explain why I never got around to making this challenge earlier, even though the idea was burning in my heart! But that's exactly what it would be, excuses. The truth is I dropped the ball. I've just been on the phone with Life Today and discovered that the matching funds have been allocated. The cost of one well is once again $4800. Sigh.

If the money were rolling in, I suppose it wouldn't have been such a kick in the gut, but it isn't. (We're somewhere around $500.) Yes, I've heard all the excuses. I know people are hurting right here in America. I didn't choose this cause, it chose me. And yes, I know pocketbooks are tight and the economy is sickly. I live in the real world with you. (As I type this the rain is coming down and my husband and I are praying that it will stop so we can harvest.)

I also know that I didn't dream this up. The Lord gave it to me, so I will see it through. It may take longer than I had hoped and I may have to do more to see it happen. I'll be contacting radio affiliates as time allows to see if they'll allow me to come on and discuss my goal on air. You may tire of seeing it in the postscript of the weekly newsletter, but we will press on. My heart still yearns to know that our community could actually put a well down that would serve a village for life-- for life!

If you are enjoying the humor and inspiration of All Things Southern, please consider making your yearly donation for this good cause. You can use the paypal button at my website to donate, or you may send your donation to:

All Things Southern
Water from the Porch
610 Schneider Lane
Lake Providence, LA 71254

Please join me to share a drink of water in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hugs,
Shellie

"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name... I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mark 9:41

More details at Life Today!

P.S. We've had contributions so far from Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma, and Tennessee-- with Louisiana leading the tote board!

I'd like to ask those of you with facebook pages, twitter profiles, and or blogs to help spread the word by posting this blog or this link to your friends and family. Remember, we're not giving food that will feed a hungry belly just once-- we're drilling a well that will give life-giving water to many needy men, women, and children for years to come. Speaking of children, Rozel from Louisiana donated in honor of her grandchildren and challenged everyone else with grandchildren to give in their honor. I think that's a fine idea.

One more note: For whatever reason, the paypay button here on the blog keeps timing out, but the donate button on the left hand banner of the website works every time. :)

Hugs,
Shellie

Details from Decatur

2009-09-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Dear ones,

In response to your request for more details from Decatur, I offer this unedited and probably error filled note I just penned to a sweet reader named Lisa who wanted to come out and meet me, but alas, she had a hissy fit with her girls that morning (more details there will not be forthcoming) and they all stayed home. While that does pique my interest, I told her I understand. Hissy fits are sometimes unavoidable and can even be appropriate, (thinking of Jesus clearing the temple here.)

But we were talking details. Let's see...Friday morning after hosting ATS LIVE I drove to Jackson, MS and hopped on a plane that connected in Charlotte headed to Atlanta. :) Remember, I live in a rural area. It's hard to get anywhere from here on a straight shot! After traveling all day I hit the hotel ready to crash, which I did, until the first fire alarm sounded around three-thirty or four, who really knows, a quick little "HONKKK" and then... nothing.

Hmmm...was this there cute way of saying there had been a fire-- an itty bitty one-- but all was well? :) I stepped out into the hall and met another curious author, which I'm thinking may have been Susan Rebecca White, but neither of us were looking our absolute best so I'm not sure, and I forgot to confirm that later when I could see clearly. We discussed the "baby alarm" and decided to go back to bed with the promise that if either of us heard or smelled anything, we would knock on the other's door.

About the time I got back to sleep the fire alarm started blaring again-- this time loudly and consistently with serious PA voice, "A fire has been reported in the building. Please exit immediately. Do not use elevators. Again, please exit immediately." After a fun pajama party in the courtyard with new friends, unable to see beyond my nose as I was sans contacts or glasses, we were informed it was a false alarm and given permission to return to our rooms. Muchas gracious.

Saturday morning River Jordan, friend and fellow author of Saints in Limbo, called my cell at 9:45, lost as a goose, hitting town in an all out run to her panel. She was on at 10:00. I was able to find someone to hand my cell to in order for them to direct River to her venue, where I stood waiting outside. She tossed me the keys to park her brand new ride and slid in under the wire. I may have texted her a funny message while she was waiting to be introduced like, "River, I parked the car. That little dingy on the left fender, I know nutin about it." If I did such a horrible thing, which has yet to be proven, I'm sure I have since repented, but I was probably just trying to loosen her up.

After lunch, I shared a wonderful panel with Robin Hemly, "Do Overs", and Ad Hudler, "Man of the House". The men were fall down funny and I had a big time! Oh-- and in between that heard a panel with leading vampire authors, Charlaine Harris and Chelsea Yarbro. Okay, so I don't even "get" the vampire fascination, (why am I always in the minority), but I totally enjoyed sitting there with a big smile and doing my own little cultural anthropologist study on the audience. These people were F-A-N-S!!!!!! I found them most interesting. :)

That should be more details than anyone wants to know. Later gators and gatorettes.

Hugs,
Shellie

A way above the chimney tops...

2009-09-05T20:02:00.000-07:00

...That's where you'll find me.

Its so peaceful up here, so serene. It would probably be a good idea to close my eyes a bit, but my brain is too full and besides, I love flying at night. Time enough to sleep later.

Kudos Decatur Book Festival-- your Bookzilla was truly a monster literary happening. I thank you for allowing me to play. It truly feels like recess to me.

A HUGE happy heartfelt "Thank You" to every written word loving soul who listened to what I had to say, laughed at my nonsense, or bought my book with your hard earned money. You humble me.

Sometimes I wonder when one of the super cool author type folks I get to hang with at these things is gonna say, "Halt--who goes there? Hey you, Country Girl--Yes, you-- the one impersonating one of us, we're gonna need to see some credentials."

I, of course, will not be able to locate said credentials anywhere-- not in my suitcase, my purse, not even in trust bberry here that I can't believe I'm typing so long on! I suppose the gig will be up at that point, but until then its game on, huh porchers?

I did rest a bit just now, to think. Closed my eyes and laid my head just so against the seat and imagined I was resting on Father God's chest. I wanted to run some things by Him. I wondered what He thought about some of the things I saw and heard this weekend.

Wanted to tell Him how much I liked that woman from L.A., the one with the blue, silver, and black hair. I thought it was so pretty. I don't want to wear the style so much, but it really suited her. I asked Him to bless her, to order circumstances to bring her to Him if she didn't know Him and to deepen her understanding and intimacy if she did.

I asked Him to explain some things to me about other stuff I heard, too, things I probably shouldn't blog (and you thought I didn't have a filter *grin*). Told Him I wanted His perspective on those ponderings, not mine.

Landing now. I put some pics on facebook from the festival. Don't think I'll attach 'em here. Not much time left. Instead, I think I'll post a night sky pic w/this before I hit send on the ground in MS. Did you know the Bible says God calls the stars by name? He knows yours too, and He loves you. He has a future and a hope for You. I pray you find it.

Thanks for being a part of my life. I don't take it lightly. I pray I never will.

Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Water from the Porch

2009-09-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Dear porchers,

I'd like to share a dream with y'all. If you've been with me any length of time you know that several years ago I decided to ask for a yearly donation to help defray expenses here at All Things Southern. You may also know that I quickly decided this once-a-year drive should instead benefit others knowing that, in turn, the Lord would sustain our cyber community.

This year, in lieu of a donation to All Things Southern, I'd like to ask y'all to join forces with me to drill a well of life-giving water in cooperation with Life Today's Water for Life outreach program.

Our goal will be to raise $2400 in September '09 to give clean water to a community where children just like yours, grandchildren just like ours, drink contaminated water because it is all they have.

Please know this isn't a whim. It's a deep desire coming out of the latest bible study I'm writing on stewardship. I'm asking y'all, the ATS community, the folks who have become so dear to me, to share with me in the joy of supplying clean drinking water, and in doing so, to give life because it is in the power of our hands to do so. Ten dollars from two hundred and forty people. Can we do it? Why, not?

If you are enjoying the humor and inspiration of All Things Southern, please consider making your yearly donation for this good cause. You can use the paypal button at my website to donate, or you may send your donation to:

All Things Southern
Water from the Porch
610 Schneider Lane
Lake Providence, LA 71254

Please join me to share a drink of water in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hugs,
Shellie

"For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name... I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mark 9:41

More details at Life Today!

Update: One week into our goal and we've collected a little over $200 friends. We got a slow start last year, too, so never fear. I do need everyone who is considering contributing to go ahead and take a minute to follow through while it's on your mind. We've had contributions so far from Louisiana, Texas, Utah, Oklahoma and Tennessee-- with Louisiana leading the tote board!

I'd like to ask those of you with facebook pages, twitter profiles, and or blogs to help spread the word by posting this blog or this link to your friends and family. Remember, we're not giving food that will feed a hungry belly just once-- we're drilling a well that will give life-giving water to many needy men, women, and children for years to come. Speaking of children, Rozel from Louisiana donated in honor of her grandchildren and challenged everyone else with grandchildren to give in their honor. I think that's a fine idea.

