On The Fly

In this episode - The Power of Positive Thinking . . . The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale is a self-help book that explores the impact of optimism and positive thoughts on your life. Peale emphasizes the influence of one's thoughts on shaping experiences and achieving success. This small book has sold over 5 million copies since it was first published in 1952. I recently purchased a copy from our local Barnes & Noble and read it again because our lives were changing once more. Let me explain. As 2023 draws to a close, I have taken it upon myself to reflect on what has influenced my thinking and my life. Like many, during these challenging times of war in Israel and Ukraine, with the proliferation of hate and violence, I am trying to regain the optimism that fueled me to become who I am today. After moving to California in April 1985, I felt compelled to meet Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (see Dreamers) . Why? Not because I had read his book but because the Title...

In this episode - At Christmas . . . by Edgar Guest, narrated by Lori Ball. I stumbled upon this poem while doing a Google search for holiday poetry to recite for the Podcast. Allow me to tell you a bit about the Poet. Edgar Albert Guest was a British-born American  poet  famous in the first half of the 20th century and became known as the People's Poet. He began his career at the  Detroit Free Press  as a copyboy and then as a reporter; his first poem appeared on December 11, 1898. For 40 years, Guest was widely read throughout  North America . From his first published work in the  Detroit Free Press,  until he died in 1959, Guest penned 11,000 poems syndicated in over 300 newspapers. Guest was named  Poet Laureate  of Michigan, the only Poet awarded the title. His popularity led to a weekly Detroit radio show he hosted from 1931 until 1942, followed by a 1951  NBC  television series,  A Guest in Your House. He also had t...

In this episode - Manners Matter . . . Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the importance of kindness and respect (manners). However, during this season of celebration, we have the chance to renew our commitment to these values and embody the true spirit of social refinement. Practicing proper etiquette at work, home, and in public can create a positive atmosphere and improve our interactions with those around us. So, let’s embrace the subtle yet powerful art of good manners and make every encounter a moment of grace and positivity. Creating a masterpiece of human connections demands a symphony of small gestures, thoughtful words, and considerate actions rather than conforming to a rigid rulebook. Picture yourself walking into a room, not in a rush, but with a gentle and friendly approach. You look people in the eye, smile warmly, and greet them with a sincere "hello," maybe a fist pump, a handshake, or a hug. This simple gesture shows tha...

In this episode - The Christmas Song . . . Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir. And folks dressed up like Eskimos. Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe. Help to make the season bright! Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow, Will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa’s on his way. He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. And every mother’s child is gonna spy. To see if reindeer really know how to fly. And so, I’m offering this simple phrase, To kids from one to ninety-two. Although it’s been said many times, many ways. Merry Christmas to you. "The Christmas Song" (commonly subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire") is a classic holiday tune that Mel Tormé and Bob Wells wrote. It was first penned in 1944 during a sweltering hot summer. The songwriters were trying to escape the heat by imagining wintry scenes. Mel Tormé jotted down the lyrics in about 40 minutes wh...

In this episode - Little Golden Books . . .   Experience the magic of Christmas this season with our audio rendition of "Santa’s Toy Shop" (circa 1950). This delightful tale, inspired by the Little Golden Book and illustrated by Walt Disney Studios, takes you on a journey to the North Pole, where Santa Claus and his merry elves work tirelessly to prepare for the holiday season and create toys for children worldwide. Readers get a glimpse of the magical toy-making process as the elves work diligently to craft gifts for children. Each toy is made with care and imagination, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Santa's workshop. Amidst the cheerful chaos of preparing for Christmas, the story highlights the joy of giving and the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season. As Santa and his team work tirelessly to ensure every child receives that special gift, the book captures the warmth and wonder of Christmas. A little background - George Duplaix created ...