I AM SO READY—

 

A series of essays….

BREE SEEKING WARMTH AND PLEASURE FROM A CRACKLING FIRE

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I am so ready to stack and burn logs on the fireplace grate and snuggle with Bree our goldendoodle. She enjoys watching the dancing flames and listening to the distinct crackle of the seasoned wood as it magically burns and shifts just beyond the screen enclosure. 

I am so ready to welcome the cold weather with its frozen precipitation coating everything in sight with a blanket of white. Those who know me well will be shocked by this statement given my penchant for warm weather, sandy beaches, and flip-flops on my feet twelve months out of the year. This winter I feel the need to hide myself away. Isolate my thoughts, contemplate life, aging, and, yes, even death.

I am so ready for making time to finish my book and, hopefully, push it out into the world just as though it was another child I have nourished, loved, and welcomed with open arms! The gestation period, having far exceeded anything remotely reasonable, seems to indicate uncomfortable procrastination on my part that has stretched out over thirty years. I’m sad to say that a female elephant has nothing on me!

I am more than ready to unclutter my thoughts, modify my behavior, and prepare myself for what is to come within the next four years. The outcome of the election held on November 5th was a huge kick in the gut for those who believe in democracy and are willing to continue fighting to maintain their freedom and rights for years to come. With age comes wisdom (for most of us, anyway) and it would be wise for all of us to see through and understand the hate-filled and revengeful administration that will consume Washington D.C. as it prepares to disregard the rules and regulations set-forth by the Founding Fathers who crafted a framework of government for our new nation.

I am so ready to begin preparing a delicious meal for my family and share with them the love and true meaning of being together on Thanksgiving Day.  Gratefulness abounds as we are seated around the table, looking across from one another through the curling wisps of steam from nature’s bounty that was prepared with so much love: our teenage granddaughter mashing potatoes, my sausage stuffing steaming in the oven, Dan’s famous grilled turkey generously seasoned with sliced lemons, rosemary, and butter, and our daughter setting out her orange/cranberry sauce and marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole. Yes, we are blessed.

I am so ready (after writing the above paragraph) to partake in a portion of all of the above. Did I mention that this year we celebrate Dan’s birthday on Thanksgiving? I will make a cake and provide ice cream and set it down next to the pumpkin pie with whipped cream. After all, he deserves a variety of sweet pleasures on his Special Day!

I am so ready to, finally, after six years in our house, clean out our basement of the many boxes and bins that currently contain household items I haven’t thought about or required to use for the past six years. In doing so, we will be better prepared to have a yard sale next spring and make the much needed transition after having lived so many years in Orlando. I’ve never given much thought to the phrase ‘purging the guilt of overindulgence’ until now. To become free of so much ‘stuff’ in our lives will help to lighten a heavy load that has been bearing down on us for a very long time.

I am looking forward to giving people in need many of the items I’ve been needlessly hoarding in the basement. A gracious friend told me about a certain homeless lady, down on her luck after a miserable divorce, who watches homes and pets while the owners leave for a short period of time. She had been on a waiting list for governmental housing and recently discovered that an apartment became available. My friend told me that the lady needed pots and pans for her kitchen. Remembering a set still boxed in the basement, I knew of the perfect home for them and I’m hoping she cooks amazing meals for herself and others for many years to come.

I am so ready to slow this school year down just a smidge while enjoying our oldest granddaughter who is on the verge of turning eighteen in May. She is a senior in high school and between her advanced courses and homework, hours and hours spent between gymnastic practice and meets, working part time in a local restaurant as a hostess—we enjoy less and less of her company these days. Recently, she had been filling out college applications in her nonexistent spare time and is locked into waiting for the results. I miss her so much.

I am so ready to have the Kamala Harris for President sign in our front yard installed there—permanently! I don’t want to forget the experience of fighting so hard on her behalf. I don’t want to forget how hard Kamala fought for us, and still does. I can’t forget that over half of this country discarded her kindness and genuine caring for the rights of the people as meaningless and whimsical. It’s difficult for me to understand how so many men (and women) fight tooth and nail against having a woman for president. Why are white men, in particular, so afraid of women in the first place? I know why and you should, too. Often, it is the simplest ideas that create the most dysfunction in a society. I am so ready to fight the good fight alongside Kamala and all women (and men) who care about women’s bodies, a positive future for their children, and always moving this country forward..forward..forward—never backwards.

