What's this post supposed to be about?

I’ve never really known how to say good-bye, because I’ve never experienced an ending that is truly the end. Every event in my life has ended with the promise of a continuation or an evolution. For example, at the end of the school year in kindergarten, our teacher handed out little booklets that we could write our names and phone numbers in to keep in touch with each other over the summer. This meant that even though we were leaving our classroom and the simplicity of kindergarten, we would be comforted by the presence of our old friends when we moved on to the first grade. It was then that I realized that endings are all in how you treat them.

In the weeks leading up to Grand Assembly, many people asked me how I felt and I wasn’t completely sure how to respond. The same thing happened in the days leading up to it, and even the hours beforehand.

Then it happened.

Our beautiful, wonderful Grand Assembly happened. It struck me before the Grand Officers entered, while I was standing behind that giant anchor atop the staircase, that for some in attendance it was their first time seeing a Grand Assembly. For others, it was the last time they would be a part of one as an active member. This made the experience all the more valuable, because I knew that so many others had been looking forward to the day, not just myself and the Grand Officers.

Friday and Saturday went by faster than any of us could have imagined. We watched as our fellow sisters took to the floor, performed their ritual, and glided along as if they had been walking in gowns, crowns, and high heels their entire lives. It was a display that captured all the glory of our organization, and really showed why we work as hard as we do. The Grand Officers quickly fell in to a comfortable rhythm, a sort of controlled chaos, in which there were so many moving parts of the weekend that somehow managed to work together.

Then it was over, almost as suddenly as it had begun.

On Saturday night, the 2015-2016 Grand Officers entered together for the last time. Luckily, none of us acted like it was the last time. If you were to have watched us line up, you would have seen the same giddy, energetic group of girls that took office last June. We focused not on the fact that we would be exiting our offices, but instead on the fact that we had one last opportunity to have fun together, which made all the difference.

As we retired our jewels, I fully expected to be hit with feelings of sadness at the end of the year. However, as I looked around at all of my friends and those who had supported my officers and myself throughout the year, I felt more appreciation than anything else. I felt appreciation for a group of people who had committed themselves to embracing our theme. I felt appreciation for a group of girls who had come together to make our beautiful Grand Assembly possible. Last, but by no means least, I felt appreciation for the opportunity I had had over the past year to serve as Grand Worthy Advisor.

I have been out of office for about a week now, and the best feeling that I have had so far has been watching the new Grand Officers travel to other Grand Assemblies and represent Massachusetts. The work that they will do from this point on is what I consider to be my legacy, and from what I have seen, it is certainly a legacy of which I am proud.

Thanks for a great year everyone.       

    

Time to embrace the warm weather with some honey dew iced tea and the new theme with a tiger mug! 

How's it Going?

As Kenmore and I have been traveling during Installation Season (the period of time during which all of the assemblies have their installations and girls change offices, usually in January and June), we have been asked how we feel about the approaching Grand Assembly. Kenmore can’t say much. Usually he barks, wags his tail, and runs around in response. I assume this means he’s excited, but who can tell? I have been providing the less cryptic answer of “we’re excited!” We have been asked about a whole range of emotions, whether we’re nervous about the weekend, whether we’re sad that the year is coming to a close, etc. Our answer every time is that no, we’re mostly just very excited for Grand Assembly.

It seems funny that we should feel anything other than excitement and happiness at the thought of Grand Assembly this weekend. The Grand Officers have worked hard this year to present themselves in a professional manner and to enjoy the year’s events together. We all genuinely enjoy being in each other’s company and belong to one of the most supportive organizations that are available for young women. Furthermore, everyone who will be attending Grand Assembly knows that mistakes happen, whether they are in ritual, floor work, or the order in which things are supposed to happen. These are inevitable and no one is perfect. This means that we will not be judged for making mistakes and that there is very little reason to be nervous.

Additionally, Kenmore and I refuse to feel sadness at the thought of Grand Assembly. When we took office last year as Grand Worthy Advisor and Grand Assembly Mascot (and for that matter, when all of the Grand Officers were installed), we knew that the position was only meant to last one year. We have had a fantastic year and have left each event smiling. I can speak confidently for Kenmore and myself when I say that we have no regrets. We have prepared for Grand Assembly as much as we possibly can, and we’re ready to handle any situations that arise because we know that we have the support of every member of Massachusetts Rainbow. This is why we cannot feel sad, because we will be surrounded by so many of our friends, with whom we have made so many wonderful memories; how would that not feel just like a party?

Kenmore and I sincerely hope that all of the Grand Officers, Grand Representatives, Rainbow Girls, and Advisors have an awesome time at Grand Assembly. Take time to enjoy our sessions together, because it will go faster than any of us could imagine. If we don’t get the chance to talk to everyone, just know that Kenmore and I believe in each and every one of you and we can’t wait to celebrate with all of our friends.

See you all in Plymouth!

Kenmore and I can't wait to see our friends!

The Nature of Gratitude

Kenmore, like any good Boston Terrier, shows his gratitude with a wave of his paw, a wag of his tail, and a little ‘woof!’ to show his friends that he appreciates them. It is very apparent to us when we have pleased our furry friends, but what about when we do something nice for each other? How do people show their gratitude?

Last Saturday, Kenmore and I had the great joy of spending the day with our whole crew at Grand Officers’ Night. The day began when the Grand Officers had their first “fun drill” rehearsal and showed how talented and creative they all are by contributing their ideas for this year’s drill. I had a bit of special help by Rebecca J., who helped me get everyone’s attention by serving as my “loud voice” (I discovered this past Founder’s Day that my loud voice isn’t actually that loud, while Rebecca J. could be heard across the entire camp, so I was happy she was there to help). Then the Grand Officers demonstrated their professionalism and hard work by rehearsing for our initiation. Kenmore and I are very familiar with these long rehearsals and we felt that it could not have gone better. These girls are one group of people who Kenmore and I would like to thank for such an incredible day.

After rehearsing, Kenmore and I sat down to dinner with all of our friends. We were reminded, in that moment, of how lucky we were to be surrounded by such kind and sincere people as our fellow Rainbow Girls. We were served dinner by Plymouth Assembly and could see how much hard work they put into making the banquet a success. They are another group of people who Kenmore and I would like to thank.

When we returned to the assembly room, we watched with pride as the Grand Representatives performed their first drill with their new jurisdictional flags. They did a fantastic job and we can’t wait to see what they do with the help of the Director of Grand Representatives! We feel incredibly fortunate that the Order of the Eastern Star has donated these flags. They make our Grand Representatives look like the proud delegates and brave explorers that they truly are and we can’t wait to see their work presented at Grand Chapter, the May Grand Officers’ Night, and Grand Assembly! Kenmore and I would like to thank the Director of Grand Representatives, the Grand Representatives who have worked so hard this year, and our friends from Eastern Star for this wonderful opportunity!

Throughout the meeting, Kenmore and I never felt alone in the East. When small matters came up (such as not having the list needed to give the count at the end of the meeting), we had friends who stepped in and helped us run a smooth meeting. We were fortunate that two members of Plymouth Assembly stepped in and served as our “courtesy candidates,” which allowed the Grand Officers to showcase their floor work and ritual. Kenmore and I would like to thank all of our friends who helped us throughout the meeting.

This weekend, we held our first-ever Rainbow University, which included classes in life skills such as changing a tire, public speaking, choosing a career, and sewing. We didn’t know how many girls would be arriving for Rainbow University, and actually ran out of diplomas! Three girls will be receiving their RU degrees by mail. Mom Merriman and Nana Louise discovered that teaching girls to sew a drawstring bag takes a little bit longer than 30 minutes, but all of the teachers did a wonderful job accommodating the altered schedule and we couldn’t have been happier with the results of the day! Kenmore and I would like to thank all of the teachers who dedicated their time and skills to Rainbow University and want each of them to remember what a difference their contribution has made to a group of girls who will now feel empowered to face the world and use their new skills!

Kenmore and I have thanked many people throughout this post. The truth is, however, that none of these people has been waiting for us to say ‘thank you’; they have done their good and kind deeds without looking for anything in return, and this is what we appreciate the most. We would like to thank our Rainbow friends for stepping in so selflessly and helping us when we needed it. It is heartwarming to belong to an organization that takes care of its members. Those who receive a ‘thank you’ this year might not realize it, but when others see their good and kind deeds, they are not just helping one person (or one Boston Terrier). Instead, they are inspiring a generation of goodness and kindness by contributing to the belief that there are selfless people in the world, which makes it a great place to be.  

Kenmore says:

“Shout out to Mom Perry! Tazo Passion Tea

tastes better in an Anchor mug!”

Looking Back

At some point or another, everyone has heard the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun!” In many cases, this phrase is uttered sarcastically, as a person endures, for example, what is surely the most painstaking hour of algebra they have ever encountered. In other cases, however, this saying is used in a very genuine way.

When I was in kindergarten, we were given thirty minutes a day to do anything we wanted. Think about that. We were a group of twenty-three kindergarteners who were given free reign in a classroom full of toys, games, dress-up clothes, and other children with whom to play. It was a glorious half hour. What did I spend this time doing? Every day I had the same routine: I would take myself over to the corner of the room that contained a small red bench, three walls decorated with autumn leaves, and a tall bookcase, and I would sit quietly by myself and read. Thinking about this, you’re probably not surprised that I grew up to write a blog about tea, are you? But that was truly the best part of kindergarten for me and was the start of my lifelong love for books. My point is that I did this every single day of kindergarten and by the end of the year, it felt like no time had gone by at all. I remember being saddened by my last day of school and remarking to my teacher that the year had passed so quickly. Most of all, I remember that this was the first time I had ever been told that “time flies when you’re having fun!” and believing it with my whole heart.

This weekend, I attended a reception for one of our assemblies, where I learned that we have less than half the year left until Grand Assembly and the official end of the yearly term. There is already conversations happening about who will take office next year, and I have begun planning for Grand Assembly in June. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to realize that this year is passing with remarkable speed, but I guess that it is the same sensation that I experienced at a young age; time really does fly when you’re having fun.

And it’s not just me; I’ve attended many installations in the past month and heard girls talk about their experiences in office and the impact that their terms as Worthy Advisor have had on them. I think that it is very easy to get caught up in the moment of the things we are experiencing. Especially at the point of young adulthood, we are taught to always be looking to our future, and to prepare today for what will come tomorrow. But if there is anything that I have learned from this feeling of the rapid passage of time, it is the importance of looking back on your journey. Be careful not to overlook your accomplishments and the support that you have received from others. I have had such a wonderful term so far and I look forward to everything that will happen for the rest of it.

Time is flying, but I can’t wait to look back on all the fun I am having with my Rainbow family.   

What is the tea selection for this rather pensive post? Red Velvet Cake from David’s Tea!

The Night Before Halloween

’Twas the night before Halloween, and all throughout Mass,

not one girl was stirring, not one single lass.  

The pumpkins all sat on the porches with care,

in the hopes that some ghoulies soon would be there.

The girls were snuggled all cozy in bed,

while visions of chocolates danced in their heads.

And the GWA at her cauldron, busy at work

Watched her cat walk away

and thought “what a jerk!” 

When she heard from above a small pitter-patter,

And looked at the ceiling to see what was the matter.

Up from her seat she flew like a bat

and she loudly exclaimed “what in Neptune was that?!”

The lamps that she had affixed to the ground

gave an eerie luster to objects around.

When what to our scared GWA’s sight did appear

something that filled her heart with great fear.

With a little old broomstick and a long black dress,

she knew right away it was a sorceress.

Faster than bats on her broomstick she came

and she cackled and shouted and called out her name:

“Now, child, you see, I am Grizelda,

the witchiest witch from the land of Ethelba.

I heard you need a spell, and you’re in a press

because you want your event to be a success.”

“Yes it’s true,” said the GWA, “I am in a bind.

Fun Halloween games I have yet to find.

I’ve searched up and down, I’ve racked my whole brain,

but making up fun is just such a pain.”

“Then let me help,” said Griselda.

“It is fun for a witch,

we love to play games, it makes us feel rich.

I will just need to cast my one little spell,

then the party is on and there’s no need to dwell.

I don’t deal in black magic, that’s just not me.

I’m a good witch, a nice witch, and I’ll help you for free.”

The GWA thought and she thought then thought some more.

If this was the right choice, she just wasn’t sure.

She concluded at last that it wasn’t a con

And agreed before the witch could be gone.

Grizelda said, “perfect! Now, boopity boop!

Green slime and slug grime and scoobity doop!

This GWA has worked for a holiday blast,

so let’s make it happen, and happen real fast!”

The next day at the party, the girls were all there.

They had all dressed in costumes and done up their hair.  

They said, “Wow GWA! This party’s like magic!

We all were just hoping that it wouldn’t be tragic!

But you have exceeded all our expectations,

This is among the best of the year’s celebrations!”

The GWA looked to Grizelda, her newly-found friend,

and was glad to see that Halloween would have such a great end.

And so she exclaimed as Grizelda took flight:

“Happy Halloween to all, and to all a good fright!”