EARLY NOVEMBER, 2016: “SO IT GOES!”

 

A series of essays….

SUNSET AT 36,000 FEET

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

Attempting to snuggle comfortably into the middle seat, a position I woefully dislike finding myself in, I began claiming my justifiable real estate before my row mates arrived. Half of an armrest on one side and with just a slight bit of my elbow resting on the inside portion of the opposite one. That should do it for my two-hour and twenty minute flight from Grand Rapids, Michigan, back home to Orlando, Florida.

When flying up to Michigan to visit with my children, their children, and our good friends, I always considered this direct flight from Orlando to Grand Rapids (Grand Rapids back down to Orlando) as a convenient bus trip. It was short, direct, and, for the most part, uneventful. I would pick-up my rental car in G.R. and be on my way to Kalamazoo in no time at all.

Allegiant Airlines, Flight 62, was carrying a full load that day so, my desire to  claim the window seat next to me due to a ‘no show’ appeared hopeless. Right on cue, Mr. Twenty Something peers over at his window seat and squeezes by me, ear buds installed, stashing his backpack under the lucky window seat holder in front of him. (Sadly, he closed the window shade early on and proceeded to sleep against it for the duration of the flight. What a waste!) So it goes…

She staggered down the narrow aisle, nearly the last passenger to board, and gingerly plunked down beside me after stowing her carry-on luggage only one overhead cubicle away from our row. I recall thinking how fortunate she was to have found an available slot nearby.

As the plane was secured and the flight attendants stretched oxygen masks and clicked disembodied seat belts while pointing out exit paths, I was looking forward to opening up my current book and reading for the better part of the flight. I don’t mind engaging in short conversations with fellow passengers. I would much rather read, if possible. Having just celebrated my birthday on Friday with friends, enjoyed most of the week with the grandkids, and now, looking forward to casting my presidential vote in two days for the right candidate, Hillary Clinton, I did not want to have to think too much on my ‘bus trip’ home. 

Conversations between strangers can begin in many unlikely ways. She let her magazine slide off her lap and bent down to retrieve it. In doing so, she inadvertently nudged my book and apologized on her way back up. We smiled, exchanged first names, and began to talk. Since Mr. Windowseat had taken away my opportunity to marvel at the glorious orange sun setting to the west of our flight, as well as being able to see the twinkling lights of Central Florida from my little window as we approached our final destination, I found myself fully engaged with Ms. Aisleseat for the better part of an hour. So it goes…

She was jovial and kind. We established that we lived on opposite sides of the Orlando area but enjoyed many of the same things that this amazing place to live had to offer in the way of entertainment, eating, and shopping. We spoke about our husbands and children while sharing engaging anecdotes about our family life. Even though she was a few years younger than myself, we definitely clicked and found ourselves laughing our way through space and time. It was all good.

The only time we mentioned religion was for her to tell me that she and her husband had taken several trips to other countries to serve people in need, give them hope through God’s work, and were planning another trip very soon. The only time we talked politics was after a short conversation about how strong women can be while being by their husband’s side in every way. So, as I was telling her how excited I was to go home and physically vote for Hillary on Tuesday—suddenly, a small smile began to grow larger and larger until a puff of air revealed a stifled giggle that grew into an open laugh. So it goes… (Thank you, Kurt Vonnegut, for allowing me, in three small words, to express my feelings so clearly.)

My new friend, Ms. Aisleseat, bless her little heart, stared at me as if I were from another planet. She asked me if I truly believed that Donald Trump had a chance in hell of losing, especially to Hillary Clinton: a Democrat, a cheat, and a woman!! Three strikes and she’s out!

Wow! Wow! Wow!

What seemed to be such a normal chance conversation between strangers on a plane quickly turned into shock and awe, at least on my part. I can’t recall telling her she had to vote for Hillary on Tuesday. As a matter of fact, my assumptions about who she might be voting for were sparked by her verbalized faith in the strength of women and how women help to shape the world. So I took a chance by expressing my hopes in the power of womanhood and mentioned voting for Hillary. 

The signs were all there. I just didn’t want to see them, I suppose. It was eye opening to be sitting next to The Trumpster Lady/Ms. Aisleseat on the plane who was in no way humble about her choice for president and told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was crazy to believe otherwise. 

And, you know what? She turned out to be absolutely right. A bit over two days later, I, among millions of other souls, experienced one of the worst shocks of our lives, politically speaking. Personally, my body went numb on the morning of November the ninth. Then, I began to shake uncontrollably and feel as lonely and broken and hopeless as anyone could be. The tears would not be stifled all day long and there wasn’t anything anyone could say or do to make me feel better. 

Hillary losing was very sad for so many reasons and that glass ceiling was cracked quite extensively—I just knew it! But, it still remained in place along with all of our fears of what was now going to come out of all this. I knew we had four years of hell to pay because this clueless, incompetent man now wielded extreme power and, virtually, had no idea what to do with it. It would take a humble sense of loyalty and discipline on his part in order to aid the people of this nation and help to maintain a sense of cohesiveness and strength that was so expertly projected by President Barack Obama for eight years.

Since that flight to Orlando I will admit to speaking with others on a plane. But, my conversations are kept short and innocent. I will never be placed in such a vulnerable position with a stranger, again. I take pride in being my own thinking person with original thoughts and ideals and not brainwashed or manipulated by anyone else. To this day it amazes me how many people have been caught up in this game of lack of self-worth that helped contribute to placing such a despicable man in office in the first place. Even more astounding is that he still reaches out to the weak and vulnerable to this day. 

Over six years later—So it goes…!

Copyright © 2023 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

NICE GUYS FINISH LAST

 

A series of essays….

ALLOW YOUR BETTER SELF TO STOKE A FIRE IN YOUR BELLY!
IT’S THE FORCE BEHIND THE ACTIONS THAT SHAPE YOUR FUTURE.

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I wasn’t going to go here this soon since finding my happy place in writing about my childhood, grandchildren, friends, and trips taken—

Sitting here, fingers poised over the keyboard while gently directing my mind to be kind, gentle, and polite when the proverb “Nice guys always finish last,” comes to mind. People who are decent, friendly, and agreeable tend to be unsuccessful because they are outmaneuvered or overwhelmed by others who are not so decent, friendly, or agreeable. Am I ringing any bells here, people?

Being nice and decent and friendly might get us into heaven, or whatever space our souls might occupy after we discontinue walking this planet. It’s about time, politically speaking, that we ‘decent folk’ begin thinking more in terms of successfully challenging the “basket of deplorables” who have cajoled, outwitted, outmaneuvered, and overwhelmed us for years and years. Many of these deplorables happen to hold elected office in Washington D.C. and throughout the states!!

Yes, Hillary had named them properly several years ago during her presidential campaign speech and while attempting to fend off the immature creature who stalked her on the debate floor.

When a constitutional law that has set a precedence for the good of fifty percent of the population, Roe v. Wade, is overturned after a half a century of existence, it is safe to say that we, as a nation, have been successfully outmaneuvered and openly overwhelmed! Even though, the entire time he was stacking the Supreme Court with judges of a similar drumpf mind-set, he was, legitimately, telling us about his plans (the republican agenda) to take away a woman’s control over her own body!

Drumpf knew he could get away with murder and line his pockets with gold at the same time by inciting chaos while fueling the fear of Americans who feel unaccounted for, as well as those whose skin color, alone, makes them feel superior over all others. Taking his cues from oppressive dictatorships, past and present, and grasping a long-term republican plan dating back to, at least, the Reagan years, this Putin puppet continues to play his people to this very day.

Shall I bring up gerrymandering (long-term manipulation of voting districts), disallowing a sitting president to fill a vacant SCOTUS seat while having almost one year left in his term of office, or having the republican leader of the Senate literally dictate his venomous beliefs via his blatant lack of action for years? The vermin continue to skitter through the cracks in the form of nasty, gun toting women politicians, as well as seasoned male politicians who have been bought and sold so many times over the years that they are lucky to remember where their precious blood money is currently stashed.

If you feel like the stars above have not been aligning for those of us who are liberal minded and treasure the idea of helping others in as many ways as possible, you are not alone. What does it take to light that fire in our bellies? Is it possible to do so while maintaining our decency and not slipping down into the greed-slickened chutes of personal payoffs with the likes of Manchin and Sinema who refuse the ladders of hope offered to them by the current administration? 

I believe we can make a difference; short and simple. But we have to want it badly enough and be willing to break through the stigma of nice guy and not be overwhelmed by the people leading us back into time by erasing freedom and democracy from our lives through manipulation. For far too long, we have been nice guys getting pummeled by the not so decent guys. 

Without the intention of going down the slippery slope ourselves, it’s time we make a generous tactical maneuver of our own. Let’s begin with dry kindling and graduate up to small branches until the burning of larger logs eventually ignites our desire to get things done. Only then we will allow great changes to happen. We can’t afford to dilly-dally any longer; we need to take action, now!

If we don’t let our voices be heard, loud and clear, or allow our actions to be felt and fully comprehended—consistently—we will continue to slip down the rabbit hole of disgrace without an outlet or resolution of any kind. We’ve played the nice guy card long enough. It’s about time we spread our wings and get down to business. 

