Go west, Pioneer Woman

St Louis was fortunate enough to host Ree Drummond for her Pioneer Woman Cooks book tour. It's a best-seller, chock full of yummy things to try, and one of those rare cookbooks that you could just sit down and read.

(photo care of http://www.landlockedbride.com/)

The event was action-packed, in fact turn out was so outstanding that it had to be moved to a bigger venue to accommodate the crowd.

The faboosh P-Dubs spent 45+ minutes answering questions from the group assembled, she even did her famous Ethel Mermon impression. Lovely. I even worked up the nerve to ask a question myself. I spent about 40 minutes planning what to say. And then it went something like this:


I walk up to the mic. Spent 5 minutes adjusting my outfit/necklace/hair while the girl in front of me chatted. Stepped up.


"We are all obviously fans of your blog here, but what are your favorite blogs that you read everyday?"


Ree smiled and listed a few - including Smitten Kitchen and Bakerella. I said thanks and started to walk away. But then Ree asked me MY favorite blogs. I froze. I did not prepare for that. Mind went blank. Plams went clammy. Crap.


I stammered about liking PW (of course, I'm a kiss-ass). I was sitting next to Brit and at that moment that was the only articulate thought in my brain - "I love Landlocked Bride. I'm getting married next year so it's a lot of wedding blogs right now." And then I made some vowel sounds, laughed really weirdly at whatever she said next (no clue), I think I thanked her again (the third time), and bolted to my seat. I'm never speaking in public again.


Shortly after, the signing began and the wait was loooooong. While we waited, we noticed Marlboro Man taking pics, and one of her Punks signing books.



My heart melts for Little Boy penmanship. On a side note, The Fiance's didn't evolve much past this point.

MM obliged to also sign our book and snap a photo.

And finally it was our turn! Ree had been given a big pile o' gifts. Apparently WP Steph's idea of taking her a gooey butter cake wasn't so creepy afterall.

She signed:

Was genuinely charming and funny:

Posed for a super cute pic:

And then we left with a free t-shirt. And yes, the line was still out the door when we left at 11:30 PM. PW fever!

All in all it was a great night. Lots of waiting, but still fun. Ree is just as funny and charming in person as she is on her blog, and the BEST NEWS EVER: Black Heels and Tractor Wheels will also be published! squee!

Book signing WIN!