BASH TALKS TRASH?

 A series of essays.....

DANA BASH IS CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR CNN

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

I would be remiss, my dear readers, by not pointing out how exceedingly difficult it has been for me not to sully my weekly post with political innuendos, gossip, lies, and half-truths!

Some of my stories may have been innocently (ha hum, clearing my throat) infused with mild opinions and reactions to various political drivel, especially regarding a name I cannot and will not type while utilizing my precious add-on, i-Pad keyboard. I respect my keyboard and, if required, will use the euphemism 'Drumpf' instead.

Fortunately, my story is not directly about Drumpt. I would rather not be a contributor to his devious plan of extracting free media exposure, even on this incredibly minute scale: My blog post! Trust me, I will continue to sleep quite well tonight and on through to the November elections! And, hopefully, beyond.

My story concerns a female journalist (TVNewser) whose employer is CNN, the Cable News Network, owned by the Turner Broadcasting System, a division of Time Warner.

Not long ago, CNN named Dana Bash chief political correspondent, the network's lead journalist covering the Republican presidential candidates, Capitol Hill and elections. Once relegated to the more shadowy corners of the CNN political news stories, Dana has stealthily advanced along the political battlefields before securing her network Purple Heart by fighting in the trenches. After all, she is covering the Republican Party.

It was a particular analogy Dana used several days ago that ultimately roller-coastered me from one emotion to another within seconds. In referencing Elizabeth Warren's endorsement of Hillary Clinton, along with Warren's recent 'tag-a-long approach' designed to mirror Secretary Clinton and intelligently expose Drumpf (sorry, I had to mention him here) for the person he truly is, Dana compared Warren's position to that of Sarah Palin! What in the world was she talking about?

I was crushed! How could anyone dare to say the name of Sarah Palin within the same breath used to mention Senator Elizabeth Warren? And, Dana was comparing these two individuals as if they had any personality traits that could be compared adroitly with in the first place. So, I sat and I listened and.....I learned.

"If you think about it," she said, as I sat staring craters into the flat screen before me, "Elizabeth Warren's self-proclaimed status within the Democratic Party is quite similar to the one Sarah Palin held for the Republicans." Ouch!! "Both women hold similar positions within their parties that are particularly designed to push, pull, and enhance the positive attributes of the nominee they are supporting."

Okay. Perhaps I can calm down a little bit and try to understand all of this.

"In essence, they serve as cheerleaders for their candidate." I think I see where this is going. "And, with loud voices and passionate outcries, they expound the political beliefs of their candidate and encourage the voters to understand why their vote really does matter."

Now, my poor brain was immediately dressing Elizabeth in her preferred color 'blue' replete with "I'm For Her ---->" sewn-on patches, megaphone, and flashy blue and white pom-poms! Somehow, I failed to dress-up Ms. Palin in my mind because I still couldn't forget the black and silver disco 'go-go' outfit she wore while endorsing (you know who) months ago. All I could imagine was each silver tassel swinging wildly across her chest as she shook and quaked with the fervor of an Appalachian minister on a sweltering Saturday night.

I 'got it.' The analogy was not lost on me and what Dana said made sense. Like good little soldiers, whether we agree with it or not, each cheerleader embraces their candidate's ego with open arms and carries their ideals and beliefs on their shoulders like tasseled, velvet epaulets....high ranking and loyal to a fault.

One must ask if this burdensome task was spawned by a true alliance with the values held by their candidate? Or, are sweet treats and political rewards the incentives dangled in front of them like juicy carrots? We will let our conscience be our guide with this one.

Either way, the role of these two 'cheerleaders' is similar. I will admit that. Their style (message)......as different as day and night.

When Warren, with microphone in hand and steel in her eyes, lets loose with frustration, you can feel the years of hard work and passion that she's contributed to the well-being of each and every one of us. She is a force of nature, just like Hillary Clinton herself, and a person that anyone would be proud to have by their side.

Thank you, Dana Bash, for making it real for me. Each side has drive and ambition, however, the packaging and standards can be, and are, entirely different.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

DISCOVERING THE PULSE OF FRANCE: FRIENDSHIPS

A series of essays.....

"I DO BELIEVE......I DO BELIEVE, IN FRIENDSHIP AND ADVENTURE!"

.....as seen through my eyes!




By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


I am not a particularly superstitious sort of person. Although, I have been known to 'cross my fingers for luck' upon occasion. Usually, however, you will find me praying to my angels for help and support in navigating this amazing world we call home.

