MOVING ON.....2024

A Note From The Author: Jacqueline E. Hughes

I am so happy to welcome in the new year, 2024!!! My Blog is changing-up a bit....mainly because I am evolving. Travel will always take precedence in my life and, my journeys will be shared with you. This 2024 version will offer a variety of new stories and personal ideas, as well. This is all about having fun and enjoying this Beautiful Journey called......Life!!!

Thursday, March 28, 2019

ABANDONED





A series of essays....



"HOW MANY ABANDONED DREAMS HAVE
FLOWN OUT OF YOUR TURQUOISE WINDOW.......?"




as seen through my eyes!







By: Jacqueline E. Hughes























THE WARMTH and softness of a lover’s kiss has become a blissful memory as you are left alone to collect your teardrops in a jar positioned on the nightstand beside the abandoned bed that once caressed entangled limbs with its cool cotton sheets. That was a lifetime ago; one gut-wrenching diagnosis ago. The tomorrows will continue to pull at your heartstrings.







HOW MANY abandoned dreams have flown out of your turquoise window that was once cheerfully painted by a starry eyed young man who carried his beautiful bride, draped in ancestral lace, over your threshold so many sunsets ago? I can still observe your stately beauty long before the landscape crept into your very soul, the creamy white stucco peeled away like ancient skin, and the acrid scent of peat fires filtered upwards through your clay chimney pots and out into the lush countryside beyond. I would not have allowed nature to reclaim you, my friend!







GRANDPARENTS
PARENTS























WE SHOULD never abandon the memories of the people, places, and things that have served to mold the spirit that thrives within us. Our ancestors are the rich reminders and historical landmarks that reside in our DNA, for better or worse, and the carriers of genetic information that we pass on into space and time, ad infinitum. Let us, gratefully, become the storytellers that enrich our future generations by helping to keep these memories alive and well.    







WHAT FROSTY springtime morning blankets your brilliant crimson profile with a coat of ice crystals and teases the weary gardener to abandon his oasis of respite? The rich, dark shadow of a naked trellis drapes across your shoulder like a barometric shawl and indicates the possibility of the sun’s warmth as the day progresses. Life is good and carries a myriad of colorful surprises as the mystery of the season unfolds and star-struck gardeners take advantage of your comfort once again!








TO CHILDREN, parents, spouses, and more who consciously choose to create abandoned relatives from those who have loved them unconditionally, it must be asked, why? Emotional cutoff and avoidance are unhealthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety and stress and will reflect upon the innocent grandchild, husband or wife, or grandparent as time goes by. Seeking a solution for all does not have to mean being exposed to negative confrontation. Rather, opening up lines of communication on a gradual scale may be a solution worth looking into if the estrangement initiator truly desires to include her loved ones back into her life and the lives of her family.... 








WHEN POLITICS bites us in the ass and abandons the welfare of the masses in order to provide incomprehensible wealth and prosperity for a privileged few while attacking the general principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community, the definition of democracy itself, it mocks all citizens it was set in place to represent. To forsake the principles by which we grew-up believing in would place us on the same level of our attackers. We must stay calm, carry on, and rise to the top once again. Future generations depend on us!








OFTEN, WE do not have a choice when it comes to determining which of our dreams we must abandon along our journey through this life while a pristine mountainside in Western North Carolina serves as a prime example of this. The twists and turns of a winding road reveal lush foliage, giant trees, and more purple mountains in the distance and was to snake-up to our ultimate hide-away made of split logs and chinking that would fill the breaths between the logs and the mountains that surrounded us. The year 2008 happened and, suddenly, the economic situation was not our friend. Kenmare, the name we had given to our future homestead in North Carolina, sadly, had to be abandoned.


Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
Photo Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved




Friday, March 15, 2019

COUNTING SHEEP.....COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS!



 A series of essays....


FIVE COLORFUL IRISH FRIENDS

....as seen through my eyes!






