of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.” – Vera Nazarian.
Donna of Wind Kisses hosts this week’s challenge. Her theme is “Connections.” She writes, “Have you ever thought about how photography connects the world? Nobody sees the world exactly the same way you see it, and our impressions are as unique we are. How you interpret this week’s challenge is up to you. Is it in people, a sports team, a beloved pet or maybe a mantra?” You can read her entire challenge post here.
On a late afternoon in February 2006, my son and his new bride made their first connections as husband and wife, their hands highlighted by the glow of the golden hour sun. My opening photo was my first thought to share in my response to the challenge.
On a walk through a living history museum complex that showcases the life and history of our region’s pioneer times, I noticed the juxtaposition of a mid-20th century phone booth with today’s ubiquitous cellular telephones. Today’s cell phones are both a method of connection and of isolation.
The Very Large Array (VLA) is a world-renowned radio astronomy observatory located on the Plains of San Agustin in central New Mexico, roughly 50 miles west of Socorro. It consists of 28 giant radio telescopes spread out in a Y-shaped configuration, each dish antenna 82 feet (25 m) in diameter. Together, they function as an enormous radio antenna, providing incredible resolution and sensitivity for observing the universe in radio wavelengths.
In essence, the VLA acts as a bridge, connecting us to a previously unseen universe through the power of radio waves. It extends our perception beyond the visible realm, providing insights into the birth, death, and ongoing story of the cosmos.
We think of the connections made between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by the Panama Canal, but the canal’s construction destroyed the land connection between North and South America. The Bridge of the Americas in Panama City, Panama, was the first of three physical connections between North and South America to be constructed. It spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. Before its construction in 1962, ferries were the only way to cross the canal at this point. The two other connectors, the Centennial and the Atlantic Bridges, span the canal on the Atlantic side. The three bridges are critical connections in Panama’s infrastructure, promoting the physical movement of people and goods, economic activity, and cultural exchange across the Americas.
Throughout history, humans have left their mark in various ways. Some have shaped history with legendary deeds first documented by word of mouth, the presence of cave paintings, and the written word. In the 20th century, the maturing of motion pictures and the advent of radio and television expanded upon storytellers to connect us with our ancestors. My final images reflect the connections between our lives and those who preceded us.
In the 1970s, Robert Asp, a school counselor from Moorhead, Minnesota, dreamed of connecting with his Norwegian heritage. His method of connection involved building a full-size replica Viking ship and sailing it to Oslo, Norway. Asp spent the next ten years planning and constructing the Hjemkomst, named after the Norwegian word for Homecoming. He used local white oak trees and traditional Viking shipbuilding techniques, working primarily during the summer months.
The Hjemkomst was launched in 1980 and completed its maiden voyage on Lake Superior under Asp’s captaincy. Sadly, Asp passed away later that year. However, his family remained committed to his dream. In 1982, Asp’s children and crew members fulfilled his dream by sailing the Hjemkomst across the Atlantic Ocean to Norway. The ship reached Oslo, fulfilling the true meaning of its name – “homecoming.”
Many cultures connect with their ancestors through dance, song, and spoken word stories. In the photo above, Native Americans in New Mexico demonstrate the story of the hunt to visitors of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque.
Lower Fort Garry, in Manitoba, Canada, was opened in 1830 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. It was once the most extensive fur trade post in western Canada. Its location, 18 miles (30 km) upstream from Winnipeg on the Red River, offered a strategic advantage for water transportation of furs. The fort comes alive as a living museum during the summer months (May to September). Costumed interpreters portray life in the 1850s, offering visitors a connection with the past through demonstrations and storytelling.
Photographers capture moments in time, allowing us to share experiences with each other, even if we weren’t there ourselves. A photo of a breathtaking landscape, a family reunion, or a historical event can evoke emotions and understanding in viewers, fostering a sense of their connection. Donna’s theme allows us to share our connections and, in a sense, unite our unique blogs into a cohesive whole.
