What's The Story:
Collaboration of short stories and animation set to music. Including the classic Peter and the Wolf.
Memorable Quote:
Narrator: (Peter and the wolf): Imagination is a wonderful thing but sometimes it can run away with you
Lessons:
Listen to the rhythms of life.
When you get a chance take it.
Don't go searching for trouble because it will find you.
Don't assume you know the truth of a situation until you have fully investigated it.
Main Challenges:
Get Artistic
Wear some different hats
Attitude:
Flowing, playful, goofy, graceful, imaginative,
Challenges:
Dance
Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Swing on This
One of my challenges this week was to swing from something, since there are few vines to swing from I figured that the closest I could come would be the monkey bars at the school near my house. A few things you should know about me first off I have quite skinny arms. I am no powerhouse when it comes to upper body strength. Plus my arms are quite long or as they have been affectionately referred to as my monkey arms.
From the time I was young I would often watch my peers swing with ease through the jungles of the school yard, I was lacking in this talent. Just so you know, I have not acquired new skills in the swinging department. Let me take you though the ordeal:
Standing on the platform, my head, because I am not a child, is almost parallel to the monkey bars. I reach up or rather across and hold on to the bar, knees bent (so not to touch the ground) I put my weight on my arm while reaching out to the next bar. I dangle for a moment. “Okay, small children can do this, surely I can.” I swing my weight over and no.
You're picturing it aren't you? A full grown adult trying her darnedest not to fall on her butt, while dangling in a school yard. I suppose I could practice on a daily basis to swing from rope to rope like Tarzan, but I see no point, since I live in a city, in Canada and swinging from pine tree to pine tree would be quite painful.
Tarzan teaches that with dogged determination and practice you can become king of the jungle. I may not be able to swing from one monkey bar to the next but I do know the value of practice, and determination. Its not enough to be adequate at your job, or what you do, it is the Disney way to always strive for your personal best. The greatest challenge is always pitted against yourself. So all vine swinging aside, my true challenge is always to be the best me I can possibly be. The best part about it is that if I fall short no one will know since I am one of a kind, just like everyone else.
From the time I was young I would often watch my peers swing with ease through the jungles of the school yard, I was lacking in this talent. Just so you know, I have not acquired new skills in the swinging department. Let me take you though the ordeal:
Standing on the platform, my head, because I am not a child, is almost parallel to the monkey bars. I reach up or rather across and hold on to the bar, knees bent (so not to touch the ground) I put my weight on my arm while reaching out to the next bar. I dangle for a moment. “Okay, small children can do this, surely I can.” I swing my weight over and no.
You're picturing it aren't you? A full grown adult trying her darnedest not to fall on her butt, while dangling in a school yard. I suppose I could practice on a daily basis to swing from rope to rope like Tarzan, but I see no point, since I live in a city, in Canada and swinging from pine tree to pine tree would be quite painful.
Tarzan teaches that with dogged determination and practice you can become king of the jungle. I may not be able to swing from one monkey bar to the next but I do know the value of practice, and determination. Its not enough to be adequate at your job, or what you do, it is the Disney way to always strive for your personal best. The greatest challenge is always pitted against yourself. So all vine swinging aside, my true challenge is always to be the best me I can possibly be. The best part about it is that if I fall short no one will know since I am one of a kind, just like everyone else.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tarzan
What's The Story:
An orphaned human baby is adopted by gorillas, and being raised wild he becomes the king of the jungle. When a group of British explorers arrives in the jungle Tarzan must decide where he belongs.
Memorable Quote:
Kala: Close your eyes. Now forget what you see.
Kala: [puts Tarzan's hand to his chest] What do you feel?
Young Tarzan: My heart.
Kala: [puts Tarzan's head by her chest] Come here.
Young Tarzan: Your heart.
Kala: See? We're exactly the same.
Lessons:
Love makes us all the same
respect nature
It is not natural to be deceptive
give a man enough rope or vine and he'll hang himself
sometimes you risk it all for love
Main Challenges:
swing on a vine or swing
imitate animal noises
Attitude:
Curious, friendly, helpful, kind, open minded, respectful
Tarzan: curious, adaptable, intelligent, naive, mischievous, innovative, brave, protective, honourable, quick learner,
Kala: Compassionate, loving, kind,
Jane: intelligent, learned, creative, adventurous, artistic,
Challenges:
Learn from animals (come up with a few ways to live using animals as a lesson)
An orphaned human baby is adopted by gorillas, and being raised wild he becomes the king of the jungle. When a group of British explorers arrives in the jungle Tarzan must decide where he belongs.
Memorable Quote:
Kala: Close your eyes. Now forget what you see.
Kala: [puts Tarzan's hand to his chest] What do you feel?
Young Tarzan: My heart.
Kala: [puts Tarzan's head by her chest] Come here.
Young Tarzan: Your heart.
Kala: See? We're exactly the same.
Lessons:
Love makes us all the same
respect nature
It is not natural to be deceptive
give a man enough rope or vine and he'll hang himself
sometimes you risk it all for love
Main Challenges:
swing on a vine or swing
imitate animal noises
Attitude:
Curious, friendly, helpful, kind, open minded, respectful
Tarzan: curious, adaptable, intelligent, naive, mischievous, innovative, brave, protective, honourable, quick learner,
Kala: Compassionate, loving, kind,
Jane: intelligent, learned, creative, adventurous, artistic,
Challenges:
Learn from animals (come up with a few ways to live using animals as a lesson)
Sunday, September 19, 2010
With Faith The Size of a Peanut
Eight years ago I moved to a small city in southwestern Ontario that is known for two things, one was trains and the second one was that the worlds most famous elephant Jumbo, thanks to P.T. Barnum, was killed by one of those trains. Right now as I write this tracks are being pulled up from the ground and Jumbo is still dead, what remains is a legacy that one elephant left.
Jumbo wasn't really that special, what was special was that he had a great backer, P.T. knew how to hype, so much so that a simple African elephant (that was of an average size) was billed as the worlds largest elephant and the world went along. Jumbo the Swahili word for hiya is now associated with all things big, hotdogs, slushies, Jumbo trons. Its no surprise that Jumbo would catch the attention of the Disney studios.
Living here in St Thomas I have heard many a people make corrections about the name of Jumbo, and I quote “It's not Dumbo, it's Jumbo!” Yes, most people refer to P.T.'s elephant as the famous Dumbo but what people forget is that Dumbo is not the real name of the Disney elephant, his official name is Jumbo Jr.
Getting back to P.T. Barnum and his amazingly average elephant, the real magic behind both elephants is the unrelenting faith that someone had in them. P.T. Barnum knew how to invoke faith in crowds so much so that people looking at this average elephant believed that it was special, despite evidence to the contrary, even today people still believe that Jumbo was the world's largest elephant. The man was on to something.
125 years after Jumbo died people are still believing the hype that P.T. spewed about this elephant (and many other things) Advertisers still use the tactics that were implemented by this crafty man. I can't help but wonder what would happen if someone like P.T. took on a cause like the betterment of humanity, imagine what it would be like if he had started promoting the wonders of humanity, our limitless potential.
Imagine where we would be if we believed that we were the most spectacular beings on earth. Capable of solving world hunger! Powerful enough to bring about world peace! The most loving race on earth! The funny thing is that all those things are true about who we really are. In the end we are all little elephants waiting to be reminded that we are capable of greatness.
Jumbo wasn't really that special, what was special was that he had a great backer, P.T. knew how to hype, so much so that a simple African elephant (that was of an average size) was billed as the worlds largest elephant and the world went along. Jumbo the Swahili word for hiya is now associated with all things big, hotdogs, slushies, Jumbo trons. Its no surprise that Jumbo would catch the attention of the Disney studios.
Living here in St Thomas I have heard many a people make corrections about the name of Jumbo, and I quote “It's not Dumbo, it's Jumbo!” Yes, most people refer to P.T.'s elephant as the famous Dumbo but what people forget is that Dumbo is not the real name of the Disney elephant, his official name is Jumbo Jr.
Getting back to P.T. Barnum and his amazingly average elephant, the real magic behind both elephants is the unrelenting faith that someone had in them. P.T. Barnum knew how to invoke faith in crowds so much so that people looking at this average elephant believed that it was special, despite evidence to the contrary, even today people still believe that Jumbo was the world's largest elephant. The man was on to something.
125 years after Jumbo died people are still believing the hype that P.T. spewed about this elephant (and many other things) Advertisers still use the tactics that were implemented by this crafty man. I can't help but wonder what would happen if someone like P.T. took on a cause like the betterment of humanity, imagine what it would be like if he had started promoting the wonders of humanity, our limitless potential.
Imagine where we would be if we believed that we were the most spectacular beings on earth. Capable of solving world hunger! Powerful enough to bring about world peace! The most loving race on earth! The funny thing is that all those things are true about who we really are. In the end we are all little elephants waiting to be reminded that we are capable of greatness.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dumbo
What's The Story: A young circus Elephant learns to use his differences to discover his full potential.
Memorable Quote:
Kid (with big ears makes fun of Dumbo's ears): Ain't that the funniest thing you ever saw?
Timothy Mouse: The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.
Lessons:
sometimes our weaknesses can become our strengths. You don't have to be like everyone else to be a valuable member of society. Believe in yourself. The best revenge is success. Magic is within you.
Main Challenges:
join the circus or at least act like I have
go visit with Jumbo while clowning around
Attitude:
Helpful friendly, protective, hopeful
Challenges:
do something grand
Memorable Quote:
Kid (with big ears makes fun of Dumbo's ears): Ain't that the funniest thing you ever saw?
Timothy Mouse: The very things that hold you down are going to lift you up.
Lessons:
sometimes our weaknesses can become our strengths. You don't have to be like everyone else to be a valuable member of society. Believe in yourself. The best revenge is success. Magic is within you.
Main Challenges:
join the circus or at least act like I have
go visit with Jumbo while clowning around
Attitude:
Helpful friendly, protective, hopeful
Challenges:
do something grand
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Cat's Meow
While watching the Aristocats sing and dance I couldn't help but think about what happens when real cats “sing” or rather yowl. Its funny but I somehow think that a group of cats singing on a fence would not illicit human toe tapping, I am certain that it would be not only under appreciated but despised.
There have been many a summer night when the peaceful slumber has been rudely interrupted by a pair of cat's mating habits. I always think of this when I hear men say how that girl is sexy like a cat, apparently they have missed these night time serenades because the whole cat mating ritual is not for human standards.
Imagine going on a date with a man where he pees on the females walls to mark his territory, nothing says “hey baby” to a cat like pee. Then comes the females part where she starts by putting her head down and her bum high while emitting the most god awful sound that any cat can emit, sexy right?
Next time you're at a bar picture it. Imagine if we humans yowled to get attention. Now that I have put that image in your head good luck getting rid of it. You're welcome.
I will admit that there is nothing in the world like a cat's purr, but I suspect that they use that purr as a mind control device. Forget weapons of mass destruction world domination can be gained by harnessing the powers of the feline purr. Just one look at the sweet deal my cat has purring his way around the street as he is fed by several houses.
If there is one thing that I have learned from cats its that you never own a cat. Its the kitty mind trick they use, roll around purr all the while not hiding the fact that you are not in charge. Cats are content just being themselves, independent, cunning and as loyal as a fish. Yet still I find myself out my front door, kitty treats in hand as I “meow.” and “here kitty kitty”. Which is code for “yes master I will do your bidding”
There have been many a summer night when the peaceful slumber has been rudely interrupted by a pair of cat's mating habits. I always think of this when I hear men say how that girl is sexy like a cat, apparently they have missed these night time serenades because the whole cat mating ritual is not for human standards.
Imagine going on a date with a man where he pees on the females walls to mark his territory, nothing says “hey baby” to a cat like pee. Then comes the females part where she starts by putting her head down and her bum high while emitting the most god awful sound that any cat can emit, sexy right?
Next time you're at a bar picture it. Imagine if we humans yowled to get attention. Now that I have put that image in your head good luck getting rid of it. You're welcome.
I will admit that there is nothing in the world like a cat's purr, but I suspect that they use that purr as a mind control device. Forget weapons of mass destruction world domination can be gained by harnessing the powers of the feline purr. Just one look at the sweet deal my cat has purring his way around the street as he is fed by several houses.
If there is one thing that I have learned from cats its that you never own a cat. Its the kitty mind trick they use, roll around purr all the while not hiding the fact that you are not in charge. Cats are content just being themselves, independent, cunning and as loyal as a fish. Yet still I find myself out my front door, kitty treats in hand as I “meow.” and “here kitty kitty”. Which is code for “yes master I will do your bidding”
Are We Lost or On An Adventure
One constant theme in a lot of Disney movies is being lost or at the vary least losing sight of ones path. We live in a sort of jungle that almost insists on us getting lost. The opinions and fears of others can spin one around to the point where the way is not only lost, it seems invisible. In Disney movies someone always comes along to help you find your way, whether its animals, people or an alley cat. In real life however, other people often confuse the situation more often then not.
Periodically I get lost usually in worry or doubt, its uncomfortable, it feels awful and its probably the most unproductive thing that we humans do. I know where my path is, I actually know the compass that guides everyone's path, the compass to find everyone's path is happiness. When what you're doing brings you joy, you are on the right path.
Why do we lose sight of happiness in the first place? Sometimes I think it just makes for a better plot, but really I think we lose sight of happiness when we are surprised by life. The bumps in life, loss jobs sicknesses toilet seat controversies all these things can obscure the path. The problem is not that we get in a fog that has obscured our path, its when we forget that we were on a path in the first place that things get complicated.
Now the question becomes how do you find the path again, what would Disney do? Any princess would sing a song, as silly as it sounds she's on the right track, the first thing that you need to do is toss aside your fears, anxiety and negative emotions and find joy. Joy is always a compass. Humans think more clearly in a state of happiness then they ever do in a state of fear.
Duchess was going home after being taken from it but without being taken from her home she would have never experienced life the way she did. All journeys are journeys of self discovery. Pleasant or unpleasant, its a matter of how we look at it. Duchess though desperate to get home welcomed the experience. We often miss the best parts of life because we focus too much on getting home and not enough on the scenery.
We are journeying to that place of comfort, to express our greatest potential. Some of us will wonder the forests bumping into trees and blaming them for all their troubles but some of us, will touch every tree knowing that each tree branch stumble trip has its purpose and has the great potential to enrich our lives. I don't know exactly where my path is going to lead me but I do know that it starts with a smile, Disney taught me that and that I am on the greatest adventure there is to have; life.
Periodically I get lost usually in worry or doubt, its uncomfortable, it feels awful and its probably the most unproductive thing that we humans do. I know where my path is, I actually know the compass that guides everyone's path, the compass to find everyone's path is happiness. When what you're doing brings you joy, you are on the right path.
Why do we lose sight of happiness in the first place? Sometimes I think it just makes for a better plot, but really I think we lose sight of happiness when we are surprised by life. The bumps in life, loss jobs sicknesses toilet seat controversies all these things can obscure the path. The problem is not that we get in a fog that has obscured our path, its when we forget that we were on a path in the first place that things get complicated.
Now the question becomes how do you find the path again, what would Disney do? Any princess would sing a song, as silly as it sounds she's on the right track, the first thing that you need to do is toss aside your fears, anxiety and negative emotions and find joy. Joy is always a compass. Humans think more clearly in a state of happiness then they ever do in a state of fear.
Duchess was going home after being taken from it but without being taken from her home she would have never experienced life the way she did. All journeys are journeys of self discovery. Pleasant or unpleasant, its a matter of how we look at it. Duchess though desperate to get home welcomed the experience. We often miss the best parts of life because we focus too much on getting home and not enough on the scenery.
We are journeying to that place of comfort, to express our greatest potential. Some of us will wonder the forests bumping into trees and blaming them for all their troubles but some of us, will touch every tree knowing that each tree branch stumble trip has its purpose and has the great potential to enrich our lives. I don't know exactly where my path is going to lead me but I do know that it starts with a smile, Disney taught me that and that I am on the greatest adventure there is to have; life.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Aristocats
What's The Story:
When Madame Adelaide Bonfamille leaves her fortune to her cat Duchess and her kittens before her loyal servant Edgar, Edgar takes it upon himself to take the cats into the country and lose them.
Memorable Quote:
Abigail Gabble: Amelia, if I walk any further, I'll get flat feet.
Amelia Gabble: Abigail, we were born with flat feet.
Lessons:
Things are not always what they seem
greed can get the best out of almost anyone
Main Challenges:
be a pampered kitty
practice self improvement (painting and Scales and arpeggios)
Attitude:
refined, inquisitive, worldly,
Challenges:
Practice biting and clawing
When Madame Adelaide Bonfamille leaves her fortune to her cat Duchess and her kittens before her loyal servant Edgar, Edgar takes it upon himself to take the cats into the country and lose them.
Memorable Quote:
Abigail Gabble: Amelia, if I walk any further, I'll get flat feet.
Amelia Gabble: Abigail, we were born with flat feet.
Lessons:
Things are not always what they seem
greed can get the best out of almost anyone
Main Challenges:
be a pampered kitty
practice self improvement (painting and Scales and arpeggios)
Attitude:
refined, inquisitive, worldly,
Challenges:
Practice biting and clawing
Saturday, September 4, 2010
This Llama Can Carry A Lot
You may have noticed that I have been a little lax in writing my blog entries. Things have been tense around these parts. When I began Living Disney one of the thoughts in the back of my mind was the devastation of my city due to plant closures and this included the plant that my husband works at. I wanted to do something that brought cheer and hope to people. This past week the final notice was handed down and in a year's time my husband will be out of a job, him and a thousand more to add to the pot.
I wish that I could smile away the problems of the world but I know, no matter how magical my smile is it's magic can only go so far. My city is on the verge of change and it is my hope that the change is good, but even good changes sometimes hurt. I recall the physical pain of my adolescence not to mention the psychological pain too.
This week has been difficult, not just because of the changes but because of faith. No matter what happens in my life I have always had faith that everything was going to be alright, as Mrs Potts says “it'll all turn out in the end” Because of my cheery nature I am able to carry more burdens then perhaps others can. Instead of letting things kill me I let them be the challenge that will raise me up. Sometimes the burden is heavy and I have no clue what to do with it. Sometimes I don't have all the answers.
What I do know for certain is that nothing good ever comes from losing faith, I will persevere and in the end I will discover the finer points of humanity. I know that when you follow your bliss doorways open, impossible paths become easy streets and life becomes an adventure not a tragedy.
As any Disney fan knows Walt Disney forged against unbelievable odds, he made the impossible possible, when ever I am at my lowest I think about what he would have done in this situation. Honestly I think he would have dreamed bigger, found greater hope and ploughed his way through any obstacles that lie in his way. So I will follow my bliss where it may take me because no one ever had their dreams come true by following their fears and misery.
I wish that I could smile away the problems of the world but I know, no matter how magical my smile is it's magic can only go so far. My city is on the verge of change and it is my hope that the change is good, but even good changes sometimes hurt. I recall the physical pain of my adolescence not to mention the psychological pain too.
This week has been difficult, not just because of the changes but because of faith. No matter what happens in my life I have always had faith that everything was going to be alright, as Mrs Potts says “it'll all turn out in the end” Because of my cheery nature I am able to carry more burdens then perhaps others can. Instead of letting things kill me I let them be the challenge that will raise me up. Sometimes the burden is heavy and I have no clue what to do with it. Sometimes I don't have all the answers.
What I do know for certain is that nothing good ever comes from losing faith, I will persevere and in the end I will discover the finer points of humanity. I know that when you follow your bliss doorways open, impossible paths become easy streets and life becomes an adventure not a tragedy.
As any Disney fan knows Walt Disney forged against unbelievable odds, he made the impossible possible, when ever I am at my lowest I think about what he would have done in this situation. Honestly I think he would have dreamed bigger, found greater hope and ploughed his way through any obstacles that lie in his way. So I will follow my bliss where it may take me because no one ever had their dreams come true by following their fears and misery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)