That Campfire: A Lucaya Fanmix

"There was this campfire you see . . ." 

Fire and Stars inspired by Maya and Lucas from Girl Meets World

Listen on Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/user/sarahbelle6246/playlist/4MMWY44hYwry6wV31Kq0bD

Are Feelings Stronger Than Science?: A Riarkle Fanmix

It was only a matter of time :) 

Science and Romance inspired by Farkle and Riley from Girl Meets World

listen on Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/user/sarahbelle6246/playlist/4BqrWfSsT92UDYP0tMbb1Q

For the Dreamer

You do wander

Through fairytale dreams.

You've gone through pain.

Your heart's ripped at the seams.

Like a river you travel

Through mud, trees and rock,

Constantly checking

The ever ticking clock.

The rushing.

The waiting.

There is no in between.   

Has life lost its wonder?

Its color?

Its sheen? 

It can't be

That bad.

Not after all

The effort and work.

The tumble and fall.

Where are you now?

Are you still there? 

Lost in the woods,

Without a care? 

Must you keep waiting

For life to begin? 

Must you keep fighting

Until you win?

Who are you really? 

A willow? 

A flower? 

Do you still have 

That special power?

To rise from the mud,

The dirt and the grime.

To find your true nature?

The reason?

The rhyme?

Are you too selfish? 

Or not selfish enough?

Will you continue forward

When the roads get too rough? 

Have I lost you? 

Or tossed you aside? 

Is there somewhere you've found?

A safe place to hide? 

Inspiration, it seems

Was your true goal.

It was part of your charm.

Your aura.

Your soul. 

Beautiful dreamer

Will you heed the call?

To find your true purpose

And tear down that wall? 

What do you see

From where you stand?

Am I the person

For whom you demand? 

Did I follow the steps

You scribbled on paper? 

In another time

Where life seemed much safer. 

Where choices were simple,

And happiness, easy.

No dream was silly,

Stupid or cheesy. 

If you can hear me

From the grey to the light,

In the starry sky

That shines so bright

I'm sorry I forgot you

And pushed you away.

I'm determined to find you

And ask you to stay.

Hand in hand we'll run

Through flowers and rain.

We'll laugh, cry

Let go of the pain. 

From there we'll talk

Through anger and guilt

And create a blueprint 

For the life we have built. 

Stars

"To the people who looked at the stars and wished." - Feyre

 "To the stars who listened and the dreams that are answered." -Rhysand

This beautiful quote is from the book A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Mass. 

The universe works in mysterious ways, and sometimes you don't understand what it's trying to say. There are times when it's difficult to listen. 

Cory Matthews from Girl Meets World has another great quote about the universe: 

"The universe is the most confusing place you'll ever live. But if you listen carefully, you'll find out that it's paying attention and that it cares about you." 

I think my pride and my anger prevented me from listening, but now my heart is open to new possibilities. I'm on a path that I can't control, but I can learn from experiences and keep moving forward. 

This is my heartsong for the moment. As I go through a time of transition, I will listen. 

Girl Meets World

This show is amazing, and this video captures the heart, imagination and the spirit of it.

Final Fantasy Medley featuring Lindsey Stirling!

Because this beautiful medley needs to be on my blog. Lindsey Stirling and Final Fantasy!

What if?

This year, I am a Municipal Liasson for NANOWRIMO. With this title comes much responsibility. My job is to inspire and encourage people to write, so most of my posts might focus on writing and inspiration this week and next month. 

"What if?" is a great question to ask before starting a story. It ties you to the theme, and maybe even the character growth in your story. 

The most recent story I finished writing- in rough draft form- answered a "what if?" 

This question is not only important in writing, but in art, designing, builiding, problem solving and even decision making. Sometimes the "what if?" is a risk. Other times it's a wish. 

Wherever the "what if" takes you is half of the fun in writing a story. The other half is finding the answer. 

There are quite a few stories I love with "what if?" questions. 

What if adventure was just outside your doorstep?

What if Cinderella was cursed to obey her every demand? 

What if you had what you were looking for all along? 

What if every book was actually a recording of real events in another world? 

What if . . .?  

Success: A Reflection

Last week, I met someone who graduated from College fairly recently. He asked me my dream, so I told him, and when I asked him the same, his answer was very simple. Successful.

We shared a laugh, because I believe that is what we all wish and dream. To be successful. But what does that mean? What is success? Is there a definition for people, in certain ages and stages of their life? 

I used to believe that, so I set standards for myself, and I told myself I wasn't sucessful until I achieved them. I was convinced that I had to pass the levels of life, like a video game. I had to level up for that boss fight and earn the reward, the gold medal. 

But then, I realized that time had passed, and I was still a beginner in the areas of life that I had expected to achieve by this age, and by this time. I began to tell myself that I had failed, and that I was a failure as a result. 

I looked at my choices, my reactions and repeated those negative thoughts day after day. This was very unhealthy, and as a result, I became very depressed, worried and just a mess. 

Well, life happened, and I found myself standing by my uncle's hospital bed. I felt so sad and angry at his situation. I wanted him to get better. But all I could do was ask what he wanted, if he needed anything, and what he would like to talk about. All I could do was be there for him, and hopefully it helped.  

What broke my heart was when he asked me what was going on in my life, something positive. I had nothing to say, but he brought up South Korea, and he asked me if I'll go back. I told him yes, probably and then I was able to talk about some of my adventures and experiences, but inside I was ashamed. I felt like had not achieved that desired goal, that level. I wasn't successful. 

It was after he died, talking with his friends and family that I discovered my uncle was very proud of me. 

"You're the one he wouldn't stop talking about!" one of my uncle's friends told me, "He was so proud of you!".
I began to cry, right then and there, and that's when I realized, no one else thought I had failed. Only I did, and it meant the world to me that my uncle was proud of me. 

I learned something very important: Success is not a report card.

Only we can decide what means the most to us and what matters in our lives. And to be considered successful is a great honor, but it matters more to feel successful 

I was being ridiculously hard on myself, and I had built a pedestal that limited my appreciation of the world around me, and the people around me. 

I wasn't focused on what I had accomplished. I was too focused on what I hadn't done yet. That way of thinking got in the way of my productivity. 

My family and friends are amazing! They helped me get through this stage, and I am grateful for everything they have done and still do for me. 

It really is important to be grateful, and to remember what you have accomplished. 

It's okay to dream, wish and want, but it's not okay to set a limit for yourself. Life is unpredictable. Things happen in their own time. That may be before or after you expect them to. The best thing to do is recognize when you've accomplished something that you have cared about, and to appreciate the journey along the path toward your goal. 

So what is success? Success is whatever you want it to be. No one has the same idea of being successful, and who are we to judge what kind of life a person lives? As long as you are happy, content and appreciate the world around you that's plenty to be proud of. 

So, what's my plan now? I have some idea, but it requires patience, work and time. It includes Disney, a company I love and miss working for.  I no longer tell myself that I haven't leveled up. Instead I look for what the day will bring, and I do what I can, while encouraging myself to keep going.

This reflection on success was inspired by a Ted Talk from Madu Nataraj Kiran: 

Goal Setting

Setting a goal is not always easy, but this video really breaks down the three core elements of a worthwhile goal. Vishen Lakhiani uses a three part exercise to discover the motivation and meaning in what you believe you can do. He also explains that there are different types of goals, means goals and end goals. We often confuse the two.
Goals are usually broken down logically, but Lakhiani explains that the meaning behind a goal is just as important. If you're going after something, chances are that you care about it, and once you find what experiences, lessons and contributions you can make, you can do anything you set your mind to.
I found this video really helpful in creating a worthwhile goal.

The Makings of Greatness

I watched Treasure Planet today. It's been a while since I saw that movie, but I did remember that Silver tells Jim to never give up. 

He tells him, "You've got the makings of greatness in you, but you've got to take the helm and chart your own course. Stick to it no matter the squalls, and when the time comes you get the chance to really test the cut of your sails and show what you're made of . . . well, I hope I'm there catching some of the light coming off you that day." 

He tells Jim this, after Jim gives up his dream and tells himself that he can't do anything right. 

We all reach these moments in our lives, but it's important to stick to our goals no matter what. 

I know it's hard. No one said it would be easy. I know it's tough and the path is not a clear road that you can see, but if you chart your own course and stay true to your goal, anything is possible. 

Cheesy, I know, but I live off these beliefs. I live off these dreams. And I believe that it is possible. 

This is what makes Disney so special to me, and it's always there to help me push on, even after a rough day. 

I will get there. I'll never give up. My course may not be straight forward, but it's there. And as long as I call the shots, I'll find a way to make my dream come true. 

Disney is the destination, but getting there is the meaning of the journey. 

Don't give up on your dream. You never know what light will shine off you, and how much of a difference you can make in this world. 

A Butterfly's lesson

The Element of Wonder

"Wonder is the elemental wisdom of a child, a wisdom that is wide open to awe." - T.A. Barron

"The best stories infuse wonder." - Andrew Stanton

Wonder is one of my favorite elements of a story. But it's not always easy to write. 

To be surrounded by the world, and to capture a brief moment in time is to be in wonder. It is an incredible and  magical part of a story. 

When the audience is in awe, they are with the characters in that moment, seeing the world through their eyes. They are no longer a passive observer, but a participant in the story itself. 

To create wonder, I think of things that leave me in awe in the real world: 

Bubbles: real for a moment, and gone in a moment

Rain in the sunshine: Streaks of light falling from the sky

Butterflies: living from moment to moment

Sunsets: vibrant colors that paint the sky

The ocean: each wave different, but still flowing

Waterfalls: Towering pillars of water reaching for the ground

The Night Sky: filled with stars and revealing just how small we are

Autumn Leaves: red and gold shades of once green plants

Fireworks: Bursts of light in the sky

Flying: skimming the clouds in a manmade craft

The Coral Reef: Beautiful fish in bright colors

There are so many things in life that create wonder. 

Here are my favorite movie, TV show and videogame scenes with wonder:

When Belle sees the library in Beauty and the Beast 

The magic carpet ride in Aladdin

Luigi's flight in Pokemon

The Rainbow bridge in Thor

Seeing Rivendell for the first time in Lord of the Rings

When Bilbo confront Smaug in The Hobbit

When Harry sees Diagon Alley in Harry Potter

When the Croods see the stars for the first time

When the Gargoyles come to life in Gargoyles

Yuna's dance in Kilika from FFX

When Lightning sees the Ceiling of Sky on Pulse in FFXIII

WaLLE and EVE dance in space

Remy sees the Paris skyline

Aang visits the Spirit World in Avatar the Last Airbender

The Land of Music in Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance

When Jane sees the Gorilla nest in Tarzan

The Coral Reef scene in Finding Nemo

The ballroom scene in Ever After

 The World beyond dreams in Inception

When Jake enters the Navi body in Avatar

Haku's flight in Sprited away

Sailor Moon's transfomation into Super Sailor Moon

Chibiusa's flight with Helios

The lantern scene in Tangled

The marriage vows between Rumple and Belle in Once Upon A Time

When Kairi saves Sora in Kingdom Hearts

When Ventus, Terra and Aqua watch the meteor shower in Birth by Sleep

Nuturing Creativity: A TED Talk

This is an interesting look at creativity and what drives it. This perspective is actually very useful when it comes to dealing with criticism and during the long painful process of editing your work.

Destiny

Heartsong for the day: Destiny by Play

An Inspirational Presentation

I know that everyone is excited about the Final Fantasy VII remake and Kingdom Hearts 3. Believe me, I am too ^_^ 

But the introduction to Unravel caught my attention. It is very heartfelt and inspirational. It's a small studio, debuting their work in the form of a creative and clever video game. 

It's an honest presentation, and you can tell that Martin Sahlin is so excited to share his work with the world. 

He's nervous, because who wouldn't be? But, he's also excited to be there, presenting his ideas. 

It's a beautiful reminder to never give up on your dreams. 

Magical and mystical

I have heard much about the Outlander series, especially from the Tattered Cover Bookstore. Mom and I decided to start the TV series, and I was impressed.
This scene in particular, the Druid Dance is so beautiful.
The story itself is very interesting, and although the show is a bit gory (some 17th century medical and torture scenes) it's an amazing adventure and enticing historical drama.
The story starts in the 1940s, in Scotland, where Claire and her husband Frank are on their second honeymoon, celebrating the end of World War II. But ties to the mystical and historical soon unfurl, and Claire is sent on an adventure she could never have imagined, leading her to make difficult and life-changing decisions.
Thrown into Scotland in 1743, and taken in by the MacKenzie clan, Claire must decide how to survive the historic events that tie to her husband's ancestor, and a man named Jamie Fraser.

Imagination

 It is a song to the soul.

Magic in the real 

And at times confusing world.

Great heroes and heroines go on

 Incredible journeys that reflect the

Noble spirit craving for

Adventure

Thoughts that humanity enjoys through

 Inspiration of fantasy

On the winding path,

Neverending. 

Tomorrowland: This one's for the dreamers

I saw this film as a going away gift from my friends in South Korea. 

It was the perfect story to encounter before I start a new chapter. 

Tomorrowland is one of my favorite areas of Disneyland. Space Mountain is my favorite ride, and the entire premise of the "great big beautiful tomorrow" is very inspirational. 

The main characters are well rounded and easy to relate to. The action was a bit too much at times ( a lot of trippy camera effects) but it was an exciting ride. The Walt Disney World and Star Wars cameos, along with other SciFi flicks were an added bonus to the nostalgic and futuristic atmosphere of Tommorowland itself.  

It would be difficult to describe the story of this film without giving spoilers, so instead, I will share my favorite quote (and an old Cherokee saying). 

"There are two wolves who are always fighting. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. Which wolf wins? The one you feed." 

This quote, this message, is the core of the film Tomorrowland. And it is beautiful. The power of positive thinking can do amazing things. Positivity creates confidence, and confidence creates motivation. 

This is the life of an artist, engineer, writer and just about anyone who has dreams. 

I would say that this is the most inspirational Disney film that I've seen in a long time. And it's perfect for the new generations, going out into the world, whether from High School or College. 

With that said, Tomorrowland goes deep into a dark theme than you would expect in a Disney film, but there is a reason for it, and once the story comes together by the end of the film, it all makes sense. 

The film Tomorrowland asks a question of its audience, and it is up to us to provide the answer. There are so many ways to contribute and create an amazing future, as long as we believe that it is possible.

 This going to sound cheesy but: if you have given up on anything, watch this movie. If you've encountered failure recently, watch this movie. It is a creative and bold kick in the pants. I ate it up like a chocolate eclaire. 

5 out of 5 pin invitations. 

Happy 60th Anniversary Disneyland!

"To all that come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America... with hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world." - Walt Disney 

Disneyland will always hold a special place in my heart. 

My first job was working for Walt Disney World, and I can honestly say that that experience changed my life! Disney movies and characters have always inspired me. The overall themes of bravery, hope, love and courage have inspired me through writing, and in moments of every day life. 

I worked for Disneyland, and I miss it. The creative and happy environment, the imagination and diversity of the parks, and the incredible people who made it all happen helped me find my purpose. At Disneyland, I felt at home, and I loved making magical moments on a daily basis. 

I gave free ice-cream to newly weds. I handed out disney pins to princesses and pirates. I helped a little girl see Cinderella, during one of the few last weeks of her life. These are memories that I will treasure. 

I enjoyed working there, and I will carry on Walt's legacy once again, in the form of writing. 

Walt Disney is one of my role models, and his story from a dreamer to a sucessful artist is a powerful one.  

My dream is to be a story writer, inspiring others to face their fears, conquer their challenges, and to enjoy every page of their story. But I didn't gain the courage, or the motivation to do so until I worked for Disney, and I discovered all that I was capable of. 

Disneyland truly is a magical place, and I believe that my purpose is to spread that hope and joy to others. 

Thank you Walt Disney, for going after your dreams, and creating the happiest place on Earth. 

Creativity

I think this is my favorite TED Talk.