Thanks to all the respondents for my hosting of last week’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) theme. I enjoyed reading the varied responses, which included a wide range of positive and negative opinions and images to illustrate their points. Like it or not, we are at the forefront of yet another “Brave New World.” Next week, Ritva will host the challenge on Saturday at noon Eastern U.S. time. Be sure to follow her here. If you’d like to participate but aren’t sure how to get started, you can find more information here.
John Steiner
Journeys with Johnbo 
A lovely set of photos celebrating human connections in all ways: from the woman choosing between two phones to the native American exploring his connection with his ancestors.
Thanks, I.J. I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone’s responses this week.
I’m not surprised you thought immediately of that first lovely photo for this theme – it’s perfect! And I like your inclusion of the VLA, connecting us to the universe (and isn’t it an amazing place?!) and the Native American connections to their ancestors.
Thanks, Sarah! I’ve always been interested in visiting the VLA, and I’m glad I had the opportunity.
Thursdays are always made special through your LAPC posts John. This one is amazing. You brought us many ways we connect. My favorite image is your image of the faded red phone booth with the woman sitting next to it on her cell phone. I thought it was amazing that the pay phone we still in the booth.
I didn’t mention it in the post, but that old phone booth is in front of a 1950’s era telephone switchboard building sponsored by a local telephone company.
Thanks for the nice compliment, Anne!
😊
Love your example, each with a corresponding quote.
Beautifully narrated John.
Love these beautiful hands.
The juxtaposition of the telephone booth and the person sitting outside the booth with mobile is a perfect timing!
Always admire the people, who carry on the tradition.
Thanks, Philo!
Welcome, John.
Excellent post, John. So many different connections, all precious. And your thoughts are on point, beautifully illustrated by your photos. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks, Sofia!
This was interesting, John. Beautiful photos and I especially enjoyed the trivia like the VLA and the history you wove into the post. We visited the VLA a few years ago. It is sure out of the way, and as you’ll agree, worth the visit. Loved the Panama Canal info/image, and so intrigued by the story of Robert Asp. I smiled at your photo “connection” and my favorite photo was of your son and daughter-in-laws hands. This was so well written, and it is always nice to learn something from a post. You and Lynn have an interesting life.
Thank you so much, Donna. Our life is interesting because we hang with interesting people online and in person. 😃
lol. Same! Hugs to YOUR bride.
I enjoyed all of your connections. I love the first one of your son and daughter-in-law’s hands at their wedding. Your images and text about the Panama Canal were very interesting. Great post.
Thank you! Fun challenge this week from Donna!
Great photos and commentary. I liked the VLA, as I’m currently reading Book 2 of 3 Body Problem, after watching the series on Netflix. Someone talk to us!!!
The VLA visit was well worth the trip. Who knows what will be discovered in the far reaches of the Universe!
You chose the right photo to open your post, John. What a lovely representation of connection. Thank you for such a rich response to Donna’s challenge. I learned a lot 🙂 I love that juxtaposition of the woman checking her cell phone next to the old telephone booth.
Thanks, Marie! I enjoyed the research for this challenge. I’m not used to looking up quotes, but found it easier than I expected. 🙂
A great post, John – I always learn new things from them too! Loved the first one with your son and his wife – beautiful hands in connection. The woman sitting by the phone booth was a rreal treat.
Thanks, Ann-Christine. I really enjoyed putting this one together and writing the narration.
It shows!
John, I loved that you brought up VLAs in your post. I visited one very closely in West Texas. It’s in Fort Davis. Also, the homecoming story was bittersweet. All in all, the connections you mentioned in your post are strong in their own way. This was a great post.
I’ll have to put that VLA on my list the next time we are in Texas. The story of Robert Asp is not only one of connection but of perseverance and determination. That Viking ship is now in a museum about five miles from my house just across the border in Minnesota.
What an in depth diverse post. I appreciate the time it took to research and compose this. Very interesting and varied. Well done.
Thanks, Dawn. This was a fun project for me, and I really enjoyed the time researching and writing.
Your first image is particularly beautiful and says it all
Thanks. It’s surely one