The Littlest Lion

Halloween's littlest lion showed up at our home for a surprise visit. Isn't he just the cutest part of the animal kingdom!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Happy Birthday to You

With much love and birthday greetings to my amazing wife. We have such a rich and full life by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ- nothing else like Him! We're not the same as we were back then, but so much better and even more in love. Oh how the years go by- and I love you more day by day!

It Really is a Small World

We were just strolling around Denver's Park Meadows shopping center, looking for a few gifts. Of course, Christmas is appearing everywhere- I mean, it is not even Halloween yet, what do you expect!- and we stumbled into Nordstroms. We had just been talking about our recent trip to Disneyland, when we saw this in the Children's Department. The sales lady laughed when she saw us take a photo. We explained we had just been to Walt's original. She commented she liked the work of Mary Blair, likes the It's a Small World ride, but was very thankful the song wasn't playing in her department as she couldn't take it all day long. Pretty funny. Some things are universal I guess...

A Quiet Coastline

Not your typical beach glamour shot today. During most of our recent trip to the land of LA, the skies were over cast everytime we got even close to Newport Beach or Laguna. It certainly wasn't swimming with people, but the fact that it was empty and calm made it a delightful time. There's something about me being at the beach regardless of the season. It's a time I always feel the power and presence of God- and Jesus himself feels so close to me here. I know he is everywhere, but the roar of the ocean always calls me to him.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Winter on the Way

Tomorrow's forecast calls for lots of snow by midday. Certainly not my favorite time of year, and I'd be lying if I tried to convince otherwise. But...the day after can look rather beautiful. I will try to enjoy it this year. Try, being the operative word!
(Photographer unknown)

Welcome Back!

Just returned home from our vacation away. Oh, my back! Small seats on United, uncomfortable at best. Lots of pains, but lots of stories to tell. Including my one son-in-law's first visit to Disneyland and California Adventure. Stay tuned...

Time Passages

Time is running out...

Countdown to Relaxation

Let the countdown begin!

It won't be long until we are on our way for a fun in the sun filled week in California. The land of dreams and opportunity. (Sounds like a great advertisement, doesn't it?) Cannot wait!

Wanna see more great photos and a detailed trip report from another visit? See "Coast Stories" here.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

First Timer Advice Wanted

Getting close to a family vacation. One where we will be taking our son-in-law to Disneyland for his first trip ever. To any Disney park. He's been told the place is everything from wonderful to almost Westworld creepily perfect. We've got one day, and we are even considering a parkhopper and trying to do California Adventure as well. Everyone in the family has their own ideas. What would you do to make a great first impression?

Within Sight

Thank God! And I mean that.

My vacation is finally within sight. The last amount of time I had off was for my daughter's wedding. It was a great time, but certainly it wasn't restful. Posts may be light at best, but I'll have new stories to tell upon my return. Departure's still many days off, but I can see clearly now...

First Snowfall

First snowfall of the year. Yes, really. Tomorrow, it could be 75 degrees. Surprises me every year, everytime. Welcome to Colorado!

Steve Jobs Passes Away

Steve Jobs has died. He offered an Apple, and he changed the world. May he rest in peace.

Autumn Leaves and Summer Leaves

Autumn leaves fall, and my thoughts turn inward as another summer of my life passes away. In a bit of introspection, I am realizing I can let time slide away while I am propelled by the busyness of life. Too many things to do, people to see, projects to complete.

Summer's always meant a youthful, playful time, where the days seem endless and the nights are filled with pleasure. Dinners alfresco, nighttime walks, children laughing at fireworks, fires on the beach and more. How I wish those days would never end! But summer's charms also keep me from thinking of eternity and what really matters.

Will my life reflect the heart of God for the people around me? Will those who see me see Jesus in me, His Holy Spirit guiding and directing my life, my words, my actions? Will I finish well- and make my life count for something greater than just years spent on earth? So many questions. Summer's gone, and it's time to refocus once again.

Happy 40th Walt Disney World

Happy 40th Anniversary Walt Disney World!

On this day many years ago, East Coast fans of Walt Disney finally had their own playground much closer than the original kingdom, Disneyland in California.

So many happy memories from my first visit in 1975 to my last visit in 2009-

• Dining at the California Grille and watching the fireworks explode over the Magic Kingdom


• Watching my then preschool aged kids at Fort Wilderness eating up their ice cream treats


• Those special dinners with my wife- all over the property


• Spending time with my beloved grandmother walking around the Magic Kingdom


• Loving every inch of Liberty Square


• Watching the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian Village

... and so much more. While I point out its flaws and share about what I see in the future, Walt Disney World will always hold a special place in my heart. So many great memories with my family from generations before and hopefully with ones to come. Thank you, Walt Disney Company, and especially Roy Disney, for making Walt's and many other peoples dreams come true.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)