The 2010 Olympic Torch RelayToday I'm excited to be one of ten blogs simultaneously posting the first Blog it Forward' mashup! So what does that mean? Well many of you may already know if you've been following any of the blogs involved, but just in case not, what we're going to do is post "what inspires us most" on all of our blogs and then blog it forward to another blog (that's been assigned to us) who will post what inspires them the next day and so on and so on and so on. In total there are 300 bloggers involved, 10 groups of 30 each. So after my post today, I'm passing the "torch" on to the next blog on my list, and then she'll blog it forward to the one following her, etc. So here's my post (below) of "what inspires me most", and then tomorrow, follow Sacramento Street to see what inspires her, it should be fun! You can follow all of the bloggers by going to the Blog it Forward page located at Sfgirlbybay. A big thanks to Victoria for the idea, and all the work that entailed!
So what inspires us the most?
With the 2010 Winter Olympic Games settling into our hometown this week, how could one not be inspired by the Olympic dream? And yesterday I was caught up in it when the Olympic Torch Relay was in my neighborhood. So me and probably 5000 of my neighbors emerged to see the magic! Pretty inspiring. How can you not be inspired? It's a contagious vibe, it was alive with the crowd, it represents dreams, hope and peace!
So the past few weeks as I was back and forth into Vancouver, I started to take pictures of what our city is starting to look like with the Olympics coming. But not only that, we are also celebrating Chinese New Year this week, and Valentines. It's such a positive time, and it feels good. Here are some of my favourite pictures of our city!
One of my biggest inspirations is the elderly. And so to see this elderly torch bearer today waiting her chance to carry the torch completely inspires!
Vancouver Art Gallery: Michael Lin: A Modest VeilThe Art Galleries in any city are always an inspiration for me; and a must to visit when I can. This February I'm loving this solo exhibition by Michael LIn at the Vancouver Art Gallery featuring an enormous hand-painted mural that covers the Gallery’s Georgia Street façade, bringing his artwork outside the traditional confines of the Gallery space. Click here to read more.
Chinese New Year's Lanterns at Aberdeen CentreI love the different cultures in our city, as this is how we learn, grow and open our minds. Especially in the art world, I'm very influenced by other cultures, online and here at home. I'm constantly looking for new things and love the different perspectives out there.
James Olley, Jacana Gallery, VancouverNew art always inspires, awes, makes me think. This piece by Canadian James Olley at the Jacana Gallery of Contemporary Art on upper Granville here in Vancouver had me in awe the other day when I drove by. I had to stop and photograph it. Simply stunning. See more of his work here. The colours are so amazing in real life, a must-see if you're in town right now.
Hudson's Bay CompanyHistory and architecture. I love knowing where we come from and the stories that accompany them. So to look back into history and architecture always inspires me. Although Canada is a fairly young country, buildings like the Hudson's Bay Company downtown here in Vancouver, and the story behind it instills a sense of Canadiana and pride.
The North Shore mountainsNature and more specifically, the mountains and ocean. They are such strong and powerful examples of inspiration. Even the word mountian in french, "montagne" has a special sound and feel to it.
So these are but a few of "what inspires us most". There is so much more and maybe this post will start a new life in itself. I now blog it forward to Sacramento Street! Visit her blog tomorrow and the others sharing their inspirations starting today (see links below):
• creature comforts • hula seventy • paper pony • design for mankind • ink on my fingers • heart fish • oh, hello friend • smile and wave
Happy following!
29 comments:
That's probably the best shopping mall which i had ever seen. I 'll definitely try to go for there for my next shopping.
Looks a wonderful place to live - thanks for such an uplifting, colourful post!
Beautiful idea. I can't wait to read everyones!
I love the first photo of the woman waiting to carry the torch! I am looking forward to the Winter Olympics and will be glued to my TV.
I'm so pleased you blogged about your own neck of the woods and the Olympics - you rock!
I've been obsessed with the Olympics ever since I can remember! Jealous that it's in your home town!
Happy Blog it Forward!
Aw, this is so fun! I'm inspired. xo
great post! i totally agree, the olympic spirit is very contagious. as someone who hadn't been all that excited about it, i'm finding myself pretty caught up in the excitement. i'm off to see the torch here this afternoon.
i think we live in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. thanks for sharing your pics!
yeah! you are a 'torch'! thanks for such a great start to our project, jan! the olympics are so inspiring, they make me cry every darn time i watch.
thanks for sharing more of your beautiful city, too. i think i need a visit. i love canada, eh? xoxo, v.
Just saw Karen Magnussen,former Olympic Figure Skater, carry the torch in North Vancouver this morning! So exciting and inspiring! Great post and photos, Jan- we live in a very inspiring place, don't we!
Such a beautiful post! It's nice to see Vancouver through another persons eyes. Sometimes when you live in a place you become desensitized to the beauty of it. Thank you for opening my eyes again.
I'm watching the torch relay tomorrow! Very excited!
i know you're in canada but do you live in vancouver?? i love that town. my husband and i went there on our honeymoon.
I love this wonderful post so much Jan! The delight in everyone's eyes in the second image is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your inspirations with us! xo Ez
awww how awesome is that to have an Olympic in your city?!?!
your post makes me wanna visit Vancouver RIGHT NOW!! (never been there before) thank you for the inspiration, Jan!!!!
You make me want to move to Vancouver at least once a day, Jan! How exciting to have seen the torch relay. Great post.
It was a treat to see your city which is one on my list to visit someday. Also, paper lanterns are visually delicious. :)
I'm dying to visit Vancouver!! :)
i just went to vancouver a few months ago and i LOVE it! there is such great shopping, food, and it's very diverse there! and yea, can't believe there are soo many events/holidays going on this week!!
sam and livi - yes vancouver
oh yes I'm with you with the Olympics, i was in Athens in 2004 and it was totally amazing, a one of a kind experience!
This is great! I am also from Van! Looking forward to this awesome event!
my husband and I are coming to Vancouver for the Olympics and to hit up some indie stores while we're there. it seems so beautiful---we cannot wait!
oh jan, what a treat this was! xo
I can't imagine how exciting this must be! Great post!
I am so bummed to be away from home and missing all the festivities during the Olympics. I love love love the banners on the art gallery right now. Thank you for sharing Vancouver and bringing me back home (if only through pictures)!
What a great blog entry! I too am inspired by art galleries and nature - and Canada! Although I am a US citizen, I have been to Canada 15 times (twice in Vancouver). I LOVE your beautiful country and think that if the whole world operated the way you guys do, it would be heaven on Earth. :D
I wish I was there! The Michael Lin work looks gorgeous.
I love the hand painted mural in the third photo, it looks like wallpaper!
Vesta Monroe
Domestic Goddess Guide
i'm so so behind, but jan... really loved this post... fantastic....
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