GIVING THANKS FOR THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE AND MEMORIES.....

A series of essays.....

PILGRIM SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS ~  CIRCA 1956  (REPRODUCTION)

.....as seen through my eyes!



By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

When I think of skills, I recall the many hours Mom spent chopping cup upon cup of celery, onions, and carrots. She would peel mountains of potatoes before cutting and boiling them in a large, heavy pot of salted water. Skill, yes, but endurance, as well. This all began around four o'clock in the morning, when the hour was dark and the rest of us were all snuggled deep into our bedsheets and blankets dreaming of the feast to follow.

Interestingly, I still use the same potato peeler that Mom used way back when. It continues to work better than any peeler I've purchased on my own. 

We would have already named the huge bird the day or so before via popular consensus, being careful to recall his name from last season to avoid repetition. But, somehow, I remember him being called Tom more often than not.

Secretly, I think Mom rather enjoyed this time alone; those special hours before the songbird's initial twitter outside the kitchen window, or the first rays of sunlight rose above the horizon, while the household quietly breathed above her head. She was alone with her thoughts. There wasn't another soul near her to distract the steady rhythm of her work. Mom could do most everything that needed to be done, during those wee hours of Thanksgiving Morning, in the dark.....if need be. She had been doing it for so many years. 

I would like to think that Mom chopped and sliced while dreaming of walking a sandy, sun-dappled Hawaiian beach. The sound of the crashing waves giving her the power and strength she needed, while the crisp snap of swaying palm fronds moved like exotic hula dancers above, casting unique shadows along her path. Mom loved the thought of being in Hawaii. I don't know to this day if she would have ever taken the chance and flown there. Dreaming about it might have been as good as being there for her. 

I did ask her about Hawaii once. She only smiled at me as if to say that it would, in all likelihood, never happen. It never did....

I picture my Mom, under the bright kitchen lights, stuffing 'Tom' with marked vigor and taking out her aggressions with each cramming spoonful of her made-from-scratch dressing going into the cavity before pinning back the legs in preparation for baking. Women give vent to their frustration in various ways. I know that I would have utilized this opportunity to vent, if needed.

Back in those days, my youth, her young womanhood, girls were instructed not to 'make waves,' especially in public, and not often even in the privacy of their own home. They were to be happy to have a roof over their heads, children in which to take care of, and a husband who (hopefully) brought home his paycheck each week in order to pay the bills and keep that roof right where it belonged. The mid-1950's lost any charm it might have had....quickly, in my book.

I noticed, even as a young girl, how little 'alone time' my Mom had. If she wasn't wrestling with one of us four kids, she was cooking every evening meal, cleaning, washing tons of laundry, and falling into bed each night exhausted and thinking about doing it all over again the next day! Was the smile she graced us with while preparing breakfast before school genuine? I'd like to think so. It, certainly, meshed nicely with the kiss on the cheek we received before sitting down at the table. 

Having made the cranberry sauce the day before, and making sure the cut potatoes were fully covered with water in the pot so as not to air-purple before cooking, she may have had a moment to brew herself a cup of Lipton Tea in her favorite mug and sit down at the kitchen table. 

I wish I had had the wherewithal to pinpoint these special moments back then and ask her what she had been thinking about as she meticulously squeezed the used teabag into her teaspoon and placed it on the napkin beside her mug. Sipping her Half-n-Half laced brew, a habit I never adopted, I wonder now if any regrets were besieging her thoughts as morning shadows began to swirl around her kitchen? And, if so, with whom did she talk about them? Or, was the vast silence she contained within her only ally, her personal source of comfort?

Was a Mother's young daughter equipped to encapsulate such adult emotions and be able to decipher them with the reasoning that each one righteously deserved? Most likely not. But, I did experience these emotions in so many other ways. The silent tear that skimmed down a cheek, the far away look in her beautiful gaze, or a soft hand placed on mine as if telling me it would be all right. Even the very young can be touched by these signs.

The mouthwatering aroma of the baking bird would, eventually, slither up the staircase calling each one of our names. I am reminded of the black and white cartoons on a Saturday morning as I followed the visual of the curlicued scent downstairs where my Mom sat sipping from her favorite mug. The sheer act of hugging and kissing her was a simple yet marvelous gift to me. Inhaling the freshness of the cut vegetables and various spices that mingled with a touch of perspiration on her brow.....will linger with me forever.

It made me so happy to share a little bit of time alone with her, pajama clad as we both were, seeking the warmth of the kitchen. We discussed how many people would be sitting around our maple table in the dining room for dinner that afternoon. It was my job to find the autumn-themed tablecloth and matching napkins in the cupboard to be placed on the table after the two maple 'leaves' were put in to extend its size and, hopefully, accommodate all of us. 

Mom always cooked way too much food for Thanksgiving. I believe it was her way of giving a large part of herself to everyone she loved so much. She would tell me it was easier to cook a grand variety of dishes rather than try to second guess what everyone liked. So, we had several options for vegetables, sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes with gravy (made from turkey drippings), cranberry sauce and frozen fruit salad (my favorite dish), and, occasionally, a good sized ham to accompany 'Tom' on the table. Our hearts and stomachs were filled by her gracious love. 

Cleaning up after the meal was a lethargic process that demanded concentration and lots of willpower. Admittedly, it remains my most loathsome part of cooking a large meal today. In those days, being the only daughter in a world of three brothers placed me beside Mom back in the kitchen once again. By this time the males were all gathered near the television watching the traditional Lions and Bears football confrontation and Grandma sat at the kitchen table offering conversation while nursing her after-dinner coffee and a cigarette. For the most part, Mom and I worked like clockwork. After all, we were a team.

Times have changed a bit and, having raised two daughters of my own, I reflect upon our time together naming the turkey without becoming too attached to it, mashing the potatoes, and placing the warm rolls into a napkin-lined basket for serving. Waking up at four in the morning was outdated no matter how many guests I fed. And, my husband was as big of a help in preparing the huge meal as he was in cleaning up afterwards. Still is to this day! God bless him.

Now our daughters have families of their own with five little ones between them. I know they are creating their own traditions every holiday that will be merged with those from both sides of their family that have been handed down throughout the years. The turkey may be deep fried instead of baked and vegetables such as kale substituted for creamed corn, but life goes on and sharing the simple things together as a family will always remain the backbone of our existence.

If I could share this precious time with my own Mother once again, I don't think I would change a single thing. What's more important is that I don't think she would, either.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE! Enjoy the company of those who have and will continue to touch your life whether they be family, friends, or people in need this Holiday Season. Remember to make beautiful memories together! 

A HUGE BIRTHDAY shout-out to my granddaughter, Lydia. You will always amaze and delight me! Happy 9th, with all of my Love.   

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

TRANSITION.....

A series of essays.....

AS CERTAIN AS THE SUN SETS IN THE EVENING.....

.....MAY THE FEELING OF 'HOPE' RISE UP WITH THE SUN IN THE MORNING!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

TRANSITION.....

.....is a form of adjustment between two independent states or time periods. A serious attempt to blend as seamlessly as possible from one perspective into another while causing minimal harm, confusion, or disruption of the normal state of affairs. 

Most of us strive to make a smooth transition into a neighborhood we've recently moved into, the act of changing from a high school routine to the rigors of a college curriculum in a matter of a few months, or conquering the adjustments to be made while exchanging one job and entering another one. Without having to make extraordinary life sacrifices or changes, most of us expect to have to make a few concessions while accomplishing these human tasks. So, with an open mind we charge forward into a world of the unknown and openly adjust to its social and business acumen in order to humanly mix our train of thought and beliefs with those we have recently placed around us. We have willingly transitioned from one particular world into another producing minor shock waves along the way.

Certain transition periods are not of our own making and the change or cause to change from one state (stage) to another can occur, not in a blink of an eye, but in a matter of time that is pleasing to the system and comforting for the soul. 

Mother Nature caresses us with soft summer breezes and conditions us to the crisp smells and sounds of summer's gentle decay come autumn. We may even enjoy the thrill of skiing down snow powered slopes on a bright winter's day and sipping hot cocoa later by a warming fireside. The genuine anticipation of the profusion of color poking through the remnants of melting ice and snow in the form of hearty flora seeks to delight our senses like nothing else imaginable in the springtime of our seasonal changes. The transition from one season into another eases us from one miraculous stage to another. Human nature accepts these changes as markers denoting our personal life cycles ranging from childhood to the final breath we take here on Mother Earth. 

Creatively, we embrace our own 'rite of passage' as we celebrate or mark our change of status on a significant occasion. This may be the onset of puberty, the entry into a select group or service, or any other act or event marking a passage from one stage of life to another. Most cultures, religions, and societies embrace some form of these rituals as standard practice and appeal. It is customary to assist the individual involved by offering a smooth transition from one point of their life into the next. 

So, it might be buying a friend a mug of beer with a cigarette chaser on his birthday. It might be painting your body in bright colors and walking down the paths of your village parading before Elders and fellow villagers. If you celebrate the Catholic Faith, you may feel you are a living part of a significant religious rite of passage by asking yourself to remember your First Communion. Obtaining your first driver's license, a first kiss, new boyfriend/girlfriend and, who can forget the ancient transition into adulthood by being asked to attend your first (and only) snipe hunt.....these are all traditions that segue or transition us into a whole new world, often with the help of family, friends, and members of the clergy.

One week after the highly disputed election for President of the United States, insiders within his transition team are agreeing that Donald Trump is already botching the transition of power associated with the exit of one administration and the establishment of an incoming administration.

Somehow, this hardly comes as a huge shock.

Despite his rabid Twitter campaign where he states that "I am the only one who knows who the 'finalists' are in my Cabinet decisions," the confidence many Americans have in this man, and all of the people who surround him at this moment, should be shaken and distorted. Reality television at its finest! It is most worrisome to experience such lack of true leadership and common sense when it comes to engaging in a very important transition that will, ultimately, affect all of us.....in this country and around the world!

"In another sign that Trump was caught flat-footed by winning the election, his transition team has been slow to engage with the outgoing administration," writes POLITICO. Even though the Obama administration is offering all of the help they can to Trump's team in order to create a smooth transition of power, it does not seem to be enough to iron-out the massive 'kinks' that plague a group of people who favor infighting over cooperation.

And, you can be certain that whatever Mr. Trump throws at us off of his Twitter feed in the form of explanation can and should be given a one-hundred and eighty degree twist every time. Much like throughout his entire campaign, while smearing each of his opponents, the lies about them could be seen instead as the truths about himself and his own lifestyle and beliefs. 

Let us be totally and unequivocally honest with ourselves here as we discuss the transition of power in the case of the Trump family and related businesses. To do this we must think more along the lines of incorporating and harnessing the powers of this great office for the enhancement of personal gains for the family who will be selling their shiny bracelets and bobbles, their resorts and golf courses, and their towers made of gold to the world. Pure Profit and Greed at the expense of the betterment and safety of all of the people of this nation, whether they voted for him or not.

#Stephen Bannon, #White Supremacy, #KKK, #American Nazi Party, #Total Fear, #How Much Is Too Much Power?......

And, the list could continue on and on and on until the American people attempt to understand what this new administration stands for and how little we, as citizens, stand to gain in the next four years of a Trump administration.

It is my belief that most of us will understand this dilemma much sooner rather than later, if not already. Especially when we see that government spending will quickly reach unimaginable heights with his five-hundred and fifty billion dollar (recently reduced from one-trillion dollars - has no clue) infrastructure spending package, 'magic' wall, and the realization that those new/old factory job opportunities that our fore bearers coveted upon high school graduation will not be forthcoming as promised. Via the application of robotics and economic restructuring, they are yesterday's news and   incapable of being resurrected again because......the times they-are always a-changin.' 

Okay....

This story is about transition. This story is about making transitions from one point, tradition, and time to another as smoothly and seamlessly as possible. It is about adjusting well throughout these transitions and becoming a stronger, more knowledgeable human being (country) on the other side. 

In order to get critical points across in terms of explaining ourselves, we often must present opposing examples with the hope of comparison in mind. Unfortunately, looking at the folks on the Trump transition team this past week, it's easy to see that the words 'smooth' and 'transition' do not blend well together. 

Now comes the difficulty with any transfer of power: knowing how to govern the people well. Especially those who have thrown one hundred percent of their life's blood and trust into a president-elect who isn't a traditional Republican in any sense of the term but the new leader of a populist movement that broadly disagrees with party leaders on a multitude of important policy issues.

Thus far, so much for stanching the flow of blood pouring from this wounded nation and her people. So much for eliminating confusion and mayhem while you seek sanctuary from your public responsibilities and enjoy a steak dinner with 'the family' at the 21 Club two blocks from your golden tower as the New York elite sing your praises and you promise to lower their taxes for them even more. 

Lastly, so much for eliminating the disruption of the government's state of affairs as you and your team continue to blunder, argue, and stumble through what should be lots of hard work at the most and basic cooperation among one another at the least in order to make this transition as smooth and cohesive as it can be.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

HERSTORY (HISTORY) WILL BE MADE TODAY

A series of essays.....

A NEW DAY DAWNS.......GO OUT AND VOTE!!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

The sun is shining here in Orlando, Florida this morning. I don't know....maybe it's just me....but, I know that something BIG is happening today; something so BIG that 'herstory' books will be updated with woman saying "it's about time" and little girls being provided the opportunity to, finally, look-up to another female face for strength and guidance among those crusty, old book pages we must endure in school. 

Today I am proud to be a woman. I am proud to say that I've voted for a woman to be President of this fragile nation I call home. I will be proud to have a woman guide and protect me and everyone I love, not only on the outside, but, emotionally, on the inside. This woman will wrap her arms around all of us, whether we voted for her or not, and make us feel welcome no matter who we are or where our ancestors came from.

She is not just 'any woman.' She has put in her time within the ranks of political challenges. She has learned to live with her head held high while under a cloud of spousal scandals only to move on and take control of her own political destiny she had set aside so long ago to become a nurturing wife and mother. She moved out of the shadows to run for the United States Senate, won, worked hard, and earned the respect of both the Democrats and the Republicans alike!

This woman will create 'Herstory' each day she is in office by processing the fundamental right of every person who lives in this country who dares to dream, hope, and believe. She will not pretend that basic fear tactics will serve to accomplish her goals. That's a petty way of securing trust, better left to bullies and fear-mongers to employ.  No, her ideas incorporate the belief that we are all, fundamentally, good with many opportunities to better our lives and challenge our minds to explore ALL options that open-up before us. Closed minds create anarchy. Closed hearts create mistrust and hatred. For her.....all doors will be opened for everyone!

I know....I have said this before and I will say this over and over again: It is, precisely, because I am the proud mother of two daughters, three granddaughters and two grandsons that I have voted for Her! Having just spent ten days with these adorable people up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, I will be the first to tell you that the future of our nation looks shiny and bright! There is hope for all of us as long as we allow it into our lives via the youth of this country. It cannot and shall not be squelched or silenced by those who seek to suppress progress through hatred and divisiveness. She will not allow negativity or stagnation to rule this great nation of ours!

Ultimately, you want to be able to have her write her name in the 'Herstory' books with a message of unity where even those who may not have supported her will be able to say that they had a President who always spoke for them, protected their rights, opened up new employment possibilities while equalizing pay rates between men and woman. 

It does not matter this gorgeous morning, November 8, 2016, if the golden sun is shining off of the stiff, glossy fronds of a palm tree or the crisp, crimson leaves of a Michigan maple tree.....  Herstory, as we know it, will become a brand new chapter taught to our youth via the 'books of time' in classrooms throughout America and the entire world in the years to come! 

We are living in a special time. A time where good, positive things will happen if we open up our minds and let them transpire. She, Hillary Clinton, will work hard to ease this fragile country out of the realm of confusion and back into a working, cohesive, and joyful state. A place where we will be proud to raise our children and grandchildren.  A time when the herstory books will reflect a viable change in all of us and the gap of division will ultimately close.

Please remember, this country is a gift to all of us! So, go out and VOTE!

Today, I am proud to be an American!

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes

All rights reserved

ROBOTS, BIG MONEY, AND REMOTE CONTROLS: THE AGE OF PROGRESS OR LAZINESS?

A series of essays.....

MY DAUGHTER, CORINNE, AND SON-IN-LAW, MATTHEW'S GARDEN~~~
HARD WORK AND PERSISTENCE YIELDS AMAZING THINGS!

.....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Calling all scientists, freethinkers, inventors, innovators, and even the individual who came up with the application of the 'paperless airline ticket,' I have a question for you. Why do you believe that the general public requires the everyday use of robots, hands-free apparatus, and total remote control living in order to have a perfect lifestyle or perceive to be completely happy?

It's a serious question and I must have an answer.....

I am a bit conflicted, however, when our 'tech' world has created hands-free, paperless, remote orientated scenarios and yet.....we, literally, hold our cell phones in high esteem throughout our waking hours. (Pun intended.)

The ongoing pattern begins with the process of invention; clearly labeled for the 'benefit' of mankind. Then continues with the act of circulation that is closely followed by assessing the devastation while continuing to move forward at warp speed anyway, inevitably leaving collateral damage in its wake. From the first 'genetically modified plant' back in 1983 to the cultural impact that advertising has had in America, our health and welfare is paying the price every day.

We all live through this process and learn to accept it as the 'norm.' 

Some of us are fighting back, one baby step at a time, by planting our backyard gardens, minimizing the use of plastic, and taking family walks in the evenings and leaving the television in the dark.

Laziness, or the act of categorizing any physical or time consuming labor as totally worthless and avoidable, is creating a new generation of human beings that belies the adage of 'It takes hard work in order to succeed.' Our school systems have felt this crunch for years when it comes to the lack of demand for teaching basic mechanical skills to future generations of farmers, woodworkers, welders, as well as teaching the rudimentary values of running a home in an efficient manner.

Photo: Courtesy lwgsummerland.wordpress.com

The stimulus behind my train of thought was an article I had read over the weekend which guaranteed the infiltration of robots serving mankind within a large percentage of American homes. Timeline: Within the next several years. We're talking computer based, human-like figures that are there to serve us our evening cocktail (look back to the 1950's for this one), make our meals (vegan, vegetarian, or full-on meat and potatoes) and serve them to us, and clean our homes while wearing Grandma's floral print apron (nostalgic interpretation supplied by the individual owner).

Let's be honest, to a certain degree, they already do. 'Roomba' me baby! The granddaddy to later 'spin' offs of robotic vacuum cleaners that, via computer technology, rotate across the floor, ostensibly, on their own accord! Roomba was introduced in 2002.

Progress? You must decide.





From a highly practical standpoint, I will concede that several inventions throughout this modern robotic era make progressive sense. For example, bomb squad robots, and laboratory mechanical arms that handle radioactive or highly sensitive materials, robotic artificial limbs including research using electrodes to stimulate the brain and control the movement of these devices. The advantage of these robots used in the application of safety, as well as revolutionizing prosthetics has been phenomenal, saved lives, and assisted in the betterment of mankind. Money well spent!

Whenever money.....Big Money.....is involved, we will always walk a fine line between practicality and saleability: The difference being what is helpful for the consumer and how much money lines the pockets of large companies. This includes the manufacturing of drugs, their upside in helping the sick, along with the harrowing experiences of prescription drug addiction throughout this country.

ROBOTIC ARM ~  COMPUTER
PROGRAMMED TO SIMULATE HUMAN
ARM FUNCTIONS

As consumers and willing/unwilling lab rats, we have been outmaneuvered, brainwashed, and hustled for hundreds of years.

The unique power behind advertising is the manipulation of our minds and pocket books enticing us to crave things we think we need, have to own, and didn't know we couldn't live without until moments before.....! After all, "We must keep up with the Joneses," our personal neighbors and social equals.

This concept has been modified due to the economic patterns of 2008 when many of our cherished neighbors, our own family members, and social equals lost their homes, cars, and self-pride due to the misrepresentation of 'trickle down economics.' This is the rationale that when most of the money is appropriated to the top few elitists (I believe the top 2% of earners), it will trickle down to those of us in need. This has never been, nor will it ever be a good economic policy for the benefit of the Middle Class and Poor in America.

Do we think so great (or, so little) of ourselves that our time is more valuable spent doing considerably less, our body growing weaker, sicker, larger....as our mind becomes the focal point of existence and our body is, seemingly, expendable?

Don't misunderstand me....knowledge is bliss, and we send our children off to higher education so that they may learn how to become freethinking and productive citizens while navigating this highly competitive world we live in. What compromises are being made in order to do so?

What is at stake for our society today and what could we be losing in the future?

Common sense. The art of simple, basic tasks. The 'feel good' act of hard work while working up an honest sweat....not attributed to a gym workout. The art of conversation and social development. (A phone should be used to say 'hello, how are you doing?' and placed back in the cradle or on the desk.) How to read a mechanical clock or write in cursive. The appropriate and intelligent reasoning behind why we should vote in every election.

As well as, the art of saving money and investing it wisely. Etiquette, manners, and general respect for others. Basic home and automobile repairs. Learning about the law and understanding the Constitution of the United States. And, the saddest loss of all would be, the act of dealing with failure properly and learning good examples from our failures. An article in "Successful Student" says that "Learning from failure teaches tenacity, gumption, character, and makes one tougher and more capable of navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs."

Let's face the facts here.....we have so much to lose! So, put down that television remote and take the time to think about a world filled with 'reality stars' that haven't been taught the basics of life and who truly are not able to 'boil water' as our parents and grandparents used to warn us about. It's time to make the time to plant a vegetable garden with your kids and help them feed themselves, as well as their neighbors and friends. Get your hands dirty and prepare to reap the benefits from this for many lifetimes to follow.
 
We are gullible, predictable souls, always have been and always will be. After all, as the old saying goes, "We're only human."


Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved.   

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

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