My Blog

Book Update

02/07/2012 18:07:00

Many of my fellow crew members and passengers have asked about our book and when it's coming out. We had hoped to have it out by this Valentine's Day but that is not going to happen. Both Bobbie and I have been faced with family medical issues that we needed to deal with first.

We hope to have the book complete and available to you by 12/12/12! We would love to hear from you in the meantime. Please drop us a note or give us a call. We would love to have you share your flying stories with us too!

Have a Happy Valentines' Day! Linda

OCCUPY WALL STREET!

11/28/2011 16:27:00

This is Lilly! I met her at Occupy Wall Street in Manhattan on November 7, 2011.

My crew and I had a Newark overnight. We decided to be adventurous and get up early and catch the trains over to Ground Zero. We never did get into see the repaired site because of the need for tickets to enter. There were long lines and our time was limited. Next time I will go on line and get them before I go.

While looking around the Wall Street area for food we ran into the Occupy Wall Street. My crew rapidly passed by, however, I hesitated when I saw this little gal.

There were people there upset about the morally corrupt banking system, the hilacious amount of people who have lost homes, and the poisoning of our food and water supplies. There were people there speaking up about corruption in politics and education, big pharma and corporate American, then there was Lilly!

As we scurried through the crowd I called out to the girls who were tearing their way through the crowd. "Hey you guys! Hold up for a minute I want to do something. Don't leave! I'll be back."

I ran to Lilly. I reached into my purse and pulled out a piece of rich red fabric that contained a wand of Sage, a wand of Cedar and a braid of Sweet Grass. I said, "What's your name?" She said "Lilly!" I asked her to hold out her hand while telling her I loved her sign. I said, "I have a friend who is Native American. His name is Gary Bibb. He is enrolled Potowatomi. This is something he would do for you. This is not mine to do, I am not Native American. I am Swedish and Irish in my ancestry. I know if he knew of you he would tell me I should do this. Hold out your left hand. I am using my left hand, direct and closest to my heart to your heart to give you a blessing. This is sage, white mountain sage. It clears out energy and neutralizes. This is cedar it blocks negative energy and this is Sweet Grass. Smell THIS! It is oldest grass on Earth. They call this Mother Earth's hair. Each strand is picked with prayer and tobacco is laid on the Earth for each strand taken. This blesses."

She kept smelling the amazing fragrance of the medicines. I said, " Additionally ,I have placed a drop of the Christ Oil on this cloth. It is a blend of the oils Christ used when he walked. Keep these blessings as a reminder you are loved and appreciated. You are the one who has it RIGHT in all of this collective. The energy for change comes from love not fear and anger. Thank you for who you are!"

She hugged me tight and was absolutely stunned and joyful I did that for her. I ran over to the corner where my crew was waiting for me and they asked me what that was all about. I told them, I was honoring her for remembering what was really important!

We ended up eating lunch across the street from the gathering. We took our sandwiches upstairs to overlook the activity in the park and street. The New York Marathon had been the day before so there were lots of people wearing participant medals; lot of people from around the world.

After we ate the girls wanted to use the restroom so I ran down to talk to Lilly again. They met up with me. I went up to Lilly and said, "Hold up your sign I want to take your photo." I said, "I watched this from over there and I see the police are closing in. What is happening?" She said she didn't know. I said I didn't have a lot of time to talk with you earlier. I would like to know WHY are you here?"

She said, "I know there are problems in the world but they aren't solved in wars or power struggles. They are solved with raising our vibration to a higher place, LOVE." A statement that could be lightly taken and brushed off as a new aged hippy statement. However, in reality, it is the most true and profound statement spoken in that arena and that truth stands not only for that event but for humanity and the world.

Many ask about 2012 and what is coming in this next year. No one can answer that with any certainty except for this; the greatest of masters on this planet. the spiritually in tune elders, scientists, religious leaders, psychics and a vast array of cultures' prophesies through out the centuries all seem to have a common understanding...if humanity stays asleep, continues to be faithless, negative and fearful then the worst events known to man will be drawn into our field. Not as an act of God but as a universal law. In this world "what goes up, must come down", unless assisted by a machine or magnetic location. If we stay in the low vibration of fear and anger then unspeakable events and results will occur. It doesn't take the whole world changing it's tune, only a small percent. If 8 to 10 thousand of us shifted into total love, trust and faith, lived like Lilly's sign says we'd see some very weird things happening, less storms, less disasters, less crimes etc. That sounds so "fluffy and woo-woo-ie" but it IS TRUTH!

Lilly KNOWS! Lilly listens to her heart and knows the truth of her spirit. We can easily and always get upset about all the crimes being committed in the world. Those who take a stand and hold peace in their heart at the same time are the ones creating change. Those who are screaming will only get the same in return.

Lilly is one of the "Earth Angels" actually she is more like a good little fairy trying to open people's eyes. I tossed $5.oo into the bowl at her feet before I left and she hugged me like I gave her a $1,000.00! She was genuinely surprised and grateful. Lilly is love, Lilly is gratitude! LILLY GETS IT! Please learn from Lilly! We need more Lilly's in the world! Starting NOW!

Notice Lilly's little drawing at the bottom of her sign. She has the symbol for infinity embracing the symbols for peace, love and joy!

How can YOU be like Lilly in your little piece of the world?

I would LOVE to hear from you about this one!

How I LUV to Fly! And, A Lesson for the 2012 Shift!

11/05/2011 09:13:00

There have been so many interesting people on my planes lately! I feel SO BLESSED!

I just got off a 3 day trip working with a 70 year old flight attendant. She was probably the prettiest soul I have met in a very long time! She has been with SWA for 23 years. Her work ethics are amazing. Raised in Tennessee and a history of working three labor jobs at a time; this woman knows how to work!

She has a reputation for being outrageously funny and even received an award created by Herb Kelleher and Colleen Barrett in 1999 for her humor!

The sad thing is, there are some flight attendants who do not want to work as hard as this lady who have been rude, unkind and catty about her. She told me that even the passengers have noticed this behavior and have stepped up in her defense.

This is not just a lesson for SWA employees, this applies to the world, to humanity as a whole.

When someone else loves what they do, and you don't, change your mind or quit and go somewhere else.

When someone makes others happy and you don't, think about what is running in your life that makes you such a miserable sourpuss in the world.

If life hurts you then turn the other cheek and see joy wherever you can. I once had an old woman tell me if you smile long enough when your heart is breaking eventually it will start to feel good again.

This lovely flight attendant I flew with shared her story, at my request. She had some hard and unhappy times in her life. She wanted a place to be happy and SWA was it. The passengers loved her. Only the occassional crab had a complaint. Old Abe hit it on the head; you can please some of them some of the time. Not all the folks are going to think you are funny. I know because I am one of those SWA's that go the extra mile using humor and joy. Had 135 compliments and two "drop deads" yesterday! Whatever!

Not everyone can pull it off. I am clear on that. This woman I flew with has a graciousness about her that shines bright. She acquired that through 70 years of living and a couple of decades of tolerating, and growing, through the bullying of a few jealous and inadequate souls who had nothing better to do than engage in petty gossips and lies.

I have heard these rumors and stories and I was very interested in living the truth and having the opportunity to fly with her and see what she was really like!

In the course of three days I got to know this precious lady. I feel sorry for the small groups of people who have done harm to her, and did not bother to learn anything from her, or find out who she is! This experience goes way beyond a story of a career at an airline. Far beyond that.

This is a time in humanity to be loving and compassionate. I am closely connected with some incredible people in the world of spiritual teachings from multiple cultures. For those of you who are concerned about the 2012 events and the energy of this transitition for the planet and all living creatures, now is your calling to wake up, and for some of you, time to grow up!

What you find precious may not be the truth. What you think is important may have you hornswaggled! How you treat others, and yourself, today is either going to save you, or destroy you in the upcoming months and years. This is not a light and metaphoric statement this is as solid and truthful as anything ever said.

If you are responsible for spreading lies about others, if you have participated in cruel gossip, if you have shunned someone based on rumors I invite you to think again and walk a new path. Find those people and do something kind. Telling them you are a jerk may, or may not, be healing for them. Listen to your heart on that one. Find a way to right your wrong and live your amends!

When you hear someone talking about others stand up for that person being verbally slayed, by saying it is not right to talk about someone without them here to defend themselves. People will stop and look at you and they will either get it and change direction or they will shun your remark and continue down the dark hole.

The 2012 energy is very real. More than most want to believe. It affects every area of life. This is a call to compassion and a call to spiritual integrity. If you choose to take this gift and apply it starting now you will have a much easier ride through the upcoming changes in the world and in humanity. If you ignore it, good luck.

Yesterday as this 70 year old lady drove me, out of her way, to my car mechanic's shop to get my car, I realized what a gift I had missed in not being able to fly with her sooner. And what else? I want to know her better, she is someone I would be PROUD to call my friend. I am so grateful for this blessed career I am living!

What blessings, besides money and a paycheck, come from YOUR career? Start thinking about those things. Now is the time to find gratitude in every part of your day!

Walk a grateful walk today!

Blessings!

Linda

Having FUN on SWA!?!

09/20/2011 21:16:00

I have had SO many folks tell me how much FUN they have on my flights! This is AWESOME! People tell me they LOVE it when the flight attendants are loving their job and the passengers! OKAY! FANTASTIC!

Would LOVE to hear about that on my blog! If you have ANYTHING you'd like to say about your flying experience on SWA I would be very happy to hear about it!

What makes us different than those "other guys" in YOUR opinion? How did my crew and I make it different? What was your experience of ME as your flight attendant? I meet thousands of people every week so please help me to distinguish your flight experience from the others. What did we talk about? What did I do? Help me to remember your flight and your presence on my plane. I have a GREAT memory you just need to remind me who you are..."the lady at the overwing with the purple hat..etc.! We talked about SWA letting dogs fly...etc.

It would be wonderful to have your comments!

Thanks so much!

Love,

Linda

Looking for Passenger and Crew Feedback!

09/11/2011 16:02:00

September 11, 2011: Flew three legs today. The last flight was Flight 11! Weird!

The loads were light. Passengers were a bit "heavy". I gave it my all to lighten the "air" and shift the energy to a better place. Wore me out!

I have given a lot of business cards out this past month. Lots of people want us to get this book out.

Writing a bit every day! We hope to have this on the press in time for Christmas 2012!

Again I ask for your input! If you have flown with me I would love to hear from you and hear your feedback.

I would like to add a chapter in the book of passenger and fellow crew members comments. So could use some HELP with that! LOL!

UPDATE!

07/31/2011 18:30:00

Well, this has been an interesting few months since I started the Blog. I have learned of the deaths of 8 friends since December. I would believe this to be reasonable if I were 90 years old...but this has been bizarre!

My Mom has dimentia and depression. This has caused some distractions from keeping the blog up. My apologies to everyone who has checked in and found it not current.

It would be wonderful to hear from you!

Blessings!

Flight Attendant Linda Smith

The Flight Attendant Book!

01/23/2011 14:30:00

Welcome to our blog!

My retired American Airlines stewardess friend, Bobbie, my two year Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant daughter, Kelli, and myself are coming together to create a long over due book about flying.

This book is about humor, heart and history, a perspective from the ailse with three generations of flight attendants.

We intend to make you laugh, cry, warm your heart, educate you, and baffle your mind! None of us have to be creative, we just have to have good memories and take good notes. This book has been written by the thousands of passengers and crew members who have been a part of our lives!

We are changing the names to protect the guilty, and the innocent. It's just a lot easier that way, if you know what we mean! Now of course, celebrities are another story.

If you have ever been flying with us we would love to have your story contributions. Who knows? We may use your story in "YOUR" book. We say "YOUR" because this is a book created by our flying public and co-workers.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! We are open to all suggestions and assistance in bringing this book to fruition. It is our goal to have this book in the book stores in every airport Southwest Airlines flies to. Better yet, all the airports American Airlines flies to also! Target date: Valentine's Day 2012!

If you are a book store manager, or owner, we would LOVE your help!

Thanks everybody, ahead of time! Let's give each other a great book of laughter, inspiration and history!

Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the flight! Let us hear from you today!

LUV

Linda, Bobbie and Kelli

You KNOW You are a Flight Attendant when...

01/23/2011 14:13:00

Subject:You Know You're a Flight Attendant If....

1. You can eat a four course meal standing at the kitchen counter or over a

garbage can!
2. You search for a button to flush the toilet.
3. You look for the 'crew line' at the grocery store.
4. You can pack for a two week trip to Europe in one roll-aboard.
5. All your pens have different hotel names on them.
6. You NEVER unpack.
7. You can recognize pilots by the backs of their heads-but not by
their faces, AND you don’t recognize them in street clothes even after you just flew with them!
8. You can tell from 70 yards away if a piece of luggage will fit in the
overhead bin, if it won’t, your skin begins to crawl!
9. You care about the local news in a city three states away.
10. You can tie a neck scarf 36 ways, including passenger restraint modes.
11. You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which
pertain to vomit. Same applies to feminine sanitary products, lemons and club soda.
12. You understand and actually use the 24-hour clock.
13. You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin.
14. You don't think in 'months' - you think in 'bid packs'.
15. You always point with two fingers.
16. You get a little too excited by certain types of ice.
17. You stand at the front door and politely say, 'Buh-bye, thanks,
have a nice day' when someone leaves your home
18. You can make a sentence using all of the following phrases:
'At this time,' 'For your safety,' 'Feel free,' and 'As a reminder'
19. You know what's on the cover of the current issues of In Touch,
Star, and People magazines, Wall Street, New York Times and USA Today.
20. You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make
sure the 'gauge is in the green'
21. Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows.
22. You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out
where you are.
23. You refer to cities by their airport codes.
24. Every time the doorbell rings you look at the ceiling looking for blue lights!

25. You tell your kids and grandkids, “Please be seated”,

“Stay seated”, “Return to your seat” while other parents/grandparents wonder why you’re talking like that!
26. You actually understand every item on this list! Ha! Sad but TRUE!

Write your post here.

Invitation to be in our book!

01/23/2011 00:18:00

Welcome to our blog!

I am excited to create this opportunity for us to chat about our up and coming book about three generations of flight attendants careers.

We welcome your input. We are gathering stories from fellow co-workers and passengers who have had the experience of flying with us.

It's going to be a very fun experience and we can't wait to see the book on the stands and in your hands!

Lets us hear from you today!