tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29654930712868141482024-03-12T18:30:32.983-05:00Suzanne Rowe Ogren - A Writer's MusingsI believe that life is a great big canvas that encompasses the past, the present, and the perhaps. My posts cover a myraid of moments in my crazy life, and, in reading them, I hope I to make you a believer too. Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-1774227390740034662024-01-31T17:03:00.000-06:002024-01-31T17:03:33.440-06:00<p> So Many Disney Memories - Here's Just One</p><p>For those of you who have read one, or two or all three of the Disney books I co-wrote with my husband, R.J., I want to assure you that this particular memory does not appear in any of them. Having worked at Walt Disney World for almost 14 years, my brain holds lots of WDW stories, and that is what I will publish here, on occasion.</p><p>R.J and I receive requests often, to share moments in those early Magic Kingdom years. For those who have <u>not</u> read our books, and especially ones who are much younger than we are, I have to make you aware that the early years of WDW were truly like working with a family who all shared the pride of being part of Walt Disney's last dream.</p><p>My husband was the first to get hired; I got my first job as a monorail pilot when he was promoted to a management job - his dream come true: he was a Disney artist! He and three others were responsible for all the figures in the attractions, from Peter Pan to the Country Bears to the Hall of Presidents. They also oversaw other types of repair to murals, scenic pieces, etc.</p><p>I started as a monorail pilot because that was what R.J. did when he was first hired, and thanks to one of his supervisors in that area, I was hired to fill his former position. I would have to be patient for almost 18 months until I auditioned for Entertainment.</p><p>But, I digress. (You can read lots more detail about "our beginnings" in our first book, "Together In The Dream".) </p><p>A memory that stays in my mind always is the first time our children, Dawn -then 7 years old, and Sean, almost 4. - cane to the Magic Kingdom with R.J., to see me perform as Sleepy the Dwarf. As I entered Town Square through a backstage door, I could see them, and waved. Now, they had been told, by me, that they should only call me Sleepy when they saw me, never call me Mommy or Mother; it would ruin the experience for other guests in the Park, especially really young children.</p><p> They promised to remember but the minute Sean reached out to take my Dwarf hand, he said, "Hi Mommy!" in a really loud voice. I hugged him and whispered in his ear, "Remember what you're supposed to call me." I'll never forget the look on his face as he realized his mistake and said, "Sorry" in a quiet tone. But I looked at him through happy tears in my eyes. I just loved that he was so excited to share in what I was doing, and I never corrected him again, when he forgot to call me by my character name.,</p><p>Those of you who have similar stories about moments with your own kids definitely understand. I just loved the fact that my moment happened when I was creating magic in the Magic Kingdom, a job I loved then and love my memory moment of that day. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-22460177414555480892024-01-02T10:38:00.000-06:002024-01-02T10:38:16.443-06:00<p> I'M BACK!!!</p><p>A decent way to "begin again" I hope. My last blog entry was in April of 2020, and if you read that one just below, it will fill in all the reasons why I discontinued this avenue of communication with my followers. Since then, I've encountered the pandemic (lucky I didn't experience it), had spinal surgery last year, and just lost my way as a writer because of all the "country chaos" and family issues.</p><p>This is my comeback year as a writer, and I'm anxious to be in touch with my followers again, with new stories, memory stories, some Disney remembrances, and just musings about life's experiences.</p><p>R.J. and I have both revived creative avenues. He continues with his commission paintings, keeps in touch on Facebook and FB Messenger, and updated his website. We are both on FB Live the first Thursday of each month (3pm Central Time), and if you can't watch then, the video can be viewed on Facebook and You Tube.</p><p>I'm still convinced that print communication is alive and well, and I'm physically and mentally ready to contribute to that effort. The blogs will appear whenever I have something to say - and I will note on Facebook or our live show that a new one awaits your attention.</p><p>My love and thanks to all who have asked that I return to my blog. I hope you enjoy - and please email me (srogren@gmail.com) with your questions and comments.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-56849996300315136252020-04-02T10:02:00.002-05:002020-04-02T10:02:11.153-05:00Moving On - And Taking Advantage of Opportunity!I hope the title of this post keeps you reading because this is quite important - to my readers AND me.<br />
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During the last few weeks, and especially since the Covid 19 virus has taken over our entire world, I have pondered on whether to continue my blog. I've talked with R.J. about this as well, and he has totally agreed with my decision - so here it is.<br />
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When I began my blog nearly 12 years ago, blogs were just beginning to "take off", and I added it to my resume of writing efforts. Before that, my published writing consisted totally of newspaper articles, personality profiles, and travel pieces for magazines. I had the time to pursue them all.<br />
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With pleasant surprise, RJ and I have adjusted to our "new creative life", after publishing 5 books between us, and seeing our life change dramatically. We are busy creating every day, and I'm managing the business side of RJ's painting commissions. Each day is different and challenging.<br />
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The one disappointment for me is my inability to regularly take the time to write a blog, coupled with the fact that people are more interested in Facetime, FB Live, You Tube and podcasts. They want to see and hear who is talking - and I am going to move my memory moments, thoughts, and all manner of subjects to the FB Live show that RJ and I do on alternate Thursdays at 3 pm.<br />
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This blog site will remain up, and all the nearly 200 posts can be accessed by anyone who wants to read. In my new "video logs", I plan to expand topics and engage the ever-growing audience we have.<br />
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My thanks to all who have read and commented on this site for so long. And, remember, I'm not ending; I'm just moving on to a more contemporary venue!<br />
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(Join us on FB Live at this address: Randy Jack Ogren)Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-29263275902596924732020-02-03T16:37:00.002-06:002020-02-03T16:37:28.878-06:00A Request Happy February! I'm devoting this month, during my "writing work time" to finding ways to increase my readership as well as my book sales. To that end, I really need feedback from those of you reading this post.<br />
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Comments, thoughts, suggestions - anything in that vein - would help me to know the type of posts you most enjoy reading. You can look back, if you'd like, at any of my past writings on this blog by choosing one or more from the list on the right side of this page.<br />
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I don't want to limit this social media avenue to just one type of subject matter. I try, each time I open this site and begin composing, to give you something about my life, my thoughts, my experiences in all manner of pursuits - in other words, I hope I'm an "open window" of creativity in some way.<br />
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To be successful, though, I have to receive responses from readers. You can comment on this site, which I'm told is quite simple (see the bottom of this post to navigate that), or you can email me at srogren@gmail.com.<br />
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I'm looking forward to hearing from you - and thanks in advance!<br />
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<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-15937669045396986592020-01-20T10:13:00.000-06:002020-01-20T10:17:04.122-06:00Continuing My Creative Chaos Theme!Remember in a previous post when I explained how our so-called "orderly creativity" is constantly turned into chaos (which we do thrive on, really!) Well, that is why this blog is being published <i>nine days</i> after my last one, even though I have said I would complete one a week. I do think I should say I just have to pick the best "free time" within <i>close to a week's time, or maybe even sooner</i> - when I can enjoy writing and posting to you. Just keep looking; I'm still here, and still committed.<br />
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That being explained, let's return to that ever-present condition in our lives: "chaos". Webster's dictionary defines that word as "a state of things in which chance is supreme." (They certainly got that right!) My Oxford Thesaurus gives several choices, including <i>disorder, mayhem, disruption, commotion </i>and <i>muddle. </i>Again, all appropriate to our personal experiences.<br />
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<i>Muddle.</i> A word that makes me laugh, and fits best, I believe. R.J. and I give hours each day to our creative work, whatever form it takes: painting, writing, theatre, etc., but we never let that overshadow family. And this last week has been all about family: a birthday for our youngest grandson, helping our oldest grandson move from his apartment to our house for a few months, a meeting with our son about his next theatre directing project (which RJ and I will also be a part of), and phone calls, errands, etc., that are all related to those things. Oh, yes, and RJ had to shovel snow as well!<br />
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The <i>muddle</i> enters our world because we cannot ignore our work since that is how we pay our bills, have a roof over our heads, and continue to enjoy the life that being creative creates for us. Juggling all those things this week was difficult - but we did obtain success in one form or another. That's because we are used to a life where <i>chance is supreme.</i><br />
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I must add that the technology that breeds the "hurry-up" of society in general initiates more chaos for us than in earlier decades, when we existed just fine without mobile phones, the internet, social media in any form, and screens in every public and private place - whether you want them or not! And the most annoying part of it all, for us, is that we had amazing creative lives without all that, before it became absolutely necessary to function because everyone now expects you to be "constantly connected."<br />
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So, when you try to imagine what our daily lives include, just conjure up the word <i>muddle</i>, and maybe giggle, thinking about what we might be attempting to create, complete, and control.<br />
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Hope you have a splendid week - and, please, let me know your thoughts on the above.<br />
Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-688554867928871682020-01-11T16:40:00.001-06:002020-01-11T16:40:29.888-06:00A Typical Week - Ha!Since my new theme - if that's what it is - for my blog posts is supposed to include funny, or touching or informational or editorial rhetoric about my creative life, then I must explain what a typical week is like for R.J. and I.<br />
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There IS no such thing: the only thing "typical" is that the week begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday. In between, we both have calendars with meetings, family plans, and work commitments noted, but there are ALWAYS interruptions, changes, and unforeseen "whatevers"! I must add that we thrive on this kind of untypical chaos - it keeps us young, keeps our brains sharp and offers a never-ending menu of challenges.<br />
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Let's look at this week to illustrate what I mean. On Monday, we took the day off to celebrate my birthday, and went by train to downtown Chicago. There, we had lunch, and walked the city - and walked, and walked. All fun, but we paid for it with sore muscles and crazy sleep patterns. We did manage to accomplish <i>some of our scheduled activities and appointments, </i>but in doing so, we had to cancel our FB Live show on Thursday to attend to work. We have spent the last two days taking down our Christmas decorations, and our tree - which we had planned to do on Wednesday!<br />
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I'm sure many of you could relate to a crazy week like that once in a while, but if you choose a creative life, as we did many decades ago, then craziness and chaos are part of the everyday. In my blog next week, I have a perfect story about that.<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
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<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-86675873238290043082020-01-02T10:21:00.002-06:002020-01-02T10:23:30.942-06:00It's 2020 - And We're Back At "It"!If you read my last post, from December 18th, you know that our new book is on the market - AND I promised another blog on the 21st, to be my last for 2019.<br />
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Well! R.J. decided he deserved a couple of weeks off, after his non-stop year of painting and commitments, and I totally agreed. I also knew he was right that I, too, deserved some days away from work and anything other than "fun Holiday stuff". So, no blog last week, and neither of us have any guilt about our down times - they have helped us both to recharge, and converse about our goals for this Leap Year.<br />
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During Christmas week, we received copies of our new book in the mail, and are definitely pleased with the finished product. If you have purchased, or plan to purchase a copy, please help us by going on Amazon and posting a review - which we hope will be positive! We spent almost 3 years getting this last in the trilogy of early WDW just right, and are proud of our work, and eager to have your feedback (which you can also do to me via this blog site, by the way.)<br />
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On Thursday, Jan. 9th, R.J. and I will both be on his Facebook Live show (3 pm CST), showing off our Disney Christmas decorations and talking more about the new book. Please join us - and thanks for staying with me here. There WILL be weekly entries here from now on!Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-13427925207423187292019-12-18T11:15:00.000-06:002019-12-18T11:15:00.339-06:00My Christmas "Excuse"Last week, I was non-stop busy with entertaining company, a day with our youngest grandson, Christmas cards and our annual Newsletter, final house decorating, early shopping, Etc., Etc., Etc!<br />
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All that should excuse me from totally forgetting to do a blog post, right? But, there's one more happy reason that my attentions were elsewhere: our newest book, <i>Imagination and Dreams Are Forever</i> debuted for sale early in the week, and R.J. and I were both busy promoting it everywhere. By now, it should be available on the Theme Park Press website, and I know you can purchase it on Amazon.<br />
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Tomorrow, on FB Live (at 3 pm, CST), R.J. and I will be showcasing the book, and reading some passages from it to entice buyers. Please join us for that; it will be our Christmas broadcast, and we have lots to share.<br />
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I WILL do another post at the end of this week, so come back on Saturday for another blog. I've put a post-it under my computer screen to remind me!<br />
<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-35789598122149422182019-12-06T17:28:00.001-06:002019-12-06T17:28:47.324-06:00Just Our WayEarly each morning, R.J. and I spend about an hour, in our living room, listening to music, drinking our coffee, and just talking - about all manner of topics both important and not so. We've discovered it is the best way to recharge our creative energies.<br />
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R.J. can always make me laugh, help me see new solutions to any problem I struggle with, and is forever my cheerleader and confidant. He claims I do the same for him. As far as our daily schedules go, for work and commitments, one day is never like another, so having that morning time together is the spark that ignites us - much more so than a quick cup of coffee and a hurried kiss, as we head off in different directions.<br />
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I realize that our special careers, which allow us to work from home, is not what most couples enjoy. And, without sounding like a boring teacher advocating life's best solution, let me make it clear that, in describing the start to our days, I'm not trying to say this is the only way to be productive, or have the perfect marriage!<br />
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No, my purpose, in this new launch of my blog, is that I will sometimes describe aspects of our lives that are unique for us, hoping that, by doing so, you will know me a little better.<br />
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I welcome your comments about my thoughts - and please share with me some of the ways you inspire yourselves each day. Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-76121310942756675692019-11-29T16:40:00.000-06:002019-11-29T16:49:59.428-06:00My Own Idea of ThankfulnessI didn't take a picture yesterday, of the members of our family around our dining table - at least not a photograph that you could view. Instead, the picture I do have is a mental one - and a thankful one.<br />
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Let me give you a word picture: there were 8 of us able to get together for Thanksgiving, and, before we began the sumptuous dinner we had all helped prepare, we joined hands - not simultaneously - but with smiles and some remarks of "what are we doing?" I explained that I wanted everyone to say what they were thankful for. I'm aware that this is not original to the holiday, but the responses from each of us certainly were!<br />
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They ranged from the last to arrive before dinner being thankful we had saved some appetizers for him, to a very quick blessing so that we could start passing food. Others were more traditional, such as being thankful for their children or the love of their partner. I said I was able to enjoy the day because of all the help I had with the meal.<br />
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I watched all the faces of these special people in my life, laughing or smiling as each took time to respond in their own unique way. And that's my own idea of thankfulness, having them all there, sharing their own brand of happy with me. That image will never dim. Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-83392980891184847842019-11-21T12:40:00.000-06:002019-11-21T12:40:05.964-06:00This Is "My Expanded Blog" - Enjoy!After many months of ruminating about how I could make this blog more open and interesting - I went through several titles changes, thought about what parts of my life I wanted to share, what thoughts I had that might be of interest to my followers, and on and on - I consulted my creative other half, and working together, I finally untangled my brain and am happy with what I'm about to write here as we go forward.<br />
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First of all, I decided that my original title would stay because, after all, I am a published writer, and my "musings" are basically anything I think about and want to write about and share. I did come up with what I feel better expresses my intention with my work. My new subtitle definitely does that (I do have a crazy life and I want you to enjoy it with me!)<br />
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My posts will be at least one a week, and will include subjects of my writing life, my theatre life, my Disney life, my family life, etc., etc. etc. There are so many facets of what creativity in a life style have given, and continue to give every day.<br />
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Please come back and visit often, and PLEASE send me your comments, remarks, or critiques. I sincerely want to know what my readers/followers think of my writings, and you also inspire ideas for new avenues to explore. There is a place to comment at the end of each post, and you can indicate whether you want your remarks published for all to read - or not. I look forward to how you can make this blog even better!<br />
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Lastly, on the Facebook Live show that my talented artist husband does every other Thursday (just go on FB and search "Randy Jack Ogren" - every other Thursday at 3 pm CST), I appear with him, once a month, to share stories and answer questions from our Disney followers. I am starting a new item on there with today's Live by occasionally sharing one of my favorite recipes. On the days that I do that, my blog will have the full recipe in print for anyone who wants it.<br />
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So! After that long-winded explanation, here is the recipe that will be on our show. It is one that I've been making for about 40 years, for special dinners, and my family - especially my husband - loves to have for Thanksgiving dinner:<br />
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<u>Scalloped Corn Supreme</u><br />
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1 15 oz. can of cream style corn<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 well-beaten egg<br />
1 cup cracker crumbs (either saltines or Ritz type)<br />
1/4 cup minced onion<br />
3 Tbls. chopped pimiento<br />
3/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 cup buttered cracker crumbs<br />
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Heat corn and milk. Gradually stir in egg. Add next four ingredients and a dash of pepper. Mix well. Pour into an 8-inch round baking dish. Sprinkle buttered crumbs over it. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.<br />
Serves 6. <br />
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Have a great Holiday, and I'll be back here next week with - well who knows?!<br />
Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-90823075424433544012019-11-18T17:15:00.001-06:002019-11-18T17:15:28.906-06:00This is the Week!!!Be ready, loyal readers - this is the week I am going to launch my updated, revised, enlarged and more interesting blog!<br />
My last post in March explained what was going to happen, and I certainly didn't expect it to take over six months to get to this point. I will spare you all the myriad of reasons that I was prevented from doing this!<br />
Just keep checking back, because by Saturday, November 23rd, I will post a new title for my blog (still same blogspot address to access me) and present lots of information on what you'll be seeing here.<br />
Thanks for your patience; I promise it will be worth it!Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-29553023580218191942019-03-02T10:28:00.003-06:002019-03-02T10:28:52.593-06:00Something New Being Created!To my loyal readers - and hopefully some new readers:<br />
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Months ago, I posted that I was going to rework this site. I am doing that, but it is taking much longer than I anticipated because I've been adamant that what I change and add will make it better, more attractive for my followers, and open it up to new paths as well.<br />
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That journey is almost complete. It is taking more time because it is the second project I'm busy with at the moment; the first being a new book my husband and I are collaborating on (the third in a trilogy of books on our careers at Walt Disney World, and its history).<br />
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Please keep checking back for the finish of my labors, and the launch of a much better site. The projected date should be no later than May of this year. And, again, thanks for your patience. I promise it will be worth the wait!<br />
<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-30496503474777426322018-10-22T11:34:00.001-05:002018-10-22T11:34:33.816-05:00News For My FollowersThose who read this blog regularly (and thank you!) know that my husband, R.J., and I are working on our third and final book for the Walt Disney World "trilogy". Based on our publisher's estimate, it should be published in the spring of 2019. That is keeping me busy, and away from this blog, unfortunately.<br />
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There will soon be another site for my writing efforts: a new Facebook business page. It will be focused on promoting my books, both fiction and nonfiction.<br />
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I'm working on it right now, and hope to have it up, and constantly updated, very soon. (The first week of November is the projected launch date.) Keep checking here for the official start, and let me know - either on my blog or FB - what you think of the new site, and what you'd like to see that isn't there!<br />
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Back to work!<br />
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<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-77241134049788613092018-07-20T17:31:00.001-05:002018-07-20T17:31:46.316-05:00Shayla: "Our Furry Child"I had to include a picture with today's blog, so that you would be able to appreciate this beautiful lady who is so much a part of our daily lives: our black labrador, Shayla.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP7snQRbmvJyD9g93xhWAsC3w22q1ZSCGNwNz-UFr-PkjsLIlTvoXoMkybgt7e2rRpPY9RGiPj3dhTRTGy3WhDcrTCH7IN9EcxWlfYjmbirb37msryEM5vOp1ot3fYMHVLlqLJBBGA9k/s1600/Shayla+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="318" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP7snQRbmvJyD9g93xhWAsC3w22q1ZSCGNwNz-UFr-PkjsLIlTvoXoMkybgt7e2rRpPY9RGiPj3dhTRTGy3WhDcrTCH7IN9EcxWlfYjmbirb37msryEM5vOp1ot3fYMHVLlqLJBBGA9k/s320/Shayla+portrait.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
We rescued her from a county shelter about eight years ago. She was three then. There has never been a time in our married life that we have not had at least two dogs in our family; at one time we had four! (That proved to be a bit much.) When we got Shayla, we had recently lost Rascal, a male Karelian Bear Dog who lived a full life for 17 years. We got him as a puppy, so it was the worst canine sadness of all for R.J. and me.<br />
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The other dog who shared Rascal's life was Molly Brown (a beagle/hound mix) and when Rascal died, she literally pined for him. He had been like a dad to her since the day we'd brought her home as a puppy from the pound. (We've always had rescue dogs.) Molly immediately accepted Shayla into the family, and I guess the feeling was mutual, because when Molly left this world, Shayla pined for her as well.<br />
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Thinking about a blog topic today, I passed our sleeping ball of fur in the living room, and decided that she need to be introduced to you all. She's almost 12 now, and the vet says she is very healthy for her age. We could have told him that. I sometimes think she is smarter than either of us, and, just for the record, she is also spoiled rotten. We have always spoiled our dogs with treats and lots of love, and they have all had long, healthy times here on earth.<br />
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Shayla is our only dog since Molly's passing. We talked about getting a friend for her again, but she seems to enjoy being our only canine, and we see no reason to upset that balance.<br />
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From the time I was born, dogs have been part of my life. My parents always had them, and R.J. and I got our first puppy in our first year of marriage. There are many stories about them all, and I think I'll feature different "furry children" in upcoming blogs. I've always believed that having them has added a unique richness to our home life. They've also constantly reminded me of the one-of-a-kind devotion they give to their human parents. That's a gift like no other.<br />
<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-56572219237505346942018-07-06T17:31:00.000-05:002018-07-06T17:31:13.523-05:00Remembrance For A FriendI've spent the better part of an hour trying to begin this post. All my words have been carefully thought about, but eventually deleted, because they all seemed to pale and wane when I read them.<div>
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I lost a special friend recently; a woman I cherished in my life for over twenty years. She was older than me, but I never thought of her that way. From the day we first met, there was a connection, enforced by mutual respect, and a love for life, that bonded us.<div>
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The struggle I'm having with writing about my sadness over this loss speaks to what a unique woman she was, and that's why just stringing together adoring adjectives fail miserably. She was a giving individual, both to her community, her family, and her friends. All commendable attributes, but many deserving people can be described that way.</div>
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She and her husband were welcomed into our home numerous times, as I was to hers, and we shared so many fun and rewarding moments together while we lived near each other. After I moved away, we would have regular visits by phone, keeping in touch with each other's lives, and commenting on a host of topics. </div>
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I learned much from her. She was educated, worldly, and had a delightful sense of humor (and a laugh that never failed to make my day). I'd like to hope that a small part of what she taught me I have succeeded to emulate.</div>
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Our last visit in person was about a year ago, and a treasured memory. My husband and I were back in the town, where she still lived, for a book signing, and I loved being able to present her with my novel, which I lovingly inscribed to her. A few weeks later, she sent me a note praising my writing, and sharing specific ways in which the book had touched her. Her words were so beautifully crafted; I read that note over and over.</div>
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I've given you just a few of the many ways this woman influenced my life. I'm sure, if I'd expressed these to her during her lifetime, she would have deflected them. That was another reason I loved her; she was gracious and unassuming.</div>
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I guess the best thing to do is just to say, I was definitely lucky she chose to be my friend. And my tears will continue for some time, because I will miss her voice, her hugs, and her never-ending love of life.</div>
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Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-22277724233439824042018-06-15T17:28:00.000-05:002018-06-15T17:28:11.365-05:00Love Being A WordsmithMy title today is sincere; there is nothing I enjoy more than weaving words in a way that keeps readers reading. I don't pretend to be the best at it, but since the definition of <i>wordsmith</i>, according to Webster, is "a person who works with words", I can honestly call myself one.<br />
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Last week, R.J. and I announced the title of our next Walt Disney World book: <i>Imagination And Dreams Are Forever.</i> It occurred to me, as I was deciding on a topic for this blog, that our followers might be curious about why we chose it.<br />
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It is a reference to a quote attributed to Walt Disney, and those two words, <i>Imagination</i> and <i>Dreams</i> are ones that relate to 1) what Walt wanted his theme park to be about, and 2) what our lives have been as a result of our inclusion into his World.<br />
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Looking up the two words in my most used text, <i>Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus,</i> I discovered those two words have many, many different meanings. That makes our title even more perfect, I think. Let me list a few of the varied definitions.<br />
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<i><b>Imagination:</b></i> creativity, vision, resourcefulness, originality, innovation, curiosity, passion, interest, fascination. (I also keep hearing the song Figment sings in <i>The Journey To Imagination</i> attraction at Epcot - I'm not certain I have the lyric totally correct, but it goes something like: "Imagination. A dream can be a dream come true; it all starts with me and you.")<br />
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<i><b>Dream</b>: </i>fantasy, daze, aspiration, hope, aim, objective, intention, desire, wish, yearning, contemplate, create, romantic, ideal.<i> (</i>Another lyric enters my head - from Walt Disney's Cinderella: "A dream is a wish your heart makes.")<br />
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Our work-in-progress not only covers many of those descriptive synonyms; our life together has, and will always be filled with examples of them all. We don't plan to ever stop dreaming, or imagining, and we've adopted another line from a more recent song lyric - from the award-winning, film, <i>La La Land</i>: "Here's to the ones who dream, foolish though they may seem." That's us to a "T" - and we wouldn't want it any other way!<br />
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Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-46865520941655254822018-06-08T16:03:00.001-05:002018-06-08T16:03:07.493-05:00Fun Challenge - If You're Interested!For those of our Disney followers who saw me, with my husband R.J., on his FB video log today, you already know about the "contest challenge" I'm going to address in my blog.<br />
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As I've mentioned in past months, R.J. and I are writing our third book on the early decades of Walt Disney World, and our work there. We have chosen a title for the book: <i>Imagination And Dreams Are Forever.</i> However, we need a sub-title to make it clear to readers what we're writing about. That's where the challenge for you comes in.<br />
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The sub-title has to encompass the following: 1) that this is about Walt Disney World in its first years, and 2) that we did work there then and these are our personal reflections. In addition, we will begin the book with a brief look at how Walt envisioned the property, and how it came to be following his untimely death. WDW was Walt's dream, his legacy, and for us it will always be "WALT Disney World".<br />
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So, that should give you enough info to spur your thinking, and submit your idea. Remember that this sub-title cannot be too long and wordy.<br />
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If you do want to give it a try, simply messenger your submission to R.J. on Facebook, on his site <b>Randy Jack Ogren</b>. You have until July 31st to submit.<br />
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The winner will be chosen by us and our publisher at Theme Park Press. You will receive a personally autographed copy of the book, and your efforts will be mentioned in either the introduction or the acknowledgements section.<br />
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We're looking forward to reading all the ideas, and selecting one that will truly compliment our title! Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-32993929252141422312018-05-25T09:39:00.000-05:002018-05-25T09:39:17.772-05:00Family FirstI am not unique; everyone has priority issues to deal with every day - and most of those involve family.<br />
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This week, R.J. had successful cataract surgery, and is recovering nicely. However, this has required me to be his nurse, in a way, and spend lot of time taking care of his needs, and assisting him more than usual with work and household duties.<br />
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It is a temporary thing, and by next week at this time, I may go into further detail in my blog about just what is involved. For now, I need to focus on him, and the rest of my family responsibilities as well.<br />
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Thanks for your understanding, and I'll be back here next Friday.<br />
<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-2009291969046111862018-05-11T16:14:00.001-05:002018-05-11T16:14:52.182-05:00Putting It TogetherCombining all the elements involved to present live theatre to an audience is never easy, but always rewarding. Since mid-February, when my son Sean and I held auditions for "Much Ado About Nothing", a large portion of my time - especially evenings - has been focused on that goal.<br />
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When we formed this thespian endeavor a couple of years ago, we knew we wanted to bring to the stage new, edited versions of Shakespeare's works, to rival the notion that his plays are long and difficult to understand. For example, our script of this play is one hour and forty minutes, has no intermission, and we delight in watching the audience happily involved in the characters and plot. We have been successful in changing minds about the Bard, winning new audience members to classic theatre.<br />
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We've also been lucky to welcome many actors who are eager to be in Shakespeare plays, and love our unique way of presenting them. Our budget is small, our space to perform is an open black box style theatre, and we design sets and costumes that offer the audiences imaginative backdrops for the story that unfolds.<br />
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As co-director with my son on this production, and three others prior, I have delighted in being his second. He and I each have individual strengths when it comes to knowing how to motivate and instruct. His creativity as well as his definitive knowledge of Shakespeare, coupled with his mantra to the cast and crew that "we're all here to play and enjoy" make for a happy atmosphere where everyone works at bringing their best.<br />
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Going from first rehearsal to opening night takes hours and hours of concentrated honing of ideas and technique, of changes and growth that eventually bring us to that first night before an audience. I can never say enough about the work our actors never cease to give us.<br />
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Presenting quality theatre is a collaborative effort, from auditions to final bows, and it is a passion that gives me never-ending joy. <br />
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Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-45428026338380715142018-05-04T17:08:00.001-05:002018-05-04T17:08:25.957-05:00"Another Opening - Another Show"No real blog today, because the production of "Much Ado About Nothing", (which I have co-driected with our son, Sean) is opening this evening.<br />
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I have spent the afternoon writing personal notes to all the cast and crew members of the show, and now I'm dealing with last-minute emergencies that always arrive on opening nights.<br />
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Next week, I'll tell you all just what details are involved in getting to a first night performance. Have a great weekend!Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-15071346376394884012018-04-27T12:05:00.001-05:002018-04-27T12:05:57.843-05:00My Best Post About Birthdays - "A Special Birthday Cake"We celebrate three birthdays in our family in the last week of April and the second week in May. Birthdays are always special for us, but even more so this year.<br />
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On April 24th, our son, Sean, turned 44; a unique birthday since he was born in April (the fourth month), on the 24th day, in the year 1974. He marked his celebration with a clever costume party. On April 30th, our middle grandson, Christopher, will celebrate his 21st birthday. Then, on May 12th, my beloved R.J. will once again be older than me by 7 months. That's a distinction I love reminding him of until I become the same age next January!<br />
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To help explain our family's reverence for birthdays, I wanted to refer you to a post I did nine years ago, on January 7, 2009. Sadly, however, I have realized that it doesn't appear in my list of past posts.<br />
The next best thing, then, is to recreate it here. I'd love to receive your comments about it, including your own memories of birthday moments.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He climbed the dark stairwell slowly, his back and arms weary from a hard day's work, a day that marked his 26th birthday, but that fact did not enter his mind. He thought only of his new bride, waiting for him on the other side of the apartment door. She had greeted him every night these past two months since their wedding, with a smile and a hug, and always neatly groomed and dressed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">His key clicked in the lock, and her voice called to him, "I'm in the kitchen!" His coat and keys found their way to the living room chair as he closed the door, then followed her voice. He certainly didn't expect the scene he found before him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">On the tiny kitchen table was a birthday cake, candles lit, and his wife behind the table, beaming at him, as she exclaimed, "Happy Birthday honey!" He didn't move or speak for several long seconds. His wife's expression changed to one of puzzlement. "It's coconut - your favorite," she explained in a quiet tone. Her words elicited no response. He continued to stare at the cake. Did you forget it was your birthday?" she asked, walking over and giving him an extra long hug. His arms wrapped tightly around her, he pressed his face next to hers, and she was aware of his cold skin against her warm cheek. And then, she felt his tears. His body trembled as he confessed, "This is the first birthday cake I've ever had."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That is a true story I think of ever time a member of our family has a birthday. The man was my father who grew up in a most dysfunctional household. He told me often that he never knew familial love or affection until he married my mother.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">He would tell the story about that birthday cake over and over to anyone who would listen. It never failed to make me cry. I believe that is why birthdays in our family, as long as I can remember, have always been marked with special dinners, gifts, congratulatory songs, hugs, cards, and always, always a cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mine, this year was lemon with lemon icing - at my request. When I was growing up, my mom would always bake me a three-layer cake: pink, white and blue with white boiled icing (a confection rarely seen on cakes anymore). I remember my ninth birthday when my dad decorated my cake with a beautiful carousel he had made out of paper and cardboard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My husband bakes my cakes for me now, and delights in decorating them with special sayings or pictures. He would take his decorating skills to new heights every year with our children's cakes, usually fashioned in the shape of a favorite Disney character. We have pictures of all of them, and our now grown children remember them with fondness. It's our grandsons who are the recipients of his special cakes now, the most recent being a purple dinosaur.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The year my mother passed away, I attempted to make my dad's favorite coconut cake on his first birthday without her. I cooked the icing, made the lemon pudding filling, and baked and frosted the cake with care. He was touched by my efforts, but we both knew it wasn't as good as hers. I made the attempt, though, and that's what counted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Some people might think it's silly to make such a big deal about a sweet reminder that you're one year older. But, to me, it is also a reminder of how much we are loved in our family because, whenever I blow out my candles, I'm reminded of that story my dad used to tell about how much it meant to him to have that cake.</span><br />
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Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-38849170281058076882018-04-20T15:48:00.000-05:002018-04-20T15:48:20.036-05:00One of Those "Never A Dull Moment" TimesI will begin today's blog asking you to re-read my post of March 9th, titled "Never A Dull Moment". By doing so, you will understand why I've gone two weeks without a post, and the reasons that such a vacuum will happen from time to time.<br />
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R.J. and I were out of town last week, attending a family wedding. It was a break from our work that was welcomed, and we were so happy to be a part of this once in a lifetime moment for a truly special couple.<br />
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The week before had us involved with a plethora (love that word!) of things, which don't need to be detailed. Suffice it to say, we were happily working on quite a few creative projects. On a serious note, that was also the week that our son had outpatient surgery, so our focus was again on family. He is recovering nicely, I'm happy to say.<br />
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R.J. is doing a video log today, and, I think showing off his latest commission painting; one that is visible in black light as well as regular light. It's definitely one to view, AND he is doing it at his new time on Fridays - 5 p.m. Central Time. The change came about due to a survey he did with his current followers, asking what day and time worked best for them.<br />
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So, today's post is really just to let you know that I haven't ceased writing - and I do not anticipate any upcoming conflicts that will prevent my composing. Still deciding what I'll write about next week. Hope you'll check back to find out. Have a great week!Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-64042613208518962312018-03-23T12:05:00.001-05:002018-03-23T12:05:43.053-05:00Another Look BackIf you read my post from last week, you already know that the new book R.J. and I are working on (which will be published late this year) focuses on relating Walt Disney's legacy and how it is reflected in Walt Disney World.<br />
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We are finalizing our chapters and an outline for our publisher, and for those who have read our earlier books about WDW, R.J. and I will alternate chapters, with new personal stories about our years working there, as we've done before.<br />
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In addition, we will begin each chapter with a quote by Walt that relates to the content of that particular chapter. That is an important part of this work because we think it will introduce the genius of the man. Although his name is a household word, many people do not know about his visions, his love of nostalgia and his life.<br />
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Choosing a title for a book is always difficult, and more so when the book is still being written. In our minds, we know what we want to convey with the title, but for now, not even a working title has been agreed upon. I'll let you know when we have it. Keep in mind that our other "final titles" went through several changes before publication.<br />
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We're delighted that readers are asking for more of our remembrances about the past at Walt Disney World, and each week, I'll give you a small peek at our progress.<br />
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A program note: R.J. will not be doing a vlog today, as he is working to finish a painting that requires all his attention. Look for him next Friday.Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2965493071286814148.post-16710486582672223392018-03-16T16:48:00.000-05:002018-03-16T16:48:13.764-05:00Loving the Nostalgic The title of my post today refers to two things: my own reflective self, and a quote by a man I am still learning from - Walt Disney: "I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past."<br />
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I've been researching and gathering many Walt quotes for our new book, because the theme of that book, as with our first two, is recreating for our readers what Walt Disney World was like in it first few decades. Since my husband, R.J. and I are aware that many who are now followers of all things Disney were not even alive when Walt was, we've decided to begin each chapter with a quote by the man whose legacy still lives on.<br />
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I'll be sharing more about our in-progress writing next week, but, for now, I just wanted to explain how important we feel it is to not only learn from the present, but revere what came before us, and never lose sight of our sentimental remembrances. Walt never did, and we don't plan to, either.<br />
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Nostalgia, sentimentality, wistfulness are all words that express a longing to remember our past, and, by doing that and sharing our memories and stories, we have been buoyed by the responses of our readers who want to hear more. It is what spurs us to keep writing, knowing others want to experience those times with us.<br />
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We really can't imagine doing this newest book without making Walt the center of it all. Check back next week for a more complete description of our newest draft.<br />
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<br />Suzanne Rowe Ogrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09037421989268491888noreply@blogger.com0