| Ruby's Ramblings |  |
Episode 99
LET’S HEAR IT FOR GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS!
As you know, Red Hat Society hosted two girlfriend getaways recently. We know these occasions are really good for us and some of you even attended both of these events. I, Ruby, rose to the occasions and got-away to both. Speaking of roses (see how my mind works?), I found myself reminiscing as I was packing for “Glam on the Grand” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. During the first book tour (Fun and Friendship After 50), EQM Sue Ellen, EVM Linda, and I were royally feted in Grand Rapids and hundreds of red hatters presented “roses” to us, with an invitation to return for a convention. Even the mayor was on hand to extend an official invitation. A promise was made – “We shall return!” – and we did. OK so it wasn’t hundreds this time, but what a grand time! I would describe it as small, but mighty – sorta’ like me! It was a treat to be able to meet everyone, hear touching stories that some might not have shared in a bigger setting, and return to Michigan. Of course we laughed a lot too! And Glitz – there was plenty!
And then… on to the beautiful city of Savannah. What a hoot! In conjunction with Georgia’s Jubilee Council (red hatters) we gathered from all over. At least 30 states and 4 Canadian provinces were represented. We always have fun, but when the element of dressing up with a theme is involved – just watch out! Red hatters are the best at being creative, and when the doors opened for the Hallowqueen banquet you should have seen the array of costumes. There were gorgeous, queens, evil queens, scary witches, beautiful witches, raucous pirates and saucy wenches (and one wimpy one, but that’s another story), angels and devils, grand southern belles, a bunch of grapes, and a rotund ballerina with her personal trainer. Then there was a Paula Dean Wanna-Be (dead ringer for the REAL Paula) with a pound of butter in her apron, and Anna Rexia – a mere skeleton of her former self. As for me – I dressed as a pink hatter and felt as though I had an extra spring in my step. Also enjoyed ghost tours, city tours, and great entertainment. Our own LaTonya, from Hatquarters and wearing a “soulful” costume herself, got us “rockin” at the farewell breakfast. As always, stories were shared about what this sisterhood means at a very personal level. For some it has been literally life changing, which gives us all pause to reflect on what it means. That is why Sue Ellen’s sobering state of the sisterhood address seemed to “rally the troops”. One of our San Diego sisters came up with the idea of an S.O.S. and I was the first one into the lifeboat, so to speak. I’m sure not done, or dead, yet. Long live our sisterhood!
Ruby
P.S. Hey, it’s World Series time, which reminds me (here I go again) – it’s time to
“step up to the plate”.