A Flyover Blog

Share Something Good

"Scientists have shown that one of the simplest ways to multiply the positivity you extract from good fortune is to make a habit of sharing your good news with your spouse, partner, or even with a close friend."

- Barbara Fredrickson
 

Red Friday - January 29

An Afghan girl talks to fellow students as U.S. Marines and the unit's female engagement team attend a class in Now Zad, Afghanistan, earlier this month. The engagement team interacts with Afghan women and school-age girls to encourage education. The Marines are assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Wishing these Marines all the best with this important project!

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Albert F. Hunt

Linchpin

I'm surfacing from project overdrive today to recommend this book. No, I don't know Seth Godin; I'm not even on his radar. No, I'm not getting paid to plug his book. Didn't get a free review copy either; I bought this one myself at the local B&N. Linchpin is my "Must Read" book for January. I'm planning to keep it on my nightstand the entire year so I can stay mentally on track.

I'm a daily follower of Seth's Blog and his thought process never ceases to amaze me; (here's the link to Linchpin's publication announcement complete with purchasing info.) I think he must have sat closer to the blackboard than I did growing up or maybe he skipped school altogether, I'm not sure which,  but somehow he got a completely different message about work and meaning and life than I did. Seth Godin cuts through the bureaucracy and  the bs we encounter daily - all the stuff that stands between you and what you really want to do.

So, if you find yourself in need of a new outlook for the coming year and your old sources of inspiration just aren't working for you like they used to, then it's time for a fresh voice. Maybe you or someone you know has been the victim of downsizing - or you'd like to carve your own niche for the future, as opposed to waiting for someone to give you a really crappy assignment. Whatever the reason, read Linchpin. Then go get your new life started. Remember, it's your future; go create it.

Circumstances

"... In avoiding the reality of our present circumstances, we avoid the miracles they offer."

 

- Marianne Williamson

 

Red Friday - January 22

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Bidon walks her military working dog across an obstacle course at the kennel on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 5, 2010. The Navy uses military working dogs to ensure base security as well as to detect drugs and explosives.

 

U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Snyder

Be Courageous

 

 "God calls us - who often struggle with doubts and fears - and sends us out into the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be both faithful and courageous."

- Mark S. Hanson

Red Friday - January 15

A U.S. Marine and the provincial governor of Now Zad, Afghanistan toast one another as they prepare to drink sodas just before Christmas last month. The Marine is assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which met with the governor for a walking tour to discuss reconstruction progress.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Albert F. Hunt

 

What's Next for Libraries?

When I was a girl I made at least two trips to the Peabody Library every single week to check out books and just soak up the literary atmosphere.  Now that I am grown, I consider myself fortunate to live in a town filled with book lovers. The parking lots at our local libraries and book stores are constantly full. Springfield is a McAlister's Iced Tea drinkin', Andy's Frozen Custard eatin' town, too, but that's beside the point.

I've been wondering how libraries are going to stay relevant in the midst of this techno-exposion. Everyone now knows that the info contained in books and magazines is months old before it hits the shelves; if you want answers, you log on and scour the net. Seth Godin had some interesting ideas in this post last weekend about the future of libraries. I know a lot of authors and book lovers out there who might like to read what he has to say on the subject.

Veterans for Common Sense

 

Over the weekend, I met Allison Peacock via Twitter; I decided I should spend a little time on that long-neglected account! Allison visited this blog, saw my Red Friday post and sent me a link to Veterans for Common Sense, an organization doing great advocacy work for our returning veterans.

It is no secret that the majority of the American public absolutely loves our military men and women. We fully appreciate the work they do and the sacrifices they've made. Sadly, that gratitude and admiration is completely lost in the the bureaucratic maze our vets must wade through on their return.  Veterans for Common Sense works for practical, real-world solutions to the problems our government Blunt End just can't seem to solve. As we all know, the goverment moves at a glacial pace, but VCS is tireless in their efforts.

I encourage you to visit their website and read about the work they do. And remember to say "thank you" to our service men and women when you see them.

Photo from the Department of Defense.

Create Something in 2010

"Creation starts with thought, desire and imagination... the same as desiring a new house, job, etc. Thoughts, desires and imagination create an energetic blueprint for what we want; then taking action steps towards our goal helps to create the building blocks for intentions to manifest."

- Global Conference Initiative