The Greatest Gift

With Christmas approaching I thought I would share a memory I have that has meant the most to me for the last 19 years. People tend to think stuffed animals are a waste of money, and that children tend to get rid of them after they’ve had their fill. I can’t tell you how wrong that is! For me, stuffed animals are important and I still own many, but there’s many reasons why and that’s a story for another day. Today, I’d like to share the greatest gift I’ve ever received that has been in my house for years.

One night while eating our kids meals from McDonalds we sat at our little wicker table watching Mulan for the first time since seeing it in theaters. I was drawn to the bright colors, elegant artwork and most importantly the character Mushu. His spunky personality and comical relief brought joy to me while also making the movie much more fun to watch. I remember after watching the movie that I ran to the kitchen window and looked at the single star in the sky and wished for a Mushu of my very own. Remember this as I progress in this cute story.

At the age of 5 I was a firework of imagination; always playing and spending time with my family was big for me. My older sister and I did just about everything together- we had most of the same friends, we played with our dolls and ran around in the backyard screaming our heads off when we saw a bee. Days after watching the movie, my sister was invited to a sleepover the upcoming weekend- for the first time I wasn’t invited with her. Worried that I was going to be upset, my mom called my grandfather and asked him to take me to the Disney store (aka my happy place).

My grandpa was an amazing person, I grew up practically at his and my grandma’s house as everyone was super close. My grandma and my grandpa moved Heaven and Earth for us, just because they loved us and wanted to see us happy.

That weekend he came by to pick me up and drove me to the Disney store, letting me adventure through the store and marvel at all of its wonder. At the back of the store there was a large screen that took up most of the wall, playing Disney shorts and cartoons on an endless loop. Under the screen was a stacked mountain of plush toys that to a child, could almost reach the sky. In that pile at it’s center… was a Mushu plush toy. My grandpa bought it for me and I cuddled it on the way home.

Here I am almost 25 years old and the Mushu plush sits on my armoire among my other Disney plush toys. Compared to my newer ones he is raggedy and showing his true age with thinning whiskers and stains. My mom tells me that when I got the plush my grandpa was shocked that a plush toy was $20 and that it was a lot of money, but that seeing how happy it made me had made the trip worth it. If only he could see how much that one gesture meant to me. Nineteen years and this plush has seen play dates, tears, joy and helps me grieve when I miss the warmth of my grandpa. So many years and it was also the inspiration that drove me to draw the characters I love so much. I guess you never know the true meaning of a gift until later down the road, and how much one small act of kindness could create a ripple that creates memories and moments that last forever.

Disney Pin Trading

Pin Trading is one of the big highlights you get to enjoy when at any of the Disney locations. When visiting the parks, you can trade with any cast member who is sporting a lanyard (they can never say no!) or a cork board filled with them. The trick is to trade what you like if they have it- you don’t need to trade by value (meaning $9.99 pin for $9.99 pin) and you don’t have to trade pins you like.

Some of my pins!

Pin trading is a family friendly activity that anyone can do at any age! It’s a great way to meet people and socialize, as not only can you trade with cast members but other guests as well. While it can get a little expensive, there are thousands of different varieties and options, so you can collect them all or be as specific as you want!

Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Pins come color coded which mark the prices. Currently they run for $9.99 (green and silver), $12.99 (blue and yellow), $14.99 (pink). Specialty pins, booster packs, mystery pins and limited edition pins may have different pricing which is something to remember!
If you are just starting, it is easier to buy the starter packs which includes a lanyard and four pins. These typically run for $29.99 and have different styles to choose from, so if you like anything from Star Wars to Disney princesses then it’s a great place to begin.
There are great places to trade: Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, Pin Central at Epcot, Fantasy Faire at Magic Kingdom and Big Top Souvenirs are some of the best. They always have pretty good selections and sometimes have limited release ones from parties from time to time so it’s great to keep checking back!
If you don’t feel like showing off your pins on a lanyard, you can use wall space (when not trading), vests, backpacks or even the official Pin Trading book!

Pin Types:

Basic- These are the ones seen throughout each pin store. They are the most common and available for purchase, until they retire.
Limited Edition- Pins that are released for a certain amount of time, usually made for a series.

Limited Release- Pins made in a certain quantity that are available for purchase; get them before they are gone!

Mystery- Usually bagged or in a small box, you never know which one you’ll get!

Event/Commemoration- Rare pins handed out during events like Mickey’s Merry Christmas Celebration, Disney Movie Club VIPs get Commemorative pins or for Annual Passholders who get the the Annual Passholder pins!

Hidden Mickey- Cast member released pins with a small hidden Mickey somewhere on it- these are extremely popular.

Pin trading is tons of fun and can be a great hobby, but there are some things to remember when you begin.

Do:

Be polite. If a cast member or guest is busy or a fellow guest isn’t keep on trading a specific pin, don’t be pushy!
Buy cheaper pins to trade. There is no price system or color system to trade pins with cast members so buying a starter pack or a green color priced pin to trade is a great and more affordable way to start.
Explore! Don’t be afraid to ask around and check for pins in all sorts of places; some places people don’t think to go to for trading and may contain nicer pins.
Figure out where the Trading Posts Stores are. Wherever the stores are that are exclusively for pins, there are bound to be tons of guests and cast members looking to happily trade!
Try to go to events! Events sometimes have rare and exciting pins that are only available for attendees.
If you can buy it and you like it, get it! Some pins are limited edition or limited release and are a little more pricey. These aren’t going to be around too long and can go up in value, so if you like it, get it!

Dont:

Buy from Ebay or Auction sites. This is the biggest no-no in pin trading. Counterfits are most likely and often sold in most online stores, and if some cast members don’t recognize it, they leak into the Disney parks traded around. Other cast members who do recognize them, end up rejecting your trades.
Argue. If someone, be it cast member or guest refuses a trade then don’t argue, be courteous and move on!
Overspend to trade. This goes hand and hand with the “buy cheaper pins to trade”. You don’t need to buy the $12.99 or $14.99 in order to get a hand in the trading world.
Trade a basic pin for special editions. Certain pins are worth a lot now, and if someone is trading one, ask them what they’d like. Offering them a common pin is a little lackluster, and a little etiquette goes a long way!

All in all, pin trading is a great and fun hobby to participate in and is a great way to show off your love for certain characters and movies. I hope you have a lot of fun, and feel free to comment your favorite pins!

Spot

What Fun It Is!

Cold and Flu season is the hardest time of year for me. Even before my official diagnosis I got sick frequently-just this past year I had gotten the flu at two separate times. This year I have gotten three colds in the months of September and October that were exhausting enough to prevent me from going to work as it caused a flare of my IBD. To try to prevent getting sick (as people go out even when they are sick) my doctor had highly recommended to wear a face mask in public and wash my hands and belongings more frequently.

I went out Christmas shopping on Saturday and found some nice ornaments for my Disney tree this year (blog coming soon on the Ornament haul!). While I was out shopping at my local Walmart, I was looked at by other shoppers. I get it, it’s different and trying to avoid looking at it is easier said then done- trust me I used to have trouble myself. It wasn’t until I passed by some Comcast employees trying to sell internet that I felt what others with similar problems deal with daily.

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I passed by the employees and was looking at the DVD bin next to them. An older man in an electric wheelchair pulls up besides the employees and “whispers” (I put it in quotes because it was really loud) while pointing at me, “Why is she wearing a face mask in the public? Can you make her take it off?”. The employees whispered a reply but I couldn’t hear what they said.

I looked up at them and gave them a look of anger with my eyebrows and just walked away. I could have made a scene, I wish I did- but I didn’t. The hurt and embarrassment was pretty heavy and I learned quickly why people with disabilities and diseases have trouble engaging with the public. I understand you could be afraid of becoming ill, but not everyone with a protective face mask in public is sick.

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While this happens Saturday, something similar happens on Sunday at my Churches charity dinner for volunteer work. The woman I ran into was a lot nicer- we were talking in line waiting for our dinner and since I knew her somewhat, explained my food was taking a little longer because I can’t eat many things. She smiled and said she figured that was what the mask was for but didn’t want to be rude and pry. Following that, she explained she has a daughter with an IBD as well who has to do the same thing. It just goes to show you the differences you face and how just basic awareness can prevent issues like this weekend from occurring.

Was I overreacting? I probably am taking it too much to heart but since this is new to me still, and I’m a bit sensitive about it. A little common courtesy goes a long way!

Let’s Craft: Hundred Acre Wood Sign

Hey Disney Fans!

Decorating a house is very important don’t you agree? I’ve recently moved into a new condo and it sports a Disney theme. My living room is doubling as a playroom for my nephew and is themed Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood so it’s bright and comforting. Since I am also a crafter, I thought I’d make a cute DIY Hundred Acre Wood sign like the ones seen in the beloved show. It’s cheap, easy to make and adds some imagination to any room!

What you’ll need:

Acrylic paint- Light Brown

Acrylic Paint- Dark Brown

Acrylic Paint- Black

Pickett wood sign

Paint Brushes (1 large, 1 fine point)

Jar or cup of water

Old towel

Sanding paper

Sealant

Saw (optional)

I purchased a pre-built sign from Hobby Lobby. I picked this one because its small yet impactful for a room while being a cheaper option. I have provided the link here: https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Painting-Surfaces/Wood/Wood-Picket-Sign/p/80772673

Step 1: Lightly sand down your sign. This makes it easier for the paint to hold onto the sign.

*If you don’t wish to keep the pick end of the sign, saw it off with a hand saw and sand it to remove the rough edges from the cut. (Ignore the fact I decided to saw mine off afterwards!)

Step 2: Paint the first coat of light brown acrylic paint using a large paint brush. The brand of paint I use is FolkArt Acrylic and the color I chose was Light Brown. Allow paint to dry for a half an hour and then paint the opposite side, and allow the whole sign to dry for an hour.

Step 3: Apply second coat to the front and allow 30 minutes to dry before painting the back (optional if the back is being nailed up). Allow a full dry for 1 hour.

Color is a tad lighter due to flash, my fault!

Step 4: Time to paint the words on! Using black acrylic paint on the first post, paint “Hundred”. On the second post, paint “Acre Wood”. The last three posts are yours to choose! I painted “Pooh’s House”, “Tigger’s House” and “Eeyore’s House” on mine because they are my favorite characters. If you are worried about legible handwriting with paint- don’t worry! In the show they have misspells, upside down letters and aren’t too legible. Do your best and have fun with it!

Step 5: If you desire to add some demention and realistic texture, use some darker brown (I used FolkArt True Brown) to create some ridges and splitting of wood to give a more natural or aged look! Allow to dry 1 hour, though I prefer drying overnight.

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Step 6: Once everything is dry, it is time to seal the paiont for future protection. While Mod Podge sealant is frequently used , I prefer Acrylic Sealant that is carried by Hobby Lobby. It does have a fairly strong smell, so make sure to open a window when painting with it- but otherwise it dries fast and clear!

Here is the finished product!

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Time taken: 4 hours

The Incredible Sequel

It has been fourteen years since the groundbreaking superhero movie The Incredibles came out. Fans of the movie (like myself) had longed for a sequel but were fearful at the same time- after all, Disney sequels are a thing of Russian Roulette. Sometimes it’s a hit with a broad audience and sometimes….we never want to talk about it. How does The Incredibles 2 stand compared to its predecessor?

**Spoilers ahead**

The Incredibles 2 takes place immediately after the ending of the first ending when the Underminer attacks the city. After leaving the city in ruins and has the relocation division for superheroes shut down by the Government. When DevTech siblings Winston and Evelyn take on Elastigirl to try to return Supers to be once again loved by the public, Bob aka Mr. Incredible takes up the role of being the stay at home parent to Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack. In the midst of all of this happening, a mysterious villain called the Screenslaver arrives, calling for Elastigirl to jump into action.

This movie is breathtaking, almost literally. The animation has greatly improved since the original (which was still amazing so this says something), and the comedy is woven so seamlessly that it’s unexpected but welcomed.

While each character stood out in their own right, it needs to be said that Jack-Jack stole every single scene he was in. Unlike the first movie, he actually plays a decent part in the movie as he tests out each of his numerous powers. Pair him up with Edna and it made the best scene in the movie next to the raccoon fight scene. Violet seems to have a slight mental breakdown which seems out of character and definitely doesn’t help Bob during his struggles to hold down the fort, but I guess it’s understandable, especially when you have nose water shooting out like a hose when you go to a restaurant your date turned mind wiped class mate works. Fun right?

The voice actors for each character gave so much depth and emotion, specifically Elastigirl. Holly Hunter reprises her role and definitely does an outstanding job in delivering a vulnerable strength to Elastigirl as she returns to the superhero scene. Bobs voice actor does just as well displaying the overall fatigue of being an at home parent who is struggling to find his mojo while helping his children. It’s amazing how raw and real it is!

With the soundtrack, I don’t need to say much more than it’s all catchy and all downloaded on my Spotify list. It has a jazz and spy blend that makes you enjoy listening to it, especially when the trumpets and horns blair during the “Train of Taut” . I strongly urge you to listen to the soundtrack, you won’t be disappointed.

Despite this movies phenomenal voice acting, animation and soundtrack, this movie isn’t without flaws. It by no means is the masterpiece that was the first Incredibles movie, but still manages to stand on its own; however there are two big issues (not including the epilepsy issues it posed) that kind of took away from the movies full potential: the villain being the smaller scale issue and the mix mash of themes being the ever so larger.

Screenslaver was an amazing villain design, very dark and menacing and caused some serious terror with a decent view on how perception changes reality. Cool, awesome I like that. What I don’t like is how almost right away we can guess who the Screenslaver really is…and she is a bit underwhelming compared to Buddy from the first film. Granted this is only a small flaw in the film as the philosophy on the effects of technology and perception is actually pretty good, however this leads to the larger issue.

You don’t talk, you watch talk shows.

The biggest flaw this film has is jumping around on themes and not really sticking to a particular one. It has several themes like perception vs reality, public relations, social injustice of a single group, overuse of technology in daily lives as well as learning about the struggles of being an at home parent, the film juggles each theme so much that they get lost in translation and are never fully resolved. A great example is seeing Bob finally realize that sometimes being a hero is being the best father you can be as he gains understanding on how to care for the kids. We never see anything after the final fight with Evelyn, so what- does he just stop being an at home dad and return to work? Does he decide to continue staying home? Tell us movie! Sticking to one theme, or at least tying them up instead of leaving them adrift would have made for a much more compelling film.

In the end we have a great movie; it could have been better had the creators chosen and fleshed out one theme and made a villain with the same ferocity as Syndrome. Despite the flaws and while it is nowhere near the brilliance of the first film, The Incredibles 2 was still an incredible summer movie, don’t get me wrong! I adore this movie and it was still worth the wait- I can’t wait to buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Movie Score

Lessons: 6.5/10

Story Telling: 7/10

Acting: 9/10

Animation: 9/10

Overall Score: B

Shoutout to my friend Mia for the title name and idea for the article!

The New Perspective: Big Hero 6

I have to say, I wasn’t too big into this movie when it was first released in November 2014. Being the first animated movie released with Marvel heroes, Big Hero 6 takes a refreshing take on superheroes that can rival The Incredibles. While it was a highly successful film upon release, it didn’t gel with me like other Disney films; I’m sure it was because it was different than the Disney films I was used to seeing. I had no desire to watch the movie more than once- that is until I saw the TV show Big Hero 6 on Disney Channel XD a month ago, and it prompted another look. I can honestly say I have never been more glad to have given a movie a second chance, as the second viewing and on brought new waves of emotion to me that I lacked watching it four years ago.

*Spoiler warning*

Big Hero 6 follows Hiro Hamada, a troubled 14 year old genius who desires to join his brother Tadashi in San Fransokyo Institute of Technology to further his talents. After losing his brother in an accident, Hiro bonds with Baymax the personal healthcare companion created by Tadashi. Upon finding his science project stolen after the same fire that killed his brother, Hiro learns to lean on his new friends and discover his true potential while saving the day from a villain threatening the town.

Despite Big Hero 6 being a comedy, there are some seriously heavy themes that deal with stages of grief after a tragic death, self discovery and revenge. Both Hiro and the villain have lost someone close to them, all of the stages of grief are gone over in this film and done beautifully. We see how the anger and sadness over losing a loved one twists Callaghan to the point of destroying a town and murder, as we find out he stole the microbots and saved himself leaving Tadashi to die. In this one instance we see Hiro angered to the point where he orders Baymax to kill him, but is subdued by his friends. With anger being one of the staple grief stages, it often blinds rationality. The difference between Callaghan and Hiro was their support system during their time of grief. Hiro had Aunt Cass, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go, Fred and Baymax to cope while (at least not seeing anyone in the movie) Callaghan had none. Had Hiro not had any friends to fall back to, he may have very well killed him.

So what does BH6 teach us?

I thought about this movie and how it addresses the five stages of grief: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I dealt with it myself after recently losing my uncle to liver disease, which was what originally drew me to this movie after avoiding it for four years. What this movie does brilliantly is show its viewers how each person handles grief and loss differently; not everyone follows the stages to the tee or even in the order it’s listed. Some may not even go through every stage- it is a personal experience that varies. For Hiro, we see the struggles of depression, isolation, anger and acceptance- and he goes through some of these multiple times in the movie as he loses Baymax after the final fight. Disney has delicately sewn this theme into a superhero movie made for kids, and has done so well with it that can actually benefit kids in learning about death without going too far.

Long story short, this movie had started off as a one and done watch for me as I originally wasn’t too interested in its premise. Growing up -even as an adult- your tastes change over time. I have grown to love this movie and what it brings to the table in life lessons. We all experience death at some point in life and as much as we try to prepare for it, you really can’t. You don’t know how you handle it, or how it feels until you go through it. But like Hiro, if you have a good group of friends and family to help and understand you as well as try to push forward and live your life in your loved ones memory for the better, then it is worth all the love they had given you. I recommend this movie to anyone and am so happy I took time to rewatch it.

Movie Score

Lessons: 8.5/10

Story Telling: 8/10

Acting: 9/10

Animation: 8.5/10

Overall Score: A-