(click the JPG 2 titles that are here to see Lois and Jeanne)LoisPG  Lois and Jeanne.JPG

When I tried to send this photo to the editor, while trying to update this blog,  it filled up the the whole darn screen.  Not unlike how Lois fills a room with her bubbly personality!! So I gave up and posted the link to a smaller picture so IF by some wild chance you do not know Lois, click that link and Voila`.  I added the Poodle girl from my artwork just for some color.

Lady Lois will join our group on April 29, 2011.  We are having cocktails at the Chatham Club, thanks to Jennifer Abshire.  And then a trolley guided flounce courtesy of the MJQ Treasury. All the Junior Mints will be in attendance, too.

If you do not know what to wear to the event, this must be your first MJQ event.  If it is, please know we do not own the color green.  We wear one hue in different shade because it is pretty in pictures.  So if you want to wear GREEN and you are not a QUEEN it is fine with us, really.  That way you do not stand out too much in a group picture.  And maybe you aspire to join our group?  That is a way to get ahead of the game, so to speak.  You may want to start a collection of flounce-worthy green attire. 

If you are new to the MJQs and NOT a QUEEN, you may selelct whatever you want to wear.  Outlandish is fine.  Elegant is good.  Silly is great.  Classic is just fine.  BUT a Traditional Talbot style green dress is too boring, honeys. Really I am telling you honestly.  Conservative & Boring is not good. So why not add some rhinestone necklaces, or lots of pearls, and maybe a big hat, or white gloves, or a boa?  All the world’s a stage and if you want to be Queen, you must dress the part, if only for a few hours. 

Reign ON! Queen Erica

. click for a big ol’ pic( the ice pack I wore under this gown had to come off when the street dancing started:0) April 30 2010 coronation

 MJQs and Ladies went to Club One last night, Saturday 22, 2011 and it will be a day that goes down in our Royal History books.  WE were honored by Lady Chablis who accepted a sash that proclaims that she is now a a Mint Julep Queen at Large.  The show was so fun and The Lady was charming as ever.  The bartenders and every perfomer made us feel welcome.

Last time I was in a tiara and green gown, I had had a needle biopsy that afternoon and was facing breast cancer with a lumpectomy to be done a week later.  On April 30th, 2010 Flouncing and laughing with friends helped me get my mind of the fear and pain.  Last night, the joy and enthusiasm of life was so thick. The smoke machine on the dance floor could not keep up with the good vibrations The MJQs created.  I was so happy to be surrounded with fun-loving enthusiastic woman show know no fear or at least when they do get scared, it is still OK to dance like nobody is watching, (and I believe the people who are watching us should be applauding.) Being a SURVIVOR is Royal in every way.

Queen Becky was in Chicago and we missed her .  Queen Annie had a big birthday event for a friends that she had committed to attend.  She was so missed. Queen Mary is still recovering from knee replacement and Pattie is too. Holly had no sitter and with her consort off in D.C she was unable to come out and have fun. Rats..

We will  add 4 or more enthusiastic Queens who are not as busy. Linda came up with the description of “reluctant” queens.  Reluctance is fine.  But reluctance made several MJQs miss a stellar evening.

New MJQs to crowned in Spring will be Queen Lois, and 3 more!!!!????

I would write more about the night, but after having three super strong drinks, and dancing my skinny flat butt off, I am a tad tired.  Pictures will have to follow later…MUCH later.

 (click for the big pic!  Girls who love dressing up)

Predictably, the same MJQs who never want to dress up are unavailable for our Uber Fab club night.  Since our founding in 2004, I have held my tongue and been very P.C. in not calling these folks out.  So in Royal tradition established by ME, I will try my darnedest to not be tooo hateful.  The is a lightly veiled criticism (and the Veil is a lovely Italian silk, by the way.) 

I had a few FUN queens really not be able to attend.  One darling queen with attitude will be Chicago.  My heart goes out to her.  Another is in NYC.  Another still is recovering from a tad bit of restorative  surgery that will only make her more radiant.  I know it is a Holiday weekend, but when I can place odds and make book, or whatever it is gamblers do…to predict who will NOT come, and I am right…well then, YOU may be a “problem Queen”.  Think problem child if you are unsure about this.

One Lady in Waiting has out of town company and even took the time to jot a sweet note of thanks and a request not to be forgotten and included in the next big party.  Well, Honey Queens, anyone who writes a note AND addresses it H.R.H. is just exceptional in every way.

So, onto the pitiful members who never dress in regalia in public.  Fear of looking silly as measured by their disdain for chiffon, rhinestones, feathers or any other Super Queen garb that would call attention to themselves is the culprit.  Raw little girl fear.  The kind of fear we had when we were in 7th grade and worried about what the cool girls said about us when we walked by the popular girls lunchroom table.  Fear that the boys might think we are not date-able because we are a tad silly.  Fear that dancing like no one is watching really sets you apart and makes boys NOT want to ask you to dance. 

Now I know it takes all kinds make the world a wonderful place.  There is room for shy, reserved types.  There are social groups for introverted, contemplative ladies.  There are clubs and organizations who meet to talk about everything from roses to the latest NY Times best-seller.  This group is NOT one of them. So if in your life you find being silly is a freeing experience, like putting on a role, an accent, or merely a feather boa, then this is the group for you and you belong to US!  If not, please gracefully bow-out.  I beg you.  Do not drag us down.  Oh!!! AND speaking of drag!  We are going the the THE Lady at Club One tomorrow!!!!….and  THAT my dear Honey Queens is another story:)

Reign ON!

(Mommy and daughter, click for the big pic. we are so pur-deee)

I am raising my children like most Southern Mothers do. Like all mothers do.  To be able to darn READ.  When my girls get a mailed invitation, they had better be able to decipher the meaning of the invitation without making any huge pheax-pas.  I sent out Club One Party announcements to the MJQs a week or so ago.  I even sent detailed instructions on a separate little sheet of paper inserted in the envelope to answer and anticipate any questions.  Again, herding cats is a constant test of my…patience. (deep breath) Now.  On to the HOW-TO:

First-Read the envelope.  Is it addressed to you and to you, only?  Then YOU and YOU alone are invited.  Next clue.  Open the envelope.  Does it say anywhere on the printed material, “and guest” or  “and husband” or “and family’?  If not, then the invitation is extended to YOU and You ALONE.  Simple.  If you do see “and bring who-ever” written anywhere, then you may bring the person described in that bring who-ever comment.  Now.  If the invitation tells you what to do, who to bring, what to wear, where to be, or gifts needed, well? ..honestly gifts are always appropriate… 

Can you read  simple instructions?  Yes? Good Girl!   READ it and do it.  Oh and If this is a SALES event and not a P-A-R-T-Y-  ,(think Tupperware, Pampered Chef, clothing company of any sort), then it is not really a party.  It’s just a marketing buzz word called a “party” designed to make money for the host.  All of these rules of engagement are null and void if the hostess/marketing specialist is trying to sell you something.  You need not worry about any of this little bit of advice!  Sales events are covered under a totally different set of rules.  Oh and so are political fundraisers. So do not ask me to give money to a candidate unless you have me know it IS a party to raise money. (If you want to shop and your host makes money off you, then go to the event. If not, do not go.  Simple.)

Now back to reading an invitation.  If the group is a social group and the party is a Dutch treat affair, DO NOT expect the hostess to cover the cost of any of the party.  If she tells you that a group is meeting for dinner and a movie, and bring a friend and it is DUTCH,  fine.  Come with Credit card or Cash.  If the thing says, ”Dancing & Lady Chablis at Club One, call and buy tickets, Dutch” -THEN, call and buy your darn tickets. DO NOT expect anyone to be your Mommy and buy your tickets for you. Come or not. 

Still confused? Read this.  Honey Queen, call Club One and buy tickets, (if you want to go) for Jan 22nd, 10:30 show.  MJQs wear full regalia and if you do not know what that means, well… I feel sorry for ya’. I am not telling you what to wear and I am not buying anything for you and if you can not make it…it is OK! really!!!  But do NOT come and expect me to hold your hand and wipe your royal butt for you… (This is the Tough Love part of being in-charge.)   

now dear MJQs, did that sound too harsh? waaay tooo angry and annoyed?…really?! …maybe somebody needs a time-out?  NO!!! -Not you!  Me!!!  I am going to my quiet place now and think about all this…. where’s my tiara? putting  jewels in my hair has a calming effect…ohmmmmmm….

My 50th is around the corner.  It makes me want to throw-up it is so old sounding.  I Have moments of feeling ancient and then a fleeting feeling of dizzy youngness.  The Voice in my head thinks it is probably just menopause messing with my chemistry.  I think it is facing my mortality.  I had breast cancer in May and a lumpectomy followed by 34 days of radiation.  Good, goodness ,there is nothing in the world like the “C” word to make you literally look at cemeteries in a whole new light.  I am lucky.  I found the lima bean size lump myself and had no lymph node involvement, so chemo was not order.  Either way, I feel like I am dealing with the post traumatic stress of the health issue.  I want to yell and scream and Dance my flat, skinny, saggy butt off in celebration.  Then I want to sit quietly and just stare at the tree in my backyard and try to connect with the beautiful creation and creator all around. 

So what do you do on our 5oth?  I plan to get a tattoo.  I got one when I turned 30 and when I turned 40.  There really is no such thing as a tasteful tattoo, but I never claimed to be tasteful is every aspect of my life. So.  There is it.  It is about me and about my making a big decade.  The ten years I just lived and the ten years ahead of me.  I will have another at 60.  Maybe a pink ribbon at 60?… 

I just sent an email to Anonymous Tattoo on Bay Street.  I have no idea how to plan a tattoo appointment.  For the other ones, I was just as a walk-in.  Frankly, I think with my age and my attitude, I deserve a little hand holding so I am going to try and set up a consult and design for my new ink.  My dear friend Emma, who turns 40 the day after I turn 50 is coming with me.  I will draw something and start meditating on it.

Happy Halloween and Reign On! Queen Erica

(click for a close-up) Queen Becky C, our dear Queen who graced our “Save the Date Card,” but will miss Coroantion.  Boo-hoo. She will be in Europe! 

Ok, friends and new MJQS   I know we missed having a Coronation last year.  It was a hard year for everybody, but that is no excuse when you are QUEEN…and we are.  So THIS year we will invite 3 ladies to share their Royalness with us.  We believe that true queens do not need a coronation.  They place the tiara on themselves like Elizabeth did and “self-coronate.”  We do have a little celebration and pass out charming pageant banners proclaiming that these ladies are now official “Mint Julep Queens.” 

What should you expect if you attend?  Is there a plan?  What do we wear?  Where are we going?  What are we going to do?  Are we going to have dinner?  These are all valid and legitimate questions, honeys.  The simple answer is right here.  We will have Fun and Flounce. (Yes, that is with a capital “F.”)  We have no schedules or itinerary we have to follow.  (I assume that if you rule a realm, that you can figure out what is FUN for you and you will grab a few MJQs and go do it.)

YES!  We will meet at 6:00 at Rocks on the Roof at the big ol’ Bohemian Hotel.  I have sworn off Zee Mansion since our last miserable experience there, but I am magnanimous enough to give the corporation another shot.  The exceptional view should make up for an surly service we receive buying over-priced wine in ugly stemware. (see about our experiences at Zeee Man-shon under Royal Reviews.)

So, if you have never been to a Flounce, come early with a friend(s).  Wear green and a tiara.  I will be in a Las Vegas Style Pageant stunner I got last year at a fabulous shop in Statesboro called “Frills and Fancies,” owned by Scott Marchbanks ( www.frillsbyscott.com ).  If you want something spectacular, I strongly suggest you go by to see what he has in your size. Plus, Becky C and I got new Tiaras.  If you want flash www.rhinestonejewelry.com has the absolute best pieces.  You can search tiaras by the inch, (as in how many inches it sits up off your regal head!)  Now mind you, the prices are great, BUT you may have to order 2 pieces, so go in with a friend who is need of more sparkle and you both will be all a glitter!

Next. We have a drink.  I know we have a treasury, but we buy drinks Dutch Treat.  Nothing personal, but I am not paying for wine that is 16.00 dollars a glass and neither is the treasury.  Bring money and ID.  Now, about the food question.  The treasury will order a couple of trays when we get there, so look for nibbles to be served.  Still hungry? One time some of us went to Six Pence Pub and had cheese burgers.  Honey, we had a waitress who had been Miss Thunderbolt years ago and I gave her a spare tiara.  So, ask Your Queenly Self, “Am I hungry?” If the answer is “yes,”  order food at Rocks or get some friends and go get a slice or a burger nearby.  It promises to be a total adventure.

Now- on to the adventure part. You will meet ladies and children of all ages who are envious of you beauty and style.  You also will get to chat with well-wishers (the common folk) and be gracious.  Here is where the good-will comes into play.  I believe all women have a royal thread running through them.  Sometimes the thread is thin and sometimes it is thick as a winter blanket, but either way, we are a Royal sex!  Be prepared to give sweet, little tokens to little princesses or to ladies who need a good cheering up.  This is a recognition of their Royal membership in the universe of all things female. 

Did you see “Avatar?”  You know when those super tall, blue creatures who bow, nod and say, “I see you,”  like “Namaste” during yoga class? Well, all of these are forms of respectful greetings.  Honeys, consider the giving of tokens as way of saying, “I see that you are Queen! I see that you are Princess!”  We have given away toy tiaras, REAL pageant tiaras, candy, and bubbles.  I would love sometime to give away flowers, maybe white roses…but that might be too hard and this is about fun and NOT ANY work, so until I have an assistant to carry my tokens for me, the flowers will have to wait. (You may apply for this unpaid, but deeply appreciated position at the event.)

OK. Where was I?  Place. (check)  Time. (check)  Tokens.(check)  Attire. (check) Food. (check)

Next is the “plan” question.  I think I answered that, but in case you are still unclear, and with all the plans for rhinestone purchases and toy tiaras clouding your perspective, who can blame you?  So here it is:  The Plan makes itself as we go along.  The Flounce is the adventure.  Grab your crown, wear shoes you can at least hobble in and head out with us. 

Last protocol question:  We are inviting Barbara G, Carolin H, and Kim A to join us.  If they have an unfortunate schedule conflict and can not come, are they still considered a member of this group because they were given an invitation to join?  No, honey.  They have to be with us for the Flounce and Coronation!  What if you desperately want to be an MJQ, but have never been asked to join us?  Show up with a stellar attitude to a couple of events.  Flounce and have fun yourself and it is mighty darn likely we will ask you to join us at some point. 

Is that everything?  No?  (I am sure somebody will ask me, so here it goes.)  How many MJQs do you think will be there?  Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a fat rats …wait.  Does it matter?   Rhonda’s boy child is a “Ring Bear”  that weekend, so she will miss it.  We will will plan a more quiet little cocktail thing for poor Becky who will miss the event and miss wearing her NEW Gown because she will be in EUROPE. (Such a royal excuse).  Mary will miss it due to her consort, Bubba’s over-planning.  (Remind me to fuss at him the next time I see him.) I also know several other queens will miss it, but we will try to carry on without them.

It is not about numbers, plans, or appearances.  It is not about reality, work, or rules.  It is about giving yourself permission to be silly, wearing jewels in your hair, and just stepping out.  So here is my advice to Queens and Princesses everywhere.  ”Step out in faith.  Faith that there are times that it can be loads of fun to just BE QUEEN!”

(click) Pat, Emeritas, Caroline H (2B an MJQ), me and Carolyn

Thank you April Joy and Annabell from Savannah Magazine for sharing this picture from last year’s “Lilies for Fillies, A Derby Party!”

I was working with a 2 year old, significantly developmentally, delayed child in Garden City yesterday when my favorite president came for a visit to Savannah.  I got to see him de-plane on the television the daycare director had set up for the children to see.  I wanted to see the event in person, but I was not on the short list of invitees.  Turns out, folks who did not even think Obama could win when he was running against John Edwards and then Hillary… THEY were invited and attended the event.  Shoot. Jack Kingston was even there. (Oh well.  That is politics.) 

I can say that I sent our fine president money to help with his campaign.  There were people who attended who not only did not send him a dime, but actively supported someone else. The daycare director and her employees were all Obama supporters and they did not get an invitation to come see him either, so I was in very good company. (Oh well. That is politics.) We talked about our deep belief in the significance of this president’s election. She teared up when we talked about election night and I told them it was the best birthday present I can imagine getting. I am sad that more locals were not included in the event, but that is politics.

Linda kindly sent me a link from the President’s speech and Carolyn and Consort are in a close-up with Brooks, her consort justa- grinnin’.  (Oh well. That’s politics.)

The daycare providers I was with yesterday, spent years waiting for a president like Obama.  I can honestly say he is the most important president I ever helped elect and when my grandchildren ask about it, I can say I helped elect him! Even if I did not get an invitation to come watch his speech at Savannah Technical college, I take great pride in knowing I predicted his win.  I said he would be the first African American president and I predicted it after his key note address in 2004.  I started to sent him small checks way back in Feb. of 2008 when many of the people I knew were all loving Rudy, McCain, John Edwards and Hillary. In fact I argued with one consort about Obama’s experience and electability.

In politics, what matters to me is a persons values, heart, and action. Obama has all three going for him.  It was so exciting seeing him visit our town and spend time at Savannah Tech, even if the only way I got to see it was on T.V.!  The reality is the regular, common everyday voters and contributors who made his election possible are the ones who were truly excited about this visit and were just happy to sit and watch the local newscasters report on the event.  If only more folks could have been there in person. Politics as usual made the list of invitees rather short and made the event so small .

And then to add insult to injury, I have forgotten how to post pictures on this site.  I got some images sent from Carolyn and I can’t re-size them. When I browse and POST, the image then takes up the whole screen -plus some! So I could not use the huge images to high-light this post.  I guess it is a Freudian thing.  Cynicism and Jealousy makes me forget how to change pixel size? Or cynicism with politics as usual makes me unable to re-vamp jpgs.  What in the world?

I did remember how to “post a link” so if you missed the President’s speech at Savannah Tech, look over to the right of the screen and click on the link that is under Queens in the press.  It is a 15 minute video. There were 4 MJQs there in the audience and I saw 2 consorts. One with a huge grin on his face. Some of his friends call him Pooky. I call him Lucky.

(Ann in her Most Tacky blue hat with Emma in her Homage “Hello Mummy” and Carolyn in her Most Creative pink,winning hat)

Not really.  It just looks that way when you see that I have dropped the ball in my queenly duties of announcing birthdays.  My justifications in include: 2 kids in school, my work schedule, economic stress, daughters surgery, summer heat, summer malaise and a whole host of excuses. And now to add to the list I have to finish some canvase since I was accepted into the Telfair Art Fair on November 13th. Oh well. 

BIRTHDAYS

June 13-Dottie

July 6th Carolyn

July 12th- Dee

May 16th Flounce was put in jeopardy by the SCAD Fashion Show! The Memorial Hospital fundraiser is on the 16th as well.  We have several MJQs who are attending that show and and some that are out of town and some that never come to any flounces at all; so there you have it.  Plus some MJQs never respond to requests for infroamtion when planning a party. We are a busy group with too many commitments. I suggest we increase the size of our group so we can at least have a dozen MJQs available for FUN at any given time.

Ya’ll!  Lilies for Fillies, MJQ Party May 1st, was a fabulous flounce. Queen Rhonda has promised to send images so I can post more.  I just wish someone could have figured out how to get the twinkly lights on my hat to show up.  I know ya’ll have seen Carolyn’s Most Creative Hat on her FB wall.  Ann won Most Tacky, Pat won Most Elegant and I won Best in Show…goodness- that is going to cost me!

BTW- We had to name our hats for the Contest. Thanks to Ron, Gary and Annabelle for doing such a wonderful job as judges! Stacy’s hat is “Desperate Housewife” Kim’s “Kiss My Grass” and Mine is “It Whispers ‘Las Vegas’ “