The Disney Obsession

Disney World After Dark: Imagination Fountain

2012-02-11T12:00:00.001-06:00

I may have posted a similar photograph through the years. If so, forgive me. I didn't take the time to go back and look. But, if you'll indulge me, this is very likely one my favorite scenes to photograph at night.

Might I Recommend...

2012-01-30T20:00:00.001-06:00

... reading the Main Street Gazette's post, Do As Dreamers Do. It is a roundtable discussion answering the question, "What is your favorite nighttime spectacular, past or present, in Walt Disney World?" It is a good read.

Disney World After Dark: Innoventions Plaza

2012-01-16T18:00:00.002-06:00

If you have followed this blog for any this blog for any length of time you know how I enjoy taking photographs in the World after dark. It becomes a different world in different light and I feel it takes on a different character as well. It is more, mysterious.

Though it will be hard to tell, this is a High Dynamic Range processed photograph. It is rendered from a single photograph taken with a Nikon D40, then processed through Adobe Photoshop produce copies with varying exposures that were then rendered in Photomatix Pro.

As for the timing, there are two great times to take photographs in the Plaza. One is during IllumiNations. If you can draw yourself away from the nighttime spectacular, you'll find that the Plaza is virtually empty as most everyone is at, you guessed it, IllumiNations. Another time is to linger during your exit from the park. This works best when you watch IllumiNations on the far side of World Showcase. You're a whole park away from the front entrance. Again, take your time.

Oh, and have a tripod with you. The above photograph was taken in Aperture mode with a lens opening of f/10 and an ISO of 200. This was a 10 second exposure.

So, if you're patient, you can come away with some really nice shots.

Something On A Sunday

2012-01-08T08:00:00.002-06:00

Gulf Shores, Alabama 12.29.11

I am committed to continuing to post things here from time to time. True my focus has been shifted to other aspects of life and to other projects, but the space will still be a place where I wish to share.

My wife and I recently returned from a few days at the beach in Gulf Shores. It has been the vacation destination of my family for many years; between 25 and 30 I suppose. It is long been a place where I could go and drop a bag in the corner and reside on the balcony watching the surf. I would simply ask someone to, "Please tap me on the shoulder when we're going home." Otherwise, I was content to do nothing but look out at the water and enjoy the steady rolling and the calming sounds of the waves.

It had been three years since I was last in Gulf Shores and I missed it. It didn't matter that it was not the summer, or that you had to wear a jacket at times. I was back in a familiar haunt and came home refreshed and relaxed having had time to reflect on the days ahead.

With this being my first post of the new year, let me close by wishing you a fulfilling new year. I hope there is something new you wish to do, something exciting you wish to accomplish. All the best!

More to follow...

On Occasion...

2011-12-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

On occasion you'll read a book, see a film or perhaps hear a selection of music that will have a dramatic effect on how you view life. It may be a single paragraph in the book, a single line in the film, or a single phrase in the lyric. Yet still, it has the ability to transform.

As we close out this year and look towards the next, I want to share one such instance in my life.

It was a Wednesday evening, October 26 to be precise, and my wife and I had gone to the cinema to see The Way. This is a film written and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father, Martin Sheen. The story of The Way is of a father who must travel overseas to recover the body of his son who died while walking the pilgrim route, the El Camino de Santiago. Once there he decides to take the pilgrimage himself and through it, rekindles the relationship with his son, and more importantly, himself.

During a flashback sequence, we see Sheen's character driving his son Daniel (Estevez) to the airport so that he can leave for his pilgrimage. During the drive, Sheen (not looking at his son) says, "this is the life I have chosen." Daniel turns to his father and says, "You don't choose a life dad, you live one." This exchange, coupled with the premise of self-rediscovery, were cause for a transformative occasion in my life!

You see, all too often I would be focused on a destination; a goal. This is not to say that having a destination or a goal is a bad. To the contrary, they are not. Nor are having dreams for what may lie ahead in a near or distant future. However, when the drive towards a destination or the pursuit of a goal obscures or takes away the adventure of the journey, then something is out of balance. This has been my life.

I have spent most of my life looking ahead to what I hoped the next thing to be; to what my plan was for the next month, the next year, or the next five years. Then I began consider what I know to be the truth, which is, that we are not assured our next month, our next year or that we may be able to enjoy what was to come in five years. The truth is that we are only assured of the moment that we have right now.

Does this mean that I will not look ahead? No. I will still look to the future and I will plan for things that I wish to do. My wife and I hope to return to Europe, to travel, and perhaps, to live there again someday. We have cross country train trips we have in mind that we'd like to take. There are places I wish to see that I have yet to see; Venice, Vienna, the Greek Isles, the Isle of Iona, the Grand Canyon, and the list goes on. So yes, I will still look and work towards these things. But, in doing so, I will not forego the privilege and the pleasure of this moment. I hope not to miss an occasion to experience the adventure of life now because I am focused on a later occasion that is not guaranteed.

As we look forward to the coming year and make our resolutions, I suppose you may tally this as my resolution. As it concerns my life, I resolve to live one! That may mean I enjoy stopping to take a photograph or draw a picture. It may be an evening reading a book or laying on the floor playing with the dog. It could be taking a walk with my wife or enjoying a picnic in the park. It is trying a new recipe for dinner or dining at a new restaurant. It is visiting a gallery or strolling through the botanical gardens. It is laying on my back in the yard looking at the clouds or playing with the grandchildren. It could be any number of things that have absolutely nothing to do with some future time and has everything to do with the living life in whatever moment presents itself.

I suppose you can say that in my own way, I too am on a pilgrimage. I am on my own El Camino de Santiago. Along my way I seek to find and reclaim the joy, the adventure, and the complete excitement of what it means to live!

"Buen Camino!"

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

Once more life has kept me tasked in other directions. What with work, an online art course, Christmas play rehearsals and presentations, planning for the holidays, not to mention family, things keep standing between me and here.

But today, I wanted to return for a moment to share A Sign Its Saturday. This sign is somewhat special, in that it is found on an island that has been a favorite spot of one of my best friends. And today is that friends birthday.

Happy 30th Birthday Ryan! I hope you find the paint brush!

Hey there...

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a while hasn't it? So, how are you doing? Wonderful I hope. As you can see, the Fall has been pretty busy for me; that is if the lack of posts is any indication. But, it has been. Work is still rather busy, I am finishing up a commitment on one non-profit Board of Directors and in the beginning months of another Board commitment. This new one is on the board of a theater company I help to start some years ago. Oh, and look, there are 99 people regularly following this blog. Wow.

I am taking an art course. Well, it is an art course in that I do draw. But it is really so much more than just drawing.

Yes, I have been busy and I'll stay that way.

Something that also keeps me busy, is dreaming. I am a dreamer and I have no difficulty in admitting as much. Chalk it up to a constant state of wanderlust. I always look ahead to what may be the next thing. It isn't that I lack contentment with where I am at, but more, that I know that there is always something new to experience around the next corner. Taking a course is part of that. Looking at travel sites is another. I am always curious to know, or to dream about, what is next. Having had many adventures, I wish for more.

This photograph, taken from the Impressions de France film, somewhat speaks to this. When I see this couple walking beside the Channel, I like to think that perhaps this is my wife and I in some distant year. We will have grown old together, but still find the joy in seeking out new adventures and... holding hands.

Five Hundred +1

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-05:00

For the 501st post, I am going to take a bit of a break. You see, I do have this obsessive side that requires that I go into the Parks from time to time. And since it has been just six months since I was last there, I thought it was time. So, this morning, I am flying down to Walt Disney World for a few days.

Actually, I'll be there until mid-afternoon on the 18th. There our several of us from our local gathering of Disney fans who are converging for a few days of fun. Oh, and we'll be enjoying a few trips around the World Showcase to experience the aromas and tastes of the International Food & Wine Festival.

If you are a friend on Facebook, or if you follow me on Twitter, look for a photograph now and then. Better still, if you're going to be in The World anytime between today and next Tuesday, look me up. Maybe we can say hello.

So, until next time, keep breathing!

More to follow...

Five Hundred

2011-10-07T08:00:00.010-05:00

I felt that I should write something profound for my 500th post. Sorry, don’t have anything, profound that is. So, maybe just a bit about why I started The Disney Obsession.

The simple, quick answer is because my wife suggested I start blogging. She understood how important Disney was in my life and felt that I should share that with others. I think too that she knew it would provide an outlet for a lot of pent up anxiety owing to the fact that I live too far away from the parks to go every other month or so. Okay, every other week or so. It was not a bad idea and I decided to begin blogging.

I started with no real vision or plan for the blog. In fact, on September 30, 2007 I wrote:

“Am I certain of how this will work? No! Do I know specifically what I will write about? No! Will I be a generalist or a specialist? I do not know. There are so many great blogs out there covering so many aspects of my obsession. What can I possibly add to the dialogue? I do not know. What I do know is that I have to start somewhere and sometime, and today is that day.”

And here I set, October 7, 2011, a little over four years later, typing my 500th post, and that paragraph still holds true. I still don’t really know what this blog is about. I know what it isn’t. It isn’t the place you turn to for news about the parks, or in-depth studies on attractions. You don’t come here to determine what books to read or what films to go see. How do I know this? Well, because I write this blog and I know where I turn to when I need to know these things. It isn’t The Disney Obsession. In truth, I learned very early on that my blog could not keep up with the quality and quantity of content that is out there, and frankly, I am glad I learned this. I didn’t want to keep up that pace, either then or now. But is saying that, I offer my greatest admiration and appreciation to those that do. And you know who you are.

Honestly, knowing that blogging can sometimes be a struggle, and that keeping up even my lackluster attempt at providing content is challenging, I have often considered simply letting is drift into the sunset. I thought of quitting. I thought of taking a one-month break, I’ve thought of... well, a number of things. But it all comes down to this: I really enjoy having a blog. I am happy that through this experiment that I have had the chance to meet some “really swell” people; some of whom have become some of my closest friends. It has opened a door to some wonderful friendships here in at home. I wouldn’t know you. I think that without it, the friendships I enjoy today would not exist. And, friendships that are yet to be made would not take place. For those reasons, I am happy to have started. And I am happy to continue.

Have I found my voice? I still don’t know. I do like what someone once said about this blog, “Greg, your blog has heart.” I think they meant that I write is from my heart. It sometimes reflects the emotion of life. At times there is more photographic content than there is written content, but this comes from the fact that I sometimes don’t know what part of my life to share. As much as Disney is important to me (and it is a large part of my life) there are other areas that are more important. My family and my family experiences are wonderful and mean more to me than anything else in this world. My faith is important because I believe that it is through my faith that God has blessed me with my family. My life experience has been varied and adventurous and I have the honor of sharing those adventures with an incredible lady; one who encourages me daily towards the next great adventure! If only I were as courageous as she.

Gerrie and I on the shores of Lake Victoria, near Jinga, Uganda

I have said some of this before and I beg your forgiveness if I am beginning to sound like a broken record. But, I need to say it again (maybe more for my benefit than yours). I feel that if I keep saying it, that I will some day miraculously stumble upond something.

The Disney Obsession seems to be forever at a crossroads, and here at number 500, we haven’t moved much from that place. I still don’t know what I am doing, but I do know that I will continue doing it and not knowing. I do know that I still wish to share my love for Disney with who ever wishes to visit this site; yes, it may be more photographic than words, but didn’t someone once say that “a picture is worth a thousand words”? But I also want to share my life and my heart with you and so I will explore more ways to do that.

After all, when all is said and done, it is how we share our lives with those around us that is most important and that is best remembered. Someone once said that “Life isn’t about the number of breaths we take, but about the moments that take our breath away.”

My friends, I want to go through what is left of my life always fighting to catch my breath!

I wish you many breathless moments.

Where In The World: Hollywood Studios

2011-10-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Still playing catch-up. So, let's catch-up with Where In The World. Last month, September 5th actually, we ran a photograph of the opening night of Mary Poppins. Devon Sowell correctly identified the photograph as being on display at the Great Movie Ride attraction in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Congratulations Devon.

Before moving on, the photograph would have been taken on August 27, 1964. It opened at Graumann's Chinese Theater on the 27th and then nationally on the 29th. The film earned 13 Academy Award nominations (only two films have received more nominations) and won in five of it's nominated categories. One for Best Actress for Julie Andrews and the Sherman Brothers took home two statuettes.

Now for another photograph; perhaps a bit more difficult. Where In The World would you find this?

Something On A Sunday

2011-10-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

I try to be a bit creative in posting my Facebook status. I do not always succeed, but I try. A few weeks ago I had a series of updates that highlight places I have, on occasion, considered moving to or moving back to. One such update mentioned that I have considered moving to Alaska.

Can you blame me?

Forty!

2011-10-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

"Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney... and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place... a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn — together."

Roy O. Disney

10.25.71

See you in twelve days!

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Perhaps it isn't a sign exactly, but I am sure you know where you are when you see it. So in that sense, it is a sign.

An Anniversary

2011-09-30T10:15:00.000-05:00

... just sayin'

And closing in on 500 posts.

More to follow...

Something On A Sunday

2011-09-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wilson County Fair August 2009

I don't go to many fairs.

I suppose I am spoiled. I go to Walt Disney World often enough and thought of fairs simply isn't that appealing to me. Plus, I am old enough to remember a small amusement park once had in Nashville called Fair Park, which was a delight as a child to go to. I still miss it. I also, still miss, Opryland U.S.A. It was music themed park that occupied many of my days as a teenager and young adult.

So, I don't go many fairs, but did visit a county fair a few years ago. It is called by some, the best county fair in area. I could agree with that, though honestly, I don't have much of a basis for comparison.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-09-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

A scene from a bygone day...

The last show I saw there was during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in '08. A nice parting memory.

Editor's Note: my regular readers, those I lovingly call "The Fear - The Proud - The Followers", will have noticed my absence lately. First, I apologize. I have been quite busy with my work and have not had the desire to do much more than rest when I get home. Hopefully life is returning to my particular brand of normal. I still haven't enjoyed two-days off in a row for more than a month now, but that looks possible next weekend.

So, I just want to say thank you for continuing to check in from time to time. I plan to get back into a normal flow of updating here. And so that you know, I have some things I have been working on that I have not been able to complete and post. Maybe I can get those finished soon. There is also a trip to Walt Disney World on the horizon next month. Maybe some new photos.

More to follow...

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-09-10T16:00:00.002-05:00

Just under this sign is the entrance to yet another danger zone in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. My home has become home to more than a few items found inside these walls. Next time you visit the WOD, take time to look at things other than the merchandise. The decor is also a treasure.

15 years is a long time...

2011-09-07T08:00:00.003-05:00

For my son's graduation from high school I took him to Walt Disney World; sort of the father / son trip. There were other trips with family, but never just the two of us in the World and goofing off. Looking back, I think that is what my son and I did best - goof off. I think most parents wished they had the ability to stop time; to capture it in a bottle. I wish I could have stopped time during that week. That we could have just kept on being two kids having a blast in my happy place. But of course, that couldn't happen.

It wasn't long after we returned from that trip that life caught up with us. His adult life began. He got married and had three great children and has gone about the business of providing and caring for his family. He served our country proudly, including a tour during the Gulf War. He sacrifices being with his family in order to provide for his family; in that he travels extensively with his job. He has a very proud father!

It is hard at times watching your children grow up. You know that their love is always there, but there needs are fewer and fewer as the years go by. You learn a different type of parenting when your children are grown. True, you have time to pursue the things you always wanted to do and perhaps you come up with a few new dreams along the way. I know that I have. But most always you're looking forward to those times you can spend with your children. You look for those occasions when new memories are created.

We just finished enjoying a Labor Day weekend and I am reminded of Labor Day two years ago. It was an occasion for new memories! I had the opportunity to fulfill two wonderful dreams that weekend. One was to take my grandchildren by the hands and walk down Main Street U.S.A.! The other was to once again to be in Walt Disney World with my son; my grown son. It took 15 years for it to come to pass, but it did, and it was wonderful!

I cried a little.

We goofed off!

A lot!

Where In The World: Adventureland

2011-09-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Alright. So perhaps the last installment of Where In The World was not as difficult as I thought I might be. April Baker of Scrapping the Magic didn't take much time at all to share that it was from the Adventureland. Congratulations.

Now, let's see how you do with this one. Where In The World would you find this?

Yeah I know, probably not that difficult.

Something On A Sunday

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Choices

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 2007

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-09-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

For me, no trip to Walt Disney World is complete unless I have the opportunity to visit The Art of Disney. This then gives me the opportunity to share some of my money with the Disney yet again. It is also is in keeping with a suggestion my wife gave me years ago, in which she said, and I paraphrase, "If you are going to collect things from Disney, they may as well be some really nice things." A good suggestion indeed.

Lately I have been scaled back my pin purchasing (I am not a trader, but a purchaser) and have focused on the Robert Olszewski Galleries of Light. But there are three other items that I have been considering during my last few trips: the Olszewski Cinderella Castle, the replica of the Partners statue, and a particular cell The Art of Disney - Disney's Hollywood Studios location. It is quite possible that at two of these will make the journey home with me following my October trip.

So, here's to The Art of Disney and to collecting "some really nice things."

Disney World After Dark: Memories

2011-08-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

There is a debate that continues among those who frequent the parks. I don't know, it may also take place among those who have only visited Walt Disney World once and come home with a multitude of thoughts about the experience. But the question is, "What is the best nighttime show in Walt Disney World?"

There are those who say that Wishes is the best. In fact, a survey of readers in October 2010 had half of the respondents voting for Wishes. The other 50% were split between IllumiNations and Fantasmic. So, some say Wishes, some say IllumiNations, and so forth.

Now there is another option, Magic, Memories and You. No, we're not going to poll the audience, but I am saying that it is a show that should not be missed. If for no other reason, for the technology. In fact, you may not tear up as you would for the others, but I think you'll find it does touch a chord for many viewers.

As for me, I find my eyes leaking for Wishes, IllumiNations and Magic, Memories and You. What is not to love about any of these three?

Something On A Sunday

2011-08-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

A Lamp, in some restaurant, in an old train station in Battle Creek, Michigan 05.04.08

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-08-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

I know I posted this photograph last year. But... it is still one of my favorite signs in Frontierland.

Apologies

2011-08-24T19:40:00.000-05:00

You've heard me say it before, and sadly, I must say it again. Life has gotten a bit busy lately and I have not been able to keep to my regular schedule. Sorry!

Please keep stopping by. I hope to be back on a more or less regular schedule in the next 7-10 days; but will add some things here and there as I can.

Thanks.

Where In The World

2011-08-22T08:00:00.002-05:00

I rather thought that the last Where In The World would have been something of a challenge, but that it would be recognizable. Take a look back at the August 8th and see if you don't recognize this from the queue on Kilimanjaro Safari. Erik Wagner wrote in on our Facebook page saying it was definitely in Disney's Animal Kingdom, but not exactly where. Either way, thank you for playing Erik.

This week, we are turning it up a notch, I think. Take a look and tell me Where In The World you'd see this.

Something On A Sunday

2011-08-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

The Lake at Long Hunter Park 04.22.11

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-08-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

Better late than never I suppose. I had to work this morning, then my wife and I joined some other family at the Nashville Zoo for the afternoon. But before settling down for a little dinner and watching the Social Network, thought I'd take a moment to add today's sign.

Not all signs in Walt Disney World are of actual establishments. Some are added to simply create atmosphere. These are a few.

Photo Phriday

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

I dreamed of Africa.

Having lived in a place where you woke up every morning to gentle sound of bells on the necks of sheep and looking out your window to see the French Alps, you wonder what could be more beautiful. This is a question that people have asked my wife and I. It is a question we ask ourselves. What is the most beautiful place you've ever been too?

It is a difficult question to answer for we have been blessed to see many magnificent places. It may be the shear magnitude of a mountain, or the barrenness of a sweeping moor. We've walked along the rugged coast of the Irish Sea and along the quiet waterfront of an North Sea inlet at a time when there was 20 hours of daylight. We've walked the dusty roads of Uganda and the sidewalks of the Champs Elysees. This does not account for the many spectacular places we've seen right here in our country and our state.

But still, the question remains. What is the most beautiful place you've ever been too? My wife will tell you Switzerland. I would answer, Zimbabwe.

When we arrived in Harare, it was like other African cities I had been to. But once you leave the city, then it becomes the place that dreams are made of; my dreams at least. I had dreamed of what Africa would be and one day, while on a safari east of Harare, I saw it. I saw a landscape that said, "I am Africa."

Yes, I once dreamed of Africa. Now, I simply dream of Africa. I dream of time that I may get to return to Zimbabwe. To ride in the back of a truck out onto the savannah and witness the variety of wildlife found there. To walk through the grass and get nearly get close enough to a giraffe to touch it.To ride on the back of an elephant again and to sip tea in the shade of a koppie. These are things I dream of.

I dream of Africa.

In Doc's World - A Door

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was sharing with a friend last week saying that "Life would be a lot more fun if it wouldn't get in the way so often." This week has been one of those times. It has been a good week, but a busy week and I didn't have time to get something ready to post on Wednesday. Sorry.

I was puttering around (one of my favorite pastimes) in my office earlier this month and was taking a few photographs, all the while thinking that we haven't paid a visit to Doc's World lately. So here goes. A visit to Doc's World.

This is board I have hanging on the closet door of my home office. When we built our house my wife said I could have one room to fill with all of my Disney things. And, for the most part, I have kept things confined here. Though it has spread a bit; we both believe that every room needs a little Disney. For example, the Galleries of Light live in the living room and dining room. But most of my collection resides upstairs in my little haven, my laughing place, my "Li'l Disney".

The board holds a selection of pins, old wristbands from past events (and PI), a couple of now tarnished jingle bells with a pin saying "Believe" that I picked up at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party a few years ago, some notes to myself and doodles, and a few photos. You may see my son posing by a Photo Spot and then a little further down is a picture of me in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Paris Disneyland. Just below that is a picture of my daughter when she was a bit younger and my dear grandmother, Nannie. We lost her a few years ago. If fact, I was just coming off of Expedition Everest when I got the call that she went home to be with the Lord.

Then about the pins; one of my many goals is to have a pin for every attraction in the Magic Kingdom. So, I have a park map on the board and I place an attraction pin on or near the spot on the map. I still have a few pins to go.

Some day, very soon in fact, I'll show you behind that door. I am in the process of clearing it and then I'll re-purpose the space into a small studio for my drawing. I like to doodle and I like to work on pen and ink renderings. Hoping to get back to it soon.

So there you are. Just a little bit more about life In Doc's World.

Disney World After Dark: A Fountain II

2011-08-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

There is something that I have been meaning to do. With every trip to Epcot I hope that I find time to sit and watch the fountains. I am not very successful in fulfilling this hope, but still, I hope. I have often thought that if ever I find myself in a situation when I can come and go to the parks whenever I wish, then I'd have a better chance of having that time.

Of all the fountains in the World, the World Fellowship Fountain is my favorite. I slow down when I walk past it during the day. If I stop to eat at the Electric Umbrella, I never set with my back to the water. At night, the fountain is even more spectacular! Then, I come to a complete stop.

Someday.

Someday I'll have the time I speak of. When that day arrives I plan to find a place along a nearby wall and watch the fountain through a whole cycle of shows. Then when that's done, I may do it all over again.

Something On A Sunday

2011-08-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today we celebrate the Fourth of July from the penthouse of the Icon.

Nashville, Tennessee 07.04.11

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-08-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

When considering today's installment of A Sign Its Saturday, I have just two words for you: Fixin's Bar!

Alright, so not just two words. Here are four more and a few numbers thrown in for good measure: Deluxe 1/3-Pound Angus Cheeseburger.

'Nuf said.

Photo Phriday

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

In England a bus has two levels; you know, the double-decker bus that we are familiar with. A coach is one level, or what we in the States call a bus. In in 1995, prior to moving there the following year, Gerrie and I took a trip to London and Paris. It was a great two weeks. We spent a few days staying in and touring London, then took the EuroStar to Paris for a few days. Then it was back to London and some tours outside the city.

One of these was a coach trip to Cornwall, or as it is sometimes referred to as, the West Country. This began my wife's love affair with the region. She adores Cornwall and in particular, Port Isaac. She dreams that someday we'll return to England and have a chance to visit Port Isaac again and stay at a little B&B that she enjoys. I can't blame her. I too enjoy Cornwall and spent a few weeks during the Summer of '97 there while on tour with Godspell and I hope to make it back someday. The ruggedness of the coasts and the sweeping barrenness of the moors is its own special beauty. And the food? Nothing like a Steak & Stilton Cornish Pasty followed with a nice cream tea. But more on that some other time.

On this particular visit we went as far west as you can go, to Land's End. It is at the southwest most tip of England on the Penwith Peninsula. There is a small settlement there catering mostly to the tourist trade. The nearest village/town/city of an any import is Penzance which is 8 miles away. You may recall that Gilbert and Sullivan had something to do with Penzance.

Wishful Wednesday

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

You may recall that I hope to take each of my grandchildren to Walt Disney World sometime while they are 9-years-old. I mentioned a few days ago about taking a trip with my dad; just my dad and me. It's special to have just that one-on-one time. I have enjoyed that with my children and now I hope to enjoy it with my grandchildren.

For my granddaughter Shelby, that trip was this past April. To say that I spoiled her is an understatement. I did. I admit it. She enjoyed the full treatment at the Bippity Boppity Boutique and had breakfast in the castle with Cinderella. She got to hug her favorite princess, Ariel and the two talked for a short while. She then made her wish on her Wishing Star. She was living her dream. At one point, she looked across the table at me and said, "Papa, this is the best time of my whole life."

Okay, I got a little choked with that. Then, and now.

But you know, as wonderful as all that was, this is what it is all about...

Smiles.

Laughter.

There are few joys that compare, or are greater than seeing a child smile or hearing them laugh. Whether it is in Walt Disney World or over a bowl of cereal in the kitchen, it doesn't get much better than this.

This is what it is all about.

Where In The World

2011-08-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am happy to report that one my oldest and dearest friends (not that he is old, in fact I am somewhat older than he is, but you get the point) correctly placed the last Where In The World. My friend Ryan Wilson of the Main Street Gazette wrote in to let us know that the picture in question was that of the Yakitori House in the Japan Pavilion. Congrats Ryan.

And folks, if you haven't already, stop by the Main Street Gazette. Ryan has been at it a few years now and always, always puts up excellent material!

Now for this weeks edition. Where In The World would you find this?

It may be a little too easy. But then, one never knows.

Something On A Sunday

2011-08-07T08:00:00.001-05:00

There used to be passenger train service in Nashville.

The Timetable

Union Station 02.20.11

Yes, there used to be passenger train service in Nashville. The photograph above is a timetable during the golden age of rail travel. As the years progressed and cars became the standard method of moving from one place to another, the services declined and some markets phased out entirely. Nashville was one of those markets.

But before the end my dad and I took a trip aboard The Floridian from Nashville to Palm Beach. What a great trip and a what great memories. At the time (the early 70's) Union Station was a home for pigeons. Thousands of pigeons. Amtrak had a small office and passenger waiting room in a corner of the lobby and to get from the front door to the waiting room you'd have to, in some places, walk on planks; the only walkway across gaping holes in the lobby floor. Flash forward - you'd never know that was the state of the building. Now it is a magnificent lobby for the Union Station Hotel.

Of the trip, I remember spending hours in the domed club car, one time staying up late playing nickel ante poker with some college students. My dad asked "How much did you lose?" "Well dad, I don't know how much I lost, but I won a little over $5.00." He was impressed. We visited the house we lived in when I was in the 3rd grade, spent a little time window shopping on Worth Avenue. Went to a greyhound track and saw my first game of Jai Alai. We drove along South Ocean Blvd. and I was amazed at the size of the houses some people lived in. Still am for that matter.

I could go on.

I wish passenger trains would return to Nashville. I would take as many train trips as time allowed. We have a few train trips noted in The Dream Book. Perhaps someday. On a train, the journey really is the point.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-08-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I thought that for the month of August we'd spend a little time strolling up and down the streets, and looking at the shops of Frontierland. This morning, let's pay a visit to one of my favorite shops in all of the Magic Kingdom, the Frontier Trading Post. Hardly a visit will pass without me stopping in and selecting a few pins to bring home.

And who is "Texas" John Slaughter you ask? "Texas" John arrives in the town of Friotown. He kills two gunmen in self-defense which, in turn garners him an invitation to join the Texas Rangers; an invitation he declines. He came to town to set up a cattle ranch, but his plans are sidetracked by the outlaw Frank Davis.

Sound familiar? That is the story as it was told in an episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. The episode aired on October 31, 1958 and starred Tom Tyron as "Texas" John Slaughter.

But our little history lesson doesn't end there. There was a real "Texas John" Slaughter. Slaughter was born in Sabine Parish, Louisiana on October 2, 1841. During his 80 years he was a Civil War veteran, a trail-driver, cattleman, (actually was) a Texas Ranger, sheriff of Cochise County in Arizona and was State Representative in Arizona. John also liked to gamble. Slaughter died in his sleep on February 22, 1922 in Douglas, Arizona.

If you'd like to learn a bit more about "Texas John", visit the Legends of America. His is an interesting history.

Photo Phriday

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

I love the month of August! I love the month of August for two particular reasons. One, my wife was born in August and two, I married my wife in August. In fact, we will celebrate our 20th Anniversary on the 30th. I can still remember it as though it was yesterday. It was a quaint gathering of 175 of our closest friends. My mother handled the catering. My son stood as my Best Man and my daughter was the Maid of Honor. It was an outdoor wedding, candles floating in the pool, and my bride came down the aisle, escorted by her son, to Flower Duet from Leo Delibes opera, Lakme. Instead of writing a vow that I would stumble through, I had In My Life by The Beatles played; my song for her.

Nearly twenty years ago.

I want to celebrate the month of August by sharing a few photos and stories of our life together. We'll begin with a photograph of two countries.

In the Fall of 1996, Gerrie and I took part in what was known as the Reconciliation Walk. The Reconciliation Walk was a prayer walk tracing the routes of the First Crusade. The purpose of the Walk was to pray for forgiveness for the atrocities committed in the name of Christ during the Crusade and when possible, share a message of peace with Muslims we may encounter along the way.

Gerrie and I, along with other members of our missionary training team, walked over a 1,000 miles during our ten weeks on the road. We began in Dijon, France and ended in Bari, Italy. We crossed three mountain ranges; the Jura Mountains, the Alps and Apennine Mountains. The photograph above is of Gerrie and I at Great St. Bernard Pass. The pass is at 8,100 feet above sea level. In the photograph we are standing in Switzerland and over our shoulders, the buildings in the distance, is Italy. We spent the night in the Hospice there, which has been receiving guests since around 1050, including Napoleon in 1800. The road he used to cross? Built by the Romans. The morning the photograph was taken, October 5th, we would come through the pass and enter Italy spending our first night in a monastery in Saint-Oyen.

From Saint-Oyen, we spent the next 6 to 8 weeks walking through Italy. Not the Italy of the travel books, but the Italy of the Italians. The small towns and villages that no one cares to visit. Sometimes we had wonderful accommodation, meaning that the floor was clean where we'd throw your sleeping bag. Sometimes we'd make it through the night and then pray that our next stop would be better. But good or bad, hot or cold, rain or snow, it was an experience that neither of us will ever forget.

Years have passed since those days and I am not nearly in the shape I was then. But on occasion, I dream about our Walk and I'd like to think I could do it again someday.

I love the month of August! It is my anniversary month. It has been a wonderful adventure! And it will continue to be for as long as we both shall live.

I Need To Rename This Series

2011-08-03T08:00:00.001-05:00

Don't you think?

I am not always successful when trying to make a level photograph. What looks level in the view finder doesn't always come out that way and then I am faced with having to correct it in post. But, one area in Walt Disney World that I find cries out to be photographed at various angles, is Italy. The textures, the masonry, the contrasts of straight and curved edges, is too much not to tilt the camera at least 45 degrees.

At least that is my feeling on the matter.

Disney World After Dark: The Temple of Heaven

2011-08-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

There are few places in World Showcase that I find more peaceful than the China Pavilion. When I am tired I like to have a Peach Oolong Tea from the Joy of Tea and find a place to sit in the garden. The music and the sound of water I find quite soothing. Another place that allows a moment or two of quiet is the rotunda in the Temple of Heaven. Enter here and let a sense of calm to overtake you.

Something On A Sunday

2011-07-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

Ordinarily, Something On A Sunday looks at a photograph of a place outside of Walt Disney World. But yesterday, while looking through photographs, I came across this one taken from the parking lot of Disney's Hollywood Studios. I rather liked it.

Hollywood Tower Hotel 12.13.08

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-07-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is very possibly one of my favorite store fronts in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Have a said before? If so, this is still one of my favorites.

Photo Phriday

2011-07-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

You'll recall that last week I shared how Gerrie and I had a bit of a reunion in Oxford. I also mentioned our deep appreciation for the writings of C. S. Lewis and our desire to seek out the haunts of Lewis during his tenure at Oxford University. We were especially interested in visiting places where he and his friends gathered.

His friends were called the Inklings, and among the places they gathered was The Eagle and Child.

The Eagle and Child, affectionately known as the "Bird and Baby", is found at 49 St. Giles in Oxford. Their history claims that public house sat on this site since 1650. In addition to sometimes meeting in Lewis's rooms at Magdalen College, Lewis and his friends would meet in the Rabbit Room of the pub on Tuesday mornings during the term. The bar keep informed us that they would usually gather at 11:00 a.m.

The Inklings were an informal group; "neither a club nor a literary society" as Warnie once said, but it did meet to discuss literature. In fact, Inkling member J.R.R. Tolkien first read excerpts of The Lord of the Rings at the gatherings. C.S. Lewis, in turn, shared readings from his Out of the Silent Planet and parts of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Today the room looks much as it did during the 1930s and 1940s. The literary connection and history of the room is noted with photographs of members of the group and sheet of paper with the signatures of Lewis, Tolkien, and others saying that they had drunk to the landlord's health.

During our time there, we enjoyed a meal (I had Fish & Chips no doubt) and spent time looking about the room. Once finished, we took a while to sit quietly and write. We both kept journals and being in this place, with the memories of the men who once met here stirring around us, we could not let an opportunity to write escape us.

There are many things I miss about our life in England. I miss our friends, our work and mission and how simple life seemed to be. I also miss being a place filled where I am surrounded by history. In fact the very road we lived on, the Watling Street (A5), was built by the Romans. Hundreds of years before we lived there, Roman troops would march along the road towards the northwest.

I miss being there.

Next up? I don't know. Perhaps we'll stay in England or cross the Channel and visit Paris. Or maybe we'll go further afield. Africa perhaps?

Still Dabbling Some More...

2011-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Cinderella Castle affords the park guest many spectacular views. There is the quintessential view of looking down Main Street U.S.A. and seeing the castle beckoning you onward. Then you have the shot where you place the Partners statue in the foreground with the castle just in the background. If you get this shot shortly after rope drop, you have a near empty background. Another favorite is the castle from the Liberty Square Bridge. You know the one with the castle reflection in the waterway.

One we explored earlier was a photograph taken of the walkway leading down from the castle to the Fairytale Garden. Today, submitted for your viewing pleasure, is another from this angle. Only this time it is the castle at the finale of the 10:35 Dream Along With Mickey show.

Isn't it wonderful what the camera can see while waiting two hours with your granddaughter to meet Rapunzel?

And by the way, it was worth every minute of the wait to see one my granddaughters wishes come true.

Where In The World

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Wow. It didn't take my good friend April of Scrapping the Magic long to jump in and identify our last Where In The World. On the 11th we posted a sign that read Material is Money Save It! and she quickly identified the sign as being in the Backlot Express. Congrats! Oh, and be sure to stop by her site and give it a look. Good stuff.

Next up, Where In The World would you find this?

Something On A Sunday

2011-07-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Manitou Springs, Colorado 02.05.10

I enjoy the use of contrasting colors. As much as I enjoy seeing these on the streets or during my travels, I wonder if I could use them in my home and if I would grow tired of them quickly? An interesting question. My wife will soon be in the process of redecorating her writing room and she wishes to decorate it in a whimsical style. This could fit that style I suppose. But then it is her room.

Not sure if she'd like this much contrast.

Still...

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-07-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

And what is a town without a 5 & 10?

Photo Phriday

2011-07-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

My wife had just returned from having spent six weeks in India. I was just coming off the road from having toured England in the musical "Godspell". It was time to take a small vacation to rest and get away from our small flat. We decided to take the train to Oxford.

It was an easy trip to remember. As we came down the stairs from our flat for our taxi to the railway station, we heard that Diana, Princess of Wales had been in an automobile accident in Paris. The thought, at the time, was that she had been killed in the accident but this was not confirmed yet. By the time we arrived in Oxford the news had confirmed her death and the flags of the nation had been lowered by half. I share this only to put things in a time.

Among the many interests that my wife and I share is a deep appreciation for the writings of C.S. Lewis. Not only his works of fantasy and science fiction, The Chronicles of Narnia and the Space Trilogy, but also his spiritual writings. The apologist works such as Mere Christianity or the Screwtape Letters. We thought, with the journey to Oxford, we would make it a sort of Lewis Pilgrimage. We'd visit Magdalen College and seek out the pub where he and the Inklings would gather. We also wanted to visit The Kilns; the home that he shared with his brother Warnie in the Headington Quarry area. Near the home is the church, Holy Trinity Church, where he worshipped and where he is buried.

Us standing just outside the hedges at The Kilns.

Our time in Oxford was very restful. We took a room at a small bed and breakfast near the Lewis home. For a few days it was quiet and we enjoyed our walks, our reading and the refreshing that comes with not being quite so busy. Then we had to return to the real world. But we did so with a greater appreciation for Lewis and his surroundings.

Note: in a few weeks, perhaps next Friday, I'll share a bit more of the visit. In particular, to a small room, in a building found on St. Giles.

Still Dabbling

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Among my photographs of Cinderella Castle this has to be on of my favorites. What makes it so is that it is a long shot down a crowded Main Street U.S.A. on a bright sunny day. Basically, a near perfect day!

Note: this is the same photograph, minus the high dynamic range processing, that I used in my Disney As Art series entitled, "Balloons".

Disney World After Dark: Morocco

2011-07-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

"Moroccan artisans spent months creating the detailed geometric patterns in the buildings, like the Koutoubia Minaret, a recreation of the famous prayer tower in Marrakesh that stands guard over the entrance to the Morocco pavilion." So reads the text from the 1983-1988 section of Walt Disney World Resort: A Magical Year-By-Year Journey, the 1998 Edition. I found this book yesterday this past Saturday while rummaging around our local Goodwill Store.

The Morocco Pavilion opened along the World Showcase on September 7, 1984. For years it was a pavilion that I would pass by thinking there was no real reason to spend time there. That was a big mistake. It is rich in beauty and offers insight to a culture that we are all too unfamiliar with. For me, it is that reason that makes it one of the gems of the World Showcase.

I fell in love with the Morocco pavilion late in my obsession and I wish that had not been the case. By day it is a lesson in the artistry of a people then by night it becomes a place of quiet mystery. Step in. Imagine.

Something On A Sunday

2011-07-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

A Fireplug

Ketchikan, Alaska 05.28.09

There are places in the world where the starkness or barrenness process a sense of beauty. In Alaska, the ruggedness, the sense of something being unkept, is it's beauty. Here, living life is too important to be overly concerned with a sense of order; or everything being kept pristine. Here, the landscape itself is what is pristine, what is to be enjoyed.

Perhaps this is too much to garner from a fireplug, but seeing it, unkept, paint flaking, caused me to think, in this place, the surroundings of the thing were more important than the thing itself. And in Alaska, the grandeur is what is important.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-07-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love Art Deco Architecture! There, I've said it. And Disney's Hollywood Studios is loaded with it. It is the design and architecture of this park that keeps bringing me back, over and over.

On a more personal note, while I was working on this photograph, I was advised that I am now Neurotic Disney GrandDad #7 (NDGD#7) on the Disney Driven Life. I almost feel like Steve Martin in The Jerk, once the new phone books arrived. "I am somebody!"

Photo Phriday

2011-07-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

When we were not in the Midlands, more often than not, you'd find us London. We would stay at a friends flat in the City of Westminster; roughly 5-10 minutes walk from the Abbey. Some days we'd have a nice fish and chip from the corner 'chippie' on Strutton Ground then walk over and spend a nice afternoon in St. James' Park. Others would find us at the National Gallery or listening to classical quartets in Covent Garden.

Then there were occasions when we'd take the train and visit Stratford-upon-Avon for a few days relaxation and take in a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There were trips to Oxford or further out, to the West Country to my wife's favorite seaside village of Port Isaac.

But as I mentioned a few weeks ago, The Beatles have been a part of life for lo these many years. I visited Abbey Road and hastily made my way across the road. But, if Abbey Road was the end, then there was a beginning and I needed to experience that as well. One weekend we visited a friend living just outside of Liverpool and being this close begged for a drive into the city and a visit to Mathew Street.

Located at No. 10 Mathew Street is the Cavern Club. The Cavern opened on January 16, 1957. A little over four years later, on February 9, 1961, The Beatles played their first lunchtime gig on the cramped stage of the club. The band went on to play 292 shows in the cellar with the last one being on August 3, 1963 shortly following the recording of She Loves You. By this time the group had become too popular for the already overly crowded club. The group made a promise to return, but this never happened while they were together. The promise was fulfilled in part on December 14, 1999 when Paul McCartney played his last show of the old millennium in the club.

Also found along the street is a statue of John Lennon, a la the 1975 Rock 'n' Roll album, leaning against the wall. A little further along, at No. 31, is The Beatle Shop. It is a great little basement shop selling all manner of Beatles music, art and other items. Not too far away is the Adelphi Hotel. Gerrie and I stopped for tea here, but anyone watching the Free As A Bird video from The Anthology, may recall the lobby. A lovely place.

I have not been one for completions in all that I do. The work stuff, yes, but not everything. It is my way of combating my tendencies towards perfectionism. Concerning Liverpool, my pilgrimage is not complete. Someday I hope to return to visit the barber selling photographs on Penny Lane or to find out if anything is real in Strawberry Fields. But until that day, I have the memory of standing on the stage at the Cavern. Of sitting there, leaning against the wall, enjoying a pint and thinking about all the great music that came out of this cellar.

Dabbling (continued)

2011-07-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Cinderella Castle is probably one of the most photographed structures in the world. Not just Walt Disney World, but the entire world. True, Sleeping Beauty Castle would rank high on the list, as would the Eiffel Tower and Buckingham Palace I suppose. I know that during my trips I can't help but add a few dozen more to add to my already extensive collection; looking that different perspective. But of all the views and of all the angles, this is perhaps one of my favorite.

Take a walk over to the Fairytale Garden and look west and you'll enjoy the view as well. Though you'll want to wait until after the Rapunzel Character Greetings have wrapped up for the day to take your photograph. Otherwise, there will be a nice group of eager fans waiting their turn to meet the parks newest resident.

Where In The World

2011-07-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Take a little plaster and morter along side a grated window, and you have the content of a photograph taken of a wall in Fantasyland's Fairytale Garden. Once was you could attend a story told by Belle, but now you can queue to meet Rapunzel. The location was determined by Ami B., a new reader I suppose.

Before I move to the next photograph, let me encourage you to visit Ami on one of her blogs. She is the creator of Disney Park Goddess and Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust. You can also read her thoughts on the Disney Driven Life where she is the ethics and marriage blogger. This is where I was introduced to her and have enjoyed reading and thinking on what she brings to the table. I appreciate what she does and I am sure you will too.

Now, on to another photographic challenge. Where In The World would you find this?

Something On A Sunday

2011-07-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Near Red Rocks

In my Dream Book, there are a few pages where I am mapping out a road trip through the Southwest. It follows the route of Interstate 40 and then include as many drivable stretches of Historic Route 66 as possible once we reach and pass Oklahoma City. The photo of the wagon near Red Rocks is simply a reminder of some of the scenes I hope to find on this journey.

I have traveled to many places, both in America and abroad, but there are many places here that I have yet to see. It is dream, to see the places I haven't seen, but want to. It is a dream to visit the states that I have yet to visit. It is a dream to experience more of the wonder of our country.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-07-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Combining my appreciation of the Art Deco architecture of Disney's Hollywood Studios and my love of neon, I give you a different side of Mickey's of Hollywood.

Photo Phriday

2011-07-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

During my trips to Paris, and when time allowed, I loved visiting Shakespeare and Company.

Shakespeare and Company is a bookstore that opened as a lending library in 1919 by Sylvia Beach. The shop has a storied history. It was a regular gathering place for members of The Lost Generation during the time between wars. The with the occupation of Paris during World War II, the shop closed. Beach secreted her books away in a vacant apartment during the occupation. These books were later liberated from their hiding place by Ernest Hemingway.

Following Beach's death in 1951, another English-language bookstore adopted the name Shakespeare and Company. This shop, operated by George Whitman, strived to carry on the traditions of Beach's shop and became host to many of the writers of the Beat Generation. The downstairs with its shelves and tables overflowing with books was host to public readings, while the upstairs, complete with sleeping quarters, provided a place for writers to live and work.

Why Shakespeare and Company? I first learned of the shop while watching a travelogue. My wife and I, having spent our honeymoon in Paris, were planning a return trip in '95. So I bought a few books and watched a view videos to prepare. While watching I learned that the current location of the shop at 37 Rue de la Bucherie is within Kilometer Zero for France. The marker is located in the square of the main entrance to Notre Dame. When you purchase a book from Shakespeare and Company you can have the inside page stamped, indicating that the book comes from the shop inside Kilometer Zero. Being a collector, of sorts, I had to have book stamped. So one day while we were out walking and we visited the shop. I purchased a copy of W. Somerset Maugham's The Narrow Corner for 55 Francs and had it stamped.

We then went a few doors up and found an outdoor table with a view of Notre Dame. We had glass of wine, a plate of cheese, and talked about how nice the day was.

Gerrie and I are now planning to travel to London and Paris in October 2012. I hope to find time to visit this wonderful little shop, find a really good read, and add to my memories of one of my favorite cities in the world.

Dabbling (continued)

2011-07-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

As a would be photographer, I read books on composition and exposure and how to get the most out of my digital images. I have a subscription to a magazine that informs some of my processing and regularly visit a few websites to read and learn. If I can retain some of what I've read, all the better (I still have problems with the whole aperture / depth of field thing). I don't consider myself to be a great photographer, but I do hope that I am an improving photographer.

Another place I go for inspiration are photo sharing sites along with websites and blogs that a few of my friends, friends that I do consider to be quite accomplished photographers, have established. I like to see what others are seeing and doing. It causes me to ask, "How did they do that?" and then challenge myself with "Can I do that?" Thus, my interest in HDR. Here is another foray into that realm of photographic possibilities.

Disney World After Dark: A Fountain

2011-07-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

From my first trip to EPCOT Center in the late 80s, I have been fascinated by the Upside Down Fountain at Imagination. Yes, it is a simple feat of imagineering, but still one that captures my interest with each return visit. With the lighting employed at night it becomes all the more captivating. On quiet evenings, once most of the park guests have made their way to the World Showcase to wait for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, it is quite soothing to listen to, and maybe get lost in your thoughts and dreams.

Something On A Sunday

2011-07-03T12:00:00.003-05:00

U2 @ Vanderbilt 07.03.11

Something On A Sunday usually concerns itself with some of my other photographic endeavors; some successful, some less so. This Sunday is no different, in that it is a photograph of something other than Disney, but it isn't flowers or having to do with the adventures of Gerrie and I.

Strike that, it does have to do with the adventures of Gerrie and I. Last night we attended the U2 360 Tour here in Nashville. It was the one hundredth show of the tour. I will not give you a song by song review, but I do want to share one or two things.

I have seen U2 on two prior occasions. The first was on November 28, 1987 at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It was the Joshua Tree Tour. The set opened with Where the Streets Have No Name and closed with 40. The second was on October 10, 1992 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama. This was the Zoo TV Outdoor Broadcast Tour. This concert opened with Zoo Station and closed with an a Capella tribute to Elvis Presley, Can't Help Falling In Love. The two concerts were, in my opinion, almost polar opposites. The '87 event bordered on an almost spiritual quality. Even before U2 took the nearly bare stage, with the crowd singing along with Beatles music, it was moving, challenging, emotional. The Zoo TV concert was spectacle and I missed the near communal quality of the former.

Last night, the concert was both large and small. The trappings, the set, were large, as were some of the selections. But it was small in that it had moments recaptured some of the transcendent moments of '87. Moments such as a Bono singing Amazing Grace and hearing 47,000 plus people sing along. Or when all the lighting was turned off, save for the lights of cell phones (photo above) that he asked be held up as stars of hope to the thousands in search of freedom. The audience sang nearly the whole first section of I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, while the band listened. All moments. Followed by a closing moment of Bono having a blind fan from the audience play All I Want is You as he sang. All the man said was that he wanted to "play a song for my wife.'

I don't know. I don't go to enough concerts these days, save the Nashville Symphony, so I don't know what happens. These moments that can cause your spirit to soar and make you think, even if only for moment, that you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself, may happen all the time. I don't know. Perhaps its every concert using the medium music to cause you to think, if only for moment, that there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in the world who long for freedom. Who suffer for it. I don't know. I imagine every concert has a moment when you realize that it isn't about me, but it is about us. I don't know. Like I said, I don't go to enough concerts.

But I did go to this one. I like to think that perhaps I came out of it a little bit better person than I was.

"At the moment of surrender

of vision over visibility"

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-07-02T12:00:00.001-05:00

Why don't you say we spend the month of July strolling the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Today let's consider Adrian & Edith's Head to Toe.

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

2011-07-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

... go the magic kingdom prior to rope drop, find a place to sit, and then listen to the entire entrance loop while watching people enter the park to make their dreams come true. all to often i am eager to walk onto main street u.s.a. and make my way to the first thing; usually a peter pan's flight fastpass.

if i lived in central florida getting that fastpass, or any fastpass, would become increasingly less important and i would be able to enjoy some of life's simpler pleasures - that of simply living in and enjoying the moment without thought or agenda.

this morning, we woke up to the familiar strains of the magic kingdom entrance loop. a very pleasant way to begin any day.

Photo Phriday

2011-07-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

My wife and I were driving home from having seen Cars 2 this past Saturday. A good film but it will not (in my opinion) rank among the best of Pixar. Still, a good film and Pixar still tells a good story and creates stunning digital scenery. But I digress. We were driving home and our talk turned to favorites and the subject of favorite bands came up. That is one of the easiest questions I will ever have to answer. My favorite band is The Beatles!

While we lived in England, my mother and sister flew over for a two week visit. This was shortly after the funeral for Diana: Princess of Wales. It was their first time in England and we planned to as much as we could during their stay. My wife and my mother took a trip to West Country for a few days and my sister and I took the EuroStar to Paris for a few days. But prior to these trips, my sister and I took a Beatle walking tour. This, along with a number of other tours, are conducted by a The Original London Walks.

The stop that I looked forward to most on the tour was the chance to see Abbey Road Studios. Sure, we saw other landmarks: Paul McCartney's townhouse in Soho, the Indica Gallery, the Apple Headquarters on Savile Row (site of the famous rooftop concert), and others. But it was Abbey Road that I looked forward to most. Abbey Road - home to some of the most creative music ever composed and recorded.

The tour would not allow us to enter the building or to visit the studios, but I did manage to have a photo taken on the steps.

I completed the tour by making my walk across the Abbey Road Crosswalk. I made my sprint across sporting denim, as the late George Harrison did. I would have preferred to wear white while making my cross, in honor of my favorite Beatle, John Lennon, but sadly, my white suit was in Nuneaton at the time.

Sprint? Yes. You must bear in mind that the Metropolitan Police halted traffic during the photo shot for the Beatles. Fans making the pilgrim across Abbey Road must do so minding the traffic. Cars are were not obligated to stop, so you pick your moment, make sure that someone has a camera ready, then you set out.

I did.

"And in the end

The love you take

Is equal to the love you make."

Dabbling (continued)

2011-06-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

As I continue to experiment with High Dynamic Range processing and recently married the HDR image with a bit of artistic filtering in Photoshop Elements. The results, an enhanced image of the clock in the France Pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase. The filtering is a light film grain applied to the finished image.

Thank you for stopping by.

Where In The World

2011-06-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

A long time ago in a galaxy far away, there was a post. It was a photograph of some books sitting on a table. Some books were laying on their sides, others standing upright, and one opened. We asked the question, Where In The World would you find this. We had a few guesses; One Man's Dream, the Tower of Terror queue or possibly in the lobbies of the Yacht or Beach Club. Unfortunately, none of these prove true. The books in fact can be found in the Morocco Pavilion. Specifically in the room sometimes used for meet and greets just off the market.

Of course, I apologize for the delay in answering the question. But I do so in order to rekindle the flame, to restart the engine, to begin a new chapter, to... well you get the idea. So, here we go.

Where in the World would you find this?

Something On A Sunday

2011-06-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Lake Junaluska, North Carolina 07 19 09

When my wife and I like to get away, we sometimes find ourselves taking the drive east to North Carolina. The quiet lakeside village of Lake Junaluska offers a peaceful respite from the hectic pace we find in Nashville. There are places for nice walks and a front porch to sit on and rock while watching the world pass by. Just the things that every life should have from time to time.

Lake Junaluska is also not that far from a great friend affording a chance to have dinner together whenever we make one of our trips.

And as you can see from the photograph, there are flowers.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-06-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Of all the signs in all the World, this is quite possibly, one of my favorites.

Well, this one along with The Art of Disney, the Emporium, World of Disney, and maybe a few others.

Photo Phriday

2011-06-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

"Adventure is out there!" This is one of my favorite lines in UP. Truth is, it is one of my favorite lines in any film I've seen. And that is a lot of film. "Adventure is out there!"

In the nearly twenty years that my wife and I have been married we have had our share of adventure. We have lived in Switzerland waking up with a view of the French Alps each morning. We walked and prayed for over a 1,000 miles through France, Switzerland and Italy sleeping in monasteries, convents, churches and once, in the same lodgings used by Napoleon at St. Bernard Pass. We've twice been to Africa; once to Uganda and the other to Zimbabwe, enjoying a short safari on a game preserve just outside of Harare during our time there. And as I have mentioned previously, we lived in England. It was in a small market town called Nuneaton. Nuneaton is in Warwickshire - "Shakespeare Country". It is about an hour and twenty minutes north of London by the fast train, and was the home of George Eliot.

While we lived in England we had the opportunity to travel some and over the next few weeks Photo Phriday will look at some of the adventures we've enjoyed during our life together.

Vindolanda

Found along Hadrian's Wall in the north of England, Vindolanda was Roman auxiliary fort. Construction of a fort on this site began in 122 AD. Gerrie and I visited the dig while on a trip with friends to Scotland.

"Adventure is out there!" As we prepare to begin our next twenty years together we are looking and working towards a few new adventures! Life is great!

Something On A Sunday

2011-06-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

Miner Lake, Allegan County, Michigan

Something about me; I work in order to live and not the other way round. I work so that I can enjoy vacations. Mind, I love what I do, but I also love being able to take time away from the office. Who doesn't? But really, this is subject for another time.

Miner Lake was the site of many wonderful long weekends with family. My late brother-in-law had a cottage there and for a time there, my wife and I would spend at least one elongated weekend there with her sisters, the brothers-in-law, and friends. Wonderful times and wonderful memories.

I miss going there.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-06-11T18:00:00.000-05:00

For all of your Norwegian High Seas Adventure needs, we give you, the Maelstrom. "You are not the first to pass this way. Nor shall you be the last."

Photo Phriday

2011-06-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

My wife and I used to live in England. In Warwickshire actually; Shakespeare Country. But before we moved there, we took a holiday there in 1995. During that holiday we booked a coach trip to the West Country of Cornwall. This trip included a stop at Lands End; the western most point of the mainland along the Cornish coast.

I had a bit more hair in those days.

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

... make a list of every dining location, be it snack stand, counter service or table service restaurant in walt disney world. the list would include parks, resorts, downtown disney, etc. then i would make and execute a plan to eat at every single location at least once. some, i am sure, would merit repeat visits.

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

2011-06-05T15:30:00.001-05:00

... drive to kissimmee (if i wasn't living in that area), and welcome amy and craig petermann and their two daughters home! if you have not been following the relocated tourist these past sixteen months, let me recommend you visit their blog and read about their incredible and inspiring journey.

"welcome home" amy, craig, kyra and emily! your's is a wonderful adventure!

Something On A Sunday

2011-06-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

The Iris at Grassmere

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-06-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

For all of your Norwegian curio and collectible needs, stop by Puffin's Roost.

Dabbling

2011-05-30T10:00:00.001-05:00

I have long been fascinated with High Dynamic Range photo processing. When I visit online photo sharing sites I am nearly always drawn to these types of images. I thought I'd give a go, using an image used for the first Photo Phriday, the Tronorail.

I hope you consider it not a bad first effort.

Something On A Sunday

2011-05-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Lakeside Chapel

Lake Junaluska, NC 08.14.10

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

On a regular stroll around the World Showcase, I often will pass by Norway. True, there are interesting elements of the pavilion, but the photographs I will most often take are available from the promenade; the Stave Church, the grass roof beside the Kringla Bakeri, the flowers near the walkway. I will sometimes walk into the Stave Church to enjoy its background music. This is especially nice just after dusk as the combination of time and sound have a transportive effect on me. Still, I often will pass by and not walk far into Norway.

On a recent trip I decided to do so, simply to shot a few photographs for the A Sign... series. This was the first. Incidentally, fjording is an alternative name for the Norwegian Fjord Horse.

...if i lived in central florida i'd...

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

... somehow arrange to take all the backstage tours. it would take some time, but then, i'd have the time.

Forwarding Email

2011-05-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

I am not a big fan of forwarding email. Most people who know me know that. Consequently, my inbox is not littered with subject lines that begin "Fwd:" And this is a good thing. More often than not when I see something has been forwarded I'll delete it without reading it. However there are some occasions that I will open a forwarded email.

These times are when the email comes from family or one or two very close friends. Knowing that they know my aversion, yet still forwarding something, I'll usually take a look.

No long ago my daughter-in-law sent something. It was a PowerPoint show that someone had put together about aging. It had a nice Windham Hill-esque soundtrack and a variety of outdoor images; epic grandeur. Each slide featured a bit of wisdom as to growing old. So, being one who is growing old I thought I'd take the few minutes to watch the presentation.

I must say, I was struck by what I read. In fact, some of what I read that day brought about some changes in how I live life today. If I may, in the spirit of departing from the Disney theme for a moment, I'd like so share these small pieces of wisdom with you.

Throw out nonessential numbers: age, weight, height.
Keep only cheerful friends - the grouches pull you down.
Keep learning: learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain be idle.
Enjoy the simple things.
Laugh often, long and loud.
The tears happen. Endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
Cherish your health: if it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where guilt is.
Tell people that you love them at every opportunity.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I don't know who to credit the PowerPoint to, or to whom these bits of wisdom came from. But I thank them. I also thank my daughter-in-law for going against the grain and sending these along to me. I find some of them quite profound and inspiring. And in my desire for a simpler life I have found them helpful.

Perhaps you will too.

Apologies

2011-05-16T21:00:00.004-05:00

This has not been a month for keeping my resolution to post at least 10 items. You'd think that would be easy right? Especially with a blog that seems to do little more than post photographs. So for this lapse in content, I apologize.

Can we be honest here? For awhile now I have had the thought of giving up the blog. I believe that when it comes to Disney content, there are a lot of great sites. Sites that are providing readers with a wide variety of content; old and new, nostalgic and forward looking. I have often thought would this little endeavor be missed? My answer has usually been, "probably not."

This month has provided a great deal of distractions; some important, others not. There are things around the house that need tending to, other goals in life that need to be fleshed out and addressed and then, there are times when you simply come home from a busy day at work and not want to do anything. And I have had a few of those lately.

But you know, as these days of May have progressed I have decided that I really don't want to give up the blog. Although my output is minimal, not cutting edge and tends not to shed light on new and exciting things, it does, from time to time amuse. A photograph may take you away for just a moment from whatever your day is and cause you to smile. It may ask you to stop and think that there is not a whole lot on this earth that is more important than family and the time we have with them and give to them. That are blogs that I read that challenge me to dream; to ask myself, "What is my dream?" Perhaps The Disney Obsession has caused you to dream - to look beyond today.

I realize that I repeat myself at times and I know I have mentioned this previously. But, as I continue with The Disney Obsession you may find me writing about other things from time to time. I don't feel that I can stop posting (deep down I'd come to miss it) but I know that to continue means a change here and there. It is all part of the search for that dream that moves me forward. The blog may more closely resemble its tagline, "celebrating the love of life with a little obsession behavior towards disney thrown in." It may become more of a personal blog, but still contain that Disney passion that perhaps prompted 82 of you to follow the blog. For you, and for me, I promise there will still a great deal of Disney. But as my days continue I know I have so much more to explore.

We all are on a journey and we often encounter twists and turns on the paths we have taken. There is the occasional fork that prompts us to choose one direction over another. And all the while, we constantly need to look at where we have been and think of where we may be headed. We have to ask, "What it is the next thing?" I have a few ideas.

It is an often overused cliche, but it remains true, "keep moving forward".

And The Survey Says... 1000+

2011-04-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Interesting results. I haven't gone back to check, but I believe this may be the one of the few times in which every vote category received at least one vote. Great!

The question was, "How many photographs do you take during an average trip to Walt Disney World?" We received 22 votes on this question and the survey says that just over a third of those who voted take 1000+ on your average trip.

This is were I landed. There were two individuals (and I know that I know at least one of them) who come home with over 2000 photographs. I have had a few occasions when I would have counted myself among the 2000+ photographers and will perhaps again, but I usually fall in the 1000+ range. Looking at the other results, 3 people say they take between 1 and 199 photographs, 5 are taking between 200 and 499 and 3 are registering somewhere between 500 and 999. It is safe to say that with the digital age, a lot of people are taking a lot of pictures.

One result that I found interesting was the "I don't take pictures" category. We had one person who said they don't take photographs while in the park. And you know, that is okay. As someone who loves photography and who is forever after the "perfect" shot, I can't grasp the concept of no pictures, but I can appreciate it. I have come to a point now where I will sometimes leave the cameras in the resort room and enjoy the parks without the worry of a camera. Mind you, it isn't always an easy thing to do, but it has proven to be an enjoyable thing to do.

I do have question I would love to ask, but don't know how to create a poll that considers all the variables. The question is, and perhaps those who voted can post a comment to let me know what are your favorite subjects to photograph? I know some who are very good at photographing people, others landmarks, and so forth. I enjoy exploring the architecture of the parks and the colors of night. But how about you?

Now, for this weeks poll. It is pretty simple. How many times have you visited Walt Disney World? The choices are at the right.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-04-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

We're moving just a little further along the promenade for today's A Sign It's Saturday. And... we get two signs for the price of one (three if you count the reservation check-in sign in the archway).

If you have not had the experience of the Biergarten, let me recommend it. The food is good, there is plenty of it, and it boasts a fun atmosphere.

Catching Up with... Where In The World

2011-04-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Looking back at March 14 I posted a photograph of some books on a table top and asked the question, "Where In The World" would you find this? Our friend April offered that these may be found in Walt's office in One Man's Dream. Sadly, that is not the case. I will give a hint however based on that guess; these books are not found in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Here is the link if you wish to take the easy way back to March 14.

Something On A Sunday

2011-04-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Miss Patti's 1880's Settlement

Grand Rivers, Kentucky 12.17.09

Editor's Note: The house specialty at Miss Patti's is the 2" Charbroiled Pork Chop. It was more than I could eat in a single setting, but the leftovers made for a great sandwich the next day. Highly recommended.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is a welcomed sign if you find yourself on the World Showcase and the people who just walked past you could hear your stomach growling.

Photo Phriday

2011-04-22T09:30:00.002-05:00

For the past three years we've had a family of robins making their nests in our backyard. Two years ago is was lodged in a space between our house and a climbing rose bush. Last year (and completely unaware) they made their home in our Japanese Maple near the back of the yard. This year they choose to nestle in some English Ivy we have climbing outside our kitchen window. This makes for nice entertainment while I am drinking my coffee in the morning or straightening up after dinner in the evening. Another benefit of this is being able to see that the babies have been hatched and are dutifully being attended to by their mother and father.

My photo for this Photo Phriday is of our three new house guests sleeping while mom is away gathering the next meal.

Wishful Wednesday

2011-04-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

This weeks Wishful Wednesday photograph is of my Little Princess making a wish at Cinderella's Wishing Well.

It was beautiful Friday morning following our breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table. She had just met Cinderella, Belle, Aurora and her favorite, Ariel. We paused for a wish while on our way to visit with Rapunzel.

It was one of those perfect days!

Something On A Sunday

2011-04-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Manitou Springs, Colorado 02.10.10

My quest for interesting neon continues.

And The Survey Says...

2011-04-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

So how long has it been since I put up the last poll? A while no doubt. And I don't even have a photograph of the winning entry.

Actually it was February 20th when we asked the question, "If you could visit one park not on U.S. soil, which park would it be?" The choices were Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea and Hong Kong Disneyland. Eighteen readers cast their votes and the winner was, Tokyo DisneySea. It received 10 votes. Coming in second with 5 votes was Disneyland Paris followed by Hong Kong Disneyland with 2 and Tokyo Disneyland with 1. The Walt Disney Studios Park received no votes. Oh well.

I was one of the ten that voted for Tokyo DisneySea. From what I've read and seen in photographs, it seems like it is the most unique park on foreign soil. It offers attractions not available in this hemisphere, and that it enough for me. I will note that I have visited Disneyland Paris on two occasions; once during a holiday with my wife and once while I was working outside of Paris for a few weeks. The first visit was somewhat cold and rainy and the second was into a packed park. Oddly enough, during the years that I lived in England, I never made it into the park. To Paris yes, but never quite so far as Marne-la-Vallee. I want to go back!

Now on to a new poll.

As you may know, I love photography. I don't consider myself to be a good photographer as much as I consider myself to be a lucky photographer. But, of the things that I have been gifted with the ability to do, this is one area that I wish to focus on (no pun intended) and become better at. I want to know what it is I am doing both artistically and technically, and not simply looking at a photograph I took and say, "Wow, that turned out good." I have learned a number of things about composition and such, and I have also learned that you need to take a lot of photographs in order to get the right photograph. To that end, here is this weeks question.

How many photographs do you take during an average trip to Walt Disney World? The choices are: 1 - 199, 200 - 499, 500 - 999, 1000+, 2000+, or I don't take pictures. We'll look at the answers next Sunday.

In the words of Peter Pan, "Here we go!"

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-04-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

It may not look like much but this sign marks the entrance to a magical world of Pixie's! As you walk the paths of this small alcove in Epcot, you are transported into the neighborhood of Rosetta, Iridessa, Silvermist, Fawn, Terence, and yes, Tinkerbell. Their little homes, which I'll feature in photographs in the next week (or so), amaze me!

Something On A Sunday

2011-04-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 10.04.09

The Princess

2011-04-09T12:00:00.001-05:00

There will be more on the Bippity Boppity Boutique experience later, but for the present time, I simply want to share a photograph of my princess.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-04-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

I just recently returned from Walt Disney World, after having spent six magical days with my granddaughter Shelby! I knew going into it that I would be spending more meeting characters than I ordinarily would. Though I will say that my wife and I did visit characters last month without having children or grandchildren as an excuse. It simply goes to show that there is still a child in all of us and it is perfectly fine for that child to spend a little time meeting characters. A great place for this is the Epcot Character Spot.

And here is a tip...

Arrive at Epcot for rope drop and make your way first to The Land and pickup your first Soarin' FastPass. Then quickly return to the Character Spot and spend 10 to 15 minutes with the Fab Five. More often than not you'll find little to no wait. Wait a few hours and that will not be the case.

Over the next few weeks and months I'll share some photos of Shelby and I making the character rounds. It was a good trip - the autograph was filled!

I'm Going To Need A Minute Here - Part Two

2011-03-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

The avid reader of this blog will recall a similar title on February 25th. Well, here we are again, a month and a few days, and I am on my way back to Walt Disney World. Oh, but this trip is different. This trip is the Shelby and Papa Trip! I am trying to begin a tradition by which I take each of my grandchildren to the World sometime while they are 9-years-old. In October 2009 it was my oldest grandson Devon's time. This is Shelby's time. And what a time it will be!

This afternoon she will be paying a visit to the Bippity Boppity Boutique in the castle. She'll go in as Shelby and come out as Ariel. Then on Friday morning we will having breakfast with Cinderella and a few of her friends at her Royal Table. And along the way I will get another education from my grandchildren on how to slow down and enjoy the experience of standing in line for character photographs. I will also have the experience of leaky eyes again as I see a beautiful child make memories that I hope will last a lifetime.

I will, from time to time, share our adventure via Twitter and Facebook. And a big thank you to friends on the Disney Obsession Facebook group for suggestions on character interactions and shows. It has helped me to remember things I have done ages ago but have passed by in recent years with the absence of young children by my side. I am really looking forward to seeing the Beauty and the Beast stage show again.

Is my granddaughter spoiled? You bet she is!

Wishful Wednesday

2011-03-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

I suppose I could have called today's entry, Photo Phriday, and that probably is more fitting. Yet, I felt compelled to place it in the Wishful Wednesday category because it represents something that I have wished for; a fairly nice silky water quality. It has been hard for me to capture this type of effect since the slower shutter speed normally overexposes the shot. But this time, I got a pretty good result, thus fulfilling a wish.

It is just enough to convince me to keep after the photography thing. Maybe some day I'll be consistently good. Now I just think myself accidentally good on occasion.

Disney World After Dark: A Wall

2011-03-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Aztec Temple of Quetzalcoatl that is the primary structure of the Mexico Pavilion offers a variety of angles to photograph. Still, one of my favorite items to photograph are the bas relief carvings that greet you at each entrance. I wish I knew the story of these walls, so that I could share it with you. Sadly, I don't. But I can share this.

I'll show my age here and this has nothing to do with this photograph, other than this carving is the one found to the right of the pavilion if you are facing the temple. This is the side with all the lush vegetation. Some years ago, at one of the early International Flower and Garden Festivals, there was a small vignette of what could only be thought of as a botanist camp site. There was a small pup tent, a few cooking utensils arranged around were a fire would have been, and other miscellaneous items you'd find in a sparse campsite. I found this very intriguing. When I am feeling particularly adventurous I think of this and wonder what would it be like to spend a few weeks in a tropical location, experiencing a somewhat rustic life for a few weeks.

Does anyone else remember this little camp vignette? If you do, I'd love to find a few photographs of it.

A Sign Its Saturday

2011-03-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

I could call this the "A Sign Its Saturday - The Better Late Than Never" edition. I really meant to get upstairs and work on a few photographs this past Saturday, but spent most of my day in the kitchen preparing for a few Disney friends to visit that evening. I also used that time to work on a new Dining With Doc installment. What was on the menu? Chocolate Mousse Cake. How did it go? Well, I'll post about it later. But let me just say, it will not go down as one of my culinary successes. If you could get past the appearance it tasted great. But somehow I feel that it was supposed to look differently.

But I digress. Keeping with the Adventureland theme of the month, I give you the sign of an attraction that I have yet to ride.

Am I alone here or are there others of you who haven't flown on the Carpets? Dumbo I can do; just not the carpets.