At eight years of age Pop took me for a ride over San Francisco in a Republic Seabee. The
Seaplane was noisy, smelly and shook constantly. I loved it. From that day forth, at the
sound of a propellor or a jet, I looked upward, seeking the machine that had won my Heart.
As fortune would have it, I learned to fly and acquired a new dream, to own an airplane and start a business that centered around flight, and my aircraft. I had been a Cabinetmaker,
and because the gifts of my Gramps and Dad were love of carpentry, and a sense of business,
my savings allowed me to purchase a used but very airworthy Cessna, a Skylane, or 182.
My business plan was simple: Purchase very fresh fish in the S.F. Bay area, load up my bird and fly home to a small but growing little town in the Sierra foothills, Grass Valley. I would unload
into the Landcruiser which awaited me on the ramp and was piloted by my wife, Kate.
At this point I would deliver my fish to clients I had established in the area, mostly Chefs
who wanted the best fish for their dining clientele. I learned alot in a very short time; I had been in the restaurant business before, so I wasn't a babe in the woods. After a short period
of struggle (which I see as healthy), business improved and I acquired new clients and built
our business standing on the shoulders of Pop and Gramps.
Now this isn't necessarily about business, or flying, or seagulls, but then it contains all those.
I love to fly, and develop business, and meet new friends, and learn. I may decide to share
about old pilot buddies, or why airplanes work, or helping new entrepreneurs get started.
The point is, for me, to hear and read your experiences about the things that get you up at
dawn with a smile, or your friends, and then write and share some more. Life is good, and
sharing is wonderful.
There are no rules, and here they are:
Try to be brief, I used to get paid by the word but those days are over. Try to squeeze in
as much experience as you can.
"New" is good; there are no expectations here, and you can't be "wrong". You can make a
mistake, but don't judge, and you won't be either.
Spirituality is most welcome, Religion is not. Likewise, politics is a no-no. Strive to be kind
and you will be treated with respect and a hearty welcome.
On God's Earth, I am his own shy monkey. Don't be afraid, write it down and send it in.
If it's sincere and Heartfelt, we will all grow, and smile.