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

ALWAYS LET THERE BE LIGHT AND ENLIGHTENMENT

 

A series of essays….

THE EXCITEMENT OF THE UNKNOWN CAN LAST A 
VERY LONG TIME—EVEN IN YOUR DREAMS OR
YOUR NIGHTMARES.

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes 

There Can Be Light Where There Once Was Darkness

Dappled sunshine covers the entrance to the secret tree-lined passageway that connects the outside world to a fairyland filled with wonder and joy.

Entering the lane lifts the soul to great heights and sends shivers down the spine with acute anticipation for what lies ahead. Walking slowly and savoring the moment, one is able to take in the colorful, natural sights and listen to the sweet sound of birds singing up above.

Walking closer and closer to the entrance of marvels and wonderment, I position my outstretched arms to enter first, as if reaching out and grasping all of the happiness I can afford to hold in my hands…

And Boom, just like that, my delicious dream dissolves into thin air. The walk down an Irish memory lane goes up in a puff of green-tinted smoke and I abruptly sit-up in bed like an extra in Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video. 

Reality speaks out loud and clear. What my subconscious attempts to run from in order to secure peace of mind, ends up biting me in the derrière in the long run. The joy I sought at the end of the tunnel-of-trees was, in reality, the nightmare that has haunted me for years.

The dark recesses at the end of the tunnel combine the fear and betrayal we feel as those who revere a democratic society and live according to its rules and regulations. In which direction are we headed and is our very freedom in the balance? Unfortunately, there are certain individuals who would love to remove our freedoms and bring on an authoritarian society.

If you’ve been experiencing all of the above emotions and mindsets (nightmares) just as I have—the importance of voting on or before November 5th is real, healthy, and one of the most important things you can do in this lifetime. Help to dissolve the darkness at the end of the tunnel and usher in the light…for the good of all of the people! Vote!

 The Light Brings An Abundance of Joy!

The long, narrow living room faced a sunny aspect to the south of the property. Given all of the tall, mature trees surrounding the three-quarters of an acre the cottage was situated on, accent lighting was a must and, generally, left on most of the day. 

This day was no exception because it had been drizzling autumn tears for much of the morning and, according to the weather forecast, would be for most of the day. As she sat on the far end of the dark brown, leather couch writing stories on her i-Pad, shadows of tree branches and shrubs danced across the room like fairies predicting a peaceful slumber in the near future.

She relaxed after typing several pages and surrendered to the fairy dances that slithered across the stone fireplace and unoccupied chairs in the cozy room. The little people spoke behind her closed eyelids and whispered how the day was young and she’d have plenty of time to continue her writing after dreaming about pleasant romps through the woods while plucking wildflowers at her feet.

Her sleep-heavy head drifted to the side like a cut tulip adjusting to its life in a vase. The i-Pad on her lap shifted slightly to the right but remained ready for its owner to charge onward whenever she was ready to do so. It was peaceful where she was. It felt right.

After a fairy’s moment in time, even her closed eyes detected movement and a bright color usually associated with panic or fear. Upon opening her eyes, the cozy room was bathed in shades of roses, delicious apples, and ripe cherries with a rosy glow of reflective light shining from within the cut glass candlestick holders living at the center of the dining table. The light was so strong it bounced off of the pale green walls and she amused herself thinking that the little people must have redecorated the cottage while she slept.

The sight was amazing to behold! 

Turning to her right, she gazed from the piano top bathed in red through the glass of the French doors at the back of the house and just beyond the deck to where the sassafras tree grew straight and tall. Its broad leaves clustered and drooping after a long, hot summer was, somehow, swathed in golden sunlight emanating from the southern sky; Its low profile wrapped in a sea of cerulean blue. 

Like a spotlight of hope, the sun drew fire from the brooding crimson leaves and flashed its concentrated warmth through the small house, startling the woman with her own laughter. In doing so, the happiness that glowed around her, also, grew within her. Scrapping her original story idea, she now began telling her readers about this amazing experience that opened her eyes to the power of both color and light. 

