How Many Hats Have You Worn?

This morning, I would like to introduce you to something different. Meet Anne Hamilton Fowler.

The best way to tell you about herself and her book is to let her tell you herself. Here’s a humourous snippet from her early years.

I have been known most of my life for the ability to improvise and think on my feet. The following story, occurring when I was a high school senior, will give you some insight into “where” I obtained this ability.

It was a sunny Saturday morning and I was expecting the local boyfriend of the week for lunch at 12:30. He will be referred to as Boyfriend #1. Disaster almost occurred when out-of- town Boyfriend #2, a first year University of Western Ontario student, threw an unexpected wrench into the works and arrived in town to surprise me. At 11:45, overnight bag in hand, he appeared at our front door.

My father answered the door, greeting him warmly … he loved this guy who was a fellow golfer. Assuming that this was the expected lunch date, (my father never could keep them all straight) Dad told him to put his gear upstairs in the guest room where he usually stayed when in town.

Mother, my social secretary, immediately grasped the situation. She knew of course that I was expecting BF #1 not BF #2 and handled the awkward problem like a pro. She explained to BF #2 that “we have plans for the afternoon and are leaving shortly but why don’t you and Stew go to the club, have lunch, play eighteen holes and we’ll see you back here for dinner?” Clueless Stewart, who had put his foot in it to begin with, had no choice but to agree.

Meanwhile, I was upstairs locked in the bathroom hyperventilating as I waited for BF #1 to make an appearance at any minute and create a confrontation. And you know there is nothing I hate more or will try to avoid, when possible, than a confrontation. You see, BF #1 and BF #2 were unaware of each other’s existence.

Ever calm, watching the clock and improvising as she went, Mother asked BF #2 if he’d like her to make what she knew was his favorite dessert for dinner. Then disaster almost happened. Glancing out the living room window she saw BF #1 walking down the street, approaching the house.

“Time to go, Stew,” said Audrey as she unceremoniously hustled Dad and BF #2 out the side door into the garage. Mere seconds later, she opened the front door and greeted the new arrival, BF #1, the guest who was actually invited! Dad and BF #2 drove off to an afternoon on the links at York Downs while Anne, BF #1, and Audrey enjoyed a delicious lunch, which included one with HIS favorite dessert. Mother was big on making dessert for the boys.

So, if any of you ever questioned where I learned to think on my feet, as you can see, I had tutoring from an expert.

You can read all about Anne and her adventures in her memoir, I’ve Worn Many Hats.

You can learn more about Anne and her incredible life’s story by checking out her webpage: https://anne.honduranhope.net

How Many Hats Have You Worn?

Published by Susanne Matthews

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Published by Susanne Matthews

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