Our first stop was at Turnrow Book Company in Greenwood, MS, June 17th. Due to a death in their family, we were unable to meet the owners, but Red and I were charmed by the architecture of their store and their warm and welcoming staff. The first two pics are an example of some of the unique art that adorns the entrance and walls. Yes, those are car hoods! How creative is that?

Posing with the Turnrow staff:

Within minutes these ladies had become dear friends. Hey girls-- I miss y'all!

Our next stop was at the Bookseller in Birmingham, Alabama, June 18th. We had so much fun at the Bookseller that this Tiger fan could almost give a "Roll Tide" call here! (Almost, but not quite. *grin*) But seriously, Red and I totally loved Ruth, our hostess in the first pic below, and the new friends we made in Birmingham.

This good looking fella came in to buy a book for his wife. Brownie points for him!

After Birmingham, it was on to Atlanta with Mary Elisabeth leading the way. (Mary Elisabeth would be our GPS navigator. We renamed her, Southern style.) Oh, how I wish I had pictures for you of Red freaking out in the traffic. I seriously considered blind-folding her but she was so sure she was "helping" me check all sides of the vehicle whenever I changed lanes. We decided that downtown Atlanta has a tad more traffic than our hometown, say in the neighborhood of five or six million. We arrived at WACT TV that afternoon where I taped a segment with Babbie Mason on her TV program, Babbie's House.

A couple pics for you here of Babbie and I on the set and the three of us posing afterwards.

After the show we were treated to an overnight stay at Babbie's. If you think famous recording stars who sing with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and rack up Dove and Steller awards aren't real folks, think again. Babbie and her husband are our kind of people. So much so, that we found ourselves in the kitchen whipping up some banana pudding that night at 10:30 PM. Did you catch that time? That would be my fault! I was oohing and aahing over their great big beautiful kitchen when I made the mistake of saying, "I could whip up a mean banana pudding in this kitchen." Well, by the time Babbie had finished showing us the house and grounds her dear husband Charles, (I call him Brother Trouble), had been to the store and returned with all the fixings! Yes, here we are, hard at work. Brother Trouble is parked in front of the television. That's exactly what I thought!

The next morning, Friday the 20th, I had a book-signing at Sweet Spirit bookstore in Marietta, Georgia. I was tickled to be at Sweet Spirit. It was the first Christian bookstore I've held a signing at, and while "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On" is in the mass market, it also cleared all the hurdles to be accepted into the CBA market, (Christian Bookstores). Here I am with the owner, Marilyn Hood. I didn't get to meet her husband, but she tells me he is a very nice man. All I know is their stores could very well have been named after Marilyn. A sweeter spirit you just won't find anywhere.

Posing with new friends and booklovers:
Rita is a porcher who came to the bookstore on a mission and bought a stack of books! I'm afraid she and I may have been more than a little rowdy and possibly disruptive, but we had a big time visiting.

Now, Red and I had a lot of fun visiting with these three gorgeous Georgia belles below. After this first photo, I commented to them that they probably had not posed for a picture like that in a while. See, I know this because all of my young friends, including my nieces and nephews, "pose" with all kinds of funny expressions and hand signs. The girls laughed and admitted that I was right. After that we took a second pic, "their" way, but once Ron in MS emailed telling me it looked like I was flying the bird of paradise I had to remove it. I don't know, bad lighting perhaps? I was going for the "I love you" sign.

All in all, it was big fun. Hopefully the book will continue to sell so well that Penguin will send me out on another tour near you!!!!!

Hugs,
Shellie

5/22/08
I've held several speaking engagements for various clubs and organizations in Winnsboro, LA and I've never had anything but a warm reception and a marvelous time. Last week the record held under what had to have been trying circumstances for the staff of Every Occasion, a unique gift shop owned and operated by my friend Wade Walley. See, I was late for the book-signing! Not fashionably late, but really and truly late. I would've understood had the folks greeted me with a bit of an attitude, but no-- I arrived to a crowded store and applause (of all things)! Yes, Wade Walley, his staff there at Every Occasion and the good folks of Winnsboro were gracious to the core, again! They wouldn't even hear an apology and I was feeling lower than a snake's belly.

The first pic here is the sweet staff of Every Occasion. If you're anywhere close to traveling distance, you should treat yourself to a visit to Wade's place!

Just a couple fine folks picking up a copy of "Suck Your Stomach In". Thanks, friends.

The next pic here captures my thoughts, "Oh, mercy me--if Mama hears how late I was I'm gonna get the Shellie-Charlene-what-were-you-thinking-treatment!'"

All in all, I was charmed again by Wade, his staff and customers, and the city of Winnsboro, LA. Someone is doing a fine job of raising people there, and of course, you know I'm gonna attribute it to some fine southern mamas! Now, Wade and I are talking/dreaming/planning up another event in Winnsboro, so y'all stay tuned. And this time--- I'm goona be there early!

Hugs,
Shellie

5/20/08
Whew! For the record, I have not fallen off the face of the earth as has been suggested in my email box. The weekend was so busy with signings and traveling (with a graduation party thrown in just for fun) that I took a little break from the tour updates. Please know I have been severely chastened. With no further ado, here's the wrap up.

The tour ended last night (Monday the 19th) in Little Rock. Before that was Shreveport's Friday night signing but I'm gonna go bass-ackwerds at this (Papa's word, not mine) to try and keep things in the same order I was posting earlier, which means you'll see Shreveport a little further down.

My sweet hubby and I arrived in Little Rock late Sunday evening and checked in the beautiful Double Tree Hotel. Monday morning I had an AM interview at KATV's Good Morning Arkansas. The folks there were extra nice and laid back and I enjoyed it, although during the interview I did a spacey thing and my mind wandered somewhere else. I don't know where, but it wasn't with me! I fear I may not have made a great deal of sense. *big frown*. "Come back, come back," I called to my brain, but it was no use. Oh, well, I got a few pics of the backstage fun for y'all.

Later, we met up with my sister Cyndie and her husband Rick for a delicious lunch at the Flying Fish and some sightseeing. One of the sweetest parts of the whole tour to me was that I was met at the last two signings by my dear sisters, Rhonda in Shreveport and Cyndie in Little Rock. We don't get a lot of time together these days and it was nice to share this deal with them! (Note to confused people: My friend Red's name is Rhonda, too. So, no, you haven't missed anything. It just gets confusing at times.) Here are some pics of my beautiful Cyn Cyn and her husband Rick along with me and my man on the River Walk headed to the Clinton Library.

Though I may have already revealed that I'm not a big Clinton fan, I sincerely respect the office of the President of our fine country so I thoroughly enjoyed the historical aspect of the library. One of my favorite parts was the model of the White House. It was so authenic, down to the silverware! The first pic will give you an idea of it's size. (You can see Phil in the lower right checking it out.) The others will give you an idea of the individual rooms. The detail was amazing.

The first pic is sort of dark because they asked us to turn off the flash on the digital camera but what you're seeing here is me sitting in the President's chair. Hmmm...Shellie in 2012? Nah...

After a fun day on the River Walk we went to Barnes and Nobles and had a fantastic time at the booksigning and discussion. (I think the booklovers and I there bonded for life! Just between us, there was a time when I thought the discussion period would never end because the happy book lovers gathered in the little chairs looked anchored there as if they would not leave until I divulged whatever details of my life they had not yet uncovered. And well, you know me-- I wasn't gonna break up the party! I love meeting new folks.

The first pic here is a hometown friend who came out to the signing. The other pics are some brand new friends I won't soon forget. I just love my new girlfriends! (How y'all doing, huh? Got your color on? Got it sucked in? Good! I miss y'all already.)

All in all, I'd like to post a huge "Thank You" to Little Rock for the warm greeting. OH-- and big news. I did an radio interview with Lisa, Kevin and Jeff on Little Rock's largest radio station, KURB, b98.5. You can listen to it at the site. We had such fun that they're inviting me to do a regular call in segment with 'em. I'll keep you Arkansas folks posted on that one. Now, where were we? Oh, yeah-- let's back up and catch up with Shreveport, yet another fine city!

Hugs,
Shellie

5/16/08
I hit Shreveport traveling alone last Friday night, more than a tad bit homesick. Was I ever in for a surprise?! My sister Rhonda had secretly driven in from Dallas and my husband, son, and daughter-in-law showed up from home. I could have cried my makeup off at Barnes and Nobles when I saw them, but hey-- we southern belles can't be doing that, now can we? My new friend and Barnes and Nobles manager Elizabeth was supposed to introduce me for the reading but she asked Rhonda to do it instead. That was sweet. Rhonda's words flooded the old eyeballs again. Here we are right before the intro.

