I've been flying since I was 18, 49 years ago. Flying may be my first passion not influenced by parental interests or persuasion. I love flying for the perspective it gives me on the physical world. But I also treasure the mental and emotional perspective I receive as I focus on the flight, letting daily distractions fall away. Flying for me is a contemplative practice comparable to my morning meditation. The collage comes out of the pull I feel for the sky, a recognition that part of me is only at ease flying high above the earth. A sunset, blue sky, high thin clouds above: this is heaven, every time I take off.