One more note: For whatever reason, the paypay button here on the blog keeps timing out, but the donate button on the left hand banner of the website works every time. :)

Hugs,
Shellie

Baby Grant Wrestles a Bear!

2009-08-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

I can not get enough of this video Jessica Ann sent me today. If you listen, you can hear this bear that I built for Grant at Build a Bear saying, "Keggie and Pops lovvvvvvvveeeeeee you!" Of course, it's not so easy to hear over my adorable grandson. Who has who here?

Hugs,
Shellie

Harvest

2009-08-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

Had a great book-signing at Simmons. So much fun meeting people. Oh-- and my big sis Cyn the RN and her whole family showed up along with Nanee and Papa and Emerson and Carey. Miss Emerson helped me sign books!

Handsome son, Phillip, just crawled up into the cab to have a short convo with his dad about another harvest/farm issue. It is slightly crowded in here, LOL, but during harvest you do everything on the GO! (Note that you can see he and his dad in the side mirror and me
SQUEEZED into the back of the cab if you look hard. :)

The corn isn't cutting as well as we would like but we're trusting the Lord of the Harvest to provide.

Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Move Over Liberace

2009-08-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

I was hard at work earlier this afternoon when Miss Emerson came by for a surprise visit. Here we are having a brief piano lesson.

Please note that Carey asked us to smile for the camera and I complied. Emerson, however, was way too busy working on her current number. It's very, ummm...well, modern and contemporary. You know, almost as if the notes are random and unplanned. And yet, the tune is so pleasing! I see great talent here.

Hugs,
Shellie

God's a Showoff! A Great Big Wonderful Showoff!

2009-08-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

WOW in caps. God showed up and showed out in my early morning dock devotion. All of His creation sang around me. Yes, even the bass danced to His beat. (Oh, fishermen, you should've been there. I saw a whopper!!!)

My overarching takeaway thought: Not only are You worthy, Abba, but You are worth it--any and every yearning, searching, reaching, submitting, straining, striving, seeking effort. You are worth it.

Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Baby Face...

2009-08-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

....You've got the cutest little baby face... Hey folks! Here's Pops getting some time in.

It's not easy, but I shall now tear myself away from kissing baby toes to post a few pics for people like Carey Eubanks Tomlinson and The Great Nanee, lest they hurt me upon my return.

"Hello, my name is Grant Thomas. I'm sorry if I seem distracted but I have found the most amazing toys. I think they call 'em hands. All I know is that they are the neatest things-- and it's so cool they way they're always right here."

"Just a little male bonding..."

"When my daddy talks, I listen!"

Shellie here, folks, and I'm telling you straight up. Leaving this baby face is going to be heart wrenching. I'm gonna close this post now. I've been at it too long already. Blogger wasn't wanting to save the pics for some reason. I'll try and send up the video of Mr. Grant talking in a seperate post.

Hugs,

Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

More Than You Wanna Know

2009-08-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Tommilyn snagged me into this, I mean, gave me this award. As I understand it, there are only two rules, the first being I have to share eight things about myself. The second rule, well, we'll get to that. First things first.

1. I love God's word. Must start there. I know it might sound like I'm trying to apply for sainthood, but believe me, there's no saint on this end of the screen. I just adore finding God in His word.

2. I could eat a hamburger eight days a week. My point exactly.

3. I couldn't talk right when I was a kid. My oldest sister interpreted for me and I like to tell audiences that she interpreted a lot of things I did not say.

4. I like to start and end each day sitting in our big roomy chair and a half with my man.

5. I'm obsessive about doing what I say I'll do, to the point of crazy. I can't allow myself to say anything like "I'm now going to jog six miles a day instead of walk three" because once I say it, it is in concrete and I would kill myself trying to do it.

6. The only glaring exception to number five would be in the area of food. Unfortunately, saying I will not eat chocolate seems to have no bearing whatsoever on my obsessive trait. Sigh.

7. I used to wish I lived anywhere but Lake Providence, LA. Now, I don't want to live anywhere but Lake Providence, LA.

8. I hit my toes on everything. My son likes to say that I act like I'm surprised every day to find that I even have toes because I never make the necessary allowances that would keep me from continually stubbing them.

And now for that second rule-- at this point I'm supposed to share the love by asking eight other bloggers to play. Of course, I've never been one to follow rules really well, so I'm going to name my eight BUT I'm going to tell you right here and now that you don't have to play if you don't want to-- and IF you want to play you can take as long as you'd like. :)

Hugs,
Shellie

http://providence-carey.blogspot.com
http://babymaher-family.blogspot.com
http://www.riverjordan.us/cgi-bin/index.cgi
http://karenzach.com
http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com
http://rhondaredperry.blogspot.com
http://lesliemartinyoung.blogspot.com
http://colleenspiro.blogspot.com

Take an Aspirin and Call Your Bureaucrat in the Morning

2009-07-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Opinion: We need to address health care. We need to address insurance reform. We need to fix what malpractice insurance and defensive medicine is breaking. We need insurance plans we choose and can take with us from one job to the next. But-- every day more polls show that the American people are either leery or flat out scared of a 1000 page monster bill making it's way through a handful of different committees, a bill underlings are paid to read for people who are paid to vote.

Facts: The New York Times/CBS News poll found that ”Americans are concerned that revamping the health care system would reduce the quality of their care, increase their out-of-pocket health costs and tax bills, and limit their options in choosing doctors, treatments and tests.”

And more from Rasmussen:

*By 50% to 23% margin, voters expect that passage of the congressional health care reform bill will cause the quality of care to go down.

*Americans by a two-to-one margin believe that no matter how bad things are, Congress can always make it worse.

And there, friends, is the rub. Haste makes waste might be a tired old phrase but there's a reason it sticks around. Why does it have to be all or nothing? Wouldn't it wise, prudent even, to see if the government could successfully make some incremental changes before we give 'em enough rope to hang us all?

Here's a question for all the pundits that say that when the representatives come home on recess they're going to hear from their constituents and know just how unpopular nationalized health care is. What planet are y'all living on?

Barney Frank is going to home and mix and mingle with like-minded friends. Jim DeMint is going to do the same. Unless they're all planning to hold mass town hall meetings, I fail to see why recess is such a big deal.

However you want these people to vote, write, email, call, and express yourself. And then reassure them that you're taking notice of how they vote and you will vote accordingly when they're up for reelection. And then, for the love of this country, do it.

Hugs,
Shellie

Jewelry, Bull Run Road Style

2009-07-24T15:56:00.001-07:00

I was headed inside when I saw the first one. Of course I stopped, I had to. I picked up the discarded locust shell and began to think about long ago days on Bull Run Road, days when my sisters and I considered these abandoned carcasses to be some of the finest jewelry ever designed.

I needed to go in and shower. I knew I'd be late. Morning devotional on the dock had been delightful. Throwing the stinking tennis ball with Dixie Belle until her tongue was dragging had been checked. Being late to events where you're the guest speaker-- never good. But doggone it-- here was another, and there another, and another. Holy moley, I had hit locust jewelry jackpot.

For reasons I still can't explain, I began lining them up on the edge of the flower pot for a photo op. It wasn't easy. Dixie the Curious had her nose all in my business, but I persevered. Out of time concerns, I denied myself the pleasure of going inside for the Jim Dandy camera hubby gave me for Christmas, (sorry Nikon-- I should've given you that plug) and went with the camera phone on my hip instead. And this, is my result. Lucky me. Lucky you? Probably not.

I remember once when an author friend was bemoaning her publicist's insistence that she start blogging. "I'm on constant deadline," she grumbled, "and I'm responsible for so many words already. I don't need to have to produce more."

She had me there. I'm a fairly new blogger, myself. I, too, resisted this idea for the longest time. Never the first one to ride the wave, I turned my huffy back on blogging for the first seven years of All Things Southern's existence, citing the same reluctance to add to the regular pressure of my ever growing deadlines. Her next question, however, fell right into my sights.

"Besides, what will I blog about?" she asked.

I quickly explained that the way I looked at it, this was only an issue if you set the bar too high. (I can hear the Amen corner of this blog's readers now.) Yes, I realize that one can step right over my bar, but let it be known that I am having fun allowing myself the freedom to ramble without direction, to enjoy words without worrying whether an editor will love it/hate it/or scratch it or if a reader will buy it/enjoy it/or burn it. It also brings us back to exhibit A: locust shells.

After I got these little fellas lined up and photographed I realized that the picture was speaking to me. Is it just me, or does it not look like a death march? The world is full of people eager to follow whoever has the ability to lead. I'm not talking politics, either, at least not specifically. I'm thinking about leaders in all walks of life. Leaders can give life, think Christ, and they can push death, think Hitler. I'm thinking if anyone has even the inkling of an idea that they have the gift of leadership, that one should stagger to their knees under the notion-- lest they lead a death march.

And to think, we started with a locust shell.

Hugs,
Shellie

Perspective, It's a Funny Thing

2009-07-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Right about now, y'all may be thinking, "Yep, the girl finally lost it. I knew she was on the edge. This silly pic is upside down!" You're right about the edge, I live there, but you're wrong about the picture.

This morning the lake was a beautiful mirror, quietly reflecting everything near it. I took this pic right side up, that tree line you see-- that's a reflection and you're not looking at the sky, you're looking at Lake Providence. You have to change your perspective to see it for what it is.

We all look at things a little differently, don't we? I think it's critical that we try to see each others point of view but let's always remember that in the end that's all it really is, another person's opinion.

I want God's perspective. It's why I search His word. It's why I love His word. As the world changes and styles come and go, as standards get downgraded and principles become dated, His unchanging perspective grows ever sweeter to my soul.

Hugs,
Shellie

Stop-- in the Name of Love!

2009-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Confession time: I'm a political junkie, news obsessed, history buff. But perhaps you've spent enough time on the All Things Southern porch to figure that out.

What you may not know is that I often hear from readers and listeners who think I don't talk politics enough. (These would be the people who identify with my leanings.) I also hear from other folks who either berate me when I take the discussion into politics, or jump off the ATS porch altogether, citing this as their reason. (These would be those who disagree with me.)

Tonight I want y'all to know that when I do "go there", I try to go softly. I do my best to resist the urge to join the twenty-four hour political debate, to get in the fray and shout with the best of 'em, to air my deep-seated concerns about where my beloved country is heading. I'm not saying this is the wrong course for others, but it is for me. I know what I'm called to do, and a twenty-four hour political discussion (from either side of the aisle) doesn't fit that call.

I've often asked the Lord where the line is, how much to say and when to say it. Maybe, dear reader, you're a believer who has faced this question, too. If so, maybe I can help.

It's been said to be careful what you pray for, and there's a good reason for that. He answers. My directive has been clear: I can talk the issues only as much, and no more, than I pray over the issues. To clarify, that means if I spend a brief moment in my prayer over my nation, well, that gives me about one tweet or facebook post. Get it?

I admit that it is hard, and I've failed at it, confessed and started over more times that I care to admit, but can you imagine, for just a moment, what would happen if every believer in America adopted the same missive? What if we prayed privately as much as we dissented and wrung our hands publicly? That's what I thought.

I call it "Stop-- in the name of Love". It helps to remind me when my passion begins to build to stop. Pray first. Opine second. I invite you to join me by signing in on the comment box below, and forwarding this if you think the thoughts here bear repeating. I don't need your last name, or even your city and state. I just want to know that you've considered it.

God Bless America.

Hugs,
Shellie

One immaterial step for mankind-- but--

2009-07-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

perhaps a huge step for me. Okay, if you've been listening to me whine the past few days, you know by now that I've been trying to sync this blog with facebook so I could talk to the whole world at once. Apparently, what has worked for everyone else I've talked to has not worked for me. SO--after my own internal intense debate, I've now given up on IntenseDebate, and I'm trying Facebook's networked blogs app.

Big favor time!!! I'm headed to church to kick back and enjoy a great teaching by John Bevere. Facebook friends, would you, could you, suprise me by subscribing to this blog with the new app so I can check it out? MANY THANKS! I'll check back later. Surprise me, why don't you? :)

Hugs,
Shellie

I'm All Ears!

2009-07-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all,

You've seen the text boxes in my first book in this series, a finalist for SIBA's 2009 Nonfiction Book of the Year: "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On", What Southern Mamas Tell Their Daughters that the Rest of Y'all Should Know, Too! Well, here's how you can get your own two bits in my next book.

I took some ribbing from the men folks in the first book for not soliciting their thoughts. Live and learn. This one's open to everybody and the topics run the gamut from diet and exercise to social media and regional differeneces! This book's working title is "Sue Ellen's Girl Ain't Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy" More Advice and Observations from All Things Southern.

In a nutshell, I'm open to your short (100 words or less) anecdotes, tips, or observations. What makes it southern? Why, you do, silly! So, don't stress, just play along and see your name in lights, (okay, print, but it's still big fun!)

Need a couple of examples? I'll put Leslie Martin Young's thoughts in the health section. This Louisiana girl says, "I've got a cornucopia of workout videos. My friend Lisa and I would actually put on "work out clothes" (some ensembles may or may not have included leg warmers) and move the furniture in the living room...then sit and watch the video while commenting about how fit we would be if we could actually DO that stuff..."

