1989 Disneyland Sketchbook

Somehow, over the course of the past 24 years, I have managed to keep a little pink journal tucked away in my keepsakes.  "Amy's Journal" is dated April 9-16 of 1989 and contains fabulous works of art from a vacation from Oregon to Disneyland.   This particular vacation was an important event in my life, as it is responsible for countless trips to Los Angeles in my teenage years and, ultimately, my move to the city in my twenties.  Thankfully I so thoroughly documented the state of California, as seen through a five year old's eyes.  I've scanned some of my favorites for your enjoyment and ridicule.

 Observe below, please,  "The Big Trafaek."  Ballpoint pen.

I can only assume this was my interpretation of the 5 freeway.  Note the palm trees and, obviously, Disneyland on the right.  This sketch really has it all.  Pencil trees, orange groves, and some sort of shack.  Hmmm.

I like simplicity.  This Mad Tea Party depiction is one of my favorites.  

My medium of choice was a little pack of eight(ish) markers, and I remember that they had tiny ballet slippers on them.

I wish I still had them.
















Now I really have no idea what this one says.  I believe something along the lines of "pirates were trying to shoot us but they weren't real pirates." I was such a liar. At that point in my life, I truly believed those (REAL!) pirates were going to shoot us.   And that my parents would sit idly by while it happened.


 Luckily, we all survived.


As much as I like to make fun of my artistry, and my spelling, and my five year old fears, I am glad I still have this little treasure of a sketch diary.   The miniature me wanted to live at Disneyland forever.  I wish I could go back and tell little me that when I'm a grown up,  I'll be able to go whenever I want.

And finally, a little bit of nostalgia.  The ultimate Disneyland commercial.  The ultimate 1980's Disneyland commercial.  It is impossible to watch this and not want to drive immediately to Disneyland, despite the fact that it is eleven pm and the park is most likely closed for the night.  Genius marketing.  This commercial aired during episodes of Three's Company when I was little, and would encourage rampant dreaming of sunshine,  oranges, California and Disneyland.    If anyone needs me tomorrow, you know where I'll be.