Just as the abortion card began with mild restrictions until having an abortion will soon become punishable by their own conservative laws, demeaning women in so many ways, liberals must advance, step by step, until all assault weapons, including the AR-15, are eliminated for private use. Until mass murders become history and the lives of those we love become more important than the guns that can kill them, the reason for fighting to stop their sale should hit all of us long and hard. This concept alone should have given us a stronger resolve, invincible backbone, and helped to save many innocent lives. Where have our strong liberal selves been hiding all of this time? We can do anything, together!

If enough voices are raised in unison, with one mindset and goal, the strength of this action alone would change the world. There is strength in numbers. We’ve done it before; we can do it again and again. But, as I’ve mentioned before, we have to want it badly enough. That fire in our bellies must be stoked by good intentions, true, but also continue to fuel the action needed to make important changes. We must never lose sight of our freedoms. We cannot allow democracy to slide down that greed-slickened chute along with the slimy creatures willing to breach our democracy for their own ill gotten gains.

Let’s stop the forward motion of hatred and strife, ethnic and civil, and redirect this energy to do good rather than evil. Let’s concentrate on making the world a better place for all of the people instead of the few who continue to use their elected powers to brainwash those who would rather work to disrupt the Establishment instead of working with it for the betterment of all.

Without shedding the nice guy approach altogether, (after all, why would we eliminate our own innate capacity to love?), let’s find the resolve to be stronger, more organized, and highly successful this time around. As a small child actually desires structure, discipline, and love in order to survive and grow stronger, the adult versions of ourselves must approach today as a brand new opportunity to decipher right from wrong and work like hell to apply it towards keeping democracy the practice of social equality by and for the people of this great nation.

Don’t you think it’s time; before it’s too late?

Copyright © 2022 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

SHE WILL BE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A series of essays....

WE’RE NOT WHERE WE NEED TO BE BUT, THANK GOD, WE’RE NOT
WHERE WE USED TO BE. SHE WILL HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SHE WILL BE OUR BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

As November 3, 2020, looms on the horizon and is labeled a ‘lifetime game changer,’ there’s one very important decision that must be made within the next few weeks (or less). And, it is as highly anticipated as all of the pertinent questions seem to indicate: “Isn’t it about time he announces his pick?” “With so many solid choices, his decision must be very difficult.” “Joe knows what he’s doing. Give him time.” “I’ve made my decision. What about you?”

Truthfully, do you believe that this much scrutiny and care went into any of the previous choices of male candidates slated to fill the position of ‘running mate’ for any man hoping to win his bid for the presidency? Generally speaking, if they were male, of the same political party, and if their profile would guarantee votes for the top man running, he would have all the proper credentials needed for the job!

This time, I believe, it is very different.

This candidate will be a woman. Joe has ensured us of this. Just as he has firmly stated that his presidency will be diverse, engaging, and regulated by the essential principles signified by the Constitution of the United States of America.

Do you understand that this candidate will be a woman? She will serve our country alongside the president. She is not meant to outshine this fine man, Joe Biden. Rather, she will be obliged to stand beside him, assist him in making the best decisions for this country, all while knowing that her opinions will be listened to and respected. What a magnificent concept this is!

Four years ago, the devastation we felt from losing Hillary Clinton’s leadership was unbearable...for many reasons. Yes, we lost the bid for her becoming president and the opportunity to celebrate a victory for this highly capable and intelligent woman. But, we also had a pretty strong feeling that the person who was ultimately granted this prestigious role was neither qualified nor worthy. And, even though Hillary won the popular vote, her opponent squeezed through the White House front door with the help of an archaic law that was formed from a document designed to aid George Washington by easing him into the role as our first President along with his opponent and Vice President, John Adams.

The attempt to measure out all of the kinks within this train of thought was brought about by the retirement of George Washington in 1796, when the electoral system was still only a document. Congress proposed the Twelfth Amendment that required electors to vote for one president and one vice president. This amendment was ratified in 1804. The electoral system turned out to be a benefit applied to the real undemocratic problem of protecting slave states that feared being outvoted in a popular vote system and it ensured the influence of slave owning presidents for more than a quarter of a century.

Even though Hillary won the popular vote by almost three million votes, the egregious and outdated electoral vote placed one of the most heinous individuals in the White House for the past four years. His main agenda has always been to shred our country and her people into tiny bits and pieces based on his own vindictiveness, greed, incompetence, bigotry, and unquenchable racism.

Together, we’re not going to let this happen.

Two-hundred and sixteen years after the ratification of the Twelfth Amendment I can honestly say, “We need Papa Joe!“ We need this kind, loving person to place his hands on our shoulders and plant a kiss on the top of our heads in order to calm us down, encourage a healing process, and stabilize our lives after so much turmoil.

His reassurance will be twofold with the addition of his running mate. This woman will be written down in history and talked about for not only who she is, but for what Joe knows she stands for, what she has already accomplished, as well as what she is capable of doing in the future in order to make this nation a model of profound leadership once again.

Even while battling a universal pandemic, staunching the hatred that has been blustering throughout our nation for hundreds of years, and consciously calculating the wrongs we’ve had to endure and have been reactivated by the current presidency, I feel pretty darn good right now. I am hopeful and enlightened by what is soon to come. And, finally, I am proud to be seated on this political bandwagon that’s riding the hills, valleys, and cityscapes with freedom as its backdrop and equality, compassion, and honesty printed on its free-flowing, red, white & blue banners. 

The lady chosen by Joe Biden to ride by his side through thick and thin will be there with her infinite wisdom, guidance, and purpose even beyond Joe’s tour of duty. She will have an amazing legacy for all of the history books to acknowledge.

With so many fine women for Joe to choose from, I am glad that he is taking his time to figure out who will best fill this important position. It gives one comfort to know that he is taking this important job quite seriously. We haven’t known this feeling for quite a long time. Yes, like so many of us right now, I am eager and excited to hear her name placed out into our nation’s ethos for all to know and become familiar with on the Biden/???? ticket. Like the Phoenix rising up from the current ashes of Washington D.C., we are renewed with vigor and purpose.

I will be patient, I promise, even though it is difficult after these past few years. Just writing about all of this, while  projecting my spirit into the very near future, has enlivened me beyond belief. 

To all my fellow ‘Eeyore’ liberals out there today, and you know who you are, I say to you..think positive thoughts and remember this: No matter who Joe places to run alongside of him, he knows, as well as we do, that she will be a breath of fresh air, an enlightened addition to the cause, and the right person to compliment the amazing gentleman soon to be our 46th President of the United States of America!

Take good care of yourselves and others. Wear a mask in public!

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photo Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER ~ THURSDAY NIGHT BOOKCLUB

A series of essays and chats.....

COFFEE AND CROISSANTS WITH HOMEMADE CONFITURE
LE VERGER - CHAMBRES d'HOTES EN PROVENCE
GORDES, FRANCE

.....as seen through my eyes!




