COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER: DOING THE BEST YOU CAN!

 

A series of essays….

LIFE…COFFEEHOUSE STYLE ~ RINGING IN 2022!

….as seen through my eyes!

 Author’s Note: This story was first published in Moving On… back in December of 2016; now tweaked a bit here and there. Occasionally, I go back into my archive of stories and select something to share, once again, with you, my readers in mind. Just in case you missed it. May we comfortably return to this lifestyle (being close to others) without fear in the weeks and months to come…and forevermore!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

The neighborhood coffeehouse is a refuge for those seeking conversation with friends, free WiFi, a cozy corner to create in, a good coffee and tea selection, as well as a little peace and solitude....especially during the hustle and bustle of this holiday season. You, my friends, will come up with more, but three places that make me feel subdued to the point of gentle whispers and soft, controlled movements are places of worship, libraries, and our local coffeehouse.

You might think otherwise about the noise level within our coffeehouse since most of us do gather with the direct purpose of talking, reuniting with old friends, and conducting business. Even so, each time I swing open the large, double French doors, my visual consists of pockets of interesting people but, my audio, like music to my ears, includes everything from the hissing of the espresso machine to the inquisitive expressions of the barista trying to determine if an order is for 'here' or 'to go.'

My tall mug of Brazilian light roast was meant for a leisurely visit 'here' with ample opportunity to imagine the thoughts and conversations going on around me. I promise myself to always be discreet as I snuggle into a comfortable spot at a corner table. From this vantage point, even facial expressions can tell a story and my imagination takes flight. After all, subtle observation with a certain degree of discretion is a writer's persona. It may be cold outside, but the warmth of coffee and conversation inside lends a festive atmosphere with the holidays only a few days away...

Interpreted thoughts on my part:

BRYAN: (Sitting at a small table alone, with sketch pad in hand. Quizzical look on his young, rugged face.) Man, I needed this cuppa this morning! I hope my friend (Josh...shall we say?) isn't snowed in. I need his opinion and text on this sketch of mine. Whew.... Glad I'm a graphic designer right about now instead of pursuing creative writing at State. I don't think I could adequately put into words what I'm feeling at this moment, or make any sense of what's happening in this crazy world today. Anyway, at least I can draw my feelings and hope the people in the know approve of them. (Looks back down at the watch on his left wrist.)

**********

MILLY: (Seasoned looking writer near a small window. Apple i-Pad opened in front of her. Fingers poised over the add-on keyboard. Salt & pepper hair is windblown with Hippie-like intent.)   Merde!!! I need another cup of coffee. Why…my hands aren't even shaking yet!! (Smile grows on her soft, crepe-aged face) Submitting this one later this afternoon, old girl! I've been successfully creating poetry for ages now and, I'm so grateful that the thoughts and ideas keep flowing. Seems this place has offered me warmth, inspiration and lots of coffee over the years. (Scrutinizing the bold-faced watch on her left arm) Well, still time to check Facebook for a few minutes. Remember to get a to-go cup for the chilly walk home later... 

**********

ALICE: (Swirling her teabag to the point of frustration. Waiting for someone to join her...soon. Lines crease her forehead. Her young, pretty face aging with each tick of the 'cup-n-saucer' clock that hangs on the wall above her.) Well, Merry Christmas to me!!! And, I thought I was so smart! He'd better get here soon before I turn into a blubbering, hot mess!! I'm not ready for this. This wasn't planned. This is not how I wanted it to play out for us. Well, he's not going to run. (Her deep blue eyes squinting at the French door entryway) Neither one of us is ready to be a parent.... But, it will work out. We'll make it work out together because, damn it....I love him so much!

**********

Snapping back into reality, I see that Bryan's friend, (Josh, perhaps?), has arrived, kicking snow from his shoes, coffee in hand. Milly is sipping the third cup of 'strong black' I've seen since perching myself in this corner observation deck. And, it appears that our beautiful, young Alice has lost her nerve, abandoned her tea and abruptly exited through the swinging French doors! "Those who say there's nothing like a nice cup of tea for calming the nerves never had ‘real’ tea. It's like a syringe of adrenaline straight to the heart!" so quotes the Cheshire Cat. Now, I sit here hoping that I wasn't actually right about our sweet Alice. That wouldn't be fair to this young lady I’ve been secretly observing, at all!

Polite observations:

LADY IN RED: (Sipping a cafe mocha for pleasure and warmth) I am so blessed this year. All of our kids and 'kiddles' will be coming home for the holidays. Even Randy is on a week's leave from his latest tour in Afghanistan! 

LADY IN BLUE: Does everyone know about Randy coming home?

LADY IN RED: No, and Paul and I don't know if we should spill the beans, so to speak, or keep it as a major surprise for everyone. What do you think? Oh, I'm so excited!

LADY IN BLUE: (Gently placing her coffee cup on the small, round tabletop) Then, I say....let it be one of the biggest and best gifts you could possible give to all of his siblings. They will appreciate it forever, my friend. Merry Christmas!

LADY IN RED: (As tears pour down her cheeks like spring raindrops feeding the flowers, surely, to arrive, she hugs her friend in BLUE and whispers in her ear) Yes, a very Merry Christmas, indeed.....

**********

OLD MAN: Finished shopping yet?

OLD WOMAN: (Sadness in her voice) No. It's difficult doing everything myself.

OLD MAN: (Slowly tipping his cup to his lips) You know I hate to shop.

OLD WOMAN: I know. Life is rough. (Inadvertently squishing her spent teabag with her fingertip as it rests in the bowl of her spoon) I'll manage. I always do.

OLD MAN: The kids will all arrive tomorrow night, you know.

OLD WOMAN: (Glimmer of hope in her eyes) I'm aware of that. Maybe Mary will give me a hand then.

OLD MAN: More tea?

**********

FATHER: (Both hands clasped to his steaming, white porcelain mug) Damn, it's cold out there! I don't think your Mother and I can take this bitter cold anymore.

SON: (Late thirty-something) Dad, don't start talking about Florida again. You and Mom have lived here all of your life. And, besides, your grandchildren would miss you guys!

FATHER: And, that's the stickler.....! We can't live without them, either. They grow and change so much every day. It's like watching you and your brother grow-up all over again. (Lips pursed, eyes staring, deep in thought) But, we are going to discuss Florida....right now.

SON: (Sloshing coffee on the tabletop as he, abruptly, places his mug down on the hard surface) What are you talking about? What do you and Mom have up your sleeve? Can't we talk about this after we all open our presents and enjoy Christmas dinner? Dad....come on. Have a heart.

FATHER: (With a smile on his handsome face) Well, we offer a compromise, at the risk of being labeled 'snowbirds,' that is. Mom and I have a date with a realtor in Naples next Saturday. We're flying down at the end of the week. We'll be looking for a place to stay for a two-month stint, beginning in January and through the 'rough stuff' up here in February. 

SON: (Looking, slightly, relieved) You'll keep your house up here? It'll be a temporary getaway, then? Only two months?

FATHER: Yep! Your Mom and I love you guys way too much to make it permanent. (Winking) We're just looking for a short respite.

SON: I think all of us can deal with that. I love you, Dad.

The proverbial 'cherry on top!':

YOUNG WOMAN: (Slouching and whining on her side of the cushioned, faux-leather booth) I have to warm-up!!! It's freezing out there! My fingers are numb. 

YOUNG MAN: (Determination on his face) I'll be right back. They just called our order.

YOUNG WOMAN: (Moments later) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.....! Let me get my hands around that delicious, steaming-hot mug......where are you going, baby? Did you forget something? (Total shock on her pretty face) What are you doing? I don't believe it! Oh, my goodness, you are not down on one knee!!!

YOUNG MAN: Do you remember the first time we had coffee here, babe?

YOUNG WOMAN: Ah, yes, yes I do. (Trembling) It was about two years ago. It was right before Christmas. OMG, it was exactly two years ago! 

YOUNG MAN: I think we knew then that there might have been something magical about the coffee they serve here, or something, because we both knew it was love, long before we ever said it. Right?

YOUNG WOMAN: I think that's why we come back so often. We fell in love here. Oh, sweetheart...

YOUNG MAN: (Pulling a small, black box from his coat pocket and flipping it open) Then...is there a better way to celebrate the magic for the rest of our lives? Will you marry me?

(The entire coffeehouse is silent, not even the baristas are making their happy sounds and you could, truly, hear a pin drop to the floor.)

YOUNG WOMAN: (Electrifying pause!) Of course I will! I love you so much! Here's to Christmas Magic....!

(The patrons and staff breathe out with a collective sign of relief and excitement as the Young Man slips the ring on her finger. Loud cheers for the happy couple and ecstatic applause reverberates from every nook and cranny of the little, rustic coffeehouse. The snow is dusting everything in sight outside the old and drafty, wooden windows in anticipation of the 'Big Man' himself gliding onto the rooftops in a few days time. The magic of life itself is, definitely, in the air!)

 A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

THE MANY FACES OF THE HOLIDAYS

 

A series of essays….

THERE IS NOTHING MORE INTIMATE THAN THE HUMAN
FACE EXCEPT FOR THE STORY BEHIND IT…

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Behind each face is a human story. A bottleneck of pictures, facts and emotions from which all things must pass through within a lifetime before they are listed, categorized, processed, and, with any luck, made sense out of. But, we tend to hold our stories deep inside of us, not wishing to share them for fear of being embarrassed or, for lack of anything else, entitled and destined to have our story become the greater part of ourselves. We are a grand puzzle made-up of a million small pieces that span our lifetime. Each piece, set of pieces, illustrates the human story behind each face.

As a writer, it has been interesting bringing some of these human stories to light from time to time. It is impossible for me to look at the faces that pass by in an airport, shopping mall, or in a busy city streetscape without wondering what each person has to say; what makes them who they are, and what circumstances have  motivated them to move forward into the future or lag behind out of frustration and confusion. What happiness or sorrow has gripped their being and held on tight for years or, what may seem like only mere moments in time?

The holiday season can be a very deceiving time of the year for many. A time when we feel discombobulated, torn between joy and sorrow and a bit out of place in the world. Couple this with the continuing onslaught of the Covid-19 variances and we are riding that roller coaster of ups and downs, twists and turns that often raises our blood pressure and serves up a side order of vertigo to boot! 

This conflict or rhythm within each of us fascinates me. It is what remarkable books, memorable films, well written poetry, and great works of art are all about! Artists have delved deeply into what makes humans, especially themselves, tick and have written or illustrated their findings for others to analyze and critique at their leisure. 

Trauma is an egregious culprit whose presence may involuntarily mark our life while leaving us emotionally helpless for years to come. It may become the haunting experience we choose to push far back into our subconscious  with the hope that it will be forgotten. Usually, ‘out of sight, out of mind’ measures do not apply here. Traumatic experiences have led many people to seek professional consultation in order to help quiet their fears and lighten a heavy heart while allowing some light to shine through the cracks.

When I became aware of the fact that some people fear the holidays and are often the most depressed during this time of the year, it was difficult to understand…until some of their stories were unlocked: living within the poverty level, domestic violence, the fear of being alone, fighting depression itself while attempting to appear normal to those around you. Depression in any form is a heavy and dangerous burden that can be difficult to appraise. Unfortunately, because of this, many young, intelligent, and lovely people are taken away from us (often by their own hand) leaving a large void for the survivors to live with and attempt to comprehend. Let us make a greater effort to become more aware of the warning signs of this terrible disease.

I would like to see a world united in the sense that Mother Earth is the most predominant force in our lives and realize that we must be able to promote this concept to all of us who share this beautiful planet. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why this is such a difficult plan. We depend on her for everything. But, just like the wealthy souls who selfishly build ships to climb up into the stars for pleasure and profit, I can’t help but think of how all of that money could help make this world healthier, cleaner, and happier for all of us who call Earth our home.

Seeing the faces of the children light-up when presented with presents at Christmastime has been a mainstay of parents all over the world; especially the pandemic world we have lived in for nearly two years. Children are growing up in a new era with brand new rules: on and off virtual schooling, wearing masks, not being with close relatives and friends on a regular basis, and becoming more aware of their surroundings than ever before. My heart goes out to them as their senses are becoming more heightened by school shootings and personal safety. 

Baking Christmas cookies with two of my precious grandchildren today while listening to their giggles, seeing the joy on their faces, and pretending not to see another cookie lifted from the cooling rack, made me sing with happiness! That’s the progression of life, dear friends; the process of moving gradually towards a more advanced state—enjoying the aging process with all of its amazing accompaniments! As I often say, I am very, very blessed. 

May your life be brightened by all things wholesome and kind and may you remember to pass this joy along to others. You’ll know when you have because each face will shine just a little bit brighter for it. Merry Christmas to everyone with my love to you…!

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: THE WATCH

 

A series of essays….

A TWIST OF FATE MAY SERVE AS A BLESSED
CHRISTMAS MIRACLE, CHANGING YOUR LIFE AND
HELPING YOU BELIEVE…

….as seen through my eyes!

For Elaine not only a friend but a motivator.

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

The dry cleaning establishment was located right across the street from our apartment complex. Yet, living on the corner of a very busy intersection required me to drive there in order to pick-up the several items of clothing I’d dropped-off two days before. It’s true, I hadn’t worn them in quite some time, however, with my new job beginning just after the new year, these small errands could turn into huge chores when not having enough time to do them became a factor in my life.

“Please look in the small bag we’ve attached to your jacket,” the clerk informed me. “We discovered this item while cleaning out your pockets.” 

Well, of course my curiosity was piqued. I hadn’t worn this particular sport coat for several years before moving to Orlando and couldn’t imagine what I might have stashed into one of the tiny, secret pockets located in the beige satin liner. Remaining in the parking spot outside of the cleaners, I began to slowly pull the cotton drawstrings of the little white bag apart and, cautiously, peeked inside.

                                                               ~~~~

Wanting to find the perfect gift for our oldest daughter who would be graduating from middle school in a few weeks, I found myself at the jewelry counter of Hudson’s Department Store in the Meridian Mall looking for a specific watch that would suit a young woman soon to enter high school. Time, and never having enough of it myself, was always on my mind and it felt right to offer it to our very busy daughter who was embarking upon a brand new chapter in her life.

With its simple yet distinctive white dial and date design, history of fine quality, and sporty dark brown leather buckle strap, I chose a handsome Seiko watch for her that afternoon and had the back engraved with her graduation date and the words, “Always remember that you are The Best.” I tingled with excitement knowing that this special gift would provide her with many propitious moments in the months and years ahead, accompanied by the love and pride her parents felt for her. She was very pleased and wore the watch throughout most of her high school days.

Having a Seiko watch of my own for a few years prompted me to choose one for our daughter’s milestone event. Mine looked similar to hers with the exception of having a man-sized dial. My crystal face, however, was becoming quite scratched and I’d made numerous mental notes to have it replaced. In the meantime, I wore it until the etched face severely impeded my view of the dial and the leather strap began to show signs of minute cracks. I loved my watch dearly and found it difficult to not wear it on a daily basis.

Around that time, my curiosity for wearing vintage clothing was piqued and I found a beautiful silk-blend, doubled-breasted sports jacket at a cute vintage clothing shop in Okemos, Michigan, near to where my office building was located. The material shimmered in the light and created waves of blue or golden brown tones depending on which angle you looked at it. The satin lining gently caressed and cooled exposed skin making me feel richer, calmer for wearing it.

The interior of the jacket sported numerous mysterious pockets. Some were large with others often so tiny you couldn’t help but wonder what might fit in them. I would tuck little notes in there or, sometimes, buttons that had fallen off and I didn’t want to lose before being able to sew them back on. I wore it over white blouses and robin’s egg blue cotton tops and it looked sweet paired with both skirts and slacks alike. It was a staple in my closet—until it wasn’t any longer.

We moved several times in the span of nearly twenty-two years of living in the small town of Eaton Rapids, Michigan, before our giant move to Orlando in the late 1990’s due to Dan’s new construction position. During each of these moves our lives became downsized and more simplified. Several garage sales and charitable contributions helped to eliminate forgotten toys, knickknacks, and children’s clothing long ignored in cartons and drawers. Boxes were often left unpacked with each move and our current clothing was rearranged according to each new closet space. Within all of this self-imposed turmoil, I had somehow lost my Seiko watch and placed its disappearance under the category of mysterious phenomenons.

By the time we called Orlando our new home, and settled into our two bedroom apartment with half of our worldly belongings stashed away in a climate controlled rental unit (which included our baby grand piano), the feeling of being disjointed remained for almost two years. By then, we moved into the new home we had built on the east side and entered phase two of our Orlando experience.

Right before the Holidays, our first year there, I interviewed for and received an office position with an established construction company located in Celebration, Florida. In my haste to re-establish a certain office persona, it was time to take a few articles of clothing to the local dry cleaners and be prepared for my exciting new position with  ISSA Homes. I drove across our busy side street, Pershing Avenue, and placed on the countertop several skirts, jackets, and slacks to be cleaned. I was excited and a bit nervous to be entering the job force in Florida for the very first time!

                                                                 ~~~~

My Seiko watch was coiled like a tiny brown snake at the bottom of the white cotton bag! So many questions ran through my mind as tears sprung from my eyes dampening the bag on my lap. When did I place the watch in that tiny pocket of my jacket? How many years had it been hidden away, in the dark, so lonely and in constant motion from one place to another? How would I feel having it back on my left wrist again—all smug and highly revered? 

It felt so natural buckling it back onto my arm that my tears soon turned into a joyful smile and I ran back into the shop to thank them for their unmitigated honesty. They said they were only doing their job and were delighted that my watch and I were reunited after all this time. Well, let’s scratch another small notch on my umbrella handle for happy Florida events that made me feel welcome and alive in that new land I called, Home.

Relaying my story to my husband that evening, I realized that my vintage coat, purchased so long ago, protected something else I had valued for years. I never believed I would be wearing my watch again. I never thought I’d be living full time in Florida, either. All of these circumstances added up to ‘being at the right spot, at the right time.’ With a new job and Christmas right around the corner, it felt like a miracle had been gifted to me. It is my pleasure to be able to share this small slice of surprise, happiness, and joy with you this Holiday season!

Merry Christmas to all and may you enjoy a blessed and Happy New Year filled with good health and prosperity.

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

IN THE SPIRIT OF JANE KENYON: THE SIMPLE BLESSINGS IN LIFE

 

A series of essays….

A RELAXING AFTERNOON AT PAPA AND GRIMIN’S HOUSE

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Sitting here looking around the living room of our little cottage in Kalamazoo, I chuckle to see toys, once again, strewn all over the floor; weapons of foot annihilation evident and the calmness of the tidy little space that normally surrounds us, in jeopardy.

The owner of these ‘weapons of mass destruction’ now sleeps several feet away. The ravages of the soft tissue of the human foot sparks dreams within her slumbering state that produce tiny smirks and the twitching of body muscles as she snuggles deeper into her makeshift bed of living room chair (leveling the vantage point between us) and her state of temporary inactivity. She is very content and happy.

We are most thankful for this. With her family miles away in New Jersey celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends there, we are the grandparents and, for this week, the protectors of the fifth member of our daughter’s family. Oreo always seems to blend so easily into our lives making it very simple to love and accept her into our home whenever an occasion arises.

Having loved soft, furry K-9 children of our own throughout the years, we have grown accustomed to squeak toys, small plush animals, a ratty looking old sock or two, a shabby and well-loved bear, and rock hard rawhide chew toys littering the floor after a long day of play and excitement. However, the after effects of unexpectedly stepping on Lego-like, moist rawhide lingers in my mind. This memory continues to send a sharp pain throughout my system long after the fact. 

Soon, I will gingerly head into the kitchen to do what I do best of all—bake—with the intent of taking most of the results of my best efforts over to good friends to celebrate Thanksgiving together. My shadow, in the shape of an adorable Jack Russell, will appear at my heels the entire short trip from living room to kitchen and rest at my feet once we arrive.

The wind and scavenger birds just outside the large picture window have awakened our little princess enough to have her raise her head with a ‘what’s up?’expression on her ‘yin and yang’ face. But, by the time she reaches the white, wooden sill, paws firmly planted, the only thing to be seen is the twirling of dark brown leaves disturbed from the overhead gutter by a swooping blue jay moments before.

OREO IN REPOSE AND SPORTING
HER UNIQUE FACIAL MARKINGS.

Oreo dearly misses her family: those of a younger age, sporting spry, flexible joints belonging to the rising generation who can consistently keep up with her high-energy antics. Not that we are doddering and frail old fools just yet, but our lifestyle may consist more of long walks around the neighborhood rather than performing ‘touch-n-goes’ with tennis balls throughout the backyard. 

The shadows shift along the oak-stained wooden floors as the feeble, late autumn light filters through the undraped windows. I am thankful for the natural light and pray it shows itself as often as possible as winter approaches. The light speaks to me as it internalizes false-warmth and the precious hope for an early spring awakening. My years of mostly golden sunshine in Florida have spoiled me almost as much as my kids have spoiled my furry companion who visualizes chasing swirling brown leaves but is restricted by the panes of aged glass.

In the spirit of the late poet, Jane Kenyon, who believed in accepting and treasuring the simple blessings in life, I acknowledge and appreciate every aspect of goodness this life has to offer. In her poem ‘Otherwise,’ Kenyon reframes her day, moment by moment, “…as a series of non-necessary events — which is to say, a cascade of gift after gift. Even in and through our struggles, there are treasures to be found.”

If this is true, glorious treasures abound around me at this peaceful time transforming an ordinary day into another Thanksgiving Day! Oreo’s soft breathing, for instance. Scattered doggy toys. A blue jay. Or, delicious smells wafting in from our French country kitchen. I always have to remember that it might have been—otherwise.

“But one day, I know, it will be otherwise.” — Jane Kenyon

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! May you always appreciate the simple things in life and understand how humble and content they can make us feel. Count your blessings each and every day!

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved