Message from Jeannie Ralston

How are you Kay:

Thanks for the nice note you wrote. It was really my pleasure to talk to all of you. So interesting to hear what everyone thought. I love that you talked later about why we leave and why we stay. That sounds like a title of a book! Maybe it is!

You should have gotten an e-mail from me earlier today about a chance to get a 15 percent off discount on Hill Country Lavender products when you buy a book from now till Sept. 30th. I'm hoping you might get that to your book club and also other Pulpwood Queen bookclubs who are considering reading my book (I hope some are--I'd love to do more call-ins).

I haven't hear back from Kathy about the convention in January, but I'll keep my fingers crossed that she'll invite me to speak. It would be such an honor.

Also, I wanted to tell you in advance about something exciting I'm going to be starting next week. I'll be sending out an official announcement but I thought I'd tell you before then, in case you were going to do a mail out.

In addition to giving back to people who buy the book, I've figured out a way to give to others too.

In June, I did a book signing/benefit down in San Miguel for a lavender co-op that was started to help a poor pueblo here whose men are mostly gone to the States to become self-sufficient. I'm an unofficial adviser and I was able to donate one-third of the retail price of the books to the co-op (out of 48 sold) and they got a lot of great exposure to the bigger community gringo community here. It was truly my favorite book event,  because the event was about more than just me (that might sound strange--maybe even suspect--coming from a memoirist!),

So in that spirit, I've decided to find other ways to make donations and here's what I came up with. My website is connected to Amazon via their Amazon Affiliate program. This means that any time someone clicks "Buy the Book" on my website it takes them to my Amazon page. When they actually purchase the book from Amazon, I get between 4% and 8% of the Amazon price put into an account for me (the more sales volume over the month the higher the percentage). That's basically found money for me,  so why not give it to someone besides me.

This is what I plan to do. Every month I will choose a different organization to give the Amazon Affiliate proceeds to. The first month (Sept) the money will go to St. Anthony's Alliance,  the U.S. organization that started and helps the lavender project down here. One theme of my book is embracing change, but through this donation program (I'm calling it the Seed Project) my readers and I can help MAKE change. This lavender co-op is creating a way for women in a Mexican village to support their families via lavender so their husbands and sons don't have to leave to work in the United States.

I'm getting my website revised right now to accommodate this new program, which will probably be ready middle of next week. I'm really excited. But just so you know if anyone buys through my website even before it's officially posted on my site, the money will still be going to this program.

Other organizations I plan to donate to include a Texas Department of Agriculture urban school program and the Garden Clubs of America scholarship program. I'll also want to give to Breast Cancer research and other women's groups down the road. Do the Pulpwood Queens have a favorite charity?

OK, hope you're doing well. Thanks for your time reading over this LONG email and for your support and encouragement.

All best--Jeannie

Jeannie Ralston
220 N. Zapata Hwy #11
Laredo, Texas 78043
512-423-3030 (U.S. number)
52-415-152-5169 (within Mexico)
Learn more about The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming at www.jeannieralston.com 
 

The Pulpwood Queen's Book Club: The Pulpwood Queen featured on NEW Texas Magazine website!

The Pulpwood Queen's Book Club: The Pulpwood Queen featured on NEW Texas Magazine website!

Queens who are fans of Willie Nelson may want to hurry and reserve a copy of Joe Nick Patoski's book WILLIE NELSON: AN EPIC LIFE

Just click on the link to go to Kathy's website

Discussion Guide for Same Kind of Different As Me

Here is the Discussion Guide for the Same Kind of Different As Me. We have an author call-in scheduled with Ron Hall and hopefully Denver Moore.

The Event Site (click on Event Site to go there) also has the Discussion Guide if you wish to comment online.

Denver lived for decades as a virtual slave in Louisiana and a homeless drifter in Texas, until he met Deborah. But her art dealer husband, Ron, is more comfortable around millionaires than the destitute. So when Deborah is diagnosed with cancer, will Ron embrace her dream of rescuing Denver? Or will Denver save Ron?

Discussion Questions for Same Kind of Different As Me

Prejudice What are some modern examples of prejudice? Other than racial prejudice, what other kinds of prejudice are common today? What are three things you can do to combat your personal prejudices? What does being prejudice say about your personal self-esteem?

Homelessness What is your initial reaction to encountering a homeless person or someone who is in serious financial or personal need? If you were in that situation, how would you want others to respond to you? Other than give money to social service agencies, what are three things you can do to provide ministry to the homeless people in your community? Sickness and Suffering Bad things happen to good people. What might God be trying to reveal about Himself through these types of situations? Recognizing our mortality puts life in perspective. What are three things for which you want to be remembered? What are you doing to accomplish these goals today?

