Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Hello, hello, hello and welcome back to the porch. I'll make a
deal with you: I won't whine about how hot it is out here if you
won't. ~smile~
Last week's big fourth celebration got me to thinking about traditions.
(By the way, I hope yours was a good one. I ate too much and got too
much sun, which seems to be one of our ironclad family traditions.)
Anyway, the tradition thing reminded me of a story I heard once.
It seems this young girl was about to get married. In preparation of
running her own house, she was paying special attention to her mother's
daily responsibilities.
"Mom", she asked, as they prepared supper together, "why do you cut
the ends off of the ham before you cook it?"
Her mom was stumped. "Well, that's just how my mom did it. You can
call her if you really want to know."
The young bride-to-be called her grandmother and repeated the question,
getting the same answer. By now, her curiosity was getting the best of
her so she called her great-grandmother. The young girl talked a minute
and then repeated her question.
"Mama and Granny both cut the ends off of their hams before they cook
them, but they don't know why. They say it's because you did it that way.
I was just wondering why you did that? "
A smile tugged at the corners of the older lady's mouth, "Sure, honey" she
said, "it was because my pot wasn't big enough."
Don't you love it? ~smile~ I wonder how many things I do, just because my
mom did it that way...plenty, I'm sure. As a matter of fact, I notice that
I seem to be turning into her more with each passing day. (No, mother, I'm
not complaining.)
Okay, it's time to put your feet up and join this week's southern celebration.
Have fun!
Hugs,
Shellie
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~~Chuckles~~
"Raisin' Savannah Grace"
A little girl and her mom were driving down a rural country
road when the little girl stood up in the front seat. For what
seemed like the hundredth time, her mother told her to sit down.
The little girl didn't budge.
"Savannah Grace!" her mother said, raising her voice in
exasperation. "If you don't sit down this minute, I'm gonna have
to spank you when we get home."
With that warning, the little girl sat down with a huff.
"Now, that's a good girl," her mother said sweetly. "I'm proud
of you."
"Well," said Savannah Grace, staring straight ahead. "I might be
sitting down on the outside, but I'm standing up on the inside."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~A Taste of the South~~
"Apple Crunch"
• 2 cans apple pie filling
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding
• 1 stick melted butter
Spread pie filling in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Combine brown
sugar, cinnamon, cake mix, and vanilla pudding, and spread
over pie filling. Melt butter and drizzle over the top. Bake
at 350' for about 40-45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
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~~Spotlight on the South~~
SPOTLIGHT ON SARAH KATHRYN SMITH as SCARLETT O'HARA
I was a little worried that today's spotlight would only appeal to the
ladies on the porch and so I fretted a few minutes on using it. In the
end, I couldn't help it, this site just screamed "Southern Spotlight".
I promise to do a real manly thing very soon. ~smile~
How many of you ladies ever dreamed of being Scarlett O'Hara? Tell the
truth. Forget for a moment that "Gone with the Wind" has fallen into the
sights of the political correctness crowd in the past few years. Think back
to the very first time you saw it? Now, didn't you picture yourself wearing
one of those hoop skirts and fluttering your eyes at a porch full of
swooning men?
Melanie might have been the saintly one, but I couldn't identify with Melanie,
she was just too good to be true. Scarlett on the other hand--I was
convinced I could be a better Scarlett than Scarlett herself. I forgave her
for her selfishness and loved her anyway.
Sarah Kathryn Smith is living the dream.
As the premiere Southern Belle of Georgia Hospitality, Sarah Kathryn makes
memorable guests appearances as Scarlett, that impish belle of the Old South.
What began as an idea for a summer job in southern theme parties has grown into
a year-round occupation.
I hope you enjoy "meeting" Sarah Kathryn Smith through our small Q&A below.
If you can't check out Sarah's website today, why not save it in your bookmarks?
Scarlett would be the first to remind you that, "tomorrow is another day..."
www.scarlettsouth.com
~Shellie
Q&A with Sarah Kathryn Smith
Q. Your job sounds like a lot of fun. What is your favorite part about being "Scarlett?"
A. My favorite part about playing the role of Scarlett is sharing the Gone with the
Wind experience with fans who visit Atlanta. The dresses that I wear and the
plantations that I perform at create an experience that is reminiscent of the
"Old South."
