Rose-Colored Glasses For Everyone

Like so many others of my generation, I was raised on and greatly influenced by the Wonderful World of Disney. And I willingly embraced the "can do... anything goes... follow your dreams" approach to life. Of course, I also embraced the Looney Tunes "ehh, what's up doc... meep meep... what an ultra maroon" philosophy of life.

So while I am most optimistic (the glass is always half full if not spilling over), I am also somewhat cautious and excessively sarcastic. It works for me.

What's my point? In the midst of all that is going on in the world today – and in the U.S. in particular – I could not have been more pleased to read that Disney has taken this insane moment in time to open a 30,000-square-foot dinosaur-themed restaurant.

Painting the roses red, We're painting the roses red
We dare not stop Or waste a drop
So let the paint be spread
We're painting the roses red, We're painting the roses red

Introducing T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover. Okay, so it doesn't just roll off your tongue like McDonald's or Burger King, but who cares? This is not just some new restaurant. This is a statement. This is Walt Disney Company thumbing its nose at the world and saying: Hakuna Matata!

And I am pretty certain that the company's namesake would be supportive and proud.

Oh, painting the roses, And many a tear we shed
Because we know They'll cease to grow
In fact, they'll soon be dead
And yet we go ahead, Painting the roses red

There's something to be said for an organization that doesn't fold up its tent and go home at the first sign of adversity. Walt Disney, the man, often said that "all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

Or to paraphrase Billy Joel, they (Disney) may be right and we might be crazy, but it might just be a lunatic we're looking for to get us out of this slump we're in.

Nothing's impossible.