“I AM BECAUSE WE ARE”

 

A series of essays….

THE TORAH: HEBREW IS READ BACKWARDS 
WITHOUT PUNCTUATION OR BREAKS.
READING THE TORAH PUBLICLY IS ONE OF THE
BASES OF JEWISH COMMUNAL LIFE.

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Life has been exceptionally busy lately for our daughter and her family. Our oldest granddaughter has been preparing for her Bat Mitzvah, scheduled for this Saturday, long before her thirteenth birthday. She is now fourteen years old. We’ve all learned the hard way that important milestones don’t come to a complete stop due to Covid-19. They do tend to slide into place, eventually, like a runner attempting to make it to home base for the score. And life goes on as we attempt to make the best of it in order to survive; to come away from this rude intrusion into our lives maintaining our dignity and respect for ourselves and others. We have been learning to adapt and who really knows what positive changes may come about because of it.

Not everyone sees it this way.

We the people have voted a new administration into the White House that has been challenged right from the beginning with saving us from four years of neglect and pain inflicted upon us by very selfish leadership. Certainly this was a burden and challenge not many of us would be able to or would want to place on our own shoulders. 

The Biden administration has felt opposition to their reformative policies (Shots in Arms and Money in Pockets) every step of the way and under the most unusual circumstances. Not many newly elected  political leaders have had to begin office in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, as well as deal with a previous administration that had denied its existence and led the country into chaos and the death of thousands! Perhaps someone you know and love has succumbed to Covid-19 since March of 2020.

Even when scientists proceeded to work through compressed time on their way towards combating the disease or, at least, allowing our immune systems to fight its horrific spread, the previous administration purposely bungled the task of getting the new vaccine out to the American populace. As we now know, they went out of their way to sabotage the forward momentum of securing health and well-being for all and mocked our right to this privilege in doing so. Just as they are now attempting to suppress our legal right to vote. 

And yet—

And yet, this life altering activity and blatant ignorance continues to this day among those (anti-vaxxers) who remain opposed to taking the vaccine. Putting the lives of their own children, as well as ours, at stake is reason enough for many of us to shake our heads in disbelief. That’s as assuming and ludicrous as taking up weapons and the position of storming a government building with intent to do bodily harm to the elected officials of our government whom they knew to be inside; officials observing the duties set-forth by the Constitution of the United States.

This act of insurrection on January 6, 2021, in Washington D.C. continues each day when someone refutes the legitimacy behind becoming inoculated. It really doesn’t matter whether their reasoning stems from drinking the Kool-Aid poured out in generous proportions by an ex-president who continues his hate-based war on our Constitution or their own ignorance of the truth within a common sense format that seems to blind their perception of good vs. evil. There are no winners here. Everyone will pay the price for it, eventually, if we haven’t already. Sadly, there are those who adamantly failed to get the vaccine who are now begging for it while lying in their own sickbed.

OUR TEN-YEAR OLD GRANDSON, GAVIN,
UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE 
OF WEARING HIS FACE MASK

Even when we believe we’re doing the right thing by wearing a face mask, maintaining social distances, and becoming inoculated — our personal sacrifices continue to rise in volume. Even when we were warned by prominent authorities that not getting the vaccine would negatively affect us all. Even when statistics substantiate what has, is, and will happen in our future if we fail to heed these warnings, as too many of us continue to do, even when the proof exists right before our very eyes! You might ask, “What does it take if death doesn’t persuade them to change their minds?”

A dear friend reposted on FaceBook a true story by a lady named Susan Chamberlain where she explained how an anthropologist was working with the children of an African tribe when he placed a basket of delicious fruits near a tree trunk and told them that the first child to reach the tree will get the basket. To his astonishment, the children held hands and walked together to the tree where they shared the fruit. Why do this he asked. They answered with astonishment in one word — Ubuntu.

AN ENTICING BASKET OF FRUIT

George Clare
(1830 - 1900)
Apples, Plums, Raspberries, and Grapes

Ubuntu translates to, “How can one of us be happy while the rest are miserable?" Ubuntu in their civilization means: I am because we are. Ms. Chamberlain explains that truly this African tribe knows the secret of happiness that has been lost in all societies that transcend them and which consider themselves to be civilized societies!

Ubuntu. I am because we are. It does take a village. In this day and time, it takes an entire society to want to make good change happen; working together for the benefit of and goodwill for all. 

When our sweet granddaughter holds the Torah scroll in her hands and walks among the relatives and friends gathered in the Temple to honor her hard work and wish her joy and peace this coming Saturday, I will be thinking of her sacrifice, as well. The original date of her Bat Mitzvah was back in April of 2020, right before her thirteenth birthday in May. I will be thinking about all of the brides and grooms who postponed their weddings last year. The many children of older adults who could only correspond with their parents with panes of glass between them will come to mind. I will be thinking of all of the graduating students who had to Zoom their smiles out into the world these past two years; all students and teachers who learned to adapt via video communication. 

RABBI GIVING BRENNA INSTRUCTIONS DURING
REHEARSAL FOR HER BAT MITZVAH CELEBRATION

THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TEMPLE
DURING SUNDAY’S REHEARSAL 

Today, I think about all of us who have seen the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel and began to challenge our new adaptations back into some semblance of normalcy. This alone has been a hard task made up of a multitude of difficult decisions! In doing so, we begin to realize that not everyone thinks in terms of ‘how can we be happy if others are miserable?’  Now, we wait to see if all of our efforts sink back into the abyss or flow upwards towards the light of recovery and the acceptance of what a bright, new, more informative world may have in store for us. 

We can all learn from the positive reactions to adversity by our own youth to the simple truths brought about by innocent children of an African tribe whose elders have taught them that their society as a whole will succeed only if each member of their society is happy.  

Ubuntu my friends!

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

 

LIVING LIFE LIKE A ROCKSTAR

 

A series of essays….

BEAUTIFUL WILDFLOWERS ALONG THE
ROADSIDE IN SOUTHERN PENNSYLVANIA!

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

It was a pleasure taking this particular picture along the roadside in Southern Pennsylvania. The colors are so vibrant. The natural blend of flora represents the mixture of wildflowers that line most of these two-lane roads that host many small farmsteads, grazing animals dotting the hillsides, and even abandoned buildings that once were the homes of growing families obliged to work the land and live life on a day-by-day basis.

This photo, for me, encapsulates all of the above, as well as one more factor that, if you look closely, epitomizes the true beauty of life coupled with humankind’s all-too-human foibles. Funny how it wasn’t until going through my shots later that I realized just what I had captured. Protected, as it seems, by nature’s infinite beauty is a can of Rockstar Energy Drink that appears to blend almost seamlessly with the natural beauty of the colorful flowers. 

JUST UP THE ROAD….!

Interestingly enough, I initially had my poor husband inch over to the side of the road and park our running car so that I could jump out and take a picture of an abandoned log cabin that lived about fifty feet back off the road. I’ve been told that I have a very wicked and uncontrollable habit of asking Dan to pull over and stop the car, often, so that I can experience a certain photo op along our backroad travel routes. Even with the off-the-beaten-track vibes of this road, it became super busy very quickly.

It was bad enough that my posterior protruded out into the road just beyond a wide curve not far behind us but, I was seriously close to the oncoming traffic which happened to include camping trailers pulled by half-ton trucks and an eighteen-wheeler tractor trailer barreling its way to Columbus, Ohio, Detroit, or Chicago! Evidently, throughout my adventure Dan was desperately trying to grab my attention while flailing his hands in a feeble attempt to entice me back into the car. 

Miraculously, with shots of the ancient log structure secured, I made my way back to the car, hazard lights flashing blindingly, and a very nervous looking husband behind the wheel. He proceeded to remind me that he is always willing to oblige my artistic endeavors as long as they don’t involve loss of limb or our very lives in the process. Humbly, I agreed with him. 

A LOG CABIN,

ONCE A HOMESTEAD,

IN THE PENNSYLVANIA  WOODS.

Having no recollection of driving through the beauty of this part of Pennsylvania before, with its rolling hillside and green pastures, you can bet there were a few more impromptu stops along our way. The distinct and remarkable attractiveness surrounding the convergence of mountains, streams and lakes, trees, and pastures where the states of Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania meet contributes to the natural charm of this area of our country. 

Our travels, whether domestic or international, are often based upon answering one very important question: “Could you live here?” My answer regarding this particular trip would have to be a resounding — YES! The joy we received by navigating the backroads under a canopy of ancient trees and highlighted by the striking wildflowers that outlined them — was captivating. Some of my most interesting extemporaneous photo ops include the unique craftsmanship of local artists represented by their random pieces displayed in parks and various open spaces. Giving back to the community in such a pleasing way indicates to me how happy they must be to live in a place that offers them so much joy in return.

JOIE DE VIVRE!

VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS…

BLUE SKIES, VALLEYS, RIVERS, AND 
MOUNTAINS AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE!

If having a ‘Rockstar’ nestled among the colorful roadside flowers makes an appealing statement, just this once, I find myself grateful for the energy it took for someone to toss it from the car window for me to find. This minor weakness or failing of character exemplifies the yin and yang of the nature of man’s coexistence with all things natural and fragile. Ancient Chinese philosophy describes yin and yang as a concept of dualism, describing how obviously opposite or contrary forces may, actually, be complementary, interconnected, and independent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.

If this philosophy rings true, this particular Rockstar can, tossed onto the side of the road by a human devoid of respect for himself and his fellow humankind, may have inadvertently influenced this vivid imagery of a place that captured my heart. Even Dan agrees and promises to stop whenever and wherever feasible in order for me to continue my intoxicating journey into every nook and cranny this impressive world has to offer!

YIN AND YANG

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photo Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

ABANDONED AND FORGOTTEN

 

A series of essays….

AN ABANDONED ITALIAN VILLA ~
A SHIMMER OF PINK MARBLE AGAINST A BLUE SKY

Courtesy of pinterest.com

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

We held our breath without realizing it. The need to exhale, slowly, methodically, came as he entered the portal—into the unknown. His blond hair brushes the thick cobwebs that have had permission to accumulate over vast amounts of time. With one gloved hand maneuvering the camera, its attached light illuminating the dinginess, he turns night into day. His other hand opens drawers and cupboard doors revealing dust encrusted, often mundane, household items — abandoned for decades.

Anything neglected or left unkempt for a period of time will have the tendency to sink into a period of solitude and predictable decay. A period when the natural elements thrive in overdrive and civilization rides shotgun with a perfect view of its own demise.

This young, blond man, Maureno Wellens, hails from the town of Maastricht in the Netherlands. He conducts his explorations under the name of Explomo and streams the results on YouTube. His friend and working partner, Remon Vogelaar, accompanies him and together they shine a light on a forgotten world made up of personal collections, treasures, and artwork worthy of a place in many exhibitions and museums. Sadly, these items, along with the ordinary articles that make living day-by-day simple and efficient, are being lost to the elements and common vandals. Maureno and Remon handle everything with a soft touch and replace anything moved or examined to its original position before moving on to another area or room.

MAURENO WELLENS INVESTIGATING
AN ABANDONED CHATEAU 

Courtesy Maureno Wellens

Did these young men secure permits or permission to search these abandoned castles, palaces, and châteaux once inhabited by the upper classes of society in Spain, Italy, and France? Maureno often alludes to the fact that he does not and fully admits to trespassing. If true, this only adds to the mystery and intrigue his extensive probes provide. I admit that there is something fascinating about offering us a peek into a world left behind by relatives unable to pay the exorbitant inheritance tax on a property that once thrived with the help of unprecedented numbers of servants and employees. 

The personal legacy of generation upon generation is left behind only to be devoured by nature as vegetation creeps through windows and doors; a certain by-product of neglect. What is a direct assault to my senses is the deterioration of the works of fine art allowed to hang on fading, silk covered walls as black mold spreads itself around and through them! Beautiful wood beams cut from local forests hundreds of years ago, honed to perfection, become skeletal remains exposing the floors above them. Water, humidity, and time have worked their way deep into these cavernous rooms allowing the artisanal craftsmanship to be savagely obliterated, books bloated, personal papers scattered, and fine, handcrafted furniture to rot in place.

A particular chateau located deep into a French forest greatly disturbed me as I entered the realm of YouTube and tuned-in to our blond adventurer to see what finds he had for us that day. This nearly pristine chateau had cradled its final Master in her stately arms up until his death a decade before. Having no children or other blood relatives to will his earthly possessions to, he died knowing that this gorgeous lady was to be abandoned by him at death and left to her own devices.

As our friend revealed the grand entrance hall by pushing the obligatory cobwebs from his path, the scene before him was most unusual compared to the suffering of other beauties he’d explored in the past. Nature had not only been especially kind to this chateau, but it was as if she were patiently awaiting the return of her Master—after all of these years. Her loving arms were held wide open welcoming life, once again, as only she knew it could be.

CARVED HEADBOARDS SIT IN PLACE AS IF
WAITING FOR THE ROOM’S OCCUPANTS TO
RETURN FOR THE NIGHT

How can I aptly describe what we saw? Gilded-framed masterpieces of all sizes hung by the hundreds on every wall. Intricate tapestries adorned any remaining spaces. Crystal chandeliers hung from their lofty positions overlooking each room like sparkling sentinels that triggered the eye to absorb the colorful, hand painted and well preserved ceiling frescos that looked not much older than the young explorer filming them. 

Elegant plates stacked high with matching serving dishes lined the inner shelves of burled-wood veneered breakfronts in the dining room. Another cabinet door opened to expose crystal glasses in varying heights lined up like obedient soldiers waiting in time to once again serve refreshments to the rich and powerful, industrial magnets and political leaders, who gathered there from all over France. I imagined them to be filled and then gently clinked together to toast a lucrative new deal or promote a ‘gentleman’ into an office of particular importance and power in Paris.

Artisan carved headboards lorded over unexpected made-up beds of colorful, rich materials that still resided in the ornately arched alcoves so reminiscent of French design. Rows of clothing hung from racks while pairs of shoes neatly lined the walls within the two walk-in closets that bookended the bed alcove and gave one the idea that the Master would soon be retiring.

There were books and more books everywhere! They sat openly on nightstands and tables. They were displayed in both glass-fronted and enclosed breakfronts in every room of the chateau. Children’s rooms burst with animated stories on every shelf, table, and nook of the neatly appointed rooms. They were as prolific as the dust particles and cobwebs that had recently become an undesirable focal point of the chateau’s decorative design.

THERE ARE BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS
EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK. THESE TREASURES
ALONE ARE WORTH SALVAGE EFFORTS!

Photo by James Charlick

Our host and fellow explorer handled each item, turned every doorknob and latch, replaced each newspaper and personal letter he used to secure dates from, with love and the utmost care. He gently replaced everything he temporarily disturbed in its original place and position. His shock at having not a single looter plunder the contents of this chateau after the Master’s demise was as genuine as our own. I thought that if he was fortunate enough to have found this place to explore and delight in, others would be certain to follow. That thought disturbed me. He is careful never to give out any clues as to the location of his abandoned finds and genuinely marvels over how anyone or circumstance could allow for the eventual loss of such importance and beauty to happen.

I imagine a curator of most any museum, if watching our friend on his missions of discovery, would swoon over the artifacts Maureno is bringing to light. I don’t know anything about French law, but I am aware of how protected the homes of the French citizen are from any intrusion of strangers walking in and proclaiming rights to the property and its contents. I first became aware of this fact when abandoned Paris apartments, somehow overlooked by German troops invading Paris during World War II, were recently discovered with their incredible contents untouched, but silently ravaged by time. An ornate wooden door has finally been unlocked and opened after nearly three quarters of a century of obscurity and silence!

SUCH BEAUTY AND HISTORY SHOULD
NOT BE ALLOWED TO FADE INTO OBLIVION!

Perhaps this is the mission statement for the work of our fine, young explorers as they point out the need to protect these beautiful and vulnerable properties. By bringing attention to their sheer existence, Maureno and Remon hope that someone responsible will intervene to preserve these historical treasures and their invaluable contents.

There is so much in this life that gives me pleasure. These trespassers for a good cause keep me riveted to my seat and in constant awe of their findings. I can only hope that a percentage of these abandoned properties are saved in the near future — and, maybe, resurrected once again to the glory that they so righteously deserve. I applaud the efforts of Maureno Wellens to help make this happen!

FADING INTO OBSCURITY 

Copyright © 2021 by Jacqueline E Hughes 

All rights reserved