Art On Ice

Night before last...I watched an Olympic event on television...that transcended
athleticism...and became art. Virtue and Moir...in ice dance...created a beautiful
flowing unity...gliding effortlessly across the ice...that when it was done...
would have benefited from the announcers involved holding their tongues...in
uplifted silence. Instead...the main announcer...while the last graceful move...
was still reverberating...in a way that seemed to be telling the audience..."don't
forget about me...I have something important to say about this"...blurting out the
poetic words..."but is it enough!!!". Truth is...for myself...and I'm sure others...
it was more than enough...based on its uplifting artistry...manifested in a highly
strssful situation...where slipping on the ice could happen at any moment It reminded
me also...of why I appreciate...grace...beauty...and flow on the ice...but don't like
the accepted practice of a panel of judges deciding about it's quality. I'd prefer to decide about it for myself. In a way...the judges deciding that the pair had won a gold medal with their exquisite piece of work...seemed almost unnecessary...because...they had transcended all the techniques...they had rehearsed over many years...and...this night...had turned it into a piece of art.....................Quester.

Sports And Springtime

The Winter Olympics in these parts are/is...in full swing. I must confess to enjoying
viewing some of the events on television...although even if I
could get tickets to some of them...I'n not sure I'd want to expose myself to the long
lineups...and strict security involved. So far I've liked the ski jumping...and moguls.
The fact that Canada won a gold medal in the men's moguls...and a silver in the women's
helped my appreciation of that sport. If the side or individual you're rooting for...
is totally outclassed...it's not quite the same...although there is a part of me...
that knows I should just be appreciating...the grace and artistry in a given sport. When I achieve liberation from any lingering tribalism in me...I may be able to pull that off...but I find so far...I get more into a sport event...when I'm rooting for one side. In my life overall...I try not to separate my fellow human beings...into "them
and us" categories. Sports for me...may be the exception to that. Anyway...the Olympics
has spawned all kinds of art and events other than sport. Hope to attend some of them
up ahead. In the meantime...new flowers keep popping up...which makes this time...my
favourite season. I look froward to taking more photos of spring springing...up ahead.
....................Quester.

Olympics Anticipation

Visitors from all over the world...have begun to pour into my city...Vancouver...for
the start of the Winter Olympics...this coming Friday. The city is a-buzz with anticipation at what is about to unfold. The passage of the Olympic flame across
Canada...has been greeted overwhelmingly...with great enthusiasm. As always...
members of the world media...are sniffing around for tidbits...to send back home...
about Vancouver...with the lack of snow at one of the venues...probably leading the
way. On the other hand...visitors here...have been greeted by a spate of balmy early
spring days...and at times even sunshine...and I'm sure...can't help but be impressed
by the beauty of the city...especially when the sun shines on the mountains.
As a lover of sports...I find myself looking forward to viewing some of the events
on television...glad to be free of the intense security measures that are going to be
in play at all event venues. However...a few days ago I went down to Robson street...
which even then...was thronged with people...and brimming with energy...and I think
during the Olympics I'm likely to return there to experience some of "people vibes"
this event has stirred up in these parts. I'd love for our Canadian athletes to do
well in their events...but what I'm really a fan of...is...people from all over the
world...coming together...in a good energied way...and peacefully. May it all unfold
beautifully..................Quester.