Daily Photo Tour - The Abandoned Mine

If you wander around the backside of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad you'll find a shaft entering the abandoned mine. Even though I know it's not real, I can't help the urge to cross the fence and explore. The unseen has a way of grabbing our imagination and enticing our curiosity.

Daily Photo Tour - A Fantasy Faire Night

As has been wisely and widely shared about Fantasy Faire, I am not a member of Disney's target market. That said, this new kid at the end of Main Street has appeal. I don't see myself waiting in line to see princesses or taking seats from children for the performing thespian troop. I do see myself finding inspiration there. I'm in love with the textures and the play of the lights across them. With the quiet evenings, I can see myself spending a good deal of time enjoying its majestic atmosphere.

Daily Photo Tour - The Office of Dr. Jones

This is my happy place. I would love to have a workspace that looked just like this! Of course I'd replace the typewriter with a 27-inch iMac, but everything else would remain the same. This was taken in the queue of Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye just before you enter the projector room. It's a spot that sometimes get's passed up because of re-direction of the line. You should however with the permission of cast member jump out and take a look. It's one of the most amazing parts of the queue, and includes several unique props!

Daily Photo Tour - An Evening at Carnation Cafe

There's an interesting atmosphere at Carnation Cafe in the late evenings. It's reminiscent of a small town cafe filled with regulars or maybe a small coffee shop off the beaten path. It's quaint and familiar. It's easy to pass by because somewhere in the back of your mind is the reassurance that it will always be there, waiting for you. I guess that's how Main Street is supposed to feel as everyone's hometown, the heart line of America.

Daily Photo Tour - Passion, Persistence, and Yellow Lights

"I'm tellin' you, man, every third blink is slower." It's true. And it's sort of a life lesson. The older I get the more I realize it's important to stop and reflect on life. It's good to slow down and realize where you are. I mean, it's horrifying to think that we only get one chance at this whole life thing. That's why every moment is so precious. Think about it for a second. There is no yesterday, only now, and the hope for tomorrow. We can only take yesterday's wisdom and apply it to the present in a way that prepares our future for success. Whatever that success might be, I believe it's different for everyone, but it comes from the same source, passion.

I used to believe that success was graduating with a Bachelor's Degree, landing that sweet job, and getting married. I figured, when I finally get there I'll be happy. That's a dangerous statement. "When I finally _______ I will be happy." You fill in the blank. It's different for everyone. But, more often then not, life works itself out in a way that teaches you a greater lesson than just being happy. What do you value? Where do you find self worth? In what setting, what activity do you feel the most productive? That's passion. It's made up of a mix of intuitive skill and talent, a touch of joy, and a ton of persistence. If you could weigh out the ingredients, the larger portion would be persistence. Without it, your passion will fade, and you'll slowly forget why you were placed on this planet in the first place.

Persistence in your passion will always remind you where you excel. It will show you how much you've grown, and it will tell you where you need to improve. Sometimes it's difficult to keep going, in whatever the task may be. But you just know when things are clickin'. When everything falls into place and in that moment you feel like you are doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing, that is when you have purpose.

For me, I've realized that the magnitude of my persistence has been quite modest recently. I haven't been giving my passions the best effort. And, remembering that this life is a one time deal always accelerates my energy into giving it my all and seeing my full potential. I've been reminded more recently of hopes and dreams that I once had. Things that faded so slowly as time went on. I don't know if I will ever reach those goals, but I'm going to be joyful and persistent the entire journey. I'm definitely excited to see what adventures are in store.

Daily Photo Tour - Pooh's Honey

There's nothing better than a pot of honey at the end of a long day, that is, of course, if you're a willy nilly silly old bear.

Daily Photo Tour - Waiting for a Ride

Growing up, there was this commercial that used to play what seemed like every commercial break. It was for a car insurance company called Survival. If that name hasn't instantly jogged your memory, allow me to clarify. This commercial and its numerous iterations would feature a guy walking along a road, jacket held over his shoulder by a finger or two. That makes you cool, or so I was led to believe by these commercials. The commercial would cut between Mr. Cool and, usually, a woman with bright lipstick driving a sporty car. When she saw how cool this guy along the road was, she would pull over and offer him a ride. Who wouldn't? At this point he would lean onto the door and ask two questions - "Are you insured?"...(yes)..."By Survival?"...(no). To which he would respond, "I can't take that ride." I haven't seen that guy in years. I assume that after turning down so many rides he probably died along the side of the road from dehydration or starvation or something. Seeing people wait in line for Autopia always seems to make me think of seeing those commercials growing up.

Daily Photo Tour - Hummingbird Charm

Michaela and I like to spend a lot of time in New Orleans Square and such was the case on our last visit. In particular, I wanted to visit the fountain because I'd read over at Dlandlive that it had been given a short refurb. I always love to see things at the parks when they've just had a facelift. Sometimes it's fresh and sometimes it's completely different. In the case of the fountain, I would say it was definitely plused. The color contrast and detail really stood out. As we stood there enjoying the peaceful day and the steady trickle of the fountain, a hummingbird showed up and decided to take a short bath. We had maybe a few seconds and he was gone as quickly as he'd arrived.

Daily Photo Tour - A Carriage Approaches

It may not be a Doom Buggy, but this hearse always finds a way to set the tone for your journey into the mansion... and beyond.

Daily Photo Tour - Why Did it Have to be Bats?

I love the Temple of the Forbidden Eye and it always bums me out to have go through it so quickly. The queue is every bit as good as the ride itself. When you make it to this point, the bat cave area, that's when things really get interesting. The path gets crooked. The walls and ceiling close in on you a bit so that there's a level of discomfort. That discomfort is always offset for me by hearing Jim Carey as Ace Ventura shouting "Guano!" Just me? Dangit...

Daily Photo Tour - A Walk in the Park

This was the best day I have ever had at the Disneyland Resort. It was one of those moments in life you never expect to have the opportunity to have, but somehow it manifests itself. For me, this picture encompasses the essence of that day. We had the amazing opportunity to spend the entire day at the park with Disney Imagineer Dave Durham. It really was one of those moments I had to stop and ask myself if it was really happening.

Dave is one of those people you really look up to, technically, professionally, and especially as a mentor. He really is the full package. You just get a sense that he goes into work every day truly loving what he does. He has such a passion for his work that it just bursts forth from his character. To be able to walk through Disneyland and California Adventure with an Imagineer was a surreal experience, one I will never forget.

Daily Photo Tour - Stormy Day at the Emporium

The stormy weather today reminded me of the day I took this shot. It had rained heavily most of the morning. The Park was quiet and peaceful. Eventually the rain stopped and the clouds began to shift, revealing patches of sky and rays of light. Moments like these force you into a state of awareness and make you feel alive.

Daily Photo Tour - The Lamp in Walt's Window

This light will never fade while there are dreams and imagination in the world. May we all strive to be a source of joy and inspiration to others.

Daily Photo Tour - Room Aboard the Mark Twain

The Mark Twain offers a few options for your journey through the Rivers of America. There are the decks which offer a view of the surrounding wilderness and then there are cozy cabins where you can rest a spell. Fortunately the steamer takes her time, leaving the opportunity to enjoy all she has to offer. Go ahead, have a seat and listen to the whistle sing, the stacks puff steam into the sky and the paddle wheel churn the open river.

Daily Photo Tour - A Place to Rest Your Hand in Peace

Look alive. That's what the artist who crafted these bats that adorn the stanchions of the Haunted Mansion must have had in mind. I'll admit that they are still a cause for concern as a place to rest my hand. I love them. Speaking of bats, Bats Day is this weekend and I hear they are celebrating 15 years of spooky trips to Disneyland. Congratulations and run amuck!

Daily Photo Tour - Hidden Beneath the Foliage

Tucked away so concealed within the jungles of Adventureland rests The Temple of the Forbidden Eye. I love Adventureland because it is cozy, and oh so very green. The midway opens and narrows at various points, allowing foot traffic to funnel, and then breathe. That's just the character of Adventureland, and I like it. The walls of lush foliage give a sense of mystery beyond the point of civilization. It makes you wonder, what is out there? Without even knowing it, you're already wanting adventure. Well, that's just perfect now isn't it, considering you are in Adventureland.

If it's excitement you're looking for, you'll find it hidden beneath the foliage in a secluded temple that remains the source of peril and terror for many explorers. There is one experienced and seriously strong archaeologist however, that can get your through it. No, seriously. Think about it. Continuously holding back those gigantic stone doors, hanging from a rope 24/7. Dr. Jones has his work cut out for him. I'm just saying, lay off the roids Indy.