Yes, I’m hugging a pig, but not just any old swine. This is a special pig we all love.
I understand why Southerners have the reputation for being just a tad bit crazy. We aren’t insulted by the label because we recognize our bizarre ways and actually delight in some of the weirdness. Not only does it distinguish us from the rest of the bland world, but it also keeps outsiders away. Really, now, who wants to infiltrate and live amongst the daft?
With this in mind, I find it quite satisfying and exciting to announce that my books will now be sold at Piggly Wiggly. Crazy? No way. Strange? No sir. I’m actually flattered and giddy with joy.
The Piggly Wiggly in Fairhope is a big deal. There are people of every walk of life in there lining up at the deli for fried chicken or at the International Goat sampling James’ homemade Tabouleh, not to mention the lines at the fresh sushi counter or Thai restaurant. They also have the most extensive wine selection in town and their own sommelier. Add to that locally grown collard greens and satsumas, and you can see why it’s so fun.
To have a local author in the mix seems normal.
The owner and manager of The Pig liked how my books sold during their famous Taste of Lower Alabama event so much that they invited me to place my books there all the time! Bananas, Bordeaux, and Books. It makes sense to Southerners.
I’m honored because I love Piggly Wiggly.
And now, let me tell you about this suede jacket I’m wearing in the photo with the Pig. Because, everything has a story. Right?
It was purchased in Mexico by my Grandmother McKee in 1947. My Grandfather had accepted a yearlong assignment with the US Department of Agriculture to monitor the spread of a cattle disease that had followed herds imported from Brazil. There was great fear that the disease would migrate into American cattle, so the two countries worked together to irradicate the potential danger.
Grandmother and Granddaddy had four little girls and considered it exciting to leave North Alabama to live in a different country for a year. Their friends and relatives in Alabama thought they had lost their minds.
Grandmother supervised my mother and her sisters in Mexico City while Granddaddy traveled the country with his job.
The experience of living in a foreign country inspired a lifelong love of travel. My grandparents especially loved the people of Mexico and learned enough Spanish to return many times. In the following decades, they also traveled to several other countries, and I’m sure my love of travel was sparked by sitting in their dark living room watching slide shows of Morocco, Spain and Ecuador. When I’m running through an airport, I often think, “Grandmother did this without wheels on her luggage!”
Members of the American Disease Team inspecting cattle in 1947 Mexico.
I’ve never really cared if this jacket was in style or not because I feel like it’s a connection to my family story. I’ve had to have one spot on the shoulder repaired because it didn’t occur to me that even a padded coat hanger would damage the suede. It’s now carefully folded in tissue paper and only worn a few times each year. It feels like a warm hug from my adventurous Grandmother. If you are in Fairhope, be sure to stop by the Piggly Wiggly and take a look at my books.
I love Piggly Wiggly too, the one I shop in Mountain Brook has the best gift dept. always full of goodies! I bet your books will sell well there and reach a different audience. Love the story of your grandmother’s suede jacket and that it feels like a big hug when you wear it!
Leslie Anne Tarabellaon December 4, 2024 at 2:49 pm
Hi Jenna, I like that your Piggly Wiggly has gift items. Since our Tuesday Morning closed (boo-hoo) everyone is looking for a place to grab a quick hostess gift. Don’t you think a book would be an excellent gift? Or wine. Or local honey . . .
Leslie Anne our Piggly Wiggly closed years ago, and it was a great grocery store. When I am in Fairhope again, I will definitely be stopping by the Pig. I love your family story. I can just imagine how people who had never had the opportunity to travel would have thought your parents had lost their minds. Thanks for sharing, I loved reading it.
How fun for you that your books will be on sale at your Piggly Wiggly! I have never been in one and went searching after reading this post. There are three here in my state, but the nearest one is just over 3 hours away (one way). I loved reading the story behind your suede jacket, Leslie Anne! Happy December!
Leslie Anne Tarabellaon December 5, 2024 at 7:57 am
The Piggly Wiggly chains are all independently owned, so one may be different than the others, so of course, we take great pride in thinking our location is the best – but check yours out if you are ever in their area. I’m sure it will be full of some type of piggy fun!
I love your newest book . I am also excited about the availability stops.
I’m so glad you like it Kitty. – thanks!
I love Piggly Wiggly too, the one I shop in Mountain Brook has the best gift dept. always full of goodies! I bet your books will sell well there and reach a different audience. Love the story of your grandmother’s suede jacket and that it feels like a big hug when you wear it!
Hi Jenna, I like that your Piggly Wiggly has gift items. Since our Tuesday Morning closed (boo-hoo) everyone is looking for a place to grab a quick hostess gift. Don’t you think a book would be an excellent gift? Or wine. Or local honey . . .
Leslie Anne our Piggly Wiggly closed years ago, and it was a great grocery store. When I am in Fairhope again, I will definitely be stopping by the Pig. I love your family story. I can just imagine how people who had never had the opportunity to travel would have thought your parents had lost their minds. Thanks for sharing, I loved reading it.
Thanks for the note – sorry about your Pig. By all means, let me know when you’ll be in town and I’ll meet you in the produce section! haha!
How fun for you that your books will be on sale at your Piggly Wiggly! I have never been in one and went searching after reading this post. There are three here in my state, but the nearest one is just over 3 hours away (one way). I loved reading the story behind your suede jacket, Leslie Anne! Happy December!
The Piggly Wiggly chains are all independently owned, so one may be different than the others, so of course, we take great pride in thinking our location is the best – but check yours out if you are ever in their area. I’m sure it will be full of some type of piggy fun!