The Pioneer Woman Book Signing

Ava Grey and I with Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman

I’ve never had a desire to meet a writer and have a book signed until I found out Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, was coming to Atlanta.  I seriously checked her site almost daily until the specifics were posted and then marked the calendar.  Nothing was going to interfere!  Nothing.

We got our wristbands this afternoon, picked up Brian from work to help with Ava Grey, and headed back down to Buckhead to get a good parking spot.  I had it mostly planned out.   I had so much to say in such a short time.  I brought reusable bags from my online store to share.  It was all going to be soooo good.

We homeschooled while we waited.

We shopped.

Ava Grey soothed her sore gums.

Well, by the time we made it to the front of the line, Miss Ava Grey was done.  Her last words before we walked up to the table were “nurse, nurse, nurse”.  All I could think about was get through this without having her scream so my 11 year old could have a good experience – which she did.  Oh she loves the book and loved talking for a minute with Ree.  It was a very special experience for her and I am sure she will be sporting her new PW shirt to her Independent Studies (school for homeschoolers) tomorrow.

Lauren with Ree Drummond - The Poineer Woman

I want to quickly (this is a lie) share our lessons learned, apologize to the staff at Border’s, and share what I meant to tell Ree tonight!

Lessons Learned

1) 14 month old girls who need to nurse have no business being at a book signing after dark!  And if you do bring them, please remember to wear your nursing tank so you can nurse in public without showing off your tummy – which you prefer to keep hidden.

2) Know what other very important people look like (namely Bakerella who I just started following Friday night – so it was understandable I was not completely on top of that one).  If you don’t, and she tells you at least twice how cute your baby is, you are really missing out on a great chance to introduce yourself.

3) Completely explain the process to your children before you get to the front of the line so they are not more frazzled than you are.

4) Wear short sleeves when 250+ women (and men and children) pile into a bookstore.

5) Call the store the day before to find out their plan.  I am so thankful that I popped down there around 2:00 this afternoon to get my wristband.  I wish I had called the day before though.  I would have been there when they opened the store.  With a 14 month old baby, I really need to be on top of these things.

6) When you run a blog and host giveaways, you should really get an EXTRA book signed to giveaway.  I am sorry I did not think of this until I was in the line.

Apology to the Staff at Border’s

I must apologize to Border’s for the numerous books, toys, and cds my daughter likely moved around.  The mocha sign is near the front of the line, the children cds are likely out of order, and there is a pink toy somewhere around the evolution/creation section I think.  The Star Wars Cookbook that I promised my son is down front.  I am sorry.  The line was just too long so I put it down.  I am going to buy it for him tomorrow – with a coupon!   Since I did not use a coupon on the 2 cookbooks I bought today (which is almost illegal in this house – I am a coupon junkie), we should be good!

Caleb found a cookbook too - a Star Wars cookbook - what a surprise!

Here are the wonderful things that ran through my head to share with PW before I arrived at Borders:

1) I’ve been following your blog for more than 2 years now.

2) I think I know more about you and your family than I do some of my own relatives.

3) Recently, my husband told someone, who though their friend had the best cinnamon rolls, that they have never tried mine – which are yours.  Thank you!

4) This year was my first time hosting Thanksgiving at my house.  Over half my recipes were from your site.  I even brined and cooked my turkey according to your directions.  It was a success!

5) We homeschool our kids too.  I have shared many pictures and posts from the site with my own children so they can see what life is like when you actually own some land.

6) I am just so excited that I can now print 4×6 recipes from your site so I don’t have to copy and paste them into my 4×6 file.

7) You have your own tab in my recipe binder (and no other author tabs exist).

8 ) Lawry’s Seasoned Salt is now a staple.  I own two cast iron skillets, a potato masher, and a Wusthof knife.

9) I would love to add homemade baby/toddler recipes to Tasty Kitchen but I am not sure where they would go.

10) And last but not least, I can now dice an onion properly.  You really did teach me this.  I am not joking!

The evening was fun.  I am so thankful that my husband went with me to help with the kids and take our picture.  He was definitely out numbered! Congratulations Pioneer Woman!  The book is beautiful and unique!   Thank you for stopping by Atlanta!  It was so nice to meet you!