Imposing models speak well of the builders. The locomotive in the accompanying photo is a 1/48 scale model. That's the same scale as the two boxcars (Canadian National and Great Northern) on the "Arts and Crafts" page.
After a long-anticipated trip with my brother, we returned from the Oshkosh trip. Always unexpected aircraft and events await the over half-million crowd. I had never been to the yearly event, but as always, positive things happen when one travels. It's been said that world travel for two years is like a four-year college course because of things learned.
Earlier (March 4, 2019) you may have noticed the story of Giles' homebuilt airplane. We visited the Sonex factory where the kit was designed and marketed for a private build. One event especially attracted my attention. The Blue Angels made two or three passes over the airport in Oshkosh. Here are some lessons in life and reminders.
Overall the trip was meaningful and profitable. My motive was more profound than to experience the Nation's number one airshow. My real motive was to experience quality time with my brother!
There are times in life when things do not go our way. With the right attitude, even bad times can be better if you are still alive, that is. Today I was reminded of the loss of John F Kennedy, Jr and revisited my tribute one year ago. You can review it too by clicking "Older" in the bottom right of this page to scroll back to this date last year.
With every person and their story, there is something we can learn to make our own lives and the lives of others better. The story is there for our learning.
I cannot forget the pivotal moment when John should have called a "No-Go" on that fateful day when he crashed his plane, taking him, his wife, and her sisters' lives. I can imagine the pressure he faced knowing the importance of getting to a much-anticipated wedding, especially on the part of his wife and sister-in-law. How do you call off plans like this?
A good pilot knows that you have to be aware of the weather since planes go where the weather happens. We are taught in aviation training to do a 180 when facing bad weather. Any time you have an essential trip, you should not be a victim of what you cannot control. With today's sophisticated system for planning for uncertainty, we have a fortune on our hands. Ask ourselves some intelligent questions such as, "should we leave early?" "Is there a plan B or plan C?" Timing, along with intelligent decision making, could have prevented the Kennedy tragedy.
Proper planning in all critical areas of life takes a little time, but the rewards can be the difference in life and death. Yes, and that means saying "no" to the ones we love for the sake of love.
Always remember the responsibility of the one in charge. He or she in charge must take charge. I have believed for a long time that commercial pilots deserve an impenetrable barrier for the cabin of the aircraft since they are the brains of the machine. We can apply the same principle to life in general, can't we?
After posting an ad on my Maxous account a few days ago, a great discovery was made which should pique your interest. You may have noticed on this website a link to the website wwww.earlnightingale.com on the "Coming Soon" page. The ad contained a picture of the rare Winners Notebook for which interested persons might search for availability by contacting the site. The discovery was a real bonus for those who are interested in having great and productive ideas sent to their inbox by subscribing to "Earl's Daily Secrets" if you submit your name and email address.
Earl's widow, Diana, continues the legacy of the "Dean of
Personal Development." Most people I meet who hear the name, Earl Nightingale, have stored in their memory a familiarity with the name and exposure to some of the over 7000 short radio programs syndicated across America and other free Countries before 1989.
Although his voice had a huge impact, just reading the short scripts adds another dimension to learning and meditating on ideas to make us come alive in our "holiday on earth" as Earl calls it.
Availability of the unique book pictured
in the ad is not yet clear as it is not advertised on the site. By contacting and conversing with Diana, I was able to purchase a few copies several years ago. Not all goodies are natural finds because of limited supply.
By all means, check out the site for some of the best writings for free pearls of wisdom.
Today is the 103rd birthday anniversary for Olivia DeHavilland, actress, as Melanie Wilkes in the movie, "Gone With the Wind." Do lengths of life strike your curiosity as to why there is so much disparity in the duration of lives between relatives, acquaintances, and favorite actors? Some die young. Others live in the median while others baffle our imaginations. This day's post calls into question, "How is it that some live so far beyond life expectancy."
Several years ago, I read a book which discusses the mystery of why the life expectancy of around a hundred years is typical. Such matters as diet, exercise, and social activities play a significant part. Genetics also play a role. All ages can feed off each others' offerings and strengths regardless of age differences.
Do you find it interesting, as I do how that time plays such a significant role in the physical appearance of people? Talking with the elderly can be enhanced by pictures of the younger years. Photography is made much more possible today with modern technology. I know from experience that images can help remember the good times when a loved one has died. Other famous actors who lived to 100 are Bob Hope, George Burns, and Kirk Douglas. Maybe we could learn from them and more personally with someone close to us.
Congratulations to Olivia and her friends and relatives. Remember the good times and savor the moments. By all means, let's spend quality time with others to enhance life for everyone. Count yourself fortunate if you have a centenarian in the family or list of friends.