This comic of Ramona Singer from Real Housewives of New York has a funny story behind it.
My friend, Kellie, and I were getting pedicures. I was sharing my latest comics with her. All of the sudden her eyes got really big (like Ramona's) as she explained that Ramona was going to be at the local liquor store promoting her wine, Ramona Grigio, the following day. Before I could respond she told me I HAD to cartoon Ramona and bring a gift basket to the signing. I immediately panicked. How in the hell was I going to crank out a cartoon of Ramona on the spot. I have 1 hour to myself and then it's back to being pulled in three different directions with the kids. My husband was on a trip and I wasn't sure I had anyone to watch the kids so I could stalk a Reality TV star. No offence Ramona, but this was out of the norm for me.
As soon as I got home I received a text from Kellie stating that I had until Thursday which gave me two and a half days to become an official celebrity stalker. Between the two of us, we found some good pictures of Ramona and had a basic idea of the script. Kellie sent me a text with a picture of a 'rough' sketch (as she puts it) on a sticky note. I thought it was pretty good. She thought differently. I took it from there. Stressed to the gills! My children were not happy with me. Above is the final product.
Thursday evening arrived rather quickly. I was printing off business cards, photos of the comic, as well as index cards. The delivery was literally hot off the press. The whole comic thing has been a hobby of mine. I've never taken a drawing or art class. I was so nervous. I didn't know how Ramona would respond to my stalking antics. More importantly, I prayed she would appreciate the humor. That's what it was all about. The humor. Humor is good.
We met a few people while waiting in line. They seemed to be as excited as we were to see how Ramona would respond. As the line moved up we were able to have a taste test of Ramona Grigio. I am a Pinot Noir kind of girl so I wasn't sure what my taste buds would think. Surprisingly, I LOVED it. I do not drink white wine, but this was really good. It was so good, I probably would have drank the whole bottle if I was given the opportunity. Soon enough we found ourselves next in line. I was relieved to see Bruce, the owner of the liquor store. I used to wait on him when I worked at a local diner. Saying our hello's eased my nerves a bit.
Finally, it was our turn to meet Ramona. The ladies in front of us were waiting to see what happened. We approached the table and Ramona jumped up to see what we brought her. She was so excited! Her eyes got really big and she came around the table to take a picture of the framed cartoon we gave her mentioning she was going to tweet it. She gave her phone to another lady to take our picture with her. I was so impressed with how gracious she was and what a truly nice person she is.
Of course, I bought a signed bottle of wine. We went out to the parking lot and the ladies who were in line in front of us were waiting. They were so excited for us. I literally jumped up and down like a 16 year old that just met Justin Bieber. Yes, a 40 year old woman jumping up and down screaming in a liquor store parking lot. A little over the top, but I didn't care. It was the best and only stalking experience of my life. Thank you Ramona! You made me feel like a million bucks!!! I will never forget that feeling.
While Kellie was driving me home she was freaking out..."Oh My God! We are missing tweets, I have to get you on twitter NOW! And she did. This comic and the experience attached to it brought me to joining Sherpa on Gocomics.com. This cartoon hobby is getting a little more serious, but I LOVE it!
