Niagara Falls, ON as seen from the Niagara Parkway

The calm before the aerialist storm.

Okay, not exactly. I shot this nearly a year ago - long before a two inch thick cable became stretched across the brink of the falls excitedly awaiting its 30-40 minutes of fame. That's how long they say it will take Nik Wallenda to walk across it tomorrow night and make history.

I was so sure I would be in attendance, watching the performance live! I don't have a problem with stunt revival at this natural wonder nor do I think the artistry and thrill of his endeavour will be reduced with the addition of a tether. Wallenda is still an expert funambulist perceived to possess nerves of steel but who probably approaches walking a tightrope with the same comfort as we do when walking along the sidewalk. And if I lived close enough, I would walk there just to be a part of the crowd and feel the exhilaration firsthand.

I revel in this stuff... the escape from the routine... the diversion... I love the flurry of excitement on New Year's Eve when people are getting off work early and running around getting last minute lemons and crispbread and ice for their celebratory parties or picking up cases of Steam Whistle to bring to their friends' parties. I relish the patriotism and camaraderie and collective television focus that accompanies the Olympics. Basically anything that enlivens the atmosphere and sprinkles a little cayenne pepper atop everyday activities and a predictable landscape is fantastic in my books. I can feel the buzz even from where I'm sitting.

I live about a half an hour away from the location of this photo - driving time that would be exponentially increased amidst tomorrow's traffic - and yet I would love to have gone. It seems kind of shame to watch it on television like all those who are too far away to realistically drive there. But then I remind myself that not everyone who lives in Vancouver watched the Olympics in person!

I'll relax at home knowing my vehicle is parked in an exclusive (and free) parking spot in my own driveway and enjoy the comprehensive coverage offered online by the local newspaper complete with background information and interviews and overviews. I'll watch it with warm familiarity of the exact spot where Nik Wallenda will emerge from the illuminated mist and claim his glory. I revel in this stuff.