Day 49: It all started with a Mouse…

November 18, 2022

Dear DIsney,

94 years ago today, Steamboat Willie played on the silver screen across the United State and then thew world. It was one of the first fully synchronized sound cartoons and without it, we would not have the Disney we know today. Walt Disney himself said, “I hope that we do not lose sight of one thing…it all started with a mouse.” Today, Darling and I are thankful for Mickey Mouse. Happy Birthday Mickey!

I honestly do not know what to say about Mickey Mouse that other, better people have said. Walt Disney said, “When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it’s because he’s so human; and that is the secret to his popularity.” I concur. Another modern reviewer said that Mickey Mouse is sometimes bland and boring because he represents the common person. That reviewer is right too. Mickey Mouse is all of us. We can watch Mickey and Minnie (as today is Minnie Mouse’s Birthday as well) and see aspects of ourselves. If Mickey can do it, we can do it too.

To me, that is inspiring.

Happy Birthday Mickie and Minnie Mouse. Without you, there would be no Disney.

Sincerely,

Jim Dear and Darling