Fun with Pioneer Woman – Hive and Nest

(Melinda, Me, Jeannie, Cheryl, Chelon and Sara)

Pioneer Woman came rolling into Austin last night and we had a rip-roaring good time at her book signing (since you read my blog, you are most likely a female and, well, you just seem like the type who would like Pioneer Woman. But some of you don’t know.  Some of you are missing out on the funny, sassy charmingness of her massive blog. If this is the case, repent ye!)   Only three of you bothered to say you wanted to go with me even though I announced it on Facebook.  Never you mind, though. I managed to scrounge up a few friends at the last minute.  So there! 

(Can I just add that it’s so incredibly wonderful to have children who are old enough to babysit the younger ones?  I just told Finn what to make for dinner and waltzed out the door.  I did have to get them a new DVD because six bored kids can get into a lot of trouble.  But they are so very easy to please, especially since we don’t have TV, just a DVD player.  York–who is a 12 year old boy, keep in mind–actually said, “hey, there’s a sequel to Swan Princess?  Cool.”)

Pioneer Woman (whose name is Ree, short for Ann Marie in case you didn’t know.  And I didn’t until she told us last night) was as lovely and friendly as can be.  Apparently the raucous hordes of women who attend her book signings haven’t jaded her yet. Not only was Ree/Pioneer Woman charming, she had free t-shirts on hand for the adoring masses (free and very cute t-shirts).

I have been to signings at Book People before and while I love the store, it’s a bit too cozy for such a large event.   I actually had to stand the entire time. Ugh.  You know me and my mantra: don’t stand when you can sit; don’t sit when you can lie down.  But standing was all right since it gave me a chance to stare at Ree who was, like, this close [scream].  (She sure doesn’t dress like a country girl.  Love those Anthro boots!)

We were one of the first groups to have our books signed, so we had plenty of time to talk to Marlboro Man (talk, Cheryl, not touch!)   

Chelon (say it Shuh-LAWN) is quite the vinyl letter wizard and made PW an adorable plaque, which she was gracious enough to let us all sign.  I love taking credit for a present I had nothing to do with!  I signed “I know we would be best friends.  I’m a redhead trapped in a brunette’s body.”  Hoo boy, I crack myself up.  But it’s true about the hair.  I’m a spunky gal and this brown hair just doesn’t communicate that.  (Especially when it was as limp and lame as it was last night. Seriously, hair, you really let me down.)   In heaven I will have hair the color of  a brand new penny.  No, no, that’s a weird color.  Darker like an old penny.  But shiny.  And curly.  Big, slow curls.

(PW with the lovely Chelon)

I am not daunted by fame* and I asked PW a question at the Q& A (“what are you really bad at cooking?”  Answer: bread) and as she signed my book we had a nice little talk about baked goods and me being the Utah Cookie Making Champion of 2007 (Really.  I have the ribbon to prove it. Obviously it was before we moved to Texas).  

(note to self: never wear this sweater again. Cute on the hanger, but super frumpy on the body)

We had a great night and topped it off with yummy Tex-Mex after we left the bookstore.  When I got home all the kids were in bed (yipee!).  The kitchen was a bit of a disaster, but a girl can’t have everything. 

*may I remind you of the Stephenie Meyer incident.  Cheryl, one of the most ardent Twilight fans, was rendered speechless when we met Stephenie last year in Houston.  I was left to chit-chat with Stephenie about church and if people there are nice to her or gossipy, and do people act weird when she does normal things like pick her son up from preschool?  (she doesn’t do a lot of normal things like that.  Mostly her husband does, in case you were wondering. And she’s been in the same ward forever so everyone knows her and they’re really nice.)