I am Okay in OK!

Hello. John here. I haven't posted in a long time. I am in Bartlesville, OK for business. Oklahoma is gorgeous. Seriously one of the most grand places Ive ever laid my eyes. I wrote the following on the airplane here. Its a non fiction story. I hope you enjoy.

The clouds look like a glacier from above. 32,000 feet in the air I sit humbled by the beauty of Earth. The rigors of daily life: work schedules, sports practices and modern life commitments seem ever present and make stopping to smell the roses difficult. The vast expanse outside my airplane window reminds me that like the clouds below me, I will in time change formation and evaporate. Perhaps while here, I too can provide rain to arrid lands, respite from the sun, inspiration and a thunderstorm or two. Maybe we all can if we try.


The sound of the overhead speaker resonates like fingernails on the chalkboard and the stale stench of humankind permeates the cabin. (No wonder dogs can so easily track us. We stink.) Charles is barking orders like a drill seargant initiating recruits into the armed forces. "Its all a matter of saftey." I believe that is what I heard him say to the Latino mother with a child in her lap. Its not easy to hear in this airplane with the nervous chatter swirling the air to the rhythmic drone of the jet engines.

Perhaps, this is Charles' way of the clouds. In his own special way he is providing rain to the arrid land. I cant help wonder though if he is the only one who thinks so. "Ma'am.. you in the middle. Can you please honor the fasten seatbelt sign that is illuminated?" blares through the cabin. Embarrassed and undoubtly irritated she quickly sits in her seat. I'd be willing to bet Charles irons his jeans. Wrinkles, exceptions and coloring outside the lines a few of his nemisises.

I cant help but travel back in my memories to a time when Kelly and I were hiking in the Bryce Canyon in Utah. It was one of the most pleasant days I could remember in a long time. Sun was shining and the temperature was terrific. There is no possible way for me to explain the majesty of the hoodoos that rose from the red rock floor of the canyon but suffice it to say incredible. As we walk along heads in the clouds, a gentleman in front of us screams, at his children, "STAY ON THE PATH! AND I MEAN IT!" I bet he and Charles are related.

Oh good! The small packets of peanuts just arrived. I asked for a coca-cola drink and received a diet cola instead. I though about mentioning it to Charles. And then thought better of it. Some small details in life arent worth poking the tiger to correct. "Ma'am, the fasten set belt sign is still illuminated. If you choose to use the lavatory and you are injured, I would like to remind you... that you are responsible." She shoots a look at him as if to say, "Hey, thanks for letting everyone know I need to use the bathroom." I feel for her. Using an airplane lavatory is like trying to change your clothes in the front seat of your car with a most unpleasant olfactory experience. (I think they were designed by a sadistic contortionist.) Public chastizing on the way to this facility has to be the icing on the proverbial cake.

"OK! Ladies, Gentlemen and Children. Im coming through to get your trash. If you are sitting along the isle. Im not responsible for hitting you with the cart if you have your dogs in the isle. Thank you for your attention. Please sit back, relax and enjoy your flight to Tulsa." It is very clear that Charles is concerned with my saftey and well-being during this flight. Its always nice to know someone cares.

"Hello, this is First Captain Stan. We are 115 miles from Tulsa and are begining our inital decent. Charles, please prepare the cabin for landing."

Have you ever seen a cat jump when suprised? I've never seen a human being replicate that move until now. Like a movie on fastforward, Charles is cruising up and down the isle. "People listen carefully. Put all your electronic devices away. Store your trays and get your chairs staight. Please notice the fasten seat belt sign is illuminated. Now is the time to put them on. If you have a child, please get them on your lap." echoes through the cabin.

Before a direct confrontation ensues, I better stop typing. Charles means business. I wouldnt want to hear, "Hey you, in the exit row. Get off the computer! Didn't you hear we are landing!"

Thank you Charles for the most entertaining flight in a very long time.