ADRENALINE VERSUS JET LAG

 

 A series of short stories.....





Young Friend Overlooking 'Terrace' Built for King Louis XIV With
Eiffel Tower in the Background.......

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

"Damn, not again!"  Picking myself up from the middle of a French street and proceeding to pick cinders and pebbles from my knees appeared to be the 'norm' so far this visit.....and it was exasperating if not terribly embarrassing! 

"Are you okay?" asked my husband.  "We've got to stop meeting like this in the middle of the road....people will think I'm either a hero or, I have malicious intentions towards you!" 


Cazaudehore La Forestiere
Our Beautiful Boutique Hotel

Can We Sleep Now?

Quite early that same morning our plane flew into the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport where we picked-up our cute, green rental car and proceeded to navigate the northern suburbs of Paris before swooping down into our destination for the night in the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.  Nestled in among the sweeping curves of the River Seine twenty minutes to the west of Paris and positioned within the heart of a forest of hundred-year-old oak trees and picturesque gardens, our beautiful boutique hotel, Cazaudehore La Forestiere, part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel experience, epitomized the true 'art of living' and hospitality! 

Parking the car across the Avenue du President Kennedy before checking-in, my poor knees experienced their initial encounter with the road's lethal surface as we were greeting a gentleman coming across from the opposite side of the road.  "Bonjour......." and, I was down for the count. Of course, I totally blamed my fall on the cement curb, semi-hidden by sprigs of grass.  I knew better.  With a few minor abrasions I gingerly dabbed with a tissue after clearing the debris that clung to each knee, we marched-on and entered the hotel, our 'magical escape to somewhere else,' for the night.

Dining Room at Cazaudehore
La Forestiere

Due to the excellent caliber of cooking linked with the pride that the French employ when serving others their delicious cuisine, we had pre-booked 'une table pour deux' at the second seating time, ten o'clock.  The chef usually reserves two seating times per evening dinner so that he or she is better able to 'create' their menu items for a more reasonable and structured amount of guests, thus making the dining experience more pleasurable for all.  We chose ten over seven o'clock for dîner because we planned on visiting the Grand Palace of Versailles for several hours that afternoon.  I know.  I can hear all of you worldly travelers out there asking, "What were they thinking?"

Enjoying Our Balcony

Needless to say, our room was stunning.  A small balcony complimented the scenery we enjoyed from every window in the room.  Stepping out onto it, we were lovingly enfolded by the deep green foliage of the forest, tempted by the sweet sweet smells of the variegated colored flowers and mesmerized by the soft, sensual breezes that brushed our skin and teased the senses.  Oh, what a beautiful dream!  However, we weren't dreaming and knew that the Hall of Mirrors, intricate gardens designed by André Le Nôtre and the Chateaux de Versailles itself, a few kilometers to the south, awaited our arrival....

                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sitting on a small wrought-iron bench and nursing my new wounds along the Avenue de Paris, the famous statues that line the Place d'Armes, defining the walk up to the palace doors, were in sight.  (And, within reach, provided I could remain upright long enough!).  By the time we made it to the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, my adrenaline had kicked-in sending me into overdrive and I was ready to take-on the world!


Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV

View From Bench As I Nursed My Wounds.....

Dan Entering The Hall of Mirrors

Several hours and a million people later, we felt as though Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette were old friends, having navigated their grand private apartments and famous 'gilded meeting hall' with the priceless view of the rich, elaborate palace gardens to be seen from multiple gold-framed windows.  Opulence of this magnitude is powerful and has a way of literally taking one's breath away!  Even though we had to share this amazing experience that afternoon with many, many others....we would not have missed it for the world and vowed to return in the future.


Opulent Gardens of Palace of Versailles


Many years ago, my Mother helped me answer a particular ad in a magazine that asked the question, "Which historical and present day figure would you be...based upon a photo of yourself?"  Supposedly, this ad was sanctioned by The Hollywood Performing Arts Group and a series of people representing the renowned movie producer, Alfred Hitchcock.  ( I believe that, secretly, my Mother wanted to move back to sunny California and represent me in my new dramatic career.  Anything to avoid another northern Indiana winter!!!).

Anyone Remember Dino the Dinosaur?

Several weeks and a series of 'nail bitings' later, an actual letter from California arrived in our mailbox addressed to me!  Carefully slitting the envelope open in order to preserve it and its contents, I found my picture staring back at me and now flanked by someone else's......, 'Marie Antoinette' was the caption beneath her portrait.  The letter stated that, "Mr. Hitchcock has determined that you are a Haley Mills look-a-like with the charm (rounded face and nose) and interesting facial similarities of Marie Antoinette."  That's it.  Dashing my poor Mother's dreams, the letter was placed back into its envelope, looked at a handful of times afterwards and (I'm guessing here) disposed of sometime during the multiple moves we made due to my Father's job with the Sinclair Oil Corporation.

