Monday, September 29, 2008

“If I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes.” (-Charles Lindbergh)

I’m still always fascinated with flying, even though the TSA and airport security have made traveling much more interesting, shall we say.

I’ve learned that if I arrive early enough, remove my shoes, sweater or jacket, empty my laptop into the designated bin, and then just remember to pick up my camera among my belongings sliding through the X-Ray machine, it’s relatively smooth sailing once I'm through.

I sometimes try to envision what exciting voyages people are embarking upon as I wander through gates at the airport and watch people bustling through the corridors. Have you ever listened to that list of connecting flights your fellow passengers are taking, so you know which gate to head to upon arrival at the first destination? It's always amazing to me. Sometimes, instead of listening for "Iowa" I'll imagine I'm heading to Istanbul instead.

I’m also fortunate that on a plane, I’m just like a baby who falls asleep in a moving vehicle. I can doze and cat-nap easily the minute those engines start up!


I do enjoy having a window seat, and love to look out to see what’s below, whether it’s fluffy cottonballs or snowy miniature vistas below.

It’s a good thing I like to fly, because this week alone, I’ll be on and off of about seven different flights.

“I feel about airplanes the way I feel about diets. It seems to me that they are wonderful things for other people to go on.” (-Jean Kerr)

Happy Monday, all! San Francisco-bound today…

11 comments:

Rick said...

Great painting today! A little different subject matter for you. I like it!!!

ParisBreakfasts said...

Love this post!
But then I love them all-how to choose.
Still this hits a chord.
I used to travel A LOT!
I'll never forget the flight announcment board in CHALK in India! I bet that's changed.
I used to always eat a Charleston Chew before boarding-my touchstone :)
I've never had the guts to paint an airplane though..
BRAVO!

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Oh these are wonderful photos. I could never fly. Not for me, but these are wonderful and so is your painting. Hope you have a great safe uneventful...trip. :)) Maybe you will fly over head on your way to Portland. I will wave.:))

Janice C. Cartier said...

I LOVE these!! Thank you so much. I love to fly. Those landscapes fascinate me, every time. Enjot SF. This was a treat!

willow said...

Wonderful in flight pix, Sue! Interesting post. Happy and safe travels!!

feasting-on-pixels (terrie) said...

I love air travel so much too...
providing the plane is taking me home to Paris, I will put up with just about anything...lol..,
You captured my feelings in a nutshell.

Lovely sketch of the plane on the tarmack and etheral images from the air.
Bon voyage et bon chance...!

A Brush with Color said...

I honestly still do enjoy air travel. I prefer it if I'm going on vacation myself, of course, but I like it any time.

Merisi said...

Your photos are out of this world!
My favorite is the one next to the last one. So delicate, thos little lakes, the lines of trees and houses, took my breath.

Ah travel! I like to moment when I finally am fastened in my seat, or hitting the road.

Amongst The Oaks said...

I love to fly too. Wave to me in here in the middle of California when you fly over.
Laura

Mama said...

Lovely painting today and beautiful pictures from the plane Sue, our family are in London, Dubai and Singapore we are in San Fran so we just go around and around, luckily we do not mind, it's a small world really. Happy and safe travels, have fun in San Francisco. Kathy.

Sharon said...

Oh gosh, those photos from the air are wonderful.