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I have flown in a small four-seater on a dinner date and in a MNR helicopter over a forest fire. I love flying but I do not like all the craziness now at the airports since 9-11. My son-in-law is an aviation mechanic in the USCG, and he is the one who was friends with our Amy when she was in school for becoming a mechanic too. He came to her funeral, and fell in love with my daughter, as I wrote. My dad was a gunner but missed the war. Enlisted at the tail end of WWII. Beautiful photographs. Tragic how their story ended. You have a soothing voice. Annie Jacobsen style. I hope to catchj up on my reading. Still helping Sarah out with the boys a lot. Family comes first! Love you!

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Jul 15Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

I absolutely loved listening to this real life story even though I was a big scaredy cat when it came to flying, let alone pilot a plane. With a husband who worked in the aviation industry, flight trips were readily available

and he relished them. Except for one "freebie" - a helicopter ride over a Hawaiian volcano. As we stepped aboard, there was a tiny woman at the controls. She must have seen my husband's face & said, "Don't worry, I flew in the Gulf War." He made me sit in the front, lol!

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Of course with dad and his aviation love (and in the business) it was so natural of me to love the fact that Barbara wanted to learn to fly and take this adventure! I love this story mom! I think I remember it but I do not remember the Gulf War part! omgoodness! I can't believe you both took that ride anyways - especially with dad not totally trusting helicopters! Love you so much. ox

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Jul 15Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

Love this! Thanks for sharing!

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Oh thank you so much for taking the time to listen and comment! I know time is so valuable and there's so much here to read and enjoy, besides all of the life stuff! I loved this book and how they lived out their gifts. ox

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Jul 14Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

Deb, I loved this. And you have a voice made for radio, so sweet and kind, and somehow your big heart even comes through in your voice! This book is definitely on my list of reads, I know you’ve mentioned it to me before. Thank you, Deb!

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Oh you're way to kind Jenn! It's such a vulnerable thing to do and when I first started I sounded like I was in a toilet (lol!) - I think it was the technical challenge that overrode my fear of doing it! Now it feels like a fun thing to do and I'm working on how I can interview people like you in our community! But radio style! I found a way to do it zoom-style, with a better program for "sound" - then I can download only sound and upload that into my music intro/outro! ha ha! A process! Gotta do it while I have half a brain! I think you would love the book! It's so sad they're gone but so lovely to remember them. Thank you so much for your encouragement 🙏🏻 ox

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Wow, that’s pretty cool! A lot of work and I am cracking up about sounding like you’re in a toilet 😂. The book is on my list of books I want ☺️

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Jul 13Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

Is this a new "thing" for you? I didn't know anything about a podcast. I really liked what you've done!

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Oh Bob, I chose this time of absolute turmoil in our country to catchup with Substack. A near assassination :(

I began to challenge myself with the podcast thing over a year ago and then stopped last May 2023. I don’t know why I let it go, because I really enjoyed the challenge! I started out sounding like I was speaking from inside of a toilet (lol) and then was determined to learn, began to figure out Garage Band, bought a mic and worked on the sound. Bought a license for music, figured out how to do intro and outro, etc. God is good you know? I don’t have an audience, but it was the challenge of figuring it out so I could lend a relational voice to my writing. Yesterday I decided to sit down and re-learn, and actually found a faster way to record (I thought it would be a re-learning nightmare!) and I just started without a real plan, no notes.., except the book, etc., and with two dogs and a cat sitting next to me, I did it in one take!! A miracle! It always took me several takes, but I chose to do it before the mailman arrived (and all heck breaks lose!)

Now, I feel like I am supposed to try and lend a light and do it more often. I’m super sad and a bit angry right now but prayer is everything and that’s what we are called to do.

Sending you much love and healing prayers friend. ox

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You're the greatest - keep working on your Podcast and God will show you just how to use it!

