Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Welcome back to my porch. The good news is we're actually in a cooler weather
pattern; these afternoon showers are keeping the temperatures down. The bad
news is the mosquitoes are out in force. Please don't run off. I lit a few
citronella candles and left some bug spray in the porch spring. You're welcome,
I do try. ~smile~
I hope the week's been good to you so far. I'm still catching up, business wise,
from last week. We held our Vacation Bible School at my church, five days of a
fun-packed "Bug Safari". Of course, there were a few tricycle motors and a couple
of grown up workers that looked like they'd been run over by an elephant by
Friday evening, but that's just a part of it, isn't it? (Would you like
to see a sweet, sweet picture of two of my tired little VBS buddies?)
Oh, before I go, I want to ask all the Yankees on the porch to be good about
this week's chuckle. Don't go hitting the unsubscribe button on me. I'm betting
you laugh in spite of yourself. :-)
Now, kick back and celebrate. It's time for All Things Southern!
Hugs,
Shellie
Hugs,
Shellie
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~~Chuckles~~
"Don't Jump!"
A Southerner went into the big city for the first time. After strolling
around the downtown area for a while he happened to look up and see a man at
the top of a tall building. The man looked like he was ready to jump off.
Concerned about the man's fate, the Southerner immediately started thinking
of things he could tell the man so that he would want to live and would not
jump.
"Remember your wife," yelled the Southerner.
"She divorced me," said the man.
"Remember your children," yelled the Southerner.
"They ran away," said the man.
"Remember your parents," yelled the Southerner.
"They're both dead," said the man.
"Remember Robert E. Lee," yelled the Southerner.
"Who in HECK is Robert E. Lee?" inquired the man.
"Jump, you crazy Yankee!" yelled the southerner.
~Thanks to Carl Coleman for this week's chuckle!~
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~~A Taste of the South~~
"Mexi-Corn Dip"
• 3 cans Mexicorn - drained
• 1 Jalapeno pepper chopped
• 3 green onions chopped
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can diced green chillies - drained
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• dash of Cayenne pepper
Blend ingredients and chill before serving (minimum 2-3 hours).
Serve with Frito Scoopers.
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~~Spotlight on the South~~
SPOTLIGHT ON THE ALAMO AND SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
While not everyone agrees on all the facts surrounding the siege of the Alamo,
it's place in history is secure. The battle of the Alamo will always symbolize
a heroic struggle against overwhelming odds, a tribute to men who made the
ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
My dad is a history buff. When my sisters and I were small, our family vacations
were often combined with a piece of the past he'd longed to see. These same
vacations were usually embarked upon with six or seven other families from our
community. I'm still convinced some of the educational spots left in our wake
will never be the same.
One such vacation found us at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. I remember us kids
running and hiding behind trees and statues, shooting imaginary guns and hollering,
"Remember the Alamo!" until our mamas gave us that collective look that meant
"pipe down, we're in public!"
For today's spotlight, I've found you a great site to do some reading about the
Alamo, complete with a virtual walking tour. Although, if you have some vacation
time coming, you should really see San Antonio in person.
Along with their own Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Six Flags and Sea World, the Texans of
San Antonio invite you to experience a regional shopping and dining experience
the size of--well, Texas!
And just so you'll know that I've thought of everything, I offer you the perfect
place to relax after your shopping and sightseeing: The Ogé House Inn on the
Riverwalk.
Step back in time to a bygone era in Texas history...To a nineteenth century
mansion on the banks of the San Antonio River. The Ogé House(Oh-jhay), built in
1857, is today one of the crown jewels of San Antonio's King William Historical
District ... the first and oldest historically designated neighborhood in Texas.
Now restored to its original classic elegance, the home is open for the first time
in its history, welcoming guests as a Bed & Breakfast Inn.
Return to the warm graciousness of the past seldom encountered in today's hectic
world and experience yesteryear in the quiet comfort and luxury of The Oge' House.
The Alamo
The Oge' House
~Shellie
(Hey porchers, this spotlight reminded me of a chapter in my book that talks
about these vacations. It's called, "Work Hard, Play Harder". If you'd like to
read it, I posted it FREE on
the site.Something for nothing, now how often does that happen? ~smile~)
~Shellie
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~~It's Been Said...~~
"People see God every day; they just don't always recognize Him."
----Pearl Bailey
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~~Southern Comfort~~
"Weakness or Obedience?"
I had an interesting talk with a close friend yesterday. He was talking about
his workplace and how difficult the week had been. My friend has a great sense
of humor and comedic timing so, of course, he made the story funny. "You know,"
he said. "I try to be kind, to help others, to not respond in anger, and all those
things, but my co-workers don't see it as Jesus--they see it as weakness. All they
see is a sucker."
I know where he's coming from. Don't you? We all have people that push our
buttons. Southerners would say "this is where the rubber hits the road" because
these are the folks that force us to choose whether we're going to do things our
way, or His way. Sure, it'd be easier and a lot more fun if we could say, "You know,
Sally, the only reason I'm not slapping you upside the head is because I love Jesus."
Unfortunately, we won't win many people to Jesus that way. :-)
I'm thinking about the time the disciples asked Jesus how many times they had to
forgive someone that wronged them. His response was seventy times seven. Mercy! That
could look like a whole lot of weakness, couldn't it? Maybe, but maybe Jesus was
reminding us of something he knew that we'd like to forget. What finally gets people's
attention isn't your talk, but your walk. Not a single incident of kindness, but a
lifetime of putting others first.
Can we wrap this up with a promise? Last week at Vacation Bible School we taught the
kids that people look on the outside, but the Lord looks on the inside. I'm trying
to remember the same lesson. In other words, Sally isn't the one keeping score.
The sixth chapter of Matthew has tons to say about this, but for brevity's sake,
let's just look at verse thirty-five: " Love your enemies, do good ... hoping for
nothing in return, and your reward will be great..." The promise? What the world
might see as weakness, the Lord sees as obedience--obedience He promises to reward.
~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 you never got in trouble with your mom for playing outside without
your shirt like the boys...you could have been a girly girl."
--Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
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ATS NEWS and NOTES:
Many of you have written me asking what you can do for me here at ATS. And let me
say for the record, I love you for it! With that thought, this is for those
who are excited about my current project, "What Southern Moms Tell Their
Daughters". Everyone else can just skim over this part. :-) I've got a ton of
submissions for the book--but I still need more. I want it to be running
over with good southern wisdom. Click here to find out how you can help spread
the word about this book. http://www.allthingssouthern.com/spreadit.html
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TnTMom's Mommy-Zine is a FREE Monthly Ezine for Moms. Parenting
doesn't have to be frustrating. Get help from TnTMom, your AnswerMom
on the Web! After all, it is the most important job in the world.
Subscribe Now http://www.tntmom.com/mommyzine/
mailto:subscribe@tntgibson.com?subject=subscribe
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WHAT SOUTHERN MOMS TELL THEIR DAUGHTERS...
About love and marriage: "It's just as easy to fall in love
with a rich man as it is a poor one!" Do you remember your
southern mom's advice about love,marriage, relationships and
life in general? Then join the fun; this project is exploding!
Write me at tomtom@allthingssouthern.com to have your mom's
advice memorialized in my new book: WHAT SOUTHERN MOMS TELL
THEIR DAUGHTERS...
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To SUBSCRIBE :-) send any email with SUBSCRIBE in the
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To UNSUBSCRIBE (Please don't go, we'll miss you!) send any
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