https://giveaway.amazon.com/rules/
I am giving away the book on Amazon and the rules are listed for all to read. A winner or not will enjoy this delightful book. Happy landings!
Posts
14 years ago
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
MORE THAN A TICKET MEMOIRES FLYING WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES FROM PROPS TO JETS
 |
| STUDENT STEWARDESSES STUDYING A PROPELLER WITH GERRY ON TOP OF THE WORLD. |
Yes! We learned more than "Tea, Coffee or Milk?"
We provided many services for our passengers. We hung up coats, helped
place things in the overhead rack, memorized the passengers’ names, passed
out magazines, and offered a pillow and blanket. For emergencies we carried
small oxygen tanks. For babies we had jars of baby food and sometimes Girl
Scout Cookies, and we always had wings or rings for the older children.
On board we had the greatest Girl Scout Cookies to serve our passengers. I
would put the Gerber apple sauce jars in the ice to get nice and chilled. When
we needed a snack we’d eat the Girl Scout Cookies and the chilled apple sauce.
My, oh my, it was tasty!
 |
My friend Claire giving some children an American Airlines balloon and wings. And notice the ashtray! |
For the idle traveler, we could hand them a deck of playing cards to play their
favorite game, or they could join us in the lounge at the rear of the plane for some nice conversation. It was wonderful! We
weren’t just servers, but generous, interesting hostesses. Imagine how our passengers
must have felt when they left our home in the sky. They had enjoyed
one brief moment with comfort and attention.
Among the many niceties that we provided were American Airlines stationery
and envelopes. The passengers were able to do any corresponding they
needed done on the plane and give the finished letter to us. We then gave the
written, unstamped items to the agent for mailing—true airmail!
Additionally,
every passenger had access to some American Airlines stationery that had this
direction on top:
every passenger had access to some American Airlines stationery that had this
direction on top:
The first passenger letter I received was from a dear, elderly woman named
Clara M. Herring who was nervous about flying for the first time. As the
only stewardess on the flight, I was as tense as Clara was nervous. I felt like
I had this constant inner dialogue playing through my mind, “Am I doing my best."
Clara M. Herring who was nervous about flying for the first time. As the
only stewardess on the flight, I was as tense as Clara was nervous. I felt like
I had this constant inner dialogue playing through my mind, “Am I doing my best."
I hope we merit that distinction and will continue to merit it. To do
that we must continue to please you, the customer. Never entirely satisfied
with our service, each day we endeavor to make it better.
If you have suggestions to improve the service, please give us the benefit
of them. If your journey has been pleasant, tell us about it; it will encourage
us. If any individual rendered outstanding service, give me the name
and we will commend him or her for you. We are glad to have you aboard;
I hope that you will travel often with American.
It was always so rewarding and encouraging when the letters were directed
toward me. They validated me as a contributor. Growing up I had been
taught that “it’s not what you get, but what you give that makes you happy.” I
learned first-hand that that is true. One of the most valuable lessons I learned
was to look outward for joy, not inward to be satisfied.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets BOOK TALK
Last week, I walked into Barnes & Noble to see if their catalog had listed my book: More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets.
After asking, the clerk said, "We have the book on our shelves." Really!
 |
I
almost lost my balance. My book in Barnes & Noble, it couldn't be,
but there it was and it really has my name on it! This is in Orem,
Utah. If the book is not on the shelve, they will order it, no matter where the
store is located.
|
Yesterday,
I met two ladies who had flown with Pan Am and a United stewardess as
they sat sharing bits of their stories. Many teachers were in the crowd
who shared my adventure as a teacher. This journey of Book Talk has
made new friends and when I was invited to speak in a home setting a
while ago, I found a friend from the 60s, now retired and wow another
thrill.
My path has taken me into
groups who are making my book their friend. Sometimes, it has been more
than a signing, but actually having a conversation about the culture of
the 50s and 60s of airline travel.