"The most important thing in all human relationships is conversation, but people don’t talk anymore, they don’t sit down to talk and listen. They go to the theater, the cinema, watch television, listen to the radio, read books, but they almost never talk."

~~~Paulo Coelho, Author

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

From time to time, our neighborhood friends meet at the corner coffeehouse to relax, sip their favorite brew or concoction, and warm-up their hands and hearts....together!

Some might think of their meeting as a 'cleansing' or 'purification of the soul.' Even though they may share similar backgrounds and values, their ideas and opinions are as diverse and variable as the weather outside of the little shop.

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

BREAKFAST AT HOTEL LE BELVEDERE
ARLES, FRANCE

Six interesting and unique ladies meet once a month at their local coffeehouse to discuss their latest read, current events, careers, and discover for themselves just how strong and opinionated they can be. Let's take a sip and listen in on tonight's discussion.

MANDY: Good evening, ladies!! I have one thing to say.....well, two. I need my coffee and, congratulations America! We have officially reached a brand new low.....!

JANIS: Don't get started on politics already, Mandy. We're here to discuss our latest book.

ROSIE: I'll have to agree with Janis on this one. The evening's too short and I'm not feeling mean spirited enough to tackle the political scene right now. (Cheshire Cat smile on her face)

JANIS: Thank you, Rosie.

SABINE: (Sporting her pleasing French accent) Oh, but please.... I did not comprehend this book at all!!! But, being French, I do know a bit about the politics.

JOAN: We're sorry, Sabine. I was so hoping that we could secure a copy of 'the book' in French for you.

SABINE: It is okay. But, I was not pleased with the main character. He was a nasty, hateful man who did not understand women at all. He could never capture my heart.

MANDY: (Returning with her Mocha Latte) Ahhh! I hear we have begun our discussion about DJT after all? And now, he's calling for a Revolution against the Republican Party and many high ranking party members. What an ignorant, disgusting man! If his original intent was to obliterate the Conservative Party, I can almost feel the vibrations from the impending implosion while sitting here.

JOAN: My students talk about our political status for most of our hour together and I duly encourage it. I feel that they are, at least, aware of what this election year is all about and offer their opinions even though they won't be able to vote themselves for a few years. They'll be more likely to vote, I hope, because of our discussions. I'm proud of them.

JANIS: I agree! If they begin understanding early on, they will be more involved in their future.

ROSIE: Dana, you're awfully quiet tonight. Have you gotten something to drink yet? Are you feeling okay?

DANA: I'm fine.

MANDY: We've all agreed to turn our cell phones off for, at least, an hour tonight and Dana's not too happy about it.

DANA: Nope. That's not it, exactly. It's been a long, difficult week at work. That's all.

SABINE: Oh, ma chère. This is not a good thing for you. Such unhappiness.

ROSIE: Want to talk about it?

DANA: Well, it's just that I feel like the only adult among a world filled with children. I'm walking on eggshells around the office because politics has become such a taboo right now. Nobody wants to 'rock the boat' and anger co-workers. Unlike your open-minded class, Joan. But then, I was inclined not to come to the bookclub tonight for fear of having to talk about everything that's happening. Somehow, I knew that Mandy would come through. Bingo! And, by the way, I did read 'the book' for tonight, too.

JANIS: Back when I was a much younger woman, we ladies would be relegated to the kitchen or someplace else if the men began talking politics. We didn't care to talk about it anyway.

ROSIE: Don't be silly..... First of all, you aren't that old. That was our Mother's generation who felt that way. Secondly, our generation was caught in the middle of this debate: Whether to be passive or aggressive about what was going on in the world around us.

SABINE: I am interested in learning your excitement of having a female President for the first time. This is a wonderful possibility for you, yes?

MANDY: I believe I speak for most of us here when I say that this is an amazing possibility for all women.....or, at least it should be. Breaking through the "Glass Ceiling" has been a monumental feat for Hillary. Right?

(Nods all around)

MANDY: But, I also think that having one of the strongest women I know, as well as one of the most knowledgeable, as our first female nominee has been encouraging for me.

DANA: Many women say that you shouldn't vote for someone due to their gender alone.

JOAN: That's what Mandy is saying, Dana. She's so much more than a female representative fighting for the Presidency. She's smart, tough, and willing to put all of herself out there for many of the right reasons. Nobody I know has ever questioned having a man run for office.....why question a highly competent woman?

JANIS: I see her as a threat.

ROSIE: A threat to whom, Janis?

JANIS: To many closed-minded men out there who cannot foresee being led by or governed by a woman. Come on.....we all know it's true!! My mother couldn't  make important household decisions without my father's approval because he felt superior to her instead of equal. This feeling, whether we admit it or not, still exists today.

MANDY: Unfortunately, that's so true.

SABINE: I see what all of you are saying. I learn more each day about American society. But, I have one question. Are we ever going to talk about 'the book' tonight?

MANDY: Probably not, Sabine. But, hey! We all know how important 'the book' has been for all of us tonight.

JOAN, JANIS, ROSIE, & DANA: Yes we do!

MANDY: That book has brought us together to drink coffee, open up about how we feel, and take a load off of our minds.....right, Dana? That book opened up conversations we don't often have at home or work. All in all, the book has been enlightening for all of the above reasons tonight!

JOAN: As the great author, Paulo Coelho, once stated, "If we want to change the world, we have to go back to a time when warriors would gather around a fire and tell stories." So, it's a candle in the middle of our table instead....it works!

SABINE: Oh, what a great book, even though the main character is a dirty old man, yes?

MANDY: Okay, ladies; coffee down and cell phones at the ready. On the count of three....turn them back on!

ROSIE: Love you all! (Hugs and Kisses all around) I will post 'the next book' title online tomorrow! Have a great evening.....! And, drive safely, sweet friends.

MORE COFFEE, PLEASE!!

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

THE STRENGTHS AND IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

A series of essays.....

~~~VOTES FOR WOMEN *** WOMEN OF THE WORLD UNITE~~~

.....as seen through my eyes!



By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Our First Lady: A Potent History Lesson

"I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves — and I watch my daughters — two beautiful, intelligent, black young women — playing with their dogs on the White House lawn. And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters — and all our sons and daughters — now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States."

***Michelle Obama at the 2016 Democratic National Convention



Ruline Steininger: A Passion For Politics 

I was born...

...in a home where my Daddy never failed to vote Republican.

At the time I was born, my mother was not eligible to vote in the Presidential elections. That wouldn't happen until August of 1920, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

I was welcomed into the Steininger household of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, on April 14, 1913. They named me, Ruline. I enjoyed a happy childhood with few complaints. I knew how much I was loved. And, seven years later my baby sister was born. It seemed to me that the year 1920 was just chock-full of surprises.

Now, even though a baby sister has a way of changing your life forever, little did I know at the time that the changing tide in our nation and in Washington D.C. could or would affect my life so greatly. But, it certainly did!

Even when I was quite young, I never failed to keep my eyes and ears opened. Why, as a five-year-old, I can remember running to the front yard to wave goodbye to soldiers or passing troop trains headed for World War I.

My Daddy was, in addition to a staunch Republican, the pastor of our local church. I recall someone ringing our church bells everyday that our young men were fighting for us in this war to end all wars. My Mother always believed it was a good thing to constantly remember these young men and what they were fighting for. I can't recall for certain, but she may have helped to ring the bells herself from time to time.

I remember the day the war finally ended....our bells rang out loud and clear all day long! The boys I had waved goodbye to were coming home to stay.

Of course, none of us knew then that this would not be the last time our young men and women would be heading across the sea to fight for their country. Little did I believe that as a newlywed, my husband would be drafted into the Air Force in 1942. I wouldn't see him again until three and a half years later.

                       YOUTHFUL RULINE STEININGER
Courtesy: us.hola.com

   
It's kind of sad that women were so prohibited in their careers back when I attended high school. We only had two options to look at and they were either nursing or teaching. When I graduated high school in 1931, I looked forward to my college career. Sadly, my debts added up quickly and I was forced to drop-out.

These were the years of the Great Depression. Life was difficult for most everyone we knew. But, I was determined to make something of my life and utilize my strengths as an independent woman of my day. After all, I voted for Franklin Delano Roosevelt when I was twenty-three years old and never told my Father about my party of choice.....ever!

I have remained a staunch Democrat since my first presidential election.

I never gave up when it came to my education either. I obtained a degree in art in 1941 and began teaching for the next twenty-four years.

Somewhere along in there I was fortunate to have had my two sons. They both are artists in their own right and I am quite proud of them. I'm even more proud of my three grandchildren in whom I see the bright future of this country.

With 103, yes.....one hundred and three years behind me now, many of them devoted to working long, hard hours for my Democratic Party in one capacity or another, I am witnessing the fruit of my labor: The possibility of having the first woman president in the White House!



              RULINE STEININGER TODAY AT AGE 103
    Courtesy: www.cnn.com

My dreams were dashed in 2008 when Hillary Clinton conceded defeat to Barack Obama. I was still in my first century of life, however. That century saw world wars, two Great Depressions, man walk on the moon, and the grand teachings of Doctor Martin Luther King.

Now that I am in my second century of life, the most remarkable thing to happen would be to see a woman as president!

My baby sister who is going strong at ninety-six told me she won't vote for Hillary because of her e-mail problems. Wish I could change her mind before November. We'll have to wait and see what happens with that one.

If I were to give any kind of advice about what it takes to live a long life, the wisdom I've accumulated would include: Walk for an hour every day; eat organic food; take the stairs instead of anything else, and stay interested in your community, our government, and world events. My passion has always been politics!

Oh, and vote! I am looking forward to voting for the first female president of the United States this November!

***Facts extracted from Ms. Steininger's interview at IowaAging.gov.



"Believe in something larger than yourself. Get involved in the big ideas of your time."

***Barbara Bush



"The battle for the individual rights of women is one of long standing and none of us should countenance anything which undermines it."

***Eleanor Roosevelt



"Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated."

"Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation."

Lastly.....

"Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul."

***Three quotes by Coretta Scott King



     
        CORETTA SCOTT KING


Watching the Democratic National Convention these past three nights, many of my own thoughts and beliefs from my past several decades of life ring loud and clear through the words of the men and women gracing that large stage. "Strong women get things done!" is the qualifying theme that resonates the most with me.    

Like the intricate weave of a strong basket meant to cradle objects in a lifetime of service, these strong women open up their hearts and show us a profound love for family, home, and country that's greater than anything we could ever imagine. 

Strong with undaunted beliefs, women are understanding, caring, loving, and never to be underestimated....women have always been equal!! The women on our political front today prove this daily. As the Broadway performers sang loud and clear last evening: "What the world needs now is Love, Sweet Love.......!" For all and by all...always!   



Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

BASH TALKS TRASH?

 A series of essays.....

DANA BASH IS CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR CNN

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

I would be remiss, my dear readers, by not pointing out how exceedingly difficult it has been for me not to sully my weekly post with political innuendos, gossip, lies, and half-truths!

Some of my stories may have been innocently (ha hum, clearing my throat) infused with mild opinions and reactions to various political drivel, especially regarding a name I cannot and will not type while utilizing my precious add-on, i-Pad keyboard. I respect my keyboard and, if required, will use the euphemism 'Drumpf' instead.

Fortunately, my story is not directly about Drumpt. I would rather not be a contributor to his devious plan of extracting free media exposure, even on this incredibly minute scale: My blog post! Trust me, I will continue to sleep quite well tonight and on through to the November elections! And, hopefully, beyond.

