MyMomFlies

25 Aug 10 - Back to School Blog!

2010-08-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Remember, I said I am not a blogger… well, I am trying to be.

Apologize for the few weeks off the happy blogging trail. Life happened…kids starting school, homework, start up of fall sports, etc.

A few updates on the book My Mom Flies. Finally after 5.5 years of awesome, incredible work, the book is done. I am so honored to be a part of this project and grateful the 70 amazing women chose to travel this journey with me. As I mailed off everyone’s final draft manuscript, the post office person and I became good friends because it took quite a while to weigh and put postage on all the packages. I entertained her with stories about many of the women from the book. I feel like I know them all…I am so proud of all of them and their professional and personal accomplishments. I was bubbling over with excitement and pride as I talked about these inspiring aviatrix moms.

I have to admit, I AM A TERRIBLE SALESPERSON. I don’t like to sell anything but if I am passionate about something, then it is a different story. Needless to say, I think I sold the post office worker several copies of the book. Now I just have to get the book published.

I am now in the process of researching literary agents and sending out query letters. I am hopeful, nervous, excited and unsure all at the same time. It has only been a month and typically it takes several weeks to hear back but I already received a request for a proposal.

Next week’s blog will be a review and my recommendation on several books that I think are worth your time to read, devour or skim (whatever works in your schedule & margin).

Best,

Linda

Conferences and Symposiums

2010-08-01T20:10:00.000-07:00

I just got a request from the Academy Women Organization to forward out information regarding their annual symposium in Sept. (http://www.academywomen.org/) and I hope to go, first of all because it is a great networking event and an awesome opportunity to connect with other former and current military officers from all services. Plus, it is awesome to see leadership in action...I love to meet and communicate with the most amazing women.
Of course I have to pick and choose the events I can attend but Academy Women is definitely one I try to attend.

Another is the annual Women in Aviation International conference and I am definitely going this year!!! http://www.wai.org/ I have only been a few times but this conference is very empowering and also very educational. WAI is dedicated to providing networking, education, mentoring and scholarship opportunities for women (and men) who are involved in the aviation and aerospace industries. Attending WAI also gives me the opportunity to connect with women from WMA (Women Military Aviators).

I know all of you are all busy career and stay-at-home moms and I would be interested in hearing about the different professional conferences/symposiums you take the time to attend each year and why.....

Best!!
Linda

Can We Really Have it All?

2010-07-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember that 1980's (or was that the 70's) commercial with the woman in a business suit frying up bacon singing how she can do it all? I grew up believing that, not because of the commercial, but because my mom always told me I could do anything I wanted. I joined the military and had a successful career with the confidence I could do anything I put my mind to.

As many of you know I am authorizing/editing a book titled "My Mom Flies" with 70 other fantastic military Aviatrix moms. I am in the process of putting together some articles for submission to different publications as I develop my platform in my effort to sell my book to an agent and subsequently a publisher. For nonfiction, all the experts tell you that you need a platform. Ok, so what is my platform, what am I passionate about in life? My platform centers around The Importance of Margin as a Mom so you can live a life of excellence in all the roles in your life--mom,professional, teacher, mentor, friend, volunteer, counselor, etc..

Note that I can't actually submit any of the stories from My Mom Flies to any publications due to future publisher copyright rules but I can and do plan to use some anecdotal (paraphrased stories/quotes).

That frying the bacon commercial keeps popping up! Why? Well, I believe (my own personal thoughts) that the concept we can do it is all should be rephrased to We can do it all but just not at the same time. One of the other women from My Mom Flies talked about a guest speaker she heard who discussed balancing a demanding job with family and home life and the speaker said that if everyone is upset with you--your spouse, kids, employer, friends, etc, then you are probably doing it right. I was driving home the other day thinking about how my plate in life is a bit full these days and that I feel like I'm not doing anything really well (that day anyways)...and how several people in my life weren't my fans that day.

I think the perspective that you can do it all, just not all of it today is part of maintaining margin/reserve in your life. and...it makes total sense. Having a good does of margin inyour daily life has many physical, emotional and mental benefits. There are so many choices for women/moms in today's world.. It's all about making choices that work for you and your family.

I would love to hear your thoughts on "doing it all."

Best!!

Linda

Topic of the Week: "My Time"

2010-07-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Every week I will post a topic of the week and welcome inputs and feedback so we all can learn from other perspectives.
This week's topic is "My Time"
What are the things/activities you participate in that help you be a better mom and/or wife and/or professional in the workplace?
For me, I make it a point to go to scrapbooking retreats for a day or a weekend. I even get my husband a babysitter for part of the time to give him a break and also selfishly so I don't come home to a worn out/stressed (and grumpy) spouse. Sometimes, I go to the retreat and don't even scrapbook - I'll work on all the things that have collected in my daytimer or I will go get a pedicure or work on my book "My Mom Flies" www.mymomflies.com
I'd like to hear all of things you do.......
Best!
Linda

Mon - Jul 12 - MARGIN

2010-07-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

The topic of the day is MARGIN. I know this word isn't used much in terms of juggling life's priorities but there are several great books out there discussing "margin in our lives." Simply, margin can be described as having the time to form a complete thought, or the time to sit down and have lunch NOT in front of your computer, or the time to just hang out with your kids, or the time to start and finish a good book. As a mom during the season of ife when our children are small, there isn't alot of margin. I am constantly looking for ways to simplify life and have a little margin. I've been thinking alot about margin lately as I am really running on negative margin. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts/inputs.
Stay Cool!

Welcome to all "My Mom Flies" Ladies

2010-07-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest...I don't even get tweeting or blogging... but my editor, Tammy, asked me to send her information on my blog.....and then Val Kester (one of our gals in the book encouraged me to start this)............... So here goes... blog, blog, blog!!