Last weekend, Dan and I were enjoying a delightful lunch at P. F. Chang's Restaurant in Winter Park Village. Even though I take the time to peruse the menu, I end up ordering the 'Sweet & Sour Chicken' every time. It was delicious, by the way! Along with our check, the waiter offers two folded, edible wafers containing a slip of paper with a printed maxim or prediction written on it. We both succumb to our own curiosity, gobble the fortune cookie, and read the tiny, white slips that had recently nestled inside them.

Several years ago, I began writing a series of essays entitled "The Road to Sablet" where I chronicled the events and personal feelings I experienced leading up to our initial visit to the south of France. The series was emotionally charged and I remember feeling like a small child standing in front of a candy store waiting to be told when I could run inside to fill-up my pail with as many sugary treats as possible. Unquestionably, my anticipation to live in Sablet for a week felt just like that.

Today, as we anticipate our second visit to the south of France, I begin to realize that there might just be something to the predictions printed on those tiny slips. Am I becoming a true believer of these minute forcasts after all of these years?

"Many memorable adventures are in store for you," unfolded before my eyes and it didn't quite 'send me over the moon' considering I've always felt that living and enjoying my every day existence is quite a 'memorable adventure' in and of itself! It did intrigue me, though.

My curiosity was not aroused to its fullest potential until Dan unfolded his slip which read, "Old friends will spark new adventures."

Even though we will be celebrating our wedding anniversary in France again this year (not too shabby, I know), this particular visit has been concentrated around the sensation and general theme of 'reunion.' The intent of our celebration is one of friends coming together to joyfully fill in the gaps of information based on the lack of recent physical presence, and bind together a fissure that was designed and created by space and time itself.

Our story begins.....

Several months ago I heard that a rediscovered friend (friendship), which had been rekindled by social media, but continually fueled by similar interests and genuine camaraderie for the past several years, was thinking along the same lines as we were. Michael, a fellow Francophile, and his wife, Marsha, were hoping to discover the many historical and artistic attributes of Provence this year. At the same time, Dan and I were planning our return trip there.

Provence is the geographical region and historical province of southeastern France. To visit Provence is walking in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Auguste Renoir, now famous painters who converged on Provence, drawn in by the climate and clarity of the light which is partly the result of the Mistral winds. This particular wind of Provence tends to be cold and dry and often removes dust from the atmosphere which greatly increases visibility.

To explore Provence is to imagine the influences of the Greek traders who lent their name to the Rhône River, the main river of Provence. The fertile land along the Rhône cultivates stellar grape crops that serve mankind well by producing a magnificent variety of Rhône Valley wines.

To understand Provence is to infuse oneself into its history, savor the delicious Provençal fare, drink her wines, and really, really get to know the people who live there.

With an open heart and mind, we wondered if Michael and Marsha might like to share time with us in Provence. We were delighted when they agreed. Within a week or two, at the most, accommodations were booked, a vehicle was slated to be rented, and airline tickets were purchased.

We will be meeting up with them in Avignon, capital of the Vaucluse, an intoxicating city full of history and rich with life. I have often written about the glories of and the gracious 'gems' to be found in this fair city and warn visitors to heed the siren call because Avignon will entrance you and you will never wish to leave.

Accompanied by good friends, from here on out, reunions and celebrations will abound. We are packing as much as possible into our ten days in France while allowing ourselves enough time to breathe in and enjoy the beauty that will surround us there.

From our 'room with a garden view' we will traverse the cobbled streets of Eygalieres and meet up with French artist, Nadine Fourre, renowned for her 'Sculpture en Balance' with a Zen influence of stone, driftwood, and sand. Michael, our friend and talented artist in his own right, will delight in this meeting as we hope to tour Nadine's studio, discuss ideas, and glean a better understanding of the art movement within France.

From our 'room with a balcony' at Le Verger, Chambres d'Hotes en Luberon, owned and operated by our friends, Daniele and Jean-Philippe Rossi, we will once again be completely charmed by the beauty of the Luberon. Dan is savoring a repeat performance of immersing himself in the culinary delights of Daniele's homemade croissants and fig jam! My heart and eyes are aching to behold our friends again after so many years (and numerous grandchildren on both sides) of being apart!

Then it will be off to Arles where we may traverse the Gallo-Roman theater or walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh and, with any luck, observe a 'Starry Night Over the Rhone' firsthand.

Our next to last night in France, Dan and I will be meeting up with friends, David and Ray, in the resort town of Collioure, France. David and Ray moved to Barcelona, Spain several years ago from Orlando, Florida. David's invitation included a grand tour of Barcelona which will have to be rescheduled due to time constraints. However, Dan and I, wholeheartedly, look forward to our personal Spanish tour the next time around.

It is off to Nice, and our last night in Provence, to enjoy an evening stroll along the Mediterranean and navigate the narrow avenues of 'Old City' for dinner and conversation before flying home in the morning. Who could ask for anything more?

If we are extremely lucky, we might be able to meet with our friend, Claudine, in Aix-en-Provence for hugs, kisses, and an apéritif along the avenue Cours Mirabeau. You may recall through my earlier posts how Claudine assisted in getting our rental car returned to us after it had been towed away during our last visit to Aix. We have been indebted to her ever since.....

As yet another year of growing together side-by-side is cherished and celebrated, Dan and I know how much we have to be grateful for. We never take anything for granted.

We are looking forward to 'old (and yet to be discovered) friends sparking new adventures.' Michael and Marsha are testaments to this, already!

My personal thrill is holding the pulse of France in my heart via all of these fine people who have and will contribute to the many stories I have left in me. Stories to be written, shared, read and reread as time goes by.

Similar to the Irish storytellers and historians of old, the Shanachie, whose speech and gestures characterized their art, hopefully, the written words of modern storytellers (writers) will encourage and emphasize our need to travel and communicate with others around the world.


Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

"ORLANDO UNITED"

 A series of essays.....

BEAUTIFUL RAINBOWS CRISSCROSSING OVER ORLANDO, FLORIDA

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Like beacons in the night, the digital highway signs above us along the 417 were guiding us home with their bright flashing messages of "ORLANDO UNITED!" 

"AMBER ALERT," or "HEAVY TRAFFIC NEXT 10 MILES," or "SILVER ALERT" need not apply here. "ORLANDO UNITED" was showing us the way home tonight. And, we were almost there!

The colliding evening sea breezes between the Gulf and the Atlantic decided to take a late hit as the skies opened up above us along I-95 near Palm Coast a short while before. For the last forty-five minutes our world had been wrapped in a cloak of darkness that was sporadically illuminated by bright flashes of intricate lightening bolts tossed at us from a hostile eastern sky! 

Happy about our final leg of driving after a long, long day on the road, and feeling comforting warmth on the back of my head, I decided to text our two daughters of our imminent arrival. "The fiery red sun is in full bloom low in the western sky and we are between Sanford and home! There are at least three rainbows to the east! And, it's still raining! WOW!" What a magnificent welcoming party! What a glorious sight!

It felt as if the highway signs had teamed up with the sun, rainbows, and rain in welcoming us back to a place we've, literally, grown up in for twenty years. And, true to nature, the growing pains have hurt, as well as inspired us along the way.....

Growing pains. All large cities have them. It's a challenge to keep up with the needs and constant fluctuations of the multitudes that incorporate so many various ideas and desires. Death. It surrounds all of us every day, big city or small town, in one way or another. With life there will always be death. Senseless Death? Hate? Gun Violence? Please help me understand these acts because I'm having a major problem here!!!

Rainbows in the eastern sky. The souls of the recent gun violence victims from the massacre at 'Pulse,' an Orlando nightclub located on Orange Avenue, in the very early hours of Sunday morning, were still making their way Home. The brilliant colors comprising each rainbow, representing their vibrancy and pure joy of life, were vehicles assisting in their climb up to the heavens along perfectly formed arches.....God's elegant gateway to Bliss. 

The 'tears of the survivors' that we have been shedding for these innocent souls are splashing down upon us in the form of rain from the Heavens above. God's way of stripping off the dirt and grime of travel; cleansing us of the filthy, tangible atmosphere of Hate and Fear.

The blood orange evening sun, now large and bold having broken through the angry black cloud cover, coupled with the bright digital signs right above our car, warmly light our way as we pass by the exit to Orlando Sanford International Airport, our personal gateway to Michigan, and over the bridge at Lake Jesup, spanning its calm, lazy alligator-filled existence. These landmarks exist between time and space and embed into one's very being given exercise and time. 

Yes! I truly understand and believe that rolling along the 417, we have become witnesses to this miracle of Life and Death. 

As a 'survivor,' I welcome the challenge that exists for those of us who clearly see the backwardness of our society and are capable of standing up to the idea that a gun-toting, miserable and mentally insane loner can cause such damage to everything we hold dear. Let's check a person's mental stability at the front door of every gun shop, gun show, and NRA meeting that exists today!

And, by the way, the National Rifle Association is an organization, according to the New Oxford American Dictionary, founded in 1871 that promotes the legal use of guns and gun safety in the United States. It defends a U.S. citizen's constitutional right to own and bear arms. 

You see....I have a problem with accepting an archaic law that refuses to change or upgrade with the times. Let's pull ourselves out of the Wild, Wild West and actually admit that circumstances and people do change over time. More guns will never make it right! And, just for the record, isn't a large part of "gun safety" about protecting the innocent?

Owning another human being as a machine to provide labor for one's personal benefit and enrichment is ARCHAIC! Telling half of the nation's population (women) that they cannot vote....is ARCHAIC! Pulling your gun from its holster in order to shoot another human being because he or she is taking what you believe to be a personal possession of yours (Such as land, space, gold....) is ARCHAIC and very much related to modern day road rage and pure hatred of those around you. 

You do see my point, don't you? What was written up in the year of our Lord, 1871, may not apply in the same way in 2016. Times change. Circumstances change. The world evolves. People within a society should evolve along with these changes. Laws and regulations need to match the changing times. Many refuse to believe this and continue to act like small children soon to be denied their 'toys of choice.' If organizations such as the NRA convince you that your life is threatened and your 'toys' are required to maintain the wellbeing of your existence.....then, what better way to do so than to convince you that there are terrorists, unstable minds, unmitigated hatred constantly surrounding you?

Create the seed and hashtag it #power and you will find you've created monsters legally possessing lethal weapons.

Create the seed and hashtag it #Love and you will find that Love attracts more Love and can be shared throughout the world....  

Orlando nightclub shooter, Omar Mateen, and the killer of the twenty-two year old singer, Christina Grimmie, this past Friday at The Plaza Live in Orlando, should both be filed under 'mentally unstable' and yet....both were sold guns. Both succeeded in annihilating the innocent lives of those they had targeted for whatever reason. 

CHURCH LOCATED IN BOONE, NORTH
CAROLINA, OFFERING PRAYERS OF
HOPE AND LOVE FOR ORLANDO

As a reasonable human being, I cannot justify this unreasonable behavior. I will not attach a certain lifestyle to a "God given right" if it means the death of innocent people. I refuse to glorify young women and girls posing with handguns and attack rifles in a 'Charlie's Angels' like opening scene. I am still shaking my head after seeing my niece and her young daughter engaged in this imagery on Facebook! 

This is not "I am woman; hear me roar..." material. When women take pride in themselves, we see them flocking to the poles on Election Day, working hard to secure equal pay for the same job done by men, and maybe, just maybe, ensuring the fundamental rights of women over their own bodies instead of taking the lead from men who believe they know what's best for all women. The power I seek will be securing all of the above in my lifetime for myself, my daughters, and their daughters. For ALL women in the future! And, I will be voting for our nation's first female president in November in order to assist in making this country a better place where both women and men can coexist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests.

Talk is cheap....as the old saying goes. The words and actions of a self-proclaimed racist, egomaniac, and all-around nasty man will fire-up the masses, including those who think along the same vein as he does; their latent hatred being encouraged and served-up on a platter reinforced by Fear itself. May they tumble around in their massive machine of bigotry and denial (often under the guise of religious beliefs) until some sense of reality is forged from their actions. Their power is weak and self-serving. Their leader is, as well. The sad part is that this guy is crazy dangerous with his many twisted lies and opinions that are untethered to reality.

My friend, Amanda Patterson, shared a post on Facebook, written by Gareth Van Onselen for The Rand Daily Mail, suggesting diseases affecting South African politics. I am applying it to American politics, as well. "Entitled: The Instability Itch. Description: Instability itch manifests as a compulsion to disrupt or destabilize order by introducing chaos and uncertainty into a situation. Symptoms: Randomness, irresponsibility, and patronage." I believe it fits in our case quite well.

Light and Hope shined into our car windows just a few miles from our house bringing peace and contentment into my heart. I knew that coming back home to Orlando carried its heavy burden of grief for the lives so indiscriminately taken away from our community. And, for those they left behind. Knowing that I had to decide how to live with the pain and attempt to make the changes needed to make things better, I turned to my writing.

My words do matter. And I will continue to write them for all who are willing to read them and hope for a better life; a better, kinder life in a world filled with change and renewal.

If the written word is a means of replacing or repairing something that is worn out, run down, or broken, then there is a general need for more people to open up and relate how they feel to others. Simply put, we cannot afford to allow bigotry, walls, hatred, the ego, and negative power to take over our lives. 

Coming home to "ORLANDO UNITED" was living proof of this....!

That's the spirit we see in Orlando!

Remember that Love is what will always matter the most!

REMEMBERING THE LIVES SO BRUTALLY TAKEN
FROM US BY SENSELESS GUN VIOLENCE
IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA, 6-12-2016

Note: At this time I would like to extend my condolences to the Graves family from Elkhorn, Nebraska, who lost their two-year- old son, Lane, at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World. Prayers are being sent out to help you carry this burden and let you know how much you are loved..... 

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved