You’re not just the queen of butter, you’re the queen of love.

Paula Deen: Photo by Dr. Billy Ingram/Getty Images

I felt nervous, excited and at one point in time, I felt like I wanted to cry tears of joy! It had been quite some time since my heart had raced that quickly, especially over some celebrity. I knew she was in the building and the line for her book signing was growing longer by the minute.

I was on my way to pick up one of her latest books with hopes that I could meet her during the signing. On my way, a reporter had pulled me aside for an interview on women’s blogs (thanks to my sister). I knew this was a great opportunity to get the word out about MissFitMama and was excited since this was my first official interview. The woman was kind and sincere and I tried so hard to focus on what she was saying, but then time stopped. I heard the echo of a voice I had become all too familiar with on the Food Network. It was the woman I had been waiting for. Paula Deen was a good 50 feet away from me now.

Paula Deen at the Women's Conference in Long Beach, CA

My mother had secured us a spot at the back of the auditorium behind some rope and after I answered my last question, I made a b line for it. She was just as beautiful as she was on tv. Her laugh and personality was larger than life. I had missed the first few minutes of her speech and came in at a point where she began to talk about her early days as the “Bag Lady”. She had started her business with determination, hard work, a passion for cooking and only $200.00.

The Deen Brothers at the Women's Conference

Later she discussed the love of her life, her now husband Michael. She talked about faith, responsibility and her will be independent and self reliant. Here, I will share on of her many pearls of wisdom. “Ladies, never be with a man because you have to, be with a man because you want to”. In other words, take responsibility for yourself (financially and otherwise) and when you’re independent, happy and healthy, love will be that much more fulfilling.

We may be separated by generations,culture & state lines, but our common ground is our love of good food and the life that happens in between meals. I was 22 when I lost my father, and Paula was 26 when she became an orphan. Like Paula, I struggled terribly through school (as my poor mother can attest to). I had dreams of becoming a famous actress or singer. She wanted to become a model. I was called a late bloomer, but as Paula reminded me during her speech, she was in her 40′s when she decided to take life by the reigns. She said, “It was June 19th… I never forget it”. Thank God she did. So, in honor of Paula Deen, I will share The Serenity Prayer that she shared with us. I love you Paula!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

–Reinhold Niebuhr

October 28, 2009. Tags: Life.com, Paula Deen, Women's Conference. Inspirational Stories, Women & Wellness.