COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER ~ MANDY, LESLIE, AND JOAN

 A series of essays.....

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

From time to time, our neighborhood gals 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 can be 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....

MANDY, LESLIE AND JOAN.....


Inside a neighborhood coffeehouse, three friends meet as often as possible and discuss life in all of its wonderful shapes, colors, and textures. 

Mandy: Ah! Will you just take a look at her boots! No woman that 'chunky' and over thirty should wear boots that tight or high up the leg. It reminds me of an erupting volcano I made for a science fair project long ago.

Leslie: Oh, stop that! Since when have you become the 'fashion police?'

Mandy: Since seeing that lady in those damn boots!!!

Leslie: Well, as usual, Joan is flying on her own time this morning. I hope she's okay. Walking the eight blocks here in this weather always worries me a bit.

Mandy: She's a big girl. Say, there she is now. (Waving) And look, sensible boots on her, too. Not like....

Leslie: Don't go there, girl.

(Several minutes later.....)

Joan: Good Morning, Ladies. Love our dear barista. He always knows what I want and practically has it ready for me when he sees me walk through the door.

Mandy: Doesn't hurt that he's cute, young and totally ripped, either!

J & L: Bonus! (In unison)

Leslie: Has anyone else felt a bit 'foggy' lately? You know, kind of 'out of it' and disillusioned a bit?

Mandy: Hell, yes! Can't stand living through any Presidential election.....especially this one. So much hatred, blatant lies, and character ripping. And then, there's the Republican side!!

Joan: You'd think we would have gotten used to all of this over the past years, wouldn't you? But, no.... Dragging others down as low as possible seems to be the norm.

Leslie: Exactly! It's never about what they can really do to help make lives more prosperous and stable. That's the 'funk' I've been in lately. It seems we're so inundated by hatred through television and social media that I just want to crawl into the fetal position and sleep until mid-November!

Joan: Sometimes I feel that discombobulated and strange, too. Like when I try to button a blouse after wearing Fred's large, comfy shirts all week long. Could never understand why the buttons and buttonholes are switched for men and women.

Mandy: Because, even though we don't like to admit it, men and women differ on so many counts. We're all human....yet, his buttons are on the right and ours are on the left. Hey, no political inflection there at all!!

Leslie:  In the name of principles, Mandy, and contrary to your belief, there are many women who favor the conservative right and cherish the Christian attitudes it tends to embrace and....

Mandy: ....unabashedly inflict these ideas upon everyone else! Say, what ever happened to the 'Separation of Church and State,' anyway? (Staring intently at Joan) You have a little bit of froth attached to the left side of your mouth, Love.

Joan: Thanks.... Thomas Jefferson declared that the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect a wall of separation between church and state. However, the Supreme Court hasn't always interpreted the constitutional principle as absolute. It remains an ongoing subject of impassioned debate, I'm afraid.

Leslie: I see why your students are so fortunate to have you as their teacher, Joan. But, doesn't it always seem that our Constitution is based upon such generous interpretation? Founded on ideals that can swing one way or the other?

Mandy: Oh, and they do these days! Well, I mean this in a good, healthy sense, of course. Don't look at me like that, ladies. And when you say 'erect a wall,' doesn't that play right into crazy Donald Trump territory?

Joan: All points taken, Mandy.

Mandy: Indeed. Anyone for a warm, flaky croissant with our coffee? I'm buying. Good. I'll be back in a wink.

Leslie: Got to love that woman! She has a knack for saying things most of us only think about.

Joan: It would be refreshing to always be so open and honest. Wish I could be more like that, truth be told.

Leslie: I don't think the three of us hold too much back from one another. At least, not here, anyway. Besides, just being able to talk about all of this has helped me, considerably. Typing to the 'world' on Facebook isn't quite the same as close, personal contact. Especially when laced with affection and the acute necessity for coffee!!

Joan: I understand completely, Leslie. Maybe caffeine is a truth serum and these small, coffee retreats were established to bring out the secrets we all hold inside and they are backed by the government with the information compiled and stored for future reference?!?

Leslie: Um, that would be a 'Mandyism.' You clearly seem to be breaking out of your funk. Now all we have to do is look for the hidden camera and microphone. Paranoia has reared its ugly head.

Joan: After 2008....paranoia, defeatism, disillusionment, label that time period what you will, has become the norm rather than the exception among the so-called Middle and Lower classes. Sad, but true. The ramifications of a depression of any magnitude will assist in creating waves of disappointment for many years afterwards forming an unstable and negative environment.

Leslie: Wow! You have officially lost your 'Upper' status for me this morning, Lady! But, I know what you're saying.....and, fact is fact. We'd all like to revert to the days of hopscotch and playing jacks on the sidewalk with our friends. But, I'd like to think that we could retain that feeling for our children and grandchildren for as long as possible.

Joan: Speaking of children..... Ah! Let me help you with that, Mandy.

Mandy: Girls!! Sorry it took so long. But, you remember our little discussion about 'ribbed abs' and so forth? Well, I've just discovered 'buff pecs' and 'tight buns,' as well! And, his name is Collin. He just began working here yesterday. Something nice to look forward to. Am I right?

Leslie: Absolutely! (Wink) Please don't touch the croissants for a second. I must take a picture for my Foodie Blog Post. (Click) Thank you. These look incredibly delicious.

Joan: Unfortunately, now our coffees are running low. I. Need. More. Coffee! (Standing up) The same all around I believe.....

Mandy: .....I'll go! Just sit tight, Joan. I'm sure Collin and I can handle this together! (Smiling all the way to the counter.)

