Dreaming Impossible Things

Transitions

Recently I read this post about blogging at helenjane.com:

“This medium has gotten a little away from us. It seems to me like that the last time blogging was fun was a few years ago. It was when blogs became less of a reflection of a way things were and more a reflection of what people wanted.

I’m going to say that again, because I feel it’s the main point of what I’m trying to say:

‘Blogs became less of a reflection of a way things are and more a reflection of what people want.’

See, longing and hoping is a terrible way to live. It’s empty. It creates jealousy. A soul-hole. A void.

Back when we started blogging/dancing, we talked about our now, our pasts, our dreams. We shared what was real and happening in our lives. We weren’t promoting an aspirational lifestyle, we weren’t selling up.

We were in it.
We created connection through that real story.”

This really resonated with me. Sometimes having a blog stresses me out because I don’t feel like I’m doing it “right,” that I’m not posting consistently or something. And then I try and remind myself that it doesn’t really matter (although it’s a good thing I’m not a professional blogger!)

In any case, the last few months have been full of changes and transitions. And there will be some changes coming to my blog soon, I promise. 

Olympic Spirit

I unabashedly love the Olympics. I love the excitement and national pride they bring; and I am fascinated by how they can teach us about the world.

My favorite part of every games is the Opening Ceremonies: from the host counties theatrical display, to the parade of nations, and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. 

The summer’s London Opening Ceremonies did not disappoint me—a spectacular mish-mash of British culture. I was particularly delighted by the inclusion of Danial Craig as James Bond escorting the Queen, Rowan Atkinson’s rendition of Chariots of Fire, and the tribute to British music. I also thought the design of the Cauldron was spectacular. 

In general, I prefer the athletics of the winter games over the summer. However, with the ability to live stream events I decided I should fully experience the 2012 games. Thus, my challenge to myself—watch at least some of all 32 sports—men’s and women’s if I can manage it! So far I have barely dented the list, but plan to make serious in-roads this weekend.

My impressions so far:

Fencing: I watched the men’s and women’s gold medal matches. Men’s fencing is definitely more intense, but women’s is more graceful. I don’t really know the subtleties of fencing, but it was fun to watch. 

Gymnastics: I watched the American Fab Five take gold in the women’s all around. I love gymnastics-it is intense and fun to watch. The American girls were amazing and won gold after a close fought battle with Russia. And I learned that Romania always medals in gymnastics—this year they won bronze. And, one of Romania’s gymnasts is 27!

Handball: Kind of a cross between soccer and basketball, and my new favorite Olympic sport. My housemate and I watched the Britain versus France men’s game. Basically, the British team is gorgeous. 

Judo: I don’t really understand the rules of Judo, which made it hard to watch. Apparently it is more about grace and posture—so the competitors are trying to pin the other with as little exertion of energy as possible…

Synchronized Diving: Amazing. I can’t wrap my mind around how the divers can make their bodies do that in the air, in time, while jumping into a pool. So cool to watch! I watched the women’s finals, but still want to watch the men.

Table Tennis: I was definitely skeptical about ping pong as an Olympic sport, but it is super intense. My housemate and I watched a match between the Netherlands and Poland. It was incredible especially because the Polish competitor had one arm amputated just below the elbow. And yet, she was really good. I have gained a new respect for table tennis.

More to follow as I make my way through the rest of the events…only 26 to go! 

Recently, I was encouraged to write for My Edmonds News—an online newspaper/blog for the Edmonds area. The result is a mother-daughter column written by me, my mom, and my sister. 

I am thinking about turning it into it’s own blog at some point, so stay posted. However, in the mean time, here’s a link to the article:

http://myedmondsnews.com/2012/07/motherdaughter-fun-in-edmonds-adventure-1-a-cupcake-caper/