My story concerns a female journalist (TVNewser) whose employer is CNN, the Cable News Network, owned by the Turner Broadcasting System, a division of Time Warner.

Not long ago, CNN named Dana Bash chief political correspondent, the network's lead journalist covering the Republican presidential candidates, Capitol Hill and elections. Once relegated to the more shadowy corners of the CNN political news stories, Dana has stealthily advanced along the political battlefields before securing her network Purple Heart by fighting in the trenches. After all, she is covering the Republican Party.

It was a particular analogy Dana used several days ago that ultimately roller-coastered me from one emotion to another within seconds. In referencing Elizabeth Warren's endorsement of Hillary Clinton, along with Warren's recent 'tag-a-long approach' designed to mirror Secretary Clinton and intelligently expose Drumpf (sorry, I had to mention him here) for the person he truly is, Dana compared Warren's position to that of Sarah Palin! What in the world was she talking about?

I was crushed! How could anyone dare to say the name of Sarah Palin within the same breath used to mention Senator Elizabeth Warren? And, Dana was comparing these two individuals as if they had any personality traits that could be compared adroitly with in the first place. So, I sat and I listened and.....I learned.

"If you think about it," she said, as I sat staring craters into the flat screen before me, "Elizabeth Warren's self-proclaimed status within the Democratic Party is quite similar to the one Sarah Palin held for the Republicans." Ouch!! "Both women hold similar positions within their parties that are particularly designed to push, pull, and enhance the positive attributes of the nominee they are supporting."

Okay. Perhaps I can calm down a little bit and try to understand all of this.

"In essence, they serve as cheerleaders for their candidate." I think I see where this is going. "And, with loud voices and passionate outcries, they expound the political beliefs of their candidate and encourage the voters to understand why their vote really does matter."

Now, my poor brain was immediately dressing Elizabeth in her preferred color 'blue' replete with "I'm For Her ---->" sewn-on patches, megaphone, and flashy blue and white pom-poms! Somehow, I failed to dress-up Ms. Palin in my mind because I still couldn't forget the black and silver disco 'go-go' outfit she wore while endorsing (you know who) months ago. All I could imagine was each silver tassel swinging wildly across her chest as she shook and quaked with the fervor of an Appalachian minister on a sweltering Saturday night.

I 'got it.' The analogy was not lost on me and what Dana said made sense. Like good little soldiers, whether we agree with it or not, each cheerleader embraces their candidate's ego with open arms and carries their ideals and beliefs on their shoulders like tasseled, velvet epaulets....high ranking and loyal to a fault.

One must ask if this burdensome task was spawned by a true alliance with the values held by their candidate? Or, are sweet treats and political rewards the incentives dangled in front of them like juicy carrots? We will let our conscience be our guide with this one.

Either way, the role of these two 'cheerleaders' is similar. I will admit that. Their style (message)......as different as day and night.

When Warren, with microphone in hand and steel in her eyes, lets loose with frustration, you can feel the years of hard work and passion that she's contributed to the well-being of each and every one of us. She is a force of nature, just like Hillary Clinton herself, and a person that anyone would be proud to have by their side.

Thank you, Dana Bash, for making it real for me. Each side has drive and ambition, however, the packaging and standards can be, and are, entirely different.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

AGING WITH GRACE: Praise For Strong, Loving Women

A series of essays.....

MY AUNT JUNE: "A COLLECTION OF WARM SMILES
SPRINKLED WITH A WRY SENSE OF HUMOR"

.....as seen through my eyes! 




By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Yes, I continue to age each day and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it! Coming to terms with the fact that aging is inevitable, eases the negativity behind it.....to a certain degree.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to love yourself, too! I mean, what's the point of living day-in and day-out with somebody you don't have the utmost respect for....? Yourself. After all, I spend most of my time with, well, me....especially as a writer when I find myself traversing the intricate corridors of my brain nearly twenty-four/seven. I figure I had better be there for me, over anyone else I can think of.

The funny part is, especially as I age and learn more about myself, I pray that I will have no regrets. I have been told that my personality can come-off being a bit strong and too boisterous at times thus appearing to intimidate those around me. Growing older (or, as I refer to it, finally growing-up), I know the simple truth is that my passion seeps out in great, hot waves that crash onto the projected rocks having sharp, jagged edges that can harm the sensibilities of those within my circle. My ideas, stories, and intimate connection with the imagination that feeds me on a daily basis, sensationalizes the ordinary, and highlights the mundane, can be stronger than I could ever estimate. It is what defines me as a person.

