Here in Portland, Oregon we have a yearly event called the Rose Festival. We are in the midst of it right now, so this post is quite timely.
It has been happening for 104 years here in the Rose City and is a huge community event and has many diverse activities. There is a Queen of Rosaria chosen each year from a court made up of local high school girls. The Queen represents Portland and the Rose Festival for one year at appearances throughout the country and abroad. The Queen and her court also ride in the Grand Floral Parade. (my kids and I always used to camp out and watch the parade when they were younger).
In 1950 the Queen came from Cleveland High School which is where my kids go (went) to high school. I was organizing the PTA closet a couple of years ago and came across a huge framed photo of the queen that ruled Rosaria that year. Her name is Dorothy and she has an awesome smile.
I thought about her for two years. When I went to tidy up the PTA closet recently, she was still sitting there in the dark. I asked the principal if she could come live at my house.
She can't stay with me permanently, but I did get permission to copy her and I can then have my own queen.
Did I tell you she was huge.
I am wearing a tiara to celebrate her arrival in my house. I have a perfectly royal spot for her to hang as well. So happy after all these years that she has found a place to shine with that cheery smile.
Welcome to my house Queen Dorothy!
You crack me up woman! Your crown and glasses are the perfect touch. You are right....she has a lovely smile, it's one of those that make others smile just by looking at it. Have a royal day Miss Queen!
Hugs,
Meri
Posted by: Meri Wiley | June 05, 2011 at 09:28 AM
I found my birth family 4 years ago..the first visit I had with them was the yr the Rose Festival celebrated their 100 yrs.We enjoyed the fireworks from a boat on the river...what a memory filled night for me!!
I could live up there..yes I could.
Love your queen and of course your tiara..lol
Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
Posted by: Cindy Brewer | June 05, 2011 at 10:51 AM
Well, isn't she something? Really. Where in the world are you going to hang her? Over the fireplace or the piano? How about over the breakfast table. That'd give the family a "start" first thing in the morning
!! I love that you rescued her for a while. Have a great day! - Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | June 05, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Well, well, she looks quite familiar. Did you do a family check on this one. Super picture. Sad that she's been hiding away all those years. What a great home she is going to. My SIL tried to drag my MIL one year to the Rose festival and she refused can you imagine. I would have loved to have gone. Enjoy it for us each day with this fab picture that you recovered...smiles...Renee
Posted by: Renee | June 05, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Hi Queen Laurie, :)
Oh my.......that is a large
picture, very large!! I hope
that you will show us pics of
where you place her. I really
love it and it must be so much
fun to attend a Rose Festival.
Hugs,
Janis
Posted by: Janis | June 05, 2011 at 01:45 PM
So happy for you and perfect timing. She is beautiful!
Congrats
Sally
Posted by: Sally | June 05, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Okay I want to know also what your plans are for the queen? What a fun thing to borrow!!
Can't wait to hear about your fun at the Farm Chicks Show!
Posted by: Lisa | June 06, 2011 at 05:48 AM
Long live the Queen! She is divine.
Posted by: Kim G. | June 06, 2011 at 10:15 AM
What a beautiful queen!!! And so are you!! Love your tiara.. and what does the school plan on doing with such a large photo of "the queen" just keep it in their PTA closet???
Blessings
Linda
Posted by: Linda | June 06, 2011 at 10:44 AM
You look so regal, Laurie- and the cat-eye's look stunning!
Love that photo. Wow, it IS huge!
Hugs,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | June 07, 2011 at 07:22 PM