Author and journalist Karen Spears Zacharias opines, "My Yankee husband once accused me of not being southern because I didn't cook huge breakfast meals. That is, until the morning after an all night writing binge (spurred on by crazed energy level from a prescription drug error) when I woke him at six a.m. to a southern spread extraordinaire. I'd made an early morning Wal-Mart run and whipped up everything from bacon and eggs to sausage gravy and stone ground grits. Of course, I gave him the southern mantra, "And I expect you to eat everything I put on your plate." He's never challenged my southern credentials, again.

How about some tentative chapter titles to get your gears turning even more?

She Got Those Heavy Legs from her Mama’s Side
~ Thoughts on Fitness and Self-Improvement with Sensational Salads to Baby Your Curves

The Science of Bubba Whispering
~How to Train a Bubba with Main Dish Recipes He’ll Sit Up and Beg For

Self-Cleaning Underwear, an Idea Whose Time Should Never Come
~ Business Tips and Time Saving Techniques with Casserole Recipes to Beat the Clock

I would so appreciate your helping me spread the word by emailing this link to your friends, twittering it, and posting it on your blogs and facebook pages. This one's gonna be fun. All aboard!

Hugs,
Shellie

P.S. One more way to play-- sit on the porch of All Things Southern, by subscribing to my FREE weekly emag and joining me on Facebook, Twitter, and/or the old blog here for our continuing discussion. I may email you and tell you that your thoughts are just perfect for a certain chapter and ask permission to quote you. It's that easy and, from what my readers tell me, it's oh, so much fun when the book comes out!

It is a Good Thing...

2009-07-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

...to sing praise to our God. Praise is beautiful. Praise is fitting. Ps 147:1

I hope y'all can see the rain in this picture. I'm cell phone blogging again. Dixie and I are sitting on the back porch enjoying our morning devotions and watching rain fall for the first time in over a month.

To all my dear porchers who don't farm, it is hard to explain what this looks like to us. It refreshes more than our farms, it waters our souls.
Had to share. Had to share with people who mean so much to me.
Thank y'all for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I do not take the honor for granted.

Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Speaking at Tea Party, Monroe LA

2009-07-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Blogging on the go as I'm up next, but here are some early pics. The second shot is a lady who was four years old in Cuba when Castro took over. Sorry I don't have her name. I'll get it in a bit.

She's now an entrepreneur in South Louisiana determined to wake Americans up to the reality of their freedoms slipping away.
She was great!

More later...

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Booksigning at Blessings

2009-07-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

Large fun this a.m. after radio show. Had book-signing at Blessings Bookstore/Sarah's kitchen in West Monroe.

The first pic is of a young belle named Isabella Moore. I fell in love with her AND her mommy's story. She calls Isabella her miracle because she she had trouble conceiving and the doc said she never would. But then, Hello God, right?! Oh, to be accurate, she calls Isabella her sassy miracle. :)

The next pic are some of my favorite all time readers. If I have a signing anywhere in the area you can bet your sweet baboo that the Watsons will be there!!!

Hugs,
Shellie
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

A Catfishing Dog?!

2009-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning while I was enjoying my devotional on the dock, Dixie Belle went fishing! Saw it with my own two eyes. She was wading in the deep water and got herself a cat!!! You should've heard that canine complain when it finned her as she struggled to get it to the bank. Who won? Why, Dixie, of course. I've told y'all about her obstinate streak!

Hugs,
Shellie
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

2009-07-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some early morning quiet time on the dock. The house is bursting with "new" family, and by that I mean to say this is the first Fourth for us to have our son-in-law's family join the fun! Patrick's family are up from Mandeville and we're happy to have 'em (We miss you Daniel.)

Yesterday, several of Jessica's friends hosted a "Sip and See" at Carey and Phillip's for home folks to meet Grant Thomas and his grandmother Jane got to attend. The party was delightful! Thanks Carey, Corey, Kelly, Sarah, Amanda, Katie, and Debbo!!!

Papa and Nanee will be here shortly but my sisters didn't come this year. I miss them, but I'll be thinking about them and hopefully talking to them later.

Phil has taken a flag to his mama's grave. This is the first Fourth without Mawmaw and even though she didn't really know it was the Fourth the last few years, the memories of the other Fourths with her are still strong in our hearts. This was, hands down, Lucy's holiday. I can only hope that I handle a full house with half the grace Lucy showed when the extended family descended on her! That is her legacy.

I'm attaching a couple pics for y'all. More to come. I don't have Mister Grant on my phone right now but Emerson wants to wave her flag for y'all and there's a shot of this beautiful morning and one of our Freedom Cupcakes!

But enough of that for a minute. My time is limited. I'd rather spend the next few moment with you expressing my thoughts on America's big day.

