FIFTY SHADES OF BLUE

A series of essays.....

Fireball Sinking Into The Horizon

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


"Gwandma, Grandma, Gamma......I love you!" floated across the cavernous space of the airport as the sound of small, sneaker-clad feet bounded rhythmically across the cold, cement floor. 

Funny how time has a way of seamlessly slipping away, dispersing its holy 'granules of life' throughout the autumn landscape.

For ten days of my life I mingled with family and long, lost friends in a place that existed long, long ago and far, far away.  My mind recalls teenage dates, walking hand-in-hand in Bronson Park, eating post-movie meals at fast food places along South Westnedge Avenue before heading home to Three Rivers.  Now, my children inhabit this place of my youth and I visit Kalamazoo, Michigan for very different reasons.

Last Glimpse

The precious endearments floating up to my ears at this moment emanate from Brenna and Gavin.  They have accompanied me and their parents to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids to see me off on my flight back to Orlando where their Papa will be waiting to drive me home.  It's been an interesting week for me....chock-full of revelations!  But, another time and story for you....a bit later.

"Ma'am, please collect all of your belongings and follow me over to this table, please."  I knew I shouldn't have brought that can of Healthy Valley organic lentil soup back in my carry-on!!  Sure enough, 'the can' was his targeted item.  After shaking it, swabbing it for negative residues, shaking it again and, finally excusing himself to have a petite chat with his supervisor....I was given possession of the soup once more.  Yeah, a lunch for the following week had not been confiscated!

I have often sat at Gate A3 awaiting my Allegiant flight to the Sanford Airport.  And, I am positive there will be many more times for me sitting at this Gate in the future.  We've flown Allegiant, a direct two hour plus flight from Michigan back to Florida, so often that I affectionately call it my 'bus ride' home.  When it is a smooth ride and I have a good book in hand, I can almost blink and the wheels are touching down onto the Sanford tarmac. 



Blue So Bright.....!

Like a small child, I always prefer the scenic luxury of a window seat.  Judging by the clear, blue sky and the promise of beautiful weather, my particular window would be facing an autumn sunset soon to appear across the vast horizon.  I was delighted by this prospect. 

Navigating the corrugated bumps and turns of the jet bridge leading out to our plane, I stopped for just a moment, placed my flattened right hand on the outside of the plane just to the right of the door, silently recited a 'little prayer' to my angels and proceeded to push my meager belongings up into the craft to take my seat. 

"You have your own little ritual when it comes to flying, don't you?" she asked, looking straight into my eyes.  Surrounded by anywhere from four crew members, including the pilot, and boarding passengers ahead of and behind me, I looked-up into her startling green eyes as she stood planted between cockpit and galley.  Looking back over my shoulder at her, the 'moment' resembled a movie scene where the camera pulls back from above the action creating a 'fish bowl' effect and the main character is highlighted by an aura of bright light.

Seldom one to stammer or stumble over my words.....there I was, a bumbling fool attempting a response. 

"You..you..saw me..touch..touch the plane?" 

"Oh, yes," she replied.  "And, I understood immediately what you were doing.  I watch and listen...."

(I kid you not....people, and this all confused me because I began doing this little ritual my very first commercial airline flight as a young teenager! This was the first time ANYONE has ever said anything to me about it!)

"But..but..you are the only one who has ever...ever seen me do it!" I squeaked with my neck still turned at an odd angle looking at her enlightened face. 

Never missing a beat or taking her gaze away from mine she said, "Not necessarily, however, I might be the only one who has ever mentioned it to you before." 

As the camera lens zoomed back in and her aura dissipated, her smile spread wide across her pretty face.  She raised two fingers of her right hand in an apparent 'peace symbol V' formation and then slowly turned her wrist bringing her fingers in line with her own eyes.  With a quick turn of her wrist, she aimed her fingertips in my direction saying, "I am watching and I see everything....that is what I do.  That is my job....!"

As the momentum of my fellow boarding passengers carried me further down the aisle, I looked back one last time to see the flight attendant happily into her 'meet and greet' with those behind me.

Hoisting my little, purple suitcase above Row 15 and taking my seat by the window, I wasn't sure if I'd just experienced a highly spiritual encounter with supernatural forces affecting my spirit...my soul.  Or, if this was the work of a tiny prankster who was either getting into her Halloween mode or practicing for future employment with Southwest Airlines!!  What I did realize was that this petite employee of Allegiant Airlines called me out on a private ceremony I'd been performing for years.  She was not malicious or cruel...rather, honest and forthright about it.  Whatever the explanation, this occurrence really blew me away!

