As a Disney Imagineer 
I learned every ride, attraction or experience starts with a great storyline and it’s still true in life today whether you’re in Tomorrowland or the next great chapter of your life’s journey-everyone’s life story is uniquely different just like every great work of art. And who doesn’t like a great story?
Our life stories and the events that shape us are all intricately different and interwoven to make us a one of a kind masterpiece. Just like our fingerprints are all different each person’s life story is unique like a precious, rich piece of art. The many people who influence, empower and kindly guide us on our journey directly affect short stories, long chapters and sometimes epic volumes of time in our lives as our works of art continue to evolve.
The people, places, time and events that influence who we are to become and our life story can be captured in a multitude of family album snap shots. These baby and lifelong steps for me would include, a thrilling childhood adventure to the Main Street Market candy counter with dad and my brothers using me for bb gun target practice. Special occasion birthday celebrations with Granny and art lessons at the Evansville Museum, Red Spot Paint Store which were highlights of each calendar year. For four consecutive years 8 families from Henderson made an annual pilgrimage to Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain Georgia and that last year I finally convinced my parents to take me horseback riding only to end up in the Columbus, hospital for 17 days in critical condition, that historical event would leave me with a life-long new respect for horses. Then there were the multitude of great memories at Bennett Memorial UMC and the Camp Loucon adventures. My high school art teachers were so kind and encouraging which lead to receiving 1977 senior honors in art and later acceptance into UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning. After 5 years in Industrial Design and 3 years of business’ courses I would graduate with top honors in my class. Professional practice experiences and opportunities to intern and live in NYC impacted my life story when I was able to cross off designing floats for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from my bucket list and then join the Imagineering team of creators at the Walt Disney Company. This lead to a 20 year residency in Florida and an opportunity to travel the globe creating entertainment environments around the world in such places as Japan, Holland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway. A highlighted page in my life story album would be working alongside a highly creative team to design, fabricate and supervise construction of the Castle of Miracles Playhouse for children with life threatening illnesses. Then there’s the continual struggle with reoccurring depression at the most inopportune times. But between that comes mentoring children in art and facilitating 63 big and little matches with life changing results for youth in our local community. I would have never thought the last seven years of my grandmother’s life would bring us closer together than ever and that the end of life journey with the help of hospice could be so impactful. Another life changer was the ginormous opportunity to serve as director of an arts organization while fundraising, producing, promoting and presenting nationally recognized performing artists. But then there are the just as important simple, stable, consistent ones who surround me, and are just as much a part of my story as anyone-those family, friends and loved ones who are there through the thick and thin including the best man in the world-my rock and foundation, Nibby. They’re all a part of my story.
Each one of these highlighted people, events and places represent one of thousands of stories that have influenced me and my life’s journey. I often think about how the arts have impacted my life and the tremendous influence people involved with the arts have on me. People like; Frances Wells, Thelma Grossman, David Ettensohn, Neel Whitledge, Marty Tucker, Kim Luttrell, Gil Born, Cindy White, Bob Kodzis, Chris Thomas, Pam Tillis, Bob Park, Elton John and list could go on and on. These artists have shown me that it’s important to be passionate about your art and your story.
People relationships are what makes life stories so special. Sir Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Another good friend, Henri Landwirth, a holocaust survivor reenforced for me the importance of this important idea. Each of us have been put on this earth for a unique purpose and with a story that continues to be formed, shaped, written and created until the day we depart this earth. God wants us to love one another, give of ourselves abundantly and use the gifts and talents we’ve been given to make this world a better place.
Each of our stories vary tremendously and yet are so similar-kind of like comparing Van Gough to Da Vinci both artists, two of my favorites who have completely different styles of execution. My story just as yours continues to be written, edited and created. One important chapter has recently ended and a new chapter is beginning. This one includes sharing my God given talents and gifts by creating unique, original pen & ink drawings for friends. More about this in an upcoming blog but rest assured I have a gift idea that your loved one will treasure forever.
So what’s your passion? What events of your life have helped to shape and define you? Who has influenced your journey? What home, pet, garden, family heirloom or treasured keepsake have special meaning to you? What chapters are left for you to create?
Every great work of art begins with a great storyline.
What’s your story?
Greg..this is just wonderful! Did not know about your blog until now. You are quite a writer! Your talent in so many areas is just wonderful. Never stop sharing it. Miss you and Nibby.
Nice. Thank you, Greg.