By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Blessings are small, individual acts of love given to and received, gratefully, by those who believe that these favors are gifts bestowed by God bringing happiness, approval, or good wishes upon them. Even small blessings are seen as benefits and advantages within this topsy-turvy world we live in and we become most thankful for them as we sift through the alternate possibilities. Having very little money can be seen as a blessing if it, at the very least, provides enough food on the table for survival.

Blessings often come in disguise as if they were guests at a masked ball, identities denied, yet distinguishable by their ultimate good effects. Initially, a ‘blessing in disguise’ might be misconstrued as being negative but, in actuality, the outcome shifts from initial fear to something we might become eternally grateful for. The idea of solemn circumstances such as running late for work or losing a current job....might initiate a more interesting or profitable new position in the future.

The soothing words of the talented lyricist, Irving Berlin, would have us all “counting our blessings instead of sheep!” And, we may ask ourselves...why not?...when all is right with the world while falling asleep counting our blessings instead of our worries. Beating the odds by surviving what could have been a tragedy and having us realize our good fortune is grounds for counting our blessings! When the consequences of our hard work and planning fall short of our expectations, it is important to take note of other incredible things that have happened to us. This idea may just be the most important antidote to sadness the world has ever known!

Early explorers of our vast world, fearful of the unknown, would seek the blessings of their King, Queen, or a high ranking member of the clergy who would invoke a higher power for assistance, support, and inspiration before beginning a long journey by land or sea.

Beauty can be a mixed blessing. The attention received by a person of renowned physical beauty may only be a superficial blessing if others are less likely to take them seriously. We humans are often caught-up somewhere between that which is favorable and sailing adrift upon a sea dotted by active mines....disadvantageous features that we must learn to navigate around in order to survive. Many scientists have proclaimed that discovering the  power of the atom was a mixed blessing. Even as it opened our world to the positive aspects of nuclear power, it made nuclear weapons possible.

We incorporate innumerable blessings into our lives every day, whether we choose to recognize them as such or not. They may be in the form of a short prayer of thanksgiving recited before a meal; enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity; the devout invocation of blessedness bestowed upon us by a priest during the benediction of a mass; the loving permission to go, proceed, or carry-on in full agreement with the ideas of another person or group of people, as well as being touched by the help or services offered to us by the kindness or good fortunes of others.

As grandparents, we consider our grandchildren to be among our greatest blessings of all! When we are able to travel and explore other lands along with their people and cultures, we are blessed by our newly attained knowledge and may choose to share this knowledge with others upon returning home. Recognizing our own personal talent and being able to utilize it in order to assist, delight, or offer a brighter life to someone else is a blessing we should all strive to achieve. And, having good friends to share everything with is a monumental gift that should never be taken lightly and will be a blessing for life!!

“Good friends are like angels. ~ You don’t have to see them to know they are there.”

At this time of year, may we recall the power and humor of the Irish Blessing and Curse. There are so many to choose from but, here is a sampling:




























































































The blessings and good wishes bestowed upon us through the kindness of others should be cherished and returned in favor to all who require them. When we are blessed enough to be able to understand our own bounty and good fortune and capable of sharing it with those experiencing misfortune, we will then have attained the full benefits of having truly lived a blessed life. 

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! May the bountiful miracles of springtime bless us all with as much warmth and joy required to fill our hearts to the brim after such a long, cold winter.  “May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.” Irish Blessing...


Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
Photo Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved












Friday, March 8, 2019

IRISH LINEN




A series of essays/poems....



STRADDLING THE COUNTY LINES OF GALWAY AND MAYO
ON THE L1601 NORTH OF LOUGH NAFOOEY


....as seen through my eyes!






By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
      March 6, 2019


IRISH LINEN


I love the intense contrast between linen blues and natural greens.
Floating in the afternoon sun in waves of powdery freshness,
Crisp flags unfurled for all to see from vehicles passing by
To interested neighbors savoring the sweet scent of clean
While pushing babies in carriages and contemplating the dinner menu.
Framed like a montage of small, textured clips by creamy stucco posts
And sturdy wrought iron gates, we look from the outside....in.
Rationally we allow ourselves to ponder and speculate about
Whose deft hands created the uncomplicated beauty  
Within this simple, Irish space.
Blues and lavenders punch through the soul of green pines, 
Arborvitae, and a thick carpet of grasses accented by
Golden dandelions ripening in the autumn sun;
Dotting the landscape, they are left uncrushed by our mystery laundress.
One kilometer down the narrow road I ask to turn back.
The softened texture and dappled-light charm of this scene
Begged to be captured; insisted upon being preserved,
And shared with others. I knew that I was the person,
The observer, the vehicle, who could make this happen.

I love the imaginative stories behind these linen blues and natural greens.

         



Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
Photo Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes




Friday, March 1, 2019

BUILDING A WALL: EUROPEAN STYLE





A series of essays....


'LITTLE YELLOW COTTAGE' IN WINTER'S EMBRACE

....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


It all began by placing the first stone.....

Since returning from our last major trip which included Scotland and Ireland in October, Dan and I have been working on our new kitchen in the ‘Little Yellow Cottage.’ For the most part, our interaction has been highly congenial due to the fact that we’ve been planning this new space for a very long time....since purchasing this home three-and-a-half years ago.

I would like to think that the distraction of working on our kitchen has somehow lightened the burden of some personal problems that I claim stem from having moved nearer to our children, placed our current political burdens in a semblance of an 'out-of-sight and out-of-mind' order (even if only for a few hours every day), and opened-up our hearts to the amazing people living here in Michigan whom I am so proud to call my ‘friends who are like family!’ In our spare time away from kitchen duty, these friends exemplify the true meaning of Love and welcome Dan and me into their fold with open arms. All of you know who you are and how much you are appreciated and loved right back!

With the intensity of wanting to build this wall (I do apologize if this has a familiar ring to it!), we set forth on a two week journey along the rugged terrain of our exposed western wall that Dan had recently covered in extended metal lath. The stationary transom window we’d inserted into the wall could not exist without a wooden lintel, even if it is intended for looks alone rather than structural support. Our friends, Janis and Fred, had taken us on an exhibition of their grand farm located on the outskirts of Jackson to look for the perfect piece of wood for our lintel. We found it serving a previous thirty-five year old working life as a fence rail separating the big, red barn from the sheep barns and other out buildings. What a fun and successful treasure hunt that was!


JAN AND FRED'S BEAUTIFUL FARM!


Our cottage, built before World War II in 1941, has many stories to tell. I’ve always wished that walls could talk and living in this cottage has reinforced that desire. I’m sitting here thinking that someone had just built their new home here in Kalamazoo and moved in just as the war broke out. How were they affected by this outcome? Were tears shed as the young man, head of the household, left shortly afterwards to defend his country? Was he fortunate enough to return to his family in Kalamazoo and be happy in this little cottage? Perhaps it was built by an older couple whose child or grandchild donned a uniform and was shipped overseas after basic training! How they must have hoped and prayed for their safe return.

My imagination runs wild as I recall stepping into our ‘Little Yellow Cottage’ for the very first time only to discover its beauty, inadequacies, quirks, and exhilarating potential. Stepping into the minute back kitchen was a claustrophobic and disheartening experience. However, the basic ‘triangle’ existed with sink, range, and refrigerator. Looking beyond this small space, there existed a glassed-in porch that led out to a large outdoor deck. The good-sized porch was closed off from the kitchen by a six-foot sliding glass door. This is where potential slipped in right before my eyes.

Dan, my personal contractor and builder (husband), reasoned that since the porch was approximately the same size as the existing kitchen, incorporating it into the footprint of the original home seemed a logical idea. We would be doubling the size of the kitchen while introducing it to the new millennium! We believed we could do this...so, we did!


LAVENDER, SUNFLOWERS,
AND LOTS OF SUNSHINE

THE BEAUTY OF A LAVENDER FIELD
      www.thegoodlifefrance.com



 Courtesy of Laure Roux


Okay, so my idea of upgrades might be a little different from those of others in the fact that I realize that modern functionality can coexist with another century, another place. I envision a land of stone walls and fences, homemade cheese, lavender fields bathed in sunlight, and vineyards that rest along the fertile valleys of mountainous terrain and lofty stone terraces far above the azure blue Mediterranean Sea.

France.... 

This country has captured my heart and rejuvenated my soul since I was a little girl. My desire to be French, speak the language, live in a peaceful, Provençal village and say bonjour to everyone each morning while walking to the local boulangèrie to purchase croissants and several baguettes for the day has always consumed me. So, for me, making my new kitchen ‘Français Amical’ was a no-brainer. Fortunately, Dan understands and concurs.



SITTING ON MY GRANDMA'S LAP


All of my daydreaming and collected desires has led me to building this kitchen wall; imitating so many French, Irish, Scottish....European features of a quintessential, cozy, country cottage. Looking at such a wall while I cook and entertain friends will always make me feel safe and warm. Who knows, if I could see back into my Grandmother’s childhood kitchen in the Ukraine, it may have had walls that reflected the exterior of her family cottage and brought it inside where chickens and domesticated furry friends lived harmoniously as one happy family.



IT ALL BEGAN BY PLACING
THAT FIRST STONE...

STONE WALL GROWING WITH
LINTEL RIGHT IN PLACE

ONWARD AND UPWARD!!!

COMPLETED STONE PLACEMENT
WITHOUT MORTAR


It all began by placing that first stone solidly along the bottom of the kitchen wall. Hanging there in all its glory with no visible sign of slippage, Dan lathered another stone with mortar and prepared for its positioning near the first. Stone after stone followed as we channeled our imagination and gut feelings until, several hours later, our stones clung to the wall like giant, hard shelled insects grasping desperately to a large screen door.


SPONGING THE MORTAR INTO PLACE


The time consuming and challenging next step stood between our wall and its completion. Never having filled-in the rather large spaces between the stones with colored mortar before, my work was cut out for me. White mortar, lightly colored with powdered concrete dye, mixed with water, and placed in a large, cloth mortar bag was the recipe of the day! The process made me feel like a little kid decorating free-style cupcakes on a baking sheet turned vertically. 

As it turned out, the giant pastry bag worked amazingly well (even though I still can’t see myself decorating cakes or cookies anytime soon). Sponging off excess mortar gently with a damp sponge while pushing, prodding, and manipulating the mortar with my fingers until it was settled in perfectly took up most of the time. Scraping skin off of my fingertips because I believed I was smarter than having to wear a thin, rubber glove for protection from the sand, masonry cement, and lime that comprised the harsh mixture was a lesson quickly accepted.



FINALLY....THE WALL IS COMPLETED!!!


The wall, at least, is done now. We have become semi-prideful individuals who revel in our accomplishments. We did it! And, I believe it could be a stone wall to be admired by anyone who has ever seen, touched, enjoyed, or desired having such a feature wall in their own homes. 


TRAVERTINE FLOOR IN PROGRESS 


The kitchen itself remains a work in progress. Dan is in the process of grouting the travertine floor as we await the shipment of our white cabinetry. And, choosing the right style and color of countertop remains a mystery....and, usually, I am such a plan ahead kind of person!

What I do know is this: Call it an homage to my sweet, immigrant Grandmother and her youthful lifestyle and memories, or attribute it to feeding a simplistic, country feeling for life that has dwelled within me for many years but, when I turn-on the lights in my kitchen and see our stone wall for the first time each day, my heart sings and my step is as light as a feather. It makes me feel loved and fills me with the joy and desire to bake cookies with my grandchildren and teach them how to make pierogy (filled dumplings) and filled cabbage rolls (golubtsi) just like Grandma made for her family. I’m all about keeping important traditions alive.


FILLED CABBAGE ROLLS (GOLUBTSI)



Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
Photo Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes