REAL HEROES: DAVID HOGG AND OUR POSTMAN'S SON

A series of essays.....

PARTIAL VIEW OF OUR LIBRARY VIA THE FRONT DOOR

.....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Enjoying the opportunity to begin writing around six-thirty every weekday morning has its ups and its downs. Kissing the husband good-bye as he heads off to work, grabbing my mug filled to the brim with freshly brewed coffee, and making my way over to snuggle on the couch with i-Pad nestled on my lap.....is pure heaven for me. Now is my time to become totally immersed within the world inside my head, for better or worse.

One ‘down’ for this particular morning is having to listen to a crew ripping off a neighbor’s shingles, two houses down from us, in preparation for a new roof. They have decided to take advantage of our earlier sunrise and promote the resounding echos generated by the fruits of their labor which are bouncing around the subdivision like gigantic, rusty chains being scraped along metal grates!  Add a little sandy grit to the mix and you can imagine the detrimental effect on me in terms of unanticipated distraction! Can the disagreeable rhythm of powerful nail guns be far behind?

There’s, also, the fact that I tend to hang-out in my sleeping attire far longer than most people are able to. As long as nobody requires me to open the front door for any medical emergency....I’m set to go, feet resting on the soft, beige ottoman and time becoming irrelevant to my current state of mind. 

As with most of us who make a deliberate effort to care about the world and her people, the subjects of gun control, Dreamers, Immigrants, corruption and greed, bigotry, illicit affairs, and hate plague our thoughts on a daily basis. I believe that if we can find one ‘shining moment’ every day and concentrate on it for at least thirty minutes, this process will help to enlighten our moral outlook and keep us moving in a forward motion.

Last Thursday’s ‘shining moment’ presented itself to me in a unique manner. Not only did I keep it in my thoughts for a very long time, I decided that this enlightening moment had to be shared. It happened to be fortuitous that I’d already showered and changed into daytime clothing before it all went down!

POSTAL LETTER CARRIER
UNIFORM  ~  SUMMER BASEBALL CAP

He rang the front doorbell. You would like to think that anyone standing on your front stoop would not take advantage of looking directly into your home via the sidelight but, he did. 

Placing my i-Pad off to the side, I walked around our ‘Grandpa’s Chair’ (purchased for its larger yet cozy capacity for sitting and cuddling with Grandchildren) and into the foyer to gaze out at my unscheduled guest from my side of the sidelight before opening the front door. His broad smile along with a cap and shirtfront displaying the recognizable Seal of Delivery of the United States Postal Service gave him away. I opened the door.

“Are you Jacqueline Hughes?” he inquired in very good English but with a thick accent reminiscent of a Spanish speaking native who has lived in this the U.S. for many years. “Yes,” I replied. Next he was handing me a tiny machine and asking me to sign my Etch-a-Sketch signature before signing and printing my name on the registered letter itself. As I was signing my life away for one elongated, white envelope, he peeped through the open door and exclaimed, “Oh, I love your library!” Could he have endeared me more to him by saying anything else, I ask you?

“Thank you. You must be an avid reader,” I said.

“Oh, yes I am! I love books. I love to read. And, it’s so rare to see home libraries anymore. Your library is beautiful!” His excitement was contagious and heartwarming.

My new friend was beaming and I could sense that there was much more to this story than a huge smile and extreme fawning over our cozy library would tell me. And, there was....

“My oldest son was accepted to Harvard! He was just informed yesterday! We are so proud of him!” he blurted out in what seemed like one, long exhaled breath. “He’d been accepted at MIT, as well, but has always had his heart set on attending Harvard!” All five feet and close to five inches of him was shaking with pride and love and all of those happy, wonderful emotions that we parents feel and display so readily when it comes to the unique accomplishments of our offspring.

~~SPRINGTIME AT HARVARD~~

                                   Photo: Courtesy USA Today

“How wonderful that is for your son and for you, too!” I said while feeling myself bobbing up and down in mirrored rhythm to his ‘joy and happiness dance’ enforced by his exuberant vibes. “I am so happy for you and for your son and family. The hard work he has had to put into everything he does is paying off for him.”

“I know. I know. He has earned a partial scholarship and that is supplemented with various grants he’s applied for. It will be a long road, I understand this. But, he is strong and knows exactly what he wants in this world and that will help make a difference.”

I continued to bounce along with him as I looked into his sparkling eyes and thought about all of the kids from Parkland, Florida who have resumed their own high school studies this past week. They are the so-called ‘privileged’ white kids who, if accepted into Harvard or MIT or Northwestern University, may not have to depend on the supplemental grants to get them through their college careers. They may not have to take-on a part-time job in order to afford any little extras along the way. 

Their baggage, however, now includes taking-on the memory of hate in its purest form. By having dodged the bullets of a deranged person hell-bent on leaving a legacy of death and destruction, they carry the burden of this hatred around with them for the rest of their lives. Judging by what I’ve read and seen, this baggage has already served to strengthen their moral courage and is directing many of them to stir-up change in current political policies that will help protect them and others from haters in the future. I think many of us are waiting for the November elections this year. Undoubtedly, much needed change will happen then.

SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD DAVID HOGG HID IN A
CLOSET WHILE SHOOTER KILLED SEVENTEEN PEOPLE
IN PARKLAND, FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL.
PARKLAND SURVIVOR HAS TURNED ACTIVIST.

And, really, are they that much different than my postman’s son in the long run? The world rests upon all of their young shoulders. It doesn’t matter what personal struggles helped to shape their lives, when their educational values kick in and they become the new leaders of this world, the fields of Arts and Science, Education, Mathematics,Trade Schools, Industry, and so much more, will blossom like fresh new flowers on a warm and sunny spring day with energy and color bursting forth for all to see, learn and profit from, and enjoy!

Before my postman, sporting his thin, dark mustache and brown, penetrating eyes, could leave my front stoop, I wanted to reach out to him one last time and said, “Please know how proud we all are of you and your son. I know for a fact that a much brighter future revolves around him and the youth of this country. We need to let them all know how much their strength and intelligence is appreciated.” I was so grateful at that moment for this fellow human being, slave to his many emotions, who was unafraid to display them all to me!

Just by the look on his face, I was certain he knew exactly whom I was in reference to in this particular case; his son, as well as the Parkland students who will always remain near and dear to us and in our daily thoughts and prayers. I knew this because he stopped, turned back towards me and said, “Yes. Yes. They are the strong ones. We must help them along their journey....” And, he issued me a standard ‘thumbs up’ on his way back to his vehicle.

To think that my book-filled shelves helped to promote this entire conversation only encourages me to constantly support the power and wisdom behind a good education. This jubilant postman opened his heart to me and related one of the most auspicious moments of his family’s life. Together we delivered an homage to this young generation who are television and Social Media savvy warriors and will serve to catapult all Americans into the kind of world we wish to live in. #Progress #Youth #Resist....!

Copyright © 2018 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

SAVORING A MOMENT IN TIME

A series of essays.....

FAIRY-TALE VERSION OF THE BILTMORE ESTATE AND GARDENS
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA ~ 2017

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Upon returning from a long weekend in Western North Carolina, my reflection of time in this beloved space was duly noted in both words and pictures taken. 

VIEW FROM THE TOP OF OUR PROPERTY

Our purpose for being there was multi-layered. You see, we are landowners in WNC and if you travel on I-26, brushing the well known town of Asheville with your right shoulder and then take a westbound turn onto I-40 exiting at SR-19 near Waynesville and Maggie Valley, you would be very near our small mountain called Cansadie Top. More precisely, you would be in the small, unincorporated community in Haywood County, North Carolina known as Iron Duff. 

Our small, nearly three acre parcel of pines, rhododendrons, cedar trees, and low brush, merely scratches the side of Cansadie Top mountain and faces north towards the valley below and the winding Pigeon River then out to the mountains in the distance. It is a breathtaking spot. It’s where we’d hoped to spend many years together after retirement. 

This picturesque portion of WNC is snuggled within the heart of the Pisgah National Forest and just a mountain or two away from the Eastern Cherokee Reservation with its casino, several entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and winter skiing fun ⛷ at the Cataloochee Ski Area just north of Maggie Valley. I love saying the word Pisgah and Chickasaw and Cataloochee. It intrigues me how the Native American names roll so nicely inside the mouth; feel so natural rolling off of the tongue and, eventually, burst forth from between the lips and out into the atmosphere like ancient wisdom to my ears... 

THE DRAGON COMES ALIVE!

As we gently rolled down Cansadie Top and into the valley heading westbound, I couldn’t help but notice what looked like smoky dragon’s breath emanating from the mountaintop in the distance. It was as if a tornado were whipping across the ridge dispersing tons of swirling snow in order to awaken the beast. In essence, it was. It only took us a few moments to realize that the Cataloochee Ski Area must have been making snow for its ski runs high above us. The dragon huffed and puffed its sultry breath all along the deep-blue ridge as if letting everyone know to pack-up their skies and poles; it was time to travel along the manicured pathways and slopes of its cold, rigid spine and ski your way downward into the valley below.

DAN IS PLACING A
STONE MARKER AT THE SPOT 

MY FAVORITE TREE JUST BELOW
OUR PROPERTY LINE

Sadly, while standing along the side of our own little mountain, moments before sighting our dragon in the distance, we employed a ritual that, if successful, will close this chapter of our hopes and dreams of residing along a mountainside in Western North Carolina. Our plans of building a Hearthstone log cabin on this site dissolved within a single dragon’s breath back in 2008 when the economic world went crazy and abrupt changes in our lives had to be implemented. Since 2006, when we purchased this ‘heavenly spot’ in the Pisgah Forest near the Blue Ridge Parkway, we imagined snowy Christmas celebrations and family get-togethers for years to come. Life has an interesting way of taking you down so many unimagined pathways with forks in the road at every turn. I really do believe that adapting to these various changes along the way is what makes us stronger, better individuals, and, eventually, happier souls.

IN FRONT OF OUR 'KATYDID' COTTAGE

This trip up to WNC found us snug and warm in our own little cabin up in the mountains near Candler and a stone’s throw away from the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. All dressed up for the Christmas 🎄 Holidays, the Biltmore Mansion did not disappoint us as we experienced over fifty-five beautifully decorated trees nestled among the splendid nooks and crannies of this magnificent estate home. Having visited Biltmore several occasions before during the warmer, summer months, this was the first time we were given an opportunity to see almost every room of this sprawling mansion. We crawled up flights of stairs to the guest quarters and then were swallowed-up and plunged into the bowels of the lower floors that included the kitchen, indoor pool, bowling alley, and the servant’s quarters.....among others. 

BILTMORE ESTATE ON A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS EVE DAY
BUILT BY GEORGE AND EDITH VANDERBILT
~OPENED ON CHRISTMAS EVE, 1895~

Even though the weather was cold and dipped into the low thirties, not a wisp of snow graced our presence as we found our car and drove over to the Biltmore Estate Winery and Antler Hill Village for a wine tasting. Having fallen in love with Biltmore wines years ago, it is always such a pleasure to taste their various blends and this trip did not disappoint us. The limited release of their crisp, semi-sweet white and full-bodied red under the label of ‘Christmas at BILTMORE’ were phenomenal and several bottles now reside in our wine rack at home for future enjoyment.

CONSERVATORY ALL
DECKED OUT

DECORATIONS UP CLOSE

LIBRARY DOOR WITH WREATH

A TREE IN THE MIRROR IN
EDITH VANDERBILT'S BEDROOM

BANQUET HALL

The most fun we had together, and this may sound a bit corny to you, was leaving the Biltmore to shop at Ingle’s Market for Christmas dinner to be prepared in our cabin the next day. I can only describe the cabin as a ‘tiny home’ built into the side of the mountain overlooking the creek below. It is part of a group of structures that make-up the Mountain Springs Cabins that exist along South Hominy Creek and include exceptional mountain views as an added bonus! 

VIEW FROM OUR
DINING TABLE

LOOKING EAST FROM THE
MOUNTAIN SPRING CABINS

We decided an Italian menu was in order and made baked ziti in the amazingly tiny Tappan range/oven. This appliance was something I used to dream about having in the playhouse I wanted as a little girl. We served the hot, cheesy pasta with a fresh veggie and sweet berry laced spring-green salad and thick slices of buttered bread to soak up all of the spicy tomato sauce left on the plate. And, for dessert, a nutty, pumpkin cheesecake baked with love by an Ingle’s baker Christmas Eve Day!! We decided to pair our little feast with Biltmore’s Cardinal’s Crest Réserve 🍷 simply because it has always been our favorite Biltmore wine selection....made for almost any occasion.

Christmas Eve morning we spent Skyping with our youngest daughter and family as they opened the gifts we’d selected especially for them. The giggles of their excitement were like joyful carols to our ears and their faces sweet entertainment for our eyes. This was repeated when we experienced the reactions to the gifts we had sent up to our oldest daughter’s home while we were on FaceTime together Christmas morning. Not quite the same as being there, however, with Dan’s limited time off this Christmas, we made due with imagining the soft kisses and warm hugs of our five, favorite little people! 

OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER ~ 2017

Having almost adjusted to mountain walking once again, with its varying degrees of slopes and having to park our car at odd angles that made opening and closing its doors quite a challenge, we woke-up early Tuesday morning knowing that we must face the bumper to bumper traffic that was certain to greet us along South I-95. So, as usual, we tried to prolong our trip by stopping in Hendersonville, North Carolina at Mast’s General Store that offers a variety of items ranging from oaken barrels filled with penny candy to warm heather gray vests by brands such as North Face and Patagonia. 

While experiencing our mini-excursions, I try to ignore, for the most part, social media and concentrate on the task at hand....having fun! Being out of the loop for several days was just fine by us and upon pulling into our driveway around nine-thirty that night, nothing broke that spell as we unpacked and settled in for a good night’s sleep. 

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, KID

As Dan completes his short week of work and we anticipate the passing of an old year (thank goodness!) and look forward to a new one beginning next Monday, I am making note of as many words as I can that might exemplify or sum up my current thoughts and feelings. So far, I’ve written down the three R’s, Resist, Replace, and Retirement. Not bad for starters. Then there’s this trio, Truth, Honesty, and Obligation to Mankind. But, wouldn’t it be easier to try to find one word, only one, that conjures up my exact feelings going into 2018? 

The word I used way up in the beginning of this piece seems to come to mind: Adapt. I don’t mean to accept, assume, or promise anything. I mean to adapt in terms of making changes happen, adjusting and harmonizing with said changes, and learning to acclimate myself to and accommodate my life with what I feel is happening (for the good) around me. 

BOYD'S MOUNTAIN CABINS
MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA

You see, I know that change is coming. Whether this change is political or traditionally personal, it is going to happen and, in order to survive, I must learn how to adapt. Dan will be retiring and we will be listing our home for sale here in Orlando and packing-up our lives after living here for over twenty years. And, having to adapt to the cold, snowy climes of Michigan, once again, is going to happen, whether I’m ready for it or not!

So, adjust, prepare, and reconcile are added into the mix for good measure. 

However, if you know me at all by now, you will know that there is one human attribute that constantly engulfs my thoughts and never leaves my side simply because it represents the greatest truth of all. That attribute, of course, is the ability to Love. With Love 💕 in our hearts we are capable of adapting to any and all situations that life throws our way. So, with an abundance of Love within me, I will learn to adapt to whatever this new year has to offer and grow stronger and more enlightened because of it.

Happy New Year to each one of you! Please learn to use whichever new word you might employ, wisely. And, always fill your heart with an abundance of Love for ALL of the people who share this interesting time and magnificent world with you. May we all learn to look at the reality of life this new year with a wiser, more benevolent, and kinder eye.

WE WISH YOU A HAPPY AND
PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR ~ 2018!!!

Copyright © 2017 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

Photo Copyright © 2017 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

AND THE WINNER OF THE BEST REALITY SHOW IS.....

A series of essays.....

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Have you noticed as you watch conservatives speak on news stations, with the exception of Fox News, how the majority of Republicans and their supporters proceed to talk over the interviewer and other guests to such a degree that comprehending the conversation is nearly impossible? Has extreme repetition of words and not allowing the opinions of others into the conversation become the norm by which we are being convinced to cooperate with this current administration?

Well, after this long 'week of crazy,' the concept of the manipulation of our country's beliefs and her people, by various formats and ideologies, has become increasingly clear to most of us.

The dynamic of the culture in this country has changed dramatically. We can't just disagree with one another any more. If a person disagrees with someone else, he/she must also call them a liar and a phony. We are witnessing people being divided by religion, cultural beliefs, and backgrounds whether they were born here or living here with the hopes of citizenship. And, we are being manipulated into believing that diversity is undesirable as opposed to being, fundamentally, basic in making our country stronger.

To manipulate someone or something means to control them in a skillful manner. I may be giving way too much credit to this new administration by the use of the term skillful. However, their manipulation has reared its ugly head in several predominant political ways over this past 'week of crazy,' and, more than likely, will continue for as long as they can get away with it.

I have contended for quite some time that Trump and his supporters have been doing all that they could to follow through on their initiative of 'The Dumbing-Up of America.' Unfortunately, they have succeeded in far too many ways, already. 

A well educated nation is a strong nation with people who understand, defend, and are capable of transferring their intelligent ideologies along to other countries thus creating a cohesive union of nations. This administration is being led by a politician guided by expediency rather than principle with an inclination towards methods that are advantageous rather than fair or just. He has chosen many of his Cabinet appointees because they hold opposite views from what each position stands for or have no worldly idea of what a particular post is all about in the first place.....proving my point.

One of the most disturbing of these appointees is Betsy DeVos of Michigan. As a political donor and lobbyist who has spent decades working to dismantle public education and privatize public school, DeVos has yet to demonstrate any knowledge of civil rights laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. She appears to lack even basic knowledge of educational practice, which was evidenced in her descriptions of assessment and accountability measures for students and educators. And yet, she was his choice to handle the responsibility of protecting our nation’s most vulnerable students. 

Certain members of this administration know that 'The Dumbing-Up of America' begins with our children and, they are doing the best that they can to influence this president. If this country fails to grant our youth the right to achieve their full potential, regardless of their location or background, we undermine our mission and cause great harm to our public schools thus greatly effecting the bright and prosperous future of the United States through the imagination and education of our youth.

Poignantly stated by the National Memo, "Everything about Donald Trump is about appearances and his fragile ego. Unlike Lincoln, his agenda shows no promise of elevating above anything but a childish need for self-validation and a tyrannical need for the accumulation of power." This is precisely what has concerned many of us for so long now. Like the spoiled child that he is, he can be and is easily manipulated himself. 

To whom do we reasonably contribute the manipulation of this highly vulnerable president? The answer is conflated with the presence of Steve Bannon, and his history of white nationalism and agenda of propaganda and hatred, infused with the documented backing of the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin.

Bannon is viewed as one of the most influential people within the White House and his views have been significant in framing the way that Trump has begun his administration and is believed to have been a co-author of the term 'American Carnage' used in the inaugural speech. Last week, Bannon, who views the media as the opposition party, told the media to shut-up and listen for awhile. With Bannon's recent inclusion into the shaking-up of the National Security Council by downgrading the Joint Chiefs Chairman and inserting Steve Bannon, political advisor, it has been said that the Joint Chiefs attendance at security meetings will now be by invitation only. Government officials have told all of us that in order to hear the truth about anything, we must only listen to Donald Trump because only he speaks the truth. And, think about the fact that we have yet to ascertain the full extent of influence on Trump issued by Putin himself. 

Now, with executive orders flying around the White House as prolifically as paper airplanes decorated with black   squiggles made by a Sharpie pen, never to be seen or read by anyone outside of the Oval Office, the entire world has been accosted by a blanket ban designed to hurt all Muslims everywhere! Done in a 'back of the envelope' way, Republicans are demonstrating their lack of intelligence by initiating their knee-jerk 'reaction policies' that could ultimately place our own military troops stationed in the war zones of the Middle East in jeopardy. 

This Ban is a set-back on the war on terror and is a "self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism," says Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham. To add insult to injury, some Republicans are calling the protesters around our nation over the travel ban initiated over the weekend a "Flash Mob" and that the Left is still crying over their loss in the November election. This White House has only displayed tendencies that would harm the welfare of Americans and our troops overseas. 

This travel ban against the Muslims was not about protecting our nation from terrorists. Rather, this ban was about weakening our country from within.

I have believed for quite some time that this entire scenario was designed and utterly contrived to make us feel afraid. And, after this has been accomplished, Trump then rides in on his white horse to protect us from all of the terrible evil out in the world. This is the plan employed by this man to display his power and strength; a perfect example of a manipulated leader attempting to manipulate others. This is how his campaign was run. And now, using lies and deceit, his administration applies the same rules to their attempt at running our great nation. 

Tom Friedman is a New York Times columnist and author of his latest book,"Thank You For Being Late," tells us that the threat today is between the world of order and the world of disorder. "We shouldn't think 'in the box' or 'out of the box' anymore. We need to think 'without a box.' This is global  chaos and everything is connected with everything else. To lead and succeed, you have to be able to understand the world. You have to be educated, you have to read, and you have to know that all things are connected. Nothing is connected in a Trump world."

A prime example of his total disconnect is when Trump lopped-off the non-partisan people who were running our infrastructure in the State Department, pulling our Ambassadors to other countries, and sending their bosses packing. These are the people who, along with their many other duties, ensure the protection of the U.S. Government to American citizens, property, and interests in foreign countries. Is it just stupidity, or is there some form of a plan by Steve Bannon and the rest to weaken us? Especially after he has been identified with propaganda and right wing extremists!

Mr. Friedman once wrote of a friend who said that Americans kick around this country like it is a football when in reality, it is a Fabergé Egg. You can drop it. You can break it. There's so much at stake for us. If we grow weak as a country, if we get distracted, and get knocked off our values, our children will grow up in a fundamentally different world.

In Trump-land, the Republicans are showing a complete lack of intelligence. They are blaming the mixed messages they are sending out on a "Hyperventilating Media." They have mocked Senator Chuck Schumer's teary-eyed statement that the travel ban initiated over the weekend was mean spirited and un-American and all part of making us feel afraid. The president said that Senator Schumer's tears were fake and asked who his acting coach was. Belittling others seems to rank high as standard procedure within this administration. 

I, for one, am becoming exhausted by this 'all about Fears and never about Facts, Phobia induced' White House! I want action! For me, if being politically correct means upholding our Constitution, then I am, most definitely, politically correct! 

There are several words in our vocabulary that decidedly encapsulate how many of us are feeling right now and would help to counteract the negative emotions felt towards an administration that is serving to weaken our great nation by sending the world a propaganda message that will serve to make us less safe and more vulnerable every day. #Solidarity, #MutualRespectAndUnderstanding, #RespondToBadWithGood, and the most important of all: #RESIST!!

We must RESIST......

Thank you, Sally Yates, Attorney General of the United States, for your sacrifice for your country.  'We The People" means All of the people and you understood this more than anyone in this new administration ever will.

No one can deny that these last several days will always be labeled 'A Week of Crazy!'

Copyright © 2017 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved