Red Hat and all .. .

I did it!  I went to a Red Hat Society gathering!  I really didn't know what to expect and I was actually a little nervous.  I shouldn't have been.  After all, "Queen" Jan invited me!  How can you miss if you've been invited by royalty.  We were to meet for supper at Fresh Choice, a local salad bar/eatery. 

I wore a purple print top and my favorite purple coat (my only coat, actually!) and forced myself inside.  I didn't have to look far to see where the ladies were.  There was a sea of read hats, purple boas, gaudy-looking gadgets and lots of laughter.  I headed that direction and saw tables laid out with goodies to buy to make one look more like one of the gang.  I looked at and tried on about 10 hats.  Most were way out of my budget, but I had fun trying them.  There was jewelry:  pins, neclaces, rings, body jewelry, you name it, it was there and price from affordable to ouch!  I wasn't willing to part with too much cash, but chose this red hat.  The price was nice and it's crocheted so I can't destroy it. 

We all bought raffle tickets (though I never win!) and put them in a purple bag to be chosen later.  The hats were so wonderful.  I can't even describe how great they were.  One lady had a huge hat - decorated to the max - and she looked great in it.  Others had little tiny hats and the "queen" of another chapter had a red headband with jewels that looked like a crown.  The clothing ranged from dazzly sequined tops and scarves to purple tee-shirts or shift dresses.  The whole point was to be comfortable. 

All the visitors had to stand and introduce themselves.  When it got to me, I just said my name and my town, but the queen stepped up and told how we met (doctor's office) and about my time as a missionary in Mexico.  When she was done, I was as red as my hat!  I used to love the spotlight, but felt kind of squirmy up there.

Then the raffles happened.  I won!  See the bear on my coat?  Her name is Ms. Beary and she was named specifically after the queen of the chapter.  She's called a tag-along pet.  I guess she'll tag along on my coat for a while.  After announcements and a great time of singing Christmas carols, I was ready to join!  Queen Carol gave me her card and said she had a new and a bit smaller chapter close by.  Then the gal that lead the singing gave me a purple and red lace hanky to wave. 

So now I am partially outfitted as a Red Hatter.  What do you think?  Can I pull it off?