 |
| I finally met Paula ... I still think she is awesome |
Let me first explain my fan-girl status with Paula.
I am coming from a place that is somewhere between tongue-in-cheek and 100%, off the rails, actual super fan. I have no idea where it began, but I believe I found Southern solidarity in Paula during my early days in New York. It's also no secret that I like food and I like to cook. Being able to turn on the TV everyday and see this woman who reminds me of one of my relatives AND to be able to introduce all my city friends to the idea that butter actually makes things taste AWESOME has been highly rewarding all-around. Additionally - she is just hilarious. Did you SEE what she did to Matt Lauer this week?!?
'Sexy' Paula Deen gets flirty with Matt Lauer
During her talk, she spoke a lot about her past and her battle with agoraphobia. As a person with high anxiety levels myself, it was surprisingly inspiring to hear her story. The lesson was to make changes where you can but to accept that there are those things you CAN'T control (in her case, the early death of her parents). Worry and fear get you nowhere and are a waste of time. I will most certainly be reminding myself of this and take more fearless leaps forward in the future!
We weren't allowed to take personal pictures with her at the book signing which was a bit of a let-down. The woman had been busy molesting TODAY show hosts since 5 o'clock in the morning, though, so I guess I understand. :)
She was gracious enough to talk with me for a few extra seconds, though, and my friend C was able to snap a side shot. (see above)
Overall it was well worth the time and money. She is still one of my favorites, and I can't wait to make the first recipe from my new Southern Cooking Bible tonight!
"The way I see it, none of us is getting out of here alive and I don't wanna be caught dead with a piece of lettuce hanging out my mouth!!" ~ Paula Deen, 10/11/11
