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

COFFEEHOUSE CHATTER - RIO AND TRUMP

A series of essays.....

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE COFFEE

.....as seen through my eyes!




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....



   MENUISM.COM

Dana and Kelly are good friends.  They are single ladies in their early thirties and are highly career motivated. Weekend mornings are meant for catching-up on life and enjoying a café mocha or two.

DANA: Good morning, Sunshine!

KELLY: If you say so....

DANA: Come on. Brighten up! The sun is finally shining and the day is looking good this morning. No room for Eeyore at this table! Say, did you stay up watching the Olympics again last night?

KELLY: Maybe.

DANA: You can record it, you know, and watch it later.

KELLY: That's a ridiculous suggestion and you know it. It has to be watched live or it isn't worth it. I mean, who wants to learn the results by a CNN pop-up or have Lester Holt blab it out before I can see it? But, I will admit, it used to be so much more fun to watch years ago. They make such a production number out of it these days. Too much flash and not enough substance.

DANA: So, why do you, literally, lose sleep over it?

KELLY: I'm a genuine sports geek. I don't know. I try to eliminate the monetary equation and concentrate on the athletes themselves and how much time and effort goes into their training, alone. These days it can be difficult to differentiate. What used to be considered 'amateur' sports before is a lucrative business today. Everybody has their hand in the proverbial pot.

DANA: Oh, stop! You wouldn't still be collecting those dark circles under your eyes if you didn't think it was all worth it. I know you too well.

KELLY: Okay, it's really because they show the women's beach volleyball matches so darn late.....if you want to know the truth. I love seeing Kerri and April kick some butt! Along with ice hockey, it's one of the fastest paced sports I enjoy watching. There you have it!

DANA: And the truth comes out of her mouth at last!

KELLY: Besides.....the Rio games have been the best diversion ever from the political reality show we've all been living through for months.

DANA: Amen to that one!

KELLY: It's not like we can walk away from it, you know. The outcome of the November election will affect all of us one way or another.

DANA: (Chuckling and shaking her head) You're going to think I'm crazy but, I place much of the blame of the 'birth of Drumpfness' on the original reality show, 'Survivor.' Sixteen years ago the idea of reality television was infused into our brain cells and it's gotten worse and worse every year since then. These shows don't go away either. They keep multiplying and their context is becoming shadier and shadier as the years go by.

KELLY: Hey, don't be knocking 'The Amazing Race!' In my opinion, that's the best reality show ever made. Guess it's that competitive theme running through my veins again. That and learning about different countries and cultures.

DANA: Agreed. I do like that show. Still a bit like, "I buy Playboy Magazine because I like to read the articles," though. We believe we're participating but, we're actually just looking at the pictures. What I'm talking about is how these shows have given us all a voyeur's passport or license to live on the outside looking in and believing that we really are putting in the sweat equity as we sit on our couch, drink in hand.

KELLY: Kind of like me watching beach volleyball?

DANA: Not at all! You're a bonafide fan cheering on an Olympic team who's playing thousands of miles away. I'm talking about people who really like to see someone else's marriage deteriorate and end up in divorce. Or, believe that a person could find his or her soul-mate from a handful of people they've met and gotten to know for only a few days.

KELLY: What about dropping two naked strangers off in the middle of nowhere to exist together for almost a month? Like they aren't being filmed by a person with a camera right near them, right? Ugh! That one gives me the heebie-jeebies for sure! All of those slithering, creepy things around them....

DANA: You do realize that everything is orchestrated by the master conductors don't you? They're called the producers of the show.

KELLY: I do. Sometimes I choose to ignore that fact. I know a lot of people who choose to. It makes it more fun and definitely more interesting.

DANA: Well, let's not forget that in this age of narcissism we have legitimized taking 'selfies' as an art form, described and talked about ourselves in the third person, and have taken the negativity of the act of bullying and brought it into mainstream cyberculture through social media. Even Gabby Douglas calls social media 'hurtful' after ending her Olympic career with negative attacks based on not looking right or not doing the right thing.

KELLY: That poor young lady was in a world of hurt and my heart goes out to her. Too bad others around her didn't feel the same way.

DANA: And then there is the act of telling people, "You're fired!" and enjoying the prospect so much that you take it into the highest arena of politics.....the nomination for President of the United States.

KELLY: In my own justification, I have never watched 'The Apprentice!'

DANA: I have and that's what upsets me so much! I entered the bizarre world of Donald Trump and saw how his belittling tactics seemed to bathe him in a glow of self-importance while he sent his latest victim packing......down the elevator and slammed into a taxi disgraced and mortified.

KELLY: Hmm... Sounds like a man who loves his job and is living his dream because every time I see him on the news he's doing that same thing to somebody in the crowd. If you don't agree with him.....you're fired and escorted out the door. But, no taxi for you, Buddy!

DANA: Exactly! Do we want this man running our country for four years?

KELLY: Okay, now I feel like Eeyore again, sad and disillusioned.

DANA: Don't be, Kelly. The implication of 'I'm With Her' always brings back a smile to my face, hope in my heart, and the same feeling of worthiness and respect I've been feeling for the past eight years now.

KELLY: I guess a 'Reality Star' could never be as great as 'The Real Deal.'

DANA: (Smiling) I'm ready for another café mocha. Shall I make that for two?                                                                     

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
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