Things I Don't Understand

Time for a rant!

I just don't get some things- and I want to blow off some steam. If you want happy, come back tomorrow! :)

(Please do...) Here goes...

Why don't folks get that their choices and actions affect everyone else around them?! There's no living in a vacuum whether its caring for the planet, loving your neighbor, or being responsible and having integrity. Do what you say you'll do! Grow up and be responsible for how you choose to live!

Manners? Have they disappeared?! Too many scenes of people running past older folks who need a little extra help. Too many visits to quiet restaurants and libraries ruined by loud foul mouths and the need to drop the "F Bomb" just because they can. Show some class and quit acting like you're on MTV.

Double standards- really gets me mad. Hold our politicians to the same standard regardless of your party affiliation or interests. Is speech free or not? Don't be politically correct- call it like it is. People are wise enough (mostly) to see through crap when they hear it. Gentle honesty is refreshing.

Stop living like the victim. We all get hurt, some of us really bad. I know, I've been there. Yet, we are all responsible for how we choose to live regardless. Is it a scar or is it a reminder of what you've survived that will make you better and give you some compassion and understanding for someone else? Choose better over bitter.

Can we agree to disagree? Let's try to be friends in spite of our differences. It's really not that hard. Jesus chose to love everyone and didn't agree with all that was done around him. He laid the standard out and the route to forgiveness. Can we offer some forgiveness to each other please?

Throw away relationships- the last rant. I do not really care whether it is marriage or friendship or something in between and different. People are precious to God and to toss folks to and fro for the next best thing out there devalues them. And it cheapens us as well. Love and commitment means working together through the tough times.

God forgive me for all the ways I fall short! You know that I am no better. There- I'm done. Back to happy tomorrow.

In and Out of Season

So this is what Disney sold all that land for! A Four Seasons resort on the property. Does Walt Disney World need even more luxurious accomodations? Isn't the Vacation Club at each premier resort exclusive enough? Time will tell.

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Old Days

Holding on to Yesterday by Ambrosia, Living in the Past by Jethro Tull, the Carpenters' Yesterday Once More, Reminiscing by The Little River Band, Amy Grant's Stay for Awhile, and Paul Simon's classic Still Crazy After All These Years. Songs that talk about old days, old friends, old relationships. Gotta love 'em!

When I think about it, songs like these make up a large portion of what you'll find on my i-pod these days. Yep, there are many new songs I am loving- Duffy and her great Warwick Avenue, Estelle's American Boy, and lest you think I only listen to the girls, Elliott Yamin's fine new Fight For Love. Now, via my daughter's obsession, Jason Mraz and Keith Urban as well. (Why, oh, why does Maroon5 have to have such filthy lyrics? The music is so catchy!)

It's easy to only look backwards. Simple human nature to look at the earlier parts of our lives to the things that were good, or to reflect- even obsess- on our mistakes and failures. If this brings thankfulness or helps us heal, it can be a great thing. Yet, looking backward can also keep us from looking with hope and excitement toward the future. God chose to remind the people of Israel to look foward and to Him. For their sake. The prophet Isaiah wrote:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland,to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. (Isaiah 43:18-21)

Here is my challenge: to look forward to the days ahead and to look at the days behind with thankfulness for His goodness, His mercy, His forgiveness. Either direction I look, I can proclaim how good God is and be thankful for the things He has done. What a wonderful thing to be able to say. And what a wonderful God we serve.

Journeys Never Taken

Having just explored Inner Space on the west coast at Disneyland, I thought it would be a bit of fun to explore Outer Space on the east coast at Walt Disney World. No, not Mission:Space, the vomit inducing simulator attraction found on the plot of the long gone Horizons pavilion. The original Space pavilion, the one never built...

(Concept art The Walt Disney Company.)

Imagineer Eddie Sotto Interview

Jeff at Imagineering Disney has a great interview (with concept art) from Eddie Sotto. Find it here. Fascinating!

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

The Snowflake Has Melted

Time for a Disneyland gem: Adventure Thru Inner Space premiered in 1967 as one of several new attractions for the revamped Tomorrowland. Back in the day when Tomorrowland meant cutting edge experiences and forward thinking concepts, guests were enraptured by the journey into the world of a single snowflake. Stunning but simple effects joined a wonderful narration and atmospheric music to create a timeless Disneyland masterpiece- and the park's original place for a little daytime romance!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Close Call

Ok, it's been awhile, so I can talk about it with a clearer head. My wife ended up in the hospital emergency room taken there by ambulance. What a scary, scary, experience!

Back in December, she fell and hit the back of her head. This required nine stitches. Unknown to me until recently, she hadn't felt entirely herself since. A few weeks back, she broke one of her teeth on the same side of her head as the injury.

Having a "routine" root canal done, my wife returned home in much pain and a swollen jaw. Following the dentist's orders, she kept pain medicine in her, waiting for things to get better. They didn't. Instead, there was dizziness, loss of concentration, and more. She admitted to me that she hadn't felt like herself since December.

Sitting in a local cafe the next day, I received a call from the school where my wife works. I needed to pick her up because she was shaky, having a difficult time walking and didn't look good. I needed to take her to the doctor. Grabbed my stuff, ran out the door and began the 15 minute drive to her school.

When I arrived, out in front of the school stood a fire truck and ambulance. As I ran inside, there stood a group of teachers waiting to rapidly escort me into the nurse's station. Turning the corner, a group of six or seven emergency technicians were hovering over my wife, trying to help her. She needed to be taken by ambulance to the hospital on the other side of town- and immediately.

Not letting me ride with her, I had to drive on my own. My time was spent alternately praying and calling our children and friends to notify them of the situation and to ask for prayer. Of course, the tragedy of Natasha Richardson came to mind.

After getting an IV put in, the doctor ordered a brain scan. Thankfully, no bruising, swelling or bleeding. But the docs were worried about sepsis and for good reason as the infection traveled quickly throughout her body, from her jaw to her ear. They worried about it traveling down to her heart. Heavy antibiotics and pain killers were the next course of action. She was finally released, and we headed home.

Three weeks later and still recovering. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for hearing my prayers and sparing my wife. It could been a different diagnosis, and it could have ended differently.

Trek Comes Alive

Can the work of Alain Littaye at Disney and More get any better? This man hosts an absolutely stellar blog, and his current piece on the proposed Star Trek ultra mega attraction for Las Vegas is among his best. Go there now. You will be thrilled with what you see!

Notable and Quotable: Walt Disney

"Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile."

Ran across this quote about two years back as I was reading about Walt and his plans. Can't even remember which book or article it was, but what a find! It stuck with me when I started thinking about this blog.

Wish the majority of suits at the Mouse House would think this way as well. Think beyond short term profits and what makes shareholders instantly happy.

Walt's advice is good for our personal lives as well. If we took this advice to heart, it seems to me that we would live a little bit differently as we make our mark in the world. Maybe a little more kindly, maybe a little more generously, maybe with a bit more purpose. Maybe even with the thought that there is more to life than just what we see here on earth.

Eternity is always right ahead of our short time here on the planet. Live well and wisely.

Grand Elegance

Lovely, elegant, and grossly overpriced! The beautiful Grand Floridian Resort premiered during this 1988 to 1989 year of expansion and was almost immediately filled with guests looking for the ultimate Disney vacation accomodations.

Being of large family and a common sized wallet, we stayed at the Caribbean Beach. As it would happen, some distant family was staying at the Grand Floridian at the same time and invited us to a wonderful breakfast at 1900 Park Faire.

Driving to the resort, we were awestruck by the elegant entry filled with palms. The beautiful building took more than a passing inspiration from the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California.

This fine automobile set the stage for what we would see inside- and of course, a greeter was a new experience to be found on the Walt Disney World property! Something special was clearly ahead.
The interior lobby was stunning, and the view straight up just as spectacular!

The caliope at 1900 Park Faire filled the air with a touch of whimsy and victorian charm. The decor and the terrific breakfast were not the only attractions in the place.

Carousel horses and vintage prints on the walls. What a nice place to dine. An unexpected surprise- the characters made an appearance for free! Certainly that alone has changed in recent years.

Our happy little family certainly enjoyed the morning, and there's nothing like Chip or Dale to make smiles appear!

The manicured gardens and public areas invited our exploration. We gladly spent about an hour and a half or so walking around and taking in the sights. This is pretty commonplace for us, as touring the Disney resorts have become as much a part of a Walt Disney World vacation as the theme parks. We always schedule in time for a meal or a snack, wandering around, and just relaxing.

The marina was a quiet and pleasant place to stop. The very cool clock was a nice little touch. We would end of taking a water sprite later in the week, but it would be from the Polynesian Village (oops- Disney's Polnesian Resort!) instead.

The success of the Grand Floridian not only changed the physical face of the World, but it also showed Disney management that more expensive and exclusive offerings would be snapped up by a paying public with much money to burn. Regardless of your wallet size, a stop at this resort is just the thing for a bit of elegance and old world charm!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company. Photos copyright Mark Taft.)

Real Change Begins Here

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It is a great day to set aside our differences and join in unity, praying for our country, our community, our leaders, our world. Abraham Lincoln said it best, " It is the duty of nations as well as men, to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God."

Join me, will you? Take a moment and pray, focusing on these seven areas: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

The brilliant teacher, Beth Moore, is the Honorary Chairman this year, and she offers her own prayer:
"Father in Heaven, We lift our eyes toward Your Throne, where You reign in righteousness. Your Word assures us that when Your people cry out in sincerity and humility, You will never turn a deaf ear towards us. We call upon You now, seeking Your forgiveness and favor. Look over this fevered landscape and heal us, Lord. Drop knees to the floor and raise eyes to the sky, for we know where our help comes from. United these States again in devotion to You, and blur every dividing line. Do not give us over to our sins. Give us, instead, over to passionate prayer that moves Your heart. 'May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You." In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen."

More Pleasure Island: XZFR Rockin' Rollerdrome

Pleasure Island concept art is very hard to come by! Here is a scene of inside the XZFR Rockin' Rollerdrome. Although open for a very short time, it was an idea unique for Disney and an enjoyable place in the evenings. During the day when I first saw it in 1989, well, it was lacking customers...

Walt Disney World is certainly in need of nighttime entertainment that goes beyond movies, shopping, eating and drinking. Maybe another day and time.

(Concept Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Revelation

Just listened to Fight for Love, the follow-up album to the debut disc by Elliott Yamin. We all knew the man from American Idol Season Five could sing, but whoa!

This is the work I've been waiting for. Quite the surprise! Elliott wraps his warm but manly voice around some pretty excellent tunes. The title song is really the first great one on the album, but it just keeps getting better. From You Say all the way through Someday, the artistry and heart felt delivery result in a disc that is stronger than the first one. No sophomore slump here! Production is crisp and styles are varied. But it is Elliott's voice that's the defining element, and it is used to wonderful effect on all the backgound vocals.

The biggest revelation? Elliott can write them as well as sing them. In fact, the best songs here come right from his pen.

More Vintage Gems!

You just gotta love this! Vintage Disneyland Tickets gives us yet another great post! This time, it is Disneyland, California circa 1965, and a wonderful rendering of the Tom Sawyer Island and surrounding area before New Orleans Square. Another treasure is the article and artwork on the Mine Trains thru Nature's Wonderland. You have to see it to believe it- just beautiful!
(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Just an extra special post in the midst of our 20th Anniversary celebration...

At Epcot, the World Showcase of Mexico holds the unique distinction of being mostly indoors. The main restaurant, although quite ordinary from a culinary standpoint, has the most enchanting atmosphere. Night skies sparkle, and the music of mariachis fills the air. A distant volcano spews smoke, and an inviting pyramid nearby seems to call us to explore. Although the elegant El Rio del Tiempo attraction has now been replaced by the escapades of three fowl friends, the pavillion is still a cause for celebration. Margaritas, anyone?

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)