Pursuing this Fairy Tale Life Against the Odds

F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy." It's true, you know.  Those with the capability of understanding heroism often have learned through grueling lessons of their own.  Take Hercules, for example.  He earned his God status by learning to not be selfish and truly caring about the well being of others.  Mulan discovered that the "Flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

©Disney

Challenges grow the human spirit.

Today is one of those reflective days.  I've spent a lot of time in thought.  Yesterday, our world was brutally attacked.  Today, is the anniversary of the Virginia Tech Massacre that happened steps from my front door.  I'm finding that it is so easy to get sucked into the whirlwind of "Why?" "How can we ever feel safe again?" And the worst thought yet, "I have no faith in humanity."

These questions come almost as naturally as breathing after our world gets rocked.  If tragedy can occur just by running a marathon, or going to school, then how can we go on?

I'll tell you just how we go on.

In this life, there are the knowns and the unknowns.  We don't know when tragedy may strike.  We don't know what causes some people to wreak havoc on humanity. We don't know the answers to the "Ifs, hows and whys."  Focusing on these is pointless and unnecessarily painful.

All we should do...all we can do is focus on the Known.  We know that in times like these, there are so many more people who's instinct is to help rather than hurt.  Those who fly to the scene,  offering their skills, their strength, their hearts, their homes and even their own blood.  We know there are those who love us.  We know there are those who will protect us with all their power.  In times such as these, I believe there is much more evidence in why we should have faith in humanity than the contrary.

Giving into worry of the unknowns only allows those things to steal you away sooner.  It allows them to win before the battle even starts. Adversity can be damaging if you allow it to consume you.  The good news is, you can choose to use it to learn and grow.  Nobody said it would be easy.  Tears happen.  Heartache comes.  Dwelling on the possibility is the only transgression.  So hug your family and friends.  Don't get hung up on petty disagreements.  Laugh wildly, pray, share Disney magic, be grateful, be silly, forgive easily, celebrate, trust and offer grace.

Love.

Those who rise in times of trial are the ambassadors of fairy tale endings.

©Disney

XO, Ami

When "OH GOODNESS" Just Won't Cut It!

©Disney

The most magical place on earth?  Not all the time, for all people, I'm afraid. It boggles my mind, yet I see it often in Disney Parks.  It would seem that a few get caught up in crowds and lines and misbehaving kiddos.  Sometimes everyone in the party is overly tired, poisoned by their aching feet or have an excruciating emptiness in their pocketbook.  No matter the reason, it causes some to be blind to the magic surrounding them. I have no idea if it's an innate characteristic or a learned one, but either way, it's a crying shame.  I have a theory though, I don't think these people know about Fastpasses.

Sometimes… those who are cursed with magic-blindness….

cuss.

I know, I know.  I wonder if they sell Rose-colored Glasses in that kiosk outside Epcot?  Just in case another method needs to be employed…I have divulged a plan.

Muhahaha...

Oh wait...I didn't say evil plan.  I just really, really like saying "muhahaha."

To quote the long lost Jungle Cruise Skipper, "Watch your head.  If you don't watch your head, watch your mouth.  There are children on board."

Children, as well as people who'd rather not have their escape from reality tainted.  Just saying.

So, I have compiled a nice list of expletive alternatives.  It's a public service, really.  We should all print it out and carry with us in case of looming distress.  For that matter, print two.  You can give the extra to that over-heated, sunburned guy with three rambunctious children…. who rolled into the park just after extra magic hours ended.  

For starters, pick a food, any food.

Food substitutions work well in almost any situation.  There is a good chance that if somebody is cranky, that somebody is also hungry.

"Holy Guacamole!"   Not only delicious on Tortilla chips.  Serve a heaping bowl of this in pleasant company over the alternative.

"Oh Pickles!"  Crunchy, yet satisfying! 

"Cheese and crackers!"  This is for your lower tier frustrations, I realize, but if you can get the hang of this, you are headed in the right direction!

"What the fruit?"  For when you really want to juice somebody!  Ba-dum-cha!

Take the hint from Disney Channel:

See, even Disney realizes that some emotions need proper wording.

"Oh Snap!"  Raven from That's So Raven

"Holy Christmas nuts!"  Milton from Kickin' It

"Sweet Nibblets!"  Miley from Hanna Montana

"Aw nuts!"  Amy from Good Luck, Charlie

"Zut Allure!"  Chef from The Little Mermaid

Ok…I'm bringing out the big guns now.  

The following terms are for use in emergencies only and need no further explanation.  

"Got Dandruff!"

"Son of a botulism!"

"Mother Scratcher!"

Sorry I had to go there, folks.  Desperate times call for desperate antidotes.  I know I can't make everyone see Disney the way I do, try as I may (The up-side of that is, if I could make everyone see the joy, Disney Parks would be even MORE crowded…Yay for magic-blindness???).  However, we can all do our eansy-weansy part to help clean up the noise pollution.  Chances are, if one of these phrases is substituted for …something else that could have been said…everyone may end up laughing and finding the joy after all.

Oh Snap!

XO, Ami

Expletive Alternative Cheat Sheet:

"Holy Guacamole!"  

"Oh Pickles!"  

"Cheese and crackers!"  

"What the fruit?" 

"Oh Snap!"  

"Holy Christmas nuts!"  

"Sweet Nibblets!"  

"Aw nuts!"  

"Got Dandruff!"

"Son of a botulism!"

"Mother Scratcher!"

Exhibit featuring African-American Art and Artifacts Opens at Epcot

©Disney

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. March 11, 2013 -Walt Disney World Resort recently opened “Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection,” an exhibit representing more than 400 years of African-American achievement and contribution.

The exhibit at the American Adventure pavilion at Epcot features rare art, books and documents from the private collection of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, who have amassed the collection over 30 years. Themed to hope, belief, courage, imagination and heritage, the exhibit’s rare art, books and documents pay homage to the untold stories of African-Americans who helped build and transform a nation. Their stories of determination and courage, as well as their struggles for equality and civil rights, are at the heart of this exhibit.

Community and business leaders from Central Florida helped celebrate the opening, along with musical talent from Orlando’s Jones High School Master Singers.

“The exhibit is an inspiring reminder of how diverse our nation is and how many stories there are beyond the pages of history books,” said Dr. Robert Spooney, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, who attended the event.

“Re-Discovering America: Family Treasures from the Kinsey Collection” is another example of Disney’s commitment to offering experiences that reflect diverse cultures.

“We always wanted to extend the reach of the collection to a larger, more international and diverse audience,” explained Bernard Kinsey. “So we are delighted to be collaborating with Disney to share the stories of our remarkable ancestors.”

Walt Disney Imagineers added interactive displays placed throughout the exhibit to further explore the art, artifacts and history. Guest-activated lanterns will help bring the history to life, with narration provided by celebrities, including actors Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, Jr. (“Grey’s Anatomy”) who both attended the grand opening.

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Slideshow

Just a few snippets from Epcot's 20th Anniversary Flower and Garden Festival 2013.

Enjoy!

Thanks to Deb at Focused on the Magic for hosting this Wordless Wednesday Bloghop!  Follow the link for more great photos!




Also, be sure to check out my latest giveaway! XO, Ami

It's Giveaway Time!

We are pleased to announce a wonderful giveaway!

I was visiting one of my favorite little spots in Walt Disney World-- Writers Stop!  It's a great place to peruse the latest reading material while sipping a cuppa.  Something caught my eye!  A beautiful book. I sat in there and enjoyed it from cover to cover!  It now sits proudly in my family room, a beacon for dreamers, artists and Disney lovers alike!

It just so happens, I have an extra copy!

Some of the artwork inside:

Qualifying for this giveaway is simple!  The winner will be randomly chosen by Rafflecopter on March 20, 2013.

Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beautiful Bravery

I am reposting this in honor of Brave's Oscar win last night!

I'm taking this Wordless Wednesday post and veering off course to a place where I am led.  My mind and my heart still hold onto the amazing new Pixar Movie, Brave.  For the first time, perhaps in my life, I have experienced a story directed to young girls that celebrates their innate character and not what society deems important enough for celebrations.  As a mother of growing daughters, I have always taught the importance of being true to yourself.  This, unfortunately, has seemed like such an uphill battle do to the competition with today's media and the various social interactions girls face everyday.  I have a note, written in love and punctuated with pictures, for all the confused girls out there who are receiving mixed messages.  It is about beauty, and I hope they take it to heart.

©Disney

Beauty lives in the element of surprise!

The most beautiful, is the girl who follows her heart and lives fully in her own element, shining her kind and happy light that only grows pure when she truthfully embraces her God-given place in this world.   

	This girl is brave.  Brave is beautiful.   Truth is beautiful. She wins.
	XO, Ami

Allergy Free in Disney

Just one example...©Disney Goddess

Want to go out for dinner?

Like so many food allergy sufferers, it is a tough choice.  Yes, I'd love the night off...no cooking, no cleaning up afterwards.  However, there is danger lurking in those restaurants!  So many times, I have spoken to the server at a restaurant about my allergy to gluten (wheat) only to receive food that has been breaded!  Clearly, there is a disconnect here.  It is scary to think about the hidden dangers...the ones I could miss by just looking at the food.  Sometimes it comes down to...cook at home and be safe, or eat out and risk becoming violently ill.

No place is 100% safe.  However, I feel just as at ease eating out in Walt Disney World as I do my own kitchen.  Yes, the risk is still there, but I know they take every precaution and take my health very seriously.

So what do you do if you have a food allergy and eat in Disney?  It's simple really.  You speak to the chef.  Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your concerns.  They are used to this and would much rather take a few moments to explain to you what is safe, than to have you spend your vacation sick...or even hospitalized!  Don't risk it!

Gluten free Quinoa and cream puff from Be Our Guest Restaurant

Every food establishment, from sit down restaurants to food courts, will have someone on hand to take care of you, walk you through the menu or the buffet, and assure you what is safe.  They will even custom make your meal if that is necessary.

Gluten free scallops from Flying Fish (my favorite!)

If you are making a reservation ahead of time, either by phone or online, make sure your allergy is noted on the reservation.  A chef will come to your table almost as soon as you are seated.  If you don't note it in advance or you are dining at a counter service restaurant, just let your server know up front.  No hassles!

Saved the best for last!  Gluten free cupcake from Be Our Guest

Then relax, enjoy your meal and have a magical vacation!

XO, Ami