Borders? I have never seen one.

But I have heard they exist in the minds of some people.

Thor Heyerdahl

Somewhere between Christmas Island and the Equator, I met Thor Heyerdahl. Not that he made a physical appearance, but I encountered his essence in the above quote. I was so startled by his words, that I had to sit back in my chair, and breathe a moment.

In that moment to breathe, I held the crystal clear image of Paradise Bay, Antarctica in my mind. The soaring, and rugged snow draped peaks, the marine blue waters with bobbing ice chunks, the intermittent cacophony of penguins playing on ice floes, and my icy breath, ascending in puffs of steam. This was my first conscience moment of realizing borders are only in the minds of some people. I had already crossed the equator, the Drake Passage, and was near the Antarctic Circle. There were no “Your Attention, Please” markers, lines of buoy, flashing bill boards, or cluttered sign post to announce where I was. Simply, quiet.

Three Vistas

View of Honolulu, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Sunset on the North Pacific

Two Thoughtful Threads

• Daydreaming in our digital culture is becoming a lost art. However, there are multiple, recent scientific studies showing the benefits of daydreaming. Consider daydreaming to solve problems, to feel emotionally connected to loved ones, and to reflect on how to handle future social interactions. Consider swapping mindless scrolling for musing.
• Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. Carl Sagan

One Historical Nugget

In May 1998, a short-range wireless technology used to exchange data between fixed and mobil devices was introduced into the world. The technology had been developed over a period of time by a special interest group well versed in telecommunications and technology. We know this technology as “Bluetooth“. It has revolutionized the way we connect to information, music, and without a doubt, has defined our present day culture. But, have you ever wondered where the name Bluetooth came from?

Meet the 10th century Danish king, Harald Bluetooth. History has documented his love of eating copious servings of blueberries. Hence, he was given the moniker, Bluetooth. But, he is also credited with uniting the many differing Danish tribes into a single kingdom. Similarly, the name Bluetooth was chosen by the special interest technologists for their wireless device, as it united communication protocols into the advanced technology we can’t seem to live without today.