DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE

A series of essays....

ACKNOWLEDGING THE SPIRIT, GRACE AND BEAUTY OF THE CARDINAL

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I am sitting in my favorite spot watching the light slowly peek through and begin to illuminate the world outside the windows. Such a slow process it is this time of year. The new light drags its feet as if it doesn’t care if it makes an appearance this morning or not; challenging the circadian rhythm of my life with its weakness and ineptitude.

But then, everything about our lives this past year has been tested, provoked, and attacked in one way or another. 

Whether or not we are strong enough, well prepared, and hopeful going into this next year is for us to figure out. 2021 is right around the corner and there’s nothing to stop it from rolling into our lives and assisting in making a brand new year flexible enough to accommodate and manipulate what each one of us needs in order to go forward in this lifetime; maintain the rhythm that can make and keep us whole in the future.

Crying when it’s least expected has been an emotional response of mine throughout the past ten months. Tears can be bitter reminders of the loss of better times, the longing for blessed security, and having the option of being able to provide food and protection for the ones you love. Too many families have had these basic rights stripped away from them by a government that was initially established to protect these rights at all costs.

Since the beginning of this worldwide pandemic we have been governed by a person who does everything he can to harm instead of uplift our lives. Even with only a few days left in his one and only term, his appeal for hatred and revenge rates high on his farewell agenda. When you know better, you are supposed to do better. Obviously, no one ever taught him this simple and beautiful rule of being human.

When the spirit of loved ones who have passed take their shape from animal forms and watch over and protect us as our Native Americans have faithfully observed forever, we are truly blessed. Believing in this power of spiritual guidance has gotten me through some of the tears and sadness of the past four years when confronted with hatefulness and greed.

While living in Orlando, Florida, for twenty-three years, I had the good fortune of being loved and watched over by a beautiful cardinal. He had appeared in the corner of a transom window at the front of our home upon three occasions over a period of several years. I instinctively knew whom he represented and would stare back at him, mesmerized but alert to what he was trying to tell me.

After gaining my attention by pecking on the glass, we would stare at one another for a lengthy period of time. The calmness that penetrated every cell of my being remained with me forever after one of these experiences. I have attempted to capture our ‘silent’ conversation in my poem, Breathless:

BREATHLESS

Several sharp taps on the transom’s glass 

pique her curiosity while two obsidian eyes

follow her movements and begin to absorb

any negative energy in the room. The fiery

red plumage and distinctive black mask of

this cardinal exudes familiarity. His quizzical

manor harmless; fixed gaze through the glass 

is steady and comfortably aware.

I have missed you. My garden always welcomes you

with shelter, food, and protection for your young.

I know, he says with a slight tilt of the head.

Where did you go? I longed for your crimson flash

darting into the viburnum shrubs after the hunt. You,

your lady, and open-mouthed babes were safe—for

the time being.

Don’t be so possessive. I’m here for you now, aren’t I?

Truthfully, I’ve never left. But, you have been unmindful

sitting smugly in your air-conditioned palace. I know

my place.

What message do you have for me this time, Mother?

Breathe.

Only to breathe?

I am the hinge that opens your mind between Earth

and Spirit. I do not make this trip without purpose.

Trust in yourself and you will bring clarity out of 

confusion. Love and forgive, my child.

That can be a difficult task.

Life is about being one gesture away from instability

or balance.

In an instant the vibrant creature flies away leaving her transfixed; genuinely—

breathless.

Mom rarely displayed explosive outbursts in her lifetime. In fact, for a fiery redhead, this was considered highly unusual and many who loved her wished she had spoken up for herself more often. She did, however, own a genuine demonstrative manner and a great sense of humor. This is why I knew that the gentle creature who tapped on my window pane to look down at me with its volcanic stare was my very own spirit guide. This time around she vowed to be as vibrant as possible, display her brightest plumage, and hoped to be listened to as she continued to look after and protect the people she loves. After all, there is no gender specification when it comes to the guardians of our souls and bodies.

I humbly wish all of you, with special appreciation to all of my faithful readers, a Merry Christmas and very happy and positive life changing New Year! Stay safe and healthy and we’ll get to where we need to be, eventually.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

HOMECOMINGS, INDEPENDENCE, AND CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

A series of essays....

RED

WHITE

BLUE

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

As the years go by, it’s easy to see how the Fourth of July, Independence Day, has leveled the playing field when it comes to sharing Christmas as one of the most family oriented holidays of the year!

As children growing up in the Midwest, we anticipated eating hot dogs and hamburgers cooked on the grill and accompanied by Mom’s homemade potato salad, playing hide-and-go-seek with all of our cousins, and waiting until it was dark enough to enjoy the fireworks display at Potawatomi Park before coming back home to light sparklers in the driveway and air-draw our names into the pitch black darkness of night before crawling, gratefully, into bed. 

Life, summertime, was much simpler back then. Families, generally, lived close enough to one another that within a half an hour’s drive the backyard grill would be hot and ready for whatever meat selection was provided, kids were clustered on porches playing board games, and adults were gearing up for raucous sessions of Euchre (a trick-taking card game) at the kitchen table. The men secured sweating, long-necked bottles of local beer from a cooler while the woman, usually, sipped iced tea or homemade lemonade with plenty of ice.

Family and friends were able to get together so often because all they needed was right at their fingertips all summer long....the easily acquired company of others, a little bit of planning, and the ability and desire to have a good time while together. 

Getting together at a moment’s notice can be a bit more complicated for many of us today. Even though the desire to spend time with family has not, necessarily, diminished, family dynamics, the force that stimulates change or progress within a system, has impacted most of us in one way or another. The world has become smaller with job opportunities offered on a global scale and travel made more available and, for the most part, more affordable than it has in past generations, family cells have divided and spread across the map with long distance and international living considered the norm instead of the exception. 

Sitting here, I’m thinking about all of our friends who have children scattered all over the United States and the world. They are living, working, examples of how families have spread their wings and ventured out far away from the family units I remember from my youth. 

What we learn through all of this is just how adaptable humans can be. Solutions to family closeness aren't always ideal as we often define ourselves as living in a Jetsons world of talking screens and preprogrammed meal selections. During the past several years we lived in Florida and away from the grandchildren, I was known as ‘tiny grandma’ since most of our interaction was done via Skype and, eventually, FaceTime. 

What a longer distance apart has created are more elaborate and exciting homecomings with relatives flying in from other states and countries to be together for the long, holiday weekend or, if fortunate enough, an extended week or two. A homecoming generally attributed to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but because of its warmer, kinder weather, July frequently serves as a prime time for traveling and sharing time and space with those we miss and love throughout the year. 

After all, Independence Day is the birthday of the greatest country in the history of mankind! And, nothing or no one can or will demean our greatness via their own narcissistic behavior. The Stars and Stripes symbolize our freedom and not a dictatorship built on personal greed. Our military might is well known and respected and should not be paraded down the streets of Washington D.C. like cheap costume jewelry. We are so much better than this.

But, I digress.

Many anticipated family traditions have originated due to the small windows of togetherness that the modern-day family units have to look forward to. Some of my friends opt to take the yearly ‘family portrait’ in July while everyone is together. Occasionally, families will choose to rent a large home in a central location for everyone to meet at and enjoy being together with over the 4th of July. And, if travel is an impossibility for many of us during any particular holiday, we have invited others of all ages and backgrounds over to our home for good conversation, family reminiscing, and delicious food to help ease the space between visits with their own relatives. 

With the 4th of July inching its way onto the important list of travel expectations for many families every year, it’s easy to see why it is becoming more and more significant in terms of bringing relatives and good friends together. Independence Day is bursting with sparkling colors and ideas that serve to keep the heart young, meaningful traditions germinating, and many of us well fed and provided for right in the celebratory hub of summer activities. Its importance is catching on by leaps and bounds and is truly becoming our Christmas in July!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and joyful 4th of July and a momentous Happy Birthday to the great country we live in!!

Copyright © 2019 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

EMBRACING THE SIMPLICITY OF WISDOM

A series of essays.....

PRESENTS ALL WRAPPED AND READY TO GO

.....as seen through my eyes!



By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

The colorful rolls of paper and spools of gossamer ribbon are back in storage boxes and up on the highest shelves once again. All is wrapped; temptation eliminated. The eyes of the young children will soon focus on the shape and configuration of the presents beneath the tree with a child's imagination of bespoken treasures and youthful desires. The adults will imagine the allusive hopes conjured up so long ago; reestablished wishes now witnessed by the presence of their own children anxiously awaiting their turn to open a beribboned prize.

With age, wisdom pours through us like lifeblood and allows us to distinguish and better understand the bright light at the end of the long passageway......believe me, I know. The 'age' part I know only too well. It's quite simple and, awkwardly, way too obvious at times. Without attending to the gory details, let's just say that the body begins to take on a life separate from the one your mind has contentedly lived with for so many years. The term 'high maintenance' resolves into a very personal interpretation and we contend with these physical changes, on an individual basis, in the best way we can.

Wisdom is defined by the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. For me, the culmination of wisdom can be summed-up by just one word: Simplicity! What a beautiful word 'simplicity' is. The absence of complications; straightforwardness; clean lines; effortlessness; clarity of expression; lack of pretense.......you decide. You choose. All of the above for me, please!


A few years back I became intrigued by a tradition that I've since learned began in Scotland some time ago. It's called the 'Honesty

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
Picture Courtesy of Ladyfleur

Box' and is based on the honor system. An honesty box, as defined by Wikipedia, is a method of charging for a service or a product by relying upon each visitor (customer) paying at a box using the honor system. I have personally seen such boxes used in the rural areas of  North Carolina where the low number of customers, along with the low quantity and/or value of the products on offer, means that an attendant would not bring a positive return on investment. Many were domestically run operations where attendance was not feasible such as selling homemade jams or fresh vegetables along the roadside. While taking advantage of this system, I could picture a farm wife in the kitchen stirring a batch of fruity confection while her husband was tilling the soil of their small, mountain field. 

HOMEMADE JAM FOR SALE
HONESTY CHAIR

Let's be honest, this system today would never fly here in Orlando or even in Edinburgh, Scotland. I do take comfort in the fact that some camping sites, small, municipal parking areas, and tiny, hutch-like libraries offering the exchange of one used book for an alternate one, for the delight of all, do exist throughout the world. I've seen them and have taken advantage of them all, at one time or another. In each case, honesty is the connection, a simple act of fairness and respect towards those who have worked so hard to provide others with the simple pleasures this life has to offer.

Downsizing, taking into consideration that having less can give you more in terms of freedom and happiness, is a concept that has been gaining momentum throughout the world. Wisely, we humans are beginning to understand that possessing more and more 'stuff' can be a burden, may cause needless anxiety, and can take the focus away from the core of family life and activities.

COLORFUL TINY HOMES

Tiny living, small homes and apartments, and taking advantage of a simple, uncluttered lifestyle is like having a self-help book unfold before your very eyes! Cable television channels such as HGTV (Home and Garden Television) and FYI Network have illustrated the wisdom of downsizing in programs entitled "Tiny House Hunters," "Tiny House Builders," and "Tiny House Nation," with  catch phrases like, "Living large in small places," and "Tips for living in small spaces." Personally, I think that many New York City residents could have written the book about 'living small' and 'downsizing successfully' years ago! 

The simple truth is, possessing an abundance of 'stuff' in this lifetime may not always equate to being happy and content. Having been empty nesters now for many years, Dan and I have often asked ourselves what it would take to be truly happy in a world that is far from being in a state of peaceful happiness itself. And, with the next phase of our lives labeled 'retirement' looming closer and closer, we've taken into consideration what the term happiness means to us and how to go about achieving it.

Every time we would add-up each column, the sum total would inevitably be.....Family!

MY FIVE SWEET AND ADORABLE FACES ~ FAMILY

Amos Bronson Alcott, an American educator and man of wisdom,
born in 1799 and died in 1888, once stated that, "Our notion of the perfect society embraces the family as its center and ornament, and this paradise is not secure until children appear to animate and complete the picture." In addition to our own children and their spouses, we are fairly certain that the 'ornaments' that animate our family circle are those five, adorable faces that greet us with smiles of joy and love in their hearts each time we see them. Nothing is better than small, outstretched arms waiting to embrace you; small, soft lips puckering in preparation for a kiss. 

With the anticipation of living a more straightforward and less complicated lifestyle as we grow older, Dan and I have purchased our 'Little Yellow Cottage' in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which is conveniently located between daughter number one and daughter number two. Our Hazel Avenue retreat is already providing us with the pleasure of remodeling in order to make it our own, and will, eventually, serve as where we 'hang our hat' for most of the year. If all goes well, the rest of the time will be spent traveling as often as possible and writing in full detail about each journey we take. I am always prepared and excited  to be able to do that!

Built in 1941, Hazel Avenue is a pre-war cottage home that's filled with spunk and charisma. It embodies the simplicity of downsizing with the beauty of original hardwood floors, plaster molding, a wood burning fireplace, and an actual basement below it all! So far, in nearly twenty years of Floridian living, we have never taken for granted or underestimated the importance of having a basement in a home.

HAZEL AVENUE CLOAKED IN SNOW

Even though our little cottage remains a constant 'work in progress,' we have already experienced the joy of having neighbors who actually care about having you live in the neighborhood. We've been invited to block parties, musical functions within the greater Kalamazoo area, and have already been included in the annual Christmas activities this  season. We've been greeted at our front door by smiling faces providing warm introductions while offering 'Welcome Gifts' and any assistance we might need to make our move-in easier. It's almost as though Hazel Avenue has welcomed us back into time, returned us to her own 'glory days' in a slower, happier, more caring time in our nation's history.     

As each month progresses, Dan and I learn more and more about the amazing and talented individuals who live in our new neighborhood. They include college professors, a sculptor, a language professor, several published authors, and right next door, Ginny and Barclay who will, at some point in time, teach my sweet husband how to play the bodhran (Irish drum) he purchased in Ireland years ago.

We anticipate a rather busy, yet fulfilled and exciting life to come surrounded by family and friends, both old and new. Our life may not always be effortless.....after all, anything worth having and doing well requires a certain amount of effort to achieve. But, I do promise to embrace the simplicity of wisdom that has guided me so far along this incredible journey called life and served to protect me from the "Boogie Man," as well as the many rough patches I've encountered along the way. I will always welcome fresh ideas, new faces, and the opinions of others because I will never be too old to learn new things or value the wisdom of others around me.

So, in the spirit of the Christmas Season, 2015, our hearts are open and ready to be filled with, as well as share with everyone, all of the joy, warmth, and copious amounts of love this Holiday has to offer! What a simply wonderful time of the year!

I leave you with the profound words of T. S. Eliot (1888-1965), American-English poet and playwright, that sum up the idea of Family for me this season:

"Moving between the legs of tables and of chairs, rising or falling, grasping at kisses and toys, advancing boldly, sudden to take alarm, retreating to the corner of arm and knee, eager to be reassured, taking pleasure in the fragrant brilliance of the Christmas tree."

Copyright © 2015 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

LIGHTS, LIGHTS AND MORE LIGHTS

A series of essays.....

~~A Bright Red Star~~

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



"Do you see the magical glow yet?"

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"What happens Thanksgiving Day each and every year since we built this house fifteen years ago?"

"Well, you cook the turkey on the grill.....however, I've yet to see it burst into flames and create a bright light!!



Happy Birthday Lights

I swear this banter between us went on for several agonizing minutes. This is usually 'down time' for us as we sit on the lanai after dinner and talk about our day.  So, a pop-quiz or silly riddle to solve was above and beyond peaceful to me just then.  Considering he had recently  roasted our Rosemary, lemon and clarified butter 'bird' to perfection on his trusty Weber Grill and it had been his birthday the day right  after this.....I decided to give him some slack and play along.

Gazing above the screen enclosure facing a southwesterly direction...hint, hint, hint, he asked me once again, "Do you see the magical glow yet?  You know, the one that lights-up the sky and tends to figuratively 'suck-up' everyone else's energy source until after New Year's Day?"

I'm not remotely suggesting that any form of bright light source graced our softly greying evening sky as I followed his gaze towards the southwest.  As a matter of fact, it wasn't even late enough to catch a fleeting glimpse of the distant firework displays emanating from the various theme parks that thrive several miles away in that direction.  After some careful reasoning on my part, however, the proverbial 'light bulb' suddenly began to shed its light down upon me.  Thank goodness!

"Ahhhh!!  My goodness...how on earth could I have forgotten?" I asked myself.  "I get it...I get it but, I find it difficult to believe there isn't a visible 'glow' over there.  Maybe they moved.  Or, maybe the wonderful HOA (Translation: Crappy Home Owner's Association) put their 'Bah Humbug' stop to it this year!"

"I don't think they can do that...they could try but, I still don't think so," Dan said, with a slight sneer on his face.  Our HOA can be quite a sore subject for us.  But, as I often say....another story, another time.

Sitting there for an additional fifteen minutes or so, watching the detailed  shadows of varying shades of gray slip into a world of deep, impenetrable black, I couldn't take the suspense another second and jumped-out of my chair!  "That's it!  We have to take a walk around the neighborhood!  I have to know!"

I have always referred to our small (by Orlando standards), gated community as 'A Small Slice of Heaven' because our seventy-three stone and stucco homes rest on the old Morgan homestead that featured a working mill that once ground grain into flour and was powered by the small stream that runs right behind our subdivision.  I would enjoy being able to step-back in time and see the waterwheel that worked the machinery of Mr. Morgan's mill and take-in the sight of the many cows and other farm animals that I've been told grazed on the lush grasses growing along the water's bank.  One Floridian family lived and loved, worked and played, flourished and then disappeared long ago...in another era; a different lifestyle.

Grabbing a light jacket to help ward-off the chill of an autumn evening, we proceeded out the front door on our quest for visual affirmation.  Following our street, Morgan's Mill Circle, to the right, we were seven houses back from the bend in the road....and one gentle right turn before the proof we had been looking for would be staring us in the face....or not! 

As we approached house number five, I realized I had forgotten my handy-dandy cell phone which I have come to rely upon as my 'camera-on-the-go' more often than I care to admit. Apologies going out to my trusty Canon EOS.  "Do you want to go back for your phone before we turn the corner?  I suggest we do it now.  It'll only take a few minutes."  Dan was right.  Finally, with i-Phone in hand we backtracked up the street.

Passing house number five, number six, number seven and curving to the right....we stopped dead in our tracks!!  It was like discovering the Holy Grail right in our own backyard or, seeing the Eiffel Tower for the very first time or, watching that lone deer jump out in front of your moving vehicle on a snowy back road in Michigan and your heart stops in mid-beat!!! Yes, just like all of the above......

"Just Around the Corner"

LET THERE BE LIGHT.....or, in this case, so many wonderful, amazing, fascinating and colorful lights in every conceivable and imaginative holiday configuration.  "They've done it again!" was about all I could say because my finger on the phone's camera button was busy snapping away at this amazing sight.  Dan just stood there, mouth open, in absolute awe. 

"Closer....."

I am certain that from a bird's eye view or if looking down from one of the commercial jet liners that pass near us on their landing path into the Orlando International Airport a few miles to the south, a definite glow can be seen radiating up from our neighbor's house. Usually, that many lights on one property could be considered distasteful or gaudy and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation comes to mind here.  However, somehow these folks are able to pull this one off in a joyful, Christmas 'bright' kind of way, with interesting new additions to their 'madness' configured every year.  I only wish I could find some of the original pictures I had taken years ago to be able to contrast and compare today.  I know that the roof had been devoid of lights back then and at least some of the front yard was empty and visible. 

Before our feet could move us further down the street, we reasoned that the bright street lights located near their house must minimize the effect of a  'magical glow' that we hoped to see from our lanai.  And, maybe, just maybe it's all in our heads, anyway.  I will say that by the time we got up close enough to be able to distinguish the unique little compartments making-up the complete picture of this monumental effort, our hearts were once again enlightened by the sheer amount of work put into it. 

"You notice that the people living around it don't even bother to decorate their houses?"  Dan, logically, replied to this, "They don't have to.  All they have to do is keep their curtains opened and they can share in the 'Light' all season long!" 

"Closer still....."

I chuckled to myself thinking that if anyone around that house needed to go to sleep early, black-out curtains on their bedroom windows might be in order.

We finally tore ourselves away from the 'Light' and were able to walk away, even though I found myself turning my head and looking behind me several times.  How could I leave it?  The sight calls and beckons like a moth to a flame. 

Side View

"Where do you think they will go from here?" I asked my husband as he was literally pulling me along....away from the 'Light.'  "I haven't a clue.  Hey, don't we ask ourselves that question every year?  Somehow they always manage to extend themselves."

Successfully making it past several houses down the street, I snapped a picture of another neighbor's decorating efforts and suddenly the words, subtle, calming, clean and tasteful came to mind.  Oh, and did I mention the word....pretty?

Nice Try!!!

Taking into consideration that our 'rambunctious neighbors' happen to live in the center core of the subdivision, with both sides of their house openly exposed from two of the three streets comprising Morgan's Mill, that crazy light bulb flashed-on above me, once again.

"I know the answer," I said, while looking at Dan with a sheepish grin on my face.  And, all I could envision was strings of colorful lights, candy canes, stars, snowmen, presents, trees, wreaths and Saint Nicks slithering over the rooftop like so many bright snakes invading our neighbor's current dark and colorless backyard.....!

Merry Christmas from Morgan's Mill Circle, Orlando, Florida, USA!




Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

Christmas Future

Ninth in a series.......

A Series of Short Stories

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

How calm and peaceful it is as I sit here in my daughter's den in Michigan.  From my vantage point, snuggled warmly in an oversized crimson colored chair, I feel a bit like Santa himself looking out the mullioned front window to the sparkling snow-covered lawn and contemplating the enormous task ahead......

It's early Christmas Eve morning.  The sun has recently begun to make its presence known as it faithfully attempts to break through a deep cloud cover.....giving promise to enjoying a white Christmas Day tomorrow.  Two precious children calmly lie asleep above me while three others will make their way here to join us later this morning.  Right now I'm taking advantage of the early hour and peace and quiet that comes with it in order to write.

Everyone has finally arrived!  The evening takes me back to Christmas Eve Past when my own daughters excitedly played with their cousins anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 'Big Jolly Man' himself.  There were so many presents to open and so much Love spread among Grandparents, Parents and many Grandchildren.  So long ago now......

Tonight I am one of the Grandparents!  Yet, I can still recall being a Grandchild without a care in the world.  Time is truly such a fleeting thing.  Squeeze your eyes shut as tight as you can and when you open them again, the little ones have become the children of your children's.  The slinky that you opened as a favorite toy has drifted away and has been replaced by a new I-Pad opened by your oldest Grandchild.  

Christmas Eve dinner has been thoroughly enjoyed and opened presents are scattered across the floor in possessive patterns while clean-up crews of adults work their magic in every room that's been touched by the evening's festivities.  Our youngest daughter begins gathering three pajama-clad munchkins, bags of gifts, leftovers and diaper bags while our son-in-law begins to carry all-of-the-above out to the pre-warmed SUV in the driveway.  Tomorrow morning they will be off to visit the other set of Grandparents at their house where more food, treats and presents will be eaten, devoured and opened.....much to everyone's delight.  I will miss them tomorrow, sweet Lydia and the twins.

This morning, Christmas morning, has been blessed with feather-like snowflakes dancing around outside like tiny ballerinas drifting down from the clouds.  I have made my way downstairs a bit early so I can prepare and place the breakfast quiche into the hot oven to bake.  I am hoping the delicate aroma will entice everyone downstairs soon....as if the prospect of Santa's goodies aren't enticement enough. 

Gavin loves trains and Brenna dislikes having to open fancy wrapped boxes filled with socks.  It seems socks have become the modern day 'lump of coal' for girls her age.  Truthfully, they were for me, as well.  Papa holds open the giant plastic bag where rainbow colored fragments of wrapping paper and yards of curled ribbon come to rest after their short-lived stint of protecting the recipients of holiday gifts from the knowledge of what was inside each box for them...... until just the right time.  

Uniform wedges of golden brown quiche and sweet pineapple bake with fresh juice on the side have become a part of history already.  Delicious!  Snowflakes have stopped their early morning dance.  Although, still quite beautiful by itself, the decorated tree appears a bit naked devoid of the shiny gifts that initially gathered beneath it.  All is quiet, if not much more solemn now that the children have retreated to their rooms to take much needed naps.  I've decided to make time for a rejuvenating mug of hot Green Tea and, actually, find myself right back where this journey began yesterday.

Sitting here with my legs swung over one cushy arm of the very same crimson colored chair, spirals of fruity steam curling upwards from my tea mug, I take a short break from the imaginary world within the latest book I am reading.  I rest the paperback edition on my lap and contemplate the long drive back down to Orlando on Saturday and can almost feel the warmth of the Floridian sun upon my skin already.  Yes, it is a comforting, healthy feeling.....

Even though my husband's job keeps us in Florida, for the time being, I know where my heart lies.  And, if the snow piles up to the window ledges or the north wind blows its bitter cold, frosty sting right into my face....those five little souls that continue to charm me with each breath they take will always draw me into their lives and enrich mine within a sea of contentment.  

I don't have an exact timeline in mind; many circumstances are beyond my control.  But, I do know the direction my path will take me, eventually.  For now, I sink back into my paperback novel, sip my comforting tea and wait........

Everything Matters

Eighth in a series.....

Hooker.....Traditional Wooden Sailing Boat

A series of short stories

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Everything Matters....the philosophy of one highly successful CEO, as well as Oprah Winfrey and many other "Super Charged" individuals who have made their way up the ranks of "the unknown" to become "outstanding in their field" and beyond!!

Simply because I know that Everything Matters, is precisely my dilemma as I sit here writing to you today! So many year-end ideas scattered throughout my brain pulling me this way and that.  Even the mere thought that yet another year will be a memory or last year's chapters will soon be cross-referenced by private journals, pictorial histories and, yes, published blogs, proves how unprepared I really am to enter yet another shift-in-time......a new year!

I am amazed when I realize that 2013 will soon slip into 2014 and I have yet to take advantage of everything that matters to me right here, right now.  I am comfortable within this 2013 persona I have created for myself and fear (being the operative word) what I expect from 'me' in 2014........and, my expectations run high. 

Fragments of sentences, individual letters, digital pictures, beautiful faces, emotions.....flying pigs?......All captured above my head within a fluffy cartoon cloud of conversation and personal thoughts.  Brilliant! 

But, but, but, I have yet to write about this, that and the other thing and this year's time is sifting seamlessly through the hour glass (okay, year glass) and, don't you know how Everything Matters so much to me?  I haven't described the sheer natural beauty of Lough Corrib with its polka-dot design of tiny islands that resemble Hershey's Kisses in the soft light of an Irish dusk.  Not a mention yet of the Spanish stone arches, traditional wooden sailing boats called Hookers, Village of Claddagh (yes, associated with the famous ring) or the fascinating people we met who call the once walled-city of Galway their home today.  Have I described for you the significance of discovering a ruined structure, an abandoned Church of Ireland, during our visit to Cong?  Oh, now that's a story!  I cannot forget the tears running down our faces as the gentle breezes off Lough Mask felt like Spirits caressing our bodies while begging us to listen to their sorrowful stories....  Wow!  Seriously, chills just ran down my back remembering this experience!!

Even though the myriad of presents are getting wrapped, cookies are being baked and decorated with Love, clothes washed and folded to fit neatly into suitcases and the trusty KIA is gassed-up and waiting patiently for this barrage of domestic and Holiday items to consume it.....life remains a bit fragmented and unsettling to me.  Why?  We go through the motions without fully understanding why or what the outcome might be.

Actually, sitting here writing all of this down is proving to be a cathartic release, much like crying my way through the end of this year; I am grateful for this because the emotions are running higher than the International Space Station orbiting above us!  Thinking about it now, I come up with three contributing factors to my emotionally charged state of being.  Number one, it is Christmastime; that time of year when being together with Family, decorating the tree, creating delicious food and the wholesome act of simply 'giving,' all play a huge part in our lives.  We're concerned whether there's enough time to fit everything we want to do within the space we've allotted to it in order to achieve our objectives.  Secondly, my goals, as I alluded to above, have become much more specific and real.  I expect a lot from myself in 2014!  Pressure....  Lastly, over and above my personal expectations, I know that Everything Matters.   More Pressure.

Ironically, I believe it is precisely because Everything Matters that I will get through these final days of this year and bump along into 2014.  The dreamer, perfectionist and mental creator.....the three people I live with on a daily basis.....plan on sticking around for quite some time.  I promise to pay attention to all the details that comprise my life including family, friends and the exquisite passion that has served as guide to my soul for all these years......writing! 

Well, now that I have come full-circle in just a matter of a few, short paragraphs, I think I will be okay.  If we take our fear and turn it into positive emotion that is always working for us, we can achieve it all.  The trip up to Michigan to be with Family for Christmas will become a blessed memory, cherished forever.  It will be next year, but those stories about Galway will be written.  My novel is definitely progressing. And, everything will be accomplished with Love, attention to detail and the knowledge that to have it all, you must remember that Everything (Everyone) Matters along the way....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All.....!