It was to be a gathering at the Remington Center for tea and to plan for events for our Chapter of Red Hats. After all the discussion, laughter, and excitement for the ideas presented, we set our calendar of events for the New Year.

Val, at the reception desk and also another Cardston Red Hatter of the Klassy Crimson Hatters, came to tell me I had a phone call. That is when everything changed! As I approached the desk where several women were standing, one lifted a microphone and proceeded to invite all visitors within the building to join in "The Coronation of Queen Mum Sandy"!!

To say I was stunned is an understatement. In our Red Hat way, there are no rules, all in fun and we are known for our dis-organization. So let me tell you about my Coronation...

Countess of Harmony wrapped me in a fabulous red and white cape she had fashioned and made herself. To the music of bag pipes playing, "March to the Throne", I was accompanied by Lady Leona of Violet, and Co-Queen Edwardina, serving as guards carrying dollar store swords!

Lady Linda carried my "train".. on a Silver Platter, with Purple Boa and a child's toy train in the center! This was followed by Countess of Harmony bearing the Tierra on a pillow! I was accompanied to my "Throne" which was a small wooden stool covered in gold lame.

Town Crier, Co-Queen Edwardina, proclaimed the ceremony for the crowing of Queen Mum Sandy to begin. She then placed a beautiful Tierra upon my Red Hat, and Countess of Harmony presented me with a Scroll to read proclaiming my pledge to uphold the spirit of the Red Hat Society, to take my silliness seriously, and to join red-gloved hands with my Red Hatted Sisters and go for the gusto together as we move forward to wherever life takes us next!

Co-Queen Edwardina then cheered: "hip hip"! With response from my Red Hat Sisters: Long Live the Queen" while Lady Val of the House of Aetna played the tape of "God Save the Queen"! Princess of Quite a Lot, official photographer, was taking pictures of this emotionally spent Queen Mum with tears running and a very wobbly smile. What a moment in my life even if it was all in fun. If that wasn't enough, I was then presented with a Silver Scepter by Countess of Harmony. Enabling me to knight all Red Hat sisters with their royal titles.

This was followed with our gloved hands together singing "United we Stand". As the ceremony came to an end, Duchess of Eden presented me with two dozen red roses. The music blared with "I'm Walking on Sunshine" as I let my "Court" on a parade to the cafeteria where another surprise awaited; a ceremonial royal crown cake with a gorgeous Red Hat Cake, made by our talented Lady Wisteria! Coffee and tea were served by the cafeteria staff to all those attending and invited guests.

So much laughter for the huge surprise they pulled off and very humbled Queen Mum cannot adequately thank them for their love and playfulness. It is after all, what the Red Hat Society is all about.

It has taken me a week to gather my wits after rendered speechless, (yes me!) to write this account of another fun filled gathering of the Chief Mountain Red Hat Southern Belles and my very special surprise coronation!

With humility, Queen Mum Sandy.

Photos by Countess of Harmony and Princess of Quite a Lot

Entering with The "Guards" Lady Leona of Violet  & Vice Queen Edwardina

Being presented with her Tierra by Countess of Harmony

Royal Cakes created by our own Lady Wisteria, Linda and our official Photo Albumn with our Logo of Chief Mt.Red Hat Southern Belles