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I learned to fly when I lived in Vegas, for practical reasons to have a faster way to travel to California. I can’t believe how much I relate to Barbara Rowell! I know Bishop well and I spent many summers there hiking and camping. My favorite is South Lake. My ex-husband was a rock climber and we went off and go to red rock canyon in Las Vegas in rock climbing. I did mostly bouldering, because of my fear of heights 😬 That’s one thing I don’t have in common with Barbara, the sense of adventure. But after hearing you read about her I’m inspired to conquer that anxiety, but I think I’ll lay off rock climbing. Lol! I’m sorry to hear about their passing, but they leave an amazing legacy behind which will inspire people forever. Thank you so much Deborah for sharing their wonderful work, and I would love to explore their inspiring books! 🥰🥰😘 Thank you again!

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Charlotte! I knew you'd relate! Amazing to learn to fly! What an accomplishment! And your ex loved rock climbing!! Oh my bouldering? you did that? takes so much shoulder strength! Makes me wince!

I think you have a great sense of adventure! You lived it! Now you inspire us by writing about your adventures in magic ✨🙏🏻

I didn't know the Rowells but I lived them! I think Barbara was there once when we visited the now closed gallery in Bishop. Thank you so much for listening! It's been fun to figure it out. I stopped for over a year and went writing crazy 😅 But it's fun to do! In light of our country's turmoil, today, Saturday, we need to fight back with positive stories. Thank you for yours and for your love. Love you Charlotte 😘✨🙏🏻

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@Deborah T. Hewitt we bought a Cessna and I learn to fly at McCarran airport in the mid-1980s. Which is unbelievable because the airport is one of the biggest in the United States now. My husband got his license but I must say I never got my license because I was too afraid to fly solo. Lol. But my instructor said I could easily do everything myself. But I was just terrified to be in a plane up in the air alone. I couldn’t get over that. Anyway, if I had to fly I could do it! And flying was a big part of our life at the time.

Because of our stent work, my ex-husband used to rock climb. Not way up on mountains like the Rowells, Nothing daring like that. But out at red rock canyon which is known for its rock climbing there was a place where I would boulder. And yes you have to be a certain body type to climb. Thin and strong. I think I was more adventurous back in those days because my ex-husband was nothing but Mr. adventure! Randy is a little bit more of a homebody and loves his music. That works for me too! But I do go skiing in the winter time end we go up to Mammoth to visit Southlake and where it is adventure as two 70 somethings can be!

I am very blessed that in my younger years I got to enjoy much adventure. Flying in airplanes, rock climbing, scuba diving, skiing etc. I seek out adventure but now it’s in smaller ways. Taking walks up in the foothills and just admiring all the wildflowers and life around me. Things like that. The simpler things that are very adventurous without the adrenaline rush. But I know what Barbara means by that adrenaline rush being in invigorating sensual experience. It fills your whole body with anticipation. Performing on stage gives you a similar rush. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing the story and their beautiful book. May they rest in peace among the angels watching over us 💞🙏💞

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Jul 13Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

Makes me want to learn to fly, even though I can’t even drive. Hand glide maybe.

We have so many gifts. When gift and passion collide, it’s the ultimate adventure we share xx

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Doesn't it? and Barbara talks about seeing the Galapagos for the first time in her book! You have already accomplished that and I still can't get over that you went solo! Amazing!

Love what you said about our gifts ☺️ How dare we not use them!! Passion + gift = ultimate adventure! yess!

Thank you for listening 😘😘

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a pleasure, lovely. Keep going, growing and glowing xx

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Jul 13Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

Enjoyed listening to you Deb. It's exactly what I need... Have to get back to my own light. 🙏🍀❤️

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Ahhh! Thank you so much Patrick! I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you’re doing good and well on your way to your new life! Are you in Greece? I’m so glad you feel this way. Go live it and the rest will fall into place. It’s so much easier to love outwardly, when we love ourselves enough to do what’s in our heart. And I don’t mean all irresponsible and stuff - but to truly set a good example of living out a purpose. Stay in touch. I look forward to reading a piece about this newness when you’re ready! oxox

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Jul 12Liked by Deborah T. Hewitt

I enjoyed your podcast and l ask God daily what is my purpose now?l am grateful for my days .l have always been a dreamer and I hope l always will.My dog is beside me snoring in my bed Your voice is so gentle.I can imagine the lady flying herself with angel wings along with her partner.Sadly some people don't inhabit this earth for very long.lf my mind is heavy from thinking too long,l can let it be.Thanks for your kind words Deborah Goodnight God bless you and yours 🙏🕊️🦋.

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Dear Mary, thank you so much for listening! I felt very moved to get back to something where I felt like it was relational in a more personal way and for me that is to speak with people. We can't always get together, but it's nice to reach out. I hope to do more of these and pull some interesting people in on it! I did one with my sweet mama last year and that was my favorite. I ask God daily, as well, what have you got for me? Here, is where it's at it seems, and I am beyond grateful. The community is simply beautiful. I am a dreamer too. It can be a saving grace when you can't do much in certain seasons (I call it a mini mental holiday!). I can imagine your dog snoring. They really have the life and when they are loved it's so beautiful to see their tranquility. The loss of the Rowells will forever impact my heart. What they did was truly live out a legacy that blessed many. If we could leave a small portion of what they did by loving and living our inherent gifts, it would be amazing. Goodnight and God Bless you Mary and yours as well. oxox

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I love listening to this… your sweet soothing voice, this couple so interesting, the details of their lives. But mostly, Deb… how you gently remind us to look inward, to make the most of ourselves, our dreams and purpose…now, while we have time and means to do so. Thank you for these book suggestions… I can see why his photography grabbed you…stunning photos! Love this podcast…hope you do more soon. Add broadcasting to your many gifts, my friend. What a nice surprise to feel your presence today rather than reading you! 🥰😊❤️Hugs!

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Dear Joan! Thank you so much for listening! It is fun to do these and I don't know why I stopped! I just went more writing-crazy! ha ha! I hope to do something monthly again, to inspire. We really need it right now! I know you have found so many things to keep you going and doing what you love. I very much aspire to be like that as I grow. We don't know when our time is up as you have experienced so deeply. I am so happy to know I sounded okay too! It's never fun to listen to your own voice so I worked at the sound, which is why the first few podcasts/experiments, last year, sounded like I was in the restroom! (or inside of the toilet! lol). I really loved this book and recommend it, because if anything, a real life dream and adventure is very fun to take in our minds, gleaning all the lessons that go along with it. More importantly, the Rowell's loss was of great impact, but their legacy was already sealed. That's something to think about. It's why we write and create. We want to leave something of value to our family. Thank you again. Love you! oxox

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Didn’t mean to go off on my voice..🙄 l love how you say glean from all we read, even right here on Substack we learn so much! And that our writing will be here long after we’re gone, for our families, those who remember and care! ❤️ keep being you, sweet friend…you are the best and everyone knows it …believe that!! 🥰😘🫶❤️

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Oh goodness no! I LOVE hearing from you! I wish I could hear from more people and hear of their experiences! The best thing about writing is that it brings back memories for readers and for our friends and family. I posted a comment my mom left on the Reelin In Sunset Boulevard on my notes because it made her remember a wonderful story I hadn’t heard! Sooooo cool!

And I am writing this during more turmoil for our country. I’m sad. We need each other and we need to come together and stop with all the generalizing and assumptions. It’s killing our country, our families, our friendships and our potential friendships. Time to lay down all pride and pray over our fellow man and woman.

I love you friend. You are the best!

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I sure didn’t like my voice in the interview with CNN! I’m not even smiling! Actually I was all bubbly and chatty with previous questions but they zeroed in on age….that’s okay! Crew captured many comments and gave wonderful coverage to our building and community. 😊😉As an Advisoy Board member, that makes me proud and happy! ❤️😊💙🇺🇸

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Oh this is awesome that you had this opportunity! We do worry about the sound of our voice! What a wonderful memory to tell your grandkids too! Did you write about this? I remember my daughter with a speech impediment would cry if anyone got a video of her, saying “I don’t sound like that.” Poor girl. Made me far more sensitive to gently work with her.

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