Forgiveness Is it harder to give or to receive forgiveness? Why? Why is it so hard for us to grant unconditional forgiveness? How can your faith help you become a more forgiving person? What is the role of forgiveness in your personal life? In your spiritual life? Faith In chapter 44, Denver said, "Our limitation is God's opportunity." How has this statement been authenticated in your life? Throughout the book, Denver's initial response to life's challenges often was rooted in his simple faith in God. Why is it so hard for society's successful people to have this kind of faith? What keeps you from having this kind of faith? With Deborah in critical condition, the object of ministry (Denver) became the source of ministry. Denver had been through a lot and was equipped to provide for Ron's needs. Through what experiences has God worked to equip you for ministry? How has God used you to meet the needs of others? Deborah extended the reach of her ministry by investing in the lives of others. How are you investing in the lives of others? The memorial service for Deborah was a celebration. How can such a somber occasion be celebratory? What does this say about the faith of the one who passed away?

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Message from Kay: Hello Pulpwood Queens, I'm sending the info on the Event Site early so you can review the discussion questions as you read the book. I am eager to start it myself. We also will have an author call-in so as you read you can think of questions you might want to ask Ron and Denver. Welcome to our new member Queen Renee! Happy REading Queen Kay When: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 6:30 PM Where: Queen Hillene's in Moss Bluff

Jeannie Ralston's Book Tour Schedule

Honored Queens,
 
I have to apologize to you in advance, I gave Ms Ralston the incorrect date for our meeting and she probably will not be able to do a call-in.  If she can squeeze a minute in between her scheduled event with her husband she may be able to call just to say hello. 
 
As you travel on vacation this summer, keep these places and dates in mind.  Just bring your tiara and surprise our author Jeannie Ralston.
 
Greetings!
Just wanted to let you know that the book tour has been going wonderfully. I'm just at the end of it and am exhausted but very happy.

Good Times on the Trail

A couple of weeks ago I was at a lavender festival in Albuquerque singing copies and they sold out of my book, which was fabulous.
At a book store in the San Francisco Bay Area, there were so many people at my reading, the store didn't have enough chairs. That's what you call a nice problem.
And when I walked into Powell's bookstore in Portland (I was there on vacation, not for a book event), I found out they were giving my book a special promotion. Do I love Powell's now or what?

We're Taking Our Show to Hereford (Robb's Hometown)

Wednesday, 30-Jul-2008 5 - 7 p.m. Deaf Smith County Library 211 East 4th Street Hereford, Texas 864-364-1206
Robb and I will share the stage at a joint book signing and we'll each talk about our respective books. Robb may even say a thing or two about my book (I hope it's good!)

A Party in Dallas: You're Invited

Thursday, 31-Jul-2008 5 - 7 p.m. Reading and Book Signing Stephanie Anne Home 4346 Lovers Lane Dallas , TX http://www.stephanieanne.com
I met Stephanie Anne when she was on vacation in San Miguel de Allende and she graciously invited me to have a book party at her store. She's amazing!

Here's a Plug for Dear Robb

Friday, 1-Aug-2008 7:30 - 9:30 p.m Gallery Opening Reception Robb Kendrick's Tintypes Afterimage Gallery The Quadrangle #141 2800 Routh St. Dallas, TX (214) 871-9140 www.afterimagegallery.com
This is a wonderful show of Robb's gorgeous tintypes. The show will be up until Sept. 9th, in case you miss this opening party, but I hope you won't.

Thank You, Central Market

Saturday, 2-Aug-2008 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Store Appearance and Signing Central Market Southlake 1425 E. Southlake Blvd. Southlake, TX http://www.centralmarket.com
Central Market gave us our first break in the floral business and I am so honored to be making an appearance at the Central Market in Southlake, Texas.
Please forward this schedule on to anyone in the Panhandle or Dallas areas. Down the road, I'll be speaking at an event in Syracuse, New York, and do a little something at the Texas Book Festival. I'll keep you posted, of course. Hope to see you--my wonderful supporters--somewhere along the way.
Until next time. Fondly--

Jeannie Ralston

---

email: contact@jeannieralston.com

web: http://www.jeannieralston.com

 
I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night

 Queen Kay
 

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Message from Kay: Queen DeLaune` Welcome to Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens! We are thrilled to have you join us. Even more excited you will be a part of the Pulpwood Queens Convention with Kathy Patrick in January. Click on the Event Site button, for our meeting site. Discussion questions are on the right side. We are just starting this on-line discussion thing I'm not sure how it will work out. Open to suggestions I am so looking forward to seeing you again in January. Happy Reading ! Queen Kay When: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 6:30 PM Where: Barbara's Home

Delaune' Michel

Several Queens attended Delaune' Michel's booksigning recently for her new book The Safety of Secrets. After reading this book, I was taken by the story of lifelong friends and what secrets do we tell or not tell. Definitely makes for an interesting discsussion! I recommended the book to our Head Queen, Kathy Patrick. After reading a copy sent to her by Delaune', she has invited her to the Pulpwood Queen Convention in January!

Deluane' was a joy to meet and connect with local folks and area attractions. She even joined our SWLA Pulpwood Queens Chapter! Welcome Delaune' and we look forward to seeing you either at the Pulpwood Queen convention in January or when you visit Lake Charles following the convention.

Delaune's websites for more information are:
http://www.delaunemichel.com/
www.youtube.com/user/delaunemichel
http://www.spokeninterludes.com/

Update to Windows Live Event "Pulpwood Queens July Meeting"

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Message from Kay: Just a reminder that our meeting will be this Wed July 30 at Barbara Grangers. Directions are on the Event Site. Those in Sulphur who want to car pool, please meet at the Center Circle Park Recreation Bldg. We will leave at 5:50 pm. Author, Jeannie Ralston is planning a call-in. Hope you have some interview questions ready. See you soon! Queen Kay

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Message from Kay: Happy Reading Queens! Here'e the link for the Event Site for our July Meeting. For those who can't make it the Reading Guide Discussion Questions are on the right side of the page. I hope everyone will at least take a peek. I really enjoyed this book and I hope you do also! Happy Reading, Queen Kay When: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 6:30 PM Where: Barbara's Home

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Reading Guide for The Unlikely Lavender Queen

Happy Reading to the Pulpwood Queens

 
Jeannie Ralston will be calling in for our next meeting on July 30.  She also will be signing Bookplates for our books.  We may not get them in time for our July meeting though since she is doing a book tour this month.
 
You will be receiving the Event Site notice shortly.  Please let us know if you will be attending.  Also these discussion questions will be listed on the Event Site for those who can't attend to be able to discuss on the Event Site.  I'm working on how to do a chat room...anyone know how to do it? Let me know and we'll work together.

 

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

In The Unlikely Lavender Queen, journalist Jeannie Ralston shares the story of how she went from being a single, driven New York City career woman to a married lavender farmer living in rural Texas. Describing her transition from city mouse to country mouse, and recalling the hilarity and poignancy it brought, Ralston touches upon many themes including self-worth, identity, reconciling big-city dreams with small-town ideals, and the competing interests that sometimes complicate a marriage. The below questions are intended to help direct your book group's discussion of this lively–and unlikely–memoir.

Reader's Guide

1. The book opens with two quotations, one from Henri Matisse and the other from Alice Walker. Discuss what each means in the context of Jeannie Ralston's story. Why do you think she chose these particular quotes?

2. In the Prologue, Ralston describes her maiden morning as a farmer, and juxtaposes it with a memory of her life in New York: "I recalled one of the last times I was out at this hour, years earlier. It was on the other side of sleep, right after a New Year's Eve party, as I was stumbling through SoHo with my then-fiancé." Have you ever had moments when your current life seems at odds with your past? How does it make you feel? Do you long for the past, or have you "moved on?"

3. Before reading The Unlikely Lavender Queen, did you know anything about botanical farming? What did you learn? Do you think you could be a farmer like Ralston?

4. Have you made a surprising lifestyle or career choice, or otherwise found yourself doing something you didn't expect? Do you know people who've done so?

5. Answer the question the author poses at the end of the prologue: "When do you know whether the choices you've made were the right ones?"

6. At one point, Ralston says "I couldn't fathom giving up New York, and with it, I assumed, my identity, which had taken so long to forge." From what aspects of your life do you draw your identity? Is "home" a factor in how you view yourself?

7. The author's therapist tells her, "Marriage is a series of compromises and negotiations." Do you agree with this statement? What were the compromises Ralston and her husband made in their relationship? If you were in either of their shoes, would you have made the same concessions?

8. Ralston describes a visit to her parents' house as "invariably a time warp that you step into at your own risk." Why do you think she had such a hard time returning home? How do you react when you visit your family–do you relive the emotions of your youth, or are you separated from those feelings?

9. Were you surprised to discover that an undiagnosed case of post-partum depression was the cause of Ralston's severe insomnia? Do you know anyone who has experienced PPD?

10. After the farm is opened to the public, a customer says, "You are living my dream!" Ralston writes, "Reflexively, I wanted to answer, 'If you only knew.' But I simply smiled. Though it was true I'd never had such a dream, I was only beginning to see why others might." What did you find appealing about the author's description of her life in Blanco? Can you understand why she was not able to appreciate aspects of her life that others found enviable?

11. "To be part of a small town, I had to be more broad-minded than I had been while living in New York." Consider this statement. Do you agree that small town could test a person's open-mindedness more than a big city? Have you any experience with this yourself? Did this passage change in any sense the way you think about small towns?

12. When her husband convinces her that they should sell their home and the farm, the author says that she felt like if she was a true feminist, she would fight him on this. Do you agree? What does feminism mean to you?

13. As much as The Unlikely Lavender Queen is a story of new beginnings, it's also an intimate picture of a marriage. What did you think of the author's husband? How are she and Robb alike and different? Are you surprised that their marriage survived all the upheaval associated with their move to Texas and the launch of their farm?

