Whiteley Creek Homestead

I normally shy away from purple, especially deep shades, but I had to have this fuchsia because of its unbelievably unique blossoms with intricate folds. They remind me of the Red Hat Society with their standard red hats and purple dresses attire. I could never be a member because I would show up at gatherings dressed in turquoise, yellow, and pink, but I did attend a wonderful performance of Hats! The Musical in Tampa, Florida with my friend Sharon last winter. The story is about a woman who is very unhappy about turning fifty. Her friends in the Red Hat Society, who have already passed this mile marker, set out to convince her to embrace the journey as this new chapter unfolds. I could relate to each and every aspect… the "empty nest" void created when the kids set out on their own, the loss of parents and spouses, the emotional roller coaster caused by menopause, creating a new identity when motherhood no longer is centerstage, and on and on. I didn't realize the enormous magnitude of upheaval we undergo in this season of our lives until it was all laid out at once! If you get a chance to see a performance scheduled in various cities across the country, you will be entertained and enlightened.