Oh, mama: Series will profile amazin' ladies
Fifty brilliantly costumed women kick, flip, and spin down the street creating a boisterous moment of spontaneous fun. Broadly diversified audiences are smiling and laughing in a unified moment of exuberant joy.
This is The Red Hot Mamas (TRHM) from Coeur d'Alene! Evidence of this scene can be viewed at: www.kirotv.com/videos/news/video-red-hot-mamas/vCkZKx.
While it may look as if they all live on marshmallows in Disneyland void of troubles, nothing could be farther from the truth.
As TRHM director, I have seen these incredible women overcome trials to make dreams come true. Before becoming a Red Hot Mama, many of us felt "put out to pasture" by a society focused on youth and beauty. In the coming weeks, the women of TRHM will share true stories of personal trials to encourage others. Their hearts go out to women who may think exciting possibilities don't exist for them. This kick-off article will include a brief history, future outlook, and what can be expected in the associated articles to follow. First, a little RHM history.
As a little girl, I remember the women of the neighborhood. They wore old housedresses
and wrapped cloth diapers around their heads to secure bobby-pinned hair. They cooked over steaming pots, wiped sweat off their brows as they ironed, and chased after rowdy kids. I don't know if men were angrier then or if they smacked their wives around due to a greater sense of entitlement in an era when abused women had no place to run, but it seemed the norm to us kids. Dads hit. Moms cried. Kids cowered.
After I grew up, my heart remained soft for those powerless women who had to beg for underwear money. I saw TRHM idea as a place where women could refresh their spirits by exploring gifts and talents only barely imagined while doing something of service to the community.
Due to the diligent work of many mamas, TRHM entertained nationally and internationally including two presidential inaugurations, the Macy's Parade, and hundreds of community service events. Underlying these colorful activities, the deeper mission took place. Women became empowered, encouraged, and catapulted into new adventures outside TRHM activities. When I see the happy hoopla of our shows, I see the beautiful souls of overcomers sharing their faith and hope. So, what's next?
Last fall, the creative producer of the Macy's Parade called to invite the group to perform in 2014. After praying about it, breathing life into a five-year dormancy began. Since auditions last March, we are 53 strong with the Lilac and Seafair parades under our belts and are headed to Macy's with our best comedy act yet. As the girls enjoy this experience, they desire to help others who may need a little spark in their lives.
All of the enthusiastic members of TRHM have lived long enough to have been through some hard experiences and have collectively experienced much of what life has to chuck. Associated articles will include individual profiles, true stories of life challenges, and words of encouragement. The gals will share surviving the worst of times to enjoy the best of times.
Now you have a little history, future outlook and what to expect in associated articles about these very sweet women.
TRHM have answered the middle aged question, "Is that all there is?" with "Are you kidding? Get ready for this!" With feathers and sequined hi-top tennies a-flyin', we dance toward our performance this Thanksgiving Day in New York. You can follow our antics on Facebook.
Why do we do this? Because we can can!
There are many organizations offering a boost of new life to participants. Be encouraged to get on out there and seize the day. Mikki Stevens is a guest columnist as the originator and director of The Red Hot Mamas. She can be reached through the webpage at www.rhmamas.com.