SNOW ON THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

 

A series of essays….

             THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE CHANGES ON OUR FRUIT CROPS                       

                   John L. Russell from the A.P.

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

The world calendar hosts a leap year in February adding one more day to a short month, but giving so many born on February 29th a full day to celebrate. A despicable, disgraced, and twice impeached ex-president demeans a young, talented, female pop star for encouraging everyone to register to vote. Punxsutawney Phil has spoken and predicts an early spring this year. Really? I guess there’s ‘no shadow’ for our particular ground hog this winter’s day.

What a crazy and mixed-up world we all live in. But, the most difficult thing I’ve observed lately are all of the budded-out trees that would, seemingly, predict an early spring even without seeing their own shadow. To see buds on the trees in the depth of winter should have all of us asking so many questions; keep us charged-up and fully attuned to the changing weather patterns.

The 2012 tart cherry crop was viewed as a disaster after freezing temperatures hit blooming trees in Michigan during April of that year. Almost every fruit crop in Michigan was frozen out when cold temperatures followed some eighty degree days in March. The cycle had been broken and all of us, but especially the farmers, were the sad recipients of this unwanted phenomena. 

Driving down to spend our week on Sanibel Island, Florida, with our two young daughters gave us such joy and delight as we could, literally, cross the border from Georgia and know we were in the Sunshine State by seeing the row upon row of orange trees standing at attention. The orchards consumed the landscape and we loved the sight of their strength in numbers lining I-75 as if escorting us to our final destination.

Today, finding orange groves north of Orlando or even within the Orange County area is a distinct impossibility. Where beautiful groves once thrived, nurtured by the latest generation of farmers whose fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers (and for generations before them), depended on this juicy, prolific fruit for the livelihood of their families.

A THRIVING FLORIDA ORANGE TREE

According to Florida Memory, citrus trees arrived with European explorers in the 16th century and quickly took root in Florida. It wasn’t until the 1830’s that Florida developed a monopoly over cultivating citrus fruits. A devastating freeze in 1835 destroyed citrus growing efforts in the Carolinas and Georgia, beginning a permanent southward migration of the industry into Florida.

Little did we know, arriving in Florida ourselves in 1997 to reside there for over twenty-three years, that we would be seeing the demise of long established orange groves and a particular way of life in Florida—the very groves that ushered our small family into the State for so many memorable family trips from the late 1970’s and through most of the 1990’s! 

Understanding that history often repeats itself, I can’t help but look up at the newly budded trees here in Western Michigan in late January and not feel the shiver moving up my spine for what once was and what is to be. I ask myself why it takes a near disaster before humans even attempt to divert it. It would be like playing the game of ‘chicken’ with billions of lives at stake, not to mention the animal and plant life, as well.

So, when you gift the one you love with a box of heart shaped chocolates this week and tell them how much they mean to you, keep in mind that their health and well-being should be included in your gift of love. Refresh the idea about just how much our warming temperatures influence nature and a natural way of life for all of us. Together, plan on the best way to make the necessary changes in habits and lifestyle in order to protect our precious resources.

I firmly hope that Michigan’s cherry and fruit crops do not fall to the wayside as did many of Florida’s orange groves these past couple of decades. Looking at the early tree buds and young sprouting daffodils in late January, early February, here in Michigan, concerns me a great deal. Let’s learn how to make good changes in order to protect a world that offers us sustainability, comfort, and an abundance of joy. Let’s strive to make a positive difference for the benefit of everyone, today and into the future.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED A
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

ODE TO EN PLEIN AIR ARTISTS AND THE WEST COAST OF IRELAND

 

A series of essays….

THE RING OF KERRY - STOPPING ALONG THE
NARROW ROAD TO CAPTURE THIS STUNNING PHOTO

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

On my birthday for the past several years, Bettina and Sue (great friends), Dan, and I travel north of Grand Rapids to the home of a Michigan En Plein Air artist where we ogle (in a good way) hundreds of Kathleen’s paintings. Savoring the natural beauty that surrounds us in Michigan, as well as the man made kind such as barns, chicken coops, stone cottages, we always say this time we’re only going to look, but find ourselves carrying our purchases out to our car several hours later while imagining where they will be proudly displayed in our homes.

En plein air is a style of painting produced out of doors in natural light. This style of painting is certainly bewitching in the sense that what the artist brings to the canvas includes all of the nuances of what all of us might see while walking down a country road on a sunny, summer afternoon. It’s as though we’d pulled out our iPhone and snapped that perfect picture. The artist does the same thing with paint, patience, and by following her mind’s eye as the light, shadows, and colors shift before her very eyes.

On our last visit to Kathleen’s home exhibit in early November Dan, Kathleen, and I carried on an in-depth discussion about Ireland. You see, she and her husband along with their two adult children, are planning to travel along the Wild Atlantic Way for a week or more this autumn and Dan and I could not stop gushing about our own love of Ireland and its rugged and amazing western coastline. 

THE FIRST PAINTING BY KATHLEEN
WE PROCURED IN 2021

I could only envision the paintings she would produce given this time in Ireland and shamelessly encouraged their visit while offering to provide any and all options for accommodations, eateries, and places to visit while there based upon our own experiences.

Fortunately, Kathleen contacted us via email in December. I was so excited! I knew that this endeavor would have us walking and driving around Ireland, once again, reminiscing, tasting, and thinking about the multitude of experiences offered us via this magical and beautiful place.

And, it most certainly did.

So, I sectioned our visits out in order to provide Kathleen with itinerary options based on the amount of time and in-depth concentration they would choose to afford any given area. Spreading yourself out too thin is never a good travel plan. Rather, to concentrate on one of these areas while gleaning the most out of it—and then planning on a return visit would be the wisest thing to do.

I tried to keep it simple and give them information about each area that I knew we would return to in future visits. This information might include the positive and the negatives we encountered along the way or, this boat trip over that boat trip given the fact that they will be traveling with grown children.

First of all, we want to thank Kathleen for yet another reason to go back over our pictures and memories of the many travels to this fascinating island. We thank you, Kathleen, for this grand opportunity!

It is now that my imagination goes wild. I sit here in my own little story seeing the artist, canvas upon easel, oil/acrylic paints splashed, smeared, and mixed upon the palette like colorful candies spread out in the midday sun and begging to be applied in some form of creation or another. And, grasping her delicate brush, adorned with its sable plume, dipping into the semi-liquid mixture with the gusto of a child’s inquisitive finger, and applying the purest colors atop the gesso coated canvas—she recreates God’s beauty at its finest.

THE KENMARE STONE CIRCLE

With a drizzle of rain threatening the afternoon activities, the artist, umbrella by her side, captures the serenity of the Kenmare Stone Circle that has been a part of the town’s history for thousands of years. Touching each stone sends a tingle of memories through her as she applies her thoughts towards the thousands of people who stood and worshiped here before her.

South of Kenmare, she captures the ruins of the stone cottage where Molly Gallivan raised her many children alone on her small farm at the foot of the Caha Mountain Range on the Beara Peninsula. So many tears, hardships, and love surround this precious place.

I see the artist climbing up to Healy Pass in the heart of the Caha Mountains, setting up her artist paraphernalia in order to capture the multiple shades of green surrounding her in the valley below. One white farmhouse dots the hills and leaves a profound impression on anyone standing so high up in the clouds looking down.

With Skellig Michael jutting off the coastline of County Kerry, boat rides take her out to this remarkably preserved early Christian monastery and the filming location for two Star Wars movies. Her brush might capture the simple ruggedness of this remote, rocky island.

If the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry doesn’t capture her attention—nothing else will.  This narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows with the river running through the gap is an experience that explodes with Irish mystery, charm, and absolute beauty.

I envision Kathleen standing at the south end of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, high above the surging cerulean sea that crashes  against the weathered stone far below.

County Clare. So much to experience with so little time. The bright pink, blues, and greens of Doolin with the backdrop of the sea and the Aran Islands; the Traditional Music floating between the ears within Gus O’Connor’s pub and feeling like a local out for a pint; capturing the shadows made by the Poulnabrone monument, the most visited dolmen in Ireland, as the sun is setting over the moonscape of The Burren—Clare has everything you’d hoped for and so much more.

Perhaps it’s further north where she’ll seek the Irish landscape known and loved by locals and visitors alike. Where she will most likely get to listen to the Irish language spoken lovingly by the locals—County Galway and the District of Connemara. Enter via youthful Galway City and be entertained by the local buskers performing in the narrow, cobbled streets, as well as the craic offered in the local pubs. Walk under The Spanish Arch and be introduced to the sleek looking Hookers (sailing boats) that have taken local fisherman out into Galway Bay for hundreds of years. 

CROAGH PATRICK - IRELAND’S HOLY MOUNTAIN

Climb one of the twelve Bens (mountains) and look down upon Kylemore Abbey and over to the sun speckled Atlantic beyond. What a dazzling painting this would be!

She makes her way to the town of Roundstone on the way to Clifton. This renowned artist’s community will always make her feel right at home with its commune of artists, artisans and craftsmen creating their unique pieces.

Step back in time and be dazzled by the beauty of Croagh Patrick, Irelands Holy Mountain and pilgrimage site, with its shades of purples, rustic grays, and multitudes of greens.

None of these treasures should be missed, my friend. It would be nearly impossible to take them all in on this maiden voyage to one of the most endearing countries in the world. And then, surely, you will want to revisit each place all over again because the mind and eyes alone are incapable of capturing each perfect space offered, each subtle nuance provided by color, shape, images, languages, or sounds…Ireland!

Our next visit will take Dan and me back to Sligo and up to Donegal and beyond….! So much more to see and experience as we enjoy a pint or two of Guinness along the way.

kathleenkalinowski.com

Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

Photos Copyright © 2024 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

TICKETS TO IMPORTANT NEW IDEAS AND ADVENTURES

 

A series of essays….

HOLIDAY REFLECTIONS

….as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

While the dust was still settling and all of the packages, large and small and everything in between, had been torn open with squeals of joy and delight, my daughter and I had a moment to sit down, relax, talk, and express our relief at making it successfully through another Christmas. Buying gifts for mature children and grandchildren can be much more stressful than purchasing toys for when they were younger. This was something I recalled with my own children as teenagers, even though there’s been a substantial amount of time between experiences.

The hot tea I was enjoying was discovered in my Santa stocking moments before and was a fine blend of caramel, vanilla, and black tea that truly hit the spot. Ali settled for a tall glass of ice water with her feet resting comfortably on the ottoman that resides in front of the brown, leather couch. Ahh, it’s so nice to put my feet up and do absolutely nothing for a few minutes, she said. And, you wholeheartedly deserve a rest, I replied. Between working full time, raising two teenagers and all that implies, then adding Christmas shopping and wrapping into the mix this time of year—it feels special to just be able to sit and talk with you.      

Everyone else had made a point to take the dogs out for a nice, long walk after dinner. And, even though the sky was steely gray and offered no signs of improvement throughout the day, its cool, overcast effect wrapped us in a wintery embrace even without the much anticipated snowfall on Christmas Day. We were satisfied to be together, to share laughter, eat a lovingly prepared meal, and see the movie Wonka at the KP Cinema downtown later in the evening. 

Eric and I put a lot of thought into what to get you and dad. We knew it had to be special and perfect and so we threw many ideas out there before making a final decision, Ali said, as she shifted the position of her legs on the cozy ottoman. Finally, we decided on your tickets for a play at the Wharton Center. Sorry you have to wait until May, though.

That doesn’t bother me in the least, I said. What a great way to appreciate a walk through the MSU  campus in the springtime before the play begins. Looking out of the picture window, I could observe our little tribe making their way back home but now on the opposite side of the street, our dogs leading  the two grandchildren down the hill. What a peaceful moment in time.

Taking another sip of her water, I knew that Ali had something else to say and I closed my eyes to allow her soft words to roll across my presence and offer me their gentle hug. What she had to say next made so much sense to me and has been something her dad and I had been pondering since moving back up to Michigan over five years ago after his retirement.

Mom, I know that you and dad have been trying to rid yourselves of ‘stuff’ over the past few years. Am I right? I nodded my head in full agreement and added a smile for good measure. Well, that was exactly what I was thinking and I said to Eric that instead of ‘stuff,’ you and dad need to be collecting new experiences along the way. My mind was shaking up and down as she spoke. So that was our reasoning for getting you the theatre tickets this year for Christmas.

Ali could not have spoken truer words. Since the move back to Michigan, Dan and I have been putting garage sale items in boxes down in the basement with the idea of having a huge sale this coming spring. The pile of sale items seems to be growing larger than our ‘keep’ boxes, finally. Ali’s emphasis on collecting experiences over stuff was very much in line with our way of thinking and to have her point this out to me was honest and exciting at the same time.

WE CELEBRATE THE TREES—LARGE, SMALL AND
EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN!

Sweetheart, you are absolutely right! My grin acknowledged the happiness I felt at our daughter’s intuitiveness. She was being very honest and open to vulnerability right then and I listened to her honesty with every fiber of my being. Is it true that the daughter evolves into the mother (offering sage advice) as time rolls along? 

Taking our dog for a long walk is a new adventure each time. Planning a trip out West next year in our new vehicle is fun and exciting to think about. Creating action our primary incentive; keeping the body and mind in motion our main goal. And, yes—minimizing our lives of not only stuff, but everything that tends to bog us down, makes us feel heavy instead of light, inhibits our freedom to come and go at our own pace in time, is a goal worth achieving. 

To have our daughter and son-in-law encourage these actions with the hope of having us collect new experiences each and every day—well, that meant so much to us after opening the handsomely wrapped gift that contained theater tickets to the Broadway show, SIX in May!! 

Right before the troops clamored back inside after their own adventure, I went over to give my daughter a warm hug and said, I love you so much for helping me make sense out of this life, out of growing older and still learning to appreciate what should be important to your dad and me.

I love you both very much and that’s the easy part, she said. We just want to see you happy and not bogged down with fixing up this house 24/7. You and dad have always traveled and taken us on amazing adventures throughout the years. You’ve introduced us to plays and how to discover the importance of doing things while opening our eyes to everything! Thank you for this.

Talk about making one’s heart sing with joy! After our talk, I felt ready for just about anything. Right about then the front door flew open and in came the whole gang, wet dogs and all. Happy, shining Christmas Day faces were depositing shoes in the boot tray and hanging coats on hooks while the dogs were ushered to their own crates to dry off. The bedlam lasted only a few moments and Ali and I walked into the kitchen to organize holiday desserts for everyone to enjoy. 

I love our conversations when time allows us to be open and free. We smiled at one another before calling everyone in after they’d washed their hands and settled down a bit. I felt the joy of having family around me and believed I could take on the world after the time I spent with Ali. Life is good and it’s often after these small moments together that we learn to cherish their importance in our lives.

Bring it on! I am ready to tackle anything this New Year has to offer. Growing older really means opening up to and being alive to new experiences and planning as many as possible along our journey through time.

CLOCKS CELEBRATING 
NEW BEGINNINGS 

Courtesy of Jacquie Lawson

Happy New Year to everyone! Start planning a new experience of your own…today!

Copyright © 2023 by Jacqueline E Hughes 

All rights reserved