So there seems to be one major glaring detail I'm leaving out of the High Point trip... my encounter with Margaret Russell at the Elle Decor cocktail party. Truth be told, it was a book signing and she was holding court in a tent as adoring fans lined up to buy the book in hopes for a moment of her attention. We arrived... poked our heads into the tent, saw her and went about our business. After all, it seemed a bit odd to wait in line just to meet someone. It just didn't seem like the thing to do.

So we chatted amongst ourselves on the patio and killed time before dinner. But as the evening wound down and the line subsided I decided I'd go take one more peek at the glamorous editor. After all... I'd come so far and she was mere yards away. So into the tent we went....

As luck would have it, the line had dwindled. Her assistants were quickly wrapping things up and there was just one person left in line. At the prodding of my girlfriend I stood in line as she paid for my book ("an early Christmas present"). I began simultaneously offering a hasty "no, no... I feel silly!" all the while removing my cardigan so I could reveal my arms and dress in the photo. Before I knew it I was up on stage mugging for the cameras and vamping for a good angle to showcase my "better side." LOL!

So yes... like a silly schoolgirl, here I am hamming it up with the fabulous MR herself. And yes, she's every bit as adorable and chic in person. It's a lousy photo, what with me smiling too hard and us each looking at opposite cameras. (Isn't that always the way?) You may go ahead and laugh. I'll giggle too every time I crack open my signed copy of Style and Substance. After all...it was a Christmas gift from a fabulous friend. And who could refuse an offer like that?

And Margaret... dear Margaret... thank you for your graciousness and for allowing me to impose upon your personal space after what must have been a taxing evening. While it was my distinct pleasure to be the last in line, I vaguely remember squeezing you and pulling you in tightly for the photos. It's hard to say... it was all such a comical blur. However, I'm almost certain I was a bit too enthusiastic. My apologies for not considering your ankle. And if I didn't mention it... it was a pleasure to meet you. :)

Yours truly,

future best-selling author, Franki Durbin.