The Sun Shines Over England

I have never personally experienced this phenomenon when visiting this beautiful country, so I didn’t quite believe my friend Christine MacKenzie when she had said on her blog post that the sun does shine in England. Well you can only imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon this picture that was taken towards the end of April.


 
Look! The sky is bright as the clouds depart, the sun shines over large Olympic rings that decorate this lush emerald green lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens, near London. At the start of July, England’s capital is hosting the Summer Olympics.
 

First, for those of you who don’t know, there’s a certain event that’s also been making a big splash across the pond over the last several days. It seems England has a preoccupation with this thing called a Monarchy. Apparently their Queen, that would be Queen Elizabeth II, who is now 86 years old by the way, is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee—60 years of reigning over the British Empire. No other British Monarch over the last 1,000 years has reigned for that amount of time except Queen Victoria.
 

Yes, a very big splash indeed!
 

It’s hard to conceive just how many people will invade London, England to attend these two enormous occasions. The crowds, the police, all the pomp and circumstance—It’s quite an undertaking. Yet, there is a special event towards the end of this summer that will be like icing on a cake! Like dessert with a cherry on top.
 

This would be known as the Paralympics!
 

The first Paralympic games were held in Rome in 1960. Since then, there have been 14 games. This year, with its 4200 participants set to take part from all over the world, it will be the biggest game of its kind ever. For the first time, London will host the event starting August 29th through September 9th with 16 new countries represented.
 

The Paralympics has become so big that the event will be broadcast to an estimated 4 billion people around the world. And this past Monday, June 4th, it was announced that the British rock band Coldplay will perform at the games closing ceremony.
 

Wow! Now, that’s cool!
 

For those with inquiring minds, here are some of the events taking place:

Archery, Athletics, Cycling (both Road and Track), Equestrian, Football, Judo, Powerlifting, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Fencing, Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Tennis.
 

L.A. Galaxy Football star David Beckham described the event as a “real privilege.” He said, “This has just been one of the most exciting things. There have been…two million kids around the country trying out Paralympic sport. It is so amazing.” And that’s just in England. Beckham was part of the Olympic bid team that brought it to the country. To anyone who still thinks that disability sport is not a real sport and that it doesn’t count, Beckham said: “Give it a try— it is as simple as that. You do not learn anything until you try.”
 

And try he did. Here’s Beckham playing blind football with a team at a London school.
 


 

Now that’s inspiring!
 

So inspiring that for the very first time, tickets for the Paralympics are expected to sell out!
 

Whether we’re athletes or artists, we all have special gifts—although some may be more inspiring than others. But I think we can all agree that no matter what the weather is forecast to be, while those amazing athletes compete for Olympic greatness, the sun will shine over not just England, but the entire globe! 🙂
 

So what do you think? Have you ever traveled over the pond to England? Are you planning to attend or watch the Olympics? What are some of the games that you enjoy watching? Had you ever heard of the Paralympics? Have you known anyone who has competed in an Olympic event?
 

Thank you everyone for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments!
Karen

 
 

36 thoughts on “The Sun Shines Over England

  1. Marcy Kennedy

    I went to England when I was 19 for a couple of days (during a tour of Europe). It was lovely and sunny, but everyone mentioned how lucky we were to have such great weather.
    I think the Paralympics are fantastic. I haven’t been able to find them televised where I live unfortunately.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Marcy! Yes, I would say that you were fortunate to enjoy England with such wonderful weather. Now as far as the Paralympics on T.V. This year may be different Marcy. There’s a lot more interest in the games this year. So keep your eyes open, you may just be able to watch. Christine MacKenzie said there’s an athelete whose competing without legs in the regular Olympics. That will be something to see! Thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing your experience with us! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
  2. DynaLou

    I have never been to England and I hope someday I can together with my husband.. But this post is really a help.. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      You are welcome! I’m glad my post was of help to you. I hope you and your husband have the opportunity to visit England. It is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer travelers. Thank you so much for your visit and for sharing your thoughts! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Well, no, I don’t think it sounds weird at all Jennifer! I think it’s awesome that you dropped by! That Susie sure knows how to throw a party, doesn’t she? It was a lot of fun and I’m so grateful that you stopped by. Yes, the lady you refer to, the Queen of England, is no cartoon character. LOL! I’m so glad this post helped clear things up for you. That is funny! I’m so happy to meet you Jennifer! Thanks for introducing yourself to me! I hope we have the opportunity to meet again! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Debra Kristi

    It has been many years since I have traveled all over England, but I loved the country and look forward to the day I get to return. I was on tour then and wasn’t free to go where I wanted. Next time it will be on my terms. I saw plenty of sunshine and rain. We performed in ponchos and we performed without them getting soaked. We also strut our stuff in the warmth of a crystal clear day. It was the experience of a lifetime.

    I don’t watch much of the Olympics, when I do I tune in for the ice skating. When it was in Los Angeles I performed in the opening ceremonies. That was a big deal for me back then and enough.

    I have a friend that worked really hard to be a part of one Paralympic team this year, but circumstances kept it from happening. It was a real shame. I would have really loved to cheer him on in that endeavor. I think it’s absolutely wonderful that they have the Paralympics.

    Thank you for such an inspiring post, Karen.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Yay Debra! Good to see you my dear friend! Sorry about the glitch yesterday. Do tell me, was this comment made from your mobile? I so hope it worked. It sounds like you’ve had a wonderful experience through your travels to England. What a privilege! And experience of a lifetime is right! My sister performed during half-time at a Superbowl once, but I think the Olympics out-shines that performance my dear! And I’m sorry to hear that your friend will not be part of the Paralympic team this year. That would have been such a source of pride Debra to personally know someone directly participating. Bummer. I’m so glad you enjoy the post. Thank you for going the extra mile to make a comment Debra and for sharing your personal experience with us! {{Hugs!}}

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Ooh, really Louise? You both are going to love it! I bet you can’t wait. That is really something to be excited about! You’re going to have a wonderful time. Have fun! Thanks Louise for dropping in and for your comment! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Debra! Now how were you able to hit it just right in order to enjoy that phenomenal weather? Every time my husband and I have been over there, it’s been cold, damp,windy with rain. But I remain hopeful because of you and Christine MacKenzie! And that great picture of the Olympic rings! Thank you Debra for coming by and sharing your thoughts! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Susie! Great to see you! I’m glad you were inspired by the post. I feel inspired by just the thought of the courage and desire those participants have in order to compete in the Olympics, let alone the Paralympics. Yes, shivers indeed! Thanks for stopping by Susie and sharing your thoughts with us especially with a party going on in your house! It was great fun! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Yes, I can imagine you see enough rain in Ohio Jennette. Although it is that rain that make England so gorgeous! Ooh, I’m sorry to hear about your headaches Jen. For some of us, change in barometric pressure can really be awful. I hope you enjoy the Paralympics in August. I’m inspired to watch them myself! Thanks for comment Jen! Have a great week! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lynn Kelley

    I’ve never been to England. I’d love to visit someday. I hadn’t heard of the Paralympics. Fascinating. That video is something else, isn’t it? Amazing what those guys are able to do.

    I guess London and all of England will be cookin’ this summer. I love the Olympics and my favorite sport is gymnastics and track.

    That’s pretty neat that the queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee! Wowsers!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Lynn, I hope you get the opportunity to go some day. It is truly a beautiful country! Wasn’t that a cool video? And don’t feel bad Lynn. I didn’t know about the Paralympics either this summer until I ran across it in an article about the Olympics. It’s amazing when you think about the strong desire these disabled participants have in order to compete. It’s going to be an inspiring event! And with the Diamond Jubilee, it really is wowsers Lynn! Thanks girl for coming by and sharing your thoughts! Take care! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Coleen! So are you saying you had a lay-over at the airport in Falmouth? You make a good point. The countryside wouldn’t look thatgreen if not for the rain! Hopefully, they’ll have clear skies for the Olympics! Even if they don’t, it’s good to know the gymnasts will stay dry Coleen! Enjoy the paralympics in August. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
        1. Karen Post author

          Aha! So you were on a cruise? Thanks for clearing that up Coleen! I wondered why you were only there for a few hours. Glad you had fun! 🙂

          Reply
  5. Roy Street

    The sun never shined when I was in London, either, Karen. This is a really great post about such an important event. Being disabled should never stop anybody from going for the gold!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Well hi Roy! Great to see you! LOL dude, that’s why I posted that picture! Did you notice that the streets were still wet? It was taken after a rain. They should have webbed feet over there! And thank you Roy! When I read about this event, I was impressed! Sometimes these disabled people are forgotten, yet they are so talented and have such a great attitude. They truly can’t be stopped! Thanks for coming by to see me Roy and say hi to Alicia for me! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Eden Mabee

    I’ve been all over England (and actually found lots of sunshine to go with the rain). It’s my second home (in least in heart…my hubby doesn’t really like the idea since it involves too much airplane travel.

    However, LONDON! ACK! That is certainly no place I wish to be right now. Much love to the Queen and all, but the crowds there would just NOT be my thing…. Exciting however that it’s happening in my lifetime though. Definitely something to discuss with the Boodle. 🙂
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    1. Karen Post author

      Wow Eden, that’s super cool! England is a beautiful country. How privileged you are to have traveled there! And ack is right! I can’t imagine the chaos in London right now. If you don’t like crowds, yes, you’d be wise to stay away. Now may I ask, what or who is the Boodle? I’d appreciate an explaination Eden about that. Sounds interesting! Thanks for stopping by and sharing you lovely thoughts! 🙂

      Reply
      1. Eden Mabee

        You certainly may ask, Karen. The Boodle is our son, Marcus. He’s six now, and the word just felt so perfectly apropos for the energy, love and cozy. Little did we think, when we coined it for our family, that it was a term for financial windfalls and gluttony. 🙁

        As for the traveling to England… Privileged is a perfect description of how I have felt. My husband had to work overseas a few times and we’d been able to save up enough money to allow me to join him when he did. Because of his job, I was able to visit Amsterdam, Milan, and most of the British Isles…. I’ve have been amazingly blessed.

        Thank you for giving me a platform to share these thoughts.
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        1. Karen Post author

          Aha! So that’s who the Boodle is! Thank you so much Eden for returning to answer my reply. Marcus sounds like a sweetie! I love six year old boys. They are so adorable at that age! If only we could keep them like that Eden! It sounds like you’ve traveled through a few beautiful countries over in Europe. How fantastice is that? Yes, that is an amazing blessing Eden! And it is I that should be thanking you! You are always welcome to share your thoughts with us! Take care and have a great week! 🙂

          Reply
  7. CC MacKenzie

    LOL!

    We’ve not had much of a summer this year, thus far. Can only hope it will shine for the Olympics. As you know, the torch went through our town last Thursday – in the rain!

    Yes, I love the volleyball in the Paralympics and the sprints. And there’s a South African athlete competing in the main games with no legs. It’s all another excuse to party! The country’s just recovering from the amazing Jubilee weekend. The concert on Monday night was as fabulous as I expected. Did you guys receive my link to the song? It’s called SING and is brilliant. I’ve had it on repeat on my iPod.

    Great Post, Karen.
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    1. Karen Post author

      LOL indeed Christine! I did see the picture of the torch in the rain on your post. You inspired me girl! “Another excuse to Party!” LOL! Yet, I am so impressed to hear about the South African athlete competing in the Olympics with no legs. Wow, that’s amazing! That will be something to watch! And yes, I did see your link to that song. Now go recuperate and get that first draft done! Thanks Christine for dropping by and sharing your inside scoop of information with us! {{Hugs!}} 🙂

      Reply
  8. Pat O'Dea Rosen

    People from southern California aren’t allowed to make cracks about rain in England, Karen. Maybe if you run a pretty picture of Elizabeth II, she’ll let it pass, especially in light of the excellent information you posted about the Paralympics. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t realize they were coming up in late summer–and in London!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Excuse me darling, I want you to know that I endured the rainfall on many occations in England. I wore my London Fog and carried my “brelly” everywhere! LOL! But do not be ashamed Pat. For this was also news to me! Sometimes if we’re not directly involved with these things, we can be forgetful. But I thought, why not share this with you all. It is truly an inspiring event! Thanks Pat for coming by and giving me a bad time! I love it girl! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      I love England too August! You girl were fortunate. Perhaps you traveled in the summer months. I have only been there in early spring. Clouds and rain everyday. Very wet and cold. But it still didn’t prevent us from site seeing. We sat on top of one of those double decker red buses in London with our umbrella protecting us from the drizzle. Crazy tourists! Thanks August for sharing your experience with us and for dropping by! 🙂

      Reply
    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Prudence! Isn’t it a nice picture? What a beautiful backdrop for the all the festivities going on over there. Yes, the sunshine really can make a difference! Thanks Prudence for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply

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