IMPRESSIONS OF STATE WOMEN’S CLUB CONVENTION

By Annie Estlund

            As a first-timer at Florida’s State Democratic Women’s Club Convention, I was quite impressed with the whole affair. It was pretty much as I had imagined…but better.

From my perspective, it was…

     serious business being conducted to keep each of the local clubs in compliance with state rules…and not getting bored by it.

     passing resolutions to make Florida Democratic Women’s Clubs’ feelings known to others…but being disappointed two of our club’s resolutions were defeated.

     delegates and visitors mingling with counterparts from other Florida counties, and running into people who know people we know…but missing those who stayed home to prepare for unwelcome guests, namely Hannah and Ike.

     gazing at the beautiful sloshing waves of the gulf and colorful beach umbrellas nearby…but not having time to enjoy it close-up.

     learning that when you attend a convention in a hotel, even during Labor Day week in muggy Florida, you should NOT wear summer clothing. It was c_o_l_d!

     strolling on St Armand’s Circle, hobnobbing with Sarasota’s elite, and wishing you had more time and, especially, money.

     buying raffle tickets and bidding in silent and live auctions of really neat stuff…and losing all but one raku pot..

     listening to inspiring speeches by very impressive people…but being secretly disappointed that not even ONE Obama showed up.

     eating elegant food at every meal. I brought 2# of it home to keep as a reminder.

     participating in workshops, each with much more substance than we expected.

     finding that Lee County’s DWC is widely known and respected, and that many of our members are Stars on the State level as well as at home.

I thought of all these things as I was packing my suitcase to come home… As a result, I got home without a dresser drawer full of underwear! So Bob and I drove back and enjoyed the hotel and Sarasota for a second time on Sunday.