Guests Spots and Green Rooms

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Guests Spots and Green Rooms

By Paula Deen

As you probably know, I don’t spend my days just cookin’ in the kitchen. There are shows to film, recipes and articles to write, and more travel than you can imagine. I’m not complaining. All that travel takes me places I never would’ve gone and introduces me to wonderful people I never would’ve met. Last month I spent a week on the Paula Deen Cruise with my fans aboard the most beautiful cruise ship. And in October I traveled across the country—in a bus—to promote my new cookbook, “The Southern Cooking Bible.” In between those adventures are flights to countless television appearances in just as many cities, from the smallest TV stations to the “Today Show” in Rockefeller Center.

All those television spots can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of waiting around. First, you’ve got to “get your face on” so you don’t scare anybody. And, honey, the older you get, the longer it takes—usually 2 to 3 hours! But the producers of these shows—especially the ones at the big networks—always have it in the back of their mind that a flight is going to get delayed and that a guest isn’t going to get there in time. So they always want you there early. And if I’m scheduled to do a cooking demonstration, they’re going to want to take me out on stage and go through a rehearsal just to get me familiar with where everything is. That way I don’t spend half my time asking, “Where’s my spatula, y’all?” It’s not easy cooking in someone else’s kitchen, especially when millions of viewers are watching.

Not that I get nervous anymore. You do anything enough times and it becomes as natural as breathing. But it wasn’t always that way. Public speaking used to paralyze me. I quit going to Sunday School because I was so afraid that they were going to call on me to read from the Bible. We would go in a circle and take turns and as it got closer to my turn, my heart would beat so hard that I was afraid I was going to hyperventilate. Eventually I said to myself, You know, I’m just gonna quit going. I’m not gonna put myself through that. That seems like a lifetime ago.

These days I manage to relax and rest some while I’m waiting on set. They put you in these little waiting rooms called “green rooms” that are furnished and set up with all kinds of snacks, coffee and sodas—anything you could want—and I’ll sit there and play “Words with Friends” or “Freecell” on my iPad. Not everybody has their own green room. It’s kind of funny, because when you’re first starting out and you haven’t paid your dues, so to speak, they have a big green room where everybody’s huddled together like cattle. But as you get a little more well-known, they’ll move you to a private green room.

Sometimes, they even give you gifts. I always love getting Oprah’s gift. Who wouldn’t? One time she gave me a big ol’ “O” bag, and I adore that bag. I have toted it everywhere I’ve ever been. So I always look forward to a gift from her because it’s something that she loves so you know it’s something that you’re going to love too.

But I have the most fun on the Tonight Show ‘cause Jay Leno is such a bird. This one time I was in my little green room and I was tired so I laid down on the sofa and shut my eyes. And all of sudden there was a big ol’ man on top of me! And it was Jay! It was like he was trying to kiss me or something like that! He really caught me by surprise that afternoon.

So in spite of all that waiting around, it can be a lot of fun too. And when it’s calm and quiet, I like to take a moment to myself to appreciate how a scared young lady from a little town in Georgia has come so far.

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Reader Comments:

Hey, J.R.---How about you not tell Miss Paula how to be. We like her just fine as she is. Thank you and have a good day.

By Kim Gomez on January 18, 2013

I have been a fan of yours (Paula) for years.... however the use of the word ya'll has gone way OVER BOARD !! ... I have lived in the south (Alabama, Texas, and Florida) for years, and have never heard the usage of ya'll in so many places it doesn't need to be... It got sooooo bad I can not watch your new shows.... You never used it sooooo much in the early years of your career ... Look back if you don't believe me ? ... Tone it down some........... PLEASE. !!

By J.R. Smith on January 17, 2013

Paula my wife loves your show and your recipes, she laughs,listens to your stories and recipes. I have to say thank you her cooking has gotten a better since we have been married and I can say you deserve credit for helping her learn the tricks of a chef an dfor your recipes. But she has a recipe for a cranberry nut pie that is to die for especillly at thanksgiving, our sons and I ask for it and so do most of our company. Almost everyone who trys it asks for the recipe. Could you try one on your show so we can see how it goes over, I mean with your recipe and let us know what you think of it . thanks

By clyde hooper on November 19, 2012

Guests Sotops And Green Rooms very nice Paula wish you love Y all

By Donna marie Eichhorn on October 25, 2012

I was so sorry to read that you dropped out of church at an early age because of being terrified about having to read from the Bible. I sincerely hope that at some point in your life you have gotten back in church and are now a Christian. You share so much about your personal life but I don't ever recall hearing you mention anything about attending church. Maybe you feel it isn't appropriate to do so on your television show, but because you are loved by so many people you could be such a powerful witness for the Lord.

By Jean Garner on September 13, 2012

Hi, I know you probably don't read these yourself, but could somebody tell me who makes that beautiful periwinkle blue shirt you wore? The one with the tiny ruffles....Love that color on you...Thanks!

By Margaret Bolton on June 03, 2012

Stana Katic of Castle TV series will be in Savannah ,Ga June 25 filming at Meddin Studio. Could you have her on your show-cook Serbian/Croatian food -If she does not cook also invite her MOM. Thanks Castle/Deen fan

By Betty Edwards on May 27, 2012

Great spot on the Today Show this morning! The blouse you had on was absolutley beautiful. Where did you find the blouse as I would love to buy one for my mother. Thank you, Lori

By Lori W-H on May 22, 2012

Hi Paula, check out Dr Fuhrman Eat to Live and do a cook book with him. Going public with your diabetes is a blessing because not only can you change your eating habits you can change Americas!! The same people that love to watch you cook will join you in changing their eating habits also. Food network does not have a "diet health show" here is your opportunity to be the first, its a huge new market for you to conquer!!! Go for it Paula people love you because you are a fun loving women not because you use butter .

By Tm on May 17, 2012

very inspirating....all hail to the southernQueen

By benita wheeler on May 16, 2012

First time ever doing this. I wanted to say how much I enjoy watching your show and using your cookbooks. If ever I could share a recipe with you it would make my life complete. I have a mac and cheese that will bring you to your knees. Closing by saying "GO TIGERS" and we dont mean Auburn neither.

By SusanRhinehart on May 07, 2012

Hi Paula! I love you lots, been to Lady and Sons. Met Jamie and Bobby. Good boys! Missed you in Vero Beach by 10 minutes. But, I need you to help me. Awhile back, on one of your shows, you showed your audience how to ship food thru the mail. I would like to mail my best friend one of my cheese cakes. Told her the only way I know how to do this, is to freeze it, and hope for the best! Do you have any suggestions on how I could pack and ship this about 500 miles? From Reynoldsburg, Ohio to Manassas, Virginia. Any input from you would certainly help. Thanks Paula. Luv you much, and keep on giving us all those great recipes. P.S. I've got a macaroni and cheese recipe, but it calls for 1 pound of butter. Please let me know if it's something that you would like to try. It's the best macaroni and cheese that I've ever wrapped my lips around! ,

By Marge Myers on May 04, 2012

Paula, There are not enough words to say how much I love your show!!!!! I watch it every day and thoroughly enjoy how you incorporate your family into many episodes. Your recipies are amazing and SO easy to prepare! Thank goodness for you and the wonderful recipies you share. Everything you make looks and tastes like a million bucks...yet, so aforadable and easy to make. Thank you for making me a "Super Star" in my own kitchen.

By Karen on April 28, 2012

Ms. Paula, Have I told you lately "How Much I Love ...Your wonderful show, cookbooks, recipes, etc." Let me count the ways!!! (The Sonnets of the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning) You are such a "breath of fresh air" to the Food Network and your many many fans. You make things so "real" and enjoyable. I know so very many people that feel exactly as I do. I have learned how to cook over the years but whenever I married I could not as so many young brides. You show simple and you show more complicated recipes. I love the variation. Thank you so much for that. I look forward to your future shows and your other future endeavors!!! Keep them coming girlfriend!!! You are GREAT!! P.S. A really good friend of mine is using the same diabetes medicine that you are and it is working so effectively for her. Also, I am from the South as you are but isn't it interesting how just as many if not more viewers love you from other parts of the continent as well. That's because you and what you "bring to the table" is such a successful message/endeavor.

By cajunangel3210 on April 25, 2012

Good afternoon! I just wanted you to know what fine men you have raised. I met your son, Jaime, on vacation in March. Despite my momentary state of crazy (due to a quick child scare), he was so polite friendly, and gracious. I have 2 boys of my own (Hunter and Jackson)and meeting him reminds me of the kind of men I can only hope and pray they grow to become. In Texas talk all I can say is "ya' done good, Mama Deen!" I saw y'all are headed to Galveston for your cruise. That's where my mother was born and raised. There are lots of places to see and things to do (historical and "whole in the wall" places). They are still rebuilding since Hurricane Ike, but y'all will still love it! If you need some direction let me know and we'll give you some pointers on where to go while you're there.

By Trista on April 24, 2012

Hello Ms Paula, I received your email today about how to paint the herb pots. This is a very cute idea. I have been wanting to grow my own herb garden -espically now that at age 47 (hubby 57) I my husband and I have finally been able to purchase our first home. How ever - I can not find anything that tells me how to care for and getthe most out of it if I was able to grow one. I know that you can pick them to cook with but how do you know when you should use them for maximum flavor and not to b/c they wouldn't taste good,etc... Do you let them flower or pinch the tops off before they get that far if your wanting to cook with them. This is the kind of info I'm looking for. Any ideas where I can find this??? Thanks and many blessings, Cheryl Brown PS I am a visual learner so I really get a lot out of watching videos and being showed more than just reading about things.

By Cheryl on April 24, 2012

Dear Sweet Paula, Three years ago my husband, Don and I, visited Savannah, as I had wanted to for a long time. We ate at Lady and Sons, but you weren't there that day-sniff-sniff! I have some cook books, the apron-The Lady Can Cook, your cup, pen, etc. I enjoy your show and your down-home personality. MAN, LOVE THOSE PRALINES. I HAD READ EUGENIA PRICE'S books and so wanted to visit St. Simon's Island-but noone would show me her grave. Oh well, I know she's in heaven. Didn't mean to talk on another subject. If I get to come there to Savannah, hopefully I would see you. Love your cooking! Who likes butter? I'm also trying to control the butter, but, man that's a hard one. I also have 2 boys and 4 grandchildren and I so identify with you. Your boys and Michael are so adorable. Married 50 years and still cookin'. God Bless you Paula! Love you. Be in health.

By Lois Crooks on April 24, 2012

paula i love your pound cake it is so good i would marry it if i could

By Riley Deeben on April 14, 2012

I saw a show where you made hot chocolate floats that were amazing. But even more interesting, the French chocolate cup and saucer were a discontinued pattern from crate and barrel that I have been trying to find for over a year. It was blue with yellow abstract flowers on it. Do you know where I can find any of these dishes? They were made by a pottery factory in Italy but I couldn't contact the manufacturer and C&B has no discontinued pattern to match. Thank you

By Jo on April 12, 2012

As I was looking through Prevention Magazine this am, I ran across the article on you Ms. Paula. I think back about when the media found out about your type 2 diabetes and I just get furious. Some things no matter how famous you are you might just not want to make it public for no other reason that it's none of anyones' business. You've had to make revisions to a lot of your receipes because of this. Well, most of the people our age do end up with type 2 diabetes. I believe you were treated unfairly and just wanted to tell you that. My youngest son has had type one diabetes since the age of 8 years old and he was always made to feel ashamed by the other kids, even by his wife (who is now an ex-wife). I am a 62 year old divorced woman from Baldwin, Ga (live in the stix as they say). I was married to the same man for what was 3 months short of 40 years. He divorced me for his so called secretary who is the same age of our oldest son about 5 years ago after I had worked and stood behind him all those years. I am just now able to forgive so that I can try to go on with my own life. Shoot, I actually have no dang life. I have been disabled since 1998 and really struggle to make it so I admire you Paula Deen for what you have been able to accomplish in your lifetime and wish you the best. Diabetes is not something to be ashamed of nor is it meant to be publicly broadcasted and held against you because of your receipes. It was none of their business. Those people who did not have diabetes could enjoy your receipes. People who do have diabetes knew what they could and couldn't eat. I know you have overcome many obstacles in your life. Now, they are on you about smoking. I started smoking when I was 35 years old and I know that wss a stupid thing to do and still smoke today. I have tried to quit but it is hard so I know you must be under a tremendous amount of pressure (saw you on Dr. Oz) and I could just imagine how you felt. I know it's a bad habit and we shouldn't smoke but dang, is there anybody out there who is perfect and does not have at least one bad habit? Every day is a struggle for me financially and even though you have become successful, I know that money may not be one of your stresses but I'm sure you have many because you are a human being just like the rest of us and we all have our faults. So, Ms. Paula, I salute you for giving all us old country Southern girls some entertainment. You seem to be a genuine person who doesn't pretend to be something that your not. A quality that you don't see in many people. So just go on being that little ole southern gal that you are and I hope you're not pressured into changing too much because most of us love you just the way you are, dang smoking and all. By the way, I don't have diabetes yet but who knows what's lurking around in our bodies? Enjoy your life with your husband, I am so happy that you found happiness and I want the same for myself but am so afraid of trusing any man that I don't look for it to happen for me. Think maybe I am destined to be alone for the rest of my days. I've never commented on a site like this before so you may find my rambling on a bit annoying so I'll shut up now. Have a lovely Easter from one old Southern girl to another.

By Wanda Galloway on April 08, 2012

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