I'm thankful to live in this great land. As I sit here this morning, and consider the change that was promised, the change that has come, and the change on the horizon, I pray that some things won't change.

I pray that America's promise of freedom won't change.

I pray America's beacon of light to the world will not be extinguished from within.

I pray America's promise to allow her people to freely practice the religion of their choice won't change.

But above all, I sit here grateful and I comfort myself over my grandchildren's future with this truth, my God DOESN'T change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

Happy Fourth of July, friends. And Happy Birthday America. I love you.

Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Pulpwood Queens of Sulphur, LA

2009-06-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Meet the Pulpwood Queens of Sulphur, LA! Tonight's book club visit with these girls was so much fun. We had to start out with just the audio as Skype was acting up, but half-way through we got the video working. I was able to show them Lake Providence in my back yard and introduce them to Dixie Belle.

I enjoyed hearing the girls' thoughts about "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On". They also gave me plenty to think about for more porch chats and book material. My readers are some forever more super cool folks.

Thanks, girls. I had a blast. Remember to join me on ATS LIVE! Here's that link:
http://www.fox927.com//shows.php?id=12

Hugs,
Shellie

ATS Board Meeting

2009-06-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

Notes from today's ATS Board Meeting: Dixie Belle tried to order more tennis balls. Emerson suggested we market teething rings. Dixie tried to get Emerson to throw her ball. Emerson was uncooperative although she did manage to pick it up with both hands and attempt to put it in her mouth. That would be when we adjourned.

My Redneck Radio Studio

2009-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

I think it's about time I make good on that promise of mine to show y'all around the Redneck Radio Studio. Friends and neighbors, please direct your attention to the far right corner of my great room. This is the as-official-as-it-gets All Things Southern headquarters. From this vantage point I can, among other things: hammer out deadlines, interact with you fine folks on the various social media sites, tend to whatever is cooking in the kitchen, and visit with anyone who may be lounging in the living room, not to mention enjoy the music of Dixie Belle moaning outside the windows trying to guilt me into playing tennis-- all while enjoying the scenic view of beautiful Lake Providence in my back yard.

But wait-- come Monday morning a transformation begins. Behind the cornice boards at the top of the windows-- out of sight the rest of the week-- are several strategically placed hooks, just perfect for hanging the latest high tech noise reduction "waffles" to seal off my desk in preparation of the next recording session. (FYI, during these sessions I tape the short three segments that appear on my various affiliates. I tape All Things Southern LIVE nearby in Monroe, LA at the FOXFM 92.7 studio.)

Of course, some "waffles" are more high tech than others. Yours truly has found that bedspreads work really well, for a fraction of the cost.

And just like that, I'm ready to lay some sound tracks. Here's a few shots from inside what I fondly refer to as The Redneck Radio Studio...

Every studio needs sound equipment. Here's mine...

Come Monday evening the curtains are taken down, leaving behind no clues of the day's taping. And now, whenever you hear All Things Southern's taped segments airing on your local affiliate you can tell your friends that you know "the rest of the story"...

Hugs,
Shellie

Emerson, where are you?

2009-06-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Seriously, Emerson, when I come in for the Fourth we've got to talk about Keggie and this camera.

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Grant and His Mommy

2009-06-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hmmm....I thought this pic was in with the others, but it wasn't, so it gets it's own post!

I love this woman who used to be my LITTLE GIRL!
Hugs,
Shellie

Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Catching up

2009-06-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sorta kinda hoping y'all aren't finding this as I'm working on it, but oh, well, y'all already know my life is messy. :) The thing is, I sent the pics from my tired bberry (needs juice and I refuse to stay plugged in near it), and now I'm adding text from the laptop. Sooooo, you may want to refresh, depending on when you happen upon this. I'm typing around nine. I've sent Jessica Ann to bed and insisted that I'm taking night shift. The Man is sleeping soundly at the moment.

The first several pics are pretty much how I found Baby Grant upon my arrival. Grant says, "Keggie! This reflux buisness will wear a little fella out!"

Once Jessica picked me up at the airport, it was on to the doctor's. Here is what we know. The doctor is thinking that Grant's full body rash, (you can't really see it, but it's raised and pretty much moving head to toe now), may not be a reaction to the meds after all. It is his suspicion that Grant has been fighting an unknown viral infection this week which is just now exhibiting itself with the rash. If this is so, it may be, according to doc, that the virus was complicating his pain and irritation and his reflux could be milder than earlier suspected.

