Walt Disney is one of my heroes. I have read many books and countless magazine articles about him and his creative drive. We all could learn much from him and his colorful career.

One thing that strikes me most about Walt Disney was his continued growth throughout his 42 year career. He was never stuck on one thing. In fact he hated to stay stagnant. He and his crew were always striving to do new things, invent new things, and go places people had never been before.

It struck me today as I was eating lunch in a restaurant with Janis, her Mom and Aunt. Someone was walking by and recognized Janis' Aunt (from a town a hundred miles away. In the introductions they recognized my name. "Aren't you the guy who did pen & ink drawings they asked?" That was my primary way of making a living about 20 years ago. I still do some drawing and enjoy it but it isn't 'what I am known for' now. A few minutes later someone else came by. Same intoductions and the question this time was "aren't you the fellow who did murals?" A couple minutes later and someone else came by who one of the group knew. I was again introduced and the question this time was "aren't you the guy who did Giggle Ridge?"

Each time I replied that yes I was the guy. I have't changed. But I have grown, and my interests have changed over the years. While I still do the stuff I was known for many years ago, it doesn't take the bulk of my time as it did then. As my abilities have grown and as new opportunities have presented themselves, I have changed with them.

This is my recipe for having fun in life. By always learning new things and going in challenging new directions my career continues to be as exciting today as it was 33 years ago. It isn't the safe route. Safety would be to stay with what I know.

Each time I change directions in life I don't discard all that has come before. Rather I build on those same skills that got me this far. Life is all about constant change and embracing it all the way.

I love the journey. Life in an E-ticket ride!

Happy birthday to my hero Walt who risked all he had many times in his career. What a legacy to be remembered so fondly by many many folks 35 years after you are gone. His work and influence lives on.

-dan
 

Once you stop learning, you stop growing as an artist.

It's people like you who inspire us all.
 

Dan is the perfect example of what happens when you give yourself away - you get back. His unselfish attitude is inspiring. I'm sure that Dan was not born with anything that the rest of us do not have, but his continuing desire to express what is inside him and his willingness to try something different has led him to where he is today. He is a continual learner and his positive attitude is what separates him from so many of the rest of us.

Thank you Dan for leading the way. That goes for both of you Dans.