Q. I found your resemblance to Vivian Leigh remarkable. Can you remember how old
you were the first time someone exclaimed, "Wow! Do you know who you look like?"
A. As a teenager, I worked at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart. I met visitors from all
over the country and many of the out of town customers commented on my resemblance
to Vivien Leigh. When the Olympics came to Atlanta in 1996 I thought portraying
Scarlett would be a fabulous summer job. As it turns out, portraying Scarlett
warrants enough demand for me to perform year round. I have won contests and
prizes for my resemblance.
Q. How long do you envision playing Scarlett?
A. Until I meet the modern day Rhett Butler. After all, As God as my witness, I'll
never go hungry again.....
Q. Here at ATS, we're having a gentle feud between girly-girls and tomboys. Scarlett O'Hara
was strong and yet vulnerable, the original steel magnolia. What about yourself? Would you
say you were a tomboy growing up, or a girly-girl? If you need help distinguishing
between the two, feel free to browse our "Southern Definition" archives.
A. I believe that Scarlett used her feminine wiles to attain what she wanted in
this world. Scarlett was a tom-boy trapped in a 6-tier hoop skirt and relegated
to the napping room after lunch. Through and through, Scarlett was one of the
boys.
~Shellie
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~~It's Been Said...~~
"All her life my mother told me, "No matter how poor you are, you
can always be clean."
----Andrew Hudgins
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~~Southern Comfort~~
"A Picture of Grace"
I have a picture in my head of a news story that hit the wires several
years ago. I don't remember all the details; I wish I did. Maybe some
of you have a better memory. If so, I'd love to hear from you.
The story focused on the rescue of a young autistic boy, maybe seven
or eight years old, who climbed to the top of a very tall electrical
tower, oblivious to the danger all around him. Although my heart ached
for the little boy, the part of the story that really touched me was the
reaction of his older brother.
The child's brother, a teenager at the time, was afraid of heights.
Imagine the fear that must have gripped him when he saw his little brother
perched precariously on that steel beam. And yet, the older boy was so
scared his little brother was going to fall, that he climbed to the top of
the intimidating tower and held onto him until the rescue workers arrived.
I remember the autistic boy sitting there, without ever acknowledging his
brother's presence, while the older brother held him firmly, protecting him
from a sure fate.
There is a beautiful picture of grace in that story. Can you see it?
Jesus struggled with his mission in the garden of Gethsemane. He asked
his Father to take the cup from Him several times. The inevitable suffering
of the crucifixion not as painful to him as the separation from God that
would come as a result of taking on the sins of the world. And yet, in the
end, knowing that his death on the cross would mean life for us, Jesus
accepted his assignment with the words, "Not my will, but thine, Lord."
Just like the older brother in our story, Jesus came to save us--and just
like the younger boy, we didn't even know we needed saving when our
rescuer began to climb the cross. The older boy rescued his brother out of
unconditional love, not a prior relationship, for the younger was
incapable of such give and take of emotion that usually precedes loyalty.
Kind of reminds you of the verse we talked about last week doesn't it?
I John 4:19 says that we love Him because He first loved us.
The little boy needed a savior--his older brother was there. Two thousand
years ago, Jesus knew that one day, you and I would need a Savior. Have
you told Him that you're thankful He was there?
~Shellie
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~~Southern Exchange~~
Your letters:
Hey Shellie!
I just got the first ezine from you and I love it. I went to the site and it's
great. I live in Butner, North Carolina (an old army prison camp) and work in
Durham. I was a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom for over 8 years and just had to
return to the "public" arena within the past year.
I must say, I was raised by totally "Southern" parents/grandparents and I'm
trying to raise my children in the same manner.
Your ezine is packed to the gills with great stuff. I really look forward to
getting it. I only have access to the net at work, but intend to have my system
set up at home shortly. I know that my kids will love this site, too. We were
homeschooling for the past 8 years and they have had to enter public school
just this past year. It was a tough transition for them as they were not
"worldly" at all and have had a lot of adjustments to make.
By the way, I sent my dad a copy of the "Rules" -- he just about died!
In His Name,
Di
Butner, North Carolina
(Dear Di, It's nice to have you on the porch. Tell that Dad of yours "hi" from
ATS and give the kids a hug. I hope they have a great school year. Hugs~Shellie)
____________
Shellie,
You have the coooolest website and emag. I love it. I've been a subscriber
since I read your fabulous book about the Bull Run Road Gang. Back in December
I was getting my hair done at New Attitude in Delhi when I noticed a copy of
"Lessons Learned on Bull Run Road" sitting on the back of the hair dryer.
While I sat under the dryer I read your book and I knew I had to have a copy to
keep forever, plus a copy for my sister. I called my mother in Monroe so she
could look you up on the web, (at the time we did not have internet at the camp).
She got your telephone number and got in touch with you. She rushed down to
BMeeks Hair Salon and picked up a copy for my sister and myself. I couldn't
put it down. I leave it on the table beside my bed at the camp. I think I need
to pick up another copy to keep at home in Little Rock. Thanks for the ebook
on raising children, which by the way is wonderful, and THANKS for suggesting
the book The Power of a Praying Parent. I've already obtained a copy.
Keep up the GREAT work! I know your porch is a huge source of southern comfort
for all the southerners transplanted around the world. Thanks for such a neat
concept. We all enjoy!
Tracie Mathieu
Little Rock, AR
P.S. If you find yourself in Delhi I have a real porch complete with rockers
and ceiling fans. You would always be welcome.
(Dear Tracie, Thanks for the offer; I'll keep it in mind. :-) I'm so glad you
enjoyed Lessons Learned--it's been so much fun for me to hear from those
who've found it entertaining. BTW, I remember when your mom called to
ask me where she could find the book. (http://www.allthingssouthern.com/books.html)
I was baking Christmas goodies. Boy, that seems like yesterday, and we're closer
to next Christmas than last. Isn't time flying? Hugs~Shellie)
___________
Dear Shellie,
This is just a note to tell you how much I love ATS and all your hard work.
I was born in Nashville, TN and as the son of an Army Officer. I grew up all
over the states. Much of this was in GA,TN, LA, (good ol Ft.Polk), and SC. At
present I am in Stagecoach NV near Reno.I like it here but think often of
retiring back to Tennessee. My folks landed in Virginia in 1624, and moved west
to Wilson Co Tennessee around 1780. One of my ancestors designed and built Andy
Jackson's Hermatige. My point is, even if I have been away from the South awhile
my heart and heritage is still there. Again thank you for the weekly trips home!
Charles (Shilo) Reeves II
Stagecoach, Nevada
Dear Shilo, I decided to go with "Shilo". That's a great name! :-) Makes me
think there's a family story behind it. I'm honored that you get to make trips
home via the ATS stagecoach. I'll try to keep 'em coming. Hugs~Shellie)
___________
Dear Shellie,
My Mother (Vera King Muse) always said, "If a job is worth doing it is worth
doing right"! (Needless to say many times I had to clean the kitchen up again
to her specifications!) Also, Shellie, you might have been a girly-girl if you
never went to the bathroom in the yard.... while your Mother was not looking of
course!
Nora Hawk
Newellton, LA
(Dear Nora, LOL--I loved the girly-girl. Reckon I can admit that I've been there and
done that without losing porchers? :-) Thanks for the note about your southern
mom. It'll be in the book. Hugs, Shellie)
__________
Dear Shellie,
Sorry to hear you were hurt. Try some (A & D Ointment) from the drug store,
this stuff really takes the burn out and help's the healing process. If you
can't find it, I will be more than happy to send you some via UPS as soon as
possible...I know how painful a burn can be and just how long they take to
heal up.
I live in the sunny state of California, Lakewood to be exact...down in the
"southern" part of course. My mom and dad were born and raised in
Stephenville, Texas so I guess you could say I am a little bit Texan! We
made many trips back to Texas every summer to see all of the relatives. So I
can say I came to love fried okra and black eyed peas honestly. Now, seriously,
if you'd like, I'd be more than happy to send you a tube of that A & D Ointment.
