Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
Hello porchers! It was all I could do to contain myself waiting on
y'all to get to the porch today. Let me just go down on record saying
that y'all have got to be the greatest community on the whole wide web!
I'd fight a bear for y'all right now. ~smile~
Just in case you can't figure out why I'm tooting your horn, I'll spell
it out. Your letters...I wish there was time and space to print every
note sent my way in response to my feedback request. I'm scared to even
print one because they were all so sweet and I'd hate to leave anyone out.
Just let it be known that y'all are some funny folks! I've been grinning
like a Cheshire cat for two days. I'm going to change the subject now, but
not before I repeat myself to the whole bunch of you. Thank you from the
bottom of my little southern heart!
Yesterday I went out to the farm and updated the tour for you. My
apologies! I didn't realize it had been so long. I tried to take a
few different shots for you. I hope you feel like you were right on
that four-wheeler with me. (Just remember, keep your foot off that
cyber motor. It's h-o-t, hot!)
Before I take a seat and let the celebration begin I want to tell you
that I'm leaving this morning for a conference. So, if you write me
between now and Sunday, don't think I've gone and got all uppity on you.
I'm exhausted and I need this in the worse way, I'm not even going to bring
a computer--nope--not even my laptop! That's big for me.
I'll check in Sunday though, and just like always, I'll holler back at
you as fast as my little fingers can type. Enough already, I hear that
southern hoe-down gearing up. "See" you next week.
Hugs,
Shellie
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~~Chuckles~~
"Happy Anniversary"
While enjoying an early morning breakfast in a rural Arkansas cafe, four
elderly farmers were discussing everything from cattle, horses, and weather
to how things used to be in the "good old days." Eventually, the conversation
moved on to their spouses. One gentleman boasted that he and his wife had been
married for forty years.
Not to be outdone, Roy took a swig of his coffee before setting the cup down
with a bang on the table and informing the group that the next day was his
50th wedding anniversary.
"Whoa," said the first gentleman, "Are you gonna do anything special to
celebrate?"
The old farmer pondered this for a moment, then replied, "For our 25th
anniversary, I took Bea into Little Rock. I'm thinking for our 50th, I'll go
back and get her."
~special thanks to William Gross from Tennessee for this week's chuckle~
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~~A Taste of the South~~
"Phil's Grilled Onions"
Simple and delicious, these onions will do everything but
fire up the grill for you. Cleanup? There isn't any. ~smile~
Now, that's good cooking.
• 4 large Vidalia onions
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• Dash of salt
• Dash of pepper
• Dash of Heinz 57
Core onion, fill hollow with salt, pepper, and butter. Drizzle with
Heinz 57 and wrap in foil. Grill for about an hour or until tender. We like to allow
one onion per serving.
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~~Spotlight on the South~~
SPOTLIGHT ON GEORGE STRAIT
Tony Brown, George Strait's longtime co-producer, says it best. "The
difference between George and other artists," says Mr. Brown, "is
that they feel the pressure of having to keep the heat turned up on their
career, and making a hit record every time in, and they try to figure out
what a hit record sounds like at that particular time. George isn't trendy
and doesn't rely on what's hot or hip...he has a great vision of himself
as an artist and he doesn't have to re-invent himself every time he goes
into the studio. Just like his live performances, he doesn't have to rely
on a lot of bells and whistles. The man just sings, and his music is the
entertainment."
Yes, Mr. Brown, we've noticed. It occurs to me that even George Strait's name
speaks of his music. From his first recording effort in 1981, at a time when
country was sounding more and more like pop, George Strait took the stage in
his jeans, with his cowboy hat and his undeniable twang and challenged
Nashville's idea of what sound would sell in country music. In a flash, George's
new fans sent his single, "Unwound", to the top of the charts, sounding a loud
message to the industry: Country fans were longing for the traditional sounds
of country and George Strait could deliver the goods.
George Strait has stayed true to that sound for twenty years and in return
his fans have remained loyal to this true blue Texas cowboy, a proud card-carrying
member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Since his debut album in
1981, they've bought more than 57 million of his records, more than any other
country artist in history, making him the #1 RIAA certified country artist overall.
"The Road Less Traveled" is George Strait's 28th album. It speaks of the
choices and chances one takes in life. The album closes with "My Life's Been
Grand." George says, "It's a beautiful song that I've loved for years. It was
written by the great Merle Haggard, who has always been such a strong influence
on me...For me, the title says it all."
Here's a sample of Mr. Strait's lyrics. They sound just like the humble Texan,
don't you think?
"My life's been grand,
You know I'd write home and tell 'em
But they wouldn't believe how good my luck's been.
And if it ended today, I've been all the way
My life's been grand
My life's been grand."
~Shellie
Click here for George Strait's CD, The Road Less Travleled
~Shellie
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~~It's Been Said...~~
"Daddy looked at the sun to see what time it was. He could come
within five or ten minutes by the position of the sun. Most of the
farmers I knew could."
----Harry Crews
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~~Southern Comfort~~
"Planning for the Future"
One of our porchers, Truman Chapman from Monroe, Louisiana sent me the
following story a while back. It seems an exasperated mother, whose son was
always getting into mischief, finally asked him, "Johnny, how do you
expect to get into heaven?"
The boy thought it over and said, "Well, I'll just run in and out and
in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, 'For heaven's
sake, Johnny! Come in or stay out!'"
If eternity wasn't a reality, I could enjoy this little story a whole
lot more. Unfortunately, all you have to do is watch the news to see that
plenty of people have even stranger notions on how to get there from here.
And just as tragic, there are others who are so occupied with the cares of
this life that they've yet to do even the limited planning of our young
friend Johnny.
I know I'm not going to sound very politically correct here, but can I tell
you what's on my heart? Regardless of whether you're the nicest, most moral
person on this planet or mean as a striped snake, I understand God's word
to say that there is still only one way to heaven--through belief in his
son, Jesus. But, please, I'm not asking you to take my word for it. I'm not
the boss, I'm just kin to Him. ~smile~ I'm praying you'll seek God for
yourself, read His word, ask Him for the Truth, and make your travel plans
accordingly.
~Shellie
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~~Southern Exchange~~
Your letters:
Good Morning Shellie,
I was sent your Website address by a friend some time ago and enjoyed it,
but I didn't bookmark the site and then I changed over to WindowsXP and lost
some things. Recently, while visiting the Pensacola Naval Museum with my
grandkids I began to visit with a lady I met there from up north. She asked
me if I visit your website. Soooooo.... when I got back to my computer, I
did just that and subscribed so I can keep up with all the goodies there.
Keep up the good work and be blessed.
Billie Alexis
Pensacola, Florida
(Dear Billie, What a neat story! Thanks for sharing it with us. I'm glad you
found your way back to the porch. Now, don't go straying too far from home,
'ya hear? Hugs, ~Shellie)
___________
Dear Shellie,
It's Thursday morning and the first place I went was to your E-mail. I got
to the Comforts section and as usual found something I needed. Isn't it wonderful
how The Lord can use someone 2000 miles away to help lift a burden?
I'm a Registered Nurse and work for the Nevada Prison system as the night charge
nurse of a 58 bed infirmary. At present I have 46 inmates admitted. They
include child molesters, rapists, and mass murderers.
Yesterday when I got off work I had had it up to here and more! I keep telling
myself that Christ ministered to all people. I remind myself that I'm a
professional and I am being paid to be their nurse, but sometimes that only goes
so far. Waking up this morning and finding your "comfort" about Christian kindness
not being weakness just lifted all that trash and put it where it belongs.
Thank you.
Shilo
Stagecoach, Nevada
(Dear Shilo, The really neat thing is that the friend I mentioned in that comfort--he's a
registered nurse, also. I didn't even mention that part--and here you are.
Cool "coincidence", huh? Glad to help. Hugs~Shellie)
___________
Shellie,
A friend out in Oregon sent an e-mail telling me about your site this week.
I live in Ohio, but I'm a homegrown Southerner! She knew that I would be
interested. I grew up in the Panhandle of Florida (Pensacola), and still
have a lot of family living there. So, we get back down South, fairly often.
My husband is from Georgia.
You've done a fine job with your e-mag. I'm really enjoying it! I think
it will keep me better in touch with my southern roots...I'll share it
with some of my friends, too. Thanks, again!
Jane
Southerner in Southwest Ohio
(Hey Jane, Thanks for writing in. Those southern roots are just like gray
hair--you can hide 'em, dye 'em, or pull 'em out--but they'll always be just
below the surface. *grin* Hugs, Shellie)
____________
Dear Shellie,
Thanks, for the note telling me why my book order got delayed but really, no
apology needed. I knew you'd send it. In fact, I've haven't had time to think
about not getting it. Let me tell you why.
We are re-doing a bath and it's been hectic. I paid one painter and he made
such a mess, I had to hire another one to re-paint. A contractor is putting up
new front/back doors along with new storm doors and putting ceramic tile on the
bath and kitchen floors. It's been a bigger job than we anticipated and has my
whole house torn up and messy.
In the middle of all of this, our sewer line collapsed in the front yard going
out to the street...AND I bought a new bed-in-a-bag for our bed. Now, my husband
has severe heart problems (two stents in and multiple more blockages) and severe
emphysema and can hardly lift anything. So picture this...here we are, holding
up one side of a queen size extra firm mattress, (me holding with one hand while
I push the old bed skirt out and the new one in behind it), when I lost my footing
on the hardwood floor and fell, leaving my husband with the full weight. He lost
his breath totally - and on the way down, I hit the corner of the night stand and
broke a rib. So I guess you can see why I haven't worried about the book!
Have a great day. And thanks anyway for all your trouble with the book. I know
I'll enjoy it!
Jeannie Williams
Picayune, Mississippi
(Dear Jeannie, I'm glad you said I could laugh when I emailed you back. I had
a big guffaw welling up from my toes. Thanks for letting me share your story
with the porch. You've got a great attitude! Hugs~Shellie)
___________
Dear Shellie,
I just subscribed to your Emag and wanted to send you a big Howdy
from Texas. My wonderful second cousin, Mrs. Rhonda Lynn Perry, told
me about your website.
My Mom, Donna Lynn (Clanton) Howle, grew up in Lake Providence. She and I
share, among other things, a love of the South. My mom was deeply troubled
by a recent article regarding Lake Providence when we were home this last
week for a visit. (The article was entitled Poverty's Point & I believe
it ran in the Monroe paper). My mom and I have very fond memories of the
Delta and I love what your site does to bring a positive light to the area.
My love affair with the area started when in 1978 I chose to skip my
kindergarten graduation and spend six weeks at 1204 Sparrow Street in
Lake Providence with my Papaw and Memaw. I celebrated my sixth birthday
with a morning of fishing at the stump hole and an afternoon cup of
coffee, (I believe my Memaw actually fixed Tang for me, but put it in a
coffee cup), and a big slice of homemade cake. That summer I learned about
the many uniquely Southern arts--gardening, good manners, fishing and visitin'...
Few of my friends in West Texas understand the fact that visitin' is
indeed an art. They're truly amazed as I explain that my son Garrett
spent the 4th of July playing in Lake D'Arbonne with his 5th cousin, Hayden.
Some are even baffled as to how we would even know who our 5th cousins are.
Although, I suppose many Texans consider themselves Southerners, (myself
included), it's in the Delta that I feel more connected to my family
and find others who share that same feeling more than any where else that
I've travelled.
But enough about me and my connection to Southern Things. My intention was to
encourage you. I hope that by shining a positive light on the unique charm
and special heritage of the South, and more specifically the Lake Providence
area, that progress and prosperity may flourish in that area and your
efforts may be richly rewarded. By the way, your site is also a great way
for me to explain to my not-so-Southern friends, (among which there is a
genuine Yankee from Ohio), what it means to be Southern: how Southerners think,
act, cook, cut-up and comfort. I will be recommending this site to many of them.
Melanie Page Howle
Idalou, Texas
(Dear Melanie, I don't know where to begin. I loved your letter. Maybe one day
I'll share with the porch the economic misfortunes our little town struggles
under. It's just such a long story and the positive things about us never make
it to the press room. I'm glad you have warm memories of the Delta. I think it's
God's country, but then I'm prejudiced. Hugs~Shellie)
____________
Dear Shellie,
Just got the e-zine and saw a note from Terri and how she use to live on the
Eastern Shore of Maryland. I wanted to tell her HI! Sorry she was "transplanted
over the bridge". It's so neat to see someone from your area subscribe to the
same e-zine, and with it being from Louisiana, to boot!
Last night I thought of a girly-girl idea. While watching my 8 year old daughter
stuff lightin' bugs in a jar, I thought about how many I caught as a child. So,
If you have never gone to bed with a mason jar full of lightin' bugs as a night
light, you would have been a girly-girl.
Love and Blessings from Lisa,
Federalsburg, Maryland (along the banks of the Marshy Hope River)
(Hey Lisa, My gosh, I could've sworn we had covered lightning bugs--but I looked
back and --- nothing! I can surely say, "I've been there, done it." Thanks for
the memory jar. Hugs~Shellie)
____________
Hello Miss Shellie,
I just got around to reading your mail from July 11th. I noted a very nice
writing by a Miss Leslee Toney of Lake Providence, LA. It was very heartwarming
and so nice to read. She really has writing talent and I know her parents are
really proud of her. She is also very pretty and sweet. Oh, and she is really
good with art and is a whiz on the computer. Bet you are wondering how I know
so much about her...Well I might as well let you in on my secret. Ah...you might
have guessed, she is my sweet granddaughter.
Love to you,
Nana (Sue Ann Warren)
Lake Providence, Louisiana
(Hello Nana Warren, I didn't have to check you email addy to "recognize" a
grandmother's letter, but I can attest to it. Everything you said was true! Thanks
for writing in. Hugs~Shellie)
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~~A Southern Definition~~
"If you've never been scolded for making unladylike noises with your
palm cupped under your armpit...you could have been a girly girl."
--Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
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"What's For Dinner?" How many times have you heard that?
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Tried and True recipes and lots of tips.
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DebbiesCountryCookin-subscribe@topica.com
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ATS NEWS and NOTES:
News:
There's a new host in the porch album. Check our Ms. Florida. ~smile~
http://www.allthingssouthern.com/atsalbumfl.html
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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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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