From the Publisher's Porch
Shellie Rushing Tomlinson
************************************
Volume I Issue XIII
Hello from Coon Creek! Sorry about all these leaves, I meant
to get out here and sweep the porch off for y'all, but I ran
smack out of time. Oh, well, let's catch up.
Isn't Thanksgiving just a wonderful holiday? There's minimal
decorating to be done and no gifts to rush around and buy. But
the best part? The entire day is devoted to food, family and
fellowship--three of my most favorite things! This year
we'll be at my big sister's in Conway, Arkansas. That's why
this week's issue is coming out a day early. (Although knowing
how busy everyone is, I figure most of you will be full of
turkey before you get a chance to read it.) Excuse my manners, I haven't offered you anything to drink.
My mother would be ashamed! I have iced tea in the fridge and
coffee on the sideboard in the dining room. Please help yourself.
I hope you enjoy this week's visit. I decided to give you
an idea for all that leftover turkey in lieu of offering a
traditional thanksgiving recipe, knowing full well that any
self-respecting southern cook had her menu planned well before
All Things Southern arrived in her e-mailbox. I also posted
several of your notes in the "Southern Exchange", so please
take a moment there to meet your porch neighbors. By the way, I was tickled by the response to the double name
thing. Y'all talked me into it--we'll use them a little longer. Hugs,
Shellie Charlene
************************************
Volume I Issue XIV
Hey folks, it's good to see you. Do I ever need a porch break!
The first part of this week has been a killer. Someone sent me the terrible new virus, Badtrans, and my email program sent it
merrily along before I could stop it. Now, I bet you're wondering why I don't have anti-virus software? Oh, but I do! That's the
part that cocks my pistol. (Yep, it's a southern expression. Sorry, Rosie, we're not ready to give up our guns down here.)
I don't know how this thing got around my shield! Don't get nervous on me, I made sure my system was cleaned up and
retested before I sent out this issue. Still, if my program
sent this nasty thing to you before I detected it, I offer you my
most sincere apologies and ask you to please remember that I'm
innocent in all this. What we need to do is get our hands on the
people that make these viruses! I think their punishment should
start with a trip to the woodshed and after that we could take
creative suggestions from all those affected. How does that sound?
Enough of that, let's change the conversation. I'm tired of this
virus business. Of course, with Thanksgiving over, you do
know Christmas will be next week. Okay, not exactly, but you know
what I mean; time is flying! And that means the shopping rush has
started. Please consider shopping online at the All Things Southern
Store. I have some new patriotic signs I'm really excited about.
They'll not only make great gifts, but ten percent of the proceeds
will go to the American Red Cross. And my food items--you've got to
taste these southern favorites! You'll find all this under
Shop with Us! This week's recipe is a real oldie. My grandmother used to make it
for us kids around Christmas. Back then people called it poor man's
candy because it started with the humble potato--but try this sweet
just once, and you'll be hooked. I'd love to pack the next few
issues with your Christmas traditions, special holiday recipes,
memories of years gone by...etc. We only have four issues to celebrate
before Christmas 2001 is just a memory, so get those emails buzzin'!
Hugs,
Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue XV
Greetings y'all! Welcome back to Coon Creek for a mid-week
break. Just put your work down for a minute and pull up your
rockers and get comfy. I couldn't decide whether I should turn
on the porch fans or pile blankets out on the swing for you.
You know what they say about southern weather--if you don't
like it, hang on a minute, it'll change! Now, I don't know
how the weather's been in your neck of the woods, but here in
my corner of Louisiana, it's been true to form--unpredictable!
By the way, has anyone else noticed the calendar speeding up?
It's like we're in a warp zone. I can't believe Christmas
is only 20 days away. Don't let that cypress wreath on my front
door fool you--I don't even have a tree up, and Christmas is
my favorite time of the year! Although I've joked about stringing
lights on the Tahoe (we spend most of our time on wheels)--
I hope to lasso Phil into a traditional tree hunting expedition
later this evening. This week's issue was fun to compile, I hope you enjoy it. The
spotlight on Jerry Clower brought back happy memories of my youth.
And before I foget it--someone sent in the neatest link. Check out
Civil War Interactive.Com. It's
authenic civil war recipes along with notes from the original
contributors. I'm not sure I want to sample Mrs. E.F Haskell's
boiled calf brains submitted in 1861 to the Housekeeper's
Encyclopedia, but it was fun browsing! Hugs
,Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue 16
Merry Christmas and welcome back to the porch! Thursday has become my favorite day of the week because I know you all are
dropping by. I was hurrying to a Christmas party yesterday when I thought of something
I wanted to run by y'all. It was a quote that said,"southerners
don't stop with just putting up a tree--they decorate themselves!"
When I thought of it I smiled. I couldn't help it; I was dressed
in a red velour blouse and dark green slacks! Although the quote
was kind of offensive the first time I read it, the more I've
thought about it, the more I agree. We're guilty as charged
and proud of it! Southern women do love to dress up and shine and we've shown
a willingness to resort to Ever-ready batteries to make it happen!
We love miniature gift box earrings, Santa Claus watches and holiday
sweaters with embroidered Christmas trees and flashing ornaments.
Okay, so maybe you haven't personally done the light thing, but
tell me you don't own a showy Christmas sweater or two for those
holiday parties. We know sweaters don't come wired for lights up north--but we don't
care. Let 'em wear black again, all we need is an excuse for a
costume! Maybe our fondness for over-the-top dressing is
tied to our nostalgia for the Old South; southern girls dressed
in big old hoop skirts, fluttering their eyes above heirloom
fans while dozens of beaus vie for the next waltz. And while we
realize the image isn't politically correct anymore, we just
can't help ourselves. There's a little bit of Scarlett left in
us all...
See ya' next week. Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. To those of you who have read my books and expressed interest in
helping get them placed in your local gift and bookstores, I've
put this information, (three easy steps), in a separate link to
avoid cluttering the emag and offending my other readers. Many
thanks! Click here for steps on contacting bookstores.
************************************
Volume I Issue 17
Merry Christmas from Coon Creek! I know, I know, you're in
a hurry and you don't have time to visit. I understand, really
I do, but please--give yourself a much-deserved break on the
porch. I've got Christmas Cookies and Punch for everybody.
Confession time: This week's emag is a little longer than
usual. I'm sorry, but with this being the last Christmas
issue, there was just so much I wanted to get in that I
doubled up on a couple of the features. I promise to
go back to the shorter issue next week. Believe it or not--
I culled a lot of my ideas! For instance, I'm not even going
to brag about how well my basketball teams are playing (have
I mentioned I coach girls' ball?). Nope, I'm not going to say
one word about their trophies, (or my son's 30-pt ballgame).
Instead, all I'm going to say about basketball is this week's
quote was submitted by Cassie Condrey, one of my varsity girls.
And now for a dose of humility. I pulled a real boner in last
week's emag. The "Divinity" recipe calls for THREE egg whites
and I typed THREE CUPS of egg whites. If she were alive my
grandmother would say, "Mercy, child!" Brenda Kay from
Arkansas was the first to alert me. I was hoping to print a
correction before someone tried it out, but alas, it didn't
work out that way. Please don't sue me or send me those burned
up mixers--remember it's real southernly to turn the other
cheek and besides, I'm truly sorry for any trouble.
I hope the "Chuckles" bring you a laugh; there's two of them.
I had a terrible time trying to decide which Christmas funny
to squeeze in. I'm crossing my fingers that you haven't seen them.
For weeks I've been trying to decide what I could give all of
you dear readers for Christmas to say "thank you for being a
part of All Things Southern". Well, it finally hit me! Please
find my gift to you at the end of the emag. It's the text of
my illustrated Christmas book. I know this isn't brilliant
marketing--giving away the book won't exactly help sales, (smile),
but it's Christmas, right? Reading this story is a family
traditon at my house on Christmas Eve; I hope you'll enjoy it
enough to make it a part of yours. Finally, thanks to everyone who has written in to the Exchange.
It took a little while, but y'all have warmed up and gotten mighty
chatty! I'm loving it. But, please be patient if you haven't seen
your letter yet. I'm wading through.... Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. Here's the link again for those who've asked about helping
get my books in your local gift and bookstores. How to Contact Bookstores
************************************
Volume I Issue 18
Hey folks! Welcome back to Coon Creek. Please make yourselves
comfortable, there's plenty of room. The crowd looks kind of thin
today. I guess a lot of people are still on the road, their bellies
full of grandma's stuffing and their cars just as full of Christmas
gifts. (Surely they aren't at the mall--you couldn't pay me enough
to go back there this soon!) Come to think of it, most of the men folk are probably out in
the woods. At least that's where my guys are. They were stringing
weights on duck decoys last night a long time after I had collapsed
on the couch. Which reminds me ladies, (she says, dropping her
voice to a whisper), I love my duck hunters but I've got to pick
at them a little. They bought these little battery operated
things (about the size of a coaster) that agitate the water around
the decoys so it looks like the ducks are paddling. My question: Do
you really think a real duck is capable of looking down and saying,
"Hey, that water isn't moving around that duck down there. Something's
fishy...wait a minute---it's a trap! Let's get out of here!" Like I
told my friend, we need to come up with something to sell to duck
hunters. There's a real market here. (grin)
I won't take any more of your time today; just wanted to drop in
and say, "I hope your Christmas was merry and your New Year is
blessed and prosperous." Hugs,
Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue 19
Brrr...the porch is cold! I don't recognize a lot of you
with those scarves around your neck and your coat collars
turned up. You know, if I'd have thought about it sooner
Phil could have built us a fire in the backyard to gather
around. Our weatherman is even talking about the possibility
of snow--big news for the Deep South. Of course, he stresses
"chance of snow", which is about as close as we normally get
to the pretty white stuff. I've always thought winter would be
more fun in the snowy parts of the country, but they say if
you have to shovel your way to the car it gets old fast. I
say, "bore me to tears Old Man Winter, just this once".
The New Year is off and running around here. I'm sure you're
busy, too! Thanks for taking a moment to sit on the porch and
visit. Myself, I'm busy tending to customers wanting new drapes,
readying basketball players for district games, and managing the
day-to day business of running All Things Southern and marketing
my books. That reminds me, I'll have a booth at the AgExp 2002
in Monroe, Louisiana on the 18th and 19th of January. If you're
in the area, please drop in and say hello. In addition to my
books, I'll have my southern gift products, freebies, and some
great hourly drawings!
I hope you enjoy this week's issue. I believe the "Southern
Exchange" has become one of my favorite features. Remember, don't
get upset if your letter isn't printed right away, I'm trying--and
just because you've written in once doesn't mean you have to go
all mute on me. ~smile~ I want All Things Southern to be more
than just an emag; I want you to think of it as your southern
community on the web. Sit back now and let's chat...
Hugs,
Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue 20
Oh, hi-- you're here, welcome back. I could've swore I just
stepped out here a moment ago and the porch was slap empty.
Give me a minute. I was about to put out some extra blankets.
This cold snap shows no sign of "snapping" and that's
unusual for Louisiana. There! That's better. So how was your week? I think I heard from
a lot of you. As a matter of fact, this week's quote is a direct
nod to everyone that wrote in carrying on about your snow after
I confessed to yearning for a little winter wonderland myself.
Consider it a big "thank you" to those of you that went the extra
mile and sent me digital pics of your transformed yards. I'm sure
none of you were rubbing it in, right? Yeah, that's what I
thought. ~smile Speaking of writing in...several of you wanted to help John Parker
with his request in last week's exchange. I posted the first letter
I received in this week's exchange and forwarded the others to John.
It was sure nice of y'all to help him out.
Well, I better get busy. I just got back from a road trip to Grady,
Arkansas. (I combined a little business with a lot of pleasure.)
I hope you enjoy reading about it in the "Southern Spotlight".
Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. Thank you for continuing to allow "All Things Southern" a
spot in your busy week!
************************************
Volume I Issue 21
Park it people, it's porch time! (You're right, I might've
overdid the alliteration, but you have to admit it got your
attention.) Seriously, it's good to see everyone; I'm getting
really attached to you folks. Many of you keep asking for updates on my son Phillip, so
here's the short version. We're in the thick of district
play and his knee is holding up well. (Although our freezer
is having a time keeping up with the ice demands!) Just keep
us in your prayers...
That's not smeared makeup under my eyes, it's dark circles;
I've haven't slept so much since our last visit. The pace of
2002 has been a killer so far, but I'm having fun. All Things
Southern is growing and that's good! But right now, ATS is
a toddler and like any toddler, that can also be bad. She's into
everything and trying to do it all at one time--and I'm
exhausted. I think I'm ready for her maiden booth at the
AgExpo this weekend, but I can't shake the feeling that I've
forgotten something. (Oh, and if any of you readers are also
clients of Interiors, take heart, your custom goods are
a-coming. ~smile~)
Enjoy this week's e-mag, and remember, I love to hear from you.
Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. Please come see me this weekend if you're anywhere near
the AgExpo in Monroe, Louisiana. I'll be at the Civic Center
Arena in booth number 12!
************************************
Volume I Issue 22
Welcome back to the porch. I hope you can hear me over
the noise! All that beating, banging and sawing is the sweet
sound of expansion. We've got a lot of new people coming to
the porch these days, and it was time to build on. Just step
over that pile of lumber and I'll dust you off a seat.
I'd like to welcome all the new faces. I'm glad you found
your way to Coon Creek. Please feel free to write in and
introduce yourself to the rest of the gang.
Wow! I've got to tell you what just transpired between this
sentence and the last paragraph above. My phone rang and it
was a lady telling me that she had bought my book this past
weekend at the Expo and had just found out that the check was
still in her checkbook. She had forgotten to tear it out. This
honest southerner was looking for an address to mail it to.
And that, my friends, is what I love about our people. I promise
you this lady didn't learn this code of honor--this sense
of right and wrong--from a book. She learned it at home. It
took a little diggin' but to make my point I've found a
confirming observation to leave you with. It's from the "THE
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF SOUTHERN CULTURE, "...in the South, moral codes,
laws, and manners have been intertwined, with the aim of curbing
individual aggressiveness and maintaining social order through
a combination of external community pressures and internalized
motivation."
Boil that ton of words down and it says our Southern upbringing
tends to turn out good people. I couldn't agree more.
Hugs,
Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue 23
Hello friends! Welcome back to Coon Creek for your cyber
coffee-break. Don't you just love Thursdays? I do--and
you're a big part of the reason! ~smile~
I bet you're all looking forward to the Big Game on Sunday. I
know there are die-hard fans out there that live and die
with every first down, but knowing southerners like I do,
I suspect there are just as many who see the Super Bowl
as a great opportunity for food and fellowship. Whichever
group you fall into, if you plan to munch while the big boys
crunch, you'll want to check out the dip and chip in this
week's "Taste of the South". (I'd even consider a trial run
if I were you; this one is good!)
If you're a farmer, or if you love a farmer--you'll see more
than a little bit of truth in the riddle posted in the
"Southern Exchange". One of our regulars sent it in.
With no further ado, let this week's southern celebration
begin...
Hugs,
Shellie
************************************
Volume I Issue 24
Hello porchers! Thank you for taking a moment out of your
Thursday to share the porch with me. I love our chats and I've
gone all out today--there's plenty of virtual hot cocoa,
spiced cider and coffee; take your pick. ~smile~
Southern folks take care of their own, don't they? The feedback
I'm getting from "Lessons Learned on Bull Run Road" continues
to be a lot of fun. Although I must say, I didn't expect the
"girly-girl" phrase to catch on the way it has. For those of
you who haven't read my book, "girly-girl" was a derogatory
name my sisters and I gave to girls that weren't as "rough around
the edges as we were".
Many of you have written in after reading the book to admit
you were most likely a girly-girl and my sisters and I would've
probably made you cry--a lot! Others of you have sent me stories
proving you could've definitely held your own with us.
Well, this has all gotten me to thinking...Just for fun, I've
decided to take a page out of Mr. Foxworthy's book for the next
few weeks. Please find this temporary feature, "A Southern
Definition--You Could Have Been a Girly-Girl", at the end of this
week's issue. I hope it makes you smile.
Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. to Beth Fuller. I appreciated the letter, but I can't
seem to email you back. I keep getting a message that your email
address is invalid. :-(
************************************
Volume I Issue 25
Happy Valentines Day from Coon Creek! Please, take a break
with me on the porch. If you haven't ordered roses and picked
out your cards by now you might as well--it's a good chance
you're already in trouble. Besides, I've even got a few tips
scattered in here that might help keep you out of the doghouse
for good.~smile~
Judging by the mail generated by last week's initial run of
All Things Southern's new temporary feature, "You Must Have
Been a Girly-Girl", there's a good sample of girly-girls AND
tomboys meeting here on the porch each week. Mercy, I hope
we don't have a turf war brewing! Please know that I intend
to face this volatile situation bravely and proceed with our
new feature, (at least for a few weeks).
Keep those letters coming. Let me know what you like and what
you don't like, what you want more of and less of. I can't say
I'll please everyone, but I can say I'll try!
Hugs,
Shellie
***********************************
Volume I Issue 26
Hey everyone! It's time for a porch break. Do you remember how
good the recess bell sounded when you were in grade school? I
do. My goal is to give you that same feeling when "All Things
Southern" arrives in your inbox. Ambitious? Yeah. Impossible?
Maybe, but maybe not--the jury's still out. ~smile~ There's a
saying in the South when someone strays from the subject at
hand. We call it "chasing a rabbit." Just so you know, I'm
fixin' to jump one.
If you haven't been watching the Olympics, shame on ya'.
I, for one, will be sad when they're gone. (Kinda like when
the bell sounded to go BACK to class.) The characters of many
of these athletes have been as impressive as their abilities.
The other night I was watching short-track racing. Just as the
leader was about to win gold, another guy tripped him up and
sent him flying into the side of the track, cutting his
thigh in the process. I felt so sorry for the poor fellow that
I stayed up late to see him interviewed. Guess what? He was
FINE! He said he was pleased with his race, that he'd done
everything that was within his power to control. "These things
happen," he said. Mr. Apollo, (you've got to love that name), was
obviously satisfied to know in his heart that he'd been the
fastest in the world--even though he had to settle for silver
after struggling across the finish line!
And what about the scoring controversy in pairs figure skating
that gave the gold to the Russians instead of the Canadians
many of the experts contended had earned it? During the ensuing
mayhem the disappointed young Olympians took the high road. By
the time it was decided to have co-gold medal winners, complete
with a second awards ceremony, the class of this Canadian pair
had become as much of a story as the controversy itself.
Never mind the professional athletes--with their million dollar
spending sprees, drug habits and ear-biting fiascoes--these
amateurs have put a fresh coat of paint on one of my favorite
soap boxes: sports can teach invaluable life lessons, produce
strong characters and keep your kids out of trouble at the same
time. Okay, okay, I'll take a breath and get back to our real
subject--celebrating all things southern!
Hugs,
Shellie
***********************************
Volume I Issue 27
Hello, porch friends. I got up early this morning to get
things ready for you. We've got a lot to chat about! I'm
tempted to open things off with a big "I told you so." I knew
that warm weather last week was teasing us! But, Mama would say
I'm being a smart-aleck so I'm not going to say it. ~smile~
I hope things are going well for you. It's been quite busy
around here. My interview with Randy Prewitt on "Good Morning
Ark-La-Miss" sent some new porchers this way. Maybe a few of
them will write in and introduce themselves, (hint, hint). I
know y'all like hearing from each other because you tell me so.
By popular demand I've decided to give our new temporary feature,
"A Southern Definition...You Could Have Been a Girly-Girl",
permanent status. I just hope I can keep those definitions coming.
Yep! The pressure is on. ( Feel free to bail me out if you think
of a good one. ~smile~). Oh, and don't miss Tammie Stutts' letter
in the "Southern Exchange". This woman knows a thing or two about
girly-girls.
Enough from me, I hope you enjoy this week's sampling of the
South. I had fun getting it together for you.
Hugs,
Shellie
***********************************
Volume I Issue 28
Hello porchers! Now, don't go checking the calendar. I'm not
trying to confuse you showing up in your inbox on Wednesday
instead of Thursday. It's just that I can't be here Thursday,
and I couldn't bear you showing up to an empty porch! ~smile~
Most of you remember me telling you about my basketball playing
son and his knee problems. Well, surgery is scheduled for
Wednesday morning, (his third). I don't want to bore anyone so
I won't go into it again. (If you're new in these parts and you
want the whole story you can scan the "Southern Comfort" from
Issue 3 and then the
"Publisher's Porch" from Issue 8
and Issue 21.) Anyway, that's
where I'll be for a couple of days, but don't let that stop you
from writing in. I'll be checking my email Friday night at the
latest.
While we're on the subject, some of you might notice that the "Past
Issues" page is brand new. Yep! It came by way of a
good suggestion from a new reader, Barbara Weemes from Delhi,
Louisiana. See, I keep telling you I read all your letters. ~smile~
Now, I believe there is another state challenge being thrown
down in the Southern Exchange this week. But y'all be nice now
if you decide to jump in with your two cents. Krissy sounds like
a really nice girl and her Texas boast is offered in a friendly way.
I better go and let you get on with this week's southern celebration;
there's tons to do and most of it has my name on it.
Hugs,
Shellie
***********************************
Volume I Issue 29
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the porch! Forgive me if
I sound winded. I was running around doing some last minute
things inside. It's been such a busy week. But, now that I'm
here and you're here--sounds to me like a good excuse to take
a break and rest a spell. What do you say? ~smile~
You know I love our weekly chats, but there's one thing bothering
me about our cyber relationship. I can't make a "fuss" over you
like a good southern hostess. You know what I mean--I can't make
sure you're comfortable, refill your tea glass or offer you
seconds--that sort of thing. All that good southern upbringing
my Mama taught me is going to waste! Hey, maybe All Things
Southern will have to have sponsor a retreat one day. Now, that's
an idea...
In the meantime we'll just have to make the best of things.
So, grab your favorite spot on the porch, put your feet up
and enjoy this week's issue. Oh, and forget about all that work
on your desk for the next few minutes. It'll still be there,
I promise. ~smile~
Hugs,
Shellie
P.S. Did you know that your patronage at the All Things Southern
Store helps keep the weekly emag FREE and those annoying pop up
ads off the website! Please surf over and see if anything catches
your eye.
You might enjoy my book,
my great southern food items
or my unique gifts .
( A few of the signs are on sale because my distributor is overstocked.~smile~)
I hope you find something you like! Thanks!
***********************************
Volume I Issue 30
Hello folks and welcome back! There are tons of new faces
joining the regulars today and I'm happy to see you all. You
know, we used to have a store downtown with a sign that read,
"If you can't stop, wave!" That's mighty hospitable, don't you
think? Well, that's how I'm feeling right about now. So, here's
a big cyber smile for all of you.~smile~ (Although, I do hope
everyone can stop for just a moment to chat...)
This morning I was treated to the sights and sounds of spring
while standing at my kitchen sink. Oblivious to my presence,
two squirrels chased each other down and around and back up
the trees while a blue jay cleaned her feathers nearby and a
flock of old crows squawked their displeasure, all under the
watchful eye of Rocky, our chocolate lab. You've got to love
spring! Around here you can almost feel the sense of anticipation
as the farmers prepare for the upcoming season.
Of course, the showers are still falling--which means the guys
are chomping at the bit, antsy as a bunch of cats in a room full
of rocking chairs. That's okay, too, they'll be digging in the dirt
before much longer.
Enough from me, there's a southern celebration straight
ahead and I can't hold it off any longer. I hope you enjoy it.
Hugs,
Shellie
Click here for Publisher's Archive--Page Three
Click here to return to Publisher's Archive--Page One
Home
Advertise • Archives • Policies • Terms of Use • Email Shellie and All Things Southern • Link to All Things Southern • Eternal Help • Email Promotion and Sales
| 
Facebook 
Blog
