(click for a big image of these cute Converse and pettiskirt)

Last year I had just found a lump.  Yes. It was Stage one cancer and this year I am Flouncing for a Cure.  Lots of folks run it.  I do not run.  Not because I can’t, but because I do not like to run.  I will be wearing the sweet T-shirt that Ousmane and Stephen, my husband designed.  Nellie Confetti, Sage, Selia, our dear friend Annie, and I plan on having a fun ol’ romp.  Chiffon helps me be more happy getting up so early, so I will be in Chiffon. 

The Jr. Mints, our daughters and granddaughters, who have not forgotten (yet) how fun playing dress-up can be will get to Flounce with us at the April 29 Coronation.  Sage and Selia have wonderful green pettiskirts and madras Polo tennis shoes to express their inner Princess.  They don’t know her, except from Project Runway judging, but I think it will be a totally Betsy Johnson look. I am hoping they will go have Fro-Yo’ afterwards with me and greet the common folk. 

Sage, my 13 year old, will guest blog about the experience.  She doesn’t know it, but the assignment is , “Why do some 13 year old girls (and GROWN women) fear wearing a crown in public and is there anything you can do to change that fear?  Discuss.”  (She will get extra bonus points from me if she is willing to write a post…

(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

Boeuf a la Bourguignonne    ”Serves 2 generously with leftovers, or 4 people”    

“6 strips bacon, cut into 1/2″” pieces “        
“3 lbs (or more) beef chuck or rump, cut into 1/2″” cubes”        
“6 carrots, peeled and sliced (I like to use Publix’s bagged “”Microwavable carrots”" as a time saver)”        
“1 medium onion, diced”        
1.5 t salt        
1/8 t pepper        
3 T flour        
10 oz can of condensed beef broth or beef consomme        
1 T tomato paste        
“2 cloves garlic, minced”        
1/2 t thyme        
1 bay leaf        

The following gets added later in the recipe:        
“1/2 pkg of Birds Eye Frozen Pearl Onions, defrosted”        
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms (or one can button mushrooms)        
2 C (or more) Burgundy wine (Gallo’s Hearty Burgundy is an inexpensive choice that works well)        
1/4 c flour  

2 T butter        
“Small Shell noodles, cooked”    

“Crisp bacon in a 6 qt pot. Remove and drain on paper towels, saving grease. Add beef cubes , carrots and onions to brown in bacon grease. Once browned, add flour and cook 3-4 minutes while stirring. Add crisp bacon pieces, salt, pepper, broth, tomato paste, garlic, thyme & bay leaf. Add wine (2 C, at least, enough to cover meat). Bring to a boil on top of the stove and then cook slowly over low heat (can be done on stove top or in 350 degree oven) for 3 hours or until beef is tender, stirring occasionally. In a separate pan, fry fresh mushrooms until barely cooked (this step is not necessary if you use canned) and add these along with Pearl Onions to stew and cook for an additional 1/2 hour. In a small bowl, combine flour with butter (cutting it in much like you would if you were making a pie crust, adding more flour if necessary - you want it to be drier rather than too buttery. Add this mixture 2 T at a time while mixing in order to thicken the sauce. (Mixing the flour with the butter eliminates lumps.) You want the juice to be slightly thick but not as thick as regular gravy. Serve stew over shell noodles (they catch the good sauce!). This can be made ahead and I believe it actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld. “        

(click each picture for a close-up.)

 New MJQs Kim, Barbara, and Caroline were crowned on April 30, 2010. (click each picture for a close-up)