Aim High

"Aim for the highest." Andrew Carnegie

Last night, C.C. and I went to watch the Grandstand Show of the Calgary Stampede. A multi-million dollar outdoor extravaganza complete with flamethrowers, flying acrobats and fireworks. I love the show. At fifteen, my eldest daughter Alexis auditioned for a spot in the Young Canadians, the troupe of 126 young performers who headline the show. She stayed with the group for four years. Performing outdoors for ten nights every summer in front of a screaming and hollering crowd of 18,000 people a night.

The Young Canadians take Andrew Carnegie's advice. They aim high and keep on soaring higher.

It is inspiring to watch 120+ young performers, ranging in age from 8 to 21, do their absolute best to entertain and thrill the standing room only audience who come from all over the world to witness The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth -- sometimes in spite of the weather.

And last night was no exception.

It poured late afternoon into early evening. Just before the Chuckwagon races began at 8pm, the rain tapered off. Heavy grey clouds still hung low, but little moisture fell. The show started at 9:30 and still the rain held off. At 11:45 the last bow complete, the final fireworks expired with a sizzling, spitting sigh across the sky, the rain began in earnest again.

But nobody cared. It had been a spectacular show. An exuberant song and dance celebrating the talent and heart of these young performers.

Bravo! It was a night to remember. A night to honour excellence, youth and talent.

Today, C.C. and I are off to a mountain retreat for the weekend. I won't have Internet access so will not be visiting until Monday.

Have a terrific weekend and remember, Aim High! Let the brilliance of the stars lead you to your dreams.