Stowing my purse below the seat in front of me and buckling-up for the flight, my seat mate and I greeted each other, acknowledged one another's reading material with a mutual nod as she kindly inquired if I would like my overhead light turned-on, as well.  Nestling back in a feeble attempt to find comfort in an airline seat, I couldn't help but notice the aged gentleman seated in the center seat in front of us, 14E.  Due to our close proximity and the open angled line of view afforded me, I could see that he was old, cantankerous and, after listening to the conversation with his wife/companion seated directly in front of me....I concluded that he might be suffering with dementia. 

"Where are we now?" he wailed like a young child.  Patting his hand, she responded, "Grand Rapids." 

"What??  When will this thing take-off?  I'm tired of sitting here doing nothing!"

With the patience of a saint, the woman continued to pat his hand until she gave it a gentle squeeze while resting it comfortably on top if his.  He calmed down immediately and settled back, eyes closed.

Picture Courtesy of Greg Spurgeon

Within a few minutes our plane was airborne and we were surrounded by a clear blue sky the shade of peace, serenity, infinity and spirituality itself!  This vision of calmness personified soon took on an ethereal quality, as well when the setting sun, ablaze with shades of gold, bright tangerine and red, pierced the horizon and set the world outside of the small, square window on fire!  As the 'fireball' swiftly sank out of sight, the intensity of color deepened affording all of us fortunate enough to be seated on the right side of the plane a panoramic view of brightening stars along with a crescent-shaped moon dangling within a blanket of deep, deep blue...!  The shade of blue that evokes a deep-seeded feeling of trust, dignity and super intelligence.

The entire world around me was changing, ebbing and flowing like a crystal blue river dancing in the moonlight.  It was enchanting and we sat totally mesmerized by God's ultimate light show in the heavens.  Yes, thirty-three thousand feet above everything else near and dear to me, I had been capturing moments of this spectacle with my smart phone, hoping to be able to relive it all again but knowing that this was an event only the naked eye and an open heart could truly retain.

Certainly my green-eyed flight attendant must have been keeping her attentive watch on all of us in that plane....after all, that was her job!  If so, I never thought much about it and subconsciously relied upon her diligence and work ethics the whole flight.  Looking for her later as we debarked from the plane, she was nowhere to be found.  Curious...

An Ethereal Quality

Isn't that what Love is all about?  It's not that we take it for granted or fail to work hard in order to achieve it but, when we finally feel comfortable with it, green eyes watching closely or a blanket of blue studded with sparkling stars and a crescent moon above....we allow the Love to wash over us with little to no resistance.

My friend in 14E had closed his eyes early on and slept as his loving companion continued to shelter him with the touch of her hand on his.  Was this the Love we all hope for and seek out within our lifetime?  Someone to be there and appreciate us no matter what travails we both face along the way?

Beauty Framed By The Plane's Window

My two hour 'bus ride' could not have been more interesting or enlightening.  There was so much to think about, ponder and question as our plane began its decent towards the miniature, man-made, twinkling lights and our final destination.  I had been surrounded by so much Love displayed in so many ways all day long beginning with my grandchildren's hugs and kisses, to the dedicated flight attendant, God's spectacular light show, and the loving couple in Row 14.  I enjoyed the solace in knowing that soon I would be welcomed, after a seven day separation, back into my husband's loving arms!

Mr. 14E had finally awoken from his temporary 'escape' into the world of dreams.  Slowly turning towards his companion, he gently placed his large hand upon hers for a change and, with a calm smile on his face, he asked, "Are we home now?"

 

 

Courage and Best of Luck to Everyone in November!!!

Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

BOOK REVIEW: One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author

 

A Book Review.....

Books....Books....Books....and, Even More Books, Please!!!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Occasionally, within your busy, daily life, you unexpectedly run across something that turns your head, makes you think and helps solidify that what you and many others do is nothing short of......well, impressive!!!

Today, I am taking you on a journey into my perspective of a nonfiction novel.....beautifully crafted from personal experience, meticulously thought out and, I believe, will soon become an invaluable inspiration for ALL writers.

Eric Vance Walton is a novelist, author and poet with a writing career spanning nearly two decades.  He has published several books in different genres and has won several awards for his work including the "James Thurber Treat Prize." 

"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," is this author's initial venture into the nonfiction genre.  Mr. Walton has compiled within this journey the blood, sweat and tears, the ups and downs, and the social media 'do's and don'ts' that are associated with his long, successful, Independent writing career.

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BOOK REVIEW: "One Word at a Time:
                             Finding Your Way as an Indie Author"
                             By: Eric Vance Walton




"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author" by Eric Vance Walton, is a brilliant example of one seasoned Indie Author combining his expanded knowledge and expertise of more than twenty years in order to assist others along the often long and arduous road to becoming a published author.

We, the readers, as the title implies, expect to be led down the best path-of-knowledge afforded us by Mr. Walton's own experiences, including 'How To' writing tips, things we should do, as well as things to avoid, along with examples of each.  We are not disappointed!

In addition, the reader is enlightened by an intimate tone and approach as Mr. Walton sites expressions of his own family members that have encouraged and honed his present day attitudes of self-discipline and frugality, as well as sharing his methods of emotional control through meditation, yoga and exercise.  He makes it abundantly clear that we should never allow our writing to consume our entire lives and that we should always make time for family and friends along the journey.  This attitude, stressed by Mr. Walton, is the foundation for a unique balance between a successful writing career and a stable personal life.

While defining the term 'Indie Author' as a writer who publishes outside of the mainstream publishing industry, at the very beginning, Mr. Walton sets the tone of his book.  We know this information is not going to be typical, rather, he fills us in on his more than twenty-year ride of being an Indie Author himself, utilizing modern technology, including social media, and having it work for all of us.  His qualifications withstand the test of time as he allows his techniques to be flexible yet challenging throughout his own lengthy career.

I found Mr. Walton's poignant use of quotes by various authors direct validation for all of his own ideas and helped to strengthen the messages he wished to convey to the reader.  Also, I found it charming that he seemed unabashed by opening-up his soul to us and exposing his vulnerability, allowing us to see his human side. "My readers are my boss...."  Yet, Mr. Walton was just as capable of exerting his strengths by reinforcing the necessity of a proper publisher fit, encouraging our creative energy by visiting local art fairs and theater productions while pointing-out and understanding the difference between being a 'starving artist' and an artist that takes firm control of his own destiny....one day at a time.

My only real criticism would be that although Mr. Walton creates many positive prompts, he is repetitive at times when it comes to offering useful examples.  In terms of writer's block or just pushing yourself away from your writing desk for a needed respite, the act of walking your dog is often used.  I understand the use of positive reinforcement in this case, however, the reader comprehends the significance of this gesture early on.  I was hoping for a touch of 'quirkiness' thrown in by Mr. Walton at times to lighten-up the mood and infuse a modicum of unpredictability into the mix.

Our world changes so quickly and on a daily basis and modern technology is a forerunner of many of these changes.  As an avid reader and a writer myself, I seek out every advantage I can in making sense out of the complicated and competitive world of being an Indie Author.  Eric Vance Walton has capitalized on the theme that knowledge of the inner workings of this industry is not only bliss, but a dire necessity when it comes to success!  Placing this knowledge within a comfortable writing format as in "One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," readers will instantly know they have a good friend on their side in Mr. Walton and an invaluable reference guide to independent publishing that should be placed nearby them at all times.



NOTE: The publishing release date for "One Word at a Time:..." To be announced soon by Authors Publish Press.  Visit Mr. Walton's Author Website Link below to learn more.


Author Website Link:

 http://ericvancewalton.wordpress.com/


Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

JOURNEY INTO THE FUTURE

 A series of essays.....

The Art of Downtown Waynesville, North Carolina

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Her name is Kaye Matthews, a classically beautiful lady with a kind face, soft eyes and a smile as wide and charming as the State of North Carolina itself!  We had never met before.....until fate brought us together one crisp, sunny morning while walking in downtown Waynesville.....oh, just last Saturday!


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Our Land.....Fairytale Setting

Last time, Dear Reader, I wrote about time shifting in the mists, changing shapes like a spirit holding your hand, guiding you along its dreamlike path.  The only other place on earth  we have ever experienced this magical enchantment was in Ireland.  The allure of both Western North Carolina and Ireland can be found in their extreme beauty!  The kind of beauty that clutches at your heart and squeezes it affectionately until it literally begins to take your breath away.  I often compare this feeling with the act of looking at my grandchildren's faces and wishing to breathe their very existence into my soul as though they consisted of sweet vapor created as an elixir guaranteed to enchant me forever!

Do you have children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews?  Ah, then you do know what I am talking about....

Arriving at our motel quite late Friday night inhibited us from doing anything more than sleep.  Judging by the six handsome Harley-Davidson bikes arranged like black swans swimming side-by-side and frozen in time in the parking lot, we assumed we'd be serenaded by their revved-up engines early in the morning.  And, we were not disappointed!  However, with the glorious sun just beginning to peek-out over the mountaintop to the east, we were more then ready to begin the day. 

Traditions

Most mornings consist of the partaking of a hardy breakfast at Joey's Pancake House established in 1966 by its founders, Joey and Brenda O'Keefe.  It has become the favorite breakfast stop for the locals and visitors of Maggie Valley alike.  Okay, the sweet potato pancakes are awesome and among some of the best I've ever eaten!  When in town, meet at Joey's for breakfast!  We never fail to take a picture of one of us outside at the foot of their famous sign as traffic whizzes by on Soco Road, Highway 19, just a few feet away.  Who said we were slaves to tradition?

Driving from Maggie Valley into Waynesville, a few minutes away, is like coming home for Dan and me.  Navigating Main Street is the equivalent of shrugging off your favorite coat and walking boots knowing that soon you will be bathed in the warmth of a crackling fire, feet up and facing the comfort and solidity of the heart of the home.  Here, the locals always smile and treat you as though you were an old friend.

Dan Inside Mast General Store

Parking the car in front of the Mast General Store, known for their "Quality Goods, Fair Prices & Old-fashioned Friendly Service," since 1883, of course, we went inside!  I had to pick-up some goodies to take up to our grandchildren in a few weeks for Halloween!  While choosing loose candy in the lower level of the store from old oaken barrels and placing them in tiny baskets, eventually purchased by final weight count, we were serenaded by the ancient floorboards high above our heads.  As the customers on the main floor went about their quests for that perfect woolen sweater or gift to bring back for a loved one, their many footsteps constantly marked a frantic rhythm that carried it's melodic echo down to all of us below. 

Another very special treat is walking down into The Classic Wine Seller located on Church Street and just around the corner from the Mast General Store.  Proprietors, Richard and Kay Miller, are more than happy to share their passion for wine, beer, food and live music with their guests.  To our great pleasure, since our last visit, they had opened-up the original 'wine storage' area and transformed it into a brick & oak wine bistro that would delight and challenge the most seasoned gourmand on any given day!  Now, set all of this to live music each Friday and Saturday night and.....you have a winner!

Walking back up to street level, Dan and I realized that, essentially, we had been walking down Memory Lane for the past hour or so.  Subconsciously, were we avoiding the inevitable?



Stepping Stones Into Our Future

Scooting across the street and passing the local bakery as swiftly as possible, we found ourselves standing statuesque in front of Re/Max Mountain Realty.  With heads held high and hearts in our throats....we opened the tall, glass door and entered with only minor trepidation.  Strange....  After all of the dreams, hopes and beliefs we had carried around in our hearts like stepping stones into our future, they were about to tumble and fragment into dust after nine years. 


Are you ever truly prepared for such life changing decisions?




Kaye and Dan Discussing Strategy?

"Hello," she said, and introduced herself as Kaye....Kaye Matthews.  She was a classically beautiful lady with a kind face, soft eyes and a smile as wide and charming as the state of North Carolina itself!  We had never met before that moment and, already we knew we were in strong, caring and capable hands.  Sometimes....you just know.

For the first time that weekend we were able to make the short trip we'd been avoiding up to Cansadie Top Mountain, Lot #26, Glens of Iron Duff.....our personal 'slice of heaven.'  It was beautiful!  Kaye followed us up in her car.  The air was as crisp as the very first bite of a shiny, red apple even though the sun bathed us in its golden light and plied us with its false promises of genuine warmth. 



Bear Vista Trail and Property

I do believe the three of us stayed warm due to the surrounding beauty, as well as the lively conversation, uninhibited laughter and the mutual sharing of thoughts and experiences.  Discovering our commonalities brought on more chatter......at least until our teeth were doing the very same thing!  We learned later that the overnight temperatures would bring the area's first bona fide frost.  Sitting here now, I can't help but think about how that frost assisted in encouraging the intensity of fall colors the people there must be enjoying today!

Eventually, Kaye proceeded down the mountain and home.  Dan and I lingered for a little while longer as we reflected on so many things.  This spot is where we had dreamt of seeing our grandchildren romp and play among the trees while helping Papa collect firewood; where we would enjoy our morning coffee on the front porch overlooking the valley below; where we would decorate several Christmas trees freshly cut at Boyd's Tree Farm just on the other side of Cansadie Top; where family and friends would gather for amazing meals lovingly prepared and served at our long, wooden table we had acquired several years ago just for this purpose....


Natural Beauty At Its Very Best



And, where we would grow even older together, Dan and I, while enjoying every peaceful moment of each and every day.

I have always contended that this crazy and incredulous life brings with it twists and turns you could only imagine in your wildest dreams.  It takes each and every one of us on a rocking roller coaster ride all the way to the inevitable end.  In the meantime, how you choose to ride that coaster, feeling-out each curve with dignity and grace or, rigidly bracing yourself against everything negative, is what will determine your path in this life.
 



Brulee Hughes

We did a lot of serious soul searching several weeks ago when our beloved friend and companion of fourteen years passed away.  Brûlée, our sweet Cocker Spaniel, believed and trusted in us for everything.  What he gave back to us was his friendship and unconditional love.  Since saying good-bye, we've decided to trust in our ability to believe in a realistic and solid future with family and friends around us for love and support.  As we cautiously proceed along the next turn, we are keeping a positive attitude and an open-minded approach to anything and everything.

Our journey into the future is far from settled.  However, by listing our land on Cansadie Top this past weekend, we've taken the first wobbly steps, as most children learn to do, before walking steadily on our own. 



Sunny Fern

Maybe it was the cool, crisp air or the anticipation of the riotous reds, oranges and yellows soon to pop madly across the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains but, whatever it was, it's certain that along with change enters a peaceful period of life with the fundamental truth that  new life and fresh starts are to follow.



View From Road At Bottom of Property

Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

CANSADIE TOP...HERE WE COME!

A series of essays.....

November 4, 2005, Mountain and Valley View from the Top of Our Property

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Exchanging Capri pants and shorts for blue jeans and relegating my traditional flip-flops to the secondary role of 'slippers' to make room for covered-toed shoes and hiking boots......painful.  Oh, and did I forget to mention socks?  You know, those particular items of terror that encase your feet as if they were sausages with the prospect of keeping them warm and dry!?!  What's a Florida girl to do?

Even as my specific world of haberdashery is being turned upside down, I gladly extract our small suitcase from its upper-shelf location in our closet and toss it on the bench at the foot of the bed.  Loving the slightly 'teeth-gnashing' sound unzipping it makes, I am reminded of all the previous excursions we've taken up to the Waynesville/Maggie Valley area in the past nine years since falling wildly in love with Cansadie Top Mountain within The Glens of Iron Duff, in Haywood County, North Carolina!

Snuggled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our mountain, Cansadie Top, is centered in a triangle formed by I-40 to the west, the Pigeon River to the east and the National Park to the north.  As a matter of fact, as we stand on the small mountain road, Bear Vista Trail, that delineates the northern boundary of our 2.2 acres of heaven, our vista is nothing short of spectacular! Stretching out to the mountains located northeast of the Pigeon River, we see small farms in the valley and listen to the echoing mooing sounds that travel up Cansadie Top from the bovine herds grazing down in the distant meadows. 

Hanging at the mercy of gravity and the lush foliage clinging to the mountainside, our lot lives along the 'belt' of the mountain, halfway up.  We've often traversed the winding lane, Frank Davis Road, in order to reach its peak.  After purchasing the land, Dan and I made a point of visiting it at least once, often twice, each season of the following year......taking photos and documenting the changes that occurred on the land every three months. 

Dan Presenting Lot #26, The Glens of Iron Duff

We have witnessed the expanded views of winter when the brown, crispy leaves are piled high beneath the skeletal trees and become dusted with powdery snow.  Sitting snugly within the warm confines of our car, we'd munch a light lunch purchased at the local Ingles Supermarket as we talked, dreamed and devoured the wide open spaces before us.

I remember getting my car stuck in the thick mud at the end of our little road as the springtime rains created havoc when mixed with the thawing earth.  We would use the turn-around at the road's end to point us back down the mountain and then park just above our lot.  Fortunately, Dan had a change of blue jeans in the suitcase at the back of my Kia Sportage because the ones he had on were sporting massive amounts of brown Cansadie Top real estate!  We laughed so hard tears ran down our cheeks.

Our 'mountain lane' conversations ranged from where to position our future log home in order to have optimum views to, should our log cabin have an attached or detached garage to, choosing the least amount of trees to be removed in order to make all of this happen.  It was always going to be a house made from logs.....you know, the flat kind with tons of chinking stuffed between each beautiful, long length of wood.

Another View Facing The Pigeon River to the Northeast

Today, however, is bittersweet.  We are on a mission this weekend.  Time shifts and constantly changes form like a fairy spirit floating through the mists; a Banshee warning you of major life changes just ahead?

I will talk with you, once again, on the flip-side of this journey to Cansadie Top....



Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved