BREAKING THROUGH THE MORNING FOG

 

A series of essays….

A PERFECT APPALACHIAN MORNING

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

When I swing my legs out of bed each morning, before they remotely make contact with the floor, there is a small, concise ritual I go through in order to jump-start my day. With our mornings remaining dark and cozy until well after six, the atmosphere is conducive to a relaxed mood and a clear mindset.  

This is my time to converse with that which I believe to be the all-connecting power that is greater than myself and unites us, humankind, together as a whole; one entity that defines our existence and qualifies our essential nature. I have always accepted that we are not set upon this beautiful place we live, Mother Earth, alone and helpless. We will always need and have one another. 

So, my ritual is one of Thanksgiving. And here, after all this time, you thought this celebration only lasted one day, the fourth Thursday of November, and commercially entitled, Turkey Day! Not exactly. I sit comfortably with my shoulders pushed back, my spine straight, and eyes closed. When I am ready, only after taking several deep, intoxicating breaths, I repeat out loud, as often as I wish, two simple words—two words we teach our children to say whenever they are grateful for something like a new toy, an unexpected surprise, or a simple compliment. Straightforward and completely honest, I say out loud, “Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.”

After all, it's pretty wonderful to be able to move, sit up and breathe each morning, isn't it? We are alive to meet-and-greet yet another day and that, in and of itself, is intrinsically very cool!  

Opening my eyes to the new day, it's time to formulate a simple plan for myself. It's time to set my intentions for the day. Yes, making coffee as soon as possible is a good plan, but more of a mandatory requirement for my well-being and sanity rather than a good intention, I think. My thoughts are more in terms of having a purpose or goals set for the day and to design a strategy with the intent of achieving them gracefully and with dignity. 

My goals may be as uncomplicated and purposeful as in sharing a smile with everyone I see that day, or being productive and focussed enough to have written two-thousand words by the end of my workday. Whatever my purpose is, my intent is to see it through to fruition, but knowing that if I do not, I will not beat myself up over it. I will only try harder the following day with several new goals.

This is the time that I sit back and smile, smile, smile as big and wide as I possibly can! You know the kind of smile I'm talking about. The kind that raises your cheeks up high, fills your body with warmth and makes you feel a bit silly sitting alone in the semi-dark looking like the Cheshire Cat on a good day!  With his distinctive and mischievous grin, you can almost hear this Tabby Cat's quote from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1866, and remains prevalent today: "Most everyone's mad here. You may notice that I'm not all there myself."

 I cannot take myself seriously this early in the morning. But, I know that my intentions are good and smiling makes me feel good.  So, if during this long, complicated day, I feel as though my body wishes to disappear from time to time, the last thing visible on my face will be an iconic grin depicting a win for kind souls, everywhere.

 Before slipping my waiting feet into blue flip-flops, affectionately known as 'my slippers,' in order to begin my day (making that fresh pot of coffee), there is one last step to be taken in my morning ritual. This is the time for me to forgive myself and ease my guilt over yesterday's mistakes. I remember the goal of two thousand words that only added up to be five hundred. Perhaps my smiles were not as lavished upon others as I had originally intended. Maybe I was a bit too short-tempered with a loved one who made an innocent mistake?  

This is where you set yesterday's misguided actions aside and actually try to understand Scarlett O'Hara's mantra from the classic movie, Gone with the Wind, based on the novel written by Margaret Mitchell: "I can't think about that right now. I'll think about that tomorrow. After all... tomorrow is another day." 

The idea of putting things off for another day used to represent inadequacy in the form of failure or shame for me. Placing my stubbornness and strong will aside for a moment in order to see a much broader picture of the world, and having lived a full, wonderful life (let's just say, a few years now beyond my sixties?), the importance of being patient and more tolerant becomes normal and acceptable. Especially true when dealing with myself!

As soon as I realize that there is yet another chance of 'getting it right' and my deep breaths represent twenty-four new hours of hope and determination, it's easy for me to forgive myself for yesterday's mistakes and understand it’s time to move on.

Now, sitting here sipping my coffee and having placed my day, my life, in order, I realize how cherished these few minutes alone each morning really are. Between the tantalizing aroma of the fresh brew and the prospect of a new day, a new beginning.... and with a  smile on my face the Cheshire Cat would certainly be proud of, I remain calm and carry on.

Copyright © 2022 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER ~ ALICE IN SPRINGTIME

A series of essays and chats.....

ALICE IS ENCHANTED BY THE STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY
OF THIS NEW LAND RECENTLY DISCOVERED

.....as seen through my eyes!

