Tipping my Hat in Thanks

Ladies, we've come to that reflective time of year when, no matter which holidays we celebrate, we should, if at all possible, gather with loved one, count our blessings and give thanks and celebration for the next few months.

Lately, I've been counting almost on a daily basis.  Those of you who are on the QMB may know about the difficult time our family been going through with the illness of a family member.  As terrible as our situation seems, while going through this time I've counted many blessings.

1.  My large family who will rally around you in good times and bad.  Our numbers may have astounded the hospital staff but as one aide pointed out, you know you are greatly loved when this many people gather for you.  As we were standing by the bed, being led in prayer by my cousin, I knew the other hands holding mine would hold me up as I would them and never let go.  We all get busy in life but that feeling is what matters.

2.My Red Hat family who has been so supportive during this time.  All the prayer, support and hugs, cyber and real are more appreciated than you will ever know.  I'd have been lost these last practically 7 years without you ladies.

3. The wisdom in my advancing years to know that no matter how awful things may seem in my life at the moment, someone else is struggling with something even worse.  Treat each other with loving care, you may need the same from them one day.

There are so many more, including pie and Daddy's dressing recipe this Thanksgiving!  So my Pink Hat sister's, get counting (not calories, at least for a while).  I'm thankful for the the whole Red Hat experience, the fun, love, hugs, odd apparel, big hats and laughter.  I'm thankful for each and every one of you!  And I'm thankful I've at least started on my Christmas shopping, no where near done but I've at least started on the list the length of War and Peace.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, gear up for whatever celebration you have that follows and smile-we all have blessings big and small!  You are one of mine and I hope to be putting on my big feathered hat and celebrating with as many of you as possible, ASAP!

Ritz, Glitz & Glam - HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS FOR THIS EVENT!

FAIRFIELD MARRIOTT INN & SUITES
1640 CITY CENTER BLVD, ELIZABETH CITY, NC 27909

$99 + Tax = $111. 62 Total per night for April 19-20
Price Applies To One Night Or Two

Ask For Red Hat Rate To Get Discounted Price!
Deadline to reserva a room is March 19

Scarlet Sophisticates Holiday Party

You’re invited to the 2012

Scarlet Sophisticates Holiday Party

Saturday, December 8 from 11:30 until 3

 

At the

Springfield Golf & Country Club

8301 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA  22152

Special Live Entertainment, Lunch, Games, Door Prizes, 50/50, Raffles and Vendors (no ornament exchange this year)

(Doors Open at 10 a.m. for Shopping & Conversation)

Cost:  $50 – includes lunch, coffee, tea, and seasonal dessert (tax & cratruity are included – choose chicken, salmon, beef or vegetarian entrée

(Cash bar will be open before lunch for alcoholic beverages & sodas on a pay as you go basis)

Send checks payable to Jeri Brooks to her at 440 Belmont Bay Drive, #102, Woodbridge, VA 22191 ASAP but by Nov 15, please.  Include your telephone number, e-mail address and entrée choice on your check and note if you wish to be seated with a friend – we will accommodate, if possible.

Gather your friends and enjoy us for a fun start to the Holiday Season!

Farewell to Pink

When starting the chapter with the Ladies of Life Love & Laughter I knew that it would only be a matter of time before myself and my hatters reached the golden age of 50. The day we all look forward to as a hatter when we can turn in our PINK HATS for our RED HATS. As Chapter Queen of the Ladies of Life, Love & Laughter it is an honor that in our 6th year of hatting we have very first REDuation approaching.

Lady Diva, is not only my sister through hatting but also my cousin, is the first among the L3 Ladies to journey to RED. As family, friend, and hatter it is an honor to share this moment with her and also plan such an amazing night that she will always remember as she reaches this milestone in life and in hatting.

Her theme... AN EVENING OF ELEGANCE A MASQUERADE AFFAIR. What will be your REDuation theme when your 50th comes?

What are some words of encouragement to share as our fellow PINK SISTER ventures to RED?

Taking on New Challenges and Taking Stock

  Summer has wound down and apparently so have I!  I've been in serious need of a recharge lately.  Maybe that's why I haven't tried to post on the In The Pink Blog before now.  I've been in the habit of setting aside time to write for the e-mail newsletter but for some reason, learning to blog just bogged me down, overwhelmed me and made me tired!!  Bogged down has been a theme with me lately!

  So I did what any good Pink Hatter would do, I spent the weekend surrounded by Red and Pink Hat Sisters.  I hit the beach, Virginia Beach, for the Virginia Beach Blast Funvention. I relaxed on the patio to our room watching the water and Navy jets (a personal favorite of mine), dressed like a pirate,enjoyed mimosas and strawberries, walked the board walk with the ladies sporting our parasols and watched while everyone danced the night away, okay I danced a little too!  I laughed alot, caught up with friends from far away and got to share it all with my niece who was attending her first Red Hat Funvention.  Then somewhere between our fantastic Elvis performance and the conga line the DJ played the song, "We are Family" and it hit me how much better I felt.

  We are family and I've touched on this theme several times before but it needs repeating because we can all get overwhelmed and forget that one of the perks of the Red Hat Society Sisterhood is we are all there for each other.  That family feeling has wrapped me in love and support during dealing with issues outside my Red Hat life lately.  Thank you all who have offered your prayers and support to my family during this time of illness of one of my cousins.  I appreciate you all more than I can say.  Forgive me for sometimes forgetting I don't have to be overwhelmed, I can lean on you all and vice versa!

  So now as we ease into Fall, my head is a little more together.  I feel I can learn to blog it you'll stick with me while I work the kinks out!  I also think I'll tackle applying for a job in a different field-something to do with books, a passion of mine.  I can take on the world-I'M A PINK HATTER!!  Sisters, you can too, because we are family and we'll all be here for you if the world fights back and there is nothing a group of Red and Pink Hatters can't conquer together.

  Until next time, enjoy the cooling nights, pumpkins, spice and all that Fall will bring your way!!

Summer Break Is Over

It was such a great time this weekend with the L3 Ladies. After 2 months enjoying our families over the summer, it was a great feeling to get back in the swing of things. What better way than by taking to the bowling alley. We had a blast. What a way to kick off the 2nd half of our chapter year. Looking forward to October already when we say farewell to our PINKIE Lady Diva who will be enjoying her last L3 outing as a PINK HATTER. November 2012 Lady Diva REDuates...How exciting!

Evening of Elegance Masquerade Affair

Ritz, Glitz & Glam

Divine 9 2013

Passport to Paris

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!

WHEN: March 1-3, 2013

WHERE: RICHMOND, VA

HOTEL: The Westin Richmond ($119+tax per night)

REGISTRATION COST: $160 (Deposit  of $75.00 due by November 15, 2012. Early registration by May 31, 2012, will get you a special gift. Final payment due by January 15, 2013. No refunds after November 1, 2012)

For more information please visit: http://www.divine9.org/

Viva Las Vegas, Red Hat Style



Vicki May



I don’t know about you but my summer, well actually the whole year,  has flown by in an extremely hot whirlwind.  I don’t know where the time has gone.

The year started out with the induction of two new members to our chapter.   I then took too much time in accomplishing a few minor tasks I had promised to do for a Pink Hat sister.  Yes, I can admit I have a tendency to procrastinate when given too much time to complete a job.  Before I knew it June was upon me and I had to begin preparing for the International Red Hat Convention in Las Vegas.  Yes, I was finally going to an International but it couldn’t be time to get ready to go so soon.  Last time I checked the calendar I had four months, but now I leave in a week. No need to panic, I had a list of events, so after pulling out every piece of lavender clothing I own and choosing outfits and alternate outfits for that “just in case” moment I was off.

                Three from our chapter went to the convention and what a time we had.  The Paris Hotel was beyond fabulous.  The hotel staff and our own Hatquarters staff could not have done a better job. The show, Jubilee, was phenomenal.  I could practically see all the Red Hat wheels turning trying to figure out how to replicate the headdresses and what else could be done with all those feathers! I was table hostess for what I believe was the best table in the ballroom.  Our queen, my mother, was coronated at the first coronation done at convention by EQM Sue Ellen Cooper, EVM Linda Murphy and CEO Debra Granich.  What a great experience that was to witness.  All those queens in their royal glory were a beautiful sight.   I attended the Pinkies and Parfaits lunch at Serendipity3.  I am so glad Beth Marie Baldwin put this event together.  I adore my Red Hat sisters but spending time getting to know other Pink Hatters in our own event was one of my absolute favorite parts of the weekend.  I could have used someone with whom I could share all that food but still smile every time I see the pictures.  If you are going to Atlanta next year, be sure to sign up for the Pinkie event, it’s an experience you’ll treasure.

                Seeing the sea of red, purple, pink and lavender in the ballroom was breathtaking.  Seeing old friends, making new and receiving hugs in immeasurable number is something everyone in The Red Hat Society should experience either at a small or large convention.    One thing I noticed was different at the larger convention­-the looks on the faces of the other hotel guests at Paris.  Usually, I’ve met people on the elevator who may have asked about the way I was dressed or if there was a hat convention but nothing like the non-hatters in Vegas.  Not only did I have the questions in the elevator but as we walked through the hotel to the convention area people snapped pictures, posed with Hatters for pictures, applauded a few times, and yes, some  laugh while others just stood staring with their mouths gaping.  I’m sure we were a sight to see, especially if you weren’t prepared for the parade of hatters.  Even at the airport, Red Hatters were well represented in the midst of travelers galore.

                Vegas was over, I could ease into the dog days of summer and then, I looked at the calendar again.  I’m almost sure I should have more time to prepare for the Virginia Beach Blast.  I know, technically the Virginia Funvention is after Labor Day so not a summer activity but I have hats to plan, banners to make, etc. before September.  So much for the hazy, lazy days of summer!

                I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer and shared some sisterhood along the way.  Mine has been busy but worth every minute and momentary panic.  Nothing will recharge you like time with Red and Pink Hat sisters. Now on to Fall!

Question of the Month

If you had to choose, who would you say your Alter Ego Is and Why?



QueenLadytaz Redhats:
Pink/Red Hummingbird Hatters Zebulon,NCWell have to say my alter ego is Queen Lady TAZ because my real name is Tammy Zukoski & I love my alter ego cause she gets all bling out & dressed up.

Michelle PrincessCupcake Bicknell:
~*Cupcake*~ from The Rosie Hattitudes in Tucson ArizonaMy alter ego is a badgurl mix of Charlie's Angels, Buttercup from the Power Puff Girls and me as a little girl, when everything was "Wildly Funny and FUN~!!"
Paulete Spivey:
Lady Flirt from Precious, Precise & Perfect Hatters in Portsmouth, VAMy alta ego is of course Lady Flirt cause when she go out with her girl friends AKA the divas she is all about the flirting and enjoying life, and feeling free to say whatever she wants and how out her mouth.

 LaTangela Light:
Her Royal Greatness Queen T…The Pink Hat Show Stopper, Ladies of Life Love & Laughter-Richmond, VAI have several alter egos. I would say when it comes to hatting it would be Jessica Rabbit. I loved this fictional character in the cartoon Roger Rabbit. Simply because she was a lady that exuded sexiness, her bright red dress and lip stick made a statement. Everyone wanted to be in her presence. When she entered the room all eyes were fixated on her. When I put on my pink hat, my bling, and my fancy regalia I feel just like that… ALL EYES ON ME.


Pebbles Audrey Smith Queen Pebs La Princesa of South OKC Hat Ladies, Oklahoma City, OK....part Mexican hat dancer, part princess and part diva equals one fantastic lady!!!

Welcome to In The Pink

Welcome to the In The Pink blog. I've decided to move In The Pink to the web. Some months we have more information to share than others. Rather than not put out a newsletter at all we'll use this blog to get information out to the Pink Hatters.  With the blog we can share with you more than once a month.

I hope you all will follow the blog.  You can follow via email and receive updates whenever new information is posted.

Thanks,
Queen Quiet Storm