QotM - Janet Balstad - December 2023

Introducing the December Queen of the Month, the regal and resilient Queen Janet, formerly known as the Duchess of Isle Do It. Born in the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan, Queen Janet spent her formative years in the Downriver Detroit suburbs. Her educational journey took her to Adrian College in Michigan and California State University in Fullerton, California, reflecting her diverse experiences and love for learning.

In matters of the heart, Queen Janet's tale is one of both heartbreak and serendipity. In 1981, facing a series of unfortunate events, she made a bold move to California, selling her Christmas gift to fund a plane ticket. Little did she know that this decision would lead to a fateful encounter in a college classroom with a USMC Vietnam War veteran. Despite her initial hesitations, the veteran predicted they would marry, and true to his foresight, they spent twenty-three blissful years together until the shadows of his service-related trauma caught up with him.

Queen Janet's career is a tapestry of diverse experiences, from teaching and delivering mail to working as a motel clerk, medical chair assistant, x-ray technician, and much more. Her resilience and adaptability shine through as she navigated various roles to pay the bills and fund her education, finding fulfillment in each unique experience.

Outside the realm of work, Queen Janet is a creative spirit with a passion for crafting. Crocheting, making jewelry (especially earrings), and Red Hatting are among her many hobbies. Known for her adventurous spirit, she embraces new crafts with enthusiasm, embodying the belief that she can tackle any creative endeavor.

The Red Hat Society (RHS) became a significant part of Queen Janet's life when, after the loss of her husband, her mother suggested she join for both grief counseling and camaraderie. Her journey in the RHS involved playing with several local and virtual chapters until she was unexpectedly tapped on the shoulder and declared, "tag, you're it" as the new Queen of the Violet Roses in Long Beach, California USA.

As a queen, Queen Janet finds joy in communication, information sharing, and building connections with fellow Red Hatters. Her favorite aspect of being an RHS queen is the opportunity to get to know the diverse and vibrant community.

Queen Janet lives by the motto "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" by Robert Browning. This philosophy encourages her to strive for the seemingly impossible while finding comfort in the idea that divine intervention may fill in the gaps.

One of Queen Janet's most memorable RHS experiences was the 25th Anniversary Cruise to the Mexican Riviera. The magic of the cruise, with seven costume changes in a day and the ship rocking in high seas, left an indelible mark on her Red Hat journey.

For Queen Janet, the secret to a happy, positive life lies in understanding that everybody deserves a bad hair day. In those challenging moments, her advice is simple yet profound: smile and be kind. By lifting each other up, we elevate ourselves and contribute to a supportive and joyous community. Queen Janet's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of connection within the Red Hat Society.