"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!"

~~~The Cheshire Cat, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll

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. You, my friends, will be able to come up with many more however, 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 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. Like music to my ears, my audio includes everything from the hissing of the espresso machine to the inquisitive verbal expressions of the barista trying to determine if an order is for 'here' or 'to go.'

Let's grab a cup of our own, take a comfortable seat, and sit back and listen to what today's chapter of "Coffeehouse Chatter" has to offer....

KEEP CALM AND SMILE
LIKE THE CHESHIRE CAT

 Introduction:

When last I snuggled into the corner seat of our local coffeehouse in order to observe and speculate upon the lives of those around me, I met a girl whom I affectionately named, Alice. Via her actions, I took it upon myself to build a story around Alice which could not be substantiated considering I haven't seen 'Alice' since then. That is, not until today......!

My original thoughts:

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!

And, it appears that our beautiful, young Alice has lost her nerve, abandoned her tea and abruptly exited through the swinging French doors! Now, I sit here hoping that I wasn't, actually, right about our sweet Alice. That wouldn't be fair. I hope she's doing okay.

Today, let's listen in on the conversation between Alice, Brian, and Joe......

ALICE: (Speaking on her cellphone) Yes, I just sat down. And, I am not moving one inch until you get here. So, please hurry! It's March; it's Springtime and, I have so much to tell you! Soon, then?

(Sliding her cellphone back into her purse, a looming shadow slips between the sun-filled window and the small table where she sits sipping a tepid mug of decaf pomegranate green tea)

BRIAN: (Leaning on the back of the chair across from Alice) Alice? Alice Monroe? Is that really you, after all this time?

ALICE: What on earth are you doing back here in Small Town, USA, Brian? Didn't you head-off into the hills searching for bigger, greener pastures to graze in? 

BRIAN: Yes, yes I did. Hmm, may I sit down for a few minutes? It looks like you're waiting for someone to join you. But, I am so happy to see you again. May I get you a warm-up on your tea?

ALICE: No, thank you and, I am expecting someone.... Oh, just sit down! You always seem to get your way no matter what I say, anyway! (She instinctively swings her long, blond hair off of her shoulders with an exaggerated twist of her head).

BRIAN: (Gently placing his porcelain mug of strong Colombian brew on the table, he settles in) Alice, it's been over three years now. I never meant to hurt you. You have to know that. We were still so young with so much to think about and life got in the way. 

ALICE: Oh, I see, that's what you're calling it now.....life getting in the way? You've never been one to handle responsibility, Brian. Never. Probably still can't, if truth be told. (Tears welling in her eyes) I loved you! And, you left me. Simple as that. 

BRIAN: I called you, Alice. I wrote to you so often my hand should have fallen off from the effort. You wouldn't return my calls or write me back. I wanted you to join me in California and begged you to come out to see what life could be like out there, together. Eventually, I assumed you despised me for leaving you here and making a better life for myself out West.

ALICE: What I assumed, Brian, was that you loved me, too. That after all we'd been through together, you would never leave here, leave me. (Nervously swirling her teabag around in the chilled brew in her mug, she demurely looks up into his eyes) So, are you doing okay? I mean, are you happy out there?

BRIAN: Yes. (Pause) Her name is, Casey. 

ALICE: Casey....(Rolling the name in her mouth as if it were a glass marble)

BRIAN: She is why I'm back here, Alice. We're getting married the first part of August and I've brought her here to meet my parents and the rest of the family. 

ALICE: (After a long pause) I'm, actually, quite happy for you, Brian. I mean....I knew I could never contain you or your spirit for very long. Even after we lost the baby, our baby, I knew you weren't running away from me. You needed your freedom and you certainly would never find it here, not in this old town, anyway. But, I couldn't leave here. This place is a part of who I am. Kind of my 'comfort zone,' if you will.

BRIAN: Then, you're happy, Alice? (Gently holding both of her hands within his soft touch) I mean, has life been good for you? I've always needed to know. I let time fill-in the gap between us and it seemed to cushion the blow of the unknown for me.

ALICE: I never thought I'd be going down this road again, but I am happy now. Happy, content and ready for the future!! A few months ago I didn't think that was even possible. I was nervous, scared, and paranoid because I felt like I was reliving the past....our past to a certain extent. And, I was. My fear was that this small town girl would never grow-up and would always be hiding behind her emotions instead of building off of them. By, God! I have grown-up, haven't I?

BRIAN: Reliving our past, Alice? What do you mean?

(A deep, resounding voice hovers above startling both of them)

JOE: Well, if I were a jealous man, I would be asking you, sir, to step outside right about now! But, I know my Alice and there has to be a reasonable explanation for you two playing patty cake and looking so serious. (With a grin on his face, he extends a large, calloused hand for Brian to shake)

ALICE: (A loving smile spreading across her pretty face) Hi, Joe! This is, Brian...Brian Ryder. Brian, I would like you to meet Joe Saunders, my fiancee! 

(When Alice stands up to give Joe a kiss on his cheek, we see the faintest curvature of a 'baby bump' as she protects herself from hitting the table or spilling her tea)

ALICE: (Softly whispering into Joe's ear) The doctor says our baby is doing well and we'll get to meet him or her in early August! Couldn't be better timing.

JOE: I love you, Baby!

Okay. So, I was absolutely right while observing 'my Alice' last December. But, it wasn't such a horrible story for her, after all. Life takes time for us mere mortals to finally figure out. Somehow, we usually do....or, die trying! Now, I'm wondering what they'll name the little tyke. I'll keep sitting in my little corner and soon enough, I will find out!

Copyright © 2017 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER: DOING THE BEST YOU CAN

A series of stories.....

LIFE: COFFEEHOUSE STYLE ~ WITH A HOLIDAY TWIST FOR 2016

.....as seen through my eyes! 

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 listen-in on the conversations going on around me. I promise myself to always be discreet as I snuggle into a comfortable chair at a corner table. From this vantage point, even facial expressions can tell a story and my imagination, earnestly, 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 Christmas only a few days away.....

Interpreted thoughts:

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. 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, and make any sense of what's happening in this crazy world today. Anyway, at least I can draw my feelings. Hope they approve of them, too.

**********

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 wind-blown with Hippie-like intent.)   Merde!!! I need another cup of coffee. 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.

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? 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 so 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 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved