Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Red Hat, Anyone?

 






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 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 must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

 

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.

 

 

I am considering founding a chapter of the Red Hat Society.  I've been suffering from "Red Hat Envy" for years.  Now that I've reached that "Certain Age," I can stop coveting those marvelous chapeaux and don one of my own.  Anyone interested?

***The poem is"Warning" by Jenny Jones.  The red hats are all available at the Red Hat Society Website.

19 comments:

  1. I would have never suspected it from my dear Lisa.  I guess if you head it up it will not be bad.  The ones around here are society snobs.  Big time.  Six figures plus and all that, with trips around the world and membership that has to be approved of, like a sorority.  Good luck. Perhaps this will cure your self imposed rebel-ism to be alone.

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  2. I'm still a pink hat...sigh.  I do think it could be fun, especially if you had great friends (or made some new great friends) to share with and make it a really gregarious group.

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  3. Hmmmmm. A Virtual Red Hat Chapter. I could go for that. There are at least two down here. Could be interesting, do a Red Hat version of the Blue Voice?????????

    Jackie


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  4. If I could I would join your red hat club and when I am old enough I will.

    Really, I will.  (Although I think I should get to be a honorary member just because, well because I may not make it to 50.)

    Happy day Lisa dear....did you see us on the freeways?  I thought of you.

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  5. I willbe 49 on July 22.
    I've been acting up for years!
    how old do you have to be to be eligible?
    Marti

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  6. Happy Birthday! Nelle of Copious Chatter says, "The 40's are the old age of youth and the 50's are the youth of old age".......I'll be a Red Hat Society! And I can't wait to start wearing purple!

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  7. For the men, I'm starting an Undo pants while watching TV Society.

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  8. When I'm old enough to join, I think I will.
    The red hat ladies sure know how to have fun! ~ Lori

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  9. Awwee, I feel fat in red. Call it a "Mrs.Clause" affect.

    :P

    Gabreael

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  10. OMG!!!!  I've been away and see I've missed your birthday!  I hope you had a wonderful day and I wish you a fantastic year ahead of you!  I am glad to know you.

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  11. I just found your journal, and I love it!  You seem to be a reflection of me! lol   I, too, have thought about joining the Red Hat Society, but, being a baby zoomer who can't fathom the word "older" in my vocabulary, seems to keep me from it.  I am the proverbial "peter pan" in female form.  I have to remind myself of my age!
    Again, Love Your Journal.  I've put myself on your alerts!

    Jackie

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  12. i'll join ya in a few years!  ;-)  the red hat ladies always make me smile  

    ~  www.jerseygirljournal.com

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  13. It's what I look forward to!  I will actually consider it a "crowning" moment when I am old enough to join!
    Lori

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  14. Shoot I do all that stuff now...LOL...  my youngest son's friends all like me because I am "crazy".  At any rate that is how I get stuck toting 5 boys here and there all the time....  I suggest that you start that club but until you do...practice!  (p.s.  it helps to make a face at yourself in the mirror every morning)

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  15. I've never heard of an online "Red Hat Society."  I think you'd make a wonderful President.  But what exactly, would such a virtual club entail?

    I'd join ~ it's just a shame I'm so very, very young...  ;D

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  16. Even though I'm not a "hat" person, I've always thought it would be a hoot to be a member of the local Red Hat Society.  Love this poem.  But surely eligible membership doesn't begin at 50!  Aren't we still too young (and I'm two years older than you)?  Oh, please, say it aint so!  Dear Lisa, I wish you belated but very sincere Happy Birthday wishes.  

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  17. I'm a 'hat' person and I love the idea of being considered a bit eccentric.  Sounds like fun to me!  Pennie

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  18. i'm all for pink hats ;-)
    and i've always wanted to learn to spit .. oh, and whistle too
    hugs
    pamela

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  19. I just love that.....  I quote it all the time......  I already do wear purple and started buying lots of hats 3 years ago..... I'll definitely join!!!   Thanks for making me smile.
    Carole

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