Drifting Towards 40 ~ Days of Future Passed on the Threshold of a Dream: Book Four

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away...

No, no, no, that's not right.

A fair bit of time ago, four months ago now, I took a special trip as part of my Fortieth Birthday celebration. Previous entries chronicling the time can be found at the following links if you should want to refresh your memory (you might since it's been a while).

Part 1: click here
Part 2: click this link
Part 3: follow this link

Like before, I greatly apologize for the pause that has taken place. This last segment reveals a deeper set of emotions for me -- a good deal of which will still be with me to one degree or another as Time moves along as it does. All in all, this wraps up and represents one of my more enjoyable birthdays so far.

Read, please. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter Four: 10/02/07 – Tue "Dawn is a Feeling"

On this particular morning I wanted to sleep in...really, really wanted too. But, the Disneyan adventures were only half over. And, how could I not wake up with kev_bot sweetly wishing me a Happy Birthday in the best way that only he can?

We showered and prepped for the day ahead as we had EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom for the conquering!

Peeking out the room’s window at our view over the daisy flower shaped pool we saw that the aqueous precipitation was taunting us. "Fie," I said. "A pox upon thee, you traitorous clouds."  Kev just looked at me like I had temporarily lost my senses then I winked and said. "No need to worry. We have our Mouse Patrol Rain Ponchos." And donned them we did and I showed him my impersonation of a pregnant peanut M&M.




We parked in the appointed space and made our misty morning hike to the entrance gates for EPCOT since we got there early enough to park close enough to forego the tram. The "main" must see was a new attraction there called Soarin’. To ensure we didn’t have to wait all that long we went ahead and acquired Fast Passes for it and found we had about an hour or so. To kill a bit of time before our place in line opened up we took in Journey Into Imagination.

I forget if he said but I want to believe that kev_bot had not yet been to visit Figment. Which, for a first timer, this iteration of the attraction is good to experience. Being the JoeZer that I am, and having been to EPCOT over the years since it opened, I remember version 1.0 of this and think that it should never have been changed. Call me a "purist"... *shrug*

Brief Aside: I wasn’t the only one celebrating a birthday today/this particular weekend.
EPCOT was as well; having opened its gates to the public on October 1, 1982.

Still had enough time before jumping in to our place in line so we stopped and had morning snackies in The Land (the pavilion which housed the entrance to Soarin’ – looks like Kitchen Kabaret/Food Rocks had been taken out to make room for it too). While munching on my bacon and cheese croissant I got a call from the JoeZarian Papa to wish me a happy day and to let me know he was duly surprised by the gift I had sent him (an edible arrangement of fruits cut and shaped to resemble flowers) and that he’d been enjoying it since it arrived the day before (which was his birthday – yes, that means that I, myself, was a birthday present for my father when I was born).


I hope I look this good at 71 years old...


I figured an edible bouquet made of fruit (melons, apples, strawberries)
would be well received by this one time Pennsylvania farmboy.

I was right *grin*


Also, during brunchy-breakies I fielded calls regarding the wayward redteufel. I found it more funny than an annoyance, especially since I couldn’t just drop things and swing by his place to make sure he was still alive at the moment.

The magic time period opened and we took our place on line to soar. Now...this attraction originally opened in Disneyland’s California Adventure within the last couple of years. Due to the popularity of it, they went and installed a copy over in EPCOT. Not a bad attraction at all. It even had smell-o-vision, but not the nasty kind with the scratch cards for the John Water’s film Polyester. No...this smell-o-vision had pine trees and oranges. Yum. Poor kev_bot, though. His sinuses were congested and he couldn’t tell what aroma was lightly wafting on the artificial wind.




And, yes...the 'gulls did the "Mine. Mine. Mine" off and on.


Next on the agenda was The Living Seas with Nemo and Friends, a re-hab of The Living Seas. I miss the nautical knick-knacks that lined the entrance queue. To fit in now with the theme using characters from Finding Nemo it now resembles a beach. And, what used to be holding theaters where those waiting in line could be distracted by first a brief presentation about the pavilion sponsor and then a film about the formation of the Earth and the seas before "boarding the hydrolators down to the sea base", there is just one humongous queue line.

The effects technique allowing Marlin, Dory, Nemo and others to appear to be swimming in the tank was neat and fairly well executed. Once to the main area of the pavilion it was like visiting an old friend that got a bit of a face lift. New paint scheme – a couple of exhibits swapped out for new things – some of the same exhibits. I think it was kev_bot’s first time ever in the pavilion as he was nicely entranced by what he was seeing. Me...I’m happy whenever I can watch the sea horses they have in one of the display tanks. If I was to do an aquarium at home, it’d have to be a salt water one as I’d want those unique creatures instead of fish.

After the aquarium we went and played a bit in the Coca Cola sponsored taste testing area getting our thirsts for international soda flavors quenched.  I still like the South American marketed Fanta flavor of tutti fruitti. kev_bot’s favorite escapes me at the moment, but I know it ISN’T Beverly, an Italian marketed soda.

We then ambled our way around the world...or, at least, the World Showcase portion of EPCOT. I keep promising myself that one time, ONE TIME, I’d like to drink my way around the world while there. I’d probably end up a hawt urpy mess thanks to all the differing alcohols being imbibed. But, it’d be intriguing to say the least.

We breezed by Canada – browsed and boutiqued a little in the UK: I keep popping in there as I keep hoping they bring back Jelly Babies for purchase – no go. However, I did find a couple of neat keychains there: one with lapis stone beads for me and one with carnelian stone beads for kev_bot.

A few other countries flitted by from there and soon we were in America – well, the American Adventure pavilion to be correct. It had been quite a while for me, and since the humidity was keeping me moist I posited to kev_bot if he’d like to see the attraction that was part of this section. He asked what it was, and I said it was an animatronic show presenting the history of the United States with Ben Franklin and Mark Twain as the "presenters" – and there would probably be an acapella group singing live in the rotunda as a "preshow" kind of thing. He worried that it would be dull and dusty like the Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom. I assured him that it wasn’t. So...in we went...and sho’nuff, the singers were there harmonizing away.

Their normal repertoire consists of the old folk pieces or Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou? type of period songs. After their opening piece they encouraged people to gather closer and join them under the bell of the rotunda’s ceiling where the acoustics were best. Kev got this perky gleam in his eye with the prospect of subsuming himself in listening to the vocal artistry up close. I motioned for him to go ahead and find himself a spot. I chose a pillar along the perimeter of the rotunda to lean against as I didn’t want to look like a huge molten lump getting down and then up again from the floor.

That was two songs before they pulled out their "Big Gun" against my tenuous grasp on emotional calm. The lead of the acapella troupe lead in to the song with a brief introduction describing how where we were currently standing was all based on a dream...a rather visionary dream that one man had.

I felt the wave starting to crest within me...sensed I would have problems holding it back...their first note...oh, that first vocalized word not even sounded out fully and allowing the second and following words to be heard...and I’m sliding my back down the pillar wanting to curl up in on myself and hide as I can’t stop the tears.

When you wish upon a star
makes no difference who you are.
Anything your heart desires
will come to you…

In my mind it was 24 years ago. Me, 16 going on 17, visiting EPCOT with my family and listening to the same troupe (though different members, still just as vocally adept). The moment snapped in a photograph my father took of my late-sister, my late-mother and myself sitting on one of the padded benches that lined this very same hall – a quote of Walter Elias Disney himself on the wall above our heads.


Doctor #5: All my best to the Future.
Doctor #10: All my love to Long Ago...
(yes...a quote from Doctor Who...and a fairly appropos one I think)


As the harmonies from today evoked the memories of yesteryear they also laid open the aching emptiness that had been gently hidden with the passage of time. Forty years old and here I am huddling down, holding back the racking sobs as my vision is completely blurred out and watery.

Deep, shuddering breath in...holding it...letting it go slowly. The reflexive shakes kept hitting and I was near biting my lip to keep from bawling.

