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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

Daily Photo Tour - The Rusty Range

I'm not one who is easily overcome by emotions when it comes to things related to theme parks or Disneyland in this case. Don't get me wrong, I genuinely have a deep appreciation for the Disneyland Resort. The incredible attention to detail in every area, the amazing storytelling, and the nostalgia that it provides from generation to generation, but I rarely find myself speechless. With that said, I was expecting a similar reaction to Cars Land, great appreciation for a beautiful addition, nothing more. As I entered Cars Land for the first time, I was overwhelmed with emotions I was not expecting, a new found appreciation for the desert in which I find myself now and a sense of awe I have not felt since I was a child. There really are no words to describe the feeling you get as you walk into Cars Land for the first time. Sure there are an array of photos to be found online sharing a glimpse of what this place is, but to say they do Cars Land justice would be a lie. As Matthew said, it must be experienced. As I was taking this photo the other evening, I was completely overwhelmed by the shear enormity of Ornament Valley. I found myself gazing up in awe as if staring at the stars, wondering "How? How were they able to create something so incredibly beautiful?" Quickly brushing that thought aside, I stood quietly soaking it all in.