14. If money or time were of no consequence, do you have a secret dream you'd like to pursue? What is it?

15. Ralston talks at different points about `letting go.' What does that phrase mean to you? Do you think Ralston truly learns to let go? Is this a goal for you in your life? If so, why?


 Queen Kay 
 
 
Justice --- When you get what you deserve
  Mercy ----- When you don't get what you deserve
 Grace ----- When you get what you don't deserve

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me

Press Release: SWLA Pulpwood Queens Book Club donations to Nicaraugan Missions

Press Release:

The Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens Book Club contributed over $1000 to the Nicaraguan Mission headed by Father Danny Torres. Queen Hillene Deaton also made 19 cloth books for the younger children at the St. Christopher Orphanage in Managua, Nicaragua.

Queen Laurie Cormier will be bringing the funds and books on the mission trip where the Spanish Bibles and other reading materials will be purchased. Queen Allison White is pictured along with Queens Laurie and Hillene. (L to R Hillen Deaton, Laurie Cormier and Allison White)

The SWLA Pulpwood Queens are dedicated to promoting literacy as well as enjoying monthly book club selections of Kathy Patrick, founder of the Pulpwood Queens Book Clubs.

For More Info:

Kay Huck, Head Queen, SWLA Pulpwood Queens
337-625-7930 or 337-794-0769
155 Beauregard Ave
Sulphur, LA 70663
kayhuck@hotmail.com

http://www.swlapulpwoodqueens.blogspot.com/
http://www.pulpwoodqueen.blogspot.com/

June Meeting Summary

 

Fellow Queens our June Meeting was another fabulous feast of food, friendship and feuilleton

(I found this word through a thesaurus --- to look up the meaning click here http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/feuilleton )

Author Michel Lee West of Mermaids in the Basement called in and entertained us with her descriptions of life on her farm in east Tennessee. She described her 40 baby chicks that had to be kept in her garage and became miniature dinosaur T-rex's to her baby swimming pool kept in the basement for her ducklings so they wouldn't be swooped her at the pond by the hawks. Her familiarity with southern Louisiana added to the charm of the tale and to our delightful phone visit.

Queen Hillene and Queen Linda joined forces to make 19 cloth books for Queen Laurie to bring to Nicaragua. I'm not sure what the final total was for the contributions to purchasing Spanish Bibles, over $200 for sure.

Also Tommeka Simien from the Literacy Council spoke about various ongoing projects in the area that we might want to consider adopting such as, Reading Volunteers for schools and at the Children's Clinic or tutoring. We'll discuss it more at our next meeting in July.

Also we received signed bookplates from authors Michel West and Margaret Cezair-Thompson. Queen Beverly had helped me choose the graphic design for the labels that I printed and sent to them to sign. We have to be one of the largest book clubs ever with 23 members!!

And we have a new member Tracey Baham who teaches with Queen Courtney. AND she's also my neighbor, living right down the street from us on Beauregard. Welcome Tracey!

Did I miss anything? Oh yes our next meeting will be July 30th at Queen Barbara's in Lake Charles. The book will be The Unlikely Lavender Queen by Jeannie Ralston. I'll be posting the Reading Guide and also the Event Site in the next few days.

Blogsite: http://swlapulpwoodqueens.blogspot.com/

 

Happy Reading!

 

Queen Kay

Recipe and Cookbook for Crock Pot

Hello Ladies,   Many of you last night asked if you could have my recipe.  Here is both the recipe and the book it came out of.   The name of the book I use most often is "Easy Slow Cooker Cookbook", ISBN 1-931294-45-3 by Barbara C. Jones. Of course the only thing you need to do is add a little more cook. Last night's recipe:   Artichoke-Chicken Pasta 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken tenders 1 15-ounce can artichoke hearts, quartered 3/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (purchase or chop ~1 red pepper, lay on flat sheet for ~15 minutes at 450 degrees in the oven) 1 8-ounce package American cheese, shredded (or… the Casserole cheese since I couldn't find it already shredded) 1 tablespoon White Wine Worcestershire sauce (or 1/2 and 1/2 of Worcestershire and White Cooking Wine since I couldn't find) 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup 1 8-ounce package shredded cheddar cheese (did a mild/sharp blend) 4 cups hot, cooked bow-tie pasta   1. In a slow cooker combine chicken tenders, artichoke, roasted peppers, American cheese, Worcestershire sauce and soup. Mix well (here I added seasoning) 2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours 3. About 20 minutes before serving, fold in cheddar cheese, hot pasta, salt and pepper to taste.   Enjoy!  I know I had a lot of fun last night.... even without the Punch! Allison

Tax Deductible Donations

Queens, you truly are amazing!
 
Hillene has made some wonderful cloth books!  I can't wait to see them. Some have objects with the name of the object in English, French and Spanish!!  More stars in your Tiara Hillene!
 
Also, I was asked to find out about tax deductible donations: 
 
Checks can be made to Abrazando Christo Mission Program (in Spanish it means Embracing Christ). 
 
Can't wait to see you Wed!!


 Kay
 
 
Justice --- When you get what you deserve
  Mercy ----- When you don't get what you deserve
 Grace ----- When you get what you don't deserve



______________________

EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD

Literacy Project for Nicaragua

Most generous Queens!
 
Our Queen Laurie spoke with Father Danny regarding our support of Literacy.  He said this year with the airlines charging for baggage, money would be greatly appreciated and much much easier to administer. 
 
All donations would go to purchase Spanish Bibles  for the children at the orphanage.  Father Danny also said he would purchase the books in Nicaragua to help the economy in the local area.
 
We'll pass the hat, (does any one have a fancy leopard one?) at our June meeting for those who wish to contribute to this very worthwhile project.
 
Thank you Queen Laurie your efforts to bring culture and literacy to  Nicaragua!

Queen Kay
 

The Pulpwood Queen's Book Club: Pulpwood Queen Book 2008 Book Club Selection Announcements (So Far)!

The Pulpwood Queen's Book Club: Pulpwood Queen Book 2008 Book Club Selection Announcements (So Far)!

New Book List through October...We'll review at our meeting.
Also, we have one person who has a granddaughter interested in a book club. If anyone else knows of someone, we'll discuss sponsoring a Splinter version at our next meeting also.

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Message from Kay: Pulpwood Queens, Please click on the "event" link to indicate whether you will be attending our next meeting. At the event site on the right hand side of the page the discussion questions are listed. They are also on our blog site. Hope you are enjoying reading Mermaids! Happy Reading, Queen Kay When: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 6:30 PM Where: Allison White

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Mermaids Reading Guide

Reading Guide for Mermaids in the Basement:

1. Mermaids in the Basement is story about fathers and daughters. Renata DeChavannes returns to her family’s home in Alabama to discover the truth about her parents’ failed marriage and to reconnect with her estranged father, Louie. How did Renata and Louie drift apart? Do they reach an understanding? How does divorce impact their relationship? Why was Renata shielded from the truth? Discuss the father/daughter relationship and how it differs from mothers and daughters.

2. The novel opens and closes with faux tabloid articles; the chapters are short and each one has a “title.” Discuss the use of tabloids as a metaphor. Can ordinary lives be more outrageous than stories in the Star and Globe?

3. Honora and Gladys present Renata with a trunk that’s filled with artifacts—puzzle pieces to her parents’ tumultuous marriage and divorce, and also clues to secrets from Renata’s childhood. Discuss and how each artifact (newspaper clipping, obituary, jewelry, etc) solves a bit of the mystery.

4. After Renata returns to Alabama, she tries to reconnect with her father, but before she can make headway, she is accused of attacking his fiancé, Joie, sending the woman into a coma. Discuss how Louie and Renata became estranged. How does divorce affect the parent/child relationship?

5. Why did Renata’s mom, Shelby, conceal the truth? Who was she really protecting? What happened in her past to make her want her daughter to have a “normal” childhood? Did Shelby succeed? Should parents shield their children from painful truths?

6. The novel’s title was inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem. The title serves as a metaphor for Renata’s depression and for the hidden past, bringing the truth out of the darkness, into the light. How many secrets were hidden? Which one had the most impact?

7. Central to the novel are the relationships between the women—Renata, Honora, Gladys, and Isabella. How are the women alike and different? How do their actions define character? For example, Honora has a large collection of designer handbags that she regularly “sets free” in public places; and the flamboyant Isabella has a penchant for lacing the food with laxatives and tranquilizers. These women are capable of forgiving each other—but not the men in their lives. What is the significance of their friendship? How has it sustained the women?

8. During the course of the novel, Renata learned the true history of her family. Which “secret” did you enjoy the most? Which one had the biggest impact on her? Do you think she and Ferg will have a successful relationship?

Pirates' Punch

Here's Queen Allison Pirates' Punch from our last meeting.

It is taken from Marshes to Mansions Junior League of Lake Charles 2007 Cookbook.

Serves 30 to 35
****Make Ahead to Freeze*****

2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 (12 oz) cans frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
2 (46 oz) cans pinapple juice
1 cup water
1 (1 1/4 oz) bottle almon extract
2 (2 liter) bottles ginger ale

Combine 2 cups water and sugar in saucepan. Cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.

Combine the sugar mixture, lemonade concentrate, pinapple juice, 1 cup water and almon extract in a bowl and mix well.

Pour into a sealable freezer-safe container or sealable plastic freezer bags and freeze until firm.

To serve: Let stand at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. Remove to a large bowl. Add the ginger ale and sir until slushy.


AND it mixes well with spiced rum or amaretto!

Author in Lake Charles for Book Tour

 
 
Many of you may have read in today's Lake Charles American Press that author  Michel DeLaune will be in Lake Charles On Monday June 9.  Having grown up around here by visiting her grandmother, she describes many  local areas in Lake Charles such as Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church , Drew Park and the Lakefront. 
 
I plan to attend the Book Signing at Books A Million on Monday June 9.  Perhaps I'll see you there!!!
 
Queen Kay
 
 

Lake Charles

Monday, June 09, 2008 12:00 PM - 02:00 PMDeLaune Michel, will be promoting Safety of Secrets, The Appears on/at: Books-A-Million 2934 Ryan Street Lake Charles, LA 70601

 

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Very Important to Sign UP

This is the new emergency service especially for people who do not have landlines etc I hope you will take the time to sign up and forward to your friends and family in the area

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury just made it a whole lot easier to alert the parish in the event of an emergency.

Residents may register their contact information at: www.calcashout.com

They launched a new emergency communication tool for the entire parish community called the "CalcaShout Emergency Alert System." CalcaShout is being called a "reverse 911" system, because it uses the existing emergency communication resources such as email and web- and phone-based alerts.

But, unfortunately, not everyone in the parish has a landline phone.

The system is powered by FirstCall systems. It allows residents in Calcasieu Parish to designate an alternate email address or telephone number where an email, voice or text message can be quickly sent in an emergency.

The emergency contact information stored in the system is not displayed in a public directory, or used for any other purposes.

If a resident cannot access the internet, or has trouble entering their information, they may call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 337.721.3800.

Queen Kay

RE: The Pirates Daughter - Discussion and Interview

Thanks for your comments about the May meeting. I was wondering if you had a lively discussion.

Evelyn Schopen

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The Pirates Daughter - Discussion and Interview

Our May meeting to discuss The Pirates Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson was lively and as spirited as Jamaican rum. With a group of women who are used to their own independence, they related to Ida's independence ---- sometimes with support and sometimes with disapproval of her choices. The questions about Ida's mothering really brought some fierce opinions expressed on the roles of mothers. It's amazing to have so many varied opinions! Some really liked the books and others couldn't stay awake to finish it. One thing for certain these book choices are stretching each of us!!

Connie, who had lived in Jamaica for few years, remembered the extreme differences in the classes. The Haves and Have-Nots, and extreme poverty that was heart-breaking. While the beauty of the island was more than Margaret could describe.

We were delighted to have the author, Margaret, call-in during our meeting. I think she has a fan club for life. She said it took her over 7 years to write the novel, plus a year of stacks of rejection letters, before publication. And no, she is not any one of the characters of the book; and no, no one in her family ever met Errol Flynn! Here's a link to her YouTube video interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnYLj61VKZI

Just returning from a literary festival in Jamaica where she was one of the featured authors, Margaret said she felt very safe there now. In her book she wanted to portray how the changes in government from a British colony to independent rule influence the choices of individuals. The literary festival website is www.calabashfestival.org


She's excited that her previous book The Treasure of Paradise will be coming out in paperback in the next few months. We'll definitely be looking for it!

Also, Margaret agree to sign bookplates for us. I will be mailing them to her, to sign and return; and hand out at our next meeting. I hope you all like the design I did. If one of you has some graphic design experience and would like to try your hand, contact me.

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May Meeting & Contest Details

What a meeting!

Great Friends! Scrumptious Food! Lively Discussion! Plus a Call-In from the author of our book selection, Margaret Cezair-Thompson!!!!

Thank you Honored Queens!

For those who were unable to make the meeting, we missed you and hope you will be able to make our next meeting.


BUSINESS:

Next meeting will be June 25 at Allison White's house in Sulphur. Food Committee: Lea Durio, Allison White, Marsha Williams and Courtney Huck.

The book selection will be Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West. Reading Guide attached. Allison has invited Tammeka head of the Literacy Council of SW LA to come to our meeting to discuss volunteer opportunities for promoting literacy that are already in place or new ones that she's been waiting for volunteers to help implement.

The group decided to support Literacy by helping our Pulpwood Queen Laurie Cormier bring reading supplies to Nicaragua on her mission trip in July. She will be sending us a list of needed items that we can contribute and bring to our June meeting. Laurie we're behind you!!

Also we will be releasing books into wild next meeting so bring one or more you wish to release!


AND Kathy Patrick has 2 contests running for Girlfriends Weekend, the 3rd weekend in January.

CONTEST for INDIVIDUALS: One free ticket will be drawn from the names of those who give a book review of Kathy's book at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (max 2 entries).

CONTEST for BOOK CLUB:

Enter your book club name, story of how your book club got started, what you are reading, contact information, and what you are doing to promote literacy!

One book club will win FREE Pulpwood Queen Packages for ALL Book Club Members to our Annual Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekend 2009, held always the third weekend in January here in East Texas! Please e-mail me all that information at kathy@beautyandthebook.com for your chance to win. Contest runs until December 15, 2008. The Book Club Winner will be announced online at http://www.pulpwoodqueen.com/ and by phone or email.


Registration for Girlfriends Weekend is $150 if paid by August 31. Thereafter it goes up $50 per month until it reaches $350 in January.

More Later

Tonight's Meeting

Grreat News!

I just heard from both Kathy Patrick and Margaret Cezair-Thompson!!
They are planning to call in to our meeting tonight and share about how they came to write their books with us.

What would you like to ask them? Do you have dreams of becoming an author also? How did they start writing? How do they approach Literacy Promotions? Is Jamaica really a romance island? Is it safe to go there now? What's the next book they will write?

Who's going to Girlfriends Weekend??

Lots to think about and I am so looking forward to seeing you tonight!!

Happy Reading
Kay

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Update to Windows Live Event "Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens Book Club Meeting"

	Kay has sent you a message about "Southwest Louisiana Pulpwood Queens Book Club Meeting."	View the event
Message from Kay: My dear friends and Pulpwood Queens, We are learning this internet stuff together. Please click on the "check it out now" link above to go to the event site. Please indicate yes or no for attendance. AND while you are there you can check out the photos of our past meetings. They are in the right hand corner. If you can't access throught the link above, there is a link at the bottom of this email that you can use to copy and paste into your browser. Queen Kay

Royal Photos

Reminder for Meeting and Reading Guide

Reminder: Bring a book for our Pirate's Chest (for Pirate's Daughter) to release into the wild (for Mermaids in the Basement) in June!!!

Re posting the Reading Guide:

May 2008 Book Selection: The Pirate’s Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
Discussion Questions:
1. Is this the story of a pirate’s daughter? Why or why not? Is there more thanone pirate in the novel?

2. How does Cezair-Thompson use the concept of pirates to tell the largerpolitical story of Jamaica’s path to independence? What does this book sayabout Colonialism?

3. Is this a novel about race? Is it a novel about class?

4. Passions run deep in this novel, both love and hate. Do you consider this alove story? Is it a love story between couples, or a love song for Jamaica, orboth? What various kinds of love fuel the plot? What kinds of hatred drive thenarrative?

5. Strong mothers abound in this book, even the mothers we read about only inpassing who leave Jamaica for New York to earn a living for their children. Doyou think Ida is a good mother? Do you think that is a fair question, given thechallenges she faced? How important are fathers, and father figures?

6. Maps play a significant role in this novel. The greatest mysteries, though, arefinding ways to understand hearts and histories. What guides May in her journeytoward self-discovery? How does Nigel find peace?

7. How does the story of Errol Flynn and Hollywood add to the novel?

8. How do the interplay of fact and fiction enliven the story?

9. Place is critical in this novel. How does Cezair-Thompson use differentsettings to advance her tale?

10. What notions of beauty shape this story?

11. Much of the novel is about seduction, but not always the literal kind. Whatseduces different characters, and why?


12. Movies are important to the story, but in the end May is most influenced bywords and books. Why does she seem more interested in one form of mediaover the other?

13. How important to the novel is the theme of forgiveness?

14. Is Jamaica a character in this novel?

Book Club Selections

Here's Kathy's list so far of books for 2008

2008 Official Pulpwood Queen Book Club Selections (so far)!

January 2008The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life by Kathy L. Patrick, Grand Central Publishing

Bonus BookThe Stylist: A Novel (P.S.) by Cai Emmons, Harper PerennialFrom the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By by Robin Roberts, Hyperion

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionRowdy in Paris by Tim Sadlin, Riverhead Hardcover
Pinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionThe Curse of Catunkhamun by Tim Raglin, TR Books


February 2008
Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home by Kim Sunee, Grand Central Publishing

Bonus BooksThe Sweet Life by Lynn York, Plume
The Big Beautiful by Pamela Duncan

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionPinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionThe Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Shermie Alexie, Little Brown Young Readers

March 2008
The Pirate’s Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson, UnBridled Books

Bonus Books
God Said Yes by Heather Hornback Bland,
BerkleyThe Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A. J. Jacobs, Simon & Schuster

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club Selection)Pinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionThe Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, HarperCollins

April 2008
Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West, Harper

Bonus Books
One Fell Swoop by Virginia Boyd,
Thomas NelsonAll the Numbers by Judy Larson, Ballentine Books

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club Selection)Pinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionMy Mother The Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow, Harper TeenFrom Emporia: The Story of William Allen White by Beverley Olsen Buller,

May 2008
A Model Summer by Paulina Porizkova, Hyperion

Bonus Book
the memoirs of a beautiful boy by robert leleux, St. Martins Press
Women of Magdalene by Rosemary Poole-Carter, Kunati Inc.

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club Selection)Pinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionRemember As You Pass Me By by L. King Perez, MilkweedJim Limber Davis: Black Orphan in the Confederate White House by Rickey Pittman, Pelican Publishing Company

June 2008
The Schooling of Claybird Catts by Janis Owens, Harper Paperbacks

Bonus BookMy Brother Michael by Janis Owens, Pineapple Press
Myra Sims by Janis Owens, Pineapple Press

Splinters (our teen version of the Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionThe Chicken Dance by Jacques Covillon, Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Pinecones (our pre-teen version of The Pulpwood Queens Book Club) SelectionSoul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton, Pocket Books

July 2008
The UnLikely Lavender Queen by Jeannie Ralston, Random House

Bonus Book
Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World’s Most Coveted Handbag by Michael Tonello, William Morrow

Next Meeting

Well I've finished reading Pirate's Daughter and have been reviewing the Reading Guide questions. How about you? I think the selections are going to stretch each of us in different ways! I found this book to appeal to my love of water and the tropical isles. I'm looking forward to our discussions.

