Thursday, February 13, 2014

Vancouver's Olympic Cauldron


        Google Image


When Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010, our city was enraptured with the joy of being Canadian and playing host to the world. The games galvanized our national pride, made friends out of strangers and showed us we each have a heart that is even bigger than we know.
For most of us, the celebrations were a joy from start to finish. I still grin widely when remembering hands clasping and smiles shared in the busy downtown core where we'd previously walked unnoticed.


That gentle linking of humanity seemed to me to be Vancouver at its best


Russia has gone into the games with considerably more conflict than troubled us, and has drawn lines they're not willing to bend.
Few are more vehemently opposed to Russia's rigid stance on gay rights that I am. If we're lucky enough to be truly cherished -by anyone- we've already been given our own gold medal to treasure for all time.
No-one has the right to tell us who we may and may not love.



 That said, I remain in absolute awe of the athletes who are brave enough to try and fail - over and over again- until they finally succeed in pushing boundaries and forging new ground.



What spirit that must take, and how glorious it would feel to know you've given every piece of your soul to achieving your dreams! Surely that experience truly lets you know  you're alive.


Politics and bigotry cannot tarnish courage like that.


Our cauldron remains unlit most of the time, yet attracts many visitors who want to remember that wonderful time. Yesterday, the Province Newspaper ran an article highlighting complaints that the cauldron is still not being lit, even though Calgary has proudly ignited its flame from the 1988 Olympics.
Thankfully, voices were heard and the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron is to be lit each evening Canada wins gold medals and again on the final day of the games.
I'm still hoping for more but am glad we're stepping up and adding our light to celebrate the world coming together.
                            

                                                   
                                                          
Today I'm linking up to several memes. Do stop by  
and visit them...you'll be glad you did.


Sweet Shot Tuesday  http://kentweakley.com/blog/
Weekend Reflections   http://weekendreflection.blogspot.ca/
Skywatch Friday http://skyley.blogspot.ca/
 The Saturday Photo Hunt   http://whistlestopphotohunt.blogspot.ca/

15 comments:

Katy Cameron said...

I'm curious to see what's going to happen round here this summer, but as a volunteer I'll probably have a slightly different perspective.

Laura said...

A wonderful post, beautiful photos and heart felt words… love IS the answer, whatever the question.

Jackie McGuinness said...

Very well said!

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love this post and your photos, Lynette - and your words about love being the gold medal of our lives. So heartwarming. I have been very upset, also, by the killing of the homeless dogs to "pretty up" downtown Sochi. People tried to rescue some, but hundreds were killed and that just broke my heart.

eileeninmd said...

Lynette, what a lovely post and words. Truly, well said! Thanks for sharing your Vancouver scenes. Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Great post and welcome back!

LOLfromPasa said...

A wonderful post! I had some fun looking at your recent photos too and your other blog finishing with Mounument Valley - outstanding. You are a talented young lady!

LOLfromPasa said...

Back again - I'm a follower now :).

Viera said...

Such an interesting post fulfilled with beautiful photos... I love the
reflection of last one...Happy Valentine's day...

Ruth Kelly said...

Well done - thanks for sharing.

Lesley said...

Well said.
It is a shame the flame isn't lit more often.

Pat said...

I'm glad the powers that be listened to the voices and decided to light the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron each night that Canada wins gold and again at the end of the games. What fun for you all in Vancouver.

I enjoyed your photos of nature's ice sculptures--really pretty!

Other than Succinctly Yours, I haven't been blogging. I just got a bit burned out and realized I was spending way too much time on it and I also had lots of stuff to do, including reading more.

Thanks for stopping by, Lynette!

Powell River Books said...

It would have been a lot of fun to go to the Olympics when it was in Vancouver, but it didn't work out. We didn't get selected in any of the lotteries and refused to pay the inflated resale prices. But were proud to be Canadians watching it on TV. - Margy

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

The shot looking up at the tall buildings is both alluring and haunting.

Safe Amid Shadows

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.