These next pics are just a few of the wonderful new friends I met that evening, (who better stay in touch like they promised, or else. I don't know what or else could be, but it sounds threatening enough, doesn't it?) The first pic is one of your longtime porchers but seeing as how I didn't ask her if she'd like her name spread out here, I believe I'll refrain. *grin*

After the signing we went out for some steak fajitas at Superior Grill. Isn't my sister beautiful in this pic?

My son and his wife with their college buddy (and a friend of the family) smile for the camera.

One last party pic outside. Yes, indeed, I'm holding onto my man tightly! I missed that fella. Missing from this picture would be my daughter and her husband who would've loved to have made it to the party from Houston, but work prevented them. I miss y'all, Jessica and Patrick!

Sorry I didn't get more pics of Shreveport for 'ya, but the truth is that once my family showed up I got major sidetracked for the rest of the trip. We drove in Saturday and I got to spend the night in my own bed before leaving out for Little Rock the next day. This has been a "baby" tour compared to the tours big dogs take-- you know what I mean-- the real heavy hitters in the music and entertainment business. It floors me to consider how their schedules would eclipse mine and just how hard that must be on them. I've had tons of fun, but just between us-- I'm glad I'm a "little dog." Thanks for sharing this with me, folks. I treasure y'all.

Hugs,
Shellie

5/15/08
Hello from Jackson, MS. Once again, I arrived under bad weather reports and driving rain. Please keep this in mind when you see the really bad hair day. *grin* But hey-- at least I made it safe and sound. I did have at least one close call. I was minding my business on the Interstate when a man entered from a ramp to my right and promptly began hydroplaning! I had two choices if I was going to get out of his way, speed up or slow down. I chose speed up, knowing that hitting the brakes would likely put me in his shoes! He did manage to regain control without preventing an accident, (Thank you Lord!), but I imagine his stomach was as shaky as mine! But, on to the update of the Suck It Up Tour...

Here's a special thank you to the fine folks at Lemuria for the warm welcome they gave me. I felt at home from the moment I arrived. A girl checking out at the register did a double take when she saw me and said, "Hey! I just bought your book." Of course, she pulled it right back out of her bag and I signed it and we took a pic with her mother and daughter.

This sweet girl and I bonded immediately when she told me her mother had seen my interview at noon on WBLT's "Midday Mississippi" and threatened to disown her if she didn't stop by and pick up a copy after work. I may not know her mama, but I know her mama-- know what I mean?

Here's a pic of two of Lemuria's staffers. They were incredibly nice.

And of course, Penguin hooked me up with a really nice room. I'm purposely not telling you the name of the hotels the last few nights because people back home are telling me that I'm entirely too trusting and "there are crazy people out there, Shellie!" But here's a couple pics of the lobby. The other one is the escalator. Yeah, I know. I'm not much of a photo journalist, but I was trying.

I'll end with a picture of the view from my window once the weather broke. Gorgeous!

Tomorrow I'll do a radio interview from the room with KURB-FM/B98.5 in Little Rock, AR and then I'll get on the road for Shreveport, LA. I hope to see y'all at the Barnes and Nobles on Youree Drive at 7:00 PM. Take care!

Hugs,
Shellie

5/14/08
Hello from Natchez, MS on this rainy day in May! Let me begin by saying thank you to everyone who is out there buying "Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On!" My publicist just emailed me to say we made the SIBA bestseller list today! That's Southern Independant Booksellers Aliance and we're #14! I'm so humbled that I am practically speechless. Okay, sorta speechless. Okay, y'all know me too well. I'm not speechless but I am truly humbled. Thank you, thank you, thank you! And now, the update...

I've been at Turning Pages in beautiful historic Natchez, MS. It was a great signing. Here are some pics:

I wish I could do this mural justice. It's a scene painted in the courtyard of Turning Pages. It was awesome.

The girl on the left is a LP girlfriend living in Natchez now. To the right is a great new friend who came out to buy the book

A few more sweet book lovers:

This lady's daughter goes to my church. I appreciated her coming out!

And this was a very neat surprise. My Papa (yellow shirt far right) showed up to surprise me with my Aunt Marleta (yes, THE Aunt Marleta) on the left and two dear, dear family friends in the middle. This tired, emotionally spent traveler couldn't quit hugging on her Papa! You may remember that my dear Mama had surgery right before the tour or she'd be right up in the middle of this. I miss her, but we're keeping in constant touch thanks to Cingular!

Okay, so after the fun of the signing, and after getting caught in a deluge, I arrive at my hotel soaked to the skin. After I get checked in, load the luggage cart and trudge it up to the fourth floor I make the delightful discovery that the room key won't work. It hasn't been rekeyed. Oh, goodie. Here I am sitting on my luggage cart on the fourth floor waiting for someone from the front desk to bring me another room key. I talked that poor soul into taking this when he arrived so y'all would see what a drowned rat looks like.

And here's a pic from my hotel window.

I'm in my room now, dried out and planning for tomorrow. I'll be in Jackson, MS. I have a TV interview on WLBT-TV (NBC) there in Jackson at 12:15. The signing is at Lemuria Books at 5:00. Hope to see you there!

Big hugs,
Shellie

P.S. The next stop after that will be Shreveport at the Barnes and Nobles, 7:00 PM, May 16th. Remember, you can find the rest of the tour here on the calendar page.

5/13/08
Hello from Baton Rouge, LA! It could possibly be illegal to be having this much fun. I hope Peguin USA doesn't find out. I think they call this working! Trust me, I've hoed cotton-- this "ain't" work!

Not a lot of pics to post this evening. Red, you may remember, had to go home today. I guess I'm used to her taking the photos because I kept forgetting. Which reminds me, for those of you worried about me, don't be. I appreciate your kind emails but my family members are taking up Red's slack. They're determined I not finish this out alone. Of course, I miss that silly redhead. You would, too. However, I am relaxing a bit more. Red and I are notorious for playing pranks so I'm not checking my toothpaste as closely. (She has been known to play like she's being nice and put toothpaste on your toothbrush-- only to put something like Brill Creme under the toothpaste!)

But, back to the tour...The reading and signing at Barnes and Nobles was a lot of fun. I'm sorry I didn't get but one pic, but again, I just got too busy with the meet and greet.

And here are the wonderful lodgings Penguin hooked me up with for my overnight stay: This is a beautiful mural painted in the foyer.

The lobby opens us to a beautiful courtyard.

The rooms surround the courtyard:

And here are a few pics of the fountains, foilage, and koi up close.

Goodbye for now. See you at Turning Pages in Natchez, MS tomorrow at noon. Remember, you can find the rest of the tour here on the calendar page. Y'all sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite.

Hugs,
Shellie

5/12/08
Hello from Biloxi, MS! The Suck It Up Tour is rolling on... You may have noticed that I didn't post yesterday. It was our day of rest. We enjoyed our extra day in Mobile, too. First off, we worshipped with the sweet folks of Fountain of Life Assembly of God church off of Airport. Let me just say that if you are anywhere in the area and you don't have a home church, Red and I can totally recommend a place where the gospel is preached and the Lord is worshipped and adored. Words fail me to adequately express how touched we were by that body of believers. If we ever get the chance to return, we'll be back there with bells on!

After church we had a nice lunch and did the tourist thing. We went to the famous garden of the South, Bellingrath Gardens in Theodore, Alabama! I'll post a few pictures here, but trust me, I can't do the place justice. I'd love for you to go in person, but if you can't, do yourself a favor and check out the website. You'll enjoy it! Here are a few of my personal pics:

We loved the chapel on the grounds:

Random beauty:

One special treat was happening upon a couple who had just gotten engaged. Yes, indeed, this sweet man had taken a knee and surprised his sweetie right there. As they didn't have a camera and we did-- well, you know we just had to take their picture so they could snag the memory off the web!

More random beauty:

Special memories:

We were famished after our walking tour. Next stop: Wintzell's Oyster Bar! Red loves raw oysters. I don't, but I had some fine crab cakes and fried dill pickles and Red had a dozen nekkid oysters all to herself! Me and Sean, our favorite waiter!

Red really bonded with Russel, the oystery shucker.

We made it into Biloxi today with enough time to do a little shopping.

There was just enough time left after that to throw some shorts on and walk on the beach before heading to the signing. It was such a treat! I wish we had more time to lay in the sun for a couple more days, but alas, the show goes on. Here are a few beach pics.

The signing was at Books-A-Million. Lindsey and Justin and the rest of the gang made me feel so welcome! Thanks, guys!

And now, for a little sad note. Red has to leave the tour tomorrow. Yep! She has her own life to tend to, folks. With one daughter finishing up end of the year junior high finals and another graduating from college, her Southern Mama duties are calling! Her husband is going to meet us and pick her up in Baton Rouge. I'll miss her but I totally understand-- and for the record-- I can't thank her enough for being with me on this leg. By the way, while we're on that subject, let me say something a tad serious. Red and I have said for some twenty something years that we were going to take a girl trip together and we've never done it. This book tour has given us that very opportunity and I am forever grateful. If you and your buddy or buddies have talked about doing something like this, I urge you not to wait for a book deal. *grin* GO! Make it happen!

Changing the subject...a quick shout out to my friend Eddie from home. Thanks for "The Easy Button"! Yeah, Eddie gave me one of those big red easy buttons before I left home and Rhonda and I have gotten a lot of mileage out of it. It sits on the console between us and when we find our destination we hit it just to hear it say, "That was easy!"

Bye Red...

This trip has been such a blessing. I feel like I am coming back a changed person from meeting all of you and having the buffet of wonderful experiences along the way.

Okay, folks, it's late and I'm tired. See 'ya in Baton Rouge!

Hugs,
Shellie

5/10/08
Hello from Mobile! Much to report from the Suck It Up Tour, but first things first. After repeated requests from some of y'all wanting to see those top secret and highly confidential photos of Red and I in the exercise room at Tupelo, we are breaking down and coughing up at least one of them. Here it is: I'm on the right, Red is on the left.

And now...let's see. Mobile, Mobile, Mobile-- we love you! What can I say? It's been wonderful and we get to stay here an extra day before getting on the road again. Our fun began at Bienville Books. I took a picture with Russ, our new friend and store owner, but drats-- it didn't come out and we didn't know it. Trust me here, he's a really nice guy. Here are a few pics of some of the wonderful folks we met who stopped in Bienville Books to buy Suck Your Stomach In. The first picture is of a lady name Sue who we ran into again later and who has now become our very neat new friend.

After the signing Red and I made some good friends while walking around sight-seeing. These new friends from Georgia were here for a bikers' convention. They were true "home folks". We bonded immediately.

Okay, and now-- let me just send out a huge shout out to my publisher, GO PENGUIN! You could've knocked Rhonda and I over with the proverbial feather when we saw where they had booked us. We're at the Renaissance Battle House in historic downtown Mobile. You can read that as five star over the top luxury. Here are a few pics of the lobby.

How about a hand for our hardworking valets?

And here's a pic Red took of me "suffering for Jesus" as I update this page for y'all. :-)

I'll check in tomorrow folks. Until then, y'all take care and remember Monday is Biloxi, and you can see the whole tour schedule here.
Hugs,
Shellie

5/9/08
Greetings from Hattiesburg, MS! The Suck It Up Tour continues to roll ahead. Red and I are getting tired and sillier as the miles pile up. Before I forget-- I have a RED ALERT ANNOUNCEMENT. If you accidentally unsubscribe from the newsletter, just resubscribe at the top of the home page here and all will be well. (This seems to have happened to a number of folks this week. *grin*)

Okay, let's see. The first two pictures here accurately depict the situation here. I'm the taller one.

"Where are we headed? " I don't know!"

"I thought you were driving!"

Yep! That's us! Okay folks, let's see. We'll be in Mobile, Alabama tomorrow, Sat. the 10th, at Bienville Books, 2:00 PM! Our schedule for the next week is posted here on the calendar page." And now for some of the day's pics:

This is the really neat cafe we stopped at in Shuqualak, Mississippi!

Red with one of our younger girlfriends and her beautiful family. Christy grew up in LP!

I was delighted to meet one of your fellow porchers, Lucy and her husband Jay! I can't tell you how neat it is to converse with y'all over email and then get to meet you in person. Just tons of fun. Thanks for coming out Lucy!

And now, some of the other new friends we made tonight at Books-A-Million!

Y'all come see us!
Hugs,
Shellie

5/8/08
Hello from Tupelo! We have fallen in love with Tupelo. That is, once we could see it through the driving rain. Oh, yeah-- did I mention that we arrived here with a tornado????!!!! How's that for adding some excitement to the book tour? This beautiful city suffered some damage but there was no loss of life that we have heard of, (thank the Lord!). But, as they say, the show must go on and it did! We called Reeds Bookstore and they said they were okay and still expecting us so we showed up with bells on. Susan and her staff were so very sweet to us, as were the folks who came out to buy books! Wow-- I continue to be so humbled by your support of this book. After the signing we went to see Elvis' homeplace and museum. It was totally cool. I've posted a few pics for you below.

Tomorrow is Hattiesburg. We'll be at Books-A-Million at 5:00 PM. Hope to see you there. If you can't make it, and you have friends and family in the area, send them. We'll treat 'em so many ways, they're bound to like one of 'em. By the way, say a prayer for Carmen our Garmen, (GPS naviagator). She is growing weary of directing us. I mean, frankly, Red and I think she needs a little attitude adjustment. You wouldn't believe the tone she uses with us when we miss a turn!!! FYI-- we actually made it to the excercise room in the hotel after supper tonight but we saved y'all the experience of having to see those pics. You're welcome:) Later gators...~Hugs, Shellie

Susan, Jane, and a sweet customer smile for the camera.

I'm so enjoying visiting with the men coming out to buy books for their women. They tell me it's taking the hassel out of what to do for Mother's Day. Of course, I'm happy to oblige.

This is the very house Elvis was born in.

Here's a pic of the kitchen-- no running water, no electricity.

Red gives Elvis a big good-bye hug.

5/7/08
Greetings from Vicksburg, MS porchers! The signing at Lorelei went well! I had a great time meeting and greeting and doing a short reading for the kind folks who came out! I am having so much fun. Here are some pics from our evening. Oh, and Rhonda, (traveling friend) says to tell you, "We highly reccomend Rusty's in downtown Vicksburg. We ate too much at supper-- but the blackened fish was just too good!" We'll be in Tupelo at Reed's at 12:00 noon. Hope to see you there! Later gators! ~Hugs, Shellie

Here I am with Laura, the gracious owner of Lorelei Books.

Belles doing the pose!

This lady was doing the tourist thing and found us by accident. Neat!

Mike tells me he has been a porcher for years. Cool! Thanks, Mike.

This young man was buying a gift for his sweetie's mom. Tell me he isn't smart! Oh, and that's my beautfiul Aunt Judy posing with him.

See y'all later! Hugs, Shellie

*****************************

5/6/08
Hello Sweet Porchers,

Last night's launch for “Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On” at Windows a Bookshop in Monroe, LA was a blast! I so appreciate everyone who came out and celebrated with me! Y'all were precious and I enjoyed meeting each and every one of you! Thank you for buying my book for Mothers Day presents! That means the world to me.

Now, tonight I'll be at Lorelei Book in Vicksburg, MS at 7:00 PM. I hope to see you there. I'll be staying in touch from the road. Later gators! ~Hugs, Shellie

A few more pics from last night:

The ladies of Windows a Bookshop. Thank you Elisabeth, Pat, and Betty Jo!

LP girls rule! That blond on the right is my sweet daughter-in-law!

My high school teacher showed up! Go Mrs. O.!

This new friend was too funny. She was buying a book for her daughter and I was instruced to sign it, "Your mother is always right!"

A thank you peck for my traveling bud/best friend/hard-working assistant, Rhonda. (She is planning to get a t-shirt that reads, "No, I'm not the sister, Rhonda, but the friend, Rhonda!)

My parents sent a beautfiful bouquet of flowers. Papa was able to be there, as well, but Mama hasn't fully recouped from her recent surgery. We missed her something awful. Here's my sweet husband who showed up with roses. Kudos to Phil, huh? And the details for the next few days:

Lorelei Books in Vicksburg, MS, 7:00 PM Wed. May 7th
Reeds Gumtree in Tupelo, MS, 12:00 PM Thurs. May 8th
Books-A-Million Hattiesburg, MS 5:00 PM May 9th