Disney Daydreaming

Would you believe Walt Disney World in Florida celebrates its 50th birthday this year? That's right. The Big 5-0! I'm sure a number of us have visited the Happiest Place on Earth either as kids, with our kids, or both. I'm probably sounding ancient, but I remember visiting the park when there was only the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center; even then, it was almost impossible to see and do everything for your whopping $25 entry fee (that price has gone up just a tad since the late 1980s).

Reflecting on the milestone also got me thinking about how Walt Disney has influenced the childhood of so many throughout the world. I mean, can anyone not recall watching a Disney cartoon, like Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King? And don't forget those live action movies, such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins, Pollyanna, and Freaky Friday (preferably the Jodie Foster version).

Let's face it. Disney has introduced classic fairy tales and stories--everything from Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll, and the Brothers Grimm, among others--to generations through the medium of film. Not only did Disney expose so many to these examples of children's literature, he also put his own spin on them, often giving them happier endings than their original sources. Good prevails in the end, and love is one of the strongest forces that exist.

Keep in mind that the library has a large fairy tale collection as well as Disney children's books and Disney DVDs. Stop by and check some of them out!

Wishing you a wonderful journey into imagination from the perch.

The Joys of Walking

I'm going to take a break from talking about books and literary matters, because I'd like to share with you what's been putting a spring in my step these days (other than light and uplifting reads). Ahem. I have discovered the joys of walking.

Am I hearing crickets? Have I lost you? Before you switch to Facebook and scroll for more memes on cats or politics, allow me a moment of your time.

Maybe you've been like me--pandemic starting to get to you, needing some exercise, looking for something to break your currently limited routine. Normally, I get outside and exercise a bit in warmer weather. However, with this past summer being one of the hottest on record, I was upset with myself for getting even less exercise than in the winter. Then I spotted this article which got me off my tuchus and walking almost every chance I get.

For most of us, walking is something we do everyday. You need no skills other than being able to put one foot in front of the other. Experts say that some of the benefits of walking (which I have discovered firsthand) include:

• Improved health. It's probably a no-brainer that walking gives you better cardiovascular fitness, makes bones and muscles stronger, burns calories, and does a lot of other good things for your body.
• Improved mood. It doesn't take much. Even 10 minutes walking outside can relax you, clear your head, and make you feel better all around. Trust me.
• Improved productivity and brain power. Walking re-charges you, increasing blood flow to the brain which in turn helps you think more clearly.
• Improved sleep. The movement you get from walking helps you de-stress, therefore allowing you to sleep better.

For more on the benefits of walking, check out some articles on Prevention, Healthline, and the Mayo Clinic's website.

I could go further, but I don't want to keep you from those oh-so-important Facebook memes. On second thought, why not put the memes aside and use the time to take a walk instead? It'll be better for both your physical and mental health.

Wishing you good walking from the perch.