Pardon the Interruption ...

But I must tell you about our fabulous afternoon yesterday!

I was thrilled to learn that Phyllis Norton Hoffman would be in Montgomery for the afternoon signing her latest book, Gracious Spaces. As publisher of Hoffman Media, she is the creative mind behind Southern Lady, TeaTime, Victoria, Sew Beautiful and many more of our favorite magazines and books. I was positively giddy with anticipation knowing I would get to meet her, but the girls looked at me blankly when I tried to explain her role in modern media. So finally I told them, "Basically, for all of us southern ladies, she would be the queen."

From that moment on, we were all excited about our upcoming visit! Five-year-old Mary Ashley announced to anyone who would listen, "We're going to meet the queen! We're going to meet the queen!" She asked if we could get her some pink flowers, explaining, "Everybody loves pink." And she wondered if she could give her a hug and kiss.

As we drove to Capitol Books in the Historic Mulberry District, I said a prayer about our visit and tried to gather my thoughts. I was so nervous trying to think what I could say in our brief encounter that would encapsulate my feelings about her work. Knowing I might only have a few moments, I hoped for the best as we shook raindrops from our unbrellas and opened the door to the bookstore.

And our visit with Phyllis Norton Hoffman was a dream come true!

She really is the kind and gracious southern lady we know through her publications. She immediately welcomed Mary Ashley and Emma into the shop, drawing them to her for hugs and pictures. We had a lovely visit with Mrs. Hoffman and her public relations director, Wendy. They put us at ease immediately and made us feel like they were as excited to meet us as we were to meet them.

You might not be able to tell in this photo, but my feet were not even touching the ground!

Our visit was so lovely that later in the evening when we crossed the interstate that leads to the Mulberry District, Mary Ashley pointed out, "That was the way we went to meet the queen! Can we go back to see her again now?" All I could say was that I hope we will meet her again someday. And until then, we can visit with her in the pages of our favorite Hoffman Media publications, drawing daily inspiration for gracious southern living from the queen herself!

Tomorrow I will announce the pillowcase dress giveaway winner!