The loss of an Icon..
Anyone who has ever spent any time at Walt Disney World in the last ten years, would be surprised should they visit Disneys' Hollywood Studios today. The Sorcerers Hat, which graced Hollywood Blvd, and loomed off in the distance welcoming guests magically at the gateway to the different zones of the park, is now gone. The loss of the great big, beautiful blue hat donned with sparkling stars has now given way to the Hollywood style theater of The Great Movie Ride. TGMR is an attractive building, but it is in no way an icon. It is the building of a ride, a good, but it is still not an icon.
Things change all over. This change saddens me, because it was my favorite icon. Sure the Castle at the Magic Kingdom is beautiful, as is the Tree of Life at Disneys' Animal Kingdom. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is awesome, in all of its' futuristic glory.. but the Sorcerers Hat was greater than them all. Maybe that was the problem. Perhaps it was too great. In my opinion, it did outshine The Castle, The Tree and perhaps even Spaceship Earth.. It housed the pin trading store, was a backdrop to the Entertainment Stage during ESPN weekends, Star Wars Weekends, Super Soap Weekends and of course on New Years Eve. The stage placement there now, I believe, will be less spectacular.
As I have heard it, the Sorcerers Hat was never supposed to be there permanently, it was a loaner from Disneyland Paris; a gift to the park which showcases the magic of Film-making and animation. After all, The Sorcerers Hat was the star of Disneys' Fantasia! But it has, alas, been cast aside, not to enhance the image of a major theme park, but to perhaps make it a bit more dull. I think it is a shame.
True, change is a part of life, I for one, don't really like it. I think that change at times is over-rated. There are those that would think that I am incorrect in my thinking, but that's okay. People have different opinions. Mine surely aren't always correct. I own it. Opinions are those amazing things that can be expressed in almost any situation, i.e. "Coke is way better than Pepsi!", arguable, but in my OPINION, true. A wise individual once stated, "Opinions are like     @$$holes, everyone has one.." Once again, true. Not nice to say, but; it gets ones point across.
I am quite saddened to see the Sorcerers Hat leave Disneys' Hollywood Studios, I will miss it looming off in the distance when I enter the park. I hope that Disney finds a place of honor for its next home.















A.C.

I have as of late been reminded of childhood memories. It could be that I have reached middle aged-ness, It could be that I am not sure where my future is heading.. In ones youth, that really isn't a concern, but as one gets older, the thoughts in ones mind turn to stability, a time when ones health and abilities may not be in the shape that one would hope that they should be in.
In my youth, I grew up in California. In the San Fernando Valley. It was a safe place to grow up and live in. I received a great education, had good friends and had a supportive family. I still have great friends and a supportive family.
I did most of the things that a boy would do growing up in such a place. Went to the movies and malls on the weekends. Rode my bicycle in packs with friends to late in the night(on weekends and non-school nights of course!), walked to McDonalds' on Saturday afternoons. The usual stuff. I was fortunate to have a great set of parents who made sure that we had clean clothes, food and all the extras that one should grow up with. We took family vacations a few times a year, I went to Disneyland quite a bit, as well as the other theme parks in Southern California, like Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, etc.
On the weekends, we would occasionally take our boat or camper out and enjoy the outdoors, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, The Sequoias and camping on the beach were some activities we enjoyed as a family. I made great memories that I still enjoy today. I am glad that I have those memories to fall back on when things get jumbled and too intense in my now deteriorating mind. I don't think I have thanked my mom enough for all the great times. I wish I'd have told my father how much I appreciated everything he did for us when he was alive. Regrets. Regrets; something that I guess we all carry with us. I don't think that anyone has the foresight to know when the right time to tell ones loved ones all the things that they have bottled up in their heads.
In some situations, you do. Like when you're watching your father slowly pass away in a Terminal Ward in some hospital, dying of cancer when you weren't even aware that he had the disease. The things that your parents hide from you to protect you; no matter what your age may be.
I find that it is during these times, your positive memories are most helpful. My dad, used to take me fishing, boating, camping, amongst other things. There are times that I miss him terribly. I often wonder what he'd think of my life choices. I don't think he'd like them.
I was able to see J.K. Simmons OSCAR acceptance speech; he made a great comment: "If your parents are alive, don't text them; call them. Call them everyday!" He is right. I am fortunate to see my mom everyday, for I still have her. I am so blessed to still have her in my life. There are times, to my failure, I sometimes am irked with her way of thinking.. but that is not her fault. It's mine; mine for not being more understanding. I frequently ask the Lord to help me; to give me patience and understanding. He usually does...
Hug your parents and loved ones everyday. If you can, kiss them good night and tell them how much you love them... everyday and everynight! If you are fortunate to still have loved ones in your life; you are indeed blessed; Thank the Lord and be appreciative. Everyday.