Thanks For The Memories…
Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to run a leg of the Olympic Torch Relay, through Pitt Meadows .
I was a last minute substitution, for someone who didn’t show up, so none of my family or friends were there, to see or share the joy of this great honour.
It is a memory I will cherish, for the rest of my life.
The only tinge of sadness I felt, was that my wife was not there to share the moment.
At the end of the relay, those of us on the bus, knew we had participated in a moment we would always treasure.
However, although I had taken photos with a lot of strangers, I had no camera, and had no photos to share with my family.
The Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times came to my rescue. Apparently, Don MacLean, the Mayor of Pitt Meadows, had forwarded a post from my blog about this experience, to the editor of our local paper. A reporter, Maria Rantanen, called to interview me, and ask about my experience.
At the end of the interview, I asked, if it was possible, to mention that I didn’t have any pictures, and would love to have photos to share with my family.
Because of the wonderful article she wrote, I have received e-mails and calls from a number of kind people who have shared their pictures.
I am overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
Many thanks again, to all involved.
Hello, Art… It’s Me, Absolut Vodka…
I’m a big fan of Whimsy.
I also like Whimsy”s BFF Serendipity.
The two of them are in town for the next while, under the context of a contest.
Those wacky folks at Absolut Vodka are, in competition with the 2010 Winter Olympics, offering up a HUGE prize to be awarded to a Vancouver Artist. One who defines Vancouver as the ABSOLUTE home of the Arts.
On March 16th, the voting will end, votes tallied, and $120,000.00 will be awarded to the winner.
There are a total of 5 finalists, and all of them, I’m sure would benefit from receiving such an award. Really, who wouldn’t ??? Most artists struggle, and in this economy, with Arts funding cutbacks, the struggle is only that much greater, I’m certain.
You can vote, on the Contest Website, here…
As I’ve said in a previous post, I don’t know much about Art… but in my opinion, one Artist’s work stands out…
Vancouver has long been called the “City of Glass.”
I don’t know where it started from, but I like it, and I think it fits.
For me, I think Braden Hammond’s work, speaks more to me, of what represents the arts in Vancouver… but that is just my singular (and un-informed) opinion.
Make YOUR voice heard, by going on the website, and voting !!!
(And for those of you who know that I’m a scotch drinker, and are wondering why I’m doing this? I heard about this contest on Twitter, and if Absolut Vodka is going to support the Vancouver Arts Scene… by golly, I’ll support Absolut Vodka !!!)
*This is the fine print… Voters have to be over 19, and Absolut Vodka asks you to please use their product responsibly. I ask you to never vote under the influence, or Tweet over a Blood Alcohol level of .08. It is quite fine print, but hopefully still legible. If you can’t read it, either get reading glasses, or STOP getting glasses of Vodka. Thanks to the fine folks at ABSOLUT Vodka for choosing Vancouver for this project. It is the best city in the World. If you live in another city, I won’t debate you, until you move here for five years. At the end of five years, send me an e-mail. Otherwise, I don’t want to hear about your city. In the interest of full disclosure, I am not now, nor have I ever received remuneration either financial or liquid, from any Liquor Company. If ABSOLUT Vodka wants to change that, I will happily re-write this disclaimer, LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED!!! I just thought it was a cool contest, and with the Olympics going on, is probably having a tough time getting visibility. So I thought my tens* of readers, might like to know about it !!! *Further disclaimer: Yes, my Blog hit a one day total of triple digits recently, but that was a Gift, because, unexpectedly, I Ran in the Pitt Meadows Olympic Torch Relay. This concludes the fine print portion of this post. We now return you to a regular size font.
Cheers !
Belated And Somewhat Wordless Wednesday…
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I’m relatively new to Blogging.
On other Blogs, I have seen Posts, where people take pictures, and let them do the talking for themselves. I am unable to simply post pictures without adding commentary, so here we go: For those of you who have been here before, you have probably discovered that I am JUUUUST a little excited about the Olympics, and all that the Lower Mainland has to offer. Yesterday, I went into Downtown Vancouver again, this time on the West Coast Express, intent on exploring and trying to relay some of the opportunities for joy and fun that friends and I, encountered. I was getting myself sorted out, in a spare office at the company where my wife works, when a Tweet came in from Stacey Robinsmith, of StaceyRobinsmith.com, saying he was at the W2 Opening, and did I want to come down ? On my way to the temporary offices of W2, I encountered a stereotype of the Downtown East Side… A pawn shop and closed grill gate beside it. I got to W2, just in time to hear Irwin Oostindie talk about the goals of W2, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson speak, and hear a vocal group perform. When I left there, I headed to Canada’s Northern House, and had fun with their video presentation… On the way by, I assisted a delivery man into The Royal Canadian Mint House, and followed him — “oblivious” to the “We open on the 12th” sign. I wasn’t allowed to take pictures, but it will be worth a visit, THAT I can tell you! Had lunch with my wife, and some friends, and then went to the Bay’s Olympic Super Store, where we had to line up outside for a few minutes, before the very friendly and most conciliatory security team let us in. It was just that busy — and the Olympics haven’t even started yet! After poking around there, my friends wanted to go to the Roots store, so we headed over there. Employees from every corner of the country have been brought in to help out. I spoke with employees from Edmonton, Ottawa & Montreal, who were here to help out the Vancouver crew. Along the way, there were a number of people we helped with taking photos, and some passersby and store clerks took pictures of US! In lineups, we met, amongst others, folks from New York, Ottawa, Russia and a poor soul who had travelled ALL the way from Richmond!!! The man from Ottawa is most excited to be here to see his friend, who will be competing in the Luge competition. Again, I am struck by the amazing variety of Flags, Banners and Store Windows that (even if they are not an Olympic Sponsor) pay homage and reflect the joy and spirit of the Games. This brought to a conclusion Day 2 of Downtown exploration. I am SO looking forward to the starting of the Games and continuing to explore next week. Stay tuned!
