 Southwest Airlines preparing for departure from Raleigh Durham International Airport. Photo: Adrian D. Holmes Ever since its conception on the back of a cocktail napkin in 1967 (true story!), Southwest Airlines has attracted fliers of all budgets and backgrounds from across America and beyond. The airline consistently wins awards, and accolades for its “warrior spirit, servant’s heart, and fun-LUVing attitude.”
But beyond its iconic branding, Southwest is a great airline for many other reasons. Below is a list of the ones that encourage me to remain loyal to the airline nearly every time I travel.  Raindrops on aircraft window at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. When President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941, as “a day which will live in infamy,” little did he or any other man or woman listening under the sound of his voice ever expect that the United States would face yet another aerial attack, similar to the one experienced in Pearl Harbor, six decades later. America had fought strong and hard through World War II to assert and defend its leadership on the world stage. This nation and its allies persevered in the face of insurmountable odds and unfathomable sacrifice. Thanks to this sacrifice, through the second half of the twentieth century, it was apparent that the United States was a world leader, a superpower, a force few other nations wished to reckon with. But then 2001 happened—or to be more specific, September 11, 2001, happened.
 I feel like I keep explaining myself, either on camera or in articles, as to my recent whereabouts. It seems to me that lately, every time I try to commit myself to my creative work, things happen in my physical life that effect the amount of time I’m able to dedicate to my digital life. If you’re a religious person, you’ll probably claim it’s Satan trying to thwart my destiny and throw me off course. If you’re not religious, then you’ll probably claim its merely the circumstance of life.
Regardless of your inclination, it’s quite obvious that garbage happens. My life lately has been a roller coaster. At one moment, I thought I was good. Then I was knocked for a loop. Then, after a few breathless moments, I feel I am finally back at peace with the world once again. Over the past few months I, along with several others from my old profession, have experienced anxiety, betrayal, rejection, uncertainty, and varying amounts of emotional abuse. Fortunately, my season of pain resolved in validation, hope, and sheer joy. At this point, I am not at liberty to share details regarding my recent exit from the classroom, as any revelations on my part would likely negatively effect many wonderful colleagues whom I still deeply love and care about. Suffice it to say, there was no professional misconduct or inappropriate behavior on my part that caused my exit, merely an unannounced change in vision and direction at the school I once considered my community. Over the past two months, I have had plenty of opportunity to re-discover myself. I made myself take a vacation I had been wanting for so long. I’ve found a new profession that I’ve always had a passion for. I have met many wonderful new people who are equally passionate about the things I love. And for once, I’m not concerned about the scrutiny and backbiting I encountered whilst in the classroom. Today, I work under contract as a customer service agent for a major U.S. airline out of my home station in Melbourne, Florida. If you’ve been watching my YouTube uploads, you’ve likely figured out by now which major airlines I’m referring to. Nevertheless, my new job is in addition to my personal business I operate as a content creator and performer, and thanks to this new day job, I now have more time to work on creative projects. I guess my primary objective for writing this post is to let you know that I’m still here. I’m doing okay. Life is good. I will also take the opportunity to reassert my promise to produce more amazing content for your guys to read and watch on my website and on social media. If you have comments, questions, or just want to drop me a line, send my team an email at connect@adriandholmes.com. I will reply to as many emails as I can. I love you all very much! Thanks for your continued support.  PALM BAY, FLORIDA -- Public Statement by Adrian D. Holmes:
"For the past five years, my team and I have partnered alongside Skip Wilson Media, a family owned media production company, to commercially release the various creative works I produce throughout the world. This partnership has been a good one, a mutually beneficial one, and most importantly a pleasant one. Both parties, however, recognize that as each year passes, the goals and ideas individually held become increasingly intricate and require greater levels of attention, which in time may exacerbate the current system established by our partnership. "Considering these fluctuations, and considering the ever-changing nature of the creative media industry, Skip Wilson Media and the Adrian D. Holmes Team have amicably agreed to part ways. Furthermore, my team recently filed paperwork with the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee to form a limited liability company called Hemslo Productions. Last week, we received official notification from the Office of Ken Detzner, Florida Secretary of State, that our registration has been accepted and that Hemslo Productions LLC is now a registered entity, effective March 1, 2018. "We happily share this development with you, our loyal readers and fans, and wish to re-assert my lifelong commitment to share and produce my highest quality work with the world. May peace, blessings, and our warmest regards be with you always."  Seattle-based fashion designer Luly Yang poses in front of an Alaska Airlines aircraft featuring updated livery. Photo courtesy of Luly Yang Couture. Shortly after the new year, I received word that Alaska Airlines was unveiling a new line of uniforms for its employees as the company embraces its first brand refresh in over twenty-five years. Upon hearing the news, I made a few keystrokes and contacted the marketing team of Luly Yang, the Seattle-based fashion designer who partnered with Alaska Airlines to develop a new collection of uniforms to be donned by the 20,000+ employees who faithfully serve the airline that features the face a jolly, smiling Eskimo on each of its tail fins. Luly's team was exceedingly accommodating, a true pleasure to collaborate with (special thanks to Angeline—you're amazing!). Luly herself is a very charming lady, too. She and I enjoyed a pleasantly spirited conversation, discussing a wide range of topics related to travel, fashion, music, the arts, and of course, Alaska Airlines. From the moment we first greeted each other, it was apparent why Alaska chose Luly. For an airline which was just declared the fifth-largest in the United States, following its acquisition and merger with Virgin America, it's no surprise that Alaska selected a charming creative such as Luly to spearhead a pivotal moment in it's colorful history. If you have any interest in commercial aviation, fashion, or travel, then this interview is for you. This story provides details of one of the most fascinating individuals gracing the aviation stage today. Don't have time to read? Listen to this interview on the go. Want to hear the interview? Then click on the video above. Without further ado, let's dive into the conversation.
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