Every week we talk about the ups and downs of our lives here in Florida. If you’ve followed me for the past three years, you know it’s not always a walk in the park, sometimes it’s hard. We push forward anyway, always. This week we’re going to talk about how this past weekend was a milestone for us, and how thankful we are for it. Let’s get going!
We started TMSM just about 7 years ago, and a lot of changes have happened since then. TMSM was a hobby that turned into a job, a job that I love. We’re always doing our best to cover events and such, and on Friday, we got to cover two. Disney invited us to a media day at Pandora The World of Avatar, then a special spot to watch the new fireworks, Happily Ever After, that evening at the Magic Kingdom. Disney invited us, and I don’t take that for granted at all. I’m actually very thankful. Previously we have been asked to cover various openings and such at Disney Springs and other spots across town, but this was a big one. Very exciting. Being that Friday was a school day, we had to divide and conquer, so I had kid duty and Scott went to Pandora. After taking the kids to school, I stopped to get a coffee and watched the coverage Scott was getting, then began working from home to share the info. It’s a joint effort. Scott had the best time, mingling with others in the media here and exploring all that Pandora has to offer. I was getting text messages throughout the day with photos and information, Pandora is quite impressive, and I couldn’t wait to check it out for myself. Disney really outdid themselves with the World of Avatar, it’s awesome. We’re thankful that Disney asked us out for the day to cover this amazing new area!
Once Scott got home from Disney, it was time to recharge all our devices, grab the kids and head over to the Magic Kingdom. Wishes had just retired the night before, and the new fireworks spectacular, Happily Ever After was making it’s debut. It was my turn to take the media pass Disney had given us, so I got to stand in the uncrowded media area for the show. The rest of the Magic Kingdom however was a crowded mess. I’ve never seen so many people, just packed in, all the way around the Castle up to the train station. It was crazy! I stood in the media spot and talked with Disney reps and others in the Disney community, it was exciting. Being that there were so many people in the park, I wasn’t sure if my phone would have a signal to do a live feed for the show, so we double teamed this one too. Scott was in the sea of people getting video of the show, and I was going to try to go live on TMSM. Luckily I was able to live stream the show, but we had video too for back up (I’ll link it below). Happily Ever After was everything I hoped it would be. It’s absolutely beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing it again. We are so grateful to Disney for having us out, it was great.
On Saturday evening, we had a scheduled time back at Pandora for our Annual Passholder Preview. We had friends going at the same time, plus the kids got to go check things out. Scott had told me how beautiful Pandora was, but I didn’t fully grasp everything he was saying. You really have to see it to believe it. I’m not even an Avatar fan, movie wise, and you don’t have to be to enjoy this new land in Animal Kingdom. It’s amazing. We rode the new rides, walked around and took photos, and had a great evening. Hoping to see the area lit up, we stayed after dark but the Cast Members said they weren’t lighting up the flowers and such until opening weekend. We did get to see the glowing sidewalks though, it was pretty great. I’m looking forward to going back to Pandora again once it opens, there is so much to take photos of, it’s gorgeous.
Sunday of course was Mother’s Day. Holidays away from home are still hard, but I spoke to my mom first thing in the morning before she left for church. I’m glad I got to see her the week prior, it helps a little. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do that day. I knew it would be hard, this time last year we were expecting a little one who is now an angel, and I didn’t know how I’d cope with that. It sure isn’t easy. My boys did a great job though, giving me lots of love and keeping my mind off things. We decided to take a drive to Daytona Beach for the afternoon and sit on the shore. The kids brought their sand toys and such, the weather was beautiful, and I really did have a nice time. Loss is part of life, and it’s hard, but I did pretty well until the end of the day, then had a good cry. I know as time goes on, things will get easier, the first of everything is the worst from what I hear. So, to you other mom’s out there, who have experienced this type of loss, I’m so sorry. We may move forward and try to heal, but we’ll never forget. (I’m going to write more about this next week on my new blog at micheleatwood.com). My sons really are good kids, I’m beyond blessed that God chose me to be their mom. It was a lovely Mother’s Day after all, and I’m thankful.
This week we have been catching up on work and such, because next week is going to be insanely busy. Disney has invited us to a three day media event starting next Tuesday, we’re really excited for this! Also, we have Mega Con in Orlando to cover, my younger son’s birthday is the 25th, and we have friends coming to town. I’m tired just thinking about it all! It’s going to be busy, but I’m ok with that. All in all, I’m thankful. Truly. We work really hard running TMSM, and knock on wood, some of that work is starting to somewhat pay off. We’re making progress and it’s giving us the drive to do even more, it’s the boost we needed. I’m thankful to the people who have supported us and helped us get to where we are, as well as you, our readers. Without our Main Streeters, we’re nothing and I know this, so thank you. Until next time, thanks as always for following along with us each week…. sending you lots of love, blessings and pixie dust! See ya real soon! ~M
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Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate that! I’m sorry for your loss as well. Speaking out, my hope, will help others know they aren’t alone and it’s ok to feel how they do. God bless you guys!
Michelle, thank you for being open about the loss that people can feel on Mothers’ (and Fathers’) Day when you have lost a little one, including those that never got to meet them in this world. Reading your experience of this first year really touched my wife and I, especially just knowing that we’re not alone or strange for feeling the same way.
We’ll be in WDW most of the next two weeks, and if you have any planned times to be at the park officially I would love to meet you and thank you in person for this great page (we don’t want to intrude on private park time such as birthday fun.) Many of the things you’ve posted have been very meaningful to us as fellow Disney nuts and transplanted Michiganders. Either way, thanks again for everything!