Episode 421 || Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley: Spring
This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley, formerly known as Kids' Table! It's the same banter and book talk you love with a fresh new name. Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying.
To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, visit our website:
Annie's books:
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
Congratulations! The Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas (releases 8/8)
Happy Place by Emily Henry (releases 4/25)
Ashley's books:
Fieldwork by Iliana Regan
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst (releases 5/2)
The Life Council by Laura Tremaine
You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith
From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.
A full transcript of today’s episode can be found below.
Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.
Thank you to this week’s sponsor, the 102nd Annual Rose Show and Festival in Thomasville, Georgia. Come visit us for the weekend of April 28th-29th and experience the flowers, fun, food, and shopping in Beautiful Thomasville. Plan your visit at ThomasvilleGa.com.
This week, Annie is reading The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill. Ashley is reading You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith.
If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Or, if you’re so inclined, support us on Patreon, where you can hear our staff’s weekly New Release Tuesday conversations, read full book reviews in our monthly Shelf Life newsletter and follow along as Hunter and I conquer a classic. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.
We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
Our Executive Producers are...Cammy Tidwell, Chanta Combs, Chantalle C, Donna Hetchler, Kate O’Connell, Kristin May, Laurie Johnson, Linda Lee Drozt, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Stacy Laue, Stephanie Dean, Susan Hulings, and Wendi Jenkins.
Transcript:
Annie Jones [squeaky porch swing] Welcome to From the Front Porch, a conversational podcast about books, small business, and life in the South. [music plays out]
“Do you believe in magic?” he asked. Ellwood paused for a while, so long that if he had been anyone else, Gaunt might have repeated the question. “I believe in beauty,” said Ellwood, finally. “Yes,” said Gaunt, fervently. “Me too.” He wondered what it was like to be someone like Ellwood, who contributed to the beauty of a place, rather than blighting it.” - Alice Winn, In Memoriam
[as music fades out] I’m Annie Jones, owner of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in beautiful downtown Thomasville, Georgia, and this week, I’m back chatting about “off the shelf” topics with my cousin Ashley Sherlock. Do you love listening to From the Front Porch every week? Spread the word by leaving a review on Apple podcasts. All you have to do is open up the Podcast App on your phone, look for From the Front Porch, scroll down until you see ‘Write a Review’ and tell us what you think.
Here’s a recent review from Ellen: An important part of my week! I’m a long time listener and can’t imagine how my week would be if I didn’t have From the Front Porch to listen to and enjoy. The minute I hear the creak of the front porch swing, I feel like a special friend has stopped by to chat. It makes me want to offer some iced tea! The conversations are so much fun and I really enjoy guests like Hunter, Ashley, Shop Mom and every so often, Jordan. Count me as fan-girl!!
Thank you, Ellen, and thank you to all of the reviewers who’ve left kind words and thoughtful reviews over the last few months. We’re so grateful any time you share From the Front Porch with your friends; thanks for spreading the word about our podcast and our bookstore.
[00:02:01] Now back to the show. Hello.
Ashley [00:02:05] Hello.
Annie Jones [00:02:06] Welcome back, Ashley.
Ashley [00:02:08] Thanks. Happy to be here.
Annie Jones [00:02:09] It's spring.
Ashley [00:02:11] Finally. Thank goodness.
Annie Jones [00:02:13] Thank goodness it's spring. These episodes used to be called, as folks may know, our kids table episodes, but now we call this our Off the Shelf series. So today we're going to be talking about books, yes, but also about articles, TV shows, pop culture and more. Ashley is a former Bookshelf staffer and my literal family member and friend. We've not spoken in weeks!
Ashley [00:02:35] I know. Nice to see you. How are things?
Annie Jones [00:02:38] Nice to see you. They've been better. This is not the best week to be talking to me, I feel like. Do you ever watch old episodes of Friends or Gilmore Girls? Really anything where you think, oh, Phoebe's sick, or Monica has a stuffy nose.
Ashley [00:02:56] Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:02:56] Am under the weather. I have been cooped up in my home since Easter Sunday. A real great day to wake up and think, "No, no. I have lived 40 days of Lent. I have mourned and fasted. And now it's time for Easter and I have a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose?"
Ashley [00:03:18] More mourning.
Annie Jones [00:03:19] And so, here we are. You're the first human I've talked to other than Jordan. But even he has been working late, so you're really the first person I've talked to in days. So, this should be great.
Ashley [00:03:30] Wow, I feel awesome. I feel-- is honored the word?
Annie Jones [00:03:32] Yeah. We'll see by the end of this. We'll see if I remember how to talk to a human. It was so weird. I felt totally fine. On Saturday I worked a full day at the Bookshelf. Like a weekend work day, which have been a while since I had done that. Felt great. And then Saturday night, as I went to bed, I thought, I think I might have a little congestion. And then Sunday morning, mh-mh. I had to miss my mom's deviled eggs.
Ashley [00:03:55] But that meant more deviled eggs for me. And I was okay with that part.
Annie Jones [00:03:58] Oh, I knew that they would be eaten. I knew that it would be fine.
Ashley [00:04:02] The vibes, however, were missing. When you and Jordan are not present, the vibes are also not present.
Annie Jones [00:04:09] Thank you so much. We hear that from Jordan's family too. It is nice to have the reputation about being the fun black sheep. That's how we are.
Ashley [00:04:17] You are the personality heirs of this family voice.
Annie Jones [00:04:21] Jordan really does up the-- well and around our family too, I do think I'm a little goofier than I am around others.
Ashley [00:04:32] Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:04:33] So, we really missed hanging out. Here we are. How are you as we enter spring? We're smack dab in the middle of it now.
Ashley [00:04:38] It was cold today. Not a fun fact, but I still wore a tank top and I didn't get any weird looks. So, I'm feeling pretty good.
Annie Jones [00:04:47] You're manifesting. It's fine. So, let's start with what we've been reading this season. Do you want to kick us off?
Ashley [00:04:54] Sure. Okay. So I read a book called Fieldwork by Iliana Regan. Have you heard of it?
Annie Jones [00:05:02] I have not. Tell me all about it.
Ashley [00:05:04] I feel like you could enjoy this in a certain season of your life. I'm not really sure what season that would be, but I think you could be into it. It's a memoir. Iliana Regan is a self-taught chef and Airbnb owner. But this memoir covers a little bit of her childhood, some of her gender identity, struggle, lots of nature. And she also is a forager. So that was in there, too. And I found that part fascinating. She's very creative, and I think she just had a very interesting life. It's slow going, which is why I think you would have to be in a certain mindset to read it, you in particular. But you read that one homesteading book a couple of far episodes ago.
Annie Jones [00:05:54] That might have as well have been a year ago now.
Ashley [00:05:56] I just remember you talking about a homesteading book. And then maybe the author reached out to you after listening to the podcast.
Annie Jones [00:06:03] It was that one about survival.
Ashley [00:06:05] Okay.
Annie Jones [00:06:06] Yes, I know what you're talking about.
Ashley [00:06:07] You enjoying that book makes me think you would enjoy this book because I think if you're into homesteading or if you just find that lifestyle interesting, then this could be interesting for you. I do recommend that you read the book and not the audiobook.
Annie Jones [00:06:22] Did you listen to it?
Ashley [00:06:24] I did, and it's read by the author, which I normally prefer; but I think I would prefer this in my hands.
Annie Jones [00:06:30] Yeah, it reminds me-- I don't know if you read this or not, and I actually think as I'm about to say this, I wonder if I have time to Google it. So, there was a book written by a woman who owns a bed and breakfast in Maine called Finding Freedom. The bed and breakfast was not called that. The book was called that. Erin French is her name and it was an excellent book. The Lost Kitchen is the name of her-- it's not even a bed and breakfast, I'm sorry. It's like a restaurant. And the only way that you can get reservations is by submitting postcards. And then they do a lottery every... Yeah, I know. Your face.
Ashley [00:07:04] Oh, man, I've got into it. Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:07:04] Yes. So, you submit postcards and then they draw and they give you a call and they're like, you're up. Do you want to come to dinner or whatever? And the reason I said bed and breakfast is that they've also started to do little pods of where you can kind of stay overnight. But it's in the middle of Maine. And that book, they've changed the name for the paperback release because Finding Freedom was also the name of a Prince Harry and Meghan book, as I recall. So, it's called Finding Freedom in the Lost Kitchen. But I loved that book, and so I wonder if fans of Finding Freedom might also like Field Work. That was the name of it, right?
Ashley [00:07:41] Yes, Field work. Are they still taking postcard submissions?
Annie Jones [00:07:47] I can't remember. You never know. They open it up at some point in the spring because then they start fulfilling reservations-- I don't know-- in May. You should look it up.
Ashley [00:07:56] Yeah, I'm going to.
Annie Jones [00:07:57] There was also a TV show for a while.
Ashley [00:07:58] What?
Annie Jones [00:07:59] Yeah.
Ashley [00:07:59] Okay. That sounds really cool.
Annie Jones [00:08:00] She's fascinating, and the book is great.
Ashley [00:08:02] That's awesome.
Annie Jones [00:08:03] Okay, so Field Work. I might look into that. You're right. It sounds like I would need to be in the mood for it, but it could be interesting. Also, you seem like someone who should forage.
Ashley [00:08:12] Yeah, I think you're right. I think I could.
Annie Jones [00:08:14] Yeah, I think you could do too.
Ashley [00:08:15] I can't hunt, but I can forage.
Annie Jones [00:08:17] Please forage responsibly so that you don't die on mushrooms or something.
Ashley [00:08:21] Oh, I am nothing if not a rule follower and extremely careful. So, I think we're going to be okay.
Annie Jones [00:08:27] Perfect. Then you're great for foraging. You're a great contender. Okay. So, I'm going to tell you what I did this past Saturday, which was I was working at the Bookshelf and I had just finished reading a book for this podcast. I had finished reading Tinkers alongside Hunter, and I was desperate because my ARC stack-- you know what this is like, I think. But you bring home so many books from the Bookshelf, so many advance reader copies, and sometimes you're just not in the mood. And I was looking at my advanced reader stack and I was like, none of this looks good. I would like to preface that doesn't mean that those aren't good books. But I looked at the stack and I thought, none of these looks interesting to me.
Ashley [00:09:05] Not today.
Annie Jones [00:09:05] Yeah, not today. Because I was working at the Bookshelf, I thought, before I leave today, I'm going to find my next read. And so, I went and shopped the Bookshelf shelves, which I never get to do anymore. And Keila and Kendall were working that day and they kind of helped me narrow it down. I took home three books and I'm going to talk about one of them today that I just finished today. And I just have to tell you, you're the first person I'm telling. You're the first person besides Hunter. I texted Hunter. This is going to be my top 10, potentially my top five of the year.
Ashley [00:09:36] Okay.
Annie Jones [00:09:37] In Memoriam. It's by Alice Winn. This is historical fiction set during World War One. And we start at this posh British school for boys, and we meet Elwood and Gaunt, and they are two young men who are quietly pining for the other. And they don't know necessarily. Gaunt doesn't know Elwood is pining for him, and Elwood doesn't know Gaunt is pining for him. And we get their love story, but we also get the story of war and the effects of World War One on the young men of Britain and what life was like on the front lines. It is astounding. It's one of the books that I picked up on Saturday, and I was hesitant if it was going to be a book that was really kind of a one sit read. I wanted a book that would be quick. I wanted a book that I was going to start and have no problem finishing, not anything I would get bogged down in because sometimes that messes with my reading rhythm. Anyway, this is 300 plus pages, so maybe it was a little longer than a one sit read. And it was one of those books that you want to last forever. And then you also want to know what happened, so you keep reading. I was really rather sad when I finished it. It's beautiful. It's a little bit outside my typical genre, just because sometimes I can be reticent about, 'historical fiction'. But it is stunning. It is beautifully written. There's a lot of poetry incorporated. The book title gets its name from a Tennyson poem. It took me back to high school English class in the best possible way. And as someone who also many years ago now went to London and was obsessed with Eton and just thought it was such an interesting environment, this kind of British boarding school environment, I loved that setting. And I also realized I hadn't done a lot of reading set around World War One. Certainly probably World War Two, but not around World War One. And so, I just don't know. I kept thinking of all the great poetry I studied in high school, and it was fabulous. I think you would like it just because I'm struggling to know who wouldn't. It's so beautiful and stunning that I think anybody would love it. I specifically recommended it to my friend Courtney because I know how much she loves history and Great Britain and she loves reading and watching things about World War One. So, I think she will certainly love it. I think it sounds a little bit outside maybe what you might typically read, but I kind of want everybody to read it. It's so good.
Ashley [00:12:11] It is outside what I would typically read. But the fact that you said you're struggling to think of somebody who wouldn't like it, that's high praise.
Annie Jones [00:12:21] It's not hard to read. I was hooked immediately. I loved Gaunt and Ellwood. I loved their friends. I love reading about male friendship, male companionship, and then the love between Gaunt and Elwood was also really beautiful. I just liked it so much. I liked it so much I can't stop thinking about it.
Ashley [00:12:44] I'll have to check it out.
Annie Jones [00:12:45] Did you read anything else? Have you got any of the spring reads?
Ashley [00:12:48] I do. Apparently, spring is my reading time.
Annie Jones [00:12:52] Okay.
Ashley [00:12:53] I read Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst.
Annie Jones [00:12:57] Great. Tell me if I should [crosstalk].
Ashley [00:12:59] I think yes.
Annie Jones [00:13:01] Okay.
Ashley [00:13:02] It's a debut novel, which I think is impressive because it's a very good book. Okay. First of all, it's about a girl in her twenties living in New York who works in media which, hi same, minus the New York part. But she gets fired from her job because she's black, but she's also replaced by another black woman. And so, this is really her exploration of her professional life, but also how that impacts her family and friend dynamics. It's really a coming of age story. There's flashbacks to her and her family when she was like in her teens. But I have found the characters very compelling. I will say for you, it's a little bit spicy at some times. I don't think it's anything that you can't handle.
Annie Jones [00:13:55] Okay. I'll probably just read the physical.
Ashley [00:13:57] It does come with an Annie spice warning.
Annie Jones [00:13:59] Did you listen to it?
Ashley [00:14:01] Yes.
Annie Jones [00:14:03] We're going to talk about this in the listening section. I am discovering that spice in an audiobook is very different to me than spice in a physical book.
Ashley [00:14:12] You'll be fine if you just read the book.
Annie Jones [00:14:14] I think so too. Okay. Which I do have an ARC. I literally am looking at it. I have wondered if it was for me or not. So, this is good to know.
Ashley [00:14:20] I think it's worth your time.
Annie Jones [00:14:22] That sounds lovely. I finished Congratulations; The Best is Over. This is by R. Eric Thomas.
Ashley [00:14:32] Okay. I want to read that.
Annie Jones [00:14:32] It's so good. R. Eric Thomas wrote Here for It, which was one of my favorite books in 2020. I hope that it got the attention it deserved, but admittedly, that was also pandemic time. So, if you have not read here for it, please do. Did you read that?
Ashley [00:14:46] Yeah, I have it.
Annie Jones [00:14:47] Okay. That's what I thought. It's outstanding. So many booksellers at the Bookshelf have read it and loved it. And then I also read Kings of Be More, which was his young adult debut novel, kind of an homage to Ferris Bueller's Day Off. It was really fun. This is his new memoir in essays; however, you want to word that. It's his essay collection, but it's also his memoir, particularly of the year 2020-2021, kind of dealing with pandemic times and with his own. How long do we think the term coming of age applies? I just feel like we're constantly coming of age.
Ashley [00:15:27] I never know. I just say it because it sounds right.
Annie Jones [00:15:30] Well, because I just feel like humans are always coming of age. And in that case, that's all you do.
Ashley [00:15:36] This is unless you're not living anymore.
Annie Jones [00:15:37] Right. Unless you're dead, you're always coming of age. This is Eric Thomas's maybe coming of middle age, I guess, for lack of a better phrase. He is absolutely hilarious. There are just countless pop culture references in his work, and you feel like the biggest genius when you catch them all and when you figure them out. It's a lot like to me watching episodes of Gilmore Girls and realizing where references come from. Like not just hearing the references, but actually knowing, oh, yes, I saw that movie or, oh yes, I read that book. And I read aloud one of the chapters to Jordan because I just thought it was so funny. It was about Eric and his husband moving. And Jordan was cackling like in the front seat. He thought it was hilarious. So, what I love about Eric Thomas is he's excruciatingly funny. Like, painfully funny. You're laughing a lot. And it had been a long time since a book had made me laugh out loud. But then you're also struck by the poignancy of it, and you are also deeply moved by parts of it. And so, I think it's the perfect book for our time, where it's one minute we're laughing hysterically at something and the next minute we're drowning in our own tears and malaise because life is hard. I really like this book a lot. It does not come out until August. I believe it is August. Oh, dear. It's like August 8th, I think. But the good news is Eric is our upcoming guest for our June Reader retreat. He's one of our two authors who are visiting. He's going to be joined by Kerry Winfrey. And although the Reader Retreat is full and booked, we are doing a live podcast with Eric and with Carrie, and there are tickets available on the Bookshelf website. You can check out our show notes if you want tickets to that event. I think it's going to be really, really fun.
Ashley [00:17:20] I'm so excited for that live podcast.
Annie Jones [00:17:22] I've been bouncing around ideas with Caroline of how to incorporate two guests. That would be a different format for us, and I'm pretty excited with what we'll come up with.
Ashley [00:17:33] I'm so excited. It's going to be good. Okay, last one on reading for me is The Life Council by Laura Tremaine. I was so excited to have read this the day before it came out. Honestly, I like stuff like this just because I like Laura Tremaine, and I also like getting glimpses into the lives of people like her. Honestly, my favorite part of this was just learning about her friends. But she talks about, I think, the 10 friendships that every woman needs at some point in their lives. Not all 10 at once. And it was honestly just kind of fun to think about my friends in this way. Not like putting them in a box, but kind of like, oh yeah, this friend is really good for this thing. And it kind of also helps maybe take the pressure off of some of your other friends because they can't all do everything, nor should they.
Annie Jones [00:18:29] Yes.
Ashley [00:18:30] I enjoyed it. It was really nice book.
Annie Jones [00:18:32] Did you listen to it?
Ashley [00:18:34] Yes.
Annie Jones [00:18:35] I am desperate to read this book. I have not been back at work due to my whatever this illness is. And I need to grab a copy because I loved her first book. Like, truly loved it. I'm pretty sure we did an episode from the Front Porch about her previous book Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First. I'm pretty sure I even bought copies for my friends. Like, that's how much I liked it. I mailed it to some of my long distance friends.
Ashley [00:18:56] Yeah, you did. I remember that.
Annie Jones [00:18:58] So, I'm really excited to read this because I do think one of the beauties of adulthood is realizing that you can have more than one best friend, which maybe some people realized early. But as a highly introverted person who takes her people very seriously, I am drawn to one or two best friends, not 10 best friends. But I think what adulthood has taught me is there's more to life than 'best friends'. There's also the friends who are in your book club. There's the friends you meet through faith community. There's the friends you meet when you go line dancing. Like you said, they don't have to all meet one need. And in fact, it kind of takes the pressure off when they don't, when you have multiple friends you can kind of rely on. Certainly making friends an adult is really hard. I think it is really hard. I think it's worth the effort. But growing older I think also frees you up to realize you can have lots of different kind of relationships. And actually it might be healthier if you have lots of different kinds of relationships. So I'm excited to read this one.
Ashley [00:20:04] Yeah, you're going to like it.
Annie Jones [00:20:06] I'm excited. I have other books, but I will just echo your words, which is spring must be my sweet spot because I read 15 books in March, which is an absurd number for me as a person.
Ashley [00:20:19] Get out. I know it's your job, but calm down.
Annie Jones [00:20:22] Honestly, by the end of March, I was a little bit like, "Oh, maybe that was too many." I mean, that was a lot.
Ashley [00:20:28] Maybe you were a little overzealous again?
Annie Jones [00:20:30] Perhaps I was. But there is something about spring for me. I just think it might be a better reading season for me. I don't know if it has to do with Jordan's legislative work, that when he's gone I just tend to read more because I'm not talking as much. I don't know if that might be it. But yeah, I feel like I'm in a good-- I brought home some really great books last Saturday, so just feel like I'm in a good headspace reading wise, which is a really nice, lovely place to be. Thank you Spring.
Ashley [00:20:54] Indeed it is.
Annie Jones [00:20:56] Okay. Let's talk about watching. Are you watching/ have you ever watched Succession?
Ashley [00:21:03] No.
Annie Jones [00:21:04] Ashley, please stop what you're doing-- not this podcast. I need you to [crosstalk].
Ashley [00:21:08] That's the end of the podcast.
Annie Jones [00:21:10] Okay. Jordan and I love Succession. We have loved it from day one. It is now on its fourth and final season, as I'm sure you have seen in the news, on the Internet etc.. This show is so good. It is, I think, one of the best shows of the last 10 years. If you are a prestige TV fan, if you like your Breaking Bads, then I think you will like Succession. It is also at its heart a dysfunctional family story about an uber wealthy patriarch who is trying to figure out which of his children will take the reins of the family company. It's loosely inspired or perhaps very inspired by the Murdoch family. It is filthy. And my mother would not be able to watch a single scene. There's so much language. I feel like I should preface by saying my mom is always texting when I talk about a show. And she's like, "So would dad and I like it?" And I mostly have to say, absolutely not. And the people are truly horrible. And they just make decisions that you just are constantly scratching your head at. At the same time, it's also deeply funny. The most recent episode, I think, is one of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen. And I don't say that lightly because to me there are shows like Fleabag that are just above everything else. But it's not surprising to me then that this show which is created by a British creator. I just think the British know how to do TV and they know how to end things.
Ashley [00:22:43] I do too, man.
Annie Jones [00:22:43] Yeah, they know how to end things too. This is the last season. I think everybody is almost grateful that they have decided this is the last season. Instead of dragging it on and on, they're going to tell a complete story. I just wanted to mention it here because I love it, but I also think you will like it. I really do. And it'd be a fun thing for you to watch an episode every night. I don't know, to...
Ashley [00:23:07] Unwind?
Annie Jones [00:23:08] Yeah, unwind. There you go.
Ashley [00:23:11] True.
Annie Jones [00:23:11] I don't know. I just think you should try it. People might disagree with me. I don't think it's something you have to watch like 10 episodes in a day. Do you know what I mean? I think just watch an episode every night or every week. I think you might really like it.
Ashley [00:23:24] Okay, that's helpful because while spring may be a good time for me reading, I am having trouble watching things right now, which makes for a great segment on a podcast about what I'm watching. But I need things that I can take in small doses because I really have not been sitting down to watch things. Which is why I was going to talk about Daisy Jones & the Six, because that's really the only thing that I have watched. I'm not even done with it yet. I'm on Episode five.
Annie Jones [00:23:57] I wanted to talk about Daisy Jones. Hunter and I almost wanted to do a podcast, like a bonus episode about Daisy Jones.
Ashley [00:24:05] I would be a fan of that because I need to know. I'm getting mixed reviews from everybody that I talk to.
Annie Jones [00:24:09] How old are the people that you're talking to? Because that is what I am discovering, is the line.
Ashley [00:24:14] Okay. That's fair. I mean, I'm talking to a range of people from my age and older.
Annie Jones [00:24:24] Okay.
Ashley [00:24:25] Some people are like, it starts off slow, but then it ends really well. And other people are like, oh, I was in it from the beginning. And then other people are like, oh, it was fine.
Annie Jones [00:24:33] I'm in the, "Oh, it was fine". But the last three episodes were fantastic. That's my take. Here's part of the problem, which I will say I have changed in my older age. I used to be one of those people who was like, oh, the book is always better. I no longer think that, and I think we've talked about this on this podcast. Books and movies and TV shows are all different art forms, are different mediums.
Ashley [00:24:57] Exactly [crosstalk].
Annie Jones [00:25:00] Yeah, and the movie can also be fantastic or whatever. But I do think there were a lot of high expectations by people going into this show-- maybe me included. But I don't think that was it for me. I think it was just a slow going for the first few episodes. And I will also say Keila and Kendall on staff-- I hesitate to say Kendall because now I'm like, "Have I talked to Kendall about it?" But I know I've talked to Keila. They loved it start to finish, loved the whole thing. If you come to the Bookshelf during one of their shifts, guaranteed that sound track is playing across our speakers. Which is fine, I think the music is fabulous. I just thought it was a little slow. And then when I watched the last three episodes, I thought, "Oh my gosh, that was great. This could have been a miniseries." I don't know that it needed to be 10 episodes ever. And I thought the chemistry between Riley Keough (who plays Daisy) and then Sam Claflin (the guy who plays Billy) I thought their chemistry was great. And I thought the chemistry of the band was great. It seemed like they really had a great time. I think the wig department should be fired. I think they're some of the worst wigs I've ever seen in the nineties-- like when they flash forward or whatever, when they do the talking. Some of those hairpieces are atrocious. And I don't understand on the Amazon budget why that would be the case. I just don't get it.
Ashley [00:26:15] Fair point.
Annie Jones [00:26:17] Anyway, what are your thoughts?
Ashley [00:26:22] I guess I'm in the point where it's fine because I'm only on episode five. I mean, look, it would have taken me a long time anyway, but it's not necessarily like-- I'm not, like, waiting to come home from work so I can watch Daisy Jones & the Six.
Annie Jones [00:26:37] I see. Okay. The bar is high right now for TV because there's so much great TV out there. And part of the reason I wanted to recommend Succession to you is because if you are like me-- and I think we are similar-- when you're watching TV, you're probably double screening it, right? Meaning you're watching TV, but do you also have your phone in your hand?
Ashley [00:26:53] Yeah. Unless I'm watching the TV on my phone.
Annie Jones [00:26:57] Right. So, I think the fact that I never pick up my phone during succession, never.
Ashley [00:27:05] Okay.
Annie Jones [00:27:05] Or the fact that I never-- the other show I was going to talk about, which I think I talked about last time, was Shrinking, which is the show with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. I never picked my phone up during that show. I want a show right now that is going to prevent me from looking at my other screen. I don't want to look at my other screen. I want to watch a TV show because TV is storytelling. And just like I don't want to pick up my phone while I'm reading a book, I want to be wrapped up in a story. And I found myself in the first few episodes of Daisy Jones just a little bit bored. And I would find myself picking up my phone. And then the last three episodes, I did not feel that. And that is kind of these days how I judge a good TV show.
Ashley [00:27:45] That's fair. I'm sticking it out, but it might be by the next Off the Shelf conversation that I have something to say.
Annie Jones [00:27:53] Did you read the book?
Ashley [00:27:55] Yeah, I read it when it first came out. I was going to say I loved the book.
Annie Jones [00:27:59] Yeah, it's a great book. I just feel like just skip to the last three episodes. You won't miss anything.
Ashley [00:28:03] Yeah. I mean, I can set my own rules, I guess. That's fine.
Annie Jones [00:28:07] I don't know. Maybe that's an unpopular opinion. But I'm like, just watch the last three episodes because they're pretty great. And the music is good. Yeah, that's the other thing, is one of my favorite songs I think is Honeycomb. And I definitely am of the Civil Wars generation. Did you listen to the Civil Wars?
Ashley [00:28:29] Yes, because of you.
Annie Jones [00:28:32] So, when they broke up, it was devastating. And so, the Honeycomb reminds me a little bit of the song Poison and Wine by the Civil Wars. Anyway, you can kind of channel some of that. And the concert scenes I thought they did a good job with in Daisy Jones. So, I don't know. If you can make it to the last few episodes, I think it's worth it. And people may be screaming into their phones and cars right now. They may completely disagree with me, but...
Ashley [00:28:52] That's okay. You can hear them. Was it you that told me that this was not based on Fleetwood Mac but the Civil Wars?
Annie Jones [00:29:00] I did not tell you that.
Ashley [00:29:01] Somebody told me that.
Annie Jones [00:29:03] Fascinating.
Ashley [00:29:04] Civil Wars with Fleetwood Mac tendencies? I don't know.
Annie Jones [00:29:08] Era?
Ashley [00:29:09] Yeah, that's it. That's it. It's Fleetwood Mac era.
Annie Jones [00:29:13] Okay. Anything else you're watching? Anything else?
Ashley [00:29:15] Okay. Well, I did want to give this one thing. It's not TV or anything like that, but it's an Instagram account. He posts videos. It's called @made.by.edgar He is an artist based in New Jersey, but from Mexico. He's a calligrapher/hand letterer. And I'm not sure that I have ever seen someone with his talent. I find his videos very satisfying and beautiful. If you like watching people write pretty things, then give them a follow.
Annie Jones [00:29:46] If you need a little soothing something.
Ashley [00:29:48] Yeah, it's really nice.
Annie Jones [00:29:50] All right. Well, what are you listening to?
Ashley [00:29:55] Okay, so I'm going through something right now, and that is the fact that I am not going to Taylor Swift's Eras tour..
Annie Jones [00:30:06] Join the club. All of us, people who have to pay our bills instead.
Ashley [00:30:13] The tickets were in my grasp and I lost them.
Annie Jones [00:30:18] I never even had a chance. It's like I never even had a date. I never even got a chance.
Ashley [00:30:24] I was buying two tickets and I didn't care who was coming with me. I was going. But the odds were not in my favor.
Annie Jones [00:30:31] At least you had access. You're so lucky.
Ashley [00:30:33] I know. I mean, I guess. But honestly, I kind of wish-- now I just feel like I blew it.
Annie Jones [00:30:40] I looked at resale tickets for us. The cheapest ones I found were $586 a seat..
Ashley [00:30:49] Okay. So every other video on my TikTok feed is of Taylor Swift right now. And there are people who are actually sitting behind the stage. You buy obstructed view tickets, but you're behind the stage. You can't see anything.
Annie Jones [00:31:07] Do you think it's worth it just to be in the room where it happens?
Ashley [00:31:10] Yeah, I don't know. I mean, I'd be a little bit sad about it but I'd go. It's Taylor Swift at her peak. Are you kidding?
Annie Jones [00:31:21] Right. Well, I really had resigned myself because, like I said, I didn't even get access. And it was just one of those things where I was like, well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. And I was fine until-- I'm not on TikTok-- but my Instagram reels started just being her concert. And then I saw one instagrammer refer to this concert as "It's not just Taylor's Eras, it's the eras of our lives too." And my nostalgic little heart was so peeved because I thought I would have loved this because I've been listening to her since I watched her bang on a trash can in college. I am so annoyed [crosstalk] and in the gump.
Ashley [00:31:59] So, now when I see all these nine year old girls at her shows, I'm like, I have been listening to this woman since we were both your age.
Annie Jones [00:32:11] I want to send you-- let me see if I can remember her name. Just speaking of watching and listening combined. I think I've sent you some of her videos before. I follow this woman on Instagram. I think her handle is Clair from online or something like that.
Ashley [00:32:29] [Crosstalk] I kind of want to do that myself.
Annie Jones [00:32:31] I'm going to do it. I think I'm going to do it. Why not? I just feel like it looks so fun. Basically, she's taken all-- what is it, like 194 of Taylor Swift's songs? And then she ranks them. I think there's a beautiful rhythm to it, but it is a little bit of organized chaos where she does a random album generator, and so she does one album at a time ranking. It has been so much fun to watch. I was very inspired and I think I'd like to do it myself.
Ashley [00:33:00] Please do. I don't know if I have it in me to do that. But having said all of that, I'm listening to a lot of Taylor Swift right now.
Annie Jones [00:33:09] What's your favorite album?
Ashley [00:33:11] I knew you were going to ask me that, and I tried to be prepared. It just depends on the day. I'm going to tell you my favorite album, but my favorite songs are songs that I am drawn to currently are Champagne Problems. Betty.
Annie Jones [00:33:27] Love it. One of my favorites.
Ashley [00:33:29] Wildest Dreams.
Annie Jones [00:33:31] Okay.
Ashley [00:33:33] And Mine from Speak Now
Annie Jones [00:33:38] That's a great song.
Ashley [00:33:40] Yeah, a little old. Little new.
Annie Jones [00:33:42] You're right that there is something-- I think that's what's so genius about her. There is something for every mood. There's a different album or different song for every mood.
Ashley [00:33:49] Yes, that's the thing. She does all genres for everything, everywhere, and everyone.
Annie Jones [00:33:56] It's true.
Ashley [00:33:57] It's amazing. So, that's what I'm listening to.
Annie Jones [00:34:01] Maybe I need to be listening back to some of-- because those Instagram reels, those TikTok videos kind of inspired me and maybe I need to just start re-listening to her. Betty is one of my all-time favorite songs.
Ashley [00:34:13] It's so good.
Annie Jones [00:34:14] Have you looked at the set list or have you by watching all of this TikTok videos, are you familiar with the set list?
Ashley [00:34:19] Relatively. But what I also know is that Taylor knows people know what the set list is, so she has a couple of surprise acoustic songs every night that are different every night, and I still am... mmh.
Annie Jones [00:34:32] What would you want your acoustic song to be?
Ashley [00:34:36] I don't know. I can't. There's too many choices. And I don't know what she's done so far. I know a couple. But I don't know...
Annie Jones [00:34:46] I would have flipped if I'd been in the audience where she did Cowboy Like Me with Marcus Mumford. That would have been exciting to me. But I think I would love if it was like a real oldie. A friend and I were talking because one of my friends is going. That was a groan. I'm happy for all of my friends getting to go. One of my friends, Erin, is going to the concert this weekend, I think, in Atlanta. Kendall from the Bookshelf is going in Tampa. I don't know when these are. Anyway, Erin and I were talking and she said, "I would love for the surprise song to be Fifteen." And I was like, "Oh, I think I would cry if she sang Fifteen"
Ashley [00:35:23] I would cry.
Annie Jones [00:35:26] Because there was something about her reissuing that song. I did not think I would be into all of the Taylor versions; you know what I mean? I understood why she was doing it, but I was like, "Well, I've heard all these songs before. Why would they feel any different now?" Well, they do because it's like a 30 something now going back and looking back at her 15 year old self I think that song it rings even more beautiful now.
Ashley [00:35:49] Yeah. Agreed.
Annie Jones [00:35:50] I can talk about this forever. Also, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that Joe and Taylor have broken up.
Ashley [00:35:57] Allegedly. Do you believe it? Is it true? Because half the Internet is being like, yeah, they're broken up. And the other half is like, we don't know. How do you know? She doesn't talk about that stuff.
Annie Jones [00:36:06] I think those people are truth deniers. Of course, I think they definitely broke up because People Magazine is legit. Anyway, I felt like the source was legit. I feel like they did break up and I really am saddened by it. But I want the best for her and I hope she finds happiness. Ashley looks so depressed.
Ashley [00:36:35] I was just thinking about how when I found out I was just like, "Taylor and Joe broke up and love is dead."
Annie Jones [00:36:40] Well, because it really is sad. And I really liked-- I don't know if this is a popular or unpopular opinion. I liked the Lover album.
Ashley [00:36:47] Yeah, me too.
Annie Jones [00:36:47] I really did despite the fact that it was called Lover which makes me slightly uncomfortable. But because I'm a puritan. Anyway, I liked a lot of those songs and I love the song London Boy. I don't know. It just makes me a little bit sad. Like, Oh what a bummer.
Ashley [00:37:03] Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:37:05] Okay, here's what I've been listening to. I would like to report that you had told me in the winter you were like, "Hey, if you're here still listening to those things after 20 days, you have created a habit." And I would just like to say that I'm still every morning listening to the Let's Read the Gospels podcast and the MO News podcast. And it has been a delightful way to start my day.
Ashley [00:37:26] I love that. Congratulations on creating habits.
Annie Jones [00:37:29] Thank you so much. And I just wanted to mention that in case people, like me, love the news and like keeping up with things but also are overwhelmed by it, I find the MO News podcast to be very satisfying for that. I like starting my day with the Let's Read the Gospels podcast, which means I have now read all four Gospels three and a half times.
Ashley [00:37:50] Wow.
Annie Jones [00:37:51] Yes, it is a lot.
Ashley [00:37:53] Do you just listen to the same thing over and over again? Or is it like the podcast is like currently on the air and making new episodes.
Annie Jones [00:38:00] It makes new episodes every day, but you read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John every month, and Annie F. Downes is the host and she just rotates what order you listen to the Gospels in and what version you listen to them in. And so, for example, this month in April we're doing the message and it started with Luke and now in the Gospel of John. In March, we listened to it in chronological order, which was really interesting to me. I'd never done that before. And I don't know, I've really enjoyed it and it has been a really lovely thing to start my day with. And I like starting with that and not the news.
Ashley [00:38:43] Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:38:44] There's something about starting with something grounding and then moving on to information and the world that we inhabit. So I have really been enjoying that. I also wanted to talk to you about the audiobook I've been listening to.
Ashley [00:39:01] Okay.
Annie Jones [00:39:03] I've been listening to Happy Place. This is the new book by Emily Henry. It's not out yet. I got it through Libro fm as an advanced listening copy. I love Emily Henry. Which, speaking of reading from earlier in this episode, I read a really great interview that I feel like I've told everybody about, but allow me to share it here. There's a great Emily Henry interview on Vulture that is just outstanding about romantic comedies and romance literature. And Emily Henry is a really good interview and I just loved it. I like all of Emily Henry's books. I think for people who need to know, my favorite is Beach Read, then People We Meet on Vacation, then Book Lovers. Now she's written A Happy Place. Here is what I am wondering. A, let me ask you this. Have you read Emily Henry's books?
Ashley [00:39:52] I've read Beach Read and Book Lovers, but not People we meet on Vacation.
Annie Jones [00:39:58] Okay. B, did you listen to them or read the physical copies?
Ashley [00:40:02] I think one of each. Book Lovers, I listened to. Beach Read I feel like was a long time ago.
Annie Jones [00:40:09] It was Pandemic times.
Ashley [00:40:11] Okay. And that was probably a book.
Annie Jones [00:40:15] I read physically Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation. I've listened to Book Lovers and I'm listening to Happy Place. Now, the narrator is Julia Whalen, who is beloved. We've talked about her on the podcast before. I really like her as an audiobook narrator. Except I'm starting to wonder, do I?
Ashley [00:40:38] Oh, Intrigued.
Annie Jones [00:40:40] I think that I really do. I think she is almost unparalleled in her ability to really voice each character. It's almost like listening to a one woman show, like a stage production. But, I'm wondering if there's something to the fact that I read Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, and those are my two favorites. And then I've listened to Book Lovers and Happy Place, and I like them. But I almost wonder if for me it is better to read a romance or romantic comedy than it is for me to listen to them. Because sometimes when you listen to a romance, the banter that I love so much maybe seems a little too banty. Do you know what I mean?
