Today I’m speaking to a group of spouses of Mississippi politicians. Fifty bucks I don’t survive.
You see, I’m not afraid of the people I draw. Now, their spouses on the other hand — well, let’s just say I watch my back. As you 
could imagine, I’ve had a few chilly receptions along the way. But I’ve also had some laughs, too. Phil Bryant’s wife Deborah likes how I draw her husband. Marsha Barbour does, too. But my favorite story revolves around one of my favorite people, former First Lady Pat Fordice.
Not long after Pat and Governor Kirk Fordice were divorced, I spoke at Galloway Methodist Church’s Wednesday night supper. We moved into the sanctuary and I started my dog and pony show. I told a story about a certain former Congressman’s wife who climbed my frame about how I drew her hubby and then I said, “I’m not afraid of the politicians. I’m afraid of their wives.” Right as I finished, an immaculately dressed older lady popped up in the back of the room and shouted, “Don’t worry honey, I LOVE the beret (I drew Gov. Fordice with a “I heart PARIS” beret. It was the former First Lady. I nearly dove under the table holding my projector. The room roared with laughter. I had no clue she was in the room and for one of the few times, someone got the best of me while I was speaking.