Go Team USA!

Hey there happy reader,

Are you watching the Olympics? I am and I’m loving it!! There are so many sports that I don’t participate in (lol, I only play Pickleball, not yet an Olympic sport!) but that I love to watch. Tennis, diving, swimming, and of course, gymnastics. I so admire these athletes. Both their focus and determination make me want to try harder and do better at everything. It’s truly inspiring to see the definition of “a dream come true” when one of them sets a personal record or wins a medal.

But by far, the most fantastic feat I’ve witnessed at the games so far was Celine Dion’s performance at the end of the opening ceremony.

I’m sure you’ve seen it by now, but just in case, here it is again…

What an emotional tour de force!

After struggling for years with “Stiff Person’s Syndrome” she was able to deliver the show of a lifetime from the Eiffel Tower in the rain! Plus, she looked gorgeous in the shimmering Christian Dior dress that took over 1,000 hours to make by hand!

Celine Dion’s Dazzling Dior Gown at the Olympics Took 1,000 Hours to Make

Watching Celine sing made me realize how much sacrifice artists endure to be seen or heard.

In some interviews I’ve watched since last Friday night’s opening ceremony, Celine has said that she sings because she “has to,” that she is drawn to the music and performing makes her feel complete. I think that’s true of most true artists. While talent is a large component of their success, it’s the drive, the determination, and the willingness to overcome absolutely any obstacle in their way to live their truth.

Celine Dion has a disease that makes her vocal cords feel paralyzed, yet she pushed herself to try and in doing so, may have set the bar impossibly high for anyone else at the games to surpass her moment. I could watch it over again and again…

And speaking of Christian Dior, if you haven’t watched “The New Look” on Apple TV, you’re missing out.

It’s the story of the designer, his connection to the rise of couture in Paris after WWII, and his very close and special relationship with his younger sister, a resistance fighter captured by the Nazis. I can’t recommend it highly enough. I was glued to each episode!