When
asked to speak, I wonder what I am going to say in a different way than
before, however the group seems to guide me along with their interest
while sharing and asking questions. At first, I was not comfortable with
questions, but now it is super because I know what people are really
interested in hearing about from an old stewardess. Great time!
Perhaps
it is just to see how many wrinkles I have after all the years of
living. I have not disappointed them. Yes and for a weight check, also.
This
dear lady, Julia has arranged for me to do the Book Talk twice. Having
read and reread, she has been a great supporter for sharing the book.
The book: More Than a Ticket by Argie Hoskins
createspace.com
amazon.com
Book stores and online retailers Ingram 1-615-793-5000
Thursday, January 22, 2015
AMERICAN AIRLINES BOEING 707 INAUGURAL FLIGHT JANUARY 25, 1959
 |
| Photo by Jon Proctor DC-7B |
 |
| Photo by Bill Proctor Convair 240 |
 |
| Photo by Jon Proctor DC-6
Yes, there was time to learn our guests names, hang
coats, have a pillow in hand along with a blanket,
pass out magazines, hug babies, and welcome them
again and again with the same hospitality.
Then came the beautiful Boeing 707 for us to learn
a new way of life. This photo was taken by Jon Proctor Boeing 707  Captain Macatee       
Jane put on my
flight topper and helped me serve the meal.
So fun!
She was the actress in the movie: Three Guys named Mike. She played the AA stewardess.  Peaceful and Happy Landings from Argie Hoskins Flagship California design Phillip Nicholson Gratefully for all who read this history |
Friday, January 2, 2015
AMERICAN AIRLINES INAUGURAL FLIGHT BOEING 707
 | |
| INAUGURAL FLIGHT CAPTAIN MACATEE |
 | ||||||
| Norman Rice, Marilyn Rutkowski, Edna Garrett, Charles Macatee, Argie Hoskins, Lou Szabo, Claire Bullock. Bill Duncan |
The following is a glance at a page in the book: More Than a Ticket
FIRST TRANSCON FLIGHT
It was commercial aviation’s first transcontinental jet flight, a flight that
brought east and west coasts three hours closer together and revolutionized
an airline, an industry and the nation’s transportation system.
“We got off 20 minutes late because of the ceremonies at Los Angeles.
But we were fortunate enough to catch tailwinds that at times were in excess
of 150 knots. We arrived at New York on schedule, exactly four hours
and 3 minutes after takeoff.” . . .
Hundreds of people, including a 25-piece brass band, turned out at
Idlewild to welcome the first transcon jet (more than 25,000 had seen it
off at LAX). Newsmen, government officials and movie stars were aboard,
including actress Jane Wyman (“who for some reason I kept calling Mrs.
Lyman,” Captain Macatee recalled).
C. R. Smith, also aboard, told AAers in a special issue of Flagship News to
“take a bow to history, for you are a part of it today. The piston-engined
airplane will retain our affection, for it has done so much for us and for air
transportation. Today, we have a new area of expectation, for the bright
promise of what the turbine-powered airport will bring lies ahead of us.”
Astrojet News vol. 24, no. 2, January 27, 1969. Photo courtesy of Beth Macatee Snyder.
Sent to me by Captain Macatee's generous daughter.
With this flying adventure comes the desire to thank American Airlines for the opportunity to be a team member with a wonderful airline company. So I wrote a book.
More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets by Argie Hoskins
This book has 12 wonderful contributors which adds a depth of history that only they could add. As a special note to days gone by, you will slip into the past to enjoy the thrill of what it meant to fly through the clouds of time.
 | ||||||
| CONTRIBUTORS |
http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Ticket-American-Airlines/dp/0578147955
 |
| HAPPY NEW YEAR |
Monday, December 15, 2014
MERRY CHRISTMAS 1958 FROM FOUR AMERICAN AIRLINES STEWARDESSES
 | ||
| American Airline Stewardesses Claire Bullock, Argie Hoskins, Barbara Whaley, and Gerry McMasters decorated for a Merry Christmas on Kerwood Ave. near Santa Monica Boulevard. |
On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fourth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eighth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Eight Maids a Milking Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the ninth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Nine Ladies Dancing Eight Maids a Milking Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the tenth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Ten Lords a Leaping Nine Ladies Dancing Eight Maids a Milking Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the eleventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: Eleven Pipers Piping Ten Lords a Leaping Nine Ladies Dancing Eight Maids a Milking Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree
On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming Eleven Pipers Piping Ten Lords a Leaping Nine Ladies Dancing Eight Maids a Milking Seven Swans a Swimming Six Geese a Laying Five Golden Rings Four Calling Birds Three French Hens Two Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree |
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Barbara, Gerry, Claire, Argie celebrating Christmas. |
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
THROUGH THE CLOUDS with "MORE THAN a TICKET" by Argie Hoskins
 |
| Trip To San Jose |
I had the wonderful opportunity to launch my book: More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Prop to Jet with a former passenger from the historical flight of the Boeing 707 Inaugural Flight from Los Angeles to New York on the 25th of January 1959.
This is an article from the San Jose Mercury News which appeared several days after the exciting day with Margaret Bassetti. The signing of my book was an event that was both an honor for me and a humbling experience. The book has opened the doors to new relationships with those individuals viewed now as friends.
Click to enlarge
Two other former American Airlines stewardess with whom I flew at the same time out of LAX or Los Angeles attended the special day. Joan my friend from Hawaii and California surprised the day with her arranging a very busy schedule to attend the celebration for Margaret and the signing. Lona, oh, Lona, speaking about turning the memories back. We had flown together out of LAX. She honored the day, also.
I couldn't believe that this cake was baked for the occasion!
Former American Airlines Stewardesses doting over former passenger; we care!
Lona, Argie, Lorraine and Joan
Former Passenger Margaret and Former American Airlines Stewardess Argie, "once a stewardess always a stewardess."
I couldn't believe that this cake was baked for the occasion!
More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets
Authored by Argie Ella Hoskins
Cover: The new Boeing 707 Jet. (Boeing gave permission)
This book welcomes the reader with snapshots during the golden age of
flying from carrying mail to a time when excited passengers were treated
as guests and everyone dressed in their Sunday best to board American
Airlines. It is engaging and appreciated.We served the flying public
with much, much "More Than a Ticket." We had time to hang coats, learn
names, have a conversation, serve a delicious meal and hold babies. You
will feel the excitement of times gone by and get a glimpse of how the
atmosphere of air travel has changed through the years. The drama of
time has created a different picture.
Part one: "My Life as a Stewardess," takes the reader on a journey with a shy country girl to the city, but she is still a country girl as she becomes a confident stewardess serving all passengers, including the rich and famous, making everyone feel at home. How did she do it?
Part
two: "On Wings of Time," features short stories from AA stewardesses,
pilots, flight engineers, and passengers. The young and old, casual
readers and aviation enthusiasts will be delighted with memoirs.
Stewardess Argie, "Am I cut out for this job?" “They say I am Dyslexic.” "Make friends with your cognitive gifts." (Stewardess on Boeing 707 jet inaugural flight and also did public relations for AA.)
I have dedicated these words with love and respect to my flying friends, an expression of appreciation for the community of American Airlines.
Somewhere in the clouds of time, we met, embraced, and parted. Moments remembered from here to eternity. —Argie
|
Saturday, October 18, 2014
BOOK TALK
I do not like to talk about myself. Really, I do not, however I do like to talk about my book: More Than a Ticket. And why do I like to talk about the book? There is not a word in it that is not valued by me. Every time I wrote text and selected the pictures, I pondered and looked for inspiration to choose the right words and pictures to tell the story. There are themes that run through the book: family relationships, education, employment, validation, patriotism, message to the young, religion, and it is all tied together with the cement of the work ethic. And as Daddy would say, "Sis, get up and amount to something!"
As you read the book and it becomes your friend, just know that I would like to be traveling where the book goes to also be making new friends. Let me know how you like the book: argie.ella@gmail.com
More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets
Authored by Argie Ella Hoskins
Cover: The new Boeing 707 Jet. This book welcomes the reader with snapshots during the golden age of flying from carrying mail to a time when excited passengers were treated as guests and everyone dressed in their Sunday best to board American Airlines. It is engaging and appreciated.We served the flying public with much, much "More Than a Ticket." We had time to hang coats, learn names, have a conversation, serve a delicious meal and hold babies. You will feel the excitement of times gone by and get a glimpse of how the atmosphere of air travel has changed through the years. The drama of time has created a different picture.
Part one: "My Life as a Stewardess," takes the reader on a journey with a shy country girl to the city, but she is still a country girl as she becomes a confident stewardess serving all passengers, including the rich and famous, making everyone feel at home. How did she do it? Part two: "On Wings of Time," features short stories from AA stewardesses, pilots, flight engineers, and passengers. The young and old, casual readers and aviation enthusiasts will be delighted with memoirs.
Stewardess Argie, "Am I cut out for this job?" “They say I am Dyslexic.” "Make friends with your cognitive gifts." (Stewardess on Boeing 707 jet inaugural flight and also did public relations for AA.)
I have dedicated these words with love and respect to my flying friends. An expression of appreciation for the community of American Airlines.
Somewhere in the clouds of time, we met, embraced, and parted. Moments remembered from here to eternity. —Argie
|
||||||
Sunday, October 5, 2014
MORE THAN A TICKET MEMOIRS FLYING WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES FROM PROPS TO JETS Book Signing in San Jose, California with Margaret and Argie Hoskins
Two former American Airlines stewardesses based
in LAX in 1959. Argie was showing Lona her name
on the bid sheet.
made to celebrate my book:
MORE THAN A TICKET.
Inaugural Flight, Margaret.
Stewardesses: Joan and Argie
Margaret made it into a necklace to wear.
Somewhere in the clouds of time,
We met, embraced, and parted,
Moments remembered from here to eternity.
---Argie
If
I were to title this response to life, I would call it CHANGE IN
FLIGHT PLAN
The
Friday before the exciting trip, the car thanked us for a 60,000 mile
maintenance check by the Volvo dealer, and it was ready for a road
trip to California. I was thrilled to take this touring adventure
with Gene; the clothes laid out for my anticipated book signing in
San Jose; even the pens that wouldn't bleed on the books. Details all
taken with serious intent.
Followed
by a week of madness. It happened! The main water line from street to
house decided to tell us that it was old, well it had been under the
ground since 1926, old house you know. Expensive! A planned three day
doTerra convention and in a spare moment corn to freeze for winter
grab detoured the packing. Now! As the suitcases were down and
readied for the trip, Lucy Dog and the two cats started to fuss. Stop
it! We are going! Then a phone call from my dear cousin announced
that they had the opportunity to visit at the same time of our
extended trip (San Jose, Los Angeles, Prescott and Vegas.) Oh, no! I
want to see Effie! After a round of Doctor visits, I thought we were
ready to go. Well, yes, I should freeze the peaches that were waiting
to be done. Uh oh! After a trip to the heart doctor, the doc said,
“Good to go!” Wow!
Next
Friday with the car packing done, we were ready to drive to San Jose
for the signing. I said I wanted to relax and soak in the tub for a
moment before we said farewell to our home and animals. Why wouldn't
the hot water faucet turn off and why was the tub filling faster than
I could dip the water out of tub into toilet! “GENE, turn the main
water line off!!” He hurried for tools, out to the curb and down on
his knees. Off went the water and out went his back!
After
waiting for someone of fix the plumbing problem. And I call it a
problem, not the usual word I use, challenge, our time had run
out to
make the trip to San Jose by driving. Knowing that an airplane could
get us there on time for the Saturday celebration for the book
signing, I went for it. (Aborting the trip was unthinkable,
considering all the preparatory work that was already well in motion
in San Jose, plus travel plans made by two other former stewardesses who
were based in LAX at the same time as I, had been invited.)
Now
to get to the airport! And Saturday morning at 3:00 AM, as I went to
the garage to get the car out, the sprinkling system was geysering!
Then I discovered that the low beam light warning indicator was on!
No!
I
was determined! It rained big sheets of water all the way to the
airport. I missed a turn to the right parking lot, had to circle and
land in the right spot. Gene had a difficult time getting to the
plane. Back really hurt! We had experienced opposition.
We
made it to the plane to find that some dear soul had upgraded our
ticket to first class. Tears came to say, “Thank you!”
Lorraine,
the niece of 97 years Margaret who had been a passenger on the Boeing
707 jet Inaugural Flight, met us at the airport. What a rewarding
welcome.
Off
to the care center for the day's activities.
The
Atria Chateau Gardens chef had prepared Inaugural Flight food, with
all the trapping of gracious dining. And there was Auntie
Margaret! Yes, Margaret with her bright mind, engaging
personality, and warm greeting was alive and happy! After meeting her
on January 25, 1959, she as a passenger and I as a stewardess on that
historic flight from Los Angeles to New York, this current meeting
also felt historical. Incidentally, New York had her winter coat on
to welcomed us with a band, and interested and interesting people to
greet us.
After
the photographers took tons of pictures we went down to the large
activity room. “Auntie” Margaret shared with me that Liz Taylor
had once recuperated at this facility. The activity director was a
lovely young lady who had designed the setting which was astonishing.
As we approached the room, I was surprised to see a landing strip
positioned on the floor with all the markings created with white
tape. A banner which read American Airlines and plane windows to look
through. Auntie Margaret walked down the strip with all the guest
standing or seated with some of us behind her. Some of us included
two other former American Airlines stewardesses whom I invited to
join me on this super adventure.
We had all been based in LAX at the
same time. Lona had been on the New York to London Inaugural
Flight and Joan on the Inaugural Flight from Los Angeles to
Philadelphia. And I on the Inaugural Flight from LAX to New York. The room was decorated with American Airlines
colors hanging all over the place. So Charming!
The
activity director . . . did an outstanding job with the voices from
the 50s belting it out with love in their hearts. And yes, there was
Dino with his amazing voice to charm the attentive group for this
very special day for Auntie Margaret, made possible by her dear and
dedicated niece Lorraine.
It
was so fun for me to sign book after book as I acquainted myself with
the care center's friendships and Margaret's terrific family. A
reunion which Lorraine had pulled together family not only from
California but from Las Vegas and Oregon for Auntie Margaret to enjoy
and some of whom she had not seen for years. Can you imagine the hugs
of joy! This was so fun for me!
One
of Margaret's friends came over to the signing table after I had
spoken a few words to announce that we belonged to the same church.
Something that I had said impressed her to ask. Connections
everywhere!
And
then to return to Lorraine's lovely home for a delectable meal host
by Lorraine and her dear family. Food arranged by the family.... and
well you know the Italians, they are so friendly and warm. Loved it!
Next
day Sunday. After another meal at the Green Cow/Sherwood Inn we
happily went back to see Auntie Margaret.
I love that
lady! One of my dear former passengers aboard that first transcontinental jet flight with the great company of
American Airlines.
On
Saturday, a gentlemen had come to the table wanting to buy a book.
They were all gone. It saddened me because he really wanted a book.
Going back to Lorraine's home, I dug deeper into my bag and there was
another book. So on Sunday I was honored to give a veteran my book:
More Than a Ticket, And that moment was more than a ticket. My heart
spun out of control as his grateful eyes and heart said thank you.
That is what life is all about. Giving! MORE THAN a TICKET
And
cousin Effie and her husband will be here tomorrow for an exciting
visit. Plans change and things work out for the better with a
peaceful landing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
