Life is a series of Divine lessons that keep you connected to the Universe and mankind
GalleryLos Altos writer learns heartfelt love in caring for parents
SENIOR LIFESTYLES
Los Altos writer learns heartfelt love in caring for parents
Published on Monday, 20 July 2015 01:05
Written by Alicia Castro – Staff Writer/aliciac@latc.com
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Alicia Castro/Town Crier
Los Altos resident and author Jackie Madden Haugh, above, chronicles small but significant life moments.
According to Sufi mysticism, the souls of children look down and pick their mothers for the lessons they’ll teach in life.
Jackie Madden Haugh would add that souls pick their fathers, too.
“I’ve always loved […]
GalleryA Divine Conspiracy
Rushing back into the house to grab my lifeline to the world, my cell phone, I’d have only a minute to spare before my listing appointment when I came face-to-face with a large yellow puddle on the white living room carpet. Cowering in the corner was the guilty party. The damn dog was once again testing my patience.
In 2001, I went against my better judgment and purchased my son, Tim, the best present ever – a pound puppy. For the next 14 years, I […]
Gallery10,000 Ways
With hackles standing erect along its spine, ears pointed at attention, and legs aggressively stiff, I stared at the mighty beast ready to charge. By the look in her inflamed eyes, I’d have to be a moron not to know I was in big doo-doo.
“Jackie, get in my office – now!” Bobbie, our manager, barked.
In 1976, my first job out of college was as a bookkeeper for Century 21 Real Estate’s regional office in San Francisco. I’d just graduated with an elementary teaching […]
GalleryThe Finishing Touches
Examining my reflection in the full-length mirror, I carefully added a few more finishing touches. First, I donned the crystal, dangling earrings, and cocktail ring. Next, I put on a gardenia encrusted bonnet, beaded handbag, crimson red lipstick, and sky blue eye shadow. Last came the piece de la resistance, a gray faux mink wrap, and two-inch plastic high heels. Even at four years old, I understood an outfit wasn’t complete without the right accessories.
As the granddaughter of a silent movie actress, the true […]
Dare to Jump
Perched at the edge of the world, I stood immobile as the hot afternoon wind licked my ten-year-old back. Looking out over the vastness ahead, it was evident: there was nowhere to go but down.
“Jump stupid,” jeered a long line of slimy guppies, scrambling up the ladder to the twenty-foot tall platform. It was my first time on San Carlos High’s skyscraping diving board, and I was terrified.
Eyes fixed on the smog-filled horizon gently blanketing the San Francisco Bay miles away, I loaded my […]
GallerySibling’s Love Language
Soaring my swing high above the ground, I was sure if I pumped my seven-year-old legs harder, my feet would touch the clouds above. I was blissfully unaware of how important that effort would soon become.
Distracted by my proximity to the clouds, I hadn’t noticed the pack of wild dogs gathered below, their fangs now salivating for the taste of blood. Each time I swung by, filthy claws reached out to scratch my legs. The barking turned into vicious howling threats as I started […]