Your Majesties,

THE STARS AMONG US

Would you indulge me in one of my analogies, of which I am so fond, for a moment? Picture a woman in a forest, gathering sticks to make a small fire, then patiently working to create the first flame, gradually adding material until the fire blazes. Now she has created warmth for herself and – very possibly – warmth for others nearby.

This woman, dear Queen, is you. You are the one who has gathered friends (old and new) and formed them into a fledgling chapter of the RHS. You are the one who has helped clarify our Mission and purpose to them, infusing them with the RHS spirit. You caught a vision and then turned and shared it generously with others. You are a leader; beyond that, you are a Star!

The Red Hat Society theme for the year 2012 is "The Stars Among Us," and our Queens are our stars. You have spread your glow upon your chapterettes, by modeling good humor, kindness and patience. You have led your chapters to the playground and helped them remember how to play. You have truly behaved like the Star that you are! We are not interested in the Hollywood type of star – all fluff and hype. We are talking about women like you, who shine on others, who inspire and lead!

Like the woman in the analogy, you have started a small fire – a fire that glows. We know that that the RHS and its Queens are impacting people positively in many ways. We hear sparkly little stories of kindnesses, inspirations, "coincidences", and love among Red Hatters.

Will you please send us your "glowy" little stories? We would like to share the inner glow that these stories produce in the rest of the membership. They will inspire and encourage other Queens around the world, knowing that they are a part of an organization that helps these things happen. How has your chapter impacted your community in general and/or some people in particular? Have you been featured in magazines, newspaper or TV? Has one member done something special for another? Has your chapter inspired others in some way?

We're not sure what to ask for because we know that you all have stories that don't necessarily fit into any categories we can invent. There are so many chapters, so many individual members, and we know there are just as many beautiful tales to be told – both small and intimate and large and showy. Come on, stars, share the effects your glow has had in your a neck of the woods! Let's pass along that warmth and inspire others to do likewise. Shine on!

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

So, have you and your chapterettes given any thought to planning activities for this year? If not, that's easy to understand; there's so much to do in December. To encourage you, let me share what the Fabulous Founders do at our annual January gathering: we have a potluck and throw out ideas to gain a loose plan for the coming year. We have learned not to do this in a restaurant because there is usually too high a noise level and we may feel rushed. Eleven people (January's already taken care of) choose a month and agree to come up with a plan for an activity for that month. Because of our numbers there will be some who won't be called on until next year.

Since we all know this planning is coming up, some will come with a month and an idea already chosen. Some will just choose a month and send out details later on. There's no reason for pressure; no matter what we do, we know will have a guaranteed good time together. We often try to choose our dates as well because it makes it easier to plan. See? No muss, no fuss – and good food.

And don't forget to check the "Fun Stuff" page on the website. There are plenty of ideas there.

RED HATTERS HAVE HEART

What does the color red bring to your mind? Life? Love? Hearts and Valentine's Day? Yes to all of those. We Red Hatters are all about life, love and hearts; that's why we have a natural connection with the American Heart Association (in your country, the name may correspond to your homeland). We value our alliance with this marvelous group, because they are all about the same things.

To ensure that we cause no misunderstanding, let me reiterate that we do not raise money for the AHA; we raise awareness of the threat of heart disease and the signs that point to problems.

Many women do not realize that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Many do think that heart disease occurs most often in men – not true. So, to do our part in preventing unnecessary tragedy, we try our best to spread the symptoms of impending heart problems to our members, and we hope that you pass the information on to those near and dear to you.

" Go Red for Women" Day is February 3. On that day, we encourage all of you to wear red – from head to toe, if possible – in order to spread this kind of awareness. Or, perhaps you may want to wear all red to one of your chapter events during the month of February. It costs nothing and you never know whose life you may touch, or even save! You will also note that we have turned our website red as our attempt to share life saving strategies for ensuring you are "heart healthy." There will also be a few other surprises (in the downloadable section—hint hint) that we believe you will enjoy in the upcoming month.

QUEEN OF THE MONTH

We'd like you to meet Queen Cyndee Schaub of the Fabulosas in Arvada, Colorado, U.S.A. Cyndee was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in a small neighborhood known as the Bernal Heights district. She initially received an A.A. in communications, along with some additional classes, from San Francisco State University. Later, after moving to Colorado, she pursued a degree in business from Regis University.

She and her husband met, on St. Patrick's Day, in the San Francisco Marina district at the Cadillac Bar & Grill. Now married, they have three children: a girl and two boys.

Cyndee says she "dabbles" in her personal chef and wine consultant business and is also a part-time travel consultant. Her hobbies include reading novels, particularly science fiction, gourmet cooking, prowling the local thrift stores, and – of course – Red Hatting.

Some years ago, while still a relative youngster, Cyndee decided that she wanted to be "one of those ladies" when she saw the Scarlette O'Hatters march in a parade in Golden, Colorado. When she turned 50 she joined online; a year later she started a chapter.

What she loves most about being a Member of the RHS is making new friends, particularly those who have since become her closest friends. She says, "I find that when I am in a group and we are all wearing our Red Hat attire, we attract positive attention...I have this red hat pride that never seems to die down."

In the words of Martha Stewart, that's "a good thing!"

FYI...look in January for the launch of the new "Queen of the Month" Facebook Fan Page Tab dedicated to the specific Queen who has been featured in the broadcast. Fun! If you are not already a Fan of Red Hat Society on Facebook, now would be a great time to get involved!

In friendship,

Sue Ellen Cooper (Exalted Queen Mother, Founder)

Updated: January 1, 2012