Wisdom Beyond Her Years

Lisa, sporting seventeen-and-a-half-years of age, a high school senior, could not believe that her dad was waffling between voting or not voting in this year’s presidential election. Wishing she could vote and missing the opportunity by slightly over six months, it seemed egregious to have someone she knows and loves not take the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

This is hardly the time in the history of the United States to be so cavalier as to not support democracy with all of the freedoms it has provided us, ignore the economic and healthcare plight of the middle class and the poor, and grapple with the uncalled for demise of Roe v. Wade and the rights of all women to have control of their own bodies! This last point disturbed Lisa very much especially since she was already fifteen when this law was taken away after over fifty years of service to all women, including her mother and grandmothers.

So, one day, when unusual circumstances found Lisa and her dad alone, she decided to approach him with her concerns.

— Dad. Can we talk? 

— Sure, of course.

— I hear that you aren’t planning to vote next week.

— Hey, that really doesn’t concern y..!

— Oh, but it really, really does, dad. I am a woman, nearly eighteen, and have lost my right to a better, healthier lifestyle because of a presidential administration that has never cared about the well-being of women! Now, that man is running for another term in office. He is such a disgrace as a human being, let alone as the leader of this country once again!

— I understand, Lisa, but if both candidates displease me and take me out of my comfort zone, I have my rights, too. 

— But, if your rights supersede the rights of those you love—isn’t that being counterintuitive? Shouldn’t we as responsible citizens work to correct what we perceive as wrong and then make the changes needed to create a stronger, better place to live for everyone?

— Hey, when did you become the strong politician in this family? Weren’t you just playing dress up in mom’s heels a little while ago?

— That’s just it, dad. I’m all grownup now and about to go out into this world all on my own. I’ll be in college next year and I sure would feel more comfortable knowing that I have people around me who can answer any questions I might have concerning my body and my health.

— You know that mom and I will always be there for you no matter where you are…

— I know. I appreciate that. But life can be a little more spontaneous than that.

— I gotcha, kiddo. So, what you’re asking me to do is vote like I am voting for you! Keeping it real and not wasting my vote by not showing up. Even if I disagree with even one policy for each candidate, I should realize what is at stake for others if I waste an opportunity to help make things better. That makes sense.

— Don’t just think of me, dad. So many women are in your life who need your support and love: four nieces, their mothers, your daughter, grandma, and, of course, mom, to name a few. 

— Lisa, I am very proud of you. I wish more people could get together and discuss what is on their minds. You know, I think politics might be something you should look into in the future. It could be your calling.

Perfect timing! Mom pushes open the backdoor and asks if anyone is home.

— Can I have some help carrying in the bags of groceries—please? I’m making steaks and roasted potatoes for dinner tonight. One of your favorites!

Please remember how important your vote truly is. Democracy and Freedom are at stake on November 5, 2024!

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

 

FIFTY-ONE YEARS—REALLY?

 

A series of essays….

A TICK IN TIME THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes 

You know it when you first turn your head, maybe it’s to the left, and the natural light transfers a simple scene into something so warm and wonderful, it’s difficult to look away. And you find yourself looking for your camera because you would be amiss to have squandered an opportunity to savor this moment—forever!

That was how I was feeling our anniversary weekend when I captured this early morning portrait of one of the most photogenic places I know, our friend’s farmstead near Jackson, Michigan. 

The sheer joy of open land (green fields, trees) makes me happy. I enter the world of childhood memories whenever I’m there. Their beautiful, white, clapboard farmhouse mimics my grandparent’s in northern Indiana, surrounded by open fields, an apple orchard, and the sun dancing along the golden tassels of corn swaying to nature’s melodies like happy soldiers protecting the house on the hill.

The word ‘softness’ comes to mind in this instance. The male part of the corn plant (tassel) contains the fine, powdery substance (pollen) that is transported by the wind, insects, or other animals. But, below, there is the  iridescent corn silk, the female part of the equation, made up of 300 to 600 corn silks or glossy, thread-like strands found between the corn husk and ear. They are a key part of the vegetable’s reproductive system and essential to crop pollination.

As a little girl, one of my favorite jobs in the summer was to shuck the corn by removing their husks and stripping the corn silk from the golden ears before Mom rinsed and prepared them for the pot of boiling water. I enjoyed my job filling-up the brown paper grocery bag with husks and silk while sitting on the back porch steps. All I kept thinking about was holding a steaming ear of corn, dripping with butter, by two plastic corn holders and pretending my pattern of eating left to right was simulating the carriage of the Royal Typewriter my Mom always used. This was a truly delicious summer treat.

