My chance to meet The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond, NYT best-selling author!
Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet one of my internet “heroes” I’ve come to admire and adore (in a truly platonic sense, trust me!). Ree Drummond, author of The Pioneer Woman blog, stopped in Little Rock to do a book signing of her NYT #1 bestselling cookbook - The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl. The only downside was the BEST Arkansas had to offer a NYT bestselling author was a WALMART, of all places.
The book signing was scheduled to start at 6pm, but with Ariel having piano lessons until 6:30pm, the earliest I could get there was 7pm. I even pleaded with my wife to see if she could skip her piano lesson, just this once. “Nope,” she told me, “she already missed a couple of weeks ago. You’re just going to have to wait to meet your internet icon.” And with Braden starting basketball practice, there was no way for Jen to get out there either. As the time started getting closer, I started thinking about what I would say to Ree when I met her. After all, here I was, getting to meet a true internet celebrity! Should I tell her how much I enjoy her recipes? Should I tell her what a big fan I am of her photography? What about homeschooling? My mind raced a million miles a minute as I searched for the perfect combination.
As Ariel and I drove out to the Walmart at the outskirts of town, I wondered how many people were going to be there. After all, this IS Arkansas. How many fans in Little Rock could she really have? “Maybe the line will be thinned out by the time we get there,” I mused to myself. When we got there, I was in shock. There was a line. A OMGXOBXHUEG line. In fact, the line started at the front of the store, ran down the middle aisle all the way to the back of the store as far as I could see. Any hope for a quick meet, greet, and sign was dashed.
I think the song “Women” from Def Leppard summed it up best:
“Women! Women! Lots of pretty women…”
“Men! Men! They sure feel out of place among them!”
Okay, so I took some liberties with the lyrics but still. Yeah, I felt a bit out of place being one of the few men in line. Ok, I felt QUITE a bit out of place being one of the few UNACCOMPANIED men in line. There were a few men, but most were there with their significant others. While I on the other hand, was there for myself. Yep, I can proudly say that I fall firmly in category #3 from Ree’s list: I was there of my own accord.
Ariel and I made our way to the back of the line which turned the corner and then went down another couple of aisles. By the time the line reached Ree from where we started, I had plenty of time to peruse DVDs (nearly the entire $5 rack), crappy videogames, towels, men’s clothes, and jewelry. In fact, about 2 hrs and 50 minutes worth of time.
I was soon joined by 3 beautiful, charming women in line behind me that I struck up a conversation with. One of them had a beautiful, gorgeous infant baby girl. Like myself, they each had a handful of kids, were homeschoolers, and obviously fans of PW. My only regret was not getting their names, so if you’re reading this let me know! They asked me if I was there for my wife or if I was there for myself. I proudly admitted that I was there for myself and that I fell firmly in category #3. If there was any doubt that I actually read PW’s blog, that statement right there quashed it completely. They were impressed, I could tell. They were even more impressed that I had tried out several of her recipes. Yes, ladies, I cook, I photograph, and I blog (well, used to anyway).
At one point, I said loudly, “I would guess we would have at least 2 hrs to wait until we reached PW.” Shortly after that, a couple of women in front of me left altogether. I joked even more loudly, “I mean, I think it’s going to take at least 3 hrs…” Sadly, unknown to me at that time, that prediction would be more accurate.
The women behind commented on how they had to make themselves presentable before coming out to meet Ree. After all, they didn’t want her to think they were a bunch of frumpy housewives. I laughed. Women. But then again, the thought did cross MY mind as well with regard to what I was wearing. Blue fleece pullover or plaid short-sleeved checkered shirt? I decided to go with the outdoor, rugged look and kept my pullover on. Not that I was trying to compete against Marlboro Man. Ok, maybe I was. Just a little.
The line continued to shuffle forward slowly and I continued to joke around with my neighbors. You had to do SOMETHING to pass the time. In a Walmart, no less. Poor Ariel - I do have to give props to her for enduring the entire evening with me. I think she saw just about everything she wanted (and then some) at Walmart that night. It wasn’t until she started get stalked by this creepy older gentleman did she come and join me in line. The ladies behind commented that he had been there the entire time, walking the aisles. CREEPY.
At one point, shortly after we turned the first corner, someone walked by and said that Marlboro Man was there and was signing her book as well. As soon as she said that, in perfect sync, every single pair of female eyes turned towards the front of the store and necks were craned searching for his manly goodness. I do believe I spied more than a few ladies starting to drool. Ha! All I could think was what NOT to say to Ree that would get me pummeled by her cowboy. Yeah, that would not be good, and downright embarrassing surrounded by all those women.
As we got closer and closer, we started seeing these cute, little post-it notes that someone ahead of us had left. One said, “life is short, this line is long.” Another said, “photography moment ahead” (referring to Marlboro Man). Those made us all chuckle as we waited for the next note to come into eyeshot.
I noticed a couple of women ahead of start pruning and brushing their hair as they waited to meet Marlboro Man. As if they had any chance…
Then again, one of my newfound friends had taken her boots off (because they made her feet hurt), but was putting them back on as we approached Marlboro Man. I told her he probably wouldn’t even notice she was shoeless. She replied, “but the boots make me taller!” I guess every little bit helps. I considered dropping to the ground and doing several dozen push-ups and puffing out my chest, but even on my best day, there was no way I was going to come close to matching up with MM. Working in an office all day in front of a computer doesn’t go very far in developing a manly musculature that working on a ranch does.
I eventually made my way up to Marlboro Man and handed him my book. I was at a loss for words. After all, what does one man (with a penchant for photography, blogging and cooking) say to one who is into none of those things? I ended up asking him if he was looking forward to going home and spending several days with his family. I thanked him for accompanying her and coming out to Little Rock to see us. Short, sweet, to the point. Pretty typical of any conversation between men that doesn’t involve sports, guns, women, or beer.
In no time, we finally turned the final corner and Ree was just a few feet away! I readied my camera and instructed Ariel on what kind of shots I wanted. Everything I wanted to say to her became all swirled up in my excitement. I knew I wanted to say something about taking pictures of homeschooling fudge or something. I started to feel like Koothrappali from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” who becomes mute around beautiful women.
Eventually, it was my turn. I turned Ariel loose and handled my book to Ree. I smiled. She smiled back. I blurted out something about how I was one of her #3 category guys. She laughed. I ended up telling her I was a huge fan and that we were also a homeschooling family. She asked me how many kids I had and I told her I had 3 with one of the way in March. She told me congratulations and finished signing my book, all the while while MM looked on from the side. I’m sure he was there to make sure I wasn’t going to attempt to make any sort of advances. As she reached for the next book, I asked timidly if she would mind very much if I had a photo taken with her. “Not at all,” she replied. I walked slowly behind the table and kneeled down next to her, being careful not to appear to be some crazed, obsessed, stalker type. Ariel took a photo while MM snapped several next to her. There was an awkward pause as I continued posing hoping Ariel would take a few more. Nothing. The awkward pause dragged into even more ultimate awkwardness. Okay, time to go. I thanked Ree one last time and bid her good luck. It was only way later did I realize I didn’t even tell her my name! I mean, I know it was on the note and all, but still….btw, Ree, my name is Cliff!
It was truly a special moment, and I’ll think of it every time I crack open her cookbook. As a semi-blogger, I’m always impressed by those who manage to make it “big” in the blogging world. She definitely deserves all the success she has worked for. I hope it won’t be the last time I get to meet her! Thanks again Ree, for coming here. Your Arkansas fans sure appreciate it!
November 11th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
What a great post! I enjoyed the post-it notes most of all. My group was about an hour ahead of you in line…that translates to approximately 15 feet.
November 11th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
What a fun post! I wish I could meet P.W. too but unless her book tour goes international, it ain’t gonna happen!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:33 am
This is a great recap!!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Awesome post and thanks for sharing to those of us not able to meet her!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Even if I HAD been planning to see Ree when she’s in Kansas City, this would have changed my mind. I’m old, and my knees wouldn’t be able to hold me up that long!
I’m glad her book is doing so well. She deserves it.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Great post! I will be doing this in Houston in a few weeks!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:49 am
Loved your recap of the event! Sadly, New Mexico is not on PW’s book tour, so I have to go to these signings vicariously. You made me feel just like I was there…right down to the creepy man stalking the aisles.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Great to hear from just a normal guy. My sis and I (both journalists who discovered Ree a couple of years ago) are hitting one of the KC book signings (and a talk!) on Monday night. I bought four books for the two of us and two gifts. As I walked into the bookstore to pick up the books and tickets, I heard a clerk telling a caller “the signing part could last past midnight.”
My sister is now planning to spend the night with me. And since the doors open at 6 and I’m in town, I plan to get there early to get upfront seats for us.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:53 am
What a fun read! I would never be able to stand that long but OH how it would be worth it…and to think you got to meet MM and PW both and you had a built in photographer
A night to remember!
I hope PW doesn’t get tired and play out on us….LOL…I look so forward to reading her each day!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:54 am
I get to meet her in Kansas City next Monday!.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Cliff, Great post. We were the loud ones about 10 feet in front of you. I am glad you got to meet her, she is fabulous! And, what a great kid you have that hangs with you that long. The Park Wife
November 13th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Hey, Cliff–very cool to read about the encounter from a male perspective! I saw her in Denver, but didn’t have the stamina to stand in line 3+ hours for an autograph. YOU are a true fan!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Hilarious!!! Great post! I wish she would head up North so I could go to a book signing as well….I would be speechless for sure!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:17 am
I agree with Paige - I’m dying to meet her, but I’m in the same boat. thanks for sharing your experience!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:18 am
So hilarious–thanks for sharing!!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:20 am
You are too cute Cliff! How fun to finally meet Ree and what a great post.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Very fun to read this! I have just recently found Ree’s site and love it. Very jealous that you got to meet her.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Ha! My Aunt and Uncle were BUSTED on PW’s web page and yours too! My uncle is the man in the pink shirt you posted. I just called them and they went and waited in line to get this book for MOI!!! How funny that you guys got them on film!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Great post! Saw your link on PW and came to see. I’m living vicariously from all who got a chance to see Ree since she won’t be coming to my city. Your post put a smile on my face. Thanks!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Just came over from PW’s blog and glad I did. Great story. I love your honesty.
She’s not coming anywhere near where I live, so I am sending my cousin to her signing in Minneapolis. It might be a better plan as I think I might get tongue-tied as well.
Thanks for sharing.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:15 am
We should make a engineers who love PW fan group
November 13th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Awsome blogging account Cliff! I loved reading it from beginning to end. Came over from PW’s blog.
November 13th, 2009 at 11:26 am
one of the BSET PW posts i have read-! Funny and honest!
November 13th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Fun Post! I’m sitting here in NM wishing PW and MM would head our way!
Glad you gave us all the fun details!
November 13th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
This is the kind of post I like to read—good humor and lots of details about your experience meeting PW. Thanks so much for sharing with the rest of us who live too far away to make it to a book signing.
Now get back to the homeschooling ; )
November 13th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Cliff you are a great writer and I loved reading your account!
November 13th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
This was a great post! I felt like i was right there with you - and I felt your emotions too - cause that’s how i’d be feeling!
PW comes to Los Angeles in a couple of weeks, but I’m about 6-7 hours away from there…boo! Congrats on meeting Ree!!!
) It’s fun knowing that a ton of other people out there love her site, too. 
November 13th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Yea for you!! I’m envious!
November 13th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Hi Cliff! Like many here, I just came from PW’s site. I sure did enjoy your post & you really did make me feel like I was there…….my feet are killing me! She sure seems like a great lady & MM’s not bad either. So happy to have stopped by……now are you going to blog more?
November 13th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
What a wonderful read….thanks!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I popped over here for PW…she does mention you but not by name..why not leave her a comment.
Aunty Pol aka Boschka on Tasty Kitchen
November 13th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
This was great!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Loved hearing a man’s point of view and so jealous that you got MM in addition to PW! I saw her in SLC and loved it but you, you are a true fan. And I don’t mean the creepy stalking kind. thanks for being a proud member of catagory #3!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
i don’t think i was far enough back in line to see the post its. however, it still took us almost 2 hours to get our books signed.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments! It was fun writing it from a guy’s perspective. I left out a part when several male Walmart shoppers singled me out asked me what everyone was in line for. More likely, they were wondering what *I* was doing in a line full of women! But yeah, protip for those going to future booksignings? Definitely be prepared to wait! Bring a laptop/portable DVD player/gameboy/books/anything to occupy yourself with!
All these wonderful comments may motivate me to start writing again!
November 13th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Thanks for sharing your story — very fun to read!!!
November 13th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Thanks for the recap. I am glad you were out there meeting your hero. I knew my husband secretly read the Martha Stewart Magazine I used to subscribe. He would never admit he did it. I sometimes casually brought up something from the magazine in our discussion and once in a while he slipped out the knowledge. Ha! He said he didn’t read PW either. Who knows.
November 13th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Great post, Cliff! I feel like I was right there in line with you! Excellent blogging!
November 13th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hey Cliff,
. I’m Charity, the redhead with the glasses was September, and the brunette (my sister) was Rebekah. We had a blast waiting in line with you for 3 hours …did you notice my baby on PW???
I was one of your book signing neighbors (the one who took off her boots
November 13th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Great post and sounds like it was a fun time for all.
Looking forward myself to meeting Ree and whomever she may bring with her to Kansas City @ the Country Club Plaza on the 16th.
Will be a fun night out…”Girls Night Out” to hear her speak / then the book signing.
November 13th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Heya Cliff… I too stopped over from PW’s site… what a great recap you provided! Glad you had fun at her signing - I had a great time at the signing in Denver, too, and going through the “what should I say” lines in my head, just like you.
Gotta say though…. I waited 5 hours in Denver and I didn’t get to see her talk! That PW, she’s a popular woman! So to Talea and all the folks getting ready to go to a PW signing…. get there EARLY! Way early!
November 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
this was a great post! Fun to get the male perspective, most of the blogs I read are mom blogs… You gave a great recap, and I’m very jealous, I live in Ca and I haven’t seen any signings near us.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
I enjoyed the saga of your night! I live in Dallas and had planned to go to the book signing here, but I don’t think I can stand up to the rigor of being in a three hour line. So instead, I’ll content myself with your account of the whole thing! Thank you!
November 13th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
[…] Nonsensical Gibberish […]
November 13th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
You got to meet MM and Pioneer Woman!!!! Go you!
November 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hi Cliff! I enjoyed your account of the book signing! Thanks for writing it! I’m lucky enough to get to go to her signing in St. Louis next week. I can’t wait!
November 13th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Don’t make fun of all us gals drooling over MM. I was practically sniffing him when it was my turn. So yummy!
Great post on the event. I think I might have been a bit ahead of you in line since I got there at 6. It was still a good time.
November 13th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Hey! Had fun chatting with you! It was funny seeing how a guy interprets a girl’s conversation.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Loved reading your perspective on PW’s booksigning! Thanks for sharing!
November 14th, 2009 at 10:33 am
How fun! What a great post! Like others, I came over from PW’s and I really enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.
November 14th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Great recap!!! I can’t wait to see her in Dallas.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
What a sweet guy, your wife isn’t a fan?! My son came with me to the book signing in Phoenix but he only stayed around long for the Q&A. I wrote up my rendition of the book signing, complete with transcription of the Q&A. And I’m giving away one of my books that PW signed on my blog, entries accepted until November 17th, 2009. Also I set up a petition for PW to get chickens: http://tr.im/EmEk
November 15th, 2009 at 2:31 am
Thanks for sharing your account of meeting PW. I’m a new fan of hers and am also awestruck that a simple blogger could be making such a huge impact! I really felt like I was right there in line with you. Must have been a truly fun moment! Maybe she can be convinced to make a Germany tour…
November 15th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
What a wonderful telling! Hehee. Women always wonder if men go through the same kinds of emotion when meeting someone they admire. Good to know we’re all pretty much star struck with Ree. We’re headed to a signing in Los Angeles next Sunday, and I can hardly wait to join the throngs of primped, perfectly coiffed women who will go back to the real world smiling large after getting to meet The Pioneer Woman.
November 15th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
How funny you are! I love reading this from the male perspective. Everything about MM just cracked me up! Congrats on meeting her! I don’t see Alaska on her book tour list at all!
November 16th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Nice post! Of course, found you from PW’s website. I also enjoyed the male version of your adventure. Looks like you had a good time! Kelly,
www.whatupduck.com
November 16th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
what a fun post! i am so jealous! i wish she were coming to California!!! :O(
anyway. way to be brave and face the teeming hoard of women :O)
November 17th, 2009 at 12:53 am
Thanks for sharing your PW Close Encounter. Yay for the category #3 guys!
November 17th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
What a fun recap of The Event! I hated to miss it, but alas, a visit to the in-laws to pick up a very homesick little girl was required (out of state). Glad you got to meet PW…and I’ve added you to my Google Reader!
November 27th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Excellent post! - popped over from PW’s blog and I’m jealous of everyone who gets the chance to meet her. Fun stuff
December 5th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
[…] Tags: Miscellaneous Today the Pioneer Woman came to town for a book signing, as she’s just released her very first published cookbook. I was filled with GREAT anticipation for this event, especially after Cliff got to meet her and then totally got linked on her blog. I knew it was going to be a long wait but I felt sure it’d be worth it. […]