I want to begin by saying that I AM NOT a member of the Red Hat Society. They're everywhere, those 50-somethings, most noticeably (one cannot HELP but notice them!) in restaurants and at quilt shows.They appear to be a large, happy, social group. I am not opposed to happiness, or social groups for that matter; in fact, quite the opposite is true! From the outside looking in I have always just thought that the organization was a bit too flamboyant, that and the fact that I abhor the idea of sporting a red hat in public, or a feather boa or a hat-head! I wasn't aware until today that it all came about as a result of this poem, "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 . . .
this is an adaptation, the poem concludes:
But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple."
This places the Red Hatters in a different light as far as I am concerned, I think the poem is delightful. I still won't be joining, I don't think that 50 is old to begin with. But, when my dear daughter-in-law sent me this photo of a Fisher-Price "Little
Life is Good!
17 comments:
How funny! I have a (much older!) friend who is a Red Hatter and she keeps encouraging me to join. No way! I don't do hats, for the same reason you've mentioned...hat head! Heck, I don't even do hats in the winter to keep my head WARM! I really don't want to join a group that screams "bunch of old ladies" at least not until I'm OLD. But, it's funny, groups here have long waiting lists to get in. Does that mean somebody has to DIE for a new member to join? Holy cow. I don't want to join if that's the case!!! I do love the poem though. :-)
Hugs, "oldest" friend! ;-) You gave me a laugh this morning!
ACK - I knew about the poem, but the FP litle person, egads. (I agree they are a bit flamboyant, have you heard about the lavendar & pink set - that is what the wannabe's who are under 50 wear.)
That is funny. I won't be joining either. I never looked good in hats or red.
OMG, today's my 60th birthday and I'm wearing a purple shirt, but no way will I put on a red hat!
My Aunt was one of the earliest Red Hat Society members in the South. She went from being a conservative wife of a Southern Baptist minister to a margarita drinking, rhinestone wearing, lady of the lunch. Is that a good thing? Only time will tell....
LOL
My mom has found friendship with her Red Hat Lady Friends. Though I'm not interested...I certainly won't knock it when for some gals out there...Red Hat Society is fellowship and have been there for mom during some very difficult times.
I love the concept of the red hatters! We see groups of them frequently in our town and they just make us smile each time we see them. Nope!! how about 45...too young?
Debby,
I love the philosophy of living life to its fullest- I have loved this poem for a long time and I am in my early 50's. I am not sure that I would join their group but I celebrate their love of life.
The Fisher Price lady is priceless- keep us posted as to whether Mason calls the FP lady Nana VBG
Have a great weekend.
Regards,
Anna
I have loved that poem for many years. Loved, loved, loved it. However, even though I might just wear purple at some point (and all that entails) I won't be doing it in a group. I'm a bit shy, certainly quiet, and prefer to stay in the background. I don't do loud or boistrous. I'm glad for those who enjoy that activity, but I would be most uncomfortable. blessings, marlene
those little people are progressive aren't they!
I've worn purple for years but, as much as I love the idea of Red Hatters, I look AWFUL in a hat.
Besides which most of the groups here are daytimers which makes it very tough for those still working 8-5.
SO, I am with them in spirit just not where anyone will ever get a photo!
Still have some of our boys' FP little people -
That's so funny!
Oh goodness, you're funny. Personally I'm likely to do anything but what I really loved about this post was the reference to Mason. He soooo has your wrapped around his little boy finger! ...and that's as it should be.
When we lived in Houston my good friend and I would go to this quilt shop in Galveston. The Red Hat ladies would shop there all the time too. We would follow them around and sigh to each other that as soon as we hit 50 we would join. They always looked like they were having so much fun! Now I heard somewhere that you could wear pink and be a Jr. Member....hmmmm I wonder....hahahaha
hugs!
dawn
I agree - 50 is not old (and the closer I get to it, the younger it gets to be). I do smile when I see a group of Red Hatters out somewhere though. They always seem to be having a blast.
Come on, Ladies.....Tell me, what is the difference between a group of red hat ladies out together doing their "thing" and a bunch of quilters at a quilt show or wherever dressed in their quilted attire having a great time? I think life is what you want it to be and I admire either group or individual ladies for struting their stuff and being proud of it.
How many of you quilters proudly put on your quilted vest or your "t's" with a quilt slogan on it and wear it out and watch people watch you and get a kick out of them, well I do , cause I am proud to be a quilter and I have often thought of joining a Red Hat Group, just haven't found the time.....What's good for one, just isn't necessarily good for all....
I LOVE hats, but what I don't love is denying myself the pleasure of making a fool of myself NOW instead of when I am "older". And yes, I am absolutely eligible for this particular organization, but I was wearing red hats when I was much younger. I think the poem should read "Whenever I want, I shall wear purple and a red hat that doesn't suit me...:"
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