Until next time.....with more, Coffeehouse Chatter.


Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

PATRIOTISM

A series of journeys.....

.....as seen through my eyes!



By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


PATRIOTISM

conjures up the image of tri-corner hats and the courageous warnings of an American silversmith and engraver. The vivid impression of a loved one marching off to protect and defend with the pending separation beating life's blood rhythmically between kindred hearts. "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,.......!"  And, the school day begins with white stars in a backdrop of deepest blue and broad red and white stripes etched against the industrial green walls of the classroom. Who doesn't recall, at some point in time, the irregular rhythm of halyard and snap hooks clanging against a metal flagpole just outside of an office building or in the schoolyard on a breezy day?   

When the Bible says, "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," the basis of this proverb is centered upon the ego and personal arrogance within us. Yet.....while standing curbside watching homemade floats of red, white and blue designs glide past as their occupants toss colorfully wrapped treats to the children, we clutch at the opportunity to swell with pride. Grasp at the comforting strains of patriotic melodies drifting in the air as they compete with the loud horns attached to creeping fire engines driven by returning veterans. Our 'haughty spirit' swelling with pride of country, town and a life based on hard work and family values. Small town USA in all of its glory! A touch of arrogance within each of us.

If destruction or a fall must be, it is in the form of believing that our comfortable lives will remain constant, dependable, become more prosperous over time. Sadly, we have recently learned the truth and struggle now to promote a rebirth and the progression of a middle class who attaches importance to convention, security and material comforts.

Our patriotic duty calls for national loyalty in the love, support and defense of one's country. The Preamble to our Constitution is useful in offering clues about the explanation of the meaning of the Constitution and, therefore, is open to personal interpretation.

We the people of the United States........,

in Order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty, to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America. Spelling and writing is same as the hand-written engrossed copy maintained in the National Archives.)

This is my interpretation of the Founding Father's intent:

We the people......include all people who tread the soil of this great nation albeit color, race or creed.

We the people......will create peace and genuine respect for others.

We the people......will insure our innate rights as citizens of this nation.

We the people.....are intent to defend, secure the freedom of and actively encourage the health, happiness and fortunes of a person or a group. A social effort designed to promote the basic physical and material well-being of people in need. The protection of rights to education, housing and basic securities.

We the people......will free all persons from fear or anxiety and provide basic civil freedoms within the state of being free within our society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's lifestyle, behavior or political views.

We the people......will provide these rights for ourselves and for all future generations of people.

Yet, here in Orlando, Florida, and in far too many cities across this nation, it is a criminal act to provide food for the numerous homeless people on the street who overflow the established shelters provided by the city. And, if it is our right to own a firearm, then it is also our right to use this weapon wisely. Be obliged to instruct others, when and if need be, to be responsible for its use as protection or as a means to our basic food requirements. Considering we as individuals share the same space and spiritual existence with all of mankind...Love and Respect for others, no matter who they choose as partners, which 'House of Worship' they decide to belong to, or not at all, or the particular shade of their skin, should hold no bearing on their right to freedom and happiness.

In May of this year, The Huffington Post cited numerous ways that  same sex marriage would enhance our economy. It would boost tax revenues, alleviate payroll headaches for many businesses, it can boost struggling state economies and, marriage makes people more financially stable and less likely to qualify for government assistance. Not to mention, (Oh! I miss being a wedding planner!), more weddings mean more money and recent studies estimate that same-sex weddings would boost individual state economics by the millions of dollars over the next three years. We must all admit that new jobs and more money circulating within our economy would give people hope and help to promote the expansion of a strong middle class once again!

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité: The battle cry that captured the attention of the entire French nation, and indeed France's revolutionary heritage. It is said to have pulled the people together as they revolted against the aristocracy during the period of 1789 through 1799.

This French slogan was heavily influenced by the U.S. Declaration of Independence which preceded it. Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was at the time in France as a U.S. diplomat and worked closely with the Marquis de Lafayette in designing a bill of rights for France. Jefferson introduced our Bill of Rights in New York on June 8, 1789, eleven weeks before the French declaration. It is possible that the French (Lafayette) knew of the American text, however, it is noted in history that both texts emerged from the same shared intellectual heritage. Lafayette admired Jefferson, and Jefferson wrote that Lafayette was "a most valuable auxiliary to me. His zeal is unbounded," ......according to Wikipedia.

Today, particularly after the recent decisions made by our Supreme Court with regards to same sex marriage and the bolstering of The Affordable Care Act offering health benefits for millions, I would like to add to this universal slogan adopted by France many years ago: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.....Diversity! I know we are moving in the right direction.

This Saturday, when we stand curbside watching the bands, floats and emergency vehicles glide by, waving small American flags, and ducking in fear of getting peppered by rainbow drifts of hard candies, we should take a moment to check our emotions. Ask ourselves if we are standing among our neighbors and friends out of obligation, patriotic duty, or fun and enjoyment......hopefully, a bit of each!

Each time we make eye contact with 'Old Glory,' lovingly named such by Captain William Driver, a shipmaster from Salem, Massachusetts, in 1831, think about our nation's history and the many patriotic men and women who have helped to form the basis for which our nation stands. Resolve to apply the basic principles of patriotism to our daily lives and assist in creating a better, more cohesive world for future Americans.

Adlai Stevenson, American politician and diplomat, summed it up perfectly for me when he said, "What do I mean by patriotism in the context of our times? .....a sense of national responsibility. .....a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

We the people......in this together!

Enjoy your 4th of July celebrations.....2015!



Copyright © 2015 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved