thank you

Three years ago today, I made the decision to write about my Disney memories and experiences here at Zannaland. I can honestly say my life has changed drastically since that time, in a million wonderful ways. The old saying “do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” rings true every day. I certainly don’t consider what I do here a “job” but it’s something that’s given my family and I so many wonderful opportunities and experiences we’d never have otherwise. I’ve met so many amazing people, because of the site and through twitter and other social media outlets. In addition, I’ve connected with other bloggers and writers and been to some wonderful events where I’ve learned even more to share here with you.

I just want to take a moment to reflect on all of the fantastic people and experiences the last three years have brought into my life. I am so very grateful for every moment. I’ve learned so much about myself in the process as well. I’ve gone from a very shy person who chose to write so she didn’t have to speak to people in person, to someone who isn’t afraid to take risks and step outside her comfort zone. And that’s all thanks to YOU! Your support, comments, re-tweets, links, questions, and suggestions have kept me going and it propels me to keep looking forward to the next great thing I can share with all of you, while enjoying the present at the same time. (I’m still working on the shyness 😉 )

Thank you so much for reading my silly thoughts and memories here at Zannaland and for being the reason I hope to be writing here for many more years to come!

Happy Zanniversary from me to you! I’d love to hear from you below if you could drop me a comment just to say hi!

I’m going to step slightly outside the Disney and theme park box for a moment on this day-before-Thanksgiving here in the United States. I have so much to be grateful for this year, I’d like to try and articulate some of it. It’s hard to believe the first Thanksgiving I was writing in this blog, our circumstances were quite different. My husband had just lost his job, and though I had recently received the news that I’d be joining the elite ranks of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, it was a holiday full of uncertainty. We still made the most of it, for we had many blessings and still do. Back then my littlest guy had just turned one. Now he is three and a never-ending ball of energy, curiosity and amazement. My oldest two were just sailing through school in our old town back then, and now since moving to Celebration they are both flourishing in their own ways. My husband now has a wonderful job and we just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary, at Walt Disney World, of course.

Noah Fine Art - Awaiting the Kiss — ©Noah Fine Art

The past few months have taught me a lot about what’s truly important in life. Values are important. Character is important. Teaching my children those things is important. All the other stuff? Just fluff. Don’t get me wrong, fluff is great. I love fluff. But without a strong core inside, everything will fall apart. I formed two very close friendships over the summer and these friends continue to inspire me to be a better person, each day. I am definitely a believer in everything happening for a reason and I am so very grateful for these people being sent into my life. I’m also thankful for getting closer to old friends and meeting new ones. I will make it a priority to maintain these current and new connections.

Without gushing too much, I just wanted to take a moment and reflect on my blessings. I am so happy in our new home in Celebration, I think it was a wonderful decision to move back to the Orlando area and I’ve loved every aspect of living in this amazing community. I am grateful for my wonderful family, who continue to support me non-stop in my endeavors here on the blog and the events I attend as a result. I couldn’t ask for more a more understanding husband, 3 kids, and of course my mom as well. I’m thankful that I get to do what I love each day here on Zannaland; share my thoughts, stories, and news with all of my wonderful readers. I love connecting with people on twitter especially and reminiscing, being excited, and learning new things, together. I’m certainly not the best blog or blogger, but I deeply appreciate each and every reader and the support and encouragement I’ve received over the years. The thought that I’ve made even one person smile, or remember a happy memory, makes it all worthwhile. Who knows where the future will lead, but I am so appreciative of the “right now” and look at each morning as a chance to grow.

So thank you all for reading this, for being such a constant source of support and encouragent in everything I endeavor, and for just being you. Thank you to my wonderful friends and family, for the lessons I have learned and the chance to learn more each day. May your Thanksgiving (or Thursday, depending on your location!) bring you peace, blessings, and love that last throughout the coming year.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite little songs of thanks, a Shaker song written and composed in 1848 by Elder Joseph Brackett and one which I sang way back in the third grade when the world was full of possibility and hope. I like to think it still is. Take a moment to actually read the words, and reflect on how true they ring, even today.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free
‘Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain’d,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be asham’d,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come ’round right

It’s A Zanniversary! Happy 3 Years to Zannaland

Simple Gifts. A Thank You.