I caught a nugget of a story on NPR this week that Alton Brown was coming to the Texas Book Festival this weekend, as soon as I got home I headed online. I was going to meet him, and had to start setting the plan in motion to make it happen.
With two kids, going to an event, such as a book signing, seems completely out of the realm of possible. I called my friend to babysit, no answer, I left a message hoping she would be free Saturday. My mother-in-law is a school teacher, and avid reader, so naturally I thought she would want to attend the festival. The day before the festival she sent me a reply… definitely interested.
The book signing was hosted at Central Market (all Austinite foodies have shopped there, I would gander often even) by Barnes & Noble, the sponsor for the event. We arrived 45 minutes prior to Alton’s presentation to find a very long and rapidly growing line of other adoring fans.

We finally saw the start of the line!
There was a volunteer relaying the questions and answers down the line, my hubby called it an “1847 loud-speaker”. They should have set up speakers outside so that those of us fortunate enough to stand and wait over an hour could reap some benefit. Apparently, there were free tickets sold two weeks prior. I had no clue! There was nothing at Barnes & Noble (I was there about that time buying hubby his birthday present). Where was I supposed to be looking for these “tickets”? Many of the other fans stuck outside with us shared the same questions and frustrations. The event volunteers did bring free bottles of water, which helped a bit. If this event were held at the festival, there would be a tent with speakers so that those of us in the back could perhaps listen to what the almighty Alton had to say.
The volunteers managed to propagate a few hints of the Q&A: Alton’s favorite episode is Oatmeal: Part 2 aired recently, the next book will be a children’s book because his daughter likes Harry Potter, the next possible show on Food Network will be about hunting, and something about brains. When asked what show we should watch, Alton responded re-runs, then his DVDs, then read the books and turn off the TV. I would have asked, who is your favorite Iron Chef and why, who or what inspires you, if you cook for your daughter what does she prefer you make for her? If only I had a magical ticket.

My little trooper
The kids were surprisingly well-behaved, I was thankful to have everyone tagging along to help out. Baby Sister was passed around to keep her occupied. Big Brother was treated to a pop from a restaurant along the side lines. After waiting for over an hour, all of the guests with small children were escorted inside the building to the front of the line. Thank you! Whose ever idea that was, thank you very much! Consequently, once moments away from meeting Alton in person, Baby Sister goes squirrely and Big Brother is turning up his annoyance level. How do they know this is the coolest day in a long time for mommy? Happiness radar comes with every well equipped child, that’s how. We managed to keep everyone preoccupied long enough.

Walk the Baby

Push Big Brother
We reached the front of the line. I start freaking out. OMG, that’s Alton… What do I say? Do I smell bad?

Made it to the front of the line!
All I could get out was, it’s so nice to meet you! Alton replied, it’s nice to meet you too. Of all the books I’ve signed, Heather is the only name that you can only spell one way.

Alton Brown
Alton was very nice, I’m sure by the time we met him he was getting a little tired. I blacked out mentally and can’t tell you what else we exchanged. My hubby told him that we love watching the shows. I think Grandma got a word in too, just don’t ask which one.
I left on cloud oatmeal, signed book in hand.
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