The Value of Margins – Six lessons From Ladders and Air Traffic Control

I have come to appreciate the value of margins.  This happened during a season when my husband took too a tumble from a ladder while trimming a tree. Yes, there was a running chainsaw involved.  We are thankful the only damage from the incident was a broken left heel bone. Nonetheless, crutches in a three-story […]

How Flying Is A Walk Of Faith

 “Sometimes a pilot has to take a firm grip on emotions, forcing oneself to take a firm control of a nervous stomach or shaking hand.”  Weather Flying, Robert N. Buck Aviation is a world seeped in perceptions of thrills and frightful emotions.  In reality, it requires just the opposite.  Being led by ones emotions […]

What Is So Wrong About Distraction?

As a former air traffic controller and current private pilot, we learned about distraction –  to recognize, mitigate and, avoid it in my work environment was a core part of training. In the air traffic world, side conversations and noise not related to the work at hand was watched for meticulously. Why?  Everyone knew distraction […]

If It Is The Joyland Carousel Then It Is Wonderful Wichita!

 My husband and I recently visited Botanica, The Wichita Gardens.  This is the new home for the Joyland Carousel scheduled to be open to the public fall of 2019.  I have know this was coming, seen pictures and layouts, but it was not until this visit and seeing the building site, did I truly […]

How To Tame Time Like An Air Traffic Controller

They say the job of air traffic control is telling pilots where to go, and this for the most part, correct.  That definition, of course, includes a tongue-in-cheek double entendre which makes it fun!  However, behind that privilege and responsibility is another skill:  Telling Time Where To Go.  Air traffic control is the ultimate in […]

What Is Fear And How To Beat It

I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do. — Georgia O’Keeffe What Is Fear?  Whether we are aware of it or not, all of us deal with it daily in some form or another.  It comes in many […]

step of faith

Success Is A Long Walk In The Same Direction

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. ~ African proverb I consider myself a fairly independent person.  Taught to carry my own weight, do my part and not quit, I champion getting things done.  I like my time alone.  Yet,  it is when I am part […]

How to Rest – Maintaining a Dynamic Balance

Get away and unplug. You’ll come back stronger than ever.  – MICHAEL HYATT Maintaining a dynamic balance is vital to a healthy outlook.  Once the holidays are past, the winter season in Kansas can be a peaceful time. Cold temps and blustery weather provide an opportunity for snuggling up with a book or cozy evenings watching […]

Happy Awesome Birthday Mom – A Love Letter

“I know that despite whatever stupid thing I do, I’d be able to go to my mom and she’d still love me. I honestly believe that” ― Nellie Christine, RID I generally do not write about my mother, unless it is in reference to her family ancestors, the Rightmeiers.  Writing about the connection I have with my dad […]