Me and Ree, Best Friends Forever

It all started with the cinnamon rolls. These cinnamon rolls. Last year, about this time, my friend Blair and I were discussing our Christmas menus. She mentioned she might make these apparently bodacious cinnamon rolls. As soon as I saw that picture, I was hooked. I had to have those cinnamon rolls.

Things have come between me and those cinnamon rolls. Things like the intimidation factor of making 50 cinnamon rolls at once. Things like a Christmas menu that was already set last year--one that did not include cinnamon rolls. Things like my fear of all those cinnamon accompanying me and my thighs on the rest of my journey through life.

But as I went back to visit those rolls on The Pioneer Woman's website I got more and more into the entire site. If you haven't already been exposed to her soul-pleasing recipes, love of family and friends, or tale of how she went from big-city girl to ranch wife, do yourself a favor and check out her website. And definitely buy her book. She's so funny and clearly knows her way around a kitchen. But the thing I love the most about her is the priority she places on her husband, her children and her friends. Her cooking is one way she strengthens those relationships, and I think anyone can relate to that.

She was in Atlanta last night to sign the book and oh what fun we had at the signing. My dear, dear friend Kristiana got there at 4:30 to get us wristbands for the event. That was three hours before it was supposed to start. She was #200 in line. Bless you, Kristiana. I couldn't get there until nearly 7:00. Kristiana, Blair, our friend Hannah and I all stood in line with a lot of women. I mean A LOT of women. And the occasional baby. And the even more occasional man. Some had come from as far away as Kentucky. (Go Wildcats!)

Anyway, Ree (her real name) was so lovely and, I'm sure, so very tired of people fawning over her (or not). But when we got to the front of the line to have our books signed and pictures taken, she was so very sweet. I brought her a loaf of pumpkin bread, cause I can only imagine how a slice of something comfy in your mouth would feel after lots of travel and meeting people you don't know. And I mumbled something about making her pico de gallo earlier in the day and then--and this came out of nowhere--I thanked her for making people's lives a little brighter. Which was kind of really dorky. But I think she does. Just knowing that there is someone out there who values many of the same things I do, who loves her husband unfailingly, who delights in the quirks of her children, and who likes nothing more than abundant, good food on a table surrounded by great friends--well, it certainly brightens my world a bit.

Me and PW. Can you feel the love tonight?

For those of you who follow her blog, her sister Betsy and friend Hyacinth were there too and I got them to sign my book on their recipe pages. Betsy liked my necklace, and, being a sucker for a compliment, I liked Betsy. I also imagined a book tour of my own (not that I have such aspirations, so maybe just some crazy road trip) with my sister and my best friend. I can see it now--Lesley would have every good bed mapped out for the entire tour, while Amanda's nose for good vintage shopping would be sniffing out the cutest cake plates and milk glass within a 20 mile radius. And oh the food. We would come rolling home at the end of the trip so big. And so, so happy. And with so much kitsch.

I'll say it again, Pioneer Woman... thanks for being a bright spot! And just so you know... I have a firm date with your cinnamon rolls, for next week. I'll let you know how it goes.
Lindsay