Better Than Martha

I am not a "domestic goddess" in any way, shape or form. I can't keep up with the dishes, laundry, kids, animals, etc. I work full time, commute almost 2 hours a day, and spend way too much time on my Kindle and Facebook. So needless to say, I've never been a big fan of women like Martha Stewart.

I know Martha has a lot of fans who think she is the greatest thing ever, but she comes across to me as a snobby perfectionist. I'll never forget the first time I saw her on Good Morning America many moons ago. She was showing Joan Lunden (I told you it was a looong time ago) how to make grits. Joan mentioned that she liked to eat grits for breakfast with a little butter, sugar and milk. This was also my favorite way to eat grits. Martha gave her a snobby look and told her in no uncertain terms that this was the wrong way to eat grits. Let me tell you, if this is wrong, I don't want to be right! How can there be a wrong way to eat grits? I mean, there are lots of people out there who eat different ways than me, but I wouldn't tell them they were wrong....just that I prefer it a different way.

I did try to give Martha a second chance when Oprah took notice of her. Come on, Oprah is amazing and if Oprah likes Martha, I should too, right? Nope, just couldn't do it. I'm sure I've gotten some helpful hints over the years (can't think of any right now), but I always felt as if I was being told that I was doing everything wrong. I remember one show when Martha demonstrated the proper way to vacuum. I'll admit, I tried it her way, and then decided there wasn't enough time in the day or antidepressants in my medicine cabinet to keep up with Martha. So I gave up on Martha, except to make fun of her when she was privileged enough to go to prison.

Imagine my delight when I wandered across the website for Ree Drummond - "The Pioneer Woman."  I feel as if I've met a kindred soul! She lives the ranch life in Oklahoma, has four children and a rugged, manly husband. She is funny, loves photography and cooks food that looks more comforting and delicious than gourmet. I think I have a crush!

I love that she calls her husband "Marlboro Man" and has him write his own posts on the day to day ranch operations. I don't live on a ranch, but I grew up in ranch country and it's always been one of my dreams to be able to have my own ranch. I also love that Ree posts photos of her family and animals and writes funny little poetry about them just because she wants to. She's not afraid to make fun of herself or seem a little corny.

I'm sure that there are people out there who feel the same way about PW that I feel about Martha, but you know what? I'm OK with that. She makes me laugh and that's what counts. So, thank you Ree, for entertaining me and brightening my days a little bit.