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I Ran In The Pitt Meadows Olympic Torch Relay…
I got to run in the Olympic Torch Relay today.
The enormity of that statement is just now, hours later, starting to kick in.
I didn’t write an essay. I don’t work for a Sponsor. I don’t have any pull.
I got lucky.
I was helping out as a volunteer at the Pitt Meadows Olympic Torch Relay Celebration… just doing whatever needed doing… like everyone else.
It wasn’t raining, when we showed up at 6 am, and the fog was starting to dissipate… it looked like it was going to be a good day.
Little did I know how good it would be!
I was busy, like a lot of other volunteers and organizers, running here and there, doing whatever the coordinators needed doing. After a bit, I found myself in the Council Chambers, helping tie ribbons for lanyards onto the volunteer nametags.
One of the supervisors had left her Walkie Talkie on the desk, and suddenly, over it, I hear “Where’s Bob ?”
I’m alone at the check in at this point, so I stick my head around the corner of the hallway and, spying the Supervisor who’d called, asked if she was looking for me ?
This is where it all gets very hazy, as things moved VERY quickly.
“Do you want an opportunity ?”
“Sure, I’m happy to help !”
“There is a chance you may get to run in the Torch Relay…”
“……….” (Stunned silence)
“If the person doesn’t show up, in the next ten minutes, would you like to do it ?”
Words at this point cannot express the magnitude of emotions, crowding into my overwhelmed thoughts.
“Of course !” I croak.
A Torch Relay Tracksuit is thrust into my arms, and I am hustled to change, just in case.
My brain is packed with a million thoughts… How can someone NOT show up? This would be so COOL! I wish someone I knew was here to take a photo. Have to remember to smile. Why did they pick me? This can’t be happening. Hurry up, they’re waiting. It won’t matter – the person will have shown up. If the person shows up, can I buy the tracksuit? Enjoy the moment. Stop enjoying the moment, they’re waiting. How could someone NOT SHOW UP?
Five minutes later, the “just in case” waiver is filled out, signed, and the Torch Relay Bus is leaving.
The man giving me instructions is talking so quickly, and my brain is working SO slowly, that I take in NONE of what he tells me.
“Am I carrying a Torch?” I finally get a chance to ask.
“Yes, you are!” he says, as he claps me on the shoulder. “Get on the bus, we’re leaving!”
The bus ride was a humbling experience, as after check-in, my fellow passengers in turn, gave their name, shared how they got to run in the Relay, and what it meant to them to be participating. One young girl in a wheelchair had been hit by a car only two weeks earlier, and although confined to a wheelchair, and having a broken pelvis, she was determined to take the Torch on her leg of the Relay. Another was running for a family member who had passed. Another had been involved in the original Vancouver Bid process. Several had written essays. Some had spearheaded programs at their work.
I got lucky.
When it was my turn to be let off the bus, I got dropped off at the side of the road, and was soon surrounded by a crowd of people. Children and adults alike, goggle-eyed as I let them hold and pose for pictures with the unlit torch. I tried, as much as possible, to give the crowd on the sidewalk the benefit that I had been given, of holding the Olympic Torch for a moment. To share the joyous feeling of this unbelieveable honour.
I was working my way back through the crowd, when the Officials came up to me, having thought I’d gone missing, and told me it was time to get ready to start my leg of the Relay.
It was then I chuckled to myself, as I realized that although I had probably posed for over 100 pictures, I had no photo for myself… I had no camera, and no time to ask anyone to send one to me.
Soon the run was started, and once the choreography of the flame being passed from Torch to Torch was done… I started off.
A steady jog… I wasn’t prepared to rush this.
Close to the end, I slowed to a walk, as I really didn’t want it to end… but seeing the next Torch-bearer, broke back into a jog, as I could sense their excitement and anticipation.
It was over, almost before it had begun… but it was a few moments I shall treasure my whole life.
Today I got lucky. I was given a tremendous honour, priviledge and gift, by people I barely know… who I have no possibility of EVER coming close to being able to adequately say “Thank You” to… But Thank you, Lorna !!! I was humbled to be in the company of the people I met. Both those who carried the Flame on other legs, and those kind people who tend to the Torch carriers. Those people, who, despite having given the same instructions over ten thousand times, know each time, that the person isn’t listening, because their brain is screaming “I have an Olympic Torch in my hands!” and yet just keep on smiling, high fiving and woo-hooing.
Wow, did I have a good day today.
White Rock Arts Council…
I am a few days tardy on this post, but have been a busy boy the last few days !
Last Thursday, February 4th, my wife and I were invited to White Rock, for an art opening at the White Rock Arts Council – Public Gallery.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I’d never been there before… but we picked up folks along the way, and I was directed to Windsor Square, a medium size Strip mall, on 152nd Street. I thought we must just be using the parking lot, as it was after shopping hours… but the Gallery is right in the Mall, which is Brilliant!
Bringing the opportunity for Shoppers to support and enjoy the Arts, and at the same time having a “Main Street” venue from which to base their events? Brilliant!
Upon walking into the Gallery Storefront, we were met by our White Rock Arts Council Hosts, who were serving wine, soft drinks and nibblies.
I took a brochure, and was amazed to see that beyond the gallery, the White Rock Arts Council also is extending itself into other areas, as well. There are a series of Literary Events — the next being on February 25th. There are also upcoming Music and Film Series, details of which are available on the website at: WhiteRockArtsCouncil.com
The Artist being featured in the Gallery was also in attendance that night, and her works were a study in contrasts and diversity! Ranging from abstracts to nature-inspired images… I have heard it said before… I don’t know much about art… but I know what I like… and I like Jude Remedios’s paintings !
She spoke briefly about the process of working on her Art, the different media she uses, and some of the inspiration for a few of the different pieces that were presented that evening.
The Gallery Series is on until February 26th.
In addition to the art, the store also has other gifts, posters, bags and t-shirts available for purchase.
The Gallery is located at Windsor Square Mall – 1959 152nd Street, South Surrey.
The Gallery and Shop hours are: Tuesday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm, and Saturday 11 am – 3pm.
Check it out, there are great things, in store !
The Downtown Vancouver Experience…
I was in Downtown Vancouver this afternoon.
I haven’t spent any time walking around downtown for years, but drive through every few months.
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The Media and News coverage, in the last while, when talking about the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics, has been very… downside-related… talking about the problems… the downside… the security issues… the cost concerns… the military presence… and ALL the concerns that they need to present, as part of a free and open media. It just seems that there wasn’t a positive counterpoint presented.This afternoon, I spent a few hours awash in Canadian Pride.
Stores are ablaze in Red and White. A whole building was covered in a Canadian flag. The Robson Square skating rink was TEEMING with families, skating. A few feet away, a crew was working furiously… and joyfully, on preparing a stage. The Olympic Clock was down to 9 days and change. Foreign News Correspondents were lined up to report from in front of it. On Granville Mall, amidst the sculptures under the Lantern “Trees”, we discovered members of the Russian Team, posing and taking pictures. In the Hudson Bay Olympic Superstore, there were clerks representing all creeds and colours, helping people wanting to buy Olympic merchandise. In the Buffet, the family of a Swiss coach waited patiently in line with everyone else… blending in, other than the small emblem on his jacket. At the Art Gallery, a small army of ground crew teams were scrambling and working to prepare the landscape, in advance of the bark mulch spreaders. There were three people charged with the responsibility of making sure that no pedestrians tripped over the 6” bark mulch hose. Everywhere you turn, there were people, walking… looking round, drinking in the experience. |
I was quite literally stunned by the overwhelming quantity of people with “ASK ME” buttons, Olympic officials, and Downtown Ambassadors.
Very different from what I was expecting… What the Media had led me to expect through their coverage.
For me, the Olympics had lost some of their luster, under the immense burden of Negativity… Too many security cameras… What about the homeless… What about the Athletes Village… Why do we have a Battleship in the harbour…
Today, I embraced the Vancouver that I love… with people who are positive, excited, and ready to have a FANTASTIC Olympic Games.
I cannot wait for the next time I go Downtown, when I will spend more time, and take a better camera.
More than ever, I am looking forward to the Events I have bought tickets for.
I’ve bought my Team Canada jersey, to go with my red scarf and mitts. Canadian Flags are proudly displayed on my car and my House.
As I experience the joys of the coming weeks, I’m SO looking forward to sharing them with you, and sharing a wonderful sense of pride at the Games that are going on in OUR City !!!
Let’s GO !!!
FINE PRINT/DISCLAIMER:
This is the fine print, and what FINE print, it is.
I am a big Fan of the Olympics.
I am a bigger Fan of the city of Vancouver.
I’m just a big ol’ capital ‘F’ Fan !!!
I was hugely excited when it was announced that we got the Olympics.
We got them, and, after that, some bad stuff happened.
BUT…
The Olympics are upon us. They are OUR Olympics. They are happening in OUR town. We can have a blast, or we can pout.
I am NOT going to let a bunch of nay-sayers convince me that my glass is anything but brimming !!!