The acapella troupe wrapped up their set on that piece, saving it as their closing song. The crowd moved and began shifting towards the queue to enter the main theater. I slowly got to my feet as well – that raw emotional edge was still there. As kev_bot stepped near I knew he was concerned. I nodded that I’d be okay in a bit as it was hard for me to speak. A part of me had come up and been laid open. A part of my own emotional self that I have a hard time allowing out in view of others, even those who care for me. And, there it was...that raw emotion...that stinging wound of loss.

We joined the throng, kev_bot acting as both physical and emotional support for me. My eyes scanned the walls as we ascended to the theater entrance looking for that quote from long ago...looking to find that touchstone to the previous visit...kev_bot’s presence against me being a huge comfort – more than he can realize.

Shortly we were seated and the dimming lights in the main theater blanketed us...kev_bot’s hand still gently holding mine. My emotions slowly mollified and were quiet again while we tucked in to watch Ben Franklin and Mark Twain chat about the history of the United States.

[Note: Writing this even now, four months later, as I reflect back on being in the rotunda that day I could feel the emotional tide rising. And, I am reminded at how adrift I still feel since my mother’s death and the sympathy I have for my niece with my sister’s death. Sentimental old fool, thy name is Joe...]

By the rousing end of the Franklin-Twain presentation I had regained control of my inner tempests. Both kev_bot and I agreed we were feeling a little peckish – and Japan was just round the corner.

We took a turn in the shops and museum that are in the Japan pavilion letting our tummies prime for food. We stopped here at my suggestion as I usually get a nibble at the Yakitori house most times I’m in EPCOT. akasha63, her gang and I came to call the counter-service eatery "Ramen McFuji’s" as they have quick service tasty food. I settled down for the "Shogun" platter of teriyaki beef, chicken and shrimp with requisite clump of steamed rice and kev_bot tucked in to a chicken curry to help drill through his sinuses as his dose of cold meds took effect.

From our window seat we had a nice view of the courtyard of the Japan pavilion while it rained lightly. Chatted about the day so far, I think we even gossiped a bit even though the actual amount of gossip during the trip was rare to non-existent. Bellies sated, kev_bot’s sinuses acquiescing, we ventured on to other countries as we still had a mission.

That mission? Well, t’wasn’t Mission: SPACE this time round. kev_bot tried that on for size on his previous trip and that was enough for him. And since I’m not one much for riding attractions, let alone theme-parking, on my own it didn’t make no-nevermind to me about it. And, anyways, our mission still involved another country pavilion – not being back in Futureworld.

Oh, yeah, that mission: The Maelstrom in Norway’s pavilion.

Here I had the advantage again, unlike kev_bot with the pumpkin ravioli and Expedition Everest and Soarin'. On his last trip the Maelstrom was offline for refurbishment. I knew this as my "sources" had confirmed it for me as true back then and also shared with me the expected reopening of the attraction. Thankfully, it was in plenty of time before we were to be onsite. I love my sources.

So, as we near the queue entrance he spies the part of the Maelstrom that peeks out in to the open and he goes a little agog and begins plying me with questions about the attraction. I do my usual thing of playing coy and demure and holding back the spoilers.

I know. I’m evil like that sometimes.

Having Maelstrom-ed with kev_bot doing his me-likey reaction we passed on the Norwegian tourist bureau’s film and went to head onwards round the EPCOT lagoon. We had hit and tackled the things we were looking to and twas time to hop a monorail and lazily wander the afternoon away in the Magic Kingdom.

Per my suggestion we waited for the gates to allow passengers on the monorail before scampering down to the end of the train where we were able to secure a cabin ALL to OURSELVES. Now – this would have been a perfect time for prurience as the monorail trip between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom is roughly 15 minutes, give or take. But we were just happy enough to be able to ramble on uncensored and stretch out.




We partook of the usual suspects once at the Magic Kingdom: Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Mickey’s Philharmagic. My memory wants to say we ambled on Winnie the Pooh as well...but don’t quote me on that.

Silliness, of course, was always at hand to be had. How could it not be with a friend like kev_bot along for the fun.


Experiment 6-KEV-6


I do know that I traumatized kev_bot by showing him the "naughty" Walt Disney statue in the middle of the green in front of the castle.


OMG! OHNOEZ!!!!!!!1oneeleventy!!!!!!!!!


Funny enough as his reaction was, I noticed a few others doing the same things...other, apparently seasoned, park-goers showing off this particular angle to shock and amuse their friends as well. YEY evil.

The time passed nicely...the weather clearing a bit allowing the late afternoon sun to peek through here and there. The crowds were light and kev_bot was right there beside me. My mood was exceptionally lighter than where it had been earlier as all I could think was "Yeah, my mother was right. I do pick good people to keep as close friends. I may have many associates...but only a few who I’ll share moments like this with. She would have enjoyed meeting him."

That thought let one of my patent-pending enigmatic grins show on my face...the type where kev_bot wonders if I’m indulging him or if I'm as much in the moment as he is. In truth, each time I smile like that around him, I am as much in the moment with him as he is...whatever the given moment may be about.

And...this current moment, was leading up to this evening’s "surprise" dinner setting: The Crystal Palace on/near Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

Not only did this setting allow for comfy seating in a Victorian/turn of the century atmosphere with tasty buffet, but kev_bot got chocolate milk AND we got photo-ops with characters from the Hundred Acre Woods – specifically Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore. While the setting wasn’t as "immersive" as the 50’s Prime Time Café from the night before I was still gladdened to see my compatriot...my companion...grinning in enjoyment. Either that, or he was getting high off the chocolate milk.


Kev & Tigger - both looking rather...happy


What's your left hand doing to Tigger, Kev, to make him grasp you with both paws like that? Hmmm?


And...again...Kev's left hand is unaccounted for...hmmm


Uh...oh...now MY left hand is needing an explanation for not being in the picture...oh dear...


Hey, Kev. Look. It's Piglet.
Umm...why is your left hand not "in picture" and what is it about Piglet that is getting a thumbs-up from you?

(All in jesting love, Kev)


And...lest we forget. DILFage.


After dinner we ambled slowly some more and partook of Splash Mountain. Evidently it was late enough in the day/evening where pretty much everyone in the park had either left or staked out their preferred location for the evening parade and fireworks as we pretty much walked right on up the queue to the loading area. kev_bot's only request of me: to warn him when the BIG DROP was about to happen so he could remove his spectacles. Aside from that we just sat back as best we could being in the front seat of the boat and took in the sights along the ride – even catching the last rays of sunset before evening twilight took the lofty stage above us this balmy eve.

DOWN...
...DOWN...

...the final drop we went, screaming and getting much with teh wetness to wrap the ride experience up with a rousing "Zip a dee doo dah" from a gospel chorus of various fowl, a few amphibians and other, assorted, animatronic anthropomorphic creatures.

We exited the attraction to the day-closing round of fireworks. We stopped along one of the nearby walkways, leant back on the handrails and laid an arm around each other. Basking in and sharing the moment together. As the recorded soundtrack talked and sang of wishes made by starlight I reflected that I had one of my wishes come true this day, the day before, and the day before that. Inside...deep in my mental files...this weekend of moments shared became well inscribed under the heading "Reincarnabuddies".

As the prerecorded voices of Jiminy Cricket and Mickey Mouse bid us adieu we mingled with the smoky post-firework fog to leave the park. When we got to the point where we had to make a choice regarding the mode of our departure transport from the Magic Kingdom I weighed our options. The monorail queue was thick with humanity. Looking to my left, the queue for the ferryboats was pretty thick with bodies herding along as well. Mental calculations were made and much to kev_bot’s consternation I guided us to the ferry queue.

While waiting in queue with the crowded masses kev_bot commented that he felt like he was in a scene from War of the Worlds. In his mind’s eye, for a moment, we were thronging away from the approaching Martian war machines as they inexorably neared on their tripodial legs laying waste to all that they passed. And, just our luck, there looked to be no ironclad ship, no Thunder Child, in the bay to act as decoy and cover our escape towards the open sea and hide behind the horizon.

But, escape we did...and though we were a fair bit back from the gangplank we made it aboard the very next boat that docked to accept passengers. We alighted to the upper deck and took point along the railing to watch the receding scene...the castle lit in shifting colors of reds, blues and purples...shrinking as we gently traveled across the manDisney-made lake back to where the remaining leg of our departure was located.

(*points up the page/screen*) If you remember all that time ago this day, we parked the rental car over at EPCOT, but did not drive between EPCOT and the Magic Kingdom. We could have taken the less-glamorous-though-effective Disney Bus back to EPCOT. But, me being me, I led us to the monorail, naturally. Again, we scored the entire rear cabin to ourselves again.

Yet again – no prurience. Just two souls in the dark aloft on the single travel beam of concrete flitting by above the masses on the ground.

The car was where we had left her that morning, waiting as cars do. A short bit later we were returned to the hotel, reclad in swimwear and submersing ourselves in the swimming pool – refreshing our bodies as our spirits supped on the events of the day.




Dawn is a feeling
A beautiful ceiling
The smell of grass
Just makes you pass
Into a dream

You're here today
No future fears
This day will last
A thousand years
If you want it to

You look around you
Things they astound you
So breathe in deep
You're not asleep
Open your mind

You're here today
No future fears
This day will last
A thousand years
If you want it to

Do you understand
That all over this land
There's a feeling
In minds far and near
Things are becoming clear
With a meaning

Now that you're knowing
Pleasure starts flowing
It's true life flies
Faster than eyes
Could ever see

You're here today
No future fears
This day will last
A thousand years
If you want it to





Epilogue: 10/03/07 – Wed "Twilight Time"

The next morning we woke, bleary eyed yet well rested. As kev_bot showered I gathered my belongings and vice versa. The time had come we both were not really looking forward too. And though we didn’t like it, we still had to acknowledge the fact that the trip was nearing its end. Our time together – exposing each other to ourselves, our quirks and foibles and bonding all the more as friends – coming to a denouement. Not a final farewell. At best, a temporary coda to part ways on.

The return of the rental car allowed me to provide one last guffaw for the trip. I had forgotten my celphone at the rental agency. Gods bless ‘em, they handed it off to the next shuttle bus driver coming out to the airport to hand off to me after radioing ahead to the one I was on to verify if it was mine.

I waited curbside while sending kev_bot ahead to check in for his flight. He got back to me just as the celphone was arriving to be handed off. Then it was off for me to check in to my flight and check my bag.

Time ticked away – keeping pace with itself as it does objectively. Subjectively, it didn’t feel like there was enough left to properly mete out the farewells between us. We munched on Nathan’s hot dogs from the food court reminiscing our visit and the stories we had to tell. Sated, we made that last walk for kev_bot towards the security gate where we repeated the farewells from a few months prior when he stopped to visit me in Atlanta. Misty eyed as I got, this time I did not turn away. I kept an eye on him as he made his way along in line through security and then off to the tram to his gate.

Within an hour, or less, later I took that same path...those same steps...myself.

Mickey and Orlando will still be there. Atlanta awaited my return.

Further adventures are around yet to be had. Maybe another wish or three can be fulfilled someday.

kev_bot…sometimes "they" say simplicity is best when trying to convey feelings or thoughts. In that manner let me say, "Thank you." Thank you for joining me on this little adventure. Thank you for being there to share in the laughs, the lights, the rollercoaster/thrill ride screams, the quiet moments...and for being there with a shoulder and concerned heart when I needed it.




Breathe deep the gathering gloom;
Watch lights fade from every room.
Bedsitter people look back and lament;
Another day's useless energy spent.

Impassioned lovers wrestle as one;
Lonely man cries for love and has none.
New mother picks up and suckles her son;
Senior citizens wish they were young.

Cold-hearted orb that rules the night,
Removes the colors from our sight.
Red is grey and yellow white,
But we decide which is right,
And which is an illusion.