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 - Archway to Ornament Valley

Ornament Valley is one of the best places to dream. In this place, it's difficult to imagine that there's much not possible to people who don't limit themselves or the scope of their dreams. It's a choice that we're all faced with every day - "Will I believe in myself and pursue what I'm passionate about?" For far too many of us the answer to that is "no" and we're unhappy. More than unhappy we're discontent. There's a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self value when we let the desires of our hearts chart the course for our lives. That's not to say that it's easy because it's not. It seems to me that just about any story I've ever heard where anyone accomplished anything worthwhile it took a whole lot of hard work and no small amount of courage or boldness. Sometimes difficulty is what keeps us from pursuing our passions because we fear risking failure. The problem is that life is constant risk. If you don't risk failure, you risk regret; so we really can't let the idea of risk hold us back because we're surrounded by it whether we like it or not. Besides, you can pick yourself up after a failure but you can't turn back time to fix a regret (Not even Cher could do that). Sometimes we get rundown amidst the hard work in pursuit of our dreams. It's important in those times to surround ourselves with people who support us and things that inspire us so that we can be refreshed. Don't give in to despair or disillusionment. Please never, ever give up.

Daily Photo Tour - The Filters Were Hung by the Diner With Care

Nothing says Happy Holidays like assorted filters and neon... to a car anyway.

Daily Photo Tour - Dreaming of a Whitewall Christmas

Walking down Route 66 into Cars Land and seeing all of the car themed decorations is really inspiring. It instantly affirms the feeling that you really are in Radiator Springs and it's no stretch of the imagination to picture Luigi and Guido hanging these tires for a whitewall Christmas.

Daily Photo Tour - In the Midst of Ice and Snow

Snow in the desert is really a beautiful thing. The barren landscape is transformed into a wonderland that is full of life. After living off of Route 66 pretty much my entire life, I was pretty excited to see that there was actually snow in Cars Land! It immediately reminded me of the very few times we've received a heap of the white stuff.

Daily Photo Tour - Snow on Route 66

Snow may not be the first thing you think of when you hear the words "Route 66". Its coming is as uncertain as the promise of a traveler passing through town. But what good does it do to let uncertainty weigh us down? There are so many things we don't have control of in life. What we do have control of is our outlook on things. Focus on what is good and true. Focus on the dreams that drive you. Focus on all that you have to be grateful for because gratefulness is always in season and it has the power to overcome whatever this life may throw our way.

Daily Photo Tour - Frosty the Snowcar

Upon entering Cars Land for the first time this season, we were greeted by an unlikely snowman, Frosty the Snowcar; that is what I've dubbed him anyway. It was a pleasant surprise and the perfect preface for all the Christmas decorations adorning Route 66. All manner of tools, oil cans and car parts were put to good use, creating garlands and Christmas trees truly befitting of Radiator Springs.

Daily Photo Tour - The Merriest Little Town in Carburetor County

Where are you? You're in the merriest little town in Carburetor Country. Cars Land has been decorated for Christmas and it's truly something to behold. The cozy charm of Radiator Springs is magnified by the cheer and merriment of Christmas decor, automotive style. We didn't get to spend nearly enough time there on our visit this weekend.

Daily Photo Tour - Turn Right to Go Left

Sometimes intuition just doesn't cut it. Having a little spare wisdom in the trunk will definitely get you to your destination, or at least help you avoid a cactus patch. Doc's advice to Lightning McQueen in Cars has so much more meaning then just a way to drive. Sometimes the answer to a problem is not the obvious one, and more often then not it is usually something we can't even understand, just like Lightning McQueen. Turn Right to go left? We don't understand it because we haven't learned it yet. We haven't gone through the experiences that teach us. I don't know how many times I have banged my head up against the pavement searching for an answer, when all I needed to do was pick up my feet, Ahem, I mean, pick up my tires and just keep on driving. Along the journey, you eventually pick up a heap of knowledge that will keep you ready for anything the road has to offer.

Daily Photo Tour - A Place to Feel at Home

It's Sunday night. Monday is almost here. When the sun rises, I shall embark on what I expect will be an interesting week. It will be the last one with my employer of seven years. Soon I will be at a different school district. I'm excited. I'm pensive. I am bittersweetly retrospective. At 27, if I break down the numbers, I've spent a little more than 25% of my life here. The feeling is surreal. The change has come swiftly. It feels like a dream.

A very dear friend was sharing with me yesterday evening the importance of time, how it's the most valuable thing we have and how we can choose to give it to others. We can use it to show people that they are worth something, that they're accepted and loved. It's something I take for granted because I'm blessed to have some really amazing people in my life that make me feel those things on a consistent basis.

As I sat down with this picture earlier, none of this was on my mind. It was just me and Radiator Springs and I was wishing I was there. Then the word "Cozy" really started standing out. It's the perfect word for this place. Radiator Springs is one of those places with its priorities set right, where folks are accepted and valued. That acceptance, which leads to feeling cozy, can give you a place to feel at home, no matter where you are.

My new job means moving. Not real far but far enough to feel unfamiliar. Far enough for me to consider new ways to give my time to the people I love, people who won't be a few minutes away. Far enough that I expect I will meet new people to give my time to and people who will give of their time to me. I know that good things are in store. I know that God loves me and has good plans for me and that makes me feel cozy. When I wake from this surreality, there will be a new place to feel at home.

Daily Photo Tour - Make This the Most Glorious Race of Your Life

I've learned a lot over these last few years. Starting the blog seemed like a fun outlet for our creative aspirations, but has proven to be much more. It's provided a way to meet people we would've never met otherwise. People we feel we must have known for years and are more of a blessing to us than they could ever know. I've learned that regardless of what opportunities one may have or successes, relationships are the most important thing in this life. Not the kind that you seek to gain anything from, the kind that you seek to give. To give of your time, expecting nothing in return. There is little else more valuable than your time; precious moments of your life that can never be replaced. To take a moment to respond to an email or talk to someone; to give them the time of day. It's what makes us human and separates us from the mechanics of life; to work hard and to be successful so we can live well. All those things are great, but mean nothing without relationships. It's something I strive to keep in the forefront of my mind regardless of how hectic life gets because let's face it, life moves fast and I don't ever want to take the time I have with others for granted. So in this race of life, make it the most glorious one you can.

Daily Photo Tour - Memories on Route 66

I've lived in the desert for the past nineteen...twenty... Ah man. It's been almost twenty years since I moved to the desert. I honestly remember it like it was yesterday. Which is very odd because I was only 6 years old. So much has changed since then, but one thing has remained the same, the road to get home, Route 66. I couldn't really honestly believe the accuracy of this part of the queue in Radiator Spring's Racers. I really felt like I was at home. I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't live in a shack made of bottles, and there surely aren't such impressive cactus or rock formations where I live, but the essence of the road was matched with such precision it blew me away. I love driving. You kinda have to living thirty minutes away from "town." Passing structures like this on Route 66 is very common. And even more common, and quite ironic, is the many tourists that stop on the side of the road to snap a picture of the bottle houses, and old relics. I pass them from time to time, and sometimes, when the feeling is right (or the lighting), and I have my camera with me, I'll stop and snap a few myself.

Daily Photo Tour - Flo's V8 Cafe

One of the most striking areas of Cars Land is Flo's V8 Cafe. It is one of the most vibrant pieces of architecture I have ever seen. The authenticity of the entire land is very impressive, and Flo's Cafe is definitely at the top of the list. You can't help but stare at the abundant amount of neon that makes this building so extraordinary.

Daily Photo Tour - Radiator Springs Curios

Out of all the shops in Radiator Springs, this has to be the one with the most character. One of my favorite details is the sign that reads, "If We're Here, We're Open". Very fitting of a shop found on Route 66. Something I was not accustomed to before moving to the desert not far from the Mother Road, but this is very much the case and it gave me a good chuckle when I first read it. There is incredible detail to be found inside as well. All of the shelving is designed after various vehicles from the film and the ceiling is covered with ornate tin panels. Everything is incredibly thought out and adds a level of charm I was not expecting.

Daily Photo Tour - Grease Lighting

Some days of shooting pictures at the Disneyland Resort are about telling a story. Some are about meandering to see what catches your eye. Other days are about finding light. This picture was a result of the latter. The glow on just about everything in Cars Land during the late afternoon is stunning.

On a side note, naming each picture is kind of a process in itself. Sometimes you have a thought about an image when you take it and sometimes you don't have a clue. I often try to find a title that is amusing and clever (at least to myself...) Tonight I thought of naming my picture "Grease. Monkey Not Included". Chuckling at myself, I proudly asked Michaela, "What do you think I'm going to name this?" She replied, "I don't know, 'Grease Lighting'?" After a brief moment of watching my popped balloon fly about the room, I knew she'd won and gladly claimed her thought for my own! Now off to do the hand jive...

Daily Photo Tour - Radiator Springs Racers

You're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but no one said anything about the entrance to a Disney attraction. The entrance to Radiator Springs Racers quickly does its job, providing wait times and filling guests with excited anticipation. With simplicity, charm and a little neon, it's a beacon framing the path to the beauty of Ornament Valley.

Daily Photo Tour - It Just Don't Get Better Than This

Well shoot! The title pretty much sums Cars Land for me. In the few days I've had at DCA to spend there, I have barely been able to pull myself away from Radiator Springs. Somehow it kind of just encompasses the best of everything for me. When you're enjoying a sunset in Ornament Valley and Tow Mater drives up to join you, it's the kind of special moment that turns into a cherished memory.

Daily Photo Tour - Welcome to Radiator Springs

We love signs here at Tours Departing Daily, and it's no joke, our website name was crafted after one! Here in Cars Land, this tiny little detail caught my eye as I was making my way back from watching several people go crazy on Luigi's Flying Tires. It is a subtle element that hones in on the feeling of a small town along Route 66. I love reading signs while I'm driving, they have so much character and so much style. This one is no exception. I love it.

Daily Photo Tour - Stanley

Stanley is adorable. There's something about his crazy eyes and his smile that makes you want to get all up in his grill... Seriously though, this statue of Stanley is one of my favorite things in Cars Land.

Daily Photo Tour - The Raceway Through Ornament Valley

I spent a good chunk of my night in Cars Land taking in the wonder that is Radiator Springs Racers. It really got me thinking about the part in Cars when Sally is talking to Lightning about how people used to drive along the highway to have a great time, not to make great time. We really do have a bad habit of getting hung up on the destination. Sally's insight is such a beautiful reminder to take your time. Enjoy it. Enjoy the people you're with. Most of all, enjoy the journey. That's where the adventure is.