Ashley [00:41:25] Yeah. That makes perfect sense for you.
Annie Jones [00:41:27] I was driving in my car listening to Happy Place-- and I love banter in a romcom. I love it so very much. But I was listening to it and I found myself rolling my eyes. And I like the characters in this book, but it was like I couldn't turn my cynical brain off. And I was like, "Argh! nobody talks like that." And then I thought, "Now, wait, I love Gilmore Girls. Nobody talks like that. I love the West Wing. Nobody talks like that." So I thought, maybe I just need to read banter or watch it unfold. But listening to it is hard for me. I just wonder if it has something to do with the way I'm choosing to interact with these stories.
Ashley [00:42:04] That's fair because you're listening to the banter come from the same person. Like, you're listening to a woman trying to do a man's voice, bantering with a woman doing another voice instead of creating it in your head or watching two people do it on a screen.
Annie Jones [00:42:18] Yes, that's what I think. I'm halfway through Happy Place. And I would like to be clear that I like it. I have not made a judgment yet. I do not know where it will fall in my ranking. I like and respect Emily Henry. I respect Julia Whalen. I think she's incredibly gifted at what she does. I'm just starting to wonder if there are certain books that I don't love being narrated by her. I wonder if I like some of her other stuff, but when it comes to the romance and the rom com if it takes me out of the story too much.
Ashley [00:42:48] That's fair.
Annie Jones [00:42:50] I just wanted to discuss it. Thank you.
Ashley [00:42:54] Happy to help. Your feelings are validated.
Annie Jones [00:42:58] What else are you listening to? Anything.
Ashley [00:43:00] Okay. I have a song. A playlist and an artist.
Annie Jones [00:43:05] Okay.
Ashley [00:43:07] First of all, like Taylor Swift, I'm also going back to my roots and listening to Martina McBride, because I saw her in concert with my mom a month ago or two months ago and my love for her has been rekindled. I have listened to her entire discography several times over in the past few weeks. My favorites favorite albums of hers are Evolution and her self-titled album. They're fantastic. My favorite is Evolution, but I think the songs are probably stronger and more geared toward a broader population on her self-titled album.
Annie Jones [00:43:44] May I interject and tell you a funny Martina McBride story.
Ashley [00:43:47] Please.
Annie Jones [00:43:49] Okay. We've been watching Early Edition because your parents gifted us those DVDs for Christmas. And so every night before bed, typically we watch a half an episode or an episode of Early Edition, which is this 90s TV show. And it's kind of your stereotypical 90s show. And the guy, the main character in it, owns a bar. And we were watching and I was like, "Why is this bar playing Martina McBride?" And Jordan was like, "How do you even know that?" And I said, "Well, that's clearly Wild Angels. I clearly hear Martina’s voice." And he was just baffled that I could even hear what the background song was. But I was struck by it because on this show, it's never a recognizable pop song. It's just like generic jukebox sounds or something. Anyway, the episode proceeds and the main character played by Kyle Chandler goes to try to rescue this woman who's in the middle of rehearsals for her performance. And lo and behold, it is Martina McBride, guest star, and she is singing Wild Angels. And Jordan and I both like-- because we're lying in bed watching it and we both sat up. And Jordan goes, "Is that Martina McBride?" I said, "That's Martina McBride." And it was such a delightful melding of the culture, like nineties culture, like this great nineties TV show. And then Martina McBride, who was essentially at her peak at that point. Anyway, it was a very charming little guest star appearance by Martina McBride [crosstalk].
Ashley [00:45:20] I love it. That makes me so happy.
Annie Jones [00:45:22] Yeah. It was fun.
Ashley [00:45:23] I think I must be like reentering my country girl phase. Also there's a playlist on Spotify called Neon Cowgirl, full of all of the classic country ladies, but plus a little like Kesha and maybe there's a Britney Spears in there somewhere.
Annie Jones [00:45:46] Interesting.
Ashley [00:45:47] It's basically classic nineties and early 2000 ladies, and it's a fantastic playlist.
Annie Jones [00:45:54] Okay, I'm going to have to look that up because that does sound something I would enjoy.
Ashley [00:45:58] Yeah, it is.
Annie Jones [00:45:59] It's definitely of an era.
Ashley [00:46:01] Yeah, for sure.
Annie Jones [00:46:03] I have been adding songs to my spring playlist. I'm very satisfied with how it's coming together so far. It's very eclectic as my seasonal playlists are. There's a song from the Kingdom Choir because you and I got to see them perform about a month ago, and so that is very fun. But then there are also songs from Daisy Jones and the Six. There are a couple of songs from the show Shrinking. Just like songs that inhabit my brain space, I add them to the playlist and it winds up being a lovely time capsule. So, my spring playlist is well on its way and I am loving what it is so far. It's very weird and delightful.
Ashley [00:46:36] Lovely.
Annie Jones [00:46:37] Anything else you're listening to?
Ashley [00:46:39] Last thing is a song, I think I found it on TikTok, which unfortunately is how I find a lot of things. But it's called Runaway to Mars by a group called Talk. I don't know anything about this group, but they sound a lot like Mumford and Sons. And if there's something there that I should know that I don't, please don't come for me. But it's just another one of those songs that just kind of makes me feel things.
Annie Jones [00:47:05] Sometimes we need to feel things. I don't know if you do.
Ashley [00:47:08] I usually prefer not to. But it's good for me.
Annie Jones [00:47:13] Yeah. Good to get it all out. Okay. Anything you've been buying? I did that no online shopping during Lent, so I really abstained for a good long time.
Ashley [00:47:25] Okay. I got you. I have one thing, and then I have three things within a category.
Annie Jones [00:47:32] Okay.
Ashley [00:47:34] So, I feel like I need to preface everything. First thing I think you actually do need to buy is a foam roller.
Annie Jones [00:47:43] For my face?
Ashley [00:47:46] This is for you your aching body.
Annie Jones [00:47:47] For your back. Yes. Should I get one of these?
Ashley [00:47:50] Yes. They come in different levels of firmness. Get a soft one probably.
Annie Jones [00:47:56] Okay.
Ashley [00:47:57] I have a very firm one. I love it. You can roll it over your whole body or roll your body all over it. My trainer at the Limit has a 14 minute video where she shows you how to do it and like what muscles to roll out and stuff. But at least a couple times a week before I go to work in the mornings, I roll out my back and shoulders because I spend the majority of my days hunched over a computer, and it is life changing.
Annie Jones [00:48:27] Okay. We'll set up a link in the show notes.
Ashley [00:48:30] Absolutely. I don't remember the brand that I have for now, but I will include that in the show notes. Okay, so foam roller. Next up, other end of the fitness spectrum, snacks from Trader Joe's.
Annie Jones [00:48:44] What are your faves?
Ashley [00:48:45] I have three really good ones. First one is Trader Joe's Sunflower Butter and Dark Chocolate Cups. They're like Reese's peanut butter cups but with sunflower butter and that's it.
Annie Jones [00:49:01] I've had those. Those are legit. I love those. Agreed.
Ashley [00:49:04] Fantastic. I could eat a whole bag all at once, but I try not to. Second snack is cashew butter covered cashews.
Annie Jones [00:49:16] Oh, cashew on cashew you say.
Ashley [00:49:17] Delicious and also filling. They're sweet, but not too sweet. Again, I could eat a whole bag, but I exercise self-control. The third snack-- I just found this. I had it for the first time this week and I did not check the bag before I came here to record this podcast. But they're like these rolled tortilla chips with like chili and lime flavoring. They're like Takis, but easier to chew. They're not quite as crunchy and not quite as spicy, but they are still spicy. They're fantastic. I haven't had dinner and maybe I'm salivating talking to you about them right now.
Annie Jones [00:49:58] Same. I also have not eaten dinner. I think I need those. Those sound delicious.
Ashley [00:50:03] They are very good.
Annie Jones [00:50:04] I don't have anything except the first thing that I bought post Lenten fast was Supergoop sunscreen. Because tis the season for hopefully going to the beach and sitting by the pool. And I have very sensitive skin and skin cancer runs in my family and I would just like to tell everyone this is your PSA to get your moles checked and use sunscreen. I use SPF 50, baby, and I love Supergoop. I want the whole world to know. I wish they would pay for this free Ad, but they [crosstalk].
Ashley [00:50:37] Sponsor us Supergoop.
Annie Jones [00:50:39] Sponcon. Just kidding. But Supergoop really is the best sunscreen on the market. Did you ever try it?
Ashley [00:50:44] Oh, yeah, I've got it. So far so good, it hasn't given me a rash.
Annie Jones [00:50:49] Okay. I don't know if this is genetic. Some might say it is, but I really don't know. I think I got sun poisoning once when I was 18. And so, my skin is very sensitive. Yours all of a sudden became sensitive last year.
Ashley [00:51:03] It's always been sensitive. I've always used Water Babies Sunscreen.
Annie Jones [00:51:07] Well, then maybe this is genetic because...
Ashley [00:51:10] Yeah, I guess. Sometime about last year I just started getting rashes with my sunscreen. I don't know if they changed formulas or what, but Supergoop works for now.
Annie Jones [00:51:18] Well, I was with some friends. And when friends are together and they tell you all the things that cancer causing things are. Are your friends like that?
Ashley [00:51:29] Yeah.
Annie Jones [00:51:29] I was with my friends and they were like, oh, you we're not supposed be using aerosols anymore. And so we were all sharing what kind of dry shampoo we use now and stuff like that. But I had looked Supergoop up and even their spray sunscreen is okay. If in case you guys are also worried about that.
Ashley [00:51:47] They're clean. Nice. Good to know.
Annie Jones [00:51:47] In case anybody's worried about that, I did look it up. And then my I'm not even going to call it a guilty pleasure, but what I drink a lot during the spring and also right now so that I can hydrate and get over whatever this sinus problem is, are Dunkin refreshers, which I'm sure are 50% sugar, but they're also 50% green tea. So, I feel very healthy and I love them. And now I know why people love to drink.
Ashley [00:52:15] That's cute.
Annie Jones [00:52:16] All right. This was fun.
Ashley [00:52:17] It was fun. Let's go to the beach one day soon, please.
Annie Jones [00:52:20] Yes, I'm ready. Let's do it. Happy spring, everybody. I hope you get to go to the beach with [Inaudible].
[00:52:29] This week, what I'm reading is brought to you by the 102nd Annual Rose Show and Festival here in Thomasville, Georgia. Come visit us for the weekend of April 28 and 29th and experience the flowers, fun, food and shopping in beautiful Thomasville. Plan your visit at ThomasvilleGA.com. Ashley, tell me about Rose Show. What's your favorite thing about Rose Show?
Ashley [00:52:51] My favorite thing about Rose Show is seeing all of the clever and creative window displays for the window decorating contest.
Annie Jones [00:52:58] That is one of the things that I look forward to as well. My mom and aunt, our mothers, are coming this weekend to decorate the windows and get them ready for Rose Show. And it is really fun to just kind of walk down the streets of Thomasville and see that the whole town is really decked out for this weekend. And it's one of my favorite things, too. I just love all the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into the window displays and there's something really lovely about—it is frequently the Sunday afternoon before judging begins where all the shop owners are like doing their window displays. Mom and aunt Lisa [sp] will be out and they'll wave to Amy, who's over here in the [inaudible] or Nan [sp] who's doing fireflies window. There's a lot of camaraderie. It's very sweet. One of my favorite things as well.
[00:53:45] Okay, so come visit us for the weekend of April 28th and 29th so that you can also experience the flowers, fun, food and shopping and the window decorating contest in beautiful Thomasville. Plan your visit, book your room at ThomasvilleGA.com.
[00:53:59] This week I'm reading The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill. Ashley, what are you reading?
Ashley [00:54:05] I'm about to start You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith.
Annie Jones [00:54:09] Thank you again to our sponsor, the 102nd Annual Rose Show and Festival here in Thomasville, Georgia. I hope you will plan your springtime visit to our beautiful town at ThomasvilleGA.com.
From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website: bookshelfthomasville.com A full transcript of today’s episode can be found at: fromthefrontporchpodcast.com Special thanks to Studio D Podcast Production for production of From the Front Porch and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. Our Executive Producers are…
Donna Hetchler, Cammy Tidwell, Chantalle C, Kate O'Connell
Executive Producers (Read Their Own Names): Nicole Marsee, Wendi Jenkins, Laurie Johnson
Annie Jones: If you’d like to support From the Front Porch, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your input helps us make the show even better and reach new listeners. All you have to do is open up the Podcast App on your phone, look for From the Front Porch, scroll down until you see ‘Write a Review’ and tell us what you think. Or, if you’re so inclined, support us over on Patreon, where we have 3 levels of support - Front Porch Friends, Book Club Companions, and Bookshelf Benefactors. Each level has an amazing number of benefits like bonus content, access to live events, discounts, and giveaways. Just go to: patreon.com/fromthefrontporch We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.