The Olympics are over, and there is a quieter feeling in Vancouver.

The red hockey shirts, hats, mitts, scarves, weird hats, costumes, shoes, maple leaves, and flags have retired to closets. The spontaneous “woohoos!” have abated. And, I admit, I miss those crazy connections with strangers, and the upbeat energy.

Something emotional and spirited took place in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics, pleasantly catching a few of us off guard.

However, with the Paralympics are around the corner,  hopefully, some of that enthusiasm will  re-ignite along with the flame!

I had a secret pleasure in observing the freedom that occurred with many individuals, and noted that a lot of people allowed their “bouffon” to emerge and take life a wee less seriously. It was like the Olympics gave permission for people to express themselves, release, and play.

And, that’s what I did too. Play. I indulged in my “Canadian-ness” and got caught up in our patriotic rouge. I became the Hockey Fan I was supposed to have been when I first won my Tourism BC twitter prize. I yelled  “Louuu…” every time Roberto Luongo saved a goal, and jumped up & down screaming when Sidney Crosby saved the day. (what was happening to me?).

I had pictures taken with  Canadiana as if I were a tourist in my own town.

And, an extra special pic with Gold Medalist Skeleton Jon Montgomery!

My heart beat hard watching Joannie Rochette skate her Golden Bronze performance, I leaped off the couch as we witnessed the unexpected Gold medal snowboarding by Jasey-Jay Anderson, and the close Golden win of the men’s speed skating minutes later.

(My own Olympic moment was when I was zipped across a wire over Robson Square downtown Vancouver!! Whew!)

Watching the athletes inspired me to “go for Gold” in my art. As all the athletes were striving for their best performances, my cast in “The Memory of Water” at the Deep Cove Shaw Theatre were also enjoying sinking deeper and deeper into their work, giving audiences memorable experiences.

Just before our opening, I told myself, as I was directing,  to “Go through the finish line, not up to it..” It feels good to know that’s exactly what we all did!

Did the Olympics affect you in a surprising way, and are you going to embrace the Paralympics? (Personally, I think they already deserve medals for just being an athlete who has had to overcome incredible obstacles before mastering their sport.)