Grant was, once again, unable to get his vaccinations because the doctor didn't want to further complicate/disguise what is going on. He took Grant, for the weekend, off of his reflux medicine to see how he responds and if the rash goes away. It remains to be seen when or which medicine he may start him on again Monday.

This means that over the weekend Grant will be without his reflux medicine, which can make his mama anxious because he was just getting better and she, nor I, of course, want to go backwards but we need to do what the doctor says. Please pray with me that Grant will rest peacefully and handle his meals without pain. Thank you.

Here is the little sweetheart again with his daddy. I call these two Pete and Repete.

Grant makes a quality decision to smile through the discomfort!

Okay, I'm switching gears, but I'm way behind blogging w/bberry because it has been acting congtrary about sending pics to the net. This next shot is my Emerson Ann and her Mama playing at my house earlier in the week. Emerson loves to laugh. She is always ready to play and forever smiling. I wanted to post this because there are always tons of pics of Emerson and few of her mommy because Carey is always behind the camera! I love you, girls!

And here is a shot, going backward again, of me and Miss Emerson at Sunday School. I ask you, who is cheesing more?

And now for a fun, fun finish. I realize this post is all out of sync chronologically. I hope you're not getting dizzy, but we're back to Friday, now! The pic below is of my new friend, Doris. I met Doris on the plane out to Houston. And that's the story I want to tell y'all...

Being a bonafide people person, ninety-nine percent of the time I am happy to talk to anyone and everyone. Today, however, fell into that one percentage where I boarded my plane thinking to myself, "I so need rest." I had fallen into bed after my speaking engagement last night after eleven o'oclock and woke up this morning before five to get ready for the morning's radio show. I just wanted to get on the plane and r-e-s-t. Those were my plans. That's what I thought I needed. Did you know the Bible says that we don't know our own hearts? Yeah, just thought I'd mention that.

So, I'm in my seat beside this nicely dressed, polite lady. I have my I-pod in my ears preparing to listen to a new teaching I had from Joyce Meyers. My goal was to fall asleep with it in my ears. (Sorry, Joyce. I did plan to listen later if that helps.)

In the middle of my well laid out plan I heard these words drop into my head.

"Ask the lady beside you if she needs prayer for anything."

"Oh, no. Not now," I thought. "You're kiddin', right?" Try as I might to talk myself out of it, I was pretty sure I recognized that voice speaking to me. But oh, how wrong my tired flesh wanted to be. I peeked at the lady beside me. She looked peaceful, even serene. I sent a little mental message back in the direction I suspected the first one had came from.

"Seriously, Lord, she looks fine to me."

Silence. "Need I remind you, yet again, of what I said about how I look on the inside of people and you look on the outside. Ask her if she needs prayer."

Heavy sigh. Mine. And then, resignation, followed on the heels with reluctant obedience, but obedience nonetheless. I turned to the lady beside me.

"Excuse me. I don't mean to bother you, but, well, is there anything going on you would like me to pray about with you?"

The lady gave me a gracious smile and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Just tired."

So that was that. I went back to my I-pod wondering what that was all about, still tired, body and soul. A few minutes later, the lady nudged my arm. This time she had a question.

"What church do you go to?" And after that answer came, "And can you tell me why you asked?"

I hope y'all are still with me, because this is where it gets GOOD! I soon discovered my seatmate was a fellow believer--a tired one, no doubt, much as I-- sound in spirit but weary in flesh. And yet, what broke out between us before that plane landed in Houston can best be described as our own personal revival, orhcestrated by our Father, and smiled upon from heaven. Before long my new friend Doris and I were holding hands and petitioning the throne. She prayed for me, for Grant, for everything else on my plate, and I in turn prayed God's blessings of renewed strength and vigor for Doris and her loved ones. By the time we said "Amen" I felt like I couldn've ran a marathon! (Oh, and Doris was feeling mighty good herself.)

The beauty of it is that I thought I was reaching out to help Doris, but the blessing came back to me a hundredfold. And that my friends, is something I like to call the blessing of obedience. It is the epitome of a win/win situation.

Isn't that just like God?

Hugs,
Shellie

"And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends" (Job 42:10).

sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

Yippy Skippy!

2009-06-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

Hey Y'all,

I've dutifully asked my girls, (daughter and daughter-in-law) for permission to share their blogs and they have both said, "Yes." I'm delighted to be able to give y'all a little sneak peak into why I think they're so wonderful.

Meet Jessica, my beloved firstborn, and Carey, the blessing our son gave us three years ago, today.

I think you'll see why they're on my list of most favorite people.

Hugs,
Shellie