It's the greatest stuff since sliced bread and it would be no trouble at all.
Sincerely,
Judy Jones
Lakewood, California
(Dear Judy, Aren't you a doll? Actually, I hammed it up some. :-) The burn isn't
so bad. I put some aloe vera on it Monday and it is quite better already. You
don't have to put anything on the Ups truck but I am terribly touched that you
offered. Hugs~Shellie)
__________
Dear Shellie,
I was delighted as always to receive your weekly e-mag this morning -- it tends
to brighten my day. While reading, I realized that I have yet to see one of our
Lake Providence natives write in (maybe I'm wrong...who knows).
In light of the events of September 11th and especially the Pledge of Allegiance
mumbo-jumbo (I was tempted to say "shin-dig" instead...but I figured it
might confuse some folks *smile*), I wasn't paying much attention to the upcoming
Fourth of July celebration. As a child, the most important things of my youth
about the 4th were those oversized firecrackers, BBQ cookouts, and playing in
the water hose (I may be only 18 years old, but I'm wise enough to know that
those memories will always hold true in my heart). It wasn't until September 11th,
2001, that I realized who I was and what I was about -- an American.
Today, I celebrate our country -- not because of our freedom, or our pride, or
even our ballparks and apple pies...but because of our perseverance and our ability
to shine light in the faces of the shadows that haunt us daily. We are united.
We are courageous. We are American.
I suppose my reason for e-mailing this to you is to remind everyone in the ATS
community that we are far more than the sum of our parts. "American" isn't just
an adjective anymore. It is a cloak, a coat of armor (for me at least) that I
wear -- and am proud to adorn myself with the medals of Life, Liberty, and Christ.
This truly is one nation, UNDER GOD, forever indivisible...and yes, with liberty
and justice for all.
In conclusion, keep in mind that with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it still is a beautiful world -- regardless of the hate and violence that we
are witnesses to. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. And above all, be at peace
with God--and whatever your labors and aspirations are. In the noisy confusion of
life, keep harmony with your soul. Keep your eyes open when it comes to human
love and compassion, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment they are
as perennial as the Louisiana grass.
When it comes to the Pledge of Allegiance scam, I have learned that it is
important "to go placidly amid the noise and haste, and to remember what peace
there is in silence. As far as possible (without surrender) I hope to be on good
terms with all persons." The key, I believe, is to speak one's truth quietly and
clearly, and to listen to others -- even the dull and ignorant, for they too
have their story *smile*.
God bless you and your ATS community -- for whether or not it is clear to us,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as God wills it should.
In love and in Christ,
Leslee Toney
Lake Providence, Louisiana
(Dear Leslee, I'm glad you wrote in from Lake Providence. I do think you're the
first from our hometown. :-) I'm also glad you let the porchers know that you're
only 18! That way they'll know what I've known for a while: You are one wise
young woman. I want to be like you when I grow up. Hugs~ Mrs. Shellie)
_________
Dear Shellie,
Just to get your mind going on this Monday morning, have you ever
wondered...
Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze
these dangling things here and drink whatever comes out"?
As you ponder this thought, have a wonderful day.
John Parker,
Bedford, Texas
(Dear John, Your thought for Monday morning still amuses me on Thursday.
Thanks for your sharing your unique question with the porch. I wonder if there
are any answers out there...Hugs~Shellie)
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~~A Southern Definition~~
"If giving you a bath didn't remind your mother of bathing a
cat...you could have been a girly girl."
--Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
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ATS NEWS:
There's two new cookbooks chock full of good southern cooking in
the online store. Click here to check 'em out and meet the
authors, Jen Bays Avis and Kathy F.WardJen Bays.
http://www.allthingssouthern.com/books.html
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Mommies, have you taken a stroll down http://MainStreetMom.com
lately? We have discussion boards, FREE e-greeting cards, a chat
room, and so much more. Be sure to subscribe to our free newsletters
while you're there! http://mainstreetmom.com/MyMail/manage.htm
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WHAT SOUTHERN MOMS TELL THEIR DAUGHTERS...
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