FRENCH TRAVEL ~ ONE EMOTION AT A TIME, PLEASE!

A series of essays.....

DANCING IN NICE, FRANCE
ALONG THE BEACH AND THE PROMENADE
DES ANGLAIS

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Hand in hand lovers, for the moment, swirl and sway to the rhythm and beat. An ancient voice sits beside the DJ who spins the sounds of melodies composed in another era in time. The crooner attempts to keep up with the music as his cigarette dangles, precariously, from his weathered lips. The beat changes. The dancers switch partners. Heads shift from one side to another until the women's eyes rest, demurely, on their new partner. The men hold the women with respect as their bodies begin to adjust to the new rhythms of both the music and the new person within their arms.  Life's dance continues to ebb and flow just like the sea that continually swallows the etched, gray stones a few yards away.....then, predictably, recedes into the blackness of the Bay. Their recently shined dancing shoes adapt to the changes and slowly, each new couple transforms into silent lovers, for a few moments in time. Witnesses to this ancient ritual line the shadowed Promenade above the dancers, delighted by the spectacle below. Charged by the music and the constant swell of the sea, their feet tap unconsciously; their bodies miming the motions of the dancers. With slight body movements, they suggest emotions without words. Using only gestures, expression, and movement, they align with the couples down below them; absorbing the rituals of motion and life, heartbeats blend together along the large expanse of the Promenade. Individuals blend seamlessly with those around them as the dance of life repeats itself night after night.....

THE PROMENADE IN NICE

MEMORIALS TO THE INNOCENT

I have become smitten by this magical place.

Lined with palm trees, as well as its iconic blue beach chairs, perfect for people watching, the Promenade des Anglais sweeps along the coastline, stretching from the Nice Airport Côte d'Azur to the Quai des États-Unis on the east side. Just last year, France submitted the famous pathway for Unesco World Heritage status.

La Prom, as it is affectionately called by the locals, is nearly four and a half miles of 'life' itself. A Mecca for bicyclists, baby strollers, families strolling along together on a Sunday afternoon, this pathway features cabanas perfect for a slow, uncomplicated time along the Mediterranean and the deep reflective thoughts enhanced by the azure water of the Bay of Angels.

By the end of the day, 14 July, 2016, eighty-six innocent souls would be lost forever along the Promenade. Bastille Day. A time of joy and celebration for the people of France. Equivalent to our Fourth of July. A time of Pomp-and-Circumstance. Filled with ceremony, fuss, and fireworks.....

With a heavy heart, my soul sings the 'Weary Blues.'

ARLES ARENA
(AMPHITHEATER)

WITHIN THE ARLES
AMPHITHEATER

Have you ever been lost in Arles? 

Not lost in the sense that all is abandoned and there's no hope of surviving. Rather, lost in the folds of history that tend to envelope European spaces so completely, so profoundly, it pulls at your very soul. Emotionally captivated by the simple beauty that surrounds you such as narrow, cobbled streets and the profusion of flowers, potted and sprayed along iron balconies and the ancient stones of buildings and walls like colorful silken skirts protecting the secrets beneath.....you can't help but notice several large elephants in the room. 

STAGE OF THE ROMAN THEATER

ROMAN THEATER SEATING

The Roman Amphitheater (The Arena) was built at the end of the first century AD and could hold 21,000 spectators who came to witness fights and games. Built a century before the amphitheater, the Roman Theater is its imposing neighbor. Looted for centuries for its building materials, today it is once again being utilized as the magnificent theater it was meant to be. Sitting on the ancient stone slabs that have seated millions of others just like me, emotions in the form of awe and wonderment took over and for a short span of time, it was easy to lose my sense of 'self' and become a small, silent figure lost in space and time.

PORTION OF FRIEZE
FROM ROMAN THEATER

CASCADING BEAUTY

....Arles is one of the capital cities of Provence of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the south of France.

The Celebration of Friendships

"To thine own self be true," quote from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet Act 1" that describes the importance of not deceiving yourself or others by ignoring what your heart tells you. When a person is true to himself, it's easier to be true to everyone else.

Traveling to France this past September was a true homecoming of old friendships and deep emotion. We knew that going in and planned most of our trip around this idea.

DINNER WITH NADINE AT
RESTAURANT SOUS LES MICOCOULIERS
 

Nadine Fourré, a renowned French artist/sculptor, utilizes the 'Art of Balance' in all of her many works she proudly displays, not only in her hometown of Eygalieres, France, but galleries and Expos throughout Provence. She believes that everything begins feet under the water and incorporates her precious river finds of stone and driftwood into her manifestations of balance.  

While living in Japan for over twenty years and studying architectural design in Tokyo, she immersed herself in the art of "less is more" and gladly became a student of the stone gardens of Zen temples. Through a mutual friend, I met Nadine on Facebook many years ago and we became fast friends. I've written a lengthy piece about her artwork on my blog, 'Moving On...' and have always hoped to meet her in person one day.

OLIVE GROVE
EYGALIERES, FRANCE

VINEYARD NEAR EYGALIERES

Staying in Eygalieres, tucked in among the Alpilles Mountain chain and close to the banks of the Durance, the first night of our trip afforded me the opportunity to spend time with Nadine and get to know her better.

What joy in my heart! My excitement was beyond palatable like the delightful local organic Rosé we all sipped together and the petite, homegrown organic tomatoes still on the vine we nibbled on before going out to dinner under the stars. Ahh, the more wine we consumed, the more my emotions hung on my sleeve to be seen and felt by all who saw me.

CONVERSATION BEHIND
NADINE'S STONE COTTAGE

A perfect evening among new friends that will be cherished and, hopefully, repeated as the years go by. Thank you, Nadine, for showing us how beautiful and kind your world is. I promise to keep this feeling within me forever.....

LE VERGER

BREAKFAST

Next stop.....Le Verger, a charming Bed & Breakfast in the Luberon area of Provence that is owned and personally operated by our friends, Daniele and Jean-Philippe Rossi. I have often written about this magical place we were so kindly introduced to seven years ago. These amazing people have become more like family to us than we could have ever imagined upon that first meeting.

Having slipped through the 'surly bonds' of jet lag the night before and survived, we were looking forward to spending two nights at Le Verger seeped in informative and friendly conversation, the surrounding beauty of the Vaucluse, and copious amounts of Daniele's delicious croissants and homemade jams and jellies. We were not disappointed.

FRIENDSHIP

Daniele met us, arms wide and welcoming, as soon as we pulled in. With many tears of joy and delight shed by all of us, we felt as though we'd arrived back home.

The first evening there, we were told that we were having a home cooked dinner with yet another couple who had become friends of Daniele and Jean-Philippe around ten years ago when they assisted in helping to pick olives in the orchard at Le Verger. Anne, originally from London, married Jean-Claude, a Frenchman, and lived and raised their children in France. With Anne speaking excellent French, as well as English, Daniele reasoned that we would enjoy hearing English spoken and that Anne would have a chance to use her native language once again.

Our conversation leaned heavily towards American politics as they were, naturally, interested in our personal reactions to one of the most unprecedented Presidential elections in the history of the United States. On the other hand, we learned about French politics, as well, and were intrigued by the frank openness and general diversity of the four French citizens we listened to. At this point, Dan and I knew we had been welcomed into the fold with open arms.

OBLIGATORY SELFIE WITH
DANIELE & JEAN-PHILIPPE

Our two days swiftly flew by when we found ourselves saying good-bye once again. Vowing it would not be another seven years before we meet again and extending our open invitation for them to see us in Orlando, we waved a bientôt to two of the most giving, patient, and loving people we know. 

The roller coaster of emotions within that two day period was, in itself, amazing, exhilarating, and exhausting as time rolled on. I can remember wiping away my tears for many miles down the roads of the French countryside as we made our way to Arles for the night.....

David..David..David!

What can I say? We have been friends with David for so long now that the many years in between our last visit together gently slid by all of us. There was so much life, love, and happiness sandwiched neatly between then and now that it seems ridiculously wonderful to know that we didn't lose out or miss something along the way. And, I liberally give kudos to Facebook for helping to make this happen.

DAVID ~ HAPPY FACES ~ OPEN HEARTS

Dan and I believed in the beginning that we'd have enough time during this trip to slide down to Barcelona, Spain, explore the exotic wonders of Gaudi architecture including the Sagrada Familia, the intricate Basilica that is one of Gaudi's greatest works, and visit David and Ray for a day or two. Eventually, we realized we just could not stretch our time in order to make this work out.

Fortunately, David came up with a feasible plan and asked if the four of us could meet in the small French resort town of Collioure north of the French and Spanish border and have dinner together. We would be coming down after a three night stay in Pieusse, a small village just south of Carcassonne where we had celebrated our wedding anniversary. 

COLLIOURE HARBOR

As time transpired, we found a room for the night in Collioure with the anticipation of driving all the way back to Nice the following day. David surprised us by booking a room at La Bona Casa, as well. Finally, Dan and I were going to get to meet Ray and see David again after all this time. David and Ray were married in Spain and will soon celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. 

CARCASSONNE, FRANCE

Ray McCall, you wily one. You slipped by us once again due to your work schedule. Now we must wait to see that handsome face of yours in person either in Florida or when we are fortunate to be able to visit Barcelona in the future.

Sipping wine along the beach front in Collioure with David and Dan, I realized the unexpected paths our life can take. Would I have thought that we'd be spending time with Mr. Ackley in France, wine glass in hand, with the beauty of this resort town behind us and the Mediterranean Sea stretched out so richly before us? 

The slight drizzle motivated us to seek out a place for dinner and we found a perfect spot outside and only a block away from our hotel. By then the rain had subsided and we ordered more wine and beer and ample food that turned out to be quite delicious. At one point, we were laughing very boisterously and with good cheer and that night, before going to bed, I realized I'd lost one of my favorite earrings. Even the next day when we retraced our steps and couldn't find the earring, I knew I could not let it bother me after having enjoyed such a wonderful time.

DAVID IN FRONT
OF OUR HOTEL

Enjoying our coffee and croissants the next morning was bittersweet for all of us. David would soon be driving back south, picking-up his two adorable dogs and bringing them back to his flat with Ray returning from his trip in a few days time. We had a much longer day in the car as we, reluctantly, packed the rental car and headed to the beautiful city of Nice for our last evening in France.

We miss you, David. We miss the laughter and excellent wine. We miss the political discussions with the three of us knowing how to keep America as great as it always has been. But, most of all, we miss you. Until we are blessed to see you again....much love and peace.

WINE EQUALS ~ JOY

JAMBON ET FROMAGE
AVEC BAGUETTE ~ LOVE

Copyright © 2016 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

HALLOWEEN DREAMIN' ON SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PROVENCAL DAY

 

A series of essays.....

GIANT TURQUOISE GATE BECKONING US INSIDE
SAINT VEREDEME CEMETERY, EYGUIERES, FRANCE

.....as seen through my eyes!




By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

It's difficult to imagine asking a tour bus driver to stop the vehicle each time you'd like to create a photo-op in a lonely, out of the way cemetery. That's not in their contract! Nor would you expect this to happen for anyone else on the tour. This is one reason why we drive ourselves through Europe....

Renting a car in France is one of our 'treats' and it isn't as overwhelming or expensive as you might think.

We surf through as many companies as we can, read all of the fine print (very important), and decide what size of car we require each time around. Then, we pre-order our selection, knowing that we have the flexibility of changing it or dropping it altogether, if need be, right before the trip.

RENAULT CAPTUR

All Rental Car Companies vary with regard to how large of a deposit is required once the car is picked-up. They say it is to make sure that funds are available when you eventually pay for your rental car. The amount can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000 on your credit card and, even though this deposit is taken off within two to three days of your total rental period, it can and does tie-up your spending money right off the start!

As my husband will attest to, I am notorious for having him bring our car to a complete stop in a matter of a few seconds if I see a possible photo worth taking. And, while traveling through Europe, this action could add up to numerous stops very quickly. So, just a couple of weeks ago......

......as we were leaving our friends, Nadine and Jean-Michel, in Eygalieres after a memorable evening of good friendship, wine, delicious Provençal fare, and lively conversations regarding the local art culture and the Exposition they were both involved in as local artists themselves, we headed south.

We were navigating the small roads that wind through the Chaine des Alpilles, a small range of low mountains in Provence located about twelve miles south of Avignon, when we found ourselves entering the village of Eyguieres on the Avenue Saint Veredeme.

"Please stop!" I asked as one of the most beautiful areas popped up  before our eyes while rounding a curve in the road heading into the small town. The large, multi-tiered area, appropriately entitled 'Saint Veredeme Cemetery,' was uncannily situated next to a small arena which featured local bullfighting.

GATE OF BULLFIGHTING ARENA

PEEKING INSIDE

ARENA AS SEEN FROM TOP
TERRACE OF CEMETERY

BILLBOARD OUTSIDE
OF THE ARENA

Parking our car, we initially scrutinized the arena taking several great shots. Then, we walked across the road to the cemetery where the large, turquoise gates invited us in. After entering, I did look back over my shoulder several times to see if the single, open gate was going to creak shut and lock behind us.

French cemeteries always intrigue me and we never fail to capture at least one each visit there. For the most part, they are beautiful, well kept, and steeped in the history of the people who inhabit them. Their living relatives and friends do everything they can to keep the legacy of the local departed very much alive! They were parents, young children, teachers, shop keepers, grandparents, and farmers who worked the soil nearby that we were so blessed to drive through that day.

VIEW OF THE TOWN OF EYGUIERES
AS SEEN FROM TOP OF CEMETERY

ANCIENT AQUEDUCT

AMAZING PROVENCE COLOR

Intricately terraced and bathed in the intense glow of the early afternoon sunlight, I could almost imagine being in Paris and winding my way through Pere Lachaise Cemetery which contains the graves of the notable and famous. In this area of the country, I am certain that everyone buried in this cemetery was notable and famous in his or her own right.

Even though we knew we were expected at Le Verger, Chambres d'Hotes en Provence in the Luberon area near the town of Gordes that afternoon, we must have been in the cemetery for at least an hour. It was so large that we still hadn't walked its entire area before passing back out of the blue iron gate.

Wind tossed and warm from the sun, we slowly marched back in front of the arena and wondered how many bullfighters had taken up residence next door throughout the years.

With the Halloween holiday looming around the corner, our escapade through Saint Veredeme Cemetery recharged our feelings for excitement and adventure. It was only our second day in the beautiful south of France and, following many, "Please stops!" along the road that day, we pulled into Le Verger with the smiling faces of our dear friends, Daniele and Jean-Philippe Rossi greeting  us...


Views of our trek through the Saint Veredeme Cemetery.....















Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

SAYING BONJOUR TO THE CÔTE D'AZUR

A series of essays....

LANDING AT THE NICE COTE D'AZUR AIRPORT

.....as seen through my eyes!




By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

I like the cosiness of an international flight. Maybe it's just the fact that a large group of strangers are able to sleep all willy-nilly among one another and within the close, shadowy confines of an otherwise long, narrow tube for an extended period of time.

Walking the long, narrow path to the toilet at the back of the craft when Mother Nature calls is a bit surreal and can be likened to representing the only surviving mortal drifting among a group of zombies within a Michael Jackson video. I know....that dates me. But, the darkness supplies listless arms, hands, legs, and even, heads protruding from the shadowed seats, their backs tall and uniformed like memorial stones aligned in perfect formation.

Navigating the narrow pathway of forced slumber is a prescreening of an Apocalyptic nightmare; faces frozen in unlikely poses, previously witnessed by nocturnal acquaintances alone, display drooling, stroke-like expressions. Uncontrolled appendages vie for the best 'incredible position' category as they unconsciously slither down sandpaper-like seat cushions and inflexible metal armrests.

Technically, we are being maneuvered into believing that time has no immanent regularity whatsoever even as it permanently pervades and sustains this amazing universe! For the duration of the six, seven, eight hour flight, we, as thinking and logical human beings, are cast into the role of 'needing to nap' infants who, a mere three or four hours earlier, awoke to normal morning rituals such as begging for our breakfast and experiencing the desperate need to empty our bladders.

Humans, for the most part, are easily manipulated....

We are fooled into believing one thing or another merely because we want to believe in something so badly, we 'll do or say anything to achieve the results we desire.  





We are served dinner while it is only lunchtime in our real world. Then we're told that if we cooperate and sleep well, we will be served breakfast in the "morning" when, normally, for most of us, dinner would be our main objective. To interrupt the natural timing within us is a strange yet interesting process and leads to jet lag or, the general feeling of fatigue and disorientation we experience after a long flight through several time zones.

Now....to add to this cluster bomb of mind bending unreality, did you know that we could be flying in a windowless airplane within the next decade?

Several European companies are working on a windowless fuselage and seat backs to be lined with smart display screens "that would tantalize your visual senses with panoramic views of the outside that come from a set of cameras mounted to the plane's exterior," says iflscience.com. For the claustrophobics out there.....I wish you luck! I don't care how many cute pictures are displayed around me, a plane without windows sounds like a total nightmare!

Let's not forget our ultimate goal: Traveling from A to B to C or D, depending upon how many stops or layovers you have between A and your final destination.

But, certainly, it's all about that final destination! It's the excitement of ultimately reaching that predetermined beginning of your journey where pleasant memories will soon be recorded and digital cameras will prove their worthiness. And, social media will soon be inundated by every move, place, and meal you decide to make, be at, and eat throughout this trip.     

Having strangers purring in their sleep next to you and having time twisted and turned in order to reformulate your physical and mental presence are minor distractions in the long run. When you do grasp the small tab and slide open the mini-shade covering your view of the world from thousands of feet above the earth, you hope you will be ready.

Each time we fly into the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, I believe I am ready for the beauty that's there to greet me. I never really am. The Côte d'Azur blows me away every single time!

This coastal area of southeastern France, along the Mediterranean Sea, is roughly coterminous with the French Riviera. It includes the towns of Cannes, Saint Tropez, Juan-les-Pins, and Antibes, as well as the city of Nice and the principality of Monaco.



Numerous white vessels of various makes, sizes, and monetary values, cut through and dot the azure blue sea leaving long trails of white bubbles and saline froth behind them. The shoreline is defined by the lofty waves breaking onto the pebbled coast framing the distinguishable clusters of buildings along the Promenade des Anglais which stretches for miles and miles.

Small hilltop towns sporting ochre/gray coats of clay and stone sit like robust sentinels protecting the populous from seafaring invaders while serpentine mountains offer a sturdy backdrop to the powerful, natural beauty that washes down towards the sea.



         DAN LOADING UP OUR RENTAL CAR


Flying into France at this location always takes my breath away! And, so....this is where our journey truly begins. Bonjour Côte d'Azur! I am ready to hear the lilting French dialogue that will swaddle and intrigue me for the next ten days.


Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

BLESSINGS

A series of essays.....

MY GREATEST BLESSINGS

.....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Blessings...

...come in an arrangement of different sizes, forms, and with a variety of both beneficial, as well as indistinguishable and seemingly negative connotations. A blessing can be given, cloaked within a brilliant disguise, counted innumerable times, and mixed or blended until it breeds something that may have bad effects, in addition to advantages for its intended recipient.

Blessings are small, individual acts of love given to and received gratefully by those who believe that these favors are gifts bestowed by God bringing happiness, approval, or good wishes upon them. Even 'small blessings' themselves are seen as benefits and advantages within this topsy-turvy world we live in and we become most thankful for them as we sift through the alternate possibilities. Having very little money can be seen as a blessing if it, at least, provides enough food on the table for survival.

Blessings often come in disguise as if they were guests at a masked ball, identities denied, yet distinguishable by their ultimate good effects. A 'blessing in disguise' might, initially, appear to be unlucky or bad. But, in actuality, the outcome has been shifted from the initial fear to something we might become eternally grateful for. A set of solemn circumstances, such as running late for work and losing a current job, could initiate a more interesting or profitable new job in the future.

The soothing words of the talented lyricist, Irving Berlin, would have us all "counting our blessings instead of sheep!" And, why not when all is right with the world while falling asleep counting our blessings instead of our worries? Beating the odds by surviving what could have been a tragedy and having us then realize our good luck is certainly grounds for counting one's blessings! When the consequences of hard work and planning fall short of our expectations, it's important to take note of other incredible things that have happened to us. This may just be the most important antidote to sadness the world has ever know!

Early explorers of our vast world, fearful of the unknown, would seek the blessings of the King, Queen, or highest ranked clergy by having them invoke a higher power for assistance, support, and inspiration before beginning their long journey by land or sea.

Beauty can be a mixed blessing. The attention received by a person of renowned physical beauty may only be a superficial blessing if others are less likely to take him or her seriously. We humans are often caught somewhere between that which is favorable and sailing adrift upon a sea dotted by active mines, disadvantageous features that we must learn to navigate around in order to survive. Many scientists proclaimed that discovering the power of the atom was a mixed blessing. Even as it opened our world to the positive aspects of nuclear power, it also made nuclear weapons possible.

We incorporate innumerable blessings every day of our lives, whether we choose to recognize them as such or not. It may be in the form of a short prayer of thanksgiving said before a meal; enjoying the blessings of peace or prosperity; the devout invocation of blessedness bestowed upon us by a priest during the benediction of a mass; loving permission to go, proceed, or carry on in full agreement with the ideas of another, or being touched by the help or services offered to us out of the kindness and good fortune of others.

As grandparents, we consider our grandchildren to be among our greatest blessings. When we are able to travel and explore other cultures and languages, we become blessed by our newly attained knowledge and may choose to share it with others upon returning home. Recognizing are own personal talent and being able to utilize it in order to assist, please, or offer a brighter life to someone else is a blessing we should all strive for. Good friends....a gift never to be taken lightly and a blessing for life.

The blessings and good wishes bestowed upon us through the kindness of others should be cherished and returned in favor by us to others who require them. When we are blessed enough to be able to understand our own bounty and good fortune and share it with those experiencing misfortune, we will have attained the full benefits of a truly blessed life.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

IMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR

A series of essays.....

THOUSANDS LEAVE A MEMORIAL SHRINE FOR THE
VICTIMS OF THE ORLANDO PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING

.....as seen through my eyes!



By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Get ready people because we are experiencing a 'cultural shift' from deep within the daily life and social network we currently hold so dear. Stand very still, close your eyes and you can feel that the times they are a-changing.....

As a child of the '60's Revolution, I can sense how the plates are shifting beneath me once again! The tremors of a powerful and mind-blowing quake is rumbling not so deep beneath the earth's surface, building up steam and preparing to Rock-n-Roll us into a brand new stage of existence. How accepting of it are we willing to be?

Our resident philosopher, renowned prophet, and song writer, Bob Dylan, turned heads around in those days with lyrics like this:

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the time they are a-changin'

We 'Truth Seekers' and students of the world knew what was happening back then and prepared for the long-haul. We encouraged the fight and took the lyrics to Dylan's song to heart and were, in turn, encouraged by them. We were the counter-revolutionaries long before Bernie, finally, charged onto the scene again in this millennium. We were determined to outline the misconceptions and intentions behind our government's involvement in the war in Vietnam and set it straight....even if it meant we were not willing to fight and die for something we did not believe in.

Living in Canada was an alternative lifestyle, freely discussed and often acted upon....consequences be damned!

I remember how we would sit and talk and exchange ideas along the way, for the most part, mindful of our constituent assembly and eager to make or change our political constitution. We were rebels with a cause and felt the time was rife with the need for a powerful change before many lives were lost due to existing policies.

Our generation wanted it done and, we wanted it done as quickly as possible... Having to go through the proper channels may have cramped our style, but we were conscious of the fact that our thoughts and words counted, to a certain degree, and the people running the show would at least hear us out, if not understand.

Impulsiveness. Impulsive behavior is the theme of this current revolution and led by a man whose trait is not thinking carefully before acting. A chameleon of words who changes his persona in order to please each audience with an assumed identity or character.

We have seen the impulsive 'change maker' and felt the negative ramifications of his mighty roar like a seismic shift threatening society as we know it. His impulsive and erratic behavior is based upon and characterized by actions rooted within sudden desires, whims, or inclinations rather than careful thought or planning.

The 'impulsive man' will bring about change. I will not deny that. But, change based upon emotional impulses or whims is brief, loud, and meant for the short term, not continuous for long term stability.

Impulsiveness is what drives the fear and hatred within so many of us, all around the world, in terms of political and religious ideology. Impulsive behavior has spawned new radical beliefs like the idea of building a wall so high that others cannot take away from us anything that is most righteously deserved as American citizens. But, at what cost to others? Impulsive behavior is directly responsible for the annihilation of so many innocent men, women, and children that it has become unconscionable and difficult to   comprehend.

The Republican choice for candidate for the Presidency of the United States is doing so much more than challenging our Constitution; he is denying it and all that it stands for! Whether out of ignorance of its content and intentions, or his own ego and ambition, he is making a mockery out of the hard work that formulated the principles by which we are governed.

I visited the Pulse Nightclub memorial last weekend here in Orlando, my City United. Tears from the pain, hatred, and shock that was the intent of a man fueled by hypocrisy and loathing ran freely down my face. I was not alone. Thousands of us were paying our respects to the innocents who have now become martyrs due to impulsive and irrational behavior.

Soon I will be shedding fresh tears as we walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, alongside others who question and wonder about the instability of mankind.

We are being tested. Our values and morals and poor judgment regarding the annihilation of our Planet Earth are on display for all to see, and we are all being tested.....every single day!

November 8, 2016, is our designated exam day as we check the boxes for whom we believe will shed a favorable light upon the United States for years to come. I hope we do well on this test. Our lives and those of our children and grandchildren truly do depend on it.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

THE ROLLER COASTER RIDE

A series of essays.....

       quotesgram.com



.....as seen through my eyes!

 

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


I always chide myself when it comes to being able to ride this roller coaster called life with dignity and grace.

It really isn't the fun filled ride we expected it to be when we were, considerably, younger. "I can't wait to grow up and be an adult. Then I can say and do (and eat) whatever I want!" Naiveté back then may have lasted until the ripe old age of twelve to fourteen years old. Today, sadly, a child must grow up quickly and witness a transparent world through war, acts of terror, poverty, and hate in order to survive and have the opportunity of becoming a productive adult.

Don't get me wrong! My career as a bonafide adult has had its grand share of 'ups' and I feel grateful and blessed by them every day. Perched high above the world we show our exhilaration by extending our hands straight above our heads, eyes and mouths wide open, literally anticipating the downward thrust.....gravitational pull that is certain to follow. 

This now becomes a test of our ability to survive whatever life has in store for us, make us think, take stock, and reevaluate what is important in our life. It may only be a small, shallow depression into the depths of the unknown; enough to play with the emotions but not enough to change or turn our lives around forever. But, it has an impact, one way or another, and how we choose to handle it is strictly up to us.

Recently, good friends of ours have had to cancel a trip they were to make with us due to recent health issues. Fortunately, these issues are being taken care of through the power of modern medicine and the generous amount of love and compassion shared by so many good friends and family members.

In an instant, life and plans can change leaving us to either make the best of a situation or flounder in the aftermath like a fish out of water.

My heart was heavy and a genuine feeling of sadness engulfed every ounce of my being. Instantly, I recognized that my sadness was not about me at all! Rather, it was about our friends. I would be okay. I was still going to travel with Dan by my side and experience new places and meet interesting people along the way. My personal sadness revolved around the fact that this would not be our time to share our experiences together with these good friends. I firmly believe that with plenty of faith and hope, we'll all be planning another trip together in the near future.

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, especially the feelings of sorrow or anguish. With so many of us today embroiled in conflicts of health issues, money matters, retirement security, and the welfare of our own aging parents, the feeling of empathy for others is a humbling trait that we might all aspire to.

I believe with all my heart in the basic importance of being empathetic towards our fellow travelers along the path of life. Often it's easier for us to understand the pain of others if we have already experienced similar circumstances along this meandering roller coaster ride. However, by opening up our hearts to each possible experience that may affect all of us, in general, allows us to perceive their anguish in a brighter light and be better equipped to help them cope with it.

Who doesn't want to see someone smile after they've had a good, long cry? The sorrow has been expressed through the tears and the joy of a new beginning is strengthened by the possibility of a brighter future. To have been cuddled and comforted along the way is the ultimate feeling of optimism and well-being.

Susan Cheever, an American author, once wrote, "Dogs are great teachers. They are at home in the world. They live in the moment, and they force us to stay there with them. Dogs love us unconditionally, not for our bodies or bank accounts." And, I believe we're all suspicious of people who don't like dogs! I apply this same theory to people who do not show empathy for their fellow man.

Nobody sits at the top of the roller coaster indefinitely. Eventually, even the most privileged of us will dive down from his golden perch to face reality. When that time comes, for me, personally, I want to know that family and friends will be there to hold my hand, shed a tear or two with me, and feel my pain. And then...together...we will work on picking-up the pieces and begin the uphill climb to happiness once again.

With grace and dignity we should all be aware of not only our own personal feelings, but understand that we're all riding this crazy roller coaster called life together, for better or worse.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved