2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC

I saw the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics yesterday and was thrilled and greatly moved by the orchestration, the execution and delivery of this huge event. I have often been non-plussed at watching the opening ceremonies of the olympics, winter or summer, though there have been highlights in all that I have seen, this just jumped out at me as being the absolute best ever.

Canada, you did real good. I loved everything about it it. The whales looked so real, I just was left in awe at the seamless weaving of the projected images on the ice and the blending of people within those frames, I was left breathless. I find it hard as I write to isolate one single element that I loved more, it was all so very good...exceptional would be a better choice of word.

I loved that the Governor General was a woman, and loved that the chairman of the Canadian Olympic committee was himself an emigrant to Canada from Ireland, who took the customs officers words literally when emigrating he was told,

"Welcome to Canada, make us proud"!

and boy what a beautiful thing it was to see and feel his pride in living up to that small comment from a customs officer. It has left an impact upon me that has not gone away, how small and insignificant a kind or hurtful word can be to the person who says something, but how strong and impacting the words can be in the life of another. It kind of makes me more aware to be a little kinder, a little more thoughtful.

Last night and now, I felt a connection to a place I have never been before in Canada and Vancouver BC in particular. I have always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. I have determined that I will visit those shores one day soon....hopefully VERY soon.

I loved the theme song and have included it here by Nikki Yanofsky in case you have missed it. She is a 16 year old singing sensation from Canada who is wowing the music world with her Jazz style music I love the lyrics and I love the clip. It is inspiring and inspirational.

When k.d Lang sang Hallelujah by Leornard Cohen, I was again blown away. Thank you k.d for sharing your beautiful voice with the world. Then what about the wonderful song Ordinary Miracle by Sarah Mclachlan, it was a visual and audial paradise. I have rarely looked at an opening ceremony anywhere and yearned to be there, but I did yesterday.

I was so impressed with the music I went on to i-tunes and bought the album straight away. How good was Donald Sutherland's vocal introductions?!!!

I am a believer in the power of you and I.

There comes a moment when my heart must stand alone
On this lonely path Ive chosen
like a house thats not a home
sometimes when I feel Ive had enough
and I feel like giving up
you will me to be all I can be
now nothing can stop me
I believe in the power that comes
From a world brought together as one
I believe together we'll find
I believe in the power of you and I

This is the moment we have dreamed of all our lives
Well be the change we wish from others
Well stand tall for what is right
And in my heart there'll be no doubt
The arms of the world will come reaching out
And embrace me to be all I can be
Now nothing can stop me
I believe in the power that comes
From a world brought together as one
I believe together well fly
I believe in the power of you and I

I believe the time is right now
Stand tall and make the world proud
I believe together we'll fly
I believe in the power.

I believe in the power that comes
From a world brought together as one
(Of you and I)
I believe together well fly
I believe in the power of you and I
(power)
I believe the time is right now
(Oh you and I)
Stand tall and make the world proud
I believe together well fly (Together well fly)
I believe in the power of you and I
(I believe in the power of you and I)