I had breakfast this morning with the most interesting group of women. My mother and I visited one of the Illinois Chapters of the Red Hat Society. One of our friends from exercise class told us about them, and invited us to go with her. The chapter has about 35 women, and there were about a dozen present. These ladies are all over 50, wear read hats and purple clothing and are fascinating. A large number of them are politically active. Two are artists, one was a librarian, another is in real estate, and another is a principal.
The variety of women present was astonishing. The oldest member present was 89 and the youngest was in her mid fifties. They are all active, bright, inquisitive, warm and welcoming. I'm looking forward to receiving mail from them, telling me what the chapter has planned for the year.
I found women who could help me learn to embellish my quilts, one who could give me information on developing a subdivision, and several others who could talk with me about local politics. It occurred to me that a Red Hat Chapter might be the perfect place to start a "Sitters Group" to give those of us who care for the elderly a little time off now and then.
If I remember the statistics correctly, approximately four years ago at the first national convention, there were fewer than 500 chapters, and now there are 35,000 chapters throughout the world. All sorts of store are featuring Red Hat departments. You're likely to find T-shirts with the word "Hatitude," or bracelets, broaches, hats, purses, and purple clothing. It seems it's become a BIG business.
If you're interested in learning more about the Red Hat Society or want to see if there is a chapter near you, visit their official website.
Comments (10)
I've seen a blog (don't remember whose and don't care) that took the Red Hatters to task for not having a higher purpose--the writer evidently not believing that just getting together for enjoyment was sufficient. Well, I don't deny the blogger her right to feel that way--as long as she doesn't want the Society outlawed--LOL. I, however, feel that most women spend enough of their lives/time serving the needs of others and am delighted that some are now finding a way to serve their own needs. We all have, to a greater or lesser extent, a need to have someone with whom we can relax and enjoy just being.
Since life is not enduring, it makes sense that we older women would find that "someone" to be a group. I don't belong, but my hat's off to the Red Hat Society gals! (My hat would be red if I had one.)
Posted by Cop Car | December 19, 2004 6:47 AM
Posted on December 19, 2004 06:47
What a wonderful comment, Cop Car.
I totally agree with you, that the Red Hat Society serves a purpose that the critic was missing.
I was delighted to find women who shared my passions, and women who want to learn more about them, from me!
Yes, all the frippery makes it seem frivilous on the suface, but the connections that women make are very necessary. One of the best e-mails I've ever received was one encouraging a new bride to make women friends. The writer knew that it's our friends who help us through the difficulties, and the high points, of our lives. The Red Hat Society is a fun way to give women the opportunity to make new friends.
Beyond that, the networking that occurs is incredible, and that alone, should draw younger women to the group.
So.....when's your birthday, Cop Car?? You've given me a great idea for a birthday gift! *G*
Posted by Buffy | December 19, 2004 1:47 PM
Posted on December 19, 2004 13:47
Long Story: Until 10 years ago, my only contact with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was in knowing that one of my fellow high school students was a member of the "club" at our school. She was a year behind me in school and, like me, had decided to shorten the high school experience by one year to get on with life.
My impression of her was that she was a "society" type, while I was a "geek". (My how I blush in retrospect!) My impression of AAUW was that the meetings were for glove-wearing, tea-drinking (with pinky firmly lifted into the air), matronly women.
Then, out of the blue--some 35 years later--I received some literature from the AAUW, asking if I wished to join. Their literature was chock full of information about how they were promoting equality of opportunity for girls. How had I missed that? (Well, perhaps they changed over the years. I know that I did.) I joined. And am proud to send my money in.
I think that our first impressions of "organizations" can be terribly mistaken. At least I've proven that mine can be!
Posted by Cop Car | December 20, 2004 9:22 AM
Posted on December 20, 2004 09:22
I am envious. I have read about the Red Hat Society on various sites and blogs and am really interested in it. However there isn't a Chapter anywhere near my part of the UK. In fact as far as I can tell there are only 10 Chapters in the UK, none near me. Sigh. Still, I hope you enjoyedyourself. Have you actually joined?
Posted by Adele | December 20, 2004 1:19 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 13:19
Just poped in to say hi girl! Have a great Christmas week!
Posted by Joe Smitherman | December 20, 2004 3:38 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 15:38
Adele...you have to start a chapter! From what I've read at the website, it's easy to do, and you could be the first on your block to be a "Queen." The founder of each chapter is designated the "Queen." Hmmmmmm....you don't suppose THE Queen is a "Queen" do you?? Nah....couldn't be! We DID enjoy ourselves! And I think we are going to join. *S*
Cop Car....maybe I need to take another look at the AAUW. I've been invited to join and passed up the invitation several times. Maybe I should be more careful about my assumptions. :-(
Posted by Buffy | December 20, 2004 4:24 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 16:24
Tell 'em Cop Car sent you, Buffy! We all get caught on our assumptions, I'll bet. I would highly recommend supporting AAUW even though I've never been to a meeting.
Posted by Cop Car | December 20, 2004 4:40 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 16:40
Joe....I missed you there, hon! Thanks for the good wishes; we ARE having a great week, and we hope it extends into next week when my youngest sister comes to visit.
I hope you and your family are enjoying all the preparations for the holidays!
Posted by Buffy | December 20, 2004 5:37 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 17:37
Hmmm....have to think a bit about that...starting a Chapter. Not sure.
As far as the Queen is concerned - from what I've heard about her Bodacious isn't quite the word to use to describe her. Unless there is a secret side to her that normally isn't seen. Interesting thought.
Posted by Adele | December 20, 2004 5:38 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 17:38
Let loose, Adele! Live it up! After all, you're only going to meet with these ladies once a month! lol
Some of the chapters just gather for a meal, and others take trips, and shop, and go to the theater. You could have a book study chapter, or one that held garden parties!
No, the Queen isn't Bodacious, but then neither am I. I hope you'll give starting a chapter some serious thought. *S*
Posted by Buffy | December 20, 2004 7:39 PM
Posted on December 20, 2004 19:39