Remember the next meeting will be May 27th at Beverly Martin's home. I hear the food committee is dreaming up some fun things.

Your pictures turned out great!

Just Reading

Well I finished reading Mermaids in the Basement. I'm eager to hear what everyone else has to say about the book --- in June. I'm just a month off but I had this book first. It's not a book I would have chosen and it stretched me to read it. However, I had an email from Barbara Granger who also finished the book and loved it! Didn't want it to end.

Then I started the Pirate's Daughter, which is more of my type of book. The beautiful descriptions of the waters of Jamiaca just speak to my soul. Guess I'm just a water baby!

I'm going to New Orleans for a few days to help out my son. I emailed his realtor's listing for his house. Keep it in mind if you hear of someone moving.

Happy Reading
Queen Kay

Web Site for Margaret Cezair Thompson

This is another website for the author of Pirates Daughter. http://www.myspace.com/thepiratesdaughter
 
I love the Jamaican music by Dennis Brown that she has on this site.  I've never heard of him but obviously he's been around for awhile. Does anyone have a CD?  It would be fun to listen to it at our next meeting.  
 

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Message from Kathy Patrick

Kathy sent this notice to all about her contest for VIP registration at Girlfriends Weekend, the 3rd weekend in January.  You might want to enter by review her book at either amazon or barnes and noble.  I did and hope to win!
 
Also she discounts the registration for early registrants.  Anyone sending money in by August 31 the registration fee is only $150.  After that is increases by $50 a month, till at the door price is $350.  I would love to go, if you are interested let me know so we can begin saving our dollars and locating a place to stay together.  I hope my two sisters from Arkansas can come also, I'd love for all of you to meet.
 
BTW, Beverly Martin's bday is July 29, the same as my sister, Beverly Hill. 
 
Kathy's message:
I'm so happy your first meeting was such a coo!
Also for everyone who reviews my book on www.amazon.com   or www.barnesandnoble.com , I am entering their name into a drawing for a Free Complimentary Pass to Girlfriend Weekend.   Right now until September 1, 2008 we have a Early Bird Special for $150 for all events for Pulpwood Queens.  It's $100 higher if not a member.  The drawing will be Sept 1, 2008 and if already prepaid, you will get a full refund. The event goes up $50 each month so if you wait to pay at door
it's $350.  The event is held the third weekend in January and will be in Jefferson and Marshall, Texas!  This is the biggie and I bring in around 50 authors, speakers, musical artists and celebs!  You girls don't want to miss this!
More soon and be sure and check www.pulpwoodqueen.com .  Our new webcam is being tested so tell all your members.
You all the best!
Tiara wearing and Book Sharing,
Kathy L. Patrick
Founder of the Pulpwood Queens
www.beautyandthebook.com

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Girlfriends Weekend Contest

Kathy is sponsoring a constest for a free VIP Pass for Girlfriends Weekend and discounts for early registration. It will be the 3rd weekend in January. Many of you have talked about going and I hope we can. Perhaps we can do somekind of fund raiser to help with our expenses??? Give it some thought - bake sale, garage sale, raffle??

See her post below:

By now you probably have all had time to read my book, "The Pulpwood Queens' Tiara Wearing, Book Sharing Guide to Life", Grand Central Publishing. Review my book on http://www.amazon.com or http://www.barnesandnoble.com or both and you will be entered into a drawing for a FREE complimentary V.I.P pass to my annual Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekend held the third weekend in January here in East Texas, (be sure and send me your name and review to verify). At the door the ticket is valued at $350.00 for members, $450.00 for non members. More on that weekend this summer but this is a deal of a lifetime! September 1, 2008 will be the drawing for that contest and the winner will be announced!

Also we have an Early Bird Special as always for our Girlfriend Weekend. If you pay right now and no later than August 31, 2008, you may purchase at V.I.P. Pass to Girlfriend Weekend for $150 but you must be a Pulpwood Queen. As of September 1, 2008, the price will go up $50 a month until January 1, 2009 for Pulpwood Queen members ONLY. Non- members it is a $100 higher. If you win the contest above, your $150 will be refunded. For more on Girlfriend Weekend, go to www.beautyandthebook.com or email me and I'll send you what we did last year!

Meet The Author - Margaret Cezair Thompson

Click on the link to view a brief video of author Margaret Cezair Thompson talking about her book, The Pirate's Daughter. Based loosely on fact and mainly on fiction, I hope you will enjoy reading this fantasy tale about Erroll Flynn.

Queen Kay