A to Z Challenge: D

April Blog Challenge
Day 4: D is for Disney
April 4, 2013

"A dream is a wish your heart makes..."

Disney has held a special place in my heart since I was very young. It was a special moment when magic could transform a servant into a beautiful lady equip for an elegant ball. Animals could speak, good always trumped evil, and love itself was something enchanting. Where a boy on the street could be the diamond in the ruff suited to rule the nation. Basically, that anything is and could be possible - if you dream it then believe it! This child like wonderment has been with me always. I think Walt Disney was an amazing story teller and luckily, he had the ingenuity to create something amazing. He left his legacy to us all and it continues to captivate and entertain today. 

Not only do I love Disney movies, I love Walt Disney World, and I am very blessed to be going again this +Justin Barnhill and his family. As I am getting older, my body does not want to cooperate as much. I have never been a person that particularly enjoys riding rides or roller coasters.  I have a fear of heights, the higher the ride, the more my eyes are closed praying for it to end. I have no qualms being the 'bag holder' or just waiting around. It is so wonderful just being there and there is so much to look at and explore. Years ago, when I went on vacation with a bunch of friends, I was waiting for one reason or another, and had this amazing opportunity to get my picture with a bunch of different Disney characters. Each time I go to Disney there is more and I get to experience something totally new.

Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 20

March Blog Challenge

Day 20: what do you collect?

March 20, 2013

Through the years I have collected many things. The one constant within my collections would be my love of Disney. Over the years I have collected Disney Animated Movies, Disney Books, and Disney figurines (and other collectables).  Some of the items were not intentional, just something that materialized through time.

Top 10 of My Collectables through the Years

10.) Carousel Horses – as a young girl for my birthday or for a gift giving occasion, my mom would pick out beautiful carousel horses (and a few rocking horses) figurines.  They were packed up once I hit adolescence and stored at my parents’ house. Since then, I have given them to my young nieces.

9.) Cat Figurines – I loved animals, I still do. When I was younger, I wanted a cat. My parents would not consent, so I had to be content with collecting ‘cat’ things. I had a few cat Home Interior pictures and figurines. My youngest niece shares in this love of cats and along with other childhood collectibles I acquired through my younger years, I passed them to her.

8.) Blankets – my theory is that you can’t have enough blankets. This was something that was not intentional. My first couple of blankets was nice knitted ones that were given to me by my parent’s (a sunflower knitted blanket and The Lion King knitted blanket). Then I was given some more Disney blankets from other family members. Then one year for Christmas my parents gave me a very nice Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto knitted blanket. My grandmother hand-crafted her own quilts, I still have them and cherish them.

7.) Beer/Cider/Alcohol Caps – This seems to be a silly thing to collect. It started after we had just moved into our new home. There is an open small space above the range in the kitchen. I think it was originally made to hold spices, but since I was given a beautiful spice rack, I didn't know what else to do with this area. One day after opening some beer, the caps were just piling up on the table. It seemed like such a waste to throw them away. So, I just started throwing them up in the area and there is where they stay.

6.) Music/Books – when I was younger I belonged to a CD club where you got to initially pick out CD’s for a penny each. Then each month you were sent a new selection in the specified categories that I had chosen. They accumulated over the years until I could no longer afford them. I also started collecting the books I have read. Then, Kindle came out and now they’re electronic. My mom prefers holding a book. I personally can do both and it doesn't bother me. It definitely saves space storing them electronically.

5.) Xbox 360/PS3 Games – we couldn't afford a game system for years. Then, one day (just for fun) we went to a semi-local casino. I won over $2,000 dollars.  My husband at the time (now divorced and he’s remarried) and I decided to split the money. I thought that we deserved to use the money how we wanted to; we deserved to have some happiness.  I used my money to buy my Xbox 360. One of my first games was Cars.  My boyfriend Justin introduced me to the PS3 and we both have a love of gaming and enjoy playing together. Together we probably have over 50 games (I know I have sold some of mine over the years) which might not seem like a lot of games to some people.

4.) Tea Pots/Cups – this was not something that I intentionally wanted to collect. My family loves to go to tea. Mostly the women in our family will take time out and go to a proper tea (in a tea room). Since then, my mom has bought some really nice tea pots and has given me some nice tea cups and saucers too. I probably have over 10 tea pots that are displayed in my kitchen.

3.) Polish Pottery – this is something that I have started to collect more recently. It is special to me since, on my father’s side of my family, our heritage is partly Polish.  Polish Pottery is sturdy and has interesting patterns. I really love the pieces that my parents have given me (included are two tea pots).

2.) Disney Animated Movies – I started collecting Disney movies when I was very young. I would watch them over and over again.  My sister and I would have movie marathon’s where we would pick a few of our favorites to watch in a day. I had them displayed in my bedroom growing up and would keep them in order of when they had been released. I had a Disney encyclopedia that had the list that I could reference to keep them in proper order.  Now, they are still on a shelf, however I am unable to watch them since I do not have a working VCR.

1.) Disney Collectibles – I have an entire cabinet full of Disney memorabilia; items from Walt Disney World trips, items that have been given to me over the years, and the Disney Traditions Collectible Figurines.

What is something that you have collected that you cherish the most?

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 18

March Blog Challenge

Day 18: where are you happiest?

March 18, 2013

Thinking back of where I have been happiest, my answer would have to be Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island. Over 10 years ago I went on a Disney Cruise Vacation with friends. We spent a couple days in the Walt Disney World parks; we were booked at The Boardwalk, a resort near Epcot. Then a couple days on the Disney Cruise Lines, I believe we were on the Wonder.  We stopped at a couple places; the first was where the resort Atlantis is. It is an amazing place with great excursions, underground aquariums, and mystical swimming lagoons.  When we were there Ricky Martin was filming a music video and we were unable to complete the entire aquarium tour.  But, my favorite was Castaway Cay. I usually don’t like beaches, the sand wasn’t course or hot; the sand was cool and cushy on my feet. On their beaches there were hammocks, it was very relaxing, and with the scenery very beautiful.  We snorkeled, swimming with great fish, and even a sea turtle. There were sunken treasures to explore, like a statue of Captain Mickey.  There is also an old WWII air field strip that you can walk, they had an old airplane fashioned with Donald Duck. You could also get massages in personal outside cabana’s (I couldn’t afford to do this) but it looked amazing. I joked that this would be my heaven – the cool sand, relaxing in the hammock, and nothing to worry about besides the passing storms. I’m sure there are new things added to Castaway Cay since I was there so many years ago. One of the popular features was Mount Rustmore. If you have never been, definitely put it on your places to visit, it is well worth it!

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

March Blog Challenge Day 5 Movies!!

March Blog Challenge

Day 5: favorite movies you never get sick of watching

March 5, 2013 

Movies – now this is something that I can really get into.  Most of us have been watching movies for more years than we invested in our own education.  My love of this form of entertainment stems from the need of escape.  When life can be stressful, I just popped in a movie and can clear my mind to a state of lethargic ignorance.  So here it is, my top ten (although it could probably be more like top 50 if I could) favorite movies that I never get sick of watching. 

Top Ten Favorite Movies 

10.) Super Troopers (2001) – Directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, this comedy is developed by the Broken Lizard Comedy Team, its other members that are also in the movie are Erik Stolhanske (Rabbit), Steve Lemme (Mac), Kevin Heffernan (Farva), and Paul Stoter (Foster).  Fiercely funny, this comedy leaves me in stitches every time I watch it.

9.) The Prince of Egypt (1998) – Watching this movie, each time, I feel this emotional connection.  From the immensely talented cast to the music, it just grabs my breath and doesn’t release it until it’s over.  One of the scenes that I look forward to every single time I watch it is when Moses parts the waters. 

8.) Little Women (1994) – This movie set the industry afire with Winona Ryder’s acting possibilities.  She led an all-star cast including a future Batman (Batman Begins 2005), Mary Jane Watson (Spider-Man 2002), and Carrie Masterson (Homeland 2011).  Leading the young cast is Susan Sarandon, an acting goddess that has given so many outstanding performances in her filmography career.

7,) Disney Animated Features: when I was younger this would have been number one, hands down.  Being more mature, I didn’t want to do a top ten of only Disney movies (I totally could though).  Among the list would include Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and Mulan (just to name a few).

6.) Encino Man (1992) – I can’t tell you how many times I watched this movie during my high school years.  This movie was my gateway toward my love for Brendan Frazer.  Full of the 90’s quirky comedy, this story introduces you to Link (like, the missing link) who was a caveman that became a Popsicle and defrosted by Sean Astin (Dave).  When I watch this movie, it is just a fun time.

5.) Cold Mountain (2003) – Another all-star cast, this movie follows Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renee Zellweger during the American Civil War. It doesn’t just pull at your heart strings; it takes them out and uses them to pluck a harmonious blend of drama with tragic human stories.

4.) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – Judy Garland leads this cast through the life and times in the 1900’s before the World Fair.  Every time I hear “ding-ding-ding goes the trolley” my heart literally does zing and metaphorically jump with delight.

3.) Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) – I couldn’t tell you when the first time I watched this movie was, but I can tell you that I have seen it many times since.  The story, music, and acting are combined to produce that magic of MGM movies during the era.  My favorite scene is when the brothers are singing of their loneliness.  This movie holds a special place in my heart.

2.) The Goonies (1985) – I have never met a person that doesn’t like this movie.  Including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Corey Feldman this movie gives the viewer an experience of adventure with great laughs and leaves you in childlike wonder of the possibilities. 

1.) Jurassic Park (1993) – Every time I see that this movie is on, I will immediately tune-in.  I can’t get enough of the dinosaurs and dramatic goodness.  I just read the other day, someone had posted something to the effect of – just admit it, when you see water in a cup shaking you think a dinosaur will come crashing through (why yes, yes I do!). 



This reaffirmed that I am a movie fan, I have always loved to watch movies, and I hope that I always will find the enjoyment within them.  There are so many other movies that I can’t resist watching when they are on like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, 50 First Dates, Sherlock Holmes, The Avengers or most of the comic book to movie franchises, but I don’t want to waste anymore of your valuable time.

Until next time or the next… dream

K.E.Nowinsky

Goingoffdreams.blogspot.com

Goingoffdreams.com

Find my book on Amazon “Going off Dreams” that has been called “apocalyptic fantasy” that fans are eagerly anticipating the next book due out later this spring.