The Magic Mile – Berry Point Road
Day 13 of my summer holiday finds me on Gabriola Island, my old home.
It is always bittersweet to return once again to a place you love filled with memories, eagles, herons, wild blackberries, beaches, arbutus trees, breathtaking scenery, sunrises, sunsets, family and friends.We seek out old favourites and also discover what is new. Our motley crew is together and we cook, clean, swim, tell stories, hike, laugh, and have a wonderful family time.
I am grateful beyond words to grow old with this wonderful crew. We span the years from one to seventy eight. The youngest twins had their first birthday on Monday and the oldest turns 79 this Friday. It is wondrous when you stop and think about it.
Something Different away from Gabriola Island for a moment. In the past I have never penned anything about the Olympics and I don’t intend to recap a single thing here. However, I do need to pass on something rather special that I had not known before:
Did You Know That Poetry Used to Be an Actual Olympic Sport?
Nick Ripatrazone at Literary Hub:
“At the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, Jim Thorpe easily won the decathlon in the first modern version of the event. The grueling, ten-part feat was not the only addition to the burgeoning modern games. Other events that debuted at the 1912 Olympics included architecture, sculpture, painting, music… and literature…”
I follow an interesting newsletter called 3 Quarks Daily – Science, Art, Philosophy, Politics and Literature and this is where I found the article. I only took the time to read what I am showing you here but a couple of days later there was a wonderful article on LinkedIn that I re-posted but cannot seem to share with you outside of LinkedIn. So, a small excerpt from Elizabeth Markevitch’s post and the link if you can use it.
“…Paris 2024 is taking this artistic sprint to a whole new level. They’re not just hosting games; they’re curating a city-wide masterpiece… Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: Over 1,000 artists from around the globe are creating Olympic-inspired works for Paris 2024. That’s more artists than there are gymnasts doing backflips!…And get this – the Olympic medals themselves are works of art. Designed by French artist Joaquin Jimenez… Paris 2024 is hosting a massive cultural Olympiad alongside the sports events…Street art is getting its moment in the Olympic sun too. So, next time you watch the Olympics, don’t just focus on the scoreboard. Look for the art hidden in plain sight..It’s a feast for your eyes and a workout for your cultural muscles.”
Notes:
1:) Along with the joy comes sadness. Two of my Japanese friends have been diagnosed with cancer and my love goes out to them. They won’t be able to go on the Kumano hike, and are deeply disappointed. We will however, carry them with us in spirit as we put one foot in front of the other. Each step for them.
2:) Death is imminent for an old friend. His loved ones gather and share stories of his goodness. There is no escaping the sorrow and pain of life. It is a privilege to be alive , to love and and “when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.” As Mary Oliver writes.
3:) Take care and thank you for spending time here. Warmest wishes, always. It is all worth it- this crazy life we get to live. Thank you, Trudy
Again a heartwarming post – THANK YOU TRUDY:-) And stay healthy and in good spirits…
With love and a big hug from Germany
Sabine
It was uplifting to have you visit Trudy.
Who knew, poetry as an Olympic sport?!! though I prefer a quieter venue 🙂 Your Gabriola visit sounds marvelous Trudy, very happy for you. Sad to hear about your friends – as you say, along with joy comes sadness, life in all its fullness. happy August to you xoxox