Peering out from my often lonely, internal existence, I find comfort in a world splashed in vibrant colors, draped in miles of attractive fabrics, and scented with the perfume of a thousand exotic flowers! It is a good place to be. Sipping my steaming mug of green tea with honey and lemon, I quietly slip back into my surreal existence,
eventually!

I firmly believe that, as we age, we become more aware of those aging gracefully around us: a spouse, friends, immediate family members, and even public figures. And, as with many strong women, we seek-out other strong women with personalities that captivate us with their tenderness and loving attitudes towards life in general. It is an extreme pleasure to be able to acknowledge women around my own age that inspire me every single day. I would like to point a few of them out to you.

Allow me to introduce my adorable, Aunt June. Ninety-two years ago the earth was blessed by her arrival. Being the second born and having three male siblings, my father being her older brother, I can totally identify with many trials and tribulations she may have encountered given this identical birth order myself. Aunt June is the 'purple salad'  greatly anticipated and eagerly consumed every family reunion in August. She is a collection of warm smiles sprinkled with a wry sense of humor that often offsets her petite yet classic and well groomed stature. She is a fireball of energy and excitement who is always 'up' on current events and undeniably opinionated in her own right.

We totally lost touched as I grew older, married, and started a family of my own. Several years ago, not long after the birth of our first grandchild, Brenna, Aunt June and I were reconnected here in Florida when she and Uncle Louis rented a property during the winter months in Winter Haven. It was the best reunion of my life as it was peppered, once again, with her smiles and feisty humor.

Since the passing of Uncle Louis five years ago, she lives in her home located in South Bend, Indiana and we see one another as often as we can. Otherwise, Aunt June and I have become 'phone buddies' and have been known to ignore the passing of time for hours on end. She has become a best friend, surrogate mom, and a human sounding board by whom I channel my good and bad days as they are then deciphered and categorized by their relative importance. I admire this lady with all my being and often tell her that when I grow-up......I want to be just like her! Aging gracefully is her power and she's been blessed with the strength to endure just about any scenario placed before her.

Yes....I'm With Her!! How could I not be? Hillary Clinton, if you haven't noticed by now, is in the news quite a bit lately as she makes her run for President of the United States. I have reason to believe that the battle brewing between her and Bernie Sanders right now can be classified as 'mild' compared to the knock-down, drag-out fight she will soon encounter with the New York real estate mogul.

I do not feel the least bit sorry for him.

Hillary is a strong, brilliant woman who has had to endure one drama after another in her life of both a personal and public (political) nature and survived, if not made stronger and better prepared, as she emerged on the other side. Facing a male dominant world filled with its 'good 'ole boys' status hell-bent (even in 2016) on not accepting all human beings as equals, she consistently handles herself with decorum coupled with expert knowledge regarding ways to continue the progressive movement of this country and its citizens. As a mother, grandmother, and stubborn woman myself, I praise her tenacity and will always believe that she is highly qualified and sensitized towards the direct needs of all men, women, and children, with no exceptions.

No Presidential election should ever be based upon the physical traits of anyone. If that were the case, I wonder how many of our past male presidents would ever be elected today. Hillary Clinton ages gracefully right before us as she displays the charm of a loving woman who understands the value of wrapping her arms around us, helping the pain subside, and then applying a feasible solution in order to make us better and stronger. Hillary Clinton makes me proud to be a woman. Simple as that. She makes me proud to pass her female legacy down to my own daughters and granddaughters. She is setting a precedent for strong, little girls who desire to embrace their future head-on.

I could go on indefinitely mentioning female mentors, leaders, and artists who have changed the world through their powerful influence and talent: Mother Teresa, Oprah Winfrey, Margaret Sanger (opened the first family planning clinic in the United States), Virginia Woolf (author), Marie Curie (scientist), Sheryl Sandberg (author and COO of Facebook), Hillary Clinton, Marie Bracquemond (Impressionist artist), and Gloria Steinem, just to name a few.

Nurturing and being compassionate....that is what we do best as women. That is where we excel. We seem to always get things done. Whether we are mothers, teachers, doctors, or friends that genuinely care about one another, women are strong role models for others. And, as we age, we value more and more the inspiration of other women in our lives and use this strength to move forward into the realm of equalization with our male counterparts.

My personal goal, when it comes to aging with dignity and grace, has always been with regard to how well I have raised my own daughters. I am blessed with two strong, loving, and nurturing ladies who are generously passing these traits down to their own children every day.

Concentrating on the spiritual influences in my life these days, I open my heart and my arms to the power and grace of Love. You may have already noticed this recurring theme throughout my writing and with good reason. Strength, Love, and the Power to Forgive will guide each of us, man or woman, down the right path to aging....with dignity and grace.



Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved