THEODORE, AL - The book signing for Distinguished Young Women's new book of essays, Full Bloom: Cultivating Success will be held at Bellingrath Gardens and Home in the Gift Shop on Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Amy Osmond Cook, Ph.D., America's Junior Miss in 1994 will be at Bellingrath to meet guests and to sign books. She is one of the Hosts for this year's National Finals of Distinguished Young Women and one of 27 contributing authors in the book. All authors are past participants of Distinguished Young Women, formerly known as America's Junior Miss.

Information about Amy Osmond Cook

Dr. Cook received her doctorate in Communication from the University of Utah. She teaches communication, interdisciplinary and technical writing courses. Amy has been featured in print publications such as People Magazine and USA Today; she has appeared on Good Morning America and other television programs. She has written and contributed to several books, including "Full Bloom: Cultivating Success" , "Organizational Identification" and "Hope After Divorce". A studio and solo violinist, Amy released her debut album, Nativity in 2004. She performed for several years with the Osmond Brothers. She is married to Jeff Cook and is the proud mother of five beautiful children.

Information about Distinguished Young Women

All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Distinguished Young Women, a national scholarship program that inspires high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. The program has provided life-changing experiences for more than 700,000 young women and more than $93 million in cash scholarships has been awarded at the local, state and national levels combined. Distinguished Young Women strives to give every young woman the opportunity to further her education and prepare for a successful future. This year's National Finals are being held June22 - 25 in Mobile, Alabama's Civic Center Theatre.

(Gulf Shores)

"Shrimp The Endless Quest For Pink Gold" book signing to be held Saturday February 26th at Lulu's from 1:00-3:00pm.  Jack Rudloe and his wife Anne have hit a home run with their latest.

Calling all nature and seafood buffs—the story of shrimp is as delicious as the creatures themselves. From the adoration of Forrest Gump to the real-life surge in shrimp consumption over the last 25 years, the popularity of the little creature is undeniable, and now there’s a book that dives into its historic, humanistic, and heart-warming stories.

“Most humans are said to be composed 90% of water, but for those of us who grew up on the Gulf of Mexico, I think that other 10% must be shrimp. The Rudloes leave the Living Dock behind for a voyage to the land of Pink Crustaceans, and I for one am happy to be aboard for that voyage.”

–Jimmy Buffett

Jack Rudloe(Panacea, FL), a leading nature writer, has spent 40 years studying and protecting marine life. His books include The Sea Brings Forth andThe Erotic Ocean.  He has led expeditions to capture specimens for the New York Aquarium, and collected on behalf of Harvard and the American Museum of Natural History.Anne Rudloe, Ph.D. teaches marine biology at Florida State, and has written for National Geographic and Smithsonian. Her books include  Butterflies on a Sea Wind and Priceless Florida Together, they run the award-winning Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory.