6/28 Peach Buzz: ‘Cracker Queen' christens new literary loft with a moonshine toast

We attended a literary function on Saturday where everyone stood around sipping chardonnay and nibbling brie and saying erudite, writerly things. Ha! Just kidding. We actually ran down to Powder Springs where local author and National Public Radio commentator Lauretta Hannon, dubbed "the funniest woman in Georgia" by Southern Living, christened The Hive, her new literary loft. "Y'all get some moonshine!" the author of "Cracker Queen" said to the crowd of nearly 200 that showed up. (The signature cocktail she served is also known as Lightning Lemonade, which is quite legal). Powder Springs Mayor Pat Vaughn read a proclamation welcoming The Hive to the historic downtown strip of shops and restaurants, then assisted with the "ribbon cutting," where she, Hannon and a bunch of ladies with tremendous hair all snipped yellow police crime tape. "Only Lauretta would think of crime tape," the mayor cracked. The Hive will host reading and writing events starting with the Bookclub Bonanza on from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 13. See www.thecrackerqueen.com/the-hive.html for details. Notables included Willie G Watts , known as the Fried Pie Lady of Powder Springs, and her daughter Annette Watts; a swarm of beehive wig-sporting ladies including Betty Carman, Sharon Johnson, Myra Crawford, Jackie Crawford, Harper Lee Crawford and Jenna Albright; and Annselma Wood, Hannon's frequent partner in crime whom she calls Aint Selma. (Not aunt. Aint. Rhymes with paint.) "Aint Selma, tell 'em all how many times you've been married and divorced," Hannon hollered. "Nine!" replied Wood, who donned her tiara for the festivities. Then we all had some moonshine.

Overscene

Actors Billy Bob Thornton, Robert Duvall and their family members visited the Atlanta Botanical Garden Sunday afternoon. They were especially interested in the Frog Pod facility. (Thornton's little girl, Bella, loves frogs.) Thornton and Duvall are here filming "Jayne Mansfield's Car," which Thornton co-wrote and is directing. It also stars Dwight Yoakam, Pierce Brosnan and Kevin Bacon. It's been filming in Cedartown and LaGrange.