The ABC's of Trip Reporting- PLEASE JOIN US ON THE NEW THREAD!

[GreatBiscuit]

Liesa,

Great updates. I love the quirky narrative that accompanied your TOT adventures. Good stuff that. And your Rico Suave Donald Duck was mighty nifty. I don’t know when the last time was that I attempted to draw a circle without the benefit of a computer, so I just gave it a little test. I need to practice. (And maybe sneak a softball sized template into the Animation Academy.)

Enjoying the photos as always.

Looking forward to more.

 

[All7OfUs]

What a great update. I'm glad you found your inner starlet and got your "shop" on. I love the villain candy store sooooo much. It's really unnatural, the love I have for the theming and products. One of the only places you can find tons of Nightmare Before Christmas merch. Ahhh, heaven.

Anyhoo, I don't know why, but I'm having a hard time looking at these pictures from DHS! All I can think about is my Mom. You know all the stuff I have going on right now (house, etc) so I think for some reason these photos just hit me and all I can think about is the last time I was there with her.

The comforting thing is that it goes on, you know? People are there right now, enjoying those same things, just like you got to enjoy them, and that makes me happy. Circle of life and all that.

I like that Villian's shop too! That particular store front with the witch used to be in DTD away back during out 2000 trip, and is one of the more vivid memories I have from that first trip the World! Fond stuff, that!

As hard as it is, I can see how you would take comfort in knowing that SHE would love it that your (the two of you) favorite place is still giving such joy to so many- And that it will for your family, especially the kids for a lot of years to come! Good to make those memories of your time together count for something positive!

Liesa, wonderful update! I loved your duck, he has a lot of personality, even if he does not resemble Donald very much... And what a great success to be the one who knows the important piece of trivia! I would not have known this if it had not been for the discussion of Dan's screen name either. I really need to try to draw my own character during the next trip. Katharina and I did not make it there last time.

I had to laugh so much about the shopping that "stars" do! I love to read one of those celebrities magazines some times (at the doctor's waiting room, on a train etc.) and am always amazed how often you see pics of the "celebrities" shopping...

YES!! You definitely need to hit up the Animation Studios! It was really a ton of fun- a teeny bit frustrating, but fun too.

Still amazed that that was the question he asked us!! Really? What are the odds that after not too long ago discussing it, I needed that piece of info.?!

It is amazing- and even more amazing that there would be that much money to burn! On a 50th pair of shoes or ANOTHER leopard skin leotard.

 

[glennbo123]

Liesa,

Great updates. I love the quirky narrative that accompanied your TOT adventures.

Ix-nay on the irky-quay. She really talks like that.

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

Ix-nay on the irky-quay. She really talks like that.

Kudos to you Glenn for the great usage of Pig-Latin! I would have been stumped by that except......I speak it fluently!!!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

So well-put. It is amazing how special these trips can be, for so many different reasons, for so many different groups of people.

And I hadn't thought about taking up residence in that lovely Canadian cottage! Also, another amazing update. Thanks for sharing!

It Is!! And in some cases it's quite amazing how much the trips can mean on an emotional level. A vacation well-spent can do great things!

More coming up soon this week.

Liesa-
Wow, you had me fooled. I thought you were going to TSM.

Your Donald looks good, but I will agree with Glen, his beak looks a little inflated. I will say that yours is 100x better than what mine would look like.

How cool that you won the print!!!! I can't wait to see it!!!!

NAH!! I was there WAY too late in the day for TSM. I didn't have a prayer for getting in there, and just concentrated on other stuff that I thought the other ladies might not enjoy so much. Just wandering around- and of course my VERY special dinner.



Yesah, messed up that beak something fierce! But ah well.... I'll just pretend he's all puckered up for his lady duck.

Hmmm, I don't remember which thread, but I DO remember the conversation Hey, I don't think its such a bad look on you afterall - it 'lifts and separates'! Wasn't there a very popular women's undergarment in the 80's that sold thousands based on that very premise?!

I must go on the record as a former art teacher and say that I LOVE your Donald! No, he's not a dead-ringer, but he's got soul! Look at that expression in his glare!

Cross my heart, and hope to die, I do believe you're right.

Why thanks! We'll all do a little comparison when I finally get a picture of the artist's up!

Great job on Donald! He's looking quite suave And congrats on winning the artists drawing!!

Well... not quite as suave as Tate, for sure, but very, very close!

As for winning!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

 

[maroo]

Liesa What a fun update-really enjoyed reading it!!

Maroo First, big I hope the "mess" gets cleaned up soon and does not cause you to much anxiety/sadness. What a great family!! I used to work with autistic kiddoes so I can't wait to read more about him.

thanks!

More to come on Baker and family!!

Oh Maroo!

Your heart continues to amaze me. While I recall some of the chat about Bakers family, and the trip and your role (things possibly changing, the shortfall, the money working out, etc) from what seems like forever ago, I confess, I'd forgotten it was part of this trip. You are a gift to the world Mary, don't ever every forget that. You certainly inspire me to be better, give more. Be more.

I hope whatever it is that you are dealing with passes soon and know you are surrounded by love as you work your way through it.

I can tell Bakers story is going to be amazing already.

You are so precious!!!! I really needed to hear that today!

I remember that night. I tell you, touring around with you opened my eyes to the wheelchair access too.

I remember when my kids were little, I realized how hard it was to navigate a stroller in most places that I had been used to just navigating easily.

I learned some things and also realized in some places we have miles to go to making it easier for those wheelchair bound.

This is very true! I am just very thankful that I am independent and don't have to rely on one full time. It must be terribly hard on everyone involved!!

Wow...I am a little teary after that. I lurked a bit on your PTR for this trip, but not that much and wasn't aware of any of this. What a beautiful thing to do for that whole family and Baker, in particular.

It was great fun to watch it unfold, too!!

Maroo, don't worry about not sharing details about your situation. We all know that not every aspect of our daily life belongs on a public message board and can still pray for you to have the strength to get through whatever it is.

Thanks!!

Mary- Thanks for sharing that story again. It was horrible what Baker's family had to go through. I'm so glad that you were able to spend some time with them and be their tour guide.

TK TR was the first you read here? I think Lauren's TR was the first that I read here. Who knew, 2+ years later, I'd still be here on the DIS.

Thank you for all you do here on the DIS and in 'real' live too. You are such a caring and wonderful person and I am lucky to know you.

Wow! It is a circle of friends!!! Me to TK to you to me!

I am also surprised I am still here 3 plus years later! It is so much fun, though!!!

Lauren's was your first TR?!?!?! Really?!

Maroo, thanks for sharing the story about Baker and his family. What a tragedy their community went through That is AWESOME that you and your church family were able to come together and bless them in this way.

I am very fortunate to belong to such a wonderful church home!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

I think your Donald is awesome !!! Michaelangelo in the makingWhen we went last October , the Animator gave her drawing to our group , and we didn't have to know Donald's middle name , which uncidently what is it !?????

Rosie!! Are you skimming??

It is Fauntleroy! And Dan taught that to us last year, when we asked him about his screen name!!

I'm pretty sure it was Winkers thread actually and the Vera that was always being held...instead of worn. Cross your heart and all that.

Speaking of Cherie... have you talked to her lately? She has been absent for a LONG time on the boards! Hope everything is ok with her!

He's a sly looking one, your Donald. He looks like he's up to something! or on the verge of tears, I'm not sure. Like he needs a hug.

I think the only hug he was waiting for was from Daisy! His one and only true love.

WOW, what a cool story! I've only been to the DCA animators studio but we didn't get to vote, nor did they give away anything with a trivia question, how very fun. And amazing that you remembered!!!!!!!!

I know!! A very special gigantic Duck-sized piece of pixie dust!! I went on my way with a huge grin on my face, I'm sure!

So you're saying you got propositioned often in Kazakhstan??? Do they use it differently there???

OH Geez!! First it's check-in, and now it's propostion!!

Not like one little "e" would make a BIG difference there or anything.

And for the record, I can't tell you HOW many times that actually happened to me there!!

And glad you found your Mickey book, although knowing you the made up version might have been rather interesting. Maybe you should do an alternate TR with just "made up" stuff!

I could do that, but I can barely keep up with the real deal! Let alone check the new updates you or anyone else has put up like since Saturday. Again:

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Ix-nay on the irky-quay. She really talks like that.

Well played Glenn!

 

[maroo]

Prayers being sent for Maroo!!!!

Mary, I remember being amazed with this story when you and I were discussing it around the time of the trip! Reading again about that tornado is amazing all over again, and seeing the pictures just makes it even more !!! Again, so glad you were able to help this family! Wish I could have been a part of it!

I wish u could have too!!

Thanks for the prayers!! Much appreciated!

I second that.

thanks!

I loved the update{s}. What a terrible EF4 story... but what a blessing it was to bring that little boy to WDW.

I can't wait to tell you guys more!!

Maroo,
Wow. I've never heard Baker's family's story. Under normal circumstances, having an autistic child is challenging. But having to sufer loosing all your home and posessions, I cannot imagine how his world alone turned upside down. I am truly overflowing with tears of joy for my fellow humankind, people can be so amazing. I cannot wait to hear more about his special trip!

I know! I think that is what "got" us...too much happening to one family.

Maroo: I was another latecomer who hadn't heard Baker's story. Let me just say this: And then this:

So glad you and your church were able to surround them and provide them with care and love. It's great to know people like you are out there.

Me too!!

I did know that Corey added that little angel for Noah, but I didn't know the full story behind it. I remember hearing a bit about it on the Podcast one time.

Your 900 square feet is almost double our area and we have 3 people, 2 bedrooms, and a BAZILLION legos! No pets though.

Unless you count a Houdini mouse that can escape from every mouse trap.

Your story of the Baker family had me in tears. I remember a bit about it from the PTR, but I didn't know the whole story. I'm always so touched when Christians show God's TRUE LOVE by doing things like this. It really is Him working through you. Love it. I look forward to hearing all about his adventure at the World!

I have not listened to all of the podcasts...but I really, really wish I had listened to that one!

Oh no on the mouse!!!

I have been amazed at how God shows His love to all of us!!

 

[KatMark]

Maroo, I did not know the story of Baker and his family and neighbors. Thank you for sharing it and for ALL you do.

Liesa, I love the latest update. As always your storytelling has me glued to my chair. As you know, we did Animation for the first time this trip and we so enjoyed it (and we got to draw Donald too). And good for you knowing the answer thanks to Dan.

 

[All7OfUs]

Well, I finally got a camera from my neighbor and took a couple pix. The first is the artist's Donald...

And mine for comparison:

And the second, was a picture of our...


NEW DOG!!!

He is a big boy, but very, very sweet natured. The kids, especially Mikki, adore him, and he is already trained to sit, lay, stay, and come. We have our work to do in making him "heel"- for now we take "drags", not "walks".

Anyway, here he is; The ONE, the ONLY, the DAVEY!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa,
I've been lurking for a bit. Thought I'd jump in and comment Your past two chapters have had me in stitches! Keep up the good work!

wow!!! A brand new reader- I think a big fat, giant is the perfect way to say howdy!! Thanks for jumping in and joining the ruccous!! (I think that's how you spell it, and if not, I have a feeling I'll hear about it! )

Anyway, so glad you're enjoying the chapters as much as I am enjoying writing them!! Really, such a fun way to re-live the trip!

Hi! I'm back and about 12 pages behind I'll try to catch up now, be back later!

OK, I'll be watching!!

Liesa, I love your Donald! He looks either a little rueful, or else like he's making a somewhat-comical attempt at "bedroom eyes!"

See response just below your post...

 

[All7OfUs]

I loved the update{s}. What a terrible EF4 story... but what a blessing it was to bring that little boy to WDW.

I think you Donald looks simply-mavelous. I have yet to stop at the Animation. I always add it to the list and need to make sure we do it!

Awww, thanks! Now that I got a picture of the REAL one, I can see that the tassle should have been bigger, and his beak, indeed is rather ummm... inflated.

You definitely need to go- it's so fun. Sometimes the wait can be a bit, but they have a fun interactive screen game going to play along in the waiting area. They show a computer generated pencil drawing a character and as it unfolds you have to try to be the first one to figure out who the character is going to be. I really liked it!

sweet congrats on winning the drawing and glad i could help you out.

i will be awaiting my half of the picture in the mail.

haha!! nice try, pal.

But I gotta give credit where credit is due... you were the man of the hour!

Liesa,
I have to know who your photographer was!! What creative, artistic shots they've been able to capture of you so far!

I did the Magic of Disney Animation back in 2009, and I have to say it's a fun experience, but I'll probably never do it again. The end results I come up with are just to painful to look at.



Can I say that I think it's hilarious that you and Glenn both used "detritus" in your last TR updates!! That's a word I've heard maybe a handful of times in my life, and to see it twice in one day.....

Well, unfortunately, my photograpers were the drive-by shooter kind. They'd flash me and run, and for some odd reason always said, "you're welcome" when they turned and left.

Awww, really you should give it another shot- I did it like 5 times, and one in particular is a massive disaster on paper. I mean it- it is wretched beyond belief!! I'll show it to you eventually, but need to build up a healthy dose of self-esteem first.

OMG!! I haven't read Glenn's update yet!! I mean it!! It's the HONEST truth- I haven't read it yet!!! Did he really??!!! PMing him now!

 

[mrsksomeday]

So great that you got the artists drawing. Your new dog is beautiful!! There is nothing better than cuddling up with a furbaby!!

 

[princessjv]

Congrats on the new puppy. So sweet!

 

[that's nice]

Seeing what you were going for with the drawing I must give you 2 big ! I think yours is VERY close to his/hers!

Cute dog!

 

[All7OfUs]

Darn. For a second there, I was hoping we'd get to see some EPIC Liesa/Botox stories. Maybe next time.

If you think I was going to give you a Liesa greeting with that, you're dead wrong, Mister.

Amen. My rule: if I can re-produce it, it's not art.

Exactly- ever seen Jackson Pollack??

Please, please, PLEASE tell me you were making airplane noises while you did this.

Nope- I was singing about some hills being alive. And hoping those giant brooms weren't going to suddenly come alive and take care of me.

I can't believe nobody voted for Ursula.

We only got a couple of choices. I can't remember what the other one was, but frankly am glad the group chose this one- otherwise the question may have been something I had no clue about.

I really hope it's sooner than 6 YEARS!

Me too!!!!

I feel your pain on "no where to put anything away". We've become very, very, very creative in that department.

Our bathroom is about the same size as your first one - it only has a shower stall as well. I'm totally used to it now, but I used to call it the shower that was an incentive to loose weight. I used to hit my arms on the walls of it and all! I'm not too much of a bath gal, so I don't miss having the tub, but Henry sure does!


Your 900 square feet is almost double our area and we have 3 people, 2 bedrooms, and a BAZILLION legos! No pets though.

This house is one that the builder (my husband's grandfather) went berserk with on built-ins! They are EVERYWHERE!!! No storage issues here now! But I very definitely remember the days of too little space! ANd too many trips to the attic up and down BAD stairs to get stuff we needed!

I could NOT live without a tub!! It's my go-to place when there's too many people, too much stress or too much noise!

Unless you count a Houdini mouse that can escape from every mouse trap.

UGH!! We may have enough storage, but we also have MORE than enough mice!! They love our house!! and the fields around us, and especially the neighbor's cow barn with free meals aplenty!

Liesa, I agree with everyone, you did a great job on your Donald! I want to do this class...I'm certain I will end up with a hot mess on my hands, but that makes great TR fodder, right?

Sho nuff does!! I'd say go for it- the worse you can do is show it to us and we laugh, right??

I laughed out loud at Sleepingbooty's comment about "lifts and separates" I love the comfort of the one shoulder bags, but I'm SO WITH YOU on the look of them. I almost always take mine off---which is a pain. Last trip I didn't carry a bag due to the rockin' bag we have on our stroller now, but I'm thinking I will switch to something else once we are stroller less in a few years. Or whenever I take that much wanted solo trip!

Your stroller days ARE numbered, so you'll have to find a nice "looking" solution to said problem!

 

[All7OfUs]

Liesa,

Great updates. I love the quirky narrative that accompanied your TOT adventures. Good stuff that. And your Rico Suave Donald Duck was mighty nifty. I don’t know when the last time was that I attempted to draw a circle without the benefit of a computer, so I just gave it a little test. I need to practice. (And maybe sneak a softball sized template into the Animation Academy.)

Enjoying the photos as always.

Looking forward to more.

I really chose to go quirky on this- as opposed to just being my regular quirky self.

So, how'd ya do on your circle?? I"m tellin' ya, it's WAY harder than it seems it should be!!!

More coming up...

Ix-nay on the irky-quay. She really talks like that.

oh, ha

ha

ha!

Kudos to you Glenn for the great usage of Pig-Latin! I would have been stumped by that except......I speak it fluently!!!!!

2nd grade fun! :yes:

Liesa, I love the latest update. As always your storytelling has me glued to my chair. As you know, we did Animation for the first time this trip and we so enjoyed it (and we got to draw Donald too). And good for you knowing the answer thanks to Dan.

After going back a few more times, I discovered that Donald is actually one of the easier ones.

So great that you got the artists drawing. Your new dog is beautiful!! There is nothing better than cuddling up with a furbaby!!

Thanks!!! I'm loving my new doggie, Davey! He's so sweet! Loves to play and take walks and run and love my kids!

Congrats on the new puppy. So sweet!

Thanks!!! Hey, I just noticed your siggie has a link... I'll try to get to your TR soon!!

Seeing what you were going for with the drawing I must give you 2 big ! I think yours is VERY close to his/hers!

Cute dog!

It was OK, nothing less, nothing more. I wonder if I could go back and do it again, better?? I should try it!!

 

[eandesmom]

Speaking of Cherie... have you talked to her lately? She has been absent for a LONG time on the boards! Hope everything is ok with her!

Not directly, just via FB. Seems good but life busy

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Okay, it took 2 nights, and falling asleep while I was reading, (not because it was boring) but I think I'm caught up. I had to skip some of the brilliant chatter.

Liesa, love your house!!! What a wonderful location. Umm, why did you say you have to live with that wallpaper?

Maroo, thanks for sharing the stories. Such a reminder of all we have to be thankful for, and to watch for opportunities to minister. You are a gem. I am praying for you. Remember God is with you on your whole journey, not just the smooth places.

Liesa, your Donald looks pretty darn good. You are a woman of many talents!

Your dog looks like a sweetheart!