Thursday, June 11, 2015

MEET TAMMY SHUTTLESWORTH, ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE FACEBOOK PALS!

I'm proud to introduce you to my pal, Tammy Shuttlesworth! What a blessing  it's been, getting to know this delightful, happy-go-lucky lady. There are a lot of reasons to dislike Facebook, but meeting people like Tammy sure isn't one of them! I'm tickled pink that you get to learn a little something more about her, too:

   

So Tammy, how old were you when you discovered a love for reading?

I remember going to the bookmobile to get books when I was probably about 4. I was amazed a vehicle could hold so many books and wanted one for my own driveway.   

What was the first book you remember reading?

A Little Golden Book titled, Tammy. I thought it was written just for me. <g>

Aww! I'll have to look for that one and read it to my grandorables! Speaking of reading, what's the last movie you saw that was based on a novel you read? Do you think the filmmakers did a decent job of telling the story, or are things left out—or put in—that diminished your enjoyment of the story?

I seldom watch a movie if I’ve already read the book. Mainly because I don’t want to be disappointed if something turns out differently. The exception is ‘Gone With the Wind’. It was the first movie my aunt took me to see when it first came out. For years I read the book each summer after school was out. I haven’t read it lately but the memory of seeing that movie on the Big Screen with my aunt is definitely a happy one. Scarlett and Rhett may make an appearance on my end table soon. 

I tend to agree with you: Movies seldom capture the essence of a book. <sigh> Do you have a favorite genre (romance, historical, contemporary, sci-fi, fantasy, action-adventure, thriller)?

Historical romances seem to draw me in faster than any other. Not just the fact that people fell in love ‘back then’ and often had to fight for what they wanted, but reading about the obstacles and crises they lived through which made them stronger as a couple make me appreciate what my ancestors sometimes lived through.

I get that! People 'back then' knew how to make a commitment--and stick with it, didn't they! But tell me...how do you make time to read, with so many other demands on your time?

Since I’m retired there aren’t too many demands on my time anymore.  I do always keep a few books in the car to take with me to doctor appointments, etc.

I carry books everywhere...for the same reason! Do you have a 'Favorites’ bookshelf? How many of those shelves are stuffed to the brim with books?

My Favorite shelf is every shelf I have books on! LOL An estimate of shelves would be 22.

Twenty-two? Wow! You are the type of reader every author loves to meet! And just how do you choose a book: Cover? Title? Author’s name?

Cover art, then title.  I try not to get too hung up on looking for specific authors (Loree excluded, of course) because I’ve found some wonderful romances written by someone I might have overlooked otherwise. 

And do you read the back jacket of a book before buying it?

Absolutely. I think it tells me a lot about the author’s style of writing and whether I think I’ll enjoy it.

What about the way you read? Do you prefer print books to e-books?

I don’t have a preference.  Just let me read!

LOL! Do you enjoy interacting with your favorite authors online? Which social networking site is your favorite (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Other)?

Yes, I do enjoy spending time with authors, and I’d say Facebook better suits me.

How many book signings have you attended?

Five. (One was my own so hope that counts!)

It absolutely counts! Someday, I want to hear all about your writing! What do you like best about book signings?

Getting to see and talk with the author on a personal level.
  
That's my favorite part of book signings, too...meeting readers face-to-face and getting a chance to talk with them, one on one! I always serve food and beverages at the signings...do you eat and/or drink while you read? If so, what’s your go-to snack?

I drink mostly water.  Sometimes those potato chips and French Onion dip scream my name way too loudly though. I’ve learned to allow myself just 10 minutes of the chips/dip combo for health reasons.

Oh, I hear ya, girl! Chips and dip are one of the reasons I'm a lifetime Weight Watchers member! <g> So do you have a favorite hobby?

My three R’s are Reading, Writing, and Relaxing. I used to bowl a lot but had to stop after numerous shoulder surgeries.

Bummer on the surgeries! Can you tell us a little something about where you live, your work and family.

I was born in West Virginia and raised in eastern Ohio. I joined the US Air Force after high school because unemployment was at 26% in my county at the time. The AF gave me assignments in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Germany, South Dakota and finally Louisiana. I retired after 20 years and taught AF Junior ROTC at a local high school before leaving that after 14 years. I married my husband in Florida at my first duty station, where we also had out first daughter. Our second daughter was born in South Dakota. We’ve lived in NW Louisiana for almost 25 years so I think we’re probably staying. I have a grandson and a granddaughter, both of whom fill my heart with unbelievable love and make me smile when I think of them. I also have a very spoiled 12-year-old miniature long-haired dachshund, who is perhaps the best dog I’ve ever owned. There’s also a 2-year-old cat who likes to use my sofa to sleep on throughout the day.

Do you have a favorite recipe you can share with us?

Strawberry – Sour Cream Salad (Tammy Shuttlesworth)

Ingredients:

2 packages strawberry Jell-o
2 cups hot water
1 bag frozen strawberries
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
1 15 oz can crushed pineapple
½ cup celery (chopped) optional
½ cup nuts (chopped) optional
1 pint sour cream (I sometimes only use ½ of the pint)

Directions:

Dissolve Jell-o in the 2 cups of boiling water, then add frozen strawberries. Stir for a few minutes to let the strawberries thaw.  Fold in mashed bananas, pineapple, celery, and nuts. Put half of the mixture in an 8x8 square pan (or Jell-o mold if you have one) and chill for 2 or 3 hours. Cover and leave the remaining mixture out on the counter. When first half of mixture is chilled, whip the sour cream; by hand is fine. Spread sour cream across the chilled portion, then pour on the remaining mixture.  Chill again until firm.  12 servings.



Omigarsh...that looks like it would be a family favorite at my house, too! Thanks for sharing the recipe and a little of yourself with us, Tammy. These are just a few of the reasons I know we'd get along great if we met in person. Someday, I hope we do! Thanks so much for letting us get to know you better, Tammy! You're the best...and I mean that!