Now Only A Memory

On our recent trip to California, I saw this beautiful painting hanging on the wall in a local shop. I knew it would be expensive, but I had no idea it would be three times what I make in a month! So, it will stay a nice mini-sized photograph in my memory.

(Painting by John Cosby.)

The Hidden Greenhouses of Disneyland Paris aka EuroDisney

We Disney fans love our Hidden Mickeys! In fact, to find anything that is hidden while we are in the parks is a delight. At Disney Animal Kingdom's opening, there was the famous hidden trail which was actually found along the main path linking Asia and Africa. This sweet little area was designed by Joe Rohde and his Imagineering team. 

In another surprise, EuroDisney (Land aka Disneyland Paris) has a set of gorgeous victorian styled greenhouses set far away from the guests eye. The photo looks like a backstage area of where Fantasyland meets Adventureland, but I can assure they are not there. In fact, they are truly thousands of miles away in my home state, Colorado. "What?" you say.

Let me back up, each visit to Southern California, we travel to Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. This beautiful place is home to a piece of Disneyland history. The famous Disneyland Bandstand rests inside the nursery. (See can see my post about it here.) It made me start to think.

In 2017, we found a portion of EuroDisney that was never installed and instead shipped to Denver, Colorado at our Denver Botanic Gardens.  Read the sign below:

The absolutely gorgeous solariums /greenhouses were initially ordered by the Walt Disney Company when the Imagineers planned to install them in the Company's French parc. 

Seven of these lovely structures were ordered and never installed, but this one in Denver is the only one available for public display. My cel phone photographs do not do justice to the detail. Today, during a visit, a wedding and reception was being held there, so I had to use old photographs to maintain some privacy for the newlyweds.

The green painted metalwork is strikingly similar to what is found on Paris' stunning Main Street U.S.A. Were they to be used in the gardens found right in front of the theme park? Maybe the hub? Were they not so simple bus stop structures designed to welcome guests in case of inclement weather? I have no idea. Yet they are beautiful, no doubt.

Interestingly, years before that visit, we had walked right by them one evening at Christmas while we were enjoying the garden's annual Blossoms of Light decor.  I never noticed the little metal sign. 

When it found it again, it was like a "kiss" from God- a time when you discover something unexpected and so out of the ordinary. It brought an instant smile to my face- and an immediate discussion of just how we might have to return to Paris and that beautiful Disney park.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

The Shine of Christmas

 

Many years ago, I took this photograph while at the beautiful Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. To call this location a nursery is as much a misnomer as it is to call Disneyland a garden variety amusement park. No other nursery can compare. It's filled with all sorts of eye candy- including the original Disneyland Bandstand- and signage with a nod to the Daveland blog.

I love the "sparkle" of Christmas! It is a time when everything looks bright and new. Whether it is lights shining brightly on buildings old and new, ornaments hanging on the tree, the glow of candlelight at a Christmas worship service, or the gleam in the eyes of children, it brings the warmest of smiles to my face.

Just imagine what was running through the minds of the Magi as they encountered the Christ child centuries ago! Whether He truly glowed as many painters imagined or not, here was the hope of the world, the Light for all men, before their very eyes, given in the most easily received form- that of a child. Their gifts were humble compared to the Gift of Life He gave to all who would believe and turn to Him, but they were substantial and said much about the mission of Jesus Christ.

One brought gold- a gift given between kings. Its symbolism not lost on peoples of the region. Here was one king acknowledging another. A human king with limited realm honoring the King of All Creation.

Another brought frankincense- a gift given between lovers. A perfume of sorts, symbolizing the relationship that this God Who Became Man wanted to have with the people He created. It was out of love, Jesus came to earth to die; and it is from His love that we can be revitalized given hope when all is lost. God desires we love Him with all that is within us. A love that grows over time.

The last brought the gift of myrrh. Quite an odd gift choice, as this spice was also used for embalming the dead. Imagine the young mother Mary and her husband Joseph, receiving these visitors- and receiving the gifts intended for the young Jesus. They must have known the gift of myrrh symbolized his coming death. But little did they know He would rise triumphantly from the grave as well, defeating the plans of the enemy of men.

We can also carry this glow as we look to Him. In the Old Testament, the Psalms give us this beautiful description: "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."

I love this piece of Psalm 34. It reminds me that regardless of the evil I have done or continue to do, God himself waits to forgive me when I come to him in humility. This is the brightest and "sparkliest" of all Christmas messages! And I pray this is the Christmas message that rings in the depths of your soul- and may it be the Christmas message you pass on to those you know and love.

Merry Christmas to each of you! May His Love fill your home!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Bit of EuroDisney in Denver

Every visit to Southern California, we attempt to go to Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. Not only is the place stunning, it also houses a slice of Disneyland history. The famous Disneyland Bandstand now resides within the confines of the nursery. (See can see my post about it here.) Little did I know that a bit of glamorous EuroDisney finds its home in my city of Denver, Colorado.

I have visited the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens so many times that I can't count them. But today, for the first time ever, I noticed something I never saw before. See below.

The gorgeous solarium was ordered by the Walt Disney Company and planned to be installed in their first French parc. As you can tell if you enlarge the above photo, it never made it.

Seven of these lovely structures were ordered and never installed, but this one in Denver is the only one available for public display. My cel phone photographs do not do justice to the detail.

Where were these to go? Certainly the green painted metalwork is striking in its similarity to what is found on Main Street U.S.A. Were they to be used in the gardens found right in front of the theme park? Were they not so simple bus stop structures designed to welcome guests in case of inclement weather? I have no idea. Yet they are beautiful, no doubt.

Interestingly, we had walked right by the structure one evening at Christmas while we were enjoying the annual Blossoms of Light decor.  I never noticed the little metal sign I photographed today. Maybe its because it wasn't lit, or perhaps I was too busy enjoying the lighting on the solarium and the contents within. 

Seeing this today was like a "kiss" from God. It brought an instant smile to my face- and a discussion of just how we might have to return to that beautiful French Disney park.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

California Without Disneyland

 

Southern California but no Disneyland. For a Disney theme park lover, is a good time even possible? The answer is yes- absolutely!

Let's start with perennial favorite (get it?), Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. Not only is it home to the original Disneyland bandstand, it's just a beautiful place to explore. 

The indoor and outdoor rooms are filled with blooms and style. I particularly loved the "book nook" with its archway spanning across the width of the walls. This photo above, does not do it justice. You've got to see it for yourself.

Gabby's 

In the old Orange Circle, just about a block or two away from Chapman College, is a brand new and incredibly tasty Mexican restaurant- Gabby's. It's not cheap- but then the area has become very trendy- yet the food is a fresh and flavorful take on what could be cuisine taken for granted in Southern California. The main room and bar take you to another place and time. An artistic and culinary triumph. The chips and salsa are winners too. A necessary great beginning to a very, very good meal.

The very top photo and the directly one above are taken at Pacific City, a new outdoor shopping center literally across the street from the roaring surf of Huntington Beach. It was a perfect California dream day- just right for a cup of coffee while taking in the view... and dreaming of days gone by when we lived there.

A lemon tree blooms in early March? Must be California!

You're looking at my in-laws back yard and their fully fruited lemon tree. Between this, gardenia, and ever blooming red and pink bougainvillea, not to mention eternally sunny days, I always ask myself "Why did I move?"

Fun in Palm Springs.

Onto Palm Springs. Even though its only an hour and a half away, there are so many diversions in this desert town, it feels like a whole new state and an entirely different culture. This fire pit in the gardens of a retro styled hotel resort - Parker in Palm Springs -made for a perfect end to an incredible meal nearby.

OK, we snuck away to Downtown Disney for an hour one night before we departed the O.C. It was crowded, lively, and just great fun. Even without a visit to Disneyland or California Adventure. 

For those of you who have never ventured outside of the Disney parks, there's a whole new world out there. Go explore it!

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)

The Original American Bandstand

During our recent and wonderful California vacation, we stopped at one of our favorite places: Roger's Gardens, a nursery in Newport Beach. Calling it just a nursery is an injustice. It is an attraction unto itself. While spectaular any time of the year, it is decked out for Christmas, and mobbed with people at its annual after Christmas sale.

For all the times I have been to this place, I never noticed that Roger's Gardens was now the home of the original Disneyland Bandstand. How had I missed seeing it all these years? This bandstand is the very one that used to first sit in Town Square at the opening of the park, later moved to Frontierland in a place now part of New Orleans Square! It was eventually retired from the park and purchased by the Gardens in the 1970s.

This little piece of history is just another reminder of how Disneyland is so much a beloved and honored part of Southern California. Since the park's opening in 1955, citizens of the area have moved from the earliest stages of childhood to middle age, and working for the Mouse has almost become a rite of passage for many. What a nice surprise to find one more memory in a place I least expected to find it.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)