Merry Christmas Wishes

Lying in bed at 4am Christmas Morning with a 102.4 fever, I think of wishes . . . .

And so, here are some Christmas wishes for you, laced with only a little bit of feverish delirium.....

~May you find joy in every little thing and be generous in sharing it with others.

~May you throw the expectations of others aside and be wholly, unapologetically YOU.

~Like "The Dude" in "The Big Liebowski," may you simply ABIDE in the moment, not letting anything get you too wound up.

~May you embrace your own personal insanity as the fount of your creativity and uniqueness.

~May you embrace your physical body with gratitude, regardless of what it looks like - honor and care for the vessel that carries you through your days.

~May you find someone whose heart feels like home.

~May you never wallow in self-pity, but rather accept what is, and move on from there.

~May you learn to set fear aside and, instead, base all actions on the incredible abundance of the universe.

~May you be instrumental in killing the belief that it is a "Dog eat Dog" world - there Is plenty for all in our world, if we would only learn to manage our resources better.

~May you adopt the philosophy to "Do no harm" - just three simple words, but they could change the world.

~And finally, may you have a Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
 

Fondly, Cate

It's a boat, it's a plane, it's SuperReader!

Although some people may get distracted by proximity to cool machines like Beavers and Gillnetters, this reader didn't let beautiful pieces of engineering keep him from finishing SILENT SKY. He did confide in me that he had hoped the mechanic in the book would have gotten a little more action. But hey, we gotta leave something for the sequels, right?

Another reader sent me a note saying that he finally wrenched the book he'd bought from his daughter-in-law so he could have a chance to read it. Apparently, his wife got a hold of it, then his daughter, then his son, then another friend . . . and they all loved it. None of these readers are pilots, so be assured that SILENT SKY is not just a book for pilots.

That said, Christmas is coming up. Wouldn't a fun book like SILENT SKY make a great gift? (Yes, that's a hint). My website, OneSkyPublishing.com is now set up with a paypal button so you can buy directly off the website. If you want to buy multiples, email me directly: cjmighell@gmail.com . I'll give you a discount, and custom sign them too.
And, of course, referrals are greatly appreciated as well!

xo, Cate

War zones

I got my hair done today. It is an expensive endeavor but worth it, because bad hair can totally ruin a girl's day, in a way maybe men can't understand?

While I sat wrapped in foil and goo, a woman came up and chatted with my hairdresser, Jenifer. She asked if Jen would do a neighbor woman's hair who "hadn't had her hair done in over two years because her husband wouldn't allow it." She then went on to describe how this mother of a seven year old had been married for 20 years but finally sought shelter at the local Catholic church after her husband tried to choke her. The story was tragic and yet only slightly different than one I have heard way too many times.

And I wonder, how does one get to that place? It is like the story of the frog. If you threw a frog in boiling water, he would jump right out. If you place a frog in the pot and bring the water to a boil slowly, he doesn't notice the gradual change and just slowly dies. It is interesting what we learn to put up with. Whether we become inured to death in a war-torn town like Damascus, or we forget to notice our own mistreatment in a home filled with anger, the toll on our soul is severe.

I recently joined a group of writers who help kids, in homes and jails, leading lives of destruction. They help desperate teenagers heal their soul by writing out their hearts - in journals, poetry, stories, etc. I am new to the group, but am excited about the positive impact that writing can have on a young person who feels like a frog trapped in boiling water.


I like to think that the world is changing, because I have surrounded myself with people who are positive and supportive and functioning. But peel back that personal buffer, and underneath lies the woman who is not allowed to get her hair done and the kid whose mother ridicules him, and worse - rapes, shootings, wars. There is still a lot of healing that needs to be done in this world.

I love Joseph Campbell's writing about the hero's adventure. For those of us who have braved life's dark forests and raging rivers and come out the far side strong and capable, it is our duty to help the others who are still lost in the woods. Campbell says it is the hero's call to share his knowledge, to "bestow boons on his fellow man." So, go buy a woman a haircut, befriend a young man with autism, pound nails in a home for the homeless. Reach out with not just money, but with time. For most of us, this is the hardest thing to give.

I know a lot of you do these generous things, in quiet, and for that I applaud you. I would love to hear about them, as would others. As a writer, I treasure true tales of human good. You can post your stories here, or send me an email at cjmighell@gmail.com.

xo, Cate

Would you panic?

A friend sent me a link to these pictures from a small airplane (an RV10) that suffered a bird strike. Apparently, the bird (unknown species) crashed through the windscreen and slammed into the back window, eventually landing in the baggage area. I don't know any more details, about the pilot or his proximity to an airport, etc, but I imagine it took some nerves of steel to continue on and land that aircraft safely.

I read another report some time ago about a plane that impacted a Canadian Goose (or vice versa). The bird ended up lodged in the back window. On its way there, it shattered the windscreen, blinded the pilot in one eye, and knocked off his headset. If you've ever been in a small aircraft without a headset, it's noisy. Without a headset and without a windscreen? It's gonna feel like a frickin' hurricane. Yet, somehow, the pilot, bleeding profusely from his damaged eye, deafened by noise, pummeled by wind, and probably in some level of shock, still managed to land his craft. Damn!

As a pilot, I imagine how I would deal with these situations. In fact, we are forced to deal with emergencies like simulated engine failures throughout our training. There is no doubt that pilot training teaches you to be calm in situations that might cause others to panic. It also increases your confidence and your situational awareness, making you a better driver (god knows we need more of those on the road). It is awesome training for young people in particular. So, yes, I encourage everyone to get some pilot training.

But beyond that, I tell this story because I hope everyone out there appreciates our Sky Warriors that fly us from point A to point B every day. A couple days ago a United pilot suffered a heart attack but the crew still managed to land the plane safely. 99.9999% of the time nothing goes wrong on those long, boring flights we all take for work, vacation, travel, etc. But know that the calm voice coming from the cockpit has worked his or her butt off staying current on the machinery and probably gone into significant debt accruing hours of expensive practice All just so he or she could take you to your destination safely.

Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. Just remember, go love yourself a pilot today.

xo, Cate

The Secret

I received a surprise text from an acquaintance last night, a woman I don't know well, who read my book recently. She had asked me, a month or so ago, how the book was doing, and I lamented that I've done virtually nothing to market it. Her reply, "Badass doesn't expire!" made me laugh and encouraged me to keep taking those baby steps forward toward my goals.

Her text, last night, indicated that she is going through a surprise divorce and she added, "I keep telling myself that Badass doesn't expire!" And that's the truth, whether you're 15, 51 or 115

Badass (which is the now-ubiquitous term for anything that is cool, awesome, amazing, powerful) doesn't expire. It doesn't fade. It is not only given to certain people and it can't be stolen. We each have an inexhaustible supply of badass, but some of us choose to deny it. We convince ourselves we can't do something because we are too young, old, fat, ugly, poor, unskilled, etc. Countless people have told me they wish they could write a book, wish they could fly an airplane, wish they could afford to go to college, wish they could own their own business, wish they could find someone to love. The list goes on and on. I believe we can do anything that we believe we can do. That is the message from the popular book/movie "The Secret" and there is nothing really secret about it. Believe it, take baby steps toward it, and your goal will become a reality. We manifest our own destiny.

My beautiful niece Leah

Pictured to the right is my badass niece who, through sheer willpower, overcame a childhood of economic deprivation to become a successful attorney. (Yes, she practices in Seattle, and yes she consulted on the legal scenes in "Silent Sky," and yes there is a little bit of her in Reina).

There is no time like the present to start down the path toward your dreams. When the fears and doubts arise, shoo them out the door. Begin today to take baby steps toward eating more healthy, getting that education, learning to boldly live on your own , becoming a derby skater - whatever it is that calls to you. It is not always easy to forge forward, but when you do, the universe aligns with you to make your dreams come true.

XO,Cate

Weapons Training

I've received great reviews from many of you on my new book, "Silent Sky." I also received some constructive criticism in the gentle offer of a couple male friends to take me shooting so I could learn something about firearms. As I intend for my heroine, Reina, to become gradually more badass in each subsequent book, I was anxious to accept this offer to learn about, handle, and shoot some guns.

Yesterday, I went to the local shooting range with friends Dave and Todd. Having never shot a pistol before, they provided full instruction in the safety etiquette of handling them: always treat a gun as if it is loaded, always check its status upon picking it up (check clip and chamber), always point away from people (all of which Reina completely disregards in the book, but hey, it's an action series, folks!)

My first attempt was with a Ruger 22, a sleek gun with minimal recoil. My target is pictured to the right in pink. At 25 feet, all ten shots went straight to the head. After removing the cartridge and laying the gun down on the table, I turned to high fives from Todd and Dave, both sporting big grins and comments like, "She's a natural."

After a couple rounds with the 22, I tried my hand at the Kimber 45. This gun has a much greater recoil, but still I managed to land the first shot smack on the x in the middle of the poor target's chest. I told myself that I was going to put the next one right through the first, and sure enough that's where it went. The third went south a bit, but the fourth drilled right through the first two. That sucker was dead, dead, dead. I turned around again to Dave and Todd laughing and shaking their heads.

After more rounds with the 22 and the 45, I tried a Smith and Wesson revolver and a sweet little Derringer Texas Defender with a hell of a kick. I think I could get hooked on this stuff. The guys at the neighboring table suggested that I try out the club's IPSC, which is a timed competition where you work your way through a course identifying and shooting appropriate targets as they pop up. Fun!

After gathering our targets and cleaning up our shells, we lugged the gear out and headed home. Later, over beers, Todd was telling a few friends about the day and warning the crowd at large "not to mess with dead-eye Oakley Annie."

Well, I figure, that's not a bad thing to have the world know about me . . . .

Hope your day is grand!

xo, Cate

Still True

A New Way to Live

On this day in history, when airplanes were used as weapons and religion was used as justification to kill, I lift my eyes to the sky and continue to believe in the human spirit. I believe we can evolve past the need for weapons and past the desire to kill. I believe we can choose a new way to be human, a way that sees we are all connected as creatures of the universe, with no exclusions.

If you believe that one skin color is more desirable than another; if you believe that one religion is more right than another; if you believe that one style of life is more correct than another, I challenge you to shake up your beliefs. When societies and religions are governed by fear and hate, judgment and righteousness, exclusivity and superiority, they destroy the very fabric of our precious human existence.

Know that deep down we are all made of the same core atomic structure. When we rebuild our world in love and acceptance and inclusiveness, we will all be safe, and we will all be able to fly free, in whatever way we choose, without fear of attacks, military crises, or vengeful retaliations.

It starts one person at a time. It starts with you and it starts with me.

This is a repost of what I wrote last year on September 11. It hasn't changed. With so much strife and violence in our world right now, I felt it needed to be re-said.

Back in the Saddle

The weather has turned on us already, here in the Northwest, and it seems as if summer has gone. As I look over my shoulder, I wonder, where did August go?

With my son, John

It feels as if I frittered it away - a spontaneous week-long trip to Canada, lazy afternoons by the lake, evenings of music and margaritas, maybe a few too many episodes of the inane-but-hilarious "Arrested Development."

But isn't that what August is for? Remember those childhood summers where the only thing you rushed to was the sound of the ice cream van before it faded into the distance? Remember charging the end of the dock and cannonballing into the lake? Remember lying
on your back at night looking for shooting stars? It is worth trying to recreate that carefree mentality for the sheer happiness it brings.

The well-laid table

Although I have a lot of stuff I didn't get done in August, I am easy on my failure to achieve. No guilt here. I know that a break from stress leads to greater productivity and creativity and produces a heightened sense of well-being. And what the hell, it's a lot of fun too!

So, if you haven't had enough relaxation this summer, get out there and enjoy the last holiday weekend. Work can wait a few days. And come September, we can all get back in our respective saddles. I'll be on track again, promoting book number one, writing book number two, and developing my new publishing company. See you then.

Be safe and be chill!

xo, Cate

Be Badass

I had a great time signing books this weekend at the Arlington Fly-In. Books were flying off the table, so to speak, and I am excited that many new readers will meet my heroine, Reina. Several people have told me SILENT SKY should be made into an action flick and I agree. My protaganist is definitely just in the beginning stage of total badass . . . .

And somehow, that has morphed into a new motto for me. Be Badass. What a great way to live. It is just another way of saying, Live life all the way to the edge. Whatever you're doing, whether it be making pie crust, or dressing up to go out to dinner, or buying an extra sandwich to give to the guy with the cardboard sign on the corner, do it with all the mindfulness and attention you have.

And you don't stop until you're done. You keep living life right past the margins, all the way to the edges.

THAT is so badass.

xo, Cate

Clouds beneath your wings

Wow. It has been a whole month since I last posted here. Well, it has been a bumpy ride, with my father taking sick suddenly and then passing away unexpectedly. Eulogies and out-of-town family and the emotions that go with the whole business - we've all rested in the sadness of that experience. And then we move on.

If there is one thing that the death of a loved one reminds us, it is that we must treasure the people in our lives. I have become aware of how easy it is to take others for granted. When someone is in our life regularly (child, friend, sibling, significant other, etc.) we forget to notice them as we did when they were new to our lives. We become accustomed to the way they walk, the depth of their eyecolor, the funny way they laugh, the shine on their hair in the sun. We are distracted by all the other things in life and forget to appreciate that exact moment that we are in, right now, with them. I consciously stop myself at times to be still and notice, to reopen my eyes and see/be love right then and there.
I like Susan Sontag's words: "Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager."

The other reminder that death offers is that we must seize every opportunity to live life as fully as possible. I personally have been postponing some of my dreams, and I am now consciously moving forward to realize them. As Joseph Campbell said, "Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls."

So, I've flown through the weather of this last month and am at cruise now with the clouds below my wings (less turbulent up here, you know!) And what am I doing to move forward? I've committed to spending a couple days per week promoting my book. I've committed to working on the sequel (thank you all who have inquired about it). I'm contacting bookstores and pilot shops to carry my book. I'm creating book club questions for SILENT SKY. I'm doing book signings three days next week at the Arlington Fly-In and Airshow (looking for someone to wear a catsuit to draw people in to my table - any takers??)

How about you? Is there a dream you have been waiting to realize? Dream realization requires action. Go. Act. Do. Is there someone in your life with whom you may have become too comfortable? Love realization requires attention. Notice. Appreciate. Cherish.

Fondly, Cate

Fighting Fires

DC-10 dropping 13,000 gallons of slurry at a time.

A friend and blog follower lives near the Thompson Ridge fire that is devouring acreage in New Mexico. He tells me he has moved pictures, legal papers, and other valuables to his hangar in case the call comes to evacuate now.

Here is a pictures of a VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) joining the dozers, tankers, helicopters, tenders, crew, and volunteers in fighting this monster fire.

This picture amazes me. What a testimony to the human spirit - the inventive spirit that developed this technology, the bold spirit that braves extreme dangers to fly these machines, the intrepid spirit of the souls who fight these fires to help their fellow man, and the caring spirit of humans worldwide who cry in sadness when they hear of total strangers perishing in fires and other disasters.

My mother (whom I have often called a saint) has always stopped to pray when she hears a siren. She offers up a prayer for whoever is in need at that moment. I love this philosophy. It is good to care. It is good to feel compassion. It is good to recognize our human connectedness. And, I guess, it is good to own an airplane hangar, just in case . . . .

xo, Cate

What comes next?

Here is a reader in New Mexico who just finished SILENT SKY. He, like many readers, is asking when they can expect the sequel. In this picture, we see Dane politely asking for more, please.

Another friend, Daniel, devours mystery books and told me, "I loved the book and am completely blown away that it was your first published book." He asked me if it would take as long to write the second book as the first and, although the devil is in the details, the truth is that the individual characters are pretty well mapped out. I explained to him that I have detail sheets developed for each main character in my book - where they live, the names of their parents, their favorite colors, their birthdates. Hell, I could probably tell their horoscopes and predict what they'll order for dinner (Haha, I can actually CONTROL what they order for dinner . . .  fade to diabolical laughter) Anyway, the point is that creating the individual characters took a lot of time - time that I won't need to spend on the second installment.

Another friend, Ted,  writes, "I don't read many of these kinds of books, but I couldn't put it down! I loved the book . . . totally threw me off." And he wants to know if he can meet Reina. Ha! Let me remind you all that every character is an entirely fictitious conglomerate of many people I've known. Although, keep looking Ted, that Uber-Woman is out there somewhere . . . .

Have you ordered your book yet? How about gifts for friends? Have you posted your review to Amazon.com? I SO appreciate every one of you! It is a big job to grass-roots market a book without the leverage of a big publishing house behind me. So keep sending the pictures and reviews. And do a friend a favor by giving him/her a copy of SILENT SKY.

xoxo,

Cate
cjmighell@gmail.com

stealth


Here are a few more pictures of people reading SILENT SKY.  It looks like Andy was reading it "on the fly" so to speak, and Jane must have thought a little airport ambience would add to the experience. It is true that there are some aviation scenes in the book, but not enough to put any non-pilots off, any more than a legal scene would put off a non-attorney or a car-racing scene would put
off a non-racer. 

I have been hanging out this week with an out-of-town friend who races dragsters and is in town to

meet with some big names who live in my town, might even be my neighbors.  When I listen to his stories, it reminds me of how many different worlds there are that co-exist right next to mine. People who win prestigious world drag races, people who are world-class waterskiers, people who own national companies, people who travel the world doing drum circles. These are the people I pass on the road (well the drag racer probably passes me . . . ) and stand behind in the grocery line. Incognito. Stealth. Secret treasure troves. We each have our story, big or small, and they all fascinate me. I am an incurable chit-chatter with total strangers I meet. Last week in the coffee shop line, I struck up a conversation with the fellow behind me. We were laughing and talking so much that the barista assumed we were together. When I said, "no, we just met," she refused to believe me. But the reality is that, whether just-met or old friends, we are all connected by our humanness. And every time I interact with someone new I am blessed with something - a bit of humor, an amusing tale, a piece of unexpected wisdom.



So get out there. Connect. You never know where it might lead.

 

Stealth fighter goes to the boneyard

And one more picture, courtesy of my friend Dane. It made me laugh. Happy day to you all!

 

xo, Cate

 





A few Dedicated Readers

I am impressed with the dedication of some of my readers.

Out in Sequim Bay, Susan just couldn't put SILENT SKY down, even on her weekly kayak trip. She assures me she even kept the book dry. Truly an amazing feat by this talented woman and her mystery photographer.

I finally got a copy of SILENT SKY into the hands of my son, John, who just graduated this weekend with a degree in psychology. He assures me he will be psycho-analysing me as he reads it. How comforting.

My banker, a mystery fan, also bought a book. His comment: "I loved it! And I learned a lot about you, too."  Hmmmmm . . . .

I suppose it is true that what I write reveals stuff about me. Just as what each of us says or does, reveals pieces of ourselves. The letters on our pages, the words out of our mouths, the actions of our days speak to who we are.

May your thoughts and words and actions be filled with kindness and compassion and generosity today!

xo, Cate

Sky Reading

SILENT SKY flies to Chicago, this time on kindle with David. Safe Travels!

I am gathering a storm of ideas for the sequel, including a BA opponent for Reina. This girl is just getting started!

I have also been offered individualized firearm instruction from a couple of guys who perhaps felt the weaponry department was a little weak. It has been many years since I've target shot or hunted, so I appreciate the tutoring.

In the meantime, I'm working on getting SILENT SKY into more bookstores and pilot shops as well as working on questions to be used for book clubs. If you have any suggestions/connections in those areas, please let me know!

Anyone want to buy a medical company so I can work on this full time?

xo, Cate

Don't try this in a crowded mall

Ron

Here is another picture of a reader enjoying SILENT SKY. Ron is so talented he can read and walk at the same time! This is a man with acute situational awareness!

I am not surprised to learn of Ron's multitasking abilities as he was one of my amazing instructors at Out of the Blue Aviation. For years, Ron has impressed me with his skills, both on a technical and interpersonal level. In his decades as a power and glider instructor, Ron has taught many, many people to fly.

What a beautiful legacy - going through life empowering people to reach for the sky, to follow their dreams, to achieve the impossible.

xo, Cate

More pictures and an update

Here is a picture of Captain Todd enjoying Silent Sky - while his first officer flies a leg, of course. There are a few new ones on FB too.

By the way, apparently there was a day lag in the FREE kindle book program. It will be offered free from May 9th through May 13th. Encourage everyone you know to get a copy!

 xo, Cate

Free Book for 5 Days!

In celebration of Mother's Day, I have made SILENT SKY for kindle FREE for the next five days. From May 8-12 you can get the digital version from Amazon.com completely free! I know many of you ordered hard copies (signed first edition keepsakes!) but may want the book for your kindle as well. If you download it, you can "share" it with a friend or, better still, have your family and friends go dowload it themselves. Just search Amazon for Silent Sky and Cate Mighell and it will come up.

There is one review on Amazon of SILENT SKY. Please add in your reviews while you are there. The more the better, dear readers! I am trying to figure out how to get it on Amazon hard copy . . .  coming soon.

In the meantime, www.oneskypublishing.com is officially launched, so check it out. Also, keep sending those pictures of you enjoying your very own copy of SILENT SKY.

xo, Cate

P.S. I know Amelia was not a mother, but I am sure she is happy about this great Mother's Day offer - just look at her smiling! :-)

Call-Out for Pictures!!

Wanda

I sent out a call on the One Sky Publishing page on Facebook for people to send in pictures of readers of SILENT SKY. A few pictures are starting to come in. I thought you might enjoy these. AND I am asking you to send me your pictures! I will publish them here with only your first name. It is a small gesture of community connectedness with your fellow readers around the globe (yep, sold some copies to France and Australia).



Dave

I named my publishing company One Sky because I strongly believe in our interconnectedness on this spinning globe we call earth. I believe we all must learn to live together in peace under that One Sky that provides us a protective blanket in space. And that starts by connecting with each other.


I have always tried to build community. It is one of the reasons Out of the Blue Aviation was so successful. It was a special place where people felt a sense of belonging. Like the old show, Cheers, it was a place "where everyone knew your name." In this day and age of big box stores, that human connection is to be treasured and sought out.



Becky

Send me your pictures at cjmighell@gmail.com and send me your feedback as well (or post here on the blog). By the way, I've received lots of great comments so far:
"I couldn't put it down"
"What a great read"
"I Loved it"

 Fondly as always, Cate

FREE books!

I recently "met" a fellow author who has written an interesting book about traveling around the world for a year, living life as it came. As he tells it, "I mustered cattle. I volunteered with children. I went scuba diving. I grew a mullet. I fought bulls. I made love on a beach." And more.

Adam has a good sense of humor and an easy flowing pen. His first book, Scratch Beginnings, received a lot of positive press. He and I share the belief that you can go anywhere, regardless of how humble your beginnings and also the certainty that, in our increasingly global world, it is critical that we leave the comfort of our own country on occasion to see how the rest of the world lives. Travel opens our eyes to the human condition, in all of its shades. Travel sparks creativity, strengthens compassion, and interconnects us as one human race under one sky (hence the name of my publishing company "One Sky Publishing").

If you would like to check out Adam's book, all I ask is that you comment on this post. Start a dialogue. Have you traveled? Where? Why? How did it affect you? I'll send you a link to download his book for free. But his FREE offer is only good until next Wednesday, so act now.

Plus, I'll send you a link to download my book, SILENT SKY. The digital format will be free for a few days and I'll tell you how to get it.

Talk to you soon.

xo, Cate

Books are on their way!

The good news is all books have been signed and shipped! That was a bigger job than I anticipated. And yes, my wings are tired!

Your personal copy of SILENT SKY should be arriving on your doorstop soon, if not already. For my international friends, it may still be a week or two, but rest assured they are winging their way toward you. Again, thank you all for the pre-orders. If you have not yet ordered, I am happy to send a copy of SILENT SKY out to you now. Just contact me via email to order: cjmighell@gmail.com

Also, be sure to watch for a special offer on digital books. It's coming up soon, so stay posted.

xox, Cate

SILENT SKY

Happy Good Friday to you all!

 

I want to give you one last update about my new book, SILENT SKY. I had expected to be mailing them out this weekend but just got a message from my printer that they have been delayed - again! Not for snow this time, although they've had plenty of that. Apparently, they had to re-order paper. Hmmm, something a printer might think through ahead of time. . . .

 

Well, I could pull out my hair in despair, but heck, that would hurt!

 

So, instead, I ask myself, "What have I learned from this?"

• Everything takes longer than you think
• Be careful what you promise
• Give yourself time to learn a new industry
• Expect the unexpected
• As in all of life, don't forget your sense of humor

 

My current expectation is that I should have the books in hand at the end of next week and will mail them out to all of you who pre-ordered shortly afterward. Again, I do apologize for the delay and I do appreciate your patience. I am confident that you will enjoy reading SILENT SKY when it finally arrives on your doorstep.

 

In the meantime, have a wonderful Easter weekend. May it be full of laughter and love with maybe a little adventure thrown in for good measure.

 

Fondly, Cate

Flightseeing

Well, I finally got back up in the air again last weekend with new friend, John Garrett. I met John, at Skagit Regional Airport, a few years ago when I was doing the nearly-famous Out of the Blue Aviation Poker Run with friend and instructor, John Pierson. John G. came over to see who was driving the little Navy Champ and we chatted for a few minutes. That was our only chance meeting.

So, after nearly three years, I was pleasantly surprised to get an invite to go flying in his beautiful Citabria. After taking off from Skagit, we toured the wetlands and estuaries along the coast that he managed for Fish and Wildlife. I learned about issues with the dikes along the Camano bridge, how to identify a marsh hawk, and the difference between little white specks on the ground and other little white specks on the ground (if they are grouped tightly, they're snow geese, if grouped loosely they're swans).

Aside from the pleasure of flying with someone who can grease a landing, I thoroughly enjoyed John's approach to life - be happy, be open, be affectionate, be adventurous, be generous, be kind. He and I share a common philosophy: expect good wherever you go and that is exactly what you will find. That's the way we roll, and that's the way we fly.

Be well!

xo, Cate

SILENT SKY update

SILENT SKY on the horizon 

Here's a call-out to all of you who sent in pre-orders for my first book, SILENT SKY. I've had a tremendous response so far. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

If you recall, I said SILENT SKY would be ready February 28th. I tend to motivate myself with deadlines, but I didn't know, at that time, that the Perfect Storm would hit in February. No worries, though, the big waves have subsided. . . .

 

While riding out the surf, I learned a lot about publishing! I opened my own publishing company, "One Sky Publishing," to publish SILENT SKY and future books. And I am looking forward to being much more knowledgeable about timing and requirements next time I bring a book to market.

In any case, SILENT SKY is now, finally, in the laps of the printers, who have suffered Snowmageddon in the Midwest and been closed for days. This means the delivery of the book to me may be delayed by a week or so. 

 

I then have a LOT of books to sign and package for delivery. So, please be patient with me. I do apologize for any delays. I hope to have your book(s) to you within the next couple of weeks (International will take longer for shipping).

In the meantime, here is a short blurb of the plot line for SILENT SKY.

Charged with defending a woman who has confessed to poisoning her famous televangelist husband, Seattle attorney, Reina Dessiner, soon finds herself battling for her own life, through the streets and skies of the Pacific Northwest. Enlisting the help of a quirky entourage of friends, Reina goes undercover into the multi-million dollar industry of televangelism, where she must take justice into her own hands in a race to save a modern-day savior.

 

I do want to thank you all for the support and the many kind comments you sent with your pre-orders. If you have not yet ordered, there is still a little time to order your signed, first-edition book. See below.

XO, Cate

cjmighell@gmail.com

www.outoftheblueaviation.blogspot.com

To order: Send $20 to Cate Mighell 18024 Marine Drive, Stanwood, WA 98292 or send me an email and I can send you a paypal "invoice." Thanks!