ORIGIN OF THE RED HAT SOCIETY

The Red Hat Society resulted from the giving of one birthday gift. In November 1997, Sue Ellen Cooper, (Fullerton, California) presented her dear friend, Linda Murphy, with a red hat and a copy of the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph. The orginial intent was that Linda hang the hat on a hook next to the framed poem, as a decorative reminder to loosen up as she got older. The gift was a hit! Other friends of Sue Ellen expressed an interest in receiving the same gift as they reached their 50th birthdays. On April 25, 1998, dress in purple and their red hats the ladies went to a tearoom. This was the brginning of our Red Hat Scoiety.


WARNING
by Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman,I shall wear purple,
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and a pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.

Written out by Elizabeth Lucas"


RED HAT SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT
"We are a global society of women approaching 50 or beyond that connects and supports women in their pursuit of Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Fulfillment.
Fun...to celebrate life at every age.
Friendship...to solidify and expand the bonds of sisterhood. Freedom...to discover and explore new interests.
Fulfillment...to fully realize our personal potential.
By maintaining a thriving social community. amd offering a variety of services and group experiences, the RHS encourages it members to get the most out of life."

RED HAT PROMISE

The Red Hat Society will open doors to a better tomorrow for women of all ages, adding Fun, Friendship, Freedom and Fulfillment to their lives. Each member can expect to be welcomed into our sisterhood and to be treated with diginity and respect. Together, we will extend the hand of friendship to women across the globe."

ONE FLAW IN WOMEN

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their heart s break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes,
sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk,
run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN . ...
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
By Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying of cancer)

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I wasn't there for the day.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I would have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
I would never have said "later, now go get washed up for dinner. There would have been more 'I love you's More 'I'm sorry's.'
But mostly,given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it...live it and never give it back.
STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more or who's doing what.
Instead let's cherish the relationships we have with those who love us.