WHO ARE YOU CARL SANDBURG?

 A series of essays.....

A TRUE LOVE STORY: CARL AND LILIAN SANDBURG 
Photographed by Edward Steichen, Brother of Lilian 

.....From a letter to his wife in 1908:

" I would rather be a poem like you than write poems.  I would rather embody the big things as you do than carve or paint or write them.  You inspire art....and that's living!"





.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Recently, a thirty-something and I were discussing my travels up to North Carolina a few weeks back when she asked me, "Now, exactly who is Carl Sandburg?  I know I've heard of him in school but, I can't place who he is or what he's done?!?"

Did I bristle at this lack of recall?  Well, maybe just a little.  The truth is.....the question had been posed and I was more than willing to fill-in the blanks!

It all began when we saw, yet again, along Highway 26, just south of Hendersonville, North Carolina, the sign reading, 'Carl Sandburg Home, National Historic Site.'  "Please tell me why we see this sign going up to Maggie Valley but never take the time to stop?" I seriously asked my husband.  "I truthfully don't know," Dan replied.  "Maybe we will on the way back home this Sunday if we leave right after breakfast."  Sounded good to me!

Carl Sandburg

Robert Frost

Growing-up learning to love literature and poetry as much as I do, two tousled, gray-haired gentlemen, authors by trade, have always guided me down a path of awakening and simple joy via their passion and love of the written word.  Thinking back now, I believe that Robert Frost and Carl Sandburg epitomized the quintessential 'Grandfather' figure for me as I was voraciously reading, reading, reading everything written by them in order to satiate my lust for poetry and prose. 

Both men were still alive in my early lifetime and each worked hard as a teacher and a journalist, a farmer and a factory worker, as they struggled to make ends meet, and continued to write and contribute their works to the world for all to enjoy.  Physically, I believe, these distinguished men resembled one another as the years progressed giving them an uncanny feeling of 'brothers' in a literal and symbolical sense. 

Seven Pulitzer Prize awards are shared by these 'Literary Brothers' with Robert Lee Frost earning four within the years 1924 to 1943 for his poetry collections.  Carl August Sandburg achieved three awards from 1919 to 1951.  Two Pulitzers were awarded for his collections of poetry, The Complete Poems of Carl Sandburg and Corn Huskers.  In 1940 he won the Pulitzer Prize for History for his biography of Abraham Lincoln entitled (Abraham Lincoln: The War Years).

A strong Michigan connection can be attributed to both men, as well. In 1921 Frost accepted a fellowship teaching post at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he resided until 1927 when he returned to teach at Amherst. While teaching at the University of Michigan, he was awarded a lifetime appointment at the University as a Fellow in Letters.  The Robert Frost Ann Arbor home was purchased by The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan and relocated to the museum's Greenfield Village site for public tours. 

Stollaway Cottage in Harbert, Michigan

Carl Sandburg and his wife, Lilian Steichen, purchased a home in Harbert, Michigan, located in Berrien County, where they lived with their three daughters, Margaret, Helga and Janet along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.  Carl Sandburg Library first opened in Livonia, Michigan, on December 10, 1961. The name was recommended by the Library Commission as an example of an American author representing the best of literature of the Midwest. Carl Sandburg had taught at the University of Michigan for a time.




Sandburg Family

Eventually, the Sandburg family claimed that the Midwest's cold winter temps and the lack of owning enough property for Lilian to raise her prize-winning milk goats for the making and selling of domestic goat cheese brought them to a small slice of heaven in the North Carolina town of Flat Rock. 

Connemara With Family Home Off In The Distance

Having just parked the car and now luxuriating in the early October sunshine of this beautiful late Sunday morning, we walked down the small, stone path leading to the Sandburg home.  Affectionately called 'Connemara' due to the rolling green hills surrounding the main structures, there were ponds, trails and wide-open spaces scattered among the over two-hundred acre estate.  After crossing a bridge spanning a large pond, we enjoyed a short, tree-lined walk up to the main house.  "Shall we take the half-an-hour tour of the house?" I asked, knowing that our time was limited.  "I think we can do it," my husband graciously replied.  He knew this meant so much to me.




Our Docent, James

Our docent, James, was a treasure, making us laugh, answering our questions and enabling us to immerse ourselves in the amazing history behind the four walls, as well as intimately discovering the colorful people who lived, loved and thrived within them.  He allowed our little group to see and understand that real people had celebrated birthdays and holidays here; read the newspaper while sipping their coffee; laughed and cried in good times and bad.  When you are asked to 'Support America's National Parks,' people like James make it easy to do so!






Mishmash Room

Looking into one of the upstairs rooms, I discovered a mishmash of stacked boxes, filled bookshelves living on the floor and furniture pieces in disarray.  James told us that even though the family slept in the remaining four bedrooms upstairs, this room still housed most of the Michigan items brought here from their home in Harbert that Lilian failed to unpack.  "You wouldn't find a room like this at Biltmore," he said, grinning at me.  "This place, for now, is the 'real deal.'  You are among the final few to see this place as it exactly was when the Sandburg family resided here.  Next month it will be completely packed-up and everything stored in order to allow workmen to repair and restore the structure.  We are looking at reopening mid-2015, if we're lucky."

I knew it.....I knew it!  This visit was meant to be! 






This is where he wrote....!!!!!

Enjoying the luxury of taking pictures in every room of the house, I was able to capture its ageless spirit!  We stood one thin, swagging rope line away from everything!  I heard the giddy girl I felt like that day saying things like, "He sat on that chair and typed on those keys!" and, "This is the guitar and piano he composed his music on!" or, running my hand gently along the multitude of books on shelves in any given room in the house, "These are the volumes he collected and read!"  The essence of his being infused within the hardwoods of each floorboard he walked on seeped up and into my soul and enlightened me with each step I took.  I was truly a writer in a 'candy store' of endless possibilities, hopes and dreams.



Sandburg Formal Living Room



Our small group crowded into one of the last rooms we were to learn about on our tour that day.  Located on the ground floor and incorporating a beautiful bay window seating area and a lavender area rug sprinkled with a Spring flower motif, was the room Carl Sandburg had passed away in.  The year was 1967, July 22 to be exact.  He had lived 89 years among us and 'represented the best of literature of the Midwest,'......of the world, in my lifetime.  It was the summer between my junior and senior year of high school.  I stood in this room a few extra minutes letting everything sink in.

Lilian's Handbag

Books Everywhere!

"Thank you for finally stopping in Flat Rock," I told Dan as we climbed back into our car for the seven hour drive to Orlando.  "Wouldn't have missed it for the world, Kiddo!" he said smiling at me. 

Doing a bit of research on the Sandburg cottage located in Harbert, Michigan, I discovered that the family lived there from 1928 until 1945.  During their time in this beautiful home overlooking Lake Michigan, Sandburg wrote many of his poems, as well as his two-volume biography of Abraham Lincoln. 

Today the Sandburg Cottage is a rental resort called The Stollaway and the listing companies, HomeAway and VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner), decidedly omit any mention of the cottage's historical import within the description of the property.  I am sure they have their reasons.  I wonder how many of the world-wide travelers enjoying the property each glorious Michigan summer are aware of its historical and literary importance?! 

Kitchen At Connemara Home

Thank goodness Lilian Sandburg was determined to preserve her husband's legacy and home in Flat Rock, North Carolina!  Following his death in 1967, she gave her support to North Carolina Congressman Roy Taylor and Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall in authorizing the Carl Sandburg Home as a National Park. The park was officially authorized on October 17, 1968 and the property was sold with its contents and cultural resources donated to the park service. The site officially opened in 1974.

Who are you, Carl Sandburg?  This is how I would answer this question:

You are the echo of the typewriter keys clicking away morning, noon and night.....The shadow behind the birch tree high up in the mountains just waiting for the right moment to emerge.....The spirit of my beautiful Chicago, the crystal blue Lake Michigan shoreline and the majestic, purple mist shrouding the Smoky Mountain ridge lines off in the distance.  You are my past, present and future and the Grandfather I wish I had known.  You are my mentor...my guide into the world I find so fascinating and most compelling.

Many thanks to both yourself and Mr. Frost for always being here for me.....





Connemara Mountainside Home

View From Front Porch

Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

FIFTY SHADES OF BLUE

A series of essays.....

Fireball Sinking Into The Horizon

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


"Gwandma, Grandma, Gamma......I love you!" floated across the cavernous space of the airport as the sound of small, sneaker-clad feet bounded rhythmically across the cold, cement floor. 

Funny how time has a way of seamlessly slipping away, dispersing its holy 'granules of life' throughout the autumn landscape.

For ten days of my life I mingled with family and long, lost friends in a place that existed long, long ago and far, far away.  My mind recalls teenage dates, walking hand-in-hand in Bronson Park, eating post-movie meals at fast food places along South Westnedge Avenue before heading home to Three Rivers.  Now, my children inhabit this place of my youth and I visit Kalamazoo, Michigan for very different reasons.

Last Glimpse

The precious endearments floating up to my ears at this moment emanate from Brenna and Gavin.  They have accompanied me and their parents to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids to see me off on my flight back to Orlando where their Papa will be waiting to drive me home.  It's been an interesting week for me....chock-full of revelations!  But, another time and story for you....a bit later.

"Ma'am, please collect all of your belongings and follow me over to this table, please."  I knew I shouldn't have brought that can of Healthy Valley organic lentil soup back in my carry-on!!  Sure enough, 'the can' was his targeted item.  After shaking it, swabbing it for negative residues, shaking it again and, finally excusing himself to have a petite chat with his supervisor....I was given possession of the soup once more.  Yeah, a lunch for the following week had not been confiscated!

I have often sat at Gate A3 awaiting my Allegiant flight to the Sanford Airport.  And, I am positive there will be many more times for me sitting at this Gate in the future.  We've flown Allegiant, a direct two hour plus flight from Michigan back to Florida, so often that I affectionately call it my 'bus ride' home.  When it is a smooth ride and I have a good book in hand, I can almost blink and the wheels are touching down onto the Sanford tarmac. 



Blue So Bright.....!

Like a small child, I always prefer the scenic luxury of a window seat.  Judging by the clear, blue sky and the promise of beautiful weather, my particular window would be facing an autumn sunset soon to appear across the vast horizon.  I was delighted by this prospect. 

Navigating the corrugated bumps and turns of the jet bridge leading out to our plane, I stopped for just a moment, placed my flattened right hand on the outside of the plane just to the right of the door, silently recited a 'little prayer' to my angels and proceeded to push my meager belongings up into the craft to take my seat. 

"You have your own little ritual when it comes to flying, don't you?" she asked, looking straight into my eyes.  Surrounded by anywhere from four crew members, including the pilot, and boarding passengers ahead of and behind me, I looked-up into her startling green eyes as she stood planted between cockpit and galley.  Looking back over my shoulder at her, the 'moment' resembled a movie scene where the camera pulls back from above the action creating a 'fish bowl' effect and the main character is highlighted by an aura of bright light.

Seldom one to stammer or stumble over my words.....there I was, a bumbling fool attempting a response. 

"You..you..saw me..touch..touch the plane?" 

"Oh, yes," she replied.  "And, I understood immediately what you were doing.  I watch and listen...."

(I kid you not....people, and this all confused me because I began doing this little ritual my very first commercial airline flight as a young teenager! This was the first time ANYONE has ever said anything to me about it!)

"But..but..you are the only one who has ever...ever seen me do it!" I squeaked with my neck still turned at an odd angle looking at her enlightened face. 

Never missing a beat or taking her gaze away from mine she said, "Not necessarily, however, I might be the only one who has ever mentioned it to you before." 

As the camera lens zoomed back in and her aura dissipated, her smile spread wide across her pretty face.  She raised two fingers of her right hand in an apparent 'peace symbol V' formation and then slowly turned her wrist bringing her fingers in line with her own eyes.  With a quick turn of her wrist, she aimed her fingertips in my direction saying, "I am watching and I see everything....that is what I do.  That is my job....!"

As the momentum of my fellow boarding passengers carried me further down the aisle, I looked back one last time to see the flight attendant happily into her 'meet and greet' with those behind me.

Hoisting my little, purple suitcase above Row 15 and taking my seat by the window, I wasn't sure if I'd just experienced a highly spiritual encounter with supernatural forces affecting my spirit...my soul.  Or, if this was the work of a tiny prankster who was either getting into her Halloween mode or practicing for future employment with Southwest Airlines!!  What I did realize was that this petite employee of Allegiant Airlines called me out on a private ceremony I'd been performing for years.  She was not malicious or cruel...rather, honest and forthright about it.  Whatever the explanation, this occurrence really blew me away!

Stowing my purse below the seat in front of me and buckling-up for the flight, my seat mate and I greeted each other, acknowledged one another's reading material with a mutual nod as she kindly inquired if I would like my overhead light turned-on, as well.  Nestling back in a feeble attempt to find comfort in an airline seat, I couldn't help but notice the aged gentleman seated in the center seat in front of us, 14E.  Due to our close proximity and the open angled line of view afforded me, I could see that he was old, cantankerous and, after listening to the conversation with his wife/companion seated directly in front of me....I concluded that he might be suffering with dementia. 

"Where are we now?" he wailed like a young child.  Patting his hand, she responded, "Grand Rapids." 

"What??  When will this thing take-off?  I'm tired of sitting here doing nothing!"

With the patience of a saint, the woman continued to pat his hand until she gave it a gentle squeeze while resting it comfortably on top if his.  He calmed down immediately and settled back, eyes closed.

Picture Courtesy of Greg Spurgeon

Within a few minutes our plane was airborne and we were surrounded by a clear blue sky the shade of peace, serenity, infinity and spirituality itself!  This vision of calmness personified soon took on an ethereal quality, as well when the setting sun, ablaze with shades of gold, bright tangerine and red, pierced the horizon and set the world outside of the small, square window on fire!  As the 'fireball' swiftly sank out of sight, the intensity of color deepened affording all of us fortunate enough to be seated on the right side of the plane a panoramic view of brightening stars along with a crescent-shaped moon dangling within a blanket of deep, deep blue...!  The shade of blue that evokes a deep-seeded feeling of trust, dignity and super intelligence.

The entire world around me was changing, ebbing and flowing like a crystal blue river dancing in the moonlight.  It was enchanting and we sat totally mesmerized by God's ultimate light show in the heavens.  Yes, thirty-three thousand feet above everything else near and dear to me, I had been capturing moments of this spectacle with my smart phone, hoping to be able to relive it all again but knowing that this was an event only the naked eye and an open heart could truly retain.

Certainly my green-eyed flight attendant must have been keeping her attentive watch on all of us in that plane....after all, that was her job!  If so, I never thought much about it and subconsciously relied upon her diligence and work ethics the whole flight.  Looking for her later as we debarked from the plane, she was nowhere to be found.  Curious...

An Ethereal Quality

Isn't that what Love is all about?  It's not that we take it for granted or fail to work hard in order to achieve it but, when we finally feel comfortable with it, green eyes watching closely or a blanket of blue studded with sparkling stars and a crescent moon above....we allow the Love to wash over us with little to no resistance.

My friend in 14E had closed his eyes early on and slept as his loving companion continued to shelter him with the touch of her hand on his.  Was this the Love we all hope for and seek out within our lifetime?  Someone to be there and appreciate us no matter what travails we both face along the way?

Beauty Framed By The Plane's Window

My two hour 'bus ride' could not have been more interesting or enlightening.  There was so much to think about, ponder and question as our plane began its decent towards the miniature, man-made, twinkling lights and our final destination.  I had been surrounded by so much Love displayed in so many ways all day long beginning with my grandchildren's hugs and kisses, to the dedicated flight attendant, God's spectacular light show, and the loving couple in Row 14.  I enjoyed the solace in knowing that soon I would be welcomed, after a seven day separation, back into my husband's loving arms!

Mr. 14E had finally awoken from his temporary 'escape' into the world of dreams.  Slowly turning towards his companion, he gently placed his large hand upon hers for a change and, with a calm smile on his face, he asked, "Are we home now?"

 

 

Courage and Best of Luck to Everyone in November!!!

Copyright © 2014 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

BOOK REVIEW: One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author

 

A Book Review.....

Books....Books....Books....and, Even More Books, Please!!!!!

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes



Occasionally, within your busy, daily life, you unexpectedly run across something that turns your head, makes you think and helps solidify that what you and many others do is nothing short of......well, impressive!!!

Today, I am taking you on a journey into my perspective of a nonfiction novel.....beautifully crafted from personal experience, meticulously thought out and, I believe, will soon become an invaluable inspiration for ALL writers.

Eric Vance Walton is a novelist, author and poet with a writing career spanning nearly two decades.  He has published several books in different genres and has won several awards for his work including the "James Thurber Treat Prize." 

"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," is this author's initial venture into the nonfiction genre.  Mr. Walton has compiled within this journey the blood, sweat and tears, the ups and downs, and the social media 'do's and don'ts' that are associated with his long, successful, Independent writing career.

        **********************************************************************************************************************************

BOOK REVIEW: "One Word at a Time:
                             Finding Your Way as an Indie Author"
                             By: Eric Vance Walton




"One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author" by Eric Vance Walton, is a brilliant example of one seasoned Indie Author combining his expanded knowledge and expertise of more than twenty years in order to assist others along the often long and arduous road to becoming a published author.

We, the readers, as the title implies, expect to be led down the best path-of-knowledge afforded us by Mr. Walton's own experiences, including 'How To' writing tips, things we should do, as well as things to avoid, along with examples of each.  We are not disappointed!

In addition, the reader is enlightened by an intimate tone and approach as Mr. Walton sites expressions of his own family members that have encouraged and honed his present day attitudes of self-discipline and frugality, as well as sharing his methods of emotional control through meditation, yoga and exercise.  He makes it abundantly clear that we should never allow our writing to consume our entire lives and that we should always make time for family and friends along the journey.  This attitude, stressed by Mr. Walton, is the foundation for a unique balance between a successful writing career and a stable personal life.

While defining the term 'Indie Author' as a writer who publishes outside of the mainstream publishing industry, at the very beginning, Mr. Walton sets the tone of his book.  We know this information is not going to be typical, rather, he fills us in on his more than twenty-year ride of being an Indie Author himself, utilizing modern technology, including social media, and having it work for all of us.  His qualifications withstand the test of time as he allows his techniques to be flexible yet challenging throughout his own lengthy career.

I found Mr. Walton's poignant use of quotes by various authors direct validation for all of his own ideas and helped to strengthen the messages he wished to convey to the reader.  Also, I found it charming that he seemed unabashed by opening-up his soul to us and exposing his vulnerability, allowing us to see his human side. "My readers are my boss...."  Yet, Mr. Walton was just as capable of exerting his strengths by reinforcing the necessity of a proper publisher fit, encouraging our creative energy by visiting local art fairs and theater productions while pointing-out and understanding the difference between being a 'starving artist' and an artist that takes firm control of his own destiny....one day at a time.

My only real criticism would be that although Mr. Walton creates many positive prompts, he is repetitive at times when it comes to offering useful examples.  In terms of writer's block or just pushing yourself away from your writing desk for a needed respite, the act of walking your dog is often used.  I understand the use of positive reinforcement in this case, however, the reader comprehends the significance of this gesture early on.  I was hoping for a touch of 'quirkiness' thrown in by Mr. Walton at times to lighten-up the mood and infuse a modicum of unpredictability into the mix.

Our world changes so quickly and on a daily basis and modern technology is a forerunner of many of these changes.  As an avid reader and a writer myself, I seek out every advantage I can in making sense out of the complicated and competitive world of being an Indie Author.  Eric Vance Walton has capitalized on the theme that knowledge of the inner workings of this industry is not only bliss, but a dire necessity when it comes to success!  Placing this knowledge within a comfortable writing format as in "One Word at a Time: Finding Your Way as an Indie Author," readers will instantly know they have a good friend on their side in Mr. Walton and an invaluable reference guide to independent publishing that should be placed nearby them at all times.



NOTE: The publishing release date for "One Word at a Time:..." To be announced soon by Authors Publish Press.  Visit Mr. Walton's Author Website Link below to learn more.


Author Website Link:

 http://ericvancewalton.wordpress.com/


Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

JOURNEY INTO THE FUTURE

 A series of essays.....

The Art of Downtown Waynesville, North Carolina

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Her name is Kaye Matthews, a classically beautiful lady with a kind face, soft eyes and a smile as wide and charming as the State of North Carolina itself!  We had never met before.....until fate brought us together one crisp, sunny morning while walking in downtown Waynesville.....oh, just last Saturday!


                                   ******************************************************



 

Our Land.....Fairytale Setting

Last time, Dear Reader, I wrote about time shifting in the mists, changing shapes like a spirit holding your hand, guiding you along its dreamlike path.  The only other place on earth  we have ever experienced this magical enchantment was in Ireland.  The allure of both Western North Carolina and Ireland can be found in their extreme beauty!  The kind of beauty that clutches at your heart and squeezes it affectionately until it literally begins to take your breath away.  I often compare this feeling with the act of looking at my grandchildren's faces and wishing to breathe their very existence into my soul as though they consisted of sweet vapor created as an elixir guaranteed to enchant me forever!

Do you have children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews?  Ah, then you do know what I am talking about....

Arriving at our motel quite late Friday night inhibited us from doing anything more than sleep.  Judging by the six handsome Harley-Davidson bikes arranged like black swans swimming side-by-side and frozen in time in the parking lot, we assumed we'd be serenaded by their revved-up engines early in the morning.  And, we were not disappointed!  However, with the glorious sun just beginning to peek-out over the mountaintop to the east, we were more then ready to begin the day. 

Traditions

Most mornings consist of the partaking of a hardy breakfast at Joey's Pancake House established in 1966 by its founders, Joey and Brenda O'Keefe.  It has become the favorite breakfast stop for the locals and visitors of Maggie Valley alike.  Okay, the sweet potato pancakes are awesome and among some of the best I've ever eaten!  When in town, meet at Joey's for breakfast!  We never fail to take a picture of one of us outside at the foot of their famous sign as traffic whizzes by on Soco Road, Highway 19, just a few feet away.  Who said we were slaves to tradition?

Driving from Maggie Valley into Waynesville, a few minutes away, is like coming home for Dan and me.  Navigating Main Street is the equivalent of shrugging off your favorite coat and walking boots knowing that soon you will be bathed in the warmth of a crackling fire, feet up and facing the comfort and solidity of the heart of the home.  Here, the locals always smile and treat you as though you were an old friend.

Dan Inside Mast General Store

Parking the car in front of the Mast General Store, known for their "Quality Goods, Fair Prices & Old-fashioned Friendly Service," since 1883, of course, we went inside!  I had to pick-up some goodies to take up to our grandchildren in a few weeks for Halloween!  While choosing loose candy in the lower level of the store from old oaken barrels and placing them in tiny baskets, eventually purchased by final weight count, we were serenaded by the ancient floorboards high above our heads.  As the customers on the main floor went about their quests for that perfect woolen sweater or gift to bring back for a loved one, their many footsteps constantly marked a frantic rhythm that carried it's melodic echo down to all of us below. 

Another very special treat is walking down into The Classic Wine Seller located on Church Street and just around the corner from the Mast General Store.  Proprietors, Richard and Kay Miller, are more than happy to share their passion for wine, beer, food and live music with their guests.  To our great pleasure, since our last visit, they had opened-up the original 'wine storage' area and transformed it into a brick & oak wine bistro that would delight and challenge the most seasoned gourmand on any given day!  Now, set all of this to live music each Friday and Saturday night and.....you have a winner!

Walking back up to street level, Dan and I realized that, essentially, we had been walking down Memory Lane for the past hour or so.  Subconsciously, were we avoiding the inevitable?



Stepping Stones Into Our Future

Scooting across the street and passing the local bakery as swiftly as possible, we found ourselves standing statuesque in front of Re/Max Mountain Realty.  With heads held high and hearts in our throats....we opened the tall, glass door and entered with only minor trepidation.  Strange....  After all of the dreams, hopes and beliefs we had carried around in our hearts like stepping stones into our future, they were about to tumble and fragment into dust after nine years. 


Are you ever truly prepared for such life changing decisions?




Kaye and Dan Discussing Strategy?

"Hello," she said, and introduced herself as Kaye....Kaye Matthews.  She was a classically beautiful lady with a kind face, soft eyes and a smile as wide and charming as the state of North Carolina itself!  We had never met before that moment and, already we knew we were in strong, caring and capable hands.  Sometimes....you just know.

For the first time that weekend we were able to make the short trip we'd been avoiding up to Cansadie Top Mountain, Lot #26, Glens of Iron Duff.....our personal 'slice of heaven.'  It was beautiful!  Kaye followed us up in her car.  The air was as crisp as the very first bite of a shiny, red apple even though the sun bathed us in its golden light and plied us with its false promises of genuine warmth. 



Bear Vista Trail and Property

I do believe the three of us stayed warm due to the surrounding beauty, as well as the lively conversation, uninhibited laughter and the mutual sharing of thoughts and experiences.  Discovering our commonalities brought on more chatter......at least until our teeth were doing the very same thing!  We learned later that the overnight temperatures would bring the area's first bona fide frost.  Sitting here now, I can't help but think about how that frost assisted in encouraging the intensity of fall colors the people there must be enjoying today!

Eventually, Kaye proceeded down the mountain and home.  Dan and I lingered for a little while longer as we reflected on so many things.  This spot is where we had dreamt of seeing our grandchildren romp and play among the trees while helping Papa collect firewood; where we would enjoy our morning coffee on the front porch overlooking the valley below; where we would decorate several Christmas trees freshly cut at Boyd's Tree Farm just on the other side of Cansadie Top; where family and friends would gather for amazing meals lovingly prepared and served at our long, wooden table we had acquired several years ago just for this purpose....


Natural Beauty At Its Very Best



And, where we would grow even older together, Dan and I, while enjoying every peaceful moment of each and every day.

I have always contended that this crazy and incredulous life brings with it twists and turns you could only imagine in your wildest dreams.  It takes each and every one of us on a rocking roller coaster ride all the way to the inevitable end.  In the meantime, how you choose to ride that coaster, feeling-out each curve with dignity and grace or, rigidly bracing yourself against everything negative, is what will determine your path in this life.
 



Brulee Hughes

We did a lot of serious soul searching several weeks ago when our beloved friend and companion of fourteen years passed away.  Brûlée, our sweet Cocker Spaniel, believed and trusted in us for everything.  What he gave back to us was his friendship and unconditional love.  Since saying good-bye, we've decided to trust in our ability to believe in a realistic and solid future with family and friends around us for love and support.  As we cautiously proceed along the next turn, we are keeping a positive attitude and an open-minded approach to anything and everything.

Our journey into the future is far from settled.  However, by listing our land on Cansadie Top this past weekend, we've taken the first wobbly steps, as most children learn to do, before walking steadily on our own. 



Sunny Fern

Maybe it was the cool, crisp air or the anticipation of the riotous reds, oranges and yellows soon to pop madly across the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains but, whatever it was, it's certain that along with change enters a peaceful period of life with the fundamental truth that  new life and fresh starts are to follow.



View From Road At Bottom of Property

Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

CANSADIE TOP...HERE WE COME!

A series of essays.....

November 4, 2005, Mountain and Valley View from the Top of Our Property

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

Exchanging Capri pants and shorts for blue jeans and relegating my traditional flip-flops to the secondary role of 'slippers' to make room for covered-toed shoes and hiking boots......painful.  Oh, and did I forget to mention socks?  You know, those particular items of terror that encase your feet as if they were sausages with the prospect of keeping them warm and dry!?!  What's a Florida girl to do?

Even as my specific world of haberdashery is being turned upside down, I gladly extract our small suitcase from its upper-shelf location in our closet and toss it on the bench at the foot of the bed.  Loving the slightly 'teeth-gnashing' sound unzipping it makes, I am reminded of all the previous excursions we've taken up to the Waynesville/Maggie Valley area in the past nine years since falling wildly in love with Cansadie Top Mountain within The Glens of Iron Duff, in Haywood County, North Carolina!

Snuggled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our mountain, Cansadie Top, is centered in a triangle formed by I-40 to the west, the Pigeon River to the east and the National Park to the north.  As a matter of fact, as we stand on the small mountain road, Bear Vista Trail, that delineates the northern boundary of our 2.2 acres of heaven, our vista is nothing short of spectacular! Stretching out to the mountains located northeast of the Pigeon River, we see small farms in the valley and listen to the echoing mooing sounds that travel up Cansadie Top from the bovine herds grazing down in the distant meadows. 

Hanging at the mercy of gravity and the lush foliage clinging to the mountainside, our lot lives along the 'belt' of the mountain, halfway up.  We've often traversed the winding lane, Frank Davis Road, in order to reach its peak.  After purchasing the land, Dan and I made a point of visiting it at least once, often twice, each season of the following year......taking photos and documenting the changes that occurred on the land every three months. 

Dan Presenting Lot #26, The Glens of Iron Duff

We have witnessed the expanded views of winter when the brown, crispy leaves are piled high beneath the skeletal trees and become dusted with powdery snow.  Sitting snugly within the warm confines of our car, we'd munch a light lunch purchased at the local Ingles Supermarket as we talked, dreamed and devoured the wide open spaces before us.

I remember getting my car stuck in the thick mud at the end of our little road as the springtime rains created havoc when mixed with the thawing earth.  We would use the turn-around at the road's end to point us back down the mountain and then park just above our lot.  Fortunately, Dan had a change of blue jeans in the suitcase at the back of my Kia Sportage because the ones he had on were sporting massive amounts of brown Cansadie Top real estate!  We laughed so hard tears ran down our cheeks.

Our 'mountain lane' conversations ranged from where to position our future log home in order to have optimum views to, should our log cabin have an attached or detached garage to, choosing the least amount of trees to be removed in order to make all of this happen.  It was always going to be a house made from logs.....you know, the flat kind with tons of chinking stuffed between each beautiful, long length of wood.

Another View Facing The Pigeon River to the Northeast

Today, however, is bittersweet.  We are on a mission this weekend.  Time shifts and constantly changes form like a fairy spirit floating through the mists; a Banshee warning you of major life changes just ahead?

I will talk with you, once again, on the flip-side of this journey to Cansadie Top....



Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

I WANT YOU......!!! PERSPECTIVE OF A PERSONAL BLOG SITE

Promotional


A series of essays.....

I WANT YOU.....DEAR READER!!!

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

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


One year ago this week, my Blog, Moving On, 2013, began.  The hoopla and enthusiasm surrounding its birth was centered directly on the joy and unequivocal excitement that is derived from visiting people within their own habitats, culture and society.  This joy of life was then, gratefully, shared with you.....through my eyes!

When 2013 slipped into 2014, admittedly, I was still riding the 'high' of recently having returned from one of the most spectacular and eye-opening trips to the Wild West Coast of Ireland.  Having stood at the base of an 'Holy Icon,' Croagh Patrick, in County Mayo, to climbing up toward the heavens on the peak of Diamond Hill, Benbaun at 2,400 feet, in the heart of Connemara National Park, my heart soared with new insights and indubitable Love!

This was a new year and Moving On, 2014 had to roll with the changes, so.....included in my blog were stories, essays, if you will, about people, places and things that have greatly influenced my life, past and present.  Along this journey, I had hoped to learn so much via my research and, I certainly have, as well as been able to pass this insight on to you in an entertaining and humorous fashion.  Hopefully, I was able to achieve the latter more often than not!?!

At the end of my first year of consistent (weekly) blogging, I'm still only half way up the learning curve when it comes to effectively utilizing social media and tweaking it to my advantage.  As a human being, feedback in any form, positive or negative, is helpful in determining the success of our endeavors and whether or not it is advantageous to continue in a certain direction.  As a writer, ideas, words, sentences and phrases will always continue to flow like the waters of a mountain stream and be written down with much love and patience in order to soothe an aching desire, an ancient need...with or without those who read them!

However, who is a performer without an audience or, a teacher without students, a challenge minus stimulating competition?  Bouncing our thoughts and ideas off of others in order to gain unlimited perspectives has historically been helpful towards innovative growth in general, political agendas and, artists of all sources of mediums and levels of magnitudes.  Social media has encouraged artists to 'hawk their wears,' so to speak, offer their talents and aggressively peddle their 'goods' for sale and/or consumption on a street call Mainstream Avenue.

As I stand here on 'M' Avenue, crunching autumn leaves beneath my rubber soles and blowing party horns while throwing colorful confetti in celebration of my first anniversary....my words bounce and echo off of the brick walls of the tall buildings surrounding me.  This sound reminds me that my ideas are not always escaping beyond the brick and mortar; advancing beyond my 'realm of dreams' by riding on the sound waves created by Facebook and Twitter.  What is needed to create the enthusiasm required to expand and to grow stronger?  I am so asking your help with this one!

Moving On, 2015 is fast approaching, advancing like a herd of wild buffalo on the open plains, kicking up dust and debris in its wake.  Even though I am not prepared to relinquish 2014 and believe deeply and gratefully in the 78 Likes my 'Blog Page' (Jackie.thetravelingkeyboard) on Facebook has generated this rookie year, I know I can do even more.  All of my 'Faithfuls,' as I like to call those who consistently read, like or comment on, my blog, mean the world to me!  Without your encouragement I would be nothing.  Thank you, always....

By the end of 2014 and, certainly, by the beginning of next year, I want to 'turn it up a notch' by generating more of my Faithfuls who, in turn, will help to generate even more by sharing and talking about Moving On.  I believe in my writing.  I trust in the common sense and down to earth attitudes I employ when approaching my stories for your consumption and entertainment.  Like every good performer, teacher and artist in general, I take my work seriously enough to induce and promote your heated desire, as a reader, to stick with me....just one story longer......!

Sincerely,

Jackie Hughes

Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved

FALLING IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN...!

A series of essays.....

A Colorful Selection of Fruits and Vegetables from a French Farmer's Market

.....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Hey, I met a girl.  I've only known her for a few weeks now.  I think I'm in love.  Yes.  It could be love....after all of these long and lonely years.

Her name is Rachel.  It's funny because the only other person I can think of right now with this name is Rachel Ray.  And, I've never liked Rachel Ray, at all.  So, this puts 'name associations' aside.  It always fascinated me how some people could dislike certain names because they associated them with an individual they didn't care for.  I like the name Rachel....just not Rachel Ray!

Anyway, my Rachel is beautiful, quite the visionary and intelligent in a most appealing way.  Gotta love her, you know!! 

And, what a body.....I mean lean, healthy curved in all the right places!  Wow!  It's obvious that she takes good care of herself.

And, most importantly, she LISTENS to me!  I mean, you just don't get this from every 'pretty' face you meet, now, do you?  No, it takes a special person to make you feel good about yourself.....she is, well, amazing is the best word I can come up with to describe her.  If I have a question about anything.....she'll have an appropriate, compelling answer for me.

Yep, the all-around perfect woman from what I can tell.

I'm kind of a passionate person myself, so.....when I first listened to what Rachel had to say, I was attracted to every word, hook, line and sinker: "Hello!  I'm Rachel......  My passion is sharing real food ideas that are fun, simple and delicious.  I love people (including me?) and hearing how others are eating more clean food, too!"

Her full name is Rachel Maser who is the mother of four and the creator and host of Clean Food Crush, at www.cleanfoodcrush.com and we met on Facebook several weeks ago.  That's when I fell in love.....

......That's when I fell in love with ME all over again, because of Rachel!!!

Berry Smoothie with Whey 
Protein Powder
 

This is the best way to describe the term 'clean food' or, 'clean eating' to you.  "The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet; it is a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life – one meal at a time."





Additional gems of wisdom by The Clean Eating Team include:


EAT FIVE TO SIX TIMES PER DAY:
Three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.

DRINK AT LEAST TWO LITERS OF WATER A DAY:
Preferably from a reusable canteen, not plastic; we’re friends of the environment here! Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of antioxidant-rich red wine a day.

GET LABEL SAVVY:
Clean foods contain just one or two ingredients. Any product with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered clean.

AVOID PROCESSED AND REFINED FOODS:
This includes white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead.

KNOW THY ENEMIES:
Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.

SHOP WITH A CONSCIENCE:
Consume humanely raised and local meats.

CHOOSE ORGANIC WHENEVER POSSIBLE:
If your budget limits you, make meat, eggs, dairy and the Dirty Dozen your organic priorities.

CONSUME HEALTHY FATS:
Try to have essential fatty acids, or EFAs, every day.

LEARN ABOUT PORTION SIZES:
Work towards eating within them.
Author's Note: We can all learn from the French on this one.  Food there is always meant to be savored, not OVERSIZED.

REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT:
Eat produce that is seasonal and local. It is less taxing on your wallet and our environment.

SLOW DOWN AND SAVOR:
Never rush through a meal. Food tastes best when savored. Enjoy every bite!

TAKE IT TO GO:
Pack a cooler for work or outings so you always have clean eats on the go.

MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR:
Food is a social glue that should be shared with loved ones. Improve the quality of your family’s life along with your own.


These truly are fantastic rules to live by: Simple, easy and clean!

Clean Veggie Plate with Eggs

My husband and I are in this together and, we've never felt more comfortable or positive about an eating regime.  We believe it's all about going back to the basics....how simple is that?  Before there was pop (So sorry, fellow-Floridians, it's soda for you!), ugly chips in a can, or 'Big Bucks' to be made by a few under the auspices of 'fast-food convenience,' there were family gardens in the back yard, canning foods for winter consumption and water was the first drink of choice.

Curry and Coconut Chicken
with Sweet Potatoes

We can do it again.  We can break this modern cycle of greed and self-indulgence as we open ourselves up to healthier, cleaner possibilities in foods.  Yes, eat organically if possible however, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and the like aside, more and more of our national grocery chains are incorporating GreenWise products (Publix Brand) into the mainstream and making 'buying clean' more affordable and convenient, especially within the inner city and   walking distance for most people.  I urge you to check-out your own neighborhood family markets.

Coconut Oil Chicken with Veggies

Next step: Take steps and go for walks together....as a couple, as a family or, all by yourself!  The morning can be the most beautiful and inspiring time of your day!  Bring along your camera of choice and document the sights around you.  You will be amazed by the pureness and stark intensity of the light surrounding you....

Thank you, Rachel.  What more can be said? 

Rachel's followers are growing in numbers by the day, hour and minute.  We are asking questions such as, "What is the difference between steel-cut oatmeal and rolled oats?"  Do you know?  And, we are getting answers.  Knowledge is wonderful!  We are learning to think about what goes into our bodies and if it will keep us healthy or make us sick.  If we wish to be healthy....then we are taking the beginning steps towards loving ourselves enough to be able to treat our bodies and souls to the clean, healthy lifestyle they deserve!

Check-out Rachel for yourself.....you just might fall-in-love all over again.



Rachel Maser

Rachel Maser, Clean Food Crush
www.cleanfoodcrush.com











Copyright © 2014 By Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved