The Red Hat Society

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