Author Archives: Paula

Dad’s “Can-Do Attitude” Served Him Well

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Paula

Often stories tell us more about a person than facts. In describing my father, Paul, I’m going to start with a true story. In early 1944, Paul and a few of his army buddies are walking down Lincoln Road, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Paula's Memoir | 7 Comments

Maternal Ties: More Than Apron Strings

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Paula

Marie and Paul came from quite different worlds. Both had experienced difficulties in their childhoods. Both my parents have been major influences on me and my life choices. I’m starting with Marie’s story because she was the original resident of … Continue reading →

Posted in Paula's Memoir | 7 Comments

Recreation: Carefully Managed

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Paula

1943, Miami Beach, Florida What do I know about these two people who grew up more than a thousand miles apart, who would meet and marry in 1944? What did I know about the social norms of that decade? I … Continue reading →

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Stratoliner, She Flies Above the Clouds! It’s 1940!

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Paula

Author’s note: I’ve recently come across a flight attendant blog by Heather Poole who writes about flying as a flight attendant in 2020. One of her quotes, “Once a flight attendant, always a flight attendant” helps explain my ongoing interest … Continue reading →

Posted in Flight Attendant History | 2 Comments

Essential or Expendable?

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Paula

Both the U.S. government and the airline industry have played Russian roulette, that is, a dangerous and deadly game with the lives of flight attendants–all 120,000 of them working for U.S. airlines! Only recently have various airline officials voice concern … Continue reading →

Posted in Flight Attendant History, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments

Redirection & Reflections….

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Paula

“While the future remains unknown, we can still ground ourselves in the steady rhythm of Mother Earth. Hope is handed to us in small pleasures.” That positive quote is from the women who publish We’Moon calendars and books. Every woman … Continue reading →

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We Sewed It: From Feedsacks to Silks and Brocades, 38″ x 46″

Posted on March 22, 2020 by Paula

Browsing at JoAnn’s Fabrics last summer, I spotted an apron in the sale section. I didn’t want an apron, but I was drawn to this one! On that apron were printed dress patterns from my girlhood! I carry strong memories … Continue reading →

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Early Air Hostesses Were Petite to Allow for More Cargo!

Posted on March 16, 2020 by Paula

1930-1935 Boeing Air Transport hired the first Sky Girls in 1930 as an experiment. Not until five years later did Transcontinental & Western Air (then T&WA) graduate its first hostess class on December 6, 1935. The early air transport companies … Continue reading →

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Creating an Image: “Sky Girl”

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Paula

“Women had been eager participants in the early days of flying, when things were disorganized and open to all comers. But any hopes they had for gaining a foothold in commercial aviation were dashed when the Commerce Department, under pressure … Continue reading →

Posted in Flight Attendant History | 2 Comments

Lockheed Constellation: Queen of the Skies

Posted on February 23, 2020 by Paula

The “famous, fabulous aircraft” I asked you to identify at bottom left was tricky because, in this photo, you could only see the nose and arc of the fuselage of this dolphin-shaped plane! If you had been able to see … Continue reading →

Posted in Flight Attendant History | 3 Comments