A Butterfly's lesson

Cinderella 2015

This film was just as lovely as I anticipated. It's the original classic revamped with more personality for Cinderella, the prince and even the step mother. 

As a Disney dreamer, I felt that this movie had the spirit of Disney, and it was presented in a classy and nostalgic way. The changes in the story gave it more depth, and the world was enchanting. From the costumes to the landscapes, Cinderella had a renaissance feel with a little modern flair. 

Yes, this is a story told time and again, but it is a story that everyone can relate to. There are times in our lives where we feel like the underdog, underappreciated and treated poorly, but the fairytale of Cinderella shows us that we can rise above the ashes, and be accepted for who we truly are. 

The spirit of the story is a constant theme in novels, video games, TV shows and movies. 

The fairy tale Cinderella is very simple, and it leaves a lot of room for creative writers to answer questions that other generations didn't ask. 

What was the real reason behind the royal ball? Why was the stepmother cruel? What kept Cinderella strong through the years of her cruel stepmother's treatment? 

Disney's revamped version answered these questions, and they added their own element of verisimilitude to the film. 

Five out of five butterflies. 

Bonus: The Frozen Fever short was adorable, and any Frozen lover should see it ^_^

 

 

"A dream is a wish your heart makes."- Cinderella

Cinderella will be coming out next month, and I'm really excited for the new release. The Cinderella troupe has been around for years, and it passes from generation to generation. The story of the underdog rising to become what they are meant to be is one of the most inspirational and intuitive stories in the world. 

It's a story for the dreamers, the doers and the believers. The ability to understand that you are capable of anything will see you through any adversity in life. I learned this a few years ago, but sometimes lessons are learned again in different ways. 

It's more than just dreaming. It's acheiving. Pushing yourself to meet your goals and believing that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to will lead you to wonderful places in life. And they way you think really does matter. 

I think people can relate to Cinderella, because she is a dreamer and an achiever. She starts her story with humble beginnings and much adversity, but she believes that she is meant for more, and she acts on her dreams. This is a story that anyone can relate to, no matter how old or young they are. 

Cinderella is a wonderful reminder that anything can happen if you believe and act upon your dreams.

Check out the gorgeous and inspirational new trailer here: 

The power of Magical Moments

Never underestimate the power of bringing a smile to someone. As a former cast member, I missed bringing a smile to someone's face, but I never thought that it would happen to me after I worked for Disney. My first magical moment was dancing with Dale when I was seven, and finally meeting Minnie at the fifties themed restaurant at what was once MGM studios. My next magical moment was getting a picture with Stitch on the last day of my vacation, thinking I wouldn't see him before we left. I was able to cheer up little kids who were scared or sad during the Disney College Program, by giving them a Tinker Bell pin or a free ice cream. One couple was extremely excited to get free Mickey Bars on their honeymoon and thanked me more times than I could count. I really miss doing things like that, and every now and then, I'm able to cheer kids up with a good story or help parents with a recommendation at the book store. 

While I was visiting Disneyland with my friends, I really wanted to take a picture with Belle. Mom and I missed her last time when we went to Disneyland shortly after my dog died, and before going to an event for ShineOn magazine.  I had seen the Beauty and the Beast show, but I still wasn't able to see Belle or get her autograph. So I asked my friends if they were ok with me going back to give it one more try. They said it was fine and watched the Aladdin show at California Adventure while I ran over to Disneyland.

I was in line with the people to meet the princesses when some pin traders around my age noticed my Keyblade  necklace and we chatted for awhile. Eventually I told them I was hoping to meet Belle, since I kept missing her. They told me to tell a cast member my story: it was my last day and I had already tried twice to see her. I took their advice and asked the cast member if there was anyone I could talk to. They told me the Beauty and the Beast show was starting, and if I got in before it closed, I could see Belle and get a picture. (I wish I had known that when I saw the Beauty and the Beast show the first two times -_-)  So I went over to the theatre and the cast member guarding the entrance told me that theatre was full, and the last one for the day. I repeated my story, telling her that I literally just wanted to see Belle. She told me she'd talk to her manager. So I waited, watching the audience get excited about the show, and while I stood there a cast member came up with a glass slipper and told me "Cinderella says she's sorry."

By then the show started, so I decided to stay and at least watch the show for the last time. During the show, another cast member came up and told me the same thing, giving me another glass slipper. So there I stood with two glass slippers I didn't need while watching the show. 

Close to the end of the show, the same people I met in the princess line came up to me and asked me what the cast member said. I told them. They walked away and I finished watching the Beauty and the Beast show. After the show ended, one of the guys from the group came back and asked me, "Do you still want to see Belle?" I said yes, and he introduced me to a nice lady who told me to follow her. She had given up two seats to other people so they could watch the show, and her husband and son were already inside, so she told me I could reclaim one of those seats. She told the cast member she had seats inside and said that I was also with her. As we were standing in line, I thanked her and actually began tearing up, because I had never experienced a reverse magical moment. With the people from the princess line cheering me on, I stood in line with the nice lady and her husband and was able to take a picture with Belle. It was a very magical moment, and I was really touched by how kind and generous that offer was. After the guy took my picture, I thanked him. He shook his head and said it was nothing, and the lady and her husband told me that they try to use their powers for good. The guy told me to have a great last day and I told him to have a great vacation as well. I'm so grateful that they were willing to help me see Belle before I left!

As for the Cinderella slippers, my friend and I found some little girls dressed as Cinderella and gave them away. That was another magical moment. I found my Cinderella getting her face painted close to the Toy Story Mania ride. I asked her father if I could speak to her and showed him the slipper. He grinned, but explained that she didn't know English. I asked him if he would tell her that she dropped something and give her the slipper. He did and the girl grinned from ear to ear. That moment reminded me of when I used to work at the parks, doing my best to make someone smile.
My friend found her Cinderella after the Toy Story Mania ride. She tried to give the slipper to a girl in a Cinderella jacket, but she didn't want it. Behind my friend, another little girl in a Cinderella dress ran to catch up with her. Once she got the slipper, she was so excited. That was just a few of the magical moments my friends and I experienced at Disneyland.

Another magical moment was meeting Russell and Dug after graduating as a Wilderness Explorer. My friend really wanted to see Dug, and she is his greatest fan :) We got our badges (stickers) and she took a picture with Russell in the signature Wilderness Explorer salute.
As we left the wilderness area, she looked at the pictures on the wooden sign and saw that Dug was in the photos. We decided to ask the cast member standing at the entrance if Dug would be out and about for the day. He told us to check the fallen tree, and while we were on our way, we saw Dug, and my friend was so excited. He was very interested in squirrels and had an itch that only my friend could scratch as they posed for a picture. It was fun to do the puppy pose, and the wilderness explorer pose as Dug gave us hugs and kisses. That moment really made my friend's day.
We were also able to (miraculously) get reservations to Blue Bayou and had a very nice table by the water, where we waved at the Pirate boats going by. One guy yelled at us to toss him a roll. We all had Mint Julep's and enjoyed the restaurant's tranquil atmosphere. It was a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.

Our trip to Disneyland ended with a nice view of the World of Color, which we all agreed was phenomenal and well worth the wait.
All these moments are powerful memories that capture the power of a magical moment. When things work out by chance, when someone is kind to you unexpectedly, and when something happens that brings a smile to your face. Magical moments are precious, sometimes rare, and should never be taken for granted.
What magical moments have you experienced?

OUAT Challenge Day 25 - Who is your least favorite fairytale character and why?

Cinderella/Ashley

I have never liked the fairy tale much, but in regards to the show, Cinderella never does anything for herself and complains all the time. The only scenes that Cinderella has been in, she's unhappy and complaining about something. First she wants her baby, which Emma does something about. Then she wants a break from the baby, which Ruby does something about. But even then she's not satisfied and she's complaining about never seeing her boyfriend enough, which Sean does something about. She lets life happen to her, but never does anything for herself. The only thing she did was break into Mr. Gold's shop, but even then she didn't do anything about the consequences. She makes herself a constant victim, always complaining, but never doing anything about it.

30 day challenge day 7: Formal

Prompt: Formal

It was a formal ocassion. Sharp suits and fancy dresses surrounded me as I entered the ballroom. The first step I took in this place, I would be at the mercy of the guests. I checked my hair and took a deep breath. This was my first royal ball, and I had not worn a fancy dress since my mother and father were alive.
The announcer stood in front of me, looking confused. He had just introduced a princess from the neighoring kingdom, and motioned for an escort to lead her to the long line of women, waiting to dance with the prince. A giant clock towered above the King and Queen and chimed eleven o clock. I had an hour. Even with the fancy dress, I didn't feel like I belonged. If anyone recognized me, I would be locked away for the rest of my life.
"Young lady." The announcer said as he offered his hand. "May I announce you?"
I had to think, and fast. My real name was not an option. I tried a different approach.
"That isn't necessary." I said with my best smile. "I'm not accustomed to being announced."
It wasn't a lie. If he knew who I was I would be dragged away.
"Very well then, I wouldn't want to trouble you."
An escort walked up and took my hand.
"This way please."
I was headed directly for the line! I couldn't go there. My sisters were only two people in front of me.
"Please sir. May I have some water?" I asked before we got closer.
"Water?" He asked with a laugh. "My lady, only the finest refreshments in the kingdom are offered tonight. And you want water?"
"Refreshments then, may I?" I looked around.
"Of course. The prince is not ready to dance at the moment, so there is no hurry."
I curstied and made my way to the table. A tall, well dressed gentleman was standing by the punch bowl and scowling. As I poured a glass of punch he spoke to me.
"Disgusting isn't it?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
I looked around expecting bugs or mice. My sisters always screamed at the sight of them.
"This so called royal ball." he answered. "It's all a ploy to make the prince wed."
"I didn't know that." I said.
"You should." he answered, "It was on the invitation."
"I wasn't allowed to read it." I said.
"Truthfully?" he asked.
"Truthfully." I answered.
"That is strange." The gentleman took a sip and looked around. "Then why did you come here?"
"To be free." I smiled. "Even if it's just for one night."
"You have an interesting view of freedom. I wonder if you have an intetesting name."
I panicked. I only had until midnight, I couldn't reveal who I was to anyone.
"I'm afraid not." I laughed, "My name is probably the most dull and uninteresting name in the world.
"Well then" He bowed. "I'm going to ask you a question that I've asked many ladies tonight that I previously dreaded. Would you care to dance?"

Love is Hope

"Love is hope. It fuels our dreams." - Belle (Once Upon A Time)

I've seen many quotes about love, but this one is so simple and, in my experience, so true. You strive toward a goal because you love something about it. A career you would enjoy, a dream you want to come true. It's all based on some sort of element you love about it. Love helps you get through tough situations in life. It helps you endure difficult times and gives you hope for a better future. When you love something, you go for it. If you love writing, you write. If you love singing you sing. If you love dancing, you dance. Your hobbies, goals and interests give you the hope of becoming someone better than you were before. Love gives you something to believe in, when everything around you seems hopeless or distant. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your dreams, but if you love something, you will find a way.
So as Belle says in Once Upon A Time: "Go. Find your love. Find your hope. Find your dreams."

(this picture by skye3 from: http://skye3.tumblr.com/post/18786843149/now-go)

Why do people attack the Disney Princesses?

Ok, I''m currently in a Children's Literature class and the theme in most of these classes. The theme is to bash Disney, and Disney Princesses usually. Now, to be fair, these characters are fiction, and they live in fantasy worlds. As far as I know, the Disney Princesses are characters that influence young girls by being good role models and iconic representatives of their fairy tales. I know that the media is often blamed for people making bad choices, but Disney especially seems to get the most negative attention. I rarely hear people bash Dream Works or Nickolodeon for their characters. So just for fun, I decided to go through each Princess, and explain what they represented to me.

Snow White- I know that this character in particular is considered very passive and weak. Looking back on the movie, I would agree that Snow White runs from scary trees, faints and becomes very easily scared. Now I will bring in her situation: Evil Stepmother, hardly any social interaction with people, and mostly alone. As a character with these situations, Snow White seems to be believable. She is very innocent and naive because she has hardly seen the world, and actually has a talent for adapting to her surroundings. She may not be a feminist, but Snow White has a good heart, kind personality and a knack for adapting to situations. I believe she (considering her as a simple character) is a good role model for girls.

Cinderella- I actually haven't heard this character get bashed in a while. In fact, Cinderella seems to be the favorite Disney Princess of our society. The Cinderella story is done many times, with different characters, and is still a guideline for some of today's action films. The only complaint that I have heard about Cinderella, is that she doesn't stand up for herself. Well, in a way, she does. One, she ignores many of the insults thrown at her, continues to work hard, and she has a kind nature. Also, she stands up to Lucifer, the cat, several times, making it clear that she's in charge. She also has an optimistic personailty, which is better than a pessimistic one.

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)- The only negative criticism I hear about this character is her lack of knowledge about pointy things. Well, to be honest, she probably never heard of a Spinning wheel because they were banned and the king and queen wanted to avoid Malificent's Prophecy, so of course they didn't tell her. Aurora has many qualities in her personality. She is kind, of course, curious (which can lead to knowledge) and seems comfortable with a simple life. (She isn't selfish).

Pocahontas- This is probably the most underrated character in the Disney Princess line. In fact I have a friend who told me this is her favorite movie :) Anyway, Pocahontas is one of the strongest women characters in the Disney line. She is very confident, smart and she loves to have fun. She is more social than the previous three, but she also has an intelligent side that brings the English and Native Americans together. This movie may not be exactly like the historical story, but no one can say Pocahontas is a weak character.

Ariel- The story of The Little Mermaid itself has been debated over as a good or bad story to tell children. I'll stick to Ariel for this blog. So this princess is one of the most popular for many reasons; her appearance, her voice and her personality. Ariel is an adventurous, social, persistent, creative and curious character. She is also active in the sense that she tries to understand the world in her way, rather than accept what she has been told. The complaint of her rebellion can be understandable, but her age plays a big role in her story. She is sixteen, a teenager. That can sum up a lot of her actions. Still, she has the motivation to achieve her dreams, which is another characteristic for role models.

Belle- My favorite, and one of the most liberating characters in the Disney Princess line, Belle shows a very strong personality for her generation. She stands up to Gaston for one, and the Beast for another. She is portrayed as an avid reader (smart), curious dreamer (adventurous) and a loyal daughter. She also shows a sophisticated response to Gaston's harassment. She is kind, and seems comfortable around people. Belle is also able to adapt to her surroundings and she seems confident with herself. These are very interesting characteristics and good qualities in a role model.

Jasmine- This Disney princess is ahead of her time ( in her own story). She wants to marry for love, and makes it happen. She also doesn't care about status or money. Similar to Ariel, she has a bit of a rebellious streak, but not enough that it becomes a problem. This desire becomes an action to change a palace law. She also stands up to Jafar and stands up for Aladdin twice. She is a courageous, stubborn, resourceful, and compassionate.

Mulan- Clearly Mulan is strong. She takes up her father's sword and armor, goes to war and even while everyone knows she is a woman, defeats Shan Yu. She is smart, persistent, strong, courageous, resourceful, competitive and loyal. Mulan is absolutely a good role model for girls and shows that the impossible is possible (in terms of gender roles).

Tiana- A very strong character, Tiana shows the values of working towards your dreams and valuing life. She is passionate, persistent, friendly, goal oriented, loyal, independent and responsible. These are excellent qualities for a girl to look up to. Completely the opposite of a damsel in distress, Tiana shows a successful story arc to achieving a goal. She knows that it is important to take action in order to get what you want in life.

Rapunzel- Rapunzel is the artistic soul in the Disney Princess line. She is naive in the beginning, but learns quickly. She also has a goal to motivate her, and learns to stand up for herself and perceive the world around her. She is creative, playful, charismatic, brave, talented, productive, and loyal.

So those are the princesses so far. I think these characters were created to modernize fairy tales and serve as role models for young girls. So I really don't understand why these characters get put down by college professors and used as negative examples in college discussions.