The Low Down: Featuring Linda, Mother of Brittany Anna Rose
Well, today is my birthday and it didn’t take long to decide who to invite to join me for the sixth edition of The Low Down. Who more significant to interview today than the woman who brought me into this world and has served me nothing but unconditional love since?! I am truly so grateful for her very powerful words of wisdom. I remember being quite young when my mother would tell me to extract one pearl of wisdom from everyone you speak with. She has always been a proponent of having high self esteem and focusing only on positive things. Her analogy of life resembling a heart beat has resonated with so many people and can always turn someones frown upside down. She is unapologetically authentic and has always had the best advice. I am beyond grateful that she taught me how to entertain and that life is short so throw the party and take the trip! I am beyond grateful to welcome my mother, Linda.
1.Please tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, where did you go to college and what did you see yourself becoming when you were younger.
I was born and raised in Southern California and upon graduation from Western High School, I went to Cypress College and majored in business. I was asked to join a new program that they were offering called the Stewardess Hostess Program. I always knew I wanted to travel the world and thought this would be a good add on to my business degree. We actually wore uniforms to school and we studied every aspect of travel from weather, to time zones, tourism, first aid and emergency procedures. Upon graduation they actually brought in 12 major airlines to interview us. I thought it would be a good experience and I actually was offered a job from 11 of the 12. That started my 17 year career as a flight attendant with Continental Airlines.
2. You have always said, just try to take away one pearl of wisdom from everyone you meet. What are some of the best pearls you have received?
I love the term “people reading,” which I learned from a brilliant Self Esteem Coach. He said you should always ask people questions, because “people don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.” You can learn so much from people from all walks of life.
I also always say that “in life there are two kinds of people: the givers and the takers and the givers are the winners.” This coach recommended that I read you the book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. In addition he recommended at least ten affirmations a day. I always made you repeat after me: I am smart, I am happy, I am kind, I believe in myself, I practice patience, I choose to smile and enjoy life to the fullest etc etc..
3. Can you please share your analogy of life and a heart beat?
After you were born I decided to stop flying. I decided to join your father in a new business venture that required (as I would say most start up business require) blood, sweat and tears. We had four very difficult years of start up type growth. I was talking to a friend that was a pastor of a church and he asked how things were going. I told him that it had been a difficult four years of ups and downs. He said “Your life should resemble a heartbeat, full of constant highs and lows. If you have a straight line, you have a problem.”
4. You have always had a few unofficial “rules of being a lady.” Do you mind sharing what some of those are?
Many of these I learned from my Flight Attendant training.
1) You must always be punctual
2) If you make a commitment, you always follow through
3) Be gracious and always say please and thank you
4) Always look your best for the situation
5) Always have your nails manicured, with nail polish on your toes
5. You are an amazing world traveler! What are some of your best tips and what is one thing you never leave home without? What do you wear on the airplane? Where does your effort to dress up stem from?’
To this day I love traveling and seeing the world. I will always be able to watch movies and say I have been there. We set our bucket list early on in life and there are very few places we have not been. It will say it is always best to have fun and easy going traveling companions.
In the early days when I started flying it was a privilege to fly and Flight Attendants as well as passengers dressed in their Sunday best. Sadly not anymore. Black is my color of choice. Slacks and a nice jacket are my travel uniform and I always have a black cashmere wrap in my bag for those flights that they just cannot get the temperature right. Today the important item to always have on hand is the correct chargers for your devices.
6. Who has inspired you most along the way?'
It would definitely be my mother that was born in Germany and fell in love with an American soldier while he was serving in the Air Force in Germany. They were married in Germany and she came through Ellis Island in December and I was born in February in California. She learned English after she arrived she immediately got her US citizenship. She instilled so many qualities in me as well as my younger sister and brother. The one thing she always prioritized was to start your day with goals and your first goal is to wake up and make your bed which I still do to this day. We lost my mother this last year at the age of 98 and I am looking forward to celebrating her life in her home town with all of our family this summer.
7. What is the best piece of advice you were given? Regarding anything from business to parenting to personal development, etc.?
This would also come from my mother. She always said “You can do and become whatever you want. Just never quit.”
8. What advice would you give to other women who are working and raising children?
It takes a village. Never hesitate to bring other people into your life to help with keeping your family safe and sane. There are many single moms that are working to support their family, but also are very hands on moms. I heard a message on Mother’s day about a job that requires 24/7, it is being a Mom. I was blessed to have strong women in my life with my grandmother and my mother. They instilled a strong character in me at a young age.
9. Is there anything you wish someone had told you along the way?
Always take the trip! You will not regret it!
10. What did work/life balance look like for you?
My favorite word is BALANCE I always say work hard play hard. I love the quote:
“Work while you work, Play while you Play
One thing at a time that is the way.
All that you do, do with your might
Things done in halves are not done right.”
Your family should always come first and try to surround yourself with positive minded, encouraging and supportive people. Do they energize and inspire you? Are they there for you through thick and thin? IF you want to be healthy and remain healthy, surround yourself with happy positive people.
10. What are some of your favorite traditions and do you place a priority on certain things?
Traditions are all about family and making memories. Ours include: vacations to various parts of the world, USC Football games, Christmas card photos and Christmas morning matching pajamas. Also celebrating milestone birthdays with family and friends.
11. How do you prioritize your wellbeing?
My day starts with a cup of my Bio Coffee and playing my Wordle and then doing my Duo Lingo to learn Spanish. I love to go to Yoga and Pilates classes. I love golf and pickle ball, or as I say we do more “Giggle Ball.” I love walking with friends or as we call it “walking and talking.” I highly recommend walking with friends as great therapy!
12. How do you think we can best support the motto of “women helping women?”
Women truly should and quietly do run the world. As they say “behind every successful man there is a strong woman.” There is no doubt about this. The best part of my life was raising a beautiful, smart and loving daughter that has only brought me happiness. A mother/daughter bond is so special. It is someone to laugh with, dream with and love with all your heart for the rest of your life. I love that we talk daily, and I learn from you daily.
13. How would you describe your sense of style?
I would say my style is very classic: a little black dress, cute designer shoes, a fabulous purse and never forget your pearls.
14. What is your favorite splurge or investment “High Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
I love my black J McLaughlin Becca pants, a designer belt and Valentino Garavani Rockstud pumps for winter and sandals for summer My golf favorite is Louis Castel.
15. What is your favorite trendy yet affordable “Side Bar” piece in your wardrobe?
My casual wardrobe is always going to be Lululemon. We love traveling to our new home in Cabo San Lucas, and I have several happy places, but first place goes to either my yoga mat or the golf course. My happiest place though is being a grandma to our six grandchildren, and my grandma name is Lulu, so it all feels very appropriate .
Mom, I can’t thank you enough for joining me on The Low Down to share some of your pearls of wisdom. There is a reason so many of my friends have always loved being around you and getting advice from you! You have always been wise beyond your years and I am so grateful for everything you have instilled in me. I’m also forever grateful for your unconditional love and that you showed me what a magical childhood should entail. I hope to continue to emulate that for my children. XOXO
