A series of essays.....
.....as seen through my eyes!
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
Some might think of their meeting as a 'cleansing' or 'purification of the soul.' Even though they may share similar backgrounds and values, their ideas and opinions are as diverse and variable as the weather outside of the little shop.
Let's grab a cup of our own, take a comfortable seat, sit back and listen to what today's chapter of 'Coffeehouse Chatter' has to offer....
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| IRELAND ~ ATLANTIC COAST |
RAY AND PETER.....
RAY: Will you take a look at those three over there in the far corner.....just chatting away non-stop forever now!
PETER: I know. I see those gals here often and they never seem to lack the ability to communicate, that's for sure. I think it's kind of cute, though.
RAY: Cute? Can we guys say 'cute' and get away with it? (Huge smile on his face.)
PETER: Yep! Times are definitely changing, Ray, and we have to change along with them or be left behind. Even if it's calling something 'cute' in public. I mean, just look at us. We're sitting here in a coffeehouse on St. Patrick's Day sipping, well.....coffee!
RAY: Point taken. Years ago we'd be in the local Irish Pub by this time of the day, sipping another pint O'Guinness and not thinking about much else. But, that was long ago now and I'm not saying that didn't mess me up a bit, anyway. I always figured if my folk back in the homeland didn't think twice about it, I could get away with it, too!
PETER: Not so much. At least, not if you wanted to stay happy by keeping family and friends around you and not alienate their affections like someone else we know about. I still have a difficult time thinking about Sean these days. (Look of deep sadness on his face.) It just isn't worth it.
RAY: When was the last time you heard from Sean? I heard that after he lost his job everything hit the fan full force.
PETER: It did! Guess his Irish temper set in and there really wasn't much anyone could do for him after that. Well, that coupled with the drink. Afterwards, Margie said he was only bringing pain into her life, as well as for their three kids...and, he left the house. Last I heard he was in a small apartment and cleaning offices at night. That was over six months ago, already.
RAY: It's our stubborn pride you know!
PETER: Our pride?
RAY: You. Me. Guys in general. We're brought up to be so macho that when the first thing doesn't go our way.....we sort of run to our 'crutch' of choice. Look where it got Sean and it would have taken me, too, if you hadn't verbally cuffed me in the head a few times. I have always appreciated your intervention, Man.
PETER: Yeah. I think your Mary and the kids are much happier now that you've 'seen the light,' so to speak, you old goat! Don't think I don't know what a struggle it was for you, too. I was just glad to be there when you needed a major reality check, my friend.
RAY: Like I said, that was a long time ago.... (Reflectively staring into space.)
PETER: I wish someone could have been there for Sean....
(Both men sit quietly for a minute or so.)
RAY: And life has been darn good for some time now. By the way, you're still coming over to the house after work for dinner, right? You know Mary has this habit of making sure our bachelor friends are fed well....especially on major holidays. You have to be the first to admit her Shepherd's Pie is award winning.
PETER: It's her bread pudding with bourbon sauce that tops everything off for me. She's making it for tonight, isn't she?
RAY: (Head nodding affirmatively.)
PETER: Of course I'll be there. Wouldn't miss it for the world. Are Jan and Michael going to be there, too?
RAY: With all of their kids. You know my Mary......if she can't feed a minimum of ten or twelve people at a time, she just isn't happy! Always told her she should have opened her own restaurant or catering place. She loves cooking so much.
PETER: But then the world would have been deprived of a talented writer. No, I like it better this way. It's like having the best of both worlds.
RAY: Look...one of our 'ladies of the corner table' is getting up for refills. She's enjoying her early morning with a cute hop to her step, I think. Another half a mugful? What do you say, Peter?
PETER: I say that the times are certainly changing for the better today! A fabulous meal with good friends to look forward to, more delicious coffee, and......you just said the word 'cute' and never flinched one bit! Happy St. Patrick's Day, Ray!!!
RAY: (Smiles) Happy St. Patrick's Day, Peter.....
Happy St. Patrick's Day To All.........
Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
