January, 2014 - Frankly, My Dear . . .

Sing!

Jan 8, 2014 | 2 comments

I discovered something about myself a few weeks ago.

Halfway between Thanksgiving and Christmas and all that went with it, I decided to do what I haven’t done for a very long time.

I cranked up the radio and I sang along. Loudly.

It. Felt. Great.

There’s something about belting out a strong ballad or headbanging to a heavy bass that really makes me feel better. It’s soothing, aerobic, invigorating, inspirational, magical.

For me, singing is better than dancing or driving or exercise. And I love doing all those things! (Okay, not so much the exercise thingy.) It goes along with those things, sure. But singing is now second on my list of Ways to Feel Better. And isn’t this my year of being better? Of course it is!

So I’m singing my way through 2014.

When I began singing again a few weeks ago I was in my car. I used to crank it up and sing so loud! I haven’t done that in forever. I just listened. No more! I’ve decided to start participating again. To get my voice out there. Even if it’s just for me in my car or in my kitchen.

I began singing my recipes instead of just reading them. I have my alarm set to wake up to a song, not a beep.

Something wonderful happens when people sing.

The world stops. For just a moment. The world stops, and listens, and the singer smiles.

And people feel better.

There is no greater language than music.

And so today, I added a few more songs to My Soundtrack.

Unwritten (Natasha Bedingfield). I love the lyrics: we’re all a blank page. It’s up to us to decide what others read from our lives.
What the World Needs Now (Jackie DeShannon). I love this version from the soundtrack of My Best Friend’s Wedding. I also love the song. I believe the greatest thing in the world is love, and true love is incredibly powerful.
Woman in Love (Barbra Streisand). I’ve always loved the Bee Gees. Even in the in-between time from when they were awesome to when they weren’t to when they were again. I have always loved the Bee Gees. The album, Guilty, written for Streisand, is a treasure trove of wonderful music. This is a great song to belt out.
I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing (The New Seekers). Okay, now who isn’t thinking of a Coke commercial right now, am I right? If I could give the world anything, it would be the ability to write it out and sing it out. Both are beautiful forms of communication.

Now I’m scouring my music collection for some rockin’ tunes as well. Maybe I’ll even through in another country hit. Johnny Cash, anyone?

I’m singing my way through 2014.

What music are you singing along with?

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

I Put the Nutcrackers Away

Jan 7, 2014 | 2 comments

It’s official: the end of the winter Holidays is here.

Tonight I put away my treasured Nutcracker Village.

It’s nice to have my coffee table back in use as a magazine rack, fishbowl stand and, well, a coffee table.

The cats are happy their platform bed is available again.

And while it’s nice to not have to lean too far to the left or right to see Dot on the other side of the room, I miss my Nutcrackers.

Baker Nutcracker

King Wenceslas

I’ll take the tree down tomorrow.

Christmas Tree

I’m sad to see the season go. Once the hustle-bustle-busyness of Christmas came and went, I finally found myself enjoying the lights and music and Christmas Spirit.

And now it’s over.

I guess it’s time to finish the Spring cleaning I started last year.

And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!

Sweeten my tea and share:

Dear Disneyland…

Jan 6, 2014 | 4 comments

Dear Disneyland,

Hello. Have you missed us? Because we miss you. We’d like to think our absence has been noticed, and not that we’ve been replaced.

It’s costly to come see you, but that’s our goal this year. Once the economy settles and our personal finances allow, we hope to once again stop under your famed arch.

Disneyland Arch

To my family – that is, just Dot and myself – Disneyland is so much more than a place to visit. It’s like coming home. There’s a feeling, an atmosphere, an aroma that captures us once we churn through the gate and get our hands stamped. I always have to stop for just a moment. I have to regain my heartbeat and catch my breath. And without a conscious thought, any stress I brought in with me is magically removed. I forget to think about work or chores or outside drama. I find myself smiling like a child: carefree and in awe.

We’ve been lucky enough in the past to spend family vacations within your Resort. We’ve also possessed Annual Passes. But that seems a lifetime ago, before the woes of the world snuck in and changed things.

We never lose hope that this is the year we’ll climb back on top and once again be able to be in your presence.

Because you are Magical.

The Three Fairies

And no matter how often we visit, there is always a mix of the familiar with the new. We never fail to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. To Dot’s dismay, this is one of only two roller coasters that I’ll enjoy. (The other being Gadget’s Go Coaster).

Of course, we have to eat at both the French Market in New Orleans Square, and Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland. One good meal a day is all we need to supplement the endless supply of snackbars and popcorn stands. We appreciate the healthy fruit choices, too. A cold bottle of water and a juicy orange really keeps us satisfied.

And the Character Dining? Seriously?! How awesome are you to have thought that one up! Food and fun for all, all at once? You make it so easy to play with our food, especially the Mickey-shaped waffles at breakfast!

Dessert Platter at Disneyland’s Ariel’s Grotto

We’ve experienced Goofy’s Kitchen, Plaza Inn, and Ariel’s Grotto. I’m desperate for the Storyteller’s Cafe. I’m saving that experience for the Dream Vacation (more on that later!).

Disneyland is the place we can bring Grandma for a leisurely day filled with glorious singing birds in the Tiki Room and majestic history at Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

Painting in Disneyland’s Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln

Disneyland is where we go to meet up with friends for special occasions. Or, just because we can.

The Pirate Pose

You make it possible.

Disneyland is inspirational. The story of Walt Disney encourages me daily.

Walt’s Bench at Disneyland

Walt’s Bench

Disney Dream

When I think I can’t write or get published, I think of Disney. And I know anything is possible. And when I hear “no” I keep trying. Because Walt did. And Disneyland does.

You’re so much more than a park.

You are one of the reasons I love Carousels. It’s never ridiculous for adults to find as much joy and amazement as the little children do while riding their steeds on King Arthur’s Carousel.

Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Mickey’s Toontown, Adventureland, Critter Country, Frontierland… but my favorite is Main Street, U.S.A. It’s where the journey begins. It’s where all roads lead to Mickey.

The Man and The Mouse

And let’s not forget about Disney’s California Adventure right across the walkway. So many wonderfully magical moments await us there. A Bug’s Land is kid-sized but a place for people of all ages. California Soarin’ is a ride that scared This scared-of-heights Girl with it’s hang-gliding sensations so intense that I can’t wait to go back for another thrill.

Downtown Disney is another experience unto itself. The World of Disney, Marceline’s Confectionery and Disney Vault 23 are just a few of our favorite stores. When Dot was younger Build-a-bear was a must-do on our list (Don’t tell anyone this, but since I’m a teddy bear collector, for me it still is!).

Oh, yes, Disneyland. We miss you very much!

You’ve surprised us with chance encounters. That time I scheduled a trip and you called to let me know it coincided with the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean. How we were in the right place at the right time to get a hello from Orlando Bloom and a wink from Johnny Depp.

Premiere of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

And when we stayed with you that time when just down the street, one of my favorite authors was doing a book signing!

Stephen Cannell & I

Yes, Disney. You’ve truly been there for us.

I almost forgot one of the best parts: The Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. This is where Dot and I last vacationed, back in 2010. Knowing it would most likely be our last family vacation for quite a while, we opted to splurge. No longer a young child, Dot was looking for something a bit more sophisticated. The Grand Californian offered us not only the exquisite relaxation we needed, but the Disney experience we craved. I even created my bedroom in homage to that wonderful weekend!

Mini-suite at the Disneyland Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

My Disney-inspired Bedroom

We miss you, Disneyland. We miss you like a best friend and like a home-cooked meal after a hard day. We miss you like our cheerleader and confidante and a welcome hug.

We miss your coffee and your rides and your behind-the-scenes tours and your up-front-and-personal characters. We miss every ounce of you.

You’ve seen us through difficult times and great accomplishments. You’ve encouraged us to keep trying, and celebrated our successes. When we feel a bit let down or left out, you never disappoint.

And that is why, Dear Disneyland, we are striving to find our way back to you.