Beauty and the Beast countdown day 3: favorite moment

Favorite Moment: When Beast gives Belle the library :)

Because it's so much better than "the usual things . . . flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep" ^_^

I can't wait to see the library in 3D!
as a side note: I created a Beauty and the Beast/ Disney tumblr
http://beautifulbookwormbelle.tumblr.com/

What's your favorite part of the film?

Winter's Change

Snow gently falls as a crisp breeze moves the branches of the trees. Stars wink off and on, their light a comfort in darkness. As the ground becomes softer, lighter, the night blurs. Thoughts take over; wishes and dreams. I close my eyes and listen. I listen to the falling leaves as they tumble through the air. I listen for the sound of falling snow, the answers to my questions. I listen to my steps, heavy and light on the white path, leading anywhere. A winter’s memory? Maybe. It’s a regular walk through the forest. A journey through my mind. Music all around me, thoughts that can be cruel or kind. Sometimes the walk is cold, and sometimes the walk is warm. Gentle breezes or harsh winds, a light snow or a storm. My mood doesn’t really matter. Snow will fall all the same. The changing of the seasons can be wild or can be tame.

Music Mondays 3 (August's Rhapsody)

August's Rhapsody by Marc NMancina

If you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it. In fact, the most moving part of this piece of music is the story it is tied to. This instrumental is the key that brings everything together at the end of August Rush. While Evan searches for his parents, he becomes a musical prodigy, and it is with this rhapsody that he finds the answers to his questions. The story of this piece reflects the emotions that Evan experiences during his long journey to find where he belongs. A beautiful and inspirational moment.

My first photography lesson

It was a really nice day at Denver's Botanic Gardens. My friends and I got there earlier in the morning, which I learned was the best time to take photos. The gardens were amazing, and I finally saw water lilies and lotus flowers up close. It was a breath of fresh air and fun to hang with my friends and learn about all the beautiful and interesting plants from around the world. Maybe one day I'll write a story about a giant garden hidden in a mansion. Until then, I'll practice taking photos and writing about different plants.

My First Fourteener

Mt Grays Peak


Hiking was a common activity when I was younger. My family and I would go on hikes with our friends and we would start out early in the day. I don't remember how old I was, but I remember that only my Dad and I finished the hike and signed our names at the top of Grays Peak. It was windy and clouds cast shadows on the faraway mountains as I stood on the giant rocks among a few other people who had made it to the top. I think this may have been one of my first tastes of triumph. That moment was a turning point to my competitive side and I began to view so much in life as a mountain and challenge I must overcome. Some of that gusto is gone now, but it still lingers in my memory of that moment. I wrote about it in elementary school and took pride in the fact I had stood on a 14,270 foot mountain. It was a real shot of life, to picture how big the world was and even though I was small, I still made the climb. Never had I felt such a victory, even to this very day.

picture courtesy of http://griffinarchive.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html

The Giggles: Moment Mondays

The stage was quiet. I stepped up in my black skirt. white button up shirt, bow tie and cummerbund. It was time for me to sing "Reflection" from Mulan. I wasn't really nervous, only excited that I could sing one of my favorite Disney songs and get comfortable on stage again. The music started, and I began to sing, but while I was singing, my mind wandered. I noticed that as I stood in my high hells, my leg was constantly twitching. This amused me and right in the middle of the song, I started to giggle. The situation was so awkward that I couldn't stop the laughter flowing into the mike. I managed to finish the song through the giggles and decided to bow anyway. After the concert, I greeted some confused friends and family. My teacher also came up and asked why in the world I was laughing, and if something on stage caused me to laugh. I told him the truth, and he gave me an odd look. Even my friend told me that she was proud, during the beginning of the song, and confused at the end. It was a memorable moment where I realized that no matter what happened on stage, I would be able to get through it.

A moment of triumph

I had had enough! Two girls, possibly high school age, had talked pretty much the whole movie. You would think that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows part 1 would be a film that the audience would appreciate enough to go silent. At the time, I had mulled over in my head just how sick I was of people walking all over me, and the fact I kept quiet while I was boiling inside. It started with a side glare, directed straight at the girls who sat behind me. Did they notice? Of course not. They were clearly the only people in the theater, the way they giggled about some hot guy in their class and whispered so loud it didn't even count as whispering anymore. Why had no one said anything? I could tell that I wasn't the only one annoyed. Everyone around these two gave glare after glare, but it never passed through their selfish radar. My friends had also provided some glares of their own, and even rolled their eyes and clenched their fists. That was it! I turned around, looked straight at them and said "So are you going to watch the movie, or talk the whole time?"
They turned to me, said sorry nonchalantly and gave me a look that said, how dare you interrupt our conversation. Thankfully, realizing how rude and completely self centered they had been, the girls were quiet for the rest of the film. It had been a long time since I had said what was on my mind. I must admit I was proud that I had finally showed some guts to say what I felt without being afraid of the outcome. Although that moment may be forgotten by many people involved, I will remember it as a moment of triumph after a long period of silence.

Hershey Park

(picture courtesy of http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/pennsylvania/hershey-park)
It was the middle of a hot and humid day. Mom and I decided to go to Hershey Park for the day. We started at the chocolate factory and received free Hershey bars at the end of the tour. After leaving the tour, Mom and I walked into a themed village next to a few big roller coasters. The first ride was similar to a ski lift. Mom and I watched the crazy coasters zoom past our slow moving lift. The idea was to see the entire park, but that was impossible. The park stretched in five themed lands, including a zoo. Mom decided the zoo would be a good place too start. A water show with sea lions was placed by the zoo entrance. We watched the sea lions flip through hoops and dance. Our next stop was the wolf exhibit where we bought my brother a stuffed animal wolf. But the big event was when Mom finally agreed to go on a big roller coaster, The Comet. The ride went so fast Mom and I could barely hear ourselves scream. I will never forget that day. Even though the ride was a bit much for both of us. It was a fun and memorable moment.

The big drop

(picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevkev44/3355598468/)

"Are you ready to face your fear today?" Sidney's voice was so high pitched that I could hear her smiling over my cell phone.
I had just finished my shift at Animal Kingdom and was about to head home when my phone rang.
"My shift ends in a few minutes. You should come over to base and then we can head to the park."
She meant Magic Kingdom where my least favorite ride towered above Frontierland. When I arrive at Sidney's work base, I am greeted by Nick and Andrew. Both of whom I had constant teasing from on keeping my food carts clean.
"You don't like Splash Mountain?" Nick asks with a grin.
I roll my eyes. Now I had to go through with this, or Nick and Sidney would never let me hear the end of it.
In ten to twenty minutes, we are ready to go and pile in Sidney's car for the adventure.
Magic Kingdom looks very busy as people gathered for the fire work show. Sidney, unlike the crowd, takes a direct path towards the cliff of Splash Mountain.
"Can't turn back now" she laughed.
I try to hide my gulp of fear and walk toward the empty ride line. Of course no one is here, the fireworks will be starting soon. I had hoped more people had the same idea, but the line is completely empty.
"Ready?" a cheerful cast member straps us in. Sidney and Andrew take the front of the log while Nick and I take the row behind. I count my blessings. I would not have been able to handle this ride in the very front.
"I apologize for my screams in advance" I tel Nick while he laughes.
"It's not that bad" he responds.
"I'm not joking."
"I have a trick that will distract you." Sidney says from the front.
"What is it?"
Nick shook his head while Andrew and Sidney laugh.
I sigh and try to enjoy the story of Brer Rabbit while I avoid thinking of the big drop that was clearly coming.
At one point, the ride slowes to a curve, revealing a scenic view of the Cinderella castle, all lit up and sparkling with the beginning of the fireworks show.
"That's pretty" I smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
"It's high don't you think?" Nick asks, clearly waiting for my reaction.
"I'm not afraid of heights" I say defensively, "It's just the drop."
"Well it's awhile before that drop so just enjoy it" Andrew says.
"Ok fine."
I try to pay attention to the effects of the ride, until the ominous hill greets me with two vultures.
"I hate this part too." I tell Nick.
"Why?"
"Because they're telling you it's too late and you can't turn back. As if we don't know that."
"Ah here it is" Sideny smiles "Ready for your distraction?"
"Absolutely!"
Sidney points at the opening of the cave where a silhouette of Mickey makes itself known.
"That's so cool." I say without realizing we just reached the top of the cliff.
The drop hits my stomach like a cold hard rock.
My scream is the only horrified sound compared to all my friends' laughter.
I turn to Nick and say, "Fine you win."
Everyone laughs and Sidney promises me a free ice-cream.
"You don't regret that do you?"
At that moment, my answer was yes. It was embarrassing showing a weakness in front of my friends. As I think on it now, I don't regret that moment.
I had accomplished a great feat and proved that I could face my fear.

Moment Mondays: Moment One

It was the most beautiful time to be in Animal Kingdom. With only the cast members in the park, the quiet atmosphere made the work area a place of scenic mystery. My favorite place to walk was along the path where my Ice Cream cart faced the Thai Bus and Mt. Everest. With the attraction all lit up and the lanterns winking on one by one, I would slowly make my way back to the work base. First I had to cross the bridge once I came to the crossroads between the tree of life, Asia and Africa. Ladybug lanterns lit the way down the trail and a soft, warm mist hovered in the air. Themed music echoed in the distance while the cart rolled past the giant gate which featured carvings of Lions, Giraffes and Zebras. Hidden Mickeys also occupied the road as I reached the main Village. Each building was covered with bright colored patterns of animals. Even the Tree of life was lit by bright spotlights. I will never forget those late night walks. With barely anyone around, the journey was an inspirational step in a forest far from the streets of Florida.

(photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/karonf/4054992689/)

Moments

I went to church tonight and the sermon caught my interest. The theme involved living life and cherishing moments. The priest explained that there are truly sacred moments in everyone's life. Moments of pure joy, happiness and calm are irreplaceable and very important. This gave me an idea. When I worked for Disney, many guests encountered "magical moments" depending on the occasion. I really enjoyed creating some magical moments and I experienced a few of these moments myself. Since I have been in a slump lately, it might be a good idea to remind myself of these times. So I have decided to start off my new college semester with "Moment Mondays". Because Monday is the most disliked day of the week for the majority of the population, it may be the perfect opportunity to recall the beauty in life or the joy in those small moments. It could be anything from seeing a sunrise to getting a solo. The most important thing about these memories is the meaning they convey. As long as the event holds a special significance to you, the memory may be as valuable as a treasure.
Good memories and moments can motivate someone to really live. If you're always focused on the bad times or the sad memories, those moments become a definition of life. Even though the bad times are important and define who we are, the good times are also just as important. When you remember a positive feeling or event, that moment defines a small part of your self. Just as a negative trait can be revealed in harsh times, the positive traits are revealed during good times. Both of these types of memories define the person you are today.
As the sermon went on, the priest also explained that once you realize that your memories define who you are, you can understand how you function in life. Choices made and lessons learned become subconscious knowledge that guides you to live in the present. In the same manner, the sacred moments and powerful memories remind you of what you wish to achieve. A great example of good memories actually occurs in the third book and movie of the Harry Potter series. In The Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry must face his fear, the Dementor. In order to defeat the Dementor, he must think of a powerful memory, bright enough to ban the darkness. Only through this powerful state of mind can Harry face his fears.
It is a test that everyone must pass in dark times and truly meaningful memories have the power to shape who you will become by never forgetting who you are.