JOIN: ¡Bienvenida Elena, Disney's First Latina Princess!

Every Saturday, join me as I CELEBRATE This Week 

with Ruth Ayres from Discover. Play. Build.

Maybe you've heard, and maybe you haven't, but Disney now has a TV show based on their first Latina princess! The show is called Elena of Avalor and is a spinoff of their show Sophia the First on Disney Junior. Here's more about her debut at WDWInfo.com. 

I first heard about Elena when we were in Guatemala and my mom was excited to show me that Guatemalan singer and songwriter Gaby Moreno sings the theme song. Here's a link to Billboard talking about how Gaby Moreno Sings Theme Song for Disney Channel Latina Princess Show 'Elena of Avalor'. And here's the title sequence so you can see it (and hear Gaby) for yourself!

Friends! I'm so so so excited!

I messaged my mom yesterday asking if she would help make an Elena of Avalor costume for me to wear for Halloween...because, seriously, this is the first Disney princess who looks like me!!! My mom was a little confused but willing to help. 

I've always been a Disney fan. Disney World is one of my favorite places. We watch every Disney movie that comes out when it's still in the theaters. I can sing along to almost any Disney song you throw my way. We watch Disney channel more than any other channel. 

I love Disney!

I didn't think it was possible to love Disney more. 

Then they introduced Elena. 

And I'm nine again. 

Who knows? School is starting soon. I'm working on my ESL endorsement and participating in a pretty intense teaching workshop this year too, but I would love to have an Elena dress to wear someday. 

Also, if you aren't familiar with Gaby Moreno, her music and her voice is beautiful. Here's a duet with fellow Guatemalan singer and songwriter Ricardo Arjona. The video is filmed in Guatemala too and you can see places like Antigua and Tikal. 

Thanks for stopping by to celebrate with me this week and every other week. I'm so thrilled to be sharing new of a Latina Disney princess! It just brings the biggest smile to my face. 

JOIN: Celebrate This Week - This Is Your Life

Every Saturday, join me as I CELEBRATE This Week 

with Ruth Ayres from Discover. Play. Build.

In the 50's, there was a show called This is Your Life. They would chose a celebrity and surprise them with people who had influenced their life.

I only know the show This Is Your Life from watching Sesame Street when I was little. Here's an example of their version of This Is Your Life for the character Forgetful Jones.

Here's a clip from when Dick Clark was on the show in 1959! It's so fun to watch and gets me choked up. 

 

This Is Your Life celebrates the power of connection between people. Seeing others and honoring the miracle in each of us contributes to the dents we make in the universe. I've heard these people referred to as balcony people and marigolds. Whatever we call them, they see us. And it makes all the difference.

Today I'm celebrating one such person. Ms. Bacigalupi - now Mrs. Zimmerman - was my freshman and sophomore high school English teacher. I got to have coffee with her over spring break. In my head, it felt like a mini-This Is Your Life. We talked about books and writing and teaching and it was so great to see her, especially considering books and writing and teaching is my life now.

If they ever decide to bring back the show This Is Your Life and for some crazy reason bring me on the show, there would be tons of people who have believed in me over the years. I'm so so so lucky. Maybe there are people who have influenced and believed in you!

What are you celebrating this week? 

Who might you celebrate? 

THIS is your life, so celebrate!

I've got (virtual) confetti at the ready. 

Thanks for stopping in to explore with me!