So, what better place to express our happiness after sharing fifty-one years of marriage together? Absolutely, with good friends on a summer’s day in September! And, it just so happens that their forty-ninth anniversary was just two days before ours on the 13th of September.

The joy of life can be a combination of places that stir the imagination: sharing intimate celebrations at a table set for four, taking crisp walks down an unpaved country road as the stars begin to cover our heads with a zillion sparkles, and leaving on a day trip after breakfast and catching the perfect morning light illuminating the outbuildings on the farm because I happened to turn left at the right moment.

All of the above paved our way into the next year of living, loving, and being together. What a special way to usher in year fifty-two and year fifty, together. We are looking forward to a large party for our friends with family and friends in 2025 for their Golden Celebration.

Dan and I thank you, dear friends, for the perfect weekend. It’s a pleasure to capture the special moments that being at the Farm have to offer a photography enthusiast like myself. Love and Cheers!

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS

 

A series of essays and poetry,,,,

                 

RED ROSE: IT’S THE ROSE OF ROMANCE AND DEEP FEELINGS
BUT CAN RELAY DESIRE, BEAUTY, VICTORY, 
HARMONY, JOY, LUCK AND PRIDE

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Friendship can touch a multitude of lives in many different ways. It may have a slightly different meaning for each person involved, but, for the most part, being friendly towards one another, kind and loving, is the preferred attitude in life and so many people are newly discovering the innate beauty of this philosophy.

The poetry class I attend twice a month is entitled Voices on the Margin. May I say that this group of eight strong women, evolving from various educational backgrounds and careers, take extreme pride in revealing our own strengths and weaknesses, knowing that we will always be listened to by one another. 

We will not be belittled or bullied no matter what we have to contribute to the group. And, conveniently, we learn about other poets (women and men, past and present) their writing styles and content and attempt to emulate them via our own poetry as best we can. 

I find complete joy in reading our own poems out loud to the group and embracing the feedback conjured up by their fertile minds and taking away, if we desire it, their changes. We write, we learn, we respond, and we offer encouragement.

With our wedding anniversary coming up this Sunday, lifelong friendship has piqued my interest yet again in relating to decades of sharing big feelings together; appreciating individual opinions and the coziness of sharing them with one another along this amazing journey.

I dedicate this poem to my life partner and hope that others will realize that friendship can be the glue in a cohesive force that allows for controversial opinions, change, time, and understanding to shine through:

No Matter What Happens 💞

I respect that you’re going through difficult times. 

Not feeling yourself? Haven’t showered in a week? Don’t worry. 

You are appreciated for who you are. Come what may.

I want you to know that I am a safe place for you. 

So, laugh yourself silly, exaggerate the ugly cry and never

feel judged by me. I love you in every way. 

I accept and honor your controversial opinions. It doesn’t 

matter if we agree or not, I’m here for your unedited thoughts 

because we both will grow smarter, stronger. Come what may.

I understand when you let yourself be you. Be funny, be crazy, 

be loud, be obnoxious. I will love you more for the loudness 

and always cheer your enthusiasm for life. 

I want you to know that age is only a number. If we figure it out,

hold hands, walk down the same path with heads held high,

the future will be comforting. Come what may.

I keep trying to understand where you are coming from. It would be

a pleasure to have you skip, hop, and jump back into my life. Know

that I am your cheerleader—be brave. 

I want all of you to feel free to be yourselves around me. Do what you

do. Be funny, crazy, tired, loud, opinionated, talented. Luxuriate 

in all of your big feelings. Own them and never look back. 

Come what may.

Jacqueline E Hughes 9-09-24

Each stanza refers to one person or another who has entered my life, made it a little bit better, and has changed my perspective as to why I even exist. That’s definitely powerful. This poem reflects the years that flash by all of us and profusely change our lives in an instant. 

Not wanting to allow myself to change the flow of big feelings of anyone else, I insist that you, my friend, not change yourself for my sake. I encourage your boisterous laughter, opinions that don’t match my own, holding hands as we slowly walk into old age, exaggerate your ugly cry in dark times, and experience profound joy in good times.

To my dear husband of 51 years: through our many ups and downs, via joy and sadness, playfulness and laughter—please know that the bond we share together will always be strong no matter what happens, come what may.

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes 

All rights reserved