Everyone who knows me, knows how much I love
The Pioneer Woman. Ree Drummond has become an obsession! Well, maybe her website is my obsession. When her cookbook,
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl went on sale for pre-order, I ordered several. One for myself and some for birthday and Christmas gifts. It is one of the most beautiful cookbooks I have ever seen. It isn't just a cookbook it is a beautiful representation of her life on their family ranch in Oklahoma. She has included beautiful pictures of her family, the ranch and of course her recipes. She dedicated the book to her husband, "Marlboro Man." That page is a must read. It is beautifully written and so sweet. Her love for her husband and children is one of the many reasons I am drawn to her site.
As soon as I heard The PW was coming to Dallas for a book signing, I entered it into the calendar on my phone. December 1st was a sacred day. I was going to Dallas to meet Ree and have her sign my stack of cookbooks. Barry thought I was insane...well, he still does. He teased me, but at the same time totally supported me attending. He was so fantastic that he went to Borders the morning of the signing to get my wristband. Do I have an amazing husband or what?? He was able to get two gold wristbands. One for me and one for our friend, Andy who is also a PW groupie!
December 1st arrived with rain and even some snow in the early morning hours. That didn't deter this fan. Barry agreed to chauffeur us to Dallas to the signing. He took his laptop so he could sit in another part of the store while we were in line waiting. We arrived about 6:15 and Ree was schedule to appear at 7:00. The store was PACKED already. I'm not sure how many people were in attendance, but it was more than I anticipated. I was so very thankful that Barry was able to get our wristbands earlier in the day. Boy, was I thankful!!! We got in line with the other gold band folks. Here was an entire store of men, women, children and babies who adore The PW as much as I do. Well, a few may have been forced to attend, but I doubt many. We chatted with some great people in line and discussed recipes we had tried. I soon realized I need to step up my cooking.
At just a bit after 7:00 Ree appeared. The store went crazy. We were at the back of the store in line so we couldn't see her. I went up closer to get a couple of shots a bit later and got a few, but nothing really great. We inched our way closer and as we got close enough to see her, I got nervous. What would I say to her? Would I sound like a babbling idiot? Most likely I would, but I decided that was ok. Many of our fellow groupies brought presents. Weren't they smart??!!! What had I been thinking? I should have brought something for her. Too late now!
It was finally my turn to walk up to her table. I can't even remember exactly what I said. Andy was right behind me and I am sure he said much better things than I did. I was a total dork, of that I am sure. But, it didn't matter. I got to meet this sweet woman who is just as gracious in person as I imagined her to be. She was charming and made me feel at ease. She signed all of the books I brought and made small talk. I'm sure that can't be easy for her considering there were hundreds of people there and she does this over and over again, week after week. BUT, she did it. I walked away from her table flushed and smiling like a fool. Her beautiful daughters were just to the right of the table handing our her beautiful shirts. She GAVE us all a free t-shirt. Made by the wonderful woman at
Wild Olive Tees...if you haven't been to their site, you need to. They have some beautiful tees. I had each of the girls sign my book and went to find Barry. We had made it through the line at just a bit past 8:00. Not too Shabby. We headed out into the rain and made our trek back to Sherman. It was an amazing night full of fun, laughter, camaraderie and a realization that Ree is just what I imagined...and maybe more.
If still haven't checked out her
website, you really MUST! I am positive you will love it just as much as I do.
The Golden Ticket
Doesn't Barry look thrilled?!
Here we are waiting in line...
Sneaking up front to take a picture. Don't you just LOVE those boots!?!?
The girls handing out the tees. They are just so beautiful and very sweet!
Eeeeeek!! How exciting. She is just so beautiful. Loved her jewelry!
I look so blah. It made me realize I have to get lose some weight! AND I think I hate my hair!
Andy, me and Ree
