I was a little tired the day I was in the Farmer’s Market, but on my way out I saw these colorfully dressed women sitting at a table and I had to say Hi. You take a look at them and can’t help but smile. Big red hats, purple dresses, and loud laughter. They drove up to LA from Orange County and they’re a part of the Red Hat Society, a group of women over 50 whose sole purpose is to dress up in tacky clothing and go out and have fun together. Most of their advice was lighthearted but it wasn’t necessarily what they were saying that was so impactful. It was my realization that at any age you need friends. There’s something so important about surrounding yourself with a group who loves you. And, these women – married, divorced, and widowed – all know this. I love my friends and I love being around them. But as life gets busier and families start to grow, I know that we all tend to “nest” a bit more - and sometimes at the expense of our friends. As I’m getting ready to grow my family, I know that I can’t forget my friends. In fact, they’re a part of my family and I want it to stay that way. Maybe there should be a Red Hat Society for men… under 50. Who says I wouldn’t look great in a purple dress and a big red hat? I guess that’s what our grandfathers generation loved about having lodges. It was a way to keep a close bond with friends through your adulthood.
Of course for those of you women reading this who are 50 and over, you have a fun group waiting for you with open arms and oversized hats. Check them out online: www.redhatsociety.com
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
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5 comments:
From a red hatter, I have to tell you that what you saw is what we are....with the exception of the tacky clothing part....We don't do "tacky." We have lots of fun and it seems we are always drawing attention and putting smiles on the faces of all who interract with us.
We take a great deal of pride in choosing the best purple outfits and red hats for our fun-filled outings. We would never be caught in "tacky clothes". We DO have fun and are always happy to share with the crowd.
A Happy Red Hatter
Ladies, I'm sorry for the use of the word "tacky." You love to dress up in loud, mismatched clothing and we love seeing you in it. If you want me to change it to a better word, throw out some suggestions and I'll make the switch :)
Would I be correct in assuming that the Red Hat Society takes its name from the poem by Jenny Joseph called 'Warning'?
"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple / with a red hat that doesn't go and doesn't suit me / and I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves / and say we've no money for butter"
Ladies, I do not mean to suggest in any way that you're old! Congratulations to all of you for continuing to live life to the fullest; and well done to you, Seth, for collecting this advice.
MY Red Hat Group was enjoying lunch at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City near Tampa, FL. A group of older men were seated in the same room with us. As they passed our table, they told us their mens group was named the ROMEO's or Retired Old Men Eating Out. Maybe you should join them when you are 50 or start your own group.
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