Returning to our beautifully appointed room in one piece and several hours before our dinner seating, we decided to shower and refresh ourselves a bit after an already long and extremely busy day.  Having left Florida the night before, only to travel through several time zones and walk many miles afterwards, the cleansing water relieved some of our stress and calmed our minds and wandering spirits just enough to feel relaxed and whole once again.....

"Is that a fire alarm?  Where is that loud ringing coming from?" Dan asked sitting bolt upright on our feather-topped bed!!  "What...I don't know," I said, rolling over and reaching one pink, terry cloth ensconced arm instinctively towards the telephone resting on the nightstand at my side of the comfortable queen sized bed.  As my hand wrapped around the receiver, my eyes glanced at the clock near the phone that was seemingly flashing the time in broad, neon red lights!!  By the time my mind registered nearly eleven o'clock, I was saying hello into the phone.

"Bonsoir, Madame!  But, the Chef would like to know if you will be attending your seating for dîner this evening?  Your time is still available and it would be a pleasure to serve you."  Oh, how that sweet voice charged through my body with pangs of guilt, regret and total embarrassment because I knew that if we were to survive tomorrow, we needed to stay right where we were for the remainder of the night. "Non, merci mais, non.  Nous sommes très, très désolé." I choked as I heard a stern 'merci beaucoup' coming from the receiver before resting it back into its cradle.

"Oh, Dan.  We just committed a huge major faux pas tonight!!  It is highly rude to snub the Chef and his staff by ignoring dinner reservations." 

"But, we didn't mean to....we fell asleep, something we both needed," he said in an attempt to calm me down.

Even though Dan's logic was absolutely correct and we would have felt as badly about the situation if it had occurred back in the States, it failed to console me.  Setting the alarm in time for breakfast (we were going to be quite hungry by then), we turned off the lights, kissed good-night and submerged ourselves, once again, into a feathery Dreamland.


Route des Mares

Our View of Saint-Germain-en-Laye

The early mid-September morning was so delicious!  We had left several windows open and, by doing so, were now being serenaded by many birds living in and around the lush, green forest.  We could feel the cool, gentle breezes wafting in through the screens carrying along with them the earthy smells of ancient fallen leaves and the clean, freshness of the many flower beds.  Pure heaven!

We were ravenous!  After changing and getting ready for the day, we semi-packed our bags and then headed down to the breakfast room.  Now, I do know that guilt can be a highly infectious emotion that can do crazy things to your mindset.  Was it just me or, was the hotel staff refusing to look us in the eye?  I totally imagined the word had been spread around during the night about the two rude Americans in Room #14 who ignored Chef and chose to sleep through dinner.  I did feel badly and often think about our faux pas to this day.  We vowed from that day on never to pack so much in so little time, especially without resting a bit first.

Turning onto Route des Loges With View
of Chateau-Vieux in the Distance

 

Our heads were clear and a breakfast of strong, black coffee, yogurt, a croissant with jam and eggs with bacon strengthened our resolve so, we headed out for a morning walk along a beautiful tree-lined path just to the west of the hotel property called the Route des Mares.  I had read that this path would eventually lead us to a magnificent place and intentionally failed to give any details to Dan so not to spoil the surprise.  Turning onto the Route des Loges, we walked under the Tunnel de Saint-Germain and could see the charming town buildings nestled together to the right of us.  In time, the trees lining our walk thinned out and before us, across the formal gardens and a deep moat stood the imposing gray-stoned Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the birthplace of King Louis XIV in 1638 and his home until moving permanently to the Grand Palace of Versailles. 

Quite A Surprise For Dan!!!

It was at the Château-Vieux (Old Castle) that the image of the future Sun King began to take shape.  He organized lavish parties and promoted extravagant fashion while introducing his political program.  He renovated and extended his castle with the French architect, François Mansart, and developed his formal gardens with André Le Nôtre, who created the famous Terrace for him which overlooks the west of Paris and the valley of The Seine.  The young king enjoyed the air, space and forest that he lacked while in Paris.



Heading Towards The Terrace

Sadly, the castle was not opened that day so we spent time walking through the beautiful formal gardens to the famous Terrace and gazed across the 'serpent-like' River Seine.  In the early morning light, The Seine resembled a shimmering switch-back mountain road looking down from the mountain summit to Paris and the Eiffel Tower far below in the distance.  Dan was pleased by the surprise!

We checked-out of Cazaudehore La Forestiere, secure within our little, green automobile, and headed back down the same roads that led us to Versailles yesterday.  It was hard to believe that we'd only been on French soil a little over twenty-four hours and had accomplished so much in that short span of time.  This day we were heading down the back roads to Chartre to tour the famous Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartre, purchase a white rosary and Bible in its small boutique for our youngest daughter's upcoming wedding day and enjoy a jambon et fromage sandwich for lunch at Bistro de la Cathédrale right across the street.  Ah....life is good!

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartre

I often think about my poor knees whenever I am shaving my legs or getting a pedicure.  The small, white scars remain vivid to this day and pepper my knees, especially the right one, with what I lovingly refer to as permanent souvenirs....beautiful reminders of having lived life to its fullest each and every day!



Do you have your own 'permanent souvenirs' and, if so, where did you acquire them?  Do you recall committing a major faux pas towards traditional, local customs while traveling abroad?  Tell us your story of jet lag and fatigue. Was this time punctuated by an adrenaline rush, also?

Would love to hear back from you in my comment section!  It would only take a moment or two....


Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

WHIRLWIND

 

 

 

 

 



Gavin

Brenna

 

A series of short stories.....


.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


This past week has been a whirlwind of activity.  Ali, Brenna and Gavin have just left on their flight back to Michigan (which they almost missed due to a police blockade on the Lake Jessup Bridge) and, Dan just called to tell me he nearly met head-on with a deer on the 417 heading into work.  I'm sitting back at home missing everybody.....

Pretty Happy Looking for a 6:30 AM Flight

It's difficult to feel so complete for a random amount of time only to experience such loneliness in a matter of a few minutes.  Ali sent a picture of the three of them all snug in their seats before take-off and I took a selfie of Papa and myself and sent it to them at the same time!! 

Three Pairs of Shoes.....Missing!

Now I sit here sipping my much needed cup of coffee thinking about all of the fun activities we all enjoyed this past week while, in turn,  anticipating our next visit to Michigan in six weeks when our niece, Caitlin, is getting married.  I can wait a mere six weeks to see all of my children......can't I?




Thank You, Jack and Linda.  Dinner was fun!!

There is something quite surreal about sharing intimate space with loved ones all the while knowing that it will abruptly come to an end with a plane ride scheduled just down the road.  You squeeze every last drop of sunshine out of each moment together and savor the memories as though they were sparkling, precious jewels.....which they are.  Golden sequences of opportunity to reflect back on during this time when placing them on that plane tears you apart and the echoes of their laughter and sweet giggles still ring in your ears.

Anticipating the SunRail Train

Gavin enjoyed his first train ride as we traveled on the SunRail line between Lake Mary and Winter Park.  He loves his trains!  Brenna went swimming once, twice and, often, three times a day all week long.  She has been our 'water baby' forever!  Ali met with friends from her 'Old Disney Days' for dinner and a quick catch-up on life's progression since last year.  Papa and I went with the flow, administered a multitude of kisses and hugs and tried not to think about the swift passage of time.




Gavin and Brenna at Winter Park Station

Water Babies at Play......

 

Loved The Bear in Winter Park!!!

Since time waits for no one....we have thoroughly enjoyed what little of it we've had together, creating those golden memories and now having  to move on.  I understand.  I don't always like it but, I understand.  Brenna begins second grade next Tuesday.  Unimaginable!  I recall every detail of my own girls starting second grade and now, we have granddaughters in second and first grades!  Tomorrow a beautiful friend, Eliane Closset, will celebrate her Birthday at her home in Belgium.  Return safely for your next visit to Florida in October, Eliane.  I am 'impatiently' waiting to see you once again et, Bon Anniversaire!  I will be re-entering the world of social media and resuming my regular writing schedule.....which was seriously abbreviated during the past week. 




Choosing A Movie For The Flight Home

I must creatively smooth-back the edges of my life, transform the 'extra special' back into the norm and elude the whirlwind vortex of actions and emotions for a little while.  Keeping life in perspective is such a beautiful and important thing.

Helping Papa Unload The Car

Right now, I must think about remaking the beds, picking-up the pool toys, washing a load of beach towels and consider what to make for a dinner for two....    

Safe travel, My Loves!  Papa and I will see you soon!

Grandma and Papa

Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

ANTICIPATION

A series of stories.....

On the Road to Sedona, Arizona.....With Much Anticipation!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Anticipation

.....is the hope that spreads throughout our body and sends silent tremors from the brain down our arms and legs to our fingertips and lowly toes until the power that surges through us reaches its pinnacle and climaxes into a brilliant crescendo of sound...colors...and textures!  Like a frosty morn waiting for the warmth of sunrise, we, humans, shiver in the non-light of dawn's chilling embrace while crouching in a near fetal position, naked to the world, exposed to the elements and completely vulnerable...unprotected...and waiting, waiting for the morning sun to penetrate our mortal souls.  With the light, our hope becomes real.  With the bird's song, our hearts sing.  With the morning breeze kissing our lips, we clothe our nakedness in expectations, great or ordinary, looking forward to what this bright, new day has to offer.

Being human...we can, in turn, make our way through the discordant notes of imagined or real foreboding, presentment, until the feeling of discontent looms right above our heads like a menacing, black cartoon cloud surely capable of precluding brighter prospects.  Some days are better than others.  Other days, we are confronted by certain scenarios that may negatively 'set-us-off' allowing our inner demons to take charge of our physical and mental functions until we no longer have a voice...and, our options have diminished.  Sadness.  Despondency.  Yet, a dull ache openly anticipated by many without full comprehension of reason or why.  Can the prospect of personal dysfunction lull the mind into a state of adverse comfort with its cold, inimical voice singing acidic words deep within melodies composed of beating drums leading funeral marches to the grave?  Some of us sit by, uncomfortably, on the sidelines without knowledge or reasoning behind such personal conflict and continue to fail to assist or understand...shame, denial.

Remember the written words of Mr. Alexander Pope in his Essay on Man, "Hope springs eternal in the human breast," and extract from these words what you will...what brings for you "the soul's calm sunshine" and the idea that each one of us can achieve true human happiness while on this earth.  Oh, to remain open minded and receptive of this concept every day of our lives would truly be a goal worth its weight in gold and as priceless as the newborn infant entering naked into a world of the unknown....a clean palette of hope and possibility!  May this child grow strong and healthy, hear and feel the firework's gut-wrenching 'Boom' and witness the majestic spray of glittering and colorful glory high above as new ideas sparkle and swirl slowly down around him.  Humans are adaptable and the blinding rains that cover us in doubt one day turn into rays of sunshine that calm our fears and self-doubts tomorrow.

Carly Simon's second album, Anticipation, released in November of 1971, is an explosive reminder that innocence of mind, purity of heart and the promise of new love can become a 'tour de force,' a breath of fresh air to those of us who might have forgotten that passion is the true ruler of man, not, necessarily, reason...

Author's Note: Anticipation is waiting to hug and kiss your beautiful daughter and two adorable grandchildren at the airport in just a few more hours time.  Wow, I am so excited to have them here....even if for only one week!!!


Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

PLENITUDE

A series of short stories.....

 

 

 

 

Plenitude....A 'Super Moon' Kind of Story

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


It's difficult for us to imagine how someone who could give us so much infectious joy throughout a lifetime and career can become so lost within themselves that the same joy is not able to save them from the sadness and helplessness swirling around within their own mind and soul. Like the fatal black mist that it is.....despair and the complete absence of hope has claimed yet another victim, Robin Williams.

Yes, Rest In Peace, Sweet Man!  As God and all of His Angels welcome you into their 'Heavenly Comedy Club' please know that your joyful spirit and generous nature lives on within every earthbound creature you have left behind.

We do not see you as a victim......rather, as an example so that we may become more informed and aware of others around us who suffer from feelings of extreme sadness and hopelessness, as you have.  Your private struggle should become our public format as we consciously educate ourselves to help others find relief from their own personal despair.

Comic Relief ~ Help For The Nation's Homeless
Whoopi Goldberg...Billy Crystal...Robin Williams

We must never take lightly this serious disease labeled depression.  Not one single person should have to suffer its consequences alone.  Unfortunately, it is a 'silent disease' that often evokes a sinister form of embarrassment by those who do recognize its symptoms.  This stigma has always been a grave societal 'faux pas' in the United States and has seriously weakened healthy social development for many decades.  Mental illness in this country can be filed under the heading of Major Taboos right alongside the medicinal value of marijuana (cannabis), nudity, same sex relationships, Civil Rights (after all this time and suffering), sex education and contraception, masturbation and, most regrettably.....rape.  Don't get me started!!

Sorry, too late.  How can such an advanced society such as ours,  comprised of intelligent individuals, still 'giggle' because they feel uncomfortable about their own bodies?  Why, in 2014, do we still hide behind invisible masks when the above topics are brought up within a civil conversation?  Has our own naïveté and unsophistication blinded our radar so badly that we've become oblivious to the presence of understanding and common sense?  Yes.  Quite simply, yes, because we continue to refuse to acknowledge the positive lessons learned by example and apply them to our daily lives.  "It's his problem or her problem, not mine," I hear this all of the time.  No, my friends, it is OUR problem!  I have said this before and will say it again and again.....we are all in this game of life together.  Let's make a valiant effort towards getting it right this time around!  Our children and grandchildren depend on our generation making a positive difference.

I further acknowledge the sinking notion that if a particular scenario does not make quick and copious amounts of revenue for certain individuals or institutions, then it's not worth pursuing.  Our resources are great and we live in a land of abundance with a plenitude of food and natural resources.  And yet.....yet, we squander the opportunity to properly feed and house our own people.  We continue to ignore the fact that our forefathers failed to appropriately apply checks-and-balances with regards to industrial development throughout the years.  Our world is suffering, in part, due to their neglect.  Couple this with our neglect, as well because some of us are still choosing to pretend, either for political reasons or by employing the 'ignorance is bliss' syndrome, that we are not destroying the natural beauty and sustenance that was given to us as our greatest gift of all, Mother Earth!

Perhaps, Robin understood all of this.....  The rich do get richer and the poor, well, the poor are too often forgotten about.  The color of your skin should never determine the value of your intelligence.  Love for your fellow man holds more value than a bulging bank account.  And, laughter can only temporarily hide or distract us from our underlying problems.  Sadly, Robin knew this.



Scene From The Movie Good Morning, Vietnam

Growing up in the same generation as Robin Williams, I often think back on the many reasons why I am who I am today.  I am a product of a strict, Catholic upbringing in the '50's; the '60's and '70's unveiled their complete package consisting of the brutality of war (Good Morning, Vietnam!), the unreasonable death of good people (Kennedy, King and Kennedy), while peace, free love and rock n'roll wound their trailing tentacles of import and significance throughout every fiber of our existence; the '80's and '90's were years spent attempting to cope with everything we'd lived through our first three decades of life.

Despite of or, more than likely, because of all the above, I have learned to be open-minded, verbal and passionate, vulnerable and always choose to believe my cup is half full rather than half empty.  Being an eternal optimist, I trust that mankind will do the right thing, make the best choices for a healthy sustainable earth and provide subsequent generations with a positive footprint for their future growth and development. 
 

Courtesy of: The Global Citizen

  
I Do Not believe in the justification of war because of religious ideals, beliefs or doctrine.  War becomes a hypocritical smoke-screen for the general lust for power and the control over others.  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a hypocrite as, "A person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion and acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings."  Our history books are filled with such hypocrites (The Crusaders, for example) who hid behind their particular 'cross' while seeking power and greed in the name of the Church!  Innocent people died, as they are dying today in Syria, Israel, Iraq and the Ukraine, to name only several places, due to the inability of men and women to see one another as equals along this dusty road called Life.  Who gets to decide that his/her lifestyle and religious beliefs should reign over another human being?

No one.

I don't care what banner you wave or if your 'good intentions' heighten your feeling of superiority over those you feel are less fortunate or living in darkness and must see the light....communication, learning and understanding our differences with the eventuality of accepting them and seeing yourself within others will even out the playing field. Toss out the fear of the unknown and accept the fact that the earth never really was flat after all!

Fear exists when the lack of knowledge prevails.  Understanding, awareness and the appreciation of other cultures, their lifestyles and customs are some of the main reasons why we enjoy traveling.  Walking unfamiliar terrain and witnessing sights you've only imagined while reading a favorite book or enjoyed in a particular movie......what a personal thrill! 

There is nothing quite as invigorating as a misty afternoon hike along a craggy mountain trail or walking hand-in-hand with someone you love on a moon-lit, Caribbean beach as a cool ocean breeze caresses your face.  And, like a refreshing breath of fresh air, Robin Williams inundated our mundane world with an abundance of pure joy, a plenitude of laughter and helped us to understand that life is a series of extemporaneous 
adventures.....totally unscripted and capable of taking us anywhere we want to go.  This is his legacy; this is his gift to all of us. 

Koko and Robin 'Hamming It Up'

"Tickle me, tickle me," signed Koko, the gorilla friend whom Robin had forged a bond with when he visited the Gorilla Foundation in California back in 2001.  Whenever I saw Robin Williams, either on the big screen or television, secretly I was asking the very same thing.  "Tickle me, tickle me and make me laugh......"  He never failed to do so.  I will always remember this brilliant, generous and kind man!  Love.

Courtesy of The 'Love Infinitely Project'
Give...Love...Create...Change

Copyright © 2014 Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved


 

THE APPLICATION OF LIFE

Classic Thursday.......





~~Lydia Kaprice With Her Great Grandma, Marceline Robertson~~

......as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


I may call this an 'author's repost' or fundamentally, "Gone fishing in the archives for this special one!"  Maybe this comes under the heading of 'Classic Thursday.'  Whatever it is to be called, I always feel it's important to go back a little in time and allow work from a few years ago to resurface, come up for air and take a deep, deep breath once again.  As a writer, it's important to see where you've been in order to realize which direction you are heading in.  

This post was originally written in celebration of a friend's birthday.  Rereading it, after giving it a slight dusting-off, the original intent,  celebrating our life from infancy through adulthood by weaving one component, Love, constantly within the fabric of our existence, encourages us to be stronger, responsible and creative humans.  The message stays as relevant today as back then, as it will tomorrow or a thousand years from now.

Enjoy....





Originally Posted 08/20/2010

Ode To Those Of Us Turning Sixty

Like mist rolling into a dream that gently wraps all thoughts, all perspectives within its opaque wisdom....life proceeds on a daily basis as we take baby steps along this abstract journey.  We struggle to stand and to walk and to speak and to communicate with others around us…..as we observe their personal creation of the dance of life through every second, minute, hour, day, month, year and decade of breath that escapes between their ruby red lips.

We are infants morphing into adults with so much exotic pain and exquisite joy accompanying our movements that we’ve been known to cry to the heavens either in shock or  ecstasy during any given day.  On quiet days we curl into ourselves and specifically fail to ask the question, “Why?” deeply afraid of the answer and genuinely appreciative of the minute respite, knowing our emotions will attack us, once again, tomorrow…….

All too swiftly we become the adult form of the beautiful infant of our past carrying the trappings of adulthood upon our shoulders like our Father once carried us, high above the snakes that slithered around his shoes…..making us tall and momentarily secure.  Unfortunately, he let us down from that lofty place in so many ways.  On our own , survival is imperative as we hopscotch our way between the serpents and manage  incredible bites of sustenance in the form of hard work,  hard play and profound moments of sweet, enduring love…….lovers, spouse, children, grandchildren line-up to create this undeniable bond of such magnitude and strength….we are blown away by its power.

We become survivors.  Like a flash of lightning in the evening sky, the electricity flows through our earthly bodies with such creative power that we in turn charge the world around us and continue the ebb and flow of eternal life.  Such power and responsibility within us is, simply put, enormous!  Love….   



Have a Beautiful Day!

Copyright © 2014 Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

THOUGHTS ABOUT ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN

 A series of short stories.....

My Fairy Tale Dream Home

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Although I appreciate the crisp, clean lines of modern design, I remain, at heart, a lover of the classic style with an emphasis towards rich fabrics, natural wood and stone, crystal fixtures and, dare I say it......columns!  Greek and Roman architecture has always influenced my particular design scope in one way or another.

My fascination with certain colors.....blues, greens, shades of terracotta, grays and pinks, cream......all lend themselves to the classical style.  I can remember receiving a beautiful small porcelain doll for my fourth birthday from my Aunt Lou Lou.  She was young and stylish and carefree and I loved her for all of these reasons.  My precious doll, I named Lou Lou, had long, black hair, ice-blue eyes and crimson lips the exact shade of my Mother's lipstick that I loved so much.  Her tiny straw hat sported an even tinier pink rose above its wide brim and her petite porcelain feet slid into the smallest black velvet slippers I'd ever seen.  However, my delight with Lou Lou's appearance  settled around her lace, satin dress.  The use of color blew me away and I was only four!

The elegant deep cream-colored satin material of the main body of her dress was complimented by crisp, white cotton collar and cuffs that were squared-off and trimmed with the tiniest black velvet ribbon and cream lace.  Clean, simple and sophisticated described her attire! Being so young, I'm certain that I could not have told you why I liked this color combination so much; I could only understand that I did.



Our Front Entrance in Florida

Lou Lou's color palette is incorporated into my life to this day. The color scheme of our Floridian stucco-style home consists of a main body of taupe with arches and a square front column framed by white and the front entrance door is as black as Lou Lou's soft slippers.



Disney's Cinderella Castle

Every little girl believes or is told that she is a Princess at least once in her lifetime and she can't help but fantasize about living in the perfect home.....her castle!  Well, perhaps, her father the King's castle but, nevertheless, her imagination runs wild with the assistance of every Disney Princess holding her hand to guide her along the primrose path towards her personal allusions of grandeur and the eventual handsome Prince to fall in love with. And this, my friends, is every little girls' "rite of passage!"  Given all of this (she says with a sigh), European architecture has greatly impacted my design sense with regard to shape, materials and texture.

In 1990 we made our initial adventure into Europe!  Within the freedom of our rental car, we traversed the countryside passing ancient stone farmsteads surrounded by the sweetness of a newly harvested crop.  Makeshift picnic lunches of bread, cheese and fruit were enjoyed from stone outcrops overlooking the red tiled roofs of small French village homes located deep down in the valley or, while nestled within the gravity-defying hillside vineyards in Germany that majestically outlined the stunning Mosel River far below.



Neuschwanstein Castle as seen from Mary's Bridge

Trudging up the narrow path on our way up to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, located to the south-west of Munich near the town of Fussen and close to the Austrian border, I remembered how this particular castle was purported to be the prototype for Disney's Cinderella Castle.  Making it to the top and being amazed by the grand scale of this magnificent structure, I could fully realize the impact it had on Walt Disney, as well.  His fertile imagination incorporated the magic of Neuschwanstein Castle when he created the 'perfect home' for every little Princess lucky enough to visit Disneyland and Disney World.

We entered the vast cities of Munich, Paris, Bonn and London, falling madly in love with the people, the delicious variety of food and the opportunity to immerse ourselves within the 'energy' that only a vibrant, large city can provide.  Both Dan, a builder by trade, and I  expected to be blown-away by the expressive architecture of each of these grand cities and, we were not disappointed!



Brick Tudor Design

Years before, while attending college at Michigan State University, I would often pass-by the interesting homes flanking West Grand River Ave. linking this beautiful college town with the capital city of Lansing.  This is precisely when my love affair with European-style cottage designs began.  I learned that many of these homes fell under the Tudor Revival Architecture category that frequently employed a variety of materials including stone, brick, stucco and half-timbering.  I recall cascades of pink summer roses adorning the front entrances like aromatic shawls and fig ivy rooting into mortar and snaking along its prey until masses of shiny leaves shrouded the brick facade in a dense coat of living green.



Half-Timbered Tudor Design

While studying the history behind these fabulous structures, I have learned that the "cottage craze" began in America shortly after World War I and continued throughout the 1920's and 1930's. According to Stand-Out Cabin Designs, American soldiers returning from Europe at the end of the war were enamored with the French (and, particularly English) cottages they had seen while traveling abroad.  The ideas and images captured in their minds were subsequently conveyed to American architects, designers and builders who then interpreted and incorporated them in their new home designs.

I was hooked then and have remained so ever since.  Captivated early on by these cozy, European home designs, traveling to Europe to see this cottage style for myself was inevitable.


Stephen Fuller (Architect)

Several years ago the Architect Stephen Fuller of Stephen Fuller Designs near Atlanta, Georgia, attracted my attention because many of his elevation designs and floor plans corresponded with the cottage ideas I admire so much.  His use of several combinations of natural materials such as stone and wood display the profound influence of European architecture.  Though generally not precise copies, his "Americanized" versions are, nevertheless, characteristically picturesque and charming in their own right!  And, why yes, I do have a specific Fuller house plan in mind for any possible future reference....

Order, symmetry and balance.......check;
Fireplace, focal point in room........check;
Natural colors and materials.........check;
And, the use of elegant fabrics.......check and double-check!

Our Indoor Use of Pillars and Arches

That little girl at the age of four had been offered a look into the future through the icy-blue eyes of her favorite doll and instinctively connected how the use of color, texture, shape, light and style would become important factors in her life.  Today, I incorporate all of these ideas whether I am finding the perfect fabric for window treatments, repurposing old cabinetry into a new kitchen design or while taking pictures with my trusty Canon or convenient iPhone camera to be added to my various photo collections.

No matter what your particular style of design might be, sage advice for all of us would be to remember to trust your 'eye' and your instincts and together they are certain to take you on the most amazing adventures!

*What design style have you incorporated into your life?
*Do you have a wide color palette or prefer a white theme?
*Is repurposing items something you enjoy doing?
*if so, what is the last thing you've repurposed?


Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

THOMAS IN GALWAY CITY

 

A series of short stories.....






Irish Beautiful!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Walking down to breakfast from our small hotel room the first full-day in Ireland last September, we were pleasantly greeted by a young man standing behind the counter.  Without a name tag or such, he introduced himself as Thomas and told us we could sit anywhere we liked.  The restaurant was a cute 'hole-in-the-wall' with Thomas greeting and serving while the cook worked alone in the small kitchen just behind him. 

It was his 'good morning' smile that caught our attention.  It wasn't fake or painted-on.....simply genuine as it radiated the kindness he held within him! 

"Good morning to ya! What might I get for you this morning?  A cup of coffee each to start with?" he asked.  "I highly recommend the fresh peach crumble not long from the oven." 

Right then, the smell of freshly baked dough, awash in the delicious aroma of cinnamon, wafted from the kitchen.  Sneaking a peek into his tiny world through a large open window at the back of the café, I watched the man dressed entirely in white extract a large tray of golden brown rolls from his ancient oven and place them aside to cool. Pivoting around 180 degrees, he immediately began kneading fresh dough in preparation for another promising delectable delight!

My Anniversary Claddagh Ring

Salivating, I looked up to watch Thomas position two cups (with saucers) of coffee in front of us.  A gentle curlicue of steam rose from each as Thomas took our food order and promised to return in a flash with more coffee as needed.  All I could think about now was the man in white timing the baking of his pastries and bread between orders of eggs over-light, rashers and toast!

"Are you from Galway, Thomas?" I asked as he deftly removed the remnants of our breakfast from the table.  Bringing us a warm square of peach crumble and two new forks, he replied, "No, I moved here six months ago from Northern Ireland where I was born and raised.  After attending University, I decided I needed a change of scenery and a bit of independence under my belt."  Then he asked us about our visit to Ireland and the motivation behind it.  We told him we were in love with Ireland, especially the West Coast, and decided to celebrate our fortieth Wedding Anniversary here.



Thomas' Notes

"No way," he said, shaking his head from side to side as a cheeky grin spread wildly across his face.  "No way!  My folks are packing in two weeks to leave for America to celebrate their fortieth Wedding Anniversary!"  He just kept staring at us in total disbelief when he eventually explained to us why they had chosen to celebrate their auspicious occasion in the States.  "After they'd been married for almost five years and saved enough money to finally enjoy a honeymoon, they flew to Chicago, rented a convertible car and followed their dreams down Route 66 all the way to California.  They've decided to repeat that memorable trip on their fortieth!"

We were blown away by this crazy revelation right along with him.  I always believed there are good reasons for people connecting and this one was a doozy!  He told us his folks live in Portstewart, a small town nestled right along the North Atlantic coast and a popular spot for golfing and taking long walks on the beach.  He encouraged us to follow the Wild Western Coast all the way up and drop-in at his parent's house to say hello, having provided us with their names and address.  If their son's open-hearted personality matched theirs in the least, we were certain that these passionate Northern Ireland parents would not only welcome us with open-arms......they would probably give us a room to stay in, as well!

Sadly, Portstewart was not on our itinerary this visit.  But, we thought about Thomas often after saying good-bye and leaving Galway for our week's stay in Oughterard near Lough Corrib to the north.

We returned to Galway City five days later to pick-up Claddagh rings we had had made by an artist in a small shop to commemorate our Irish celebration.  Strolling down William Street lined by jewelry stores, various street vendors and sandwich shops, out-of-the-blue we hear, "Mr. And Mrs. Hughes, hello there.  Hold-up!"  Turning around in confusion as to who might know us in Galway City, we see Thomas exiting a stylish sandwich shop and sporting a full apron!  Running his hands down the stiff, black material, he exclaimed, "This is my second job.  I have to pay for my keep somehow!"  We were left to wonder which dining establishment was lucky enough to have hired him for their dinner service?

"Did you make it up to Portstewart already?" he queried.  "I haven't spoken with my folks since meeting you so, I wasn't sure.  And then I saw you both walking by from the window and couldn't believe my eyes!"  Before I had a chance to reply, Thomas was giving me a huge 'bear hug' and then rapidly shaking Dan's hand.  "Not this go-around I'm sorry to say.  But, we will be back.  We never leave Ireland without, at least, sketching-out our next visit in our minds," Dan said. 



Thomas and Me

That 'good morning' smile we were introduced to on our first day in Galway magnificently reappeared across his youthful face.  "I best be getting back inside.  I just had to say 'hello' when I saw you," he explained.  With his six-feet, three-inch height towering over both of us, we were feeling like parents about to lose a child to the vast world beyond.  "Not until I have a picture of you, if that's okay with you?" I implored.  Wrapping his long arms around my shoulders, this lanky young man, genuine in all respects, smiled warmly and Dan snapped our photo together as our three shadows began to spread across the 'cobblestones of William Street' that sunny afternoon in Galway City.

Saying our good-byes now seemed to echo our early morning greetings of only a few mornings before when fate introduced us to this amazing young man.  We promise to look-up his parents one day, if only to let them know how proud we are of them, as well.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Note: Wanted to update all of you on the current status of our kitchen project.  Yes, it's still ongoing with countertops promised for mid next week......  But, we keep plugging away with the little projects (installing hardware, painting shelf brackets) until voila, we have our countertops!!!  Here's a couple new pictures for you.....




See Empty Corner Where Open Shelving Will Eventually Reside?



Cute Bracket Soldiers All In A Row!!
















Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved