This train

Disney probably was the most influential part of my life, before I was a teenager. My parents, of course, were my teachers. I went to a Catholic Elementary school and had an excellent education. But, Disney is what made learning and life fun. It also was all around me. There was the Mickey Mouse Club that was on at 3pm after school. But, best of all was the Wonderful World of Disney. And, we had Walt Disney, himself, who would introduce each movie or cartoon every Sunday night. It was as if we could be taught how to imagine. I believe he called those who worked for him, imagineers. He also had a huge audience, with all the baby boomers during the 60's. It is also here where it was like a giant commercial for his magnificent undertakings of Disneyland and Disney World. When, you really think about it, he took dreams to a whole new level. He imagined it and made it happen. This, if you could imagine, was very risky. And, some might have thought him to be crazy. But, most people love it, and it has it's ups and downs. Again, it is another place on earth that has been effected by a pandamic. And, they seem to be able to manage the reality of having to close down and now, limit the amount of visitors to the parks and hotels. I went in August and had one of my best visits, because it was the least crowded of all my times there. Can you remember a storybook that was read to you? You know, that you really were influenced by? I can, because it was a record. And, when I was full of doubt, I would play this record: It was "The Little Engine that Could". My life right now is challenging and I find doubt creeping into my mind a lot. But, for the last ten years, I have been meditating and it helps my focus. And, plus it is very encouraging to hear the kind and thoughtful words read to me. I am faced, right now, with finding a place to live and feeling settled. Most, of the time when I am writing this blog I am looking for photos, that I would normally have in my house with me. My apartment is furnished and I didn't take too much with me. So, instead of getting frustrated, I am doing my best. I have found a new author, who also has a blog and new meditations to do during my moments of frustration. But, as I went to bring some things to my apartment to sort through. I found a pile of 45's and albums. And, included were the Disney records I had made scrapbooks from. And, it reminded me of how I played those records when I was a kid. Listening to story telling is sort of like a meditation. I can't wait to hear "The Little Engine that Could". And, along with this I am going to appreciate the time I was born. We were the first generation who grew up with storytelling though records, radio, TV, movies, cassettes, CD's and now the computer. How lucky are we? Or are we growing to the point, where we are dependent on it? Does it become a bad influence? I think as long as you don't become dependent on anything it is a good thing. We are a nation built on independence and it all depends on our own choices what is good or not. Quote of the day: “That’s what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again.” Walt Disney Song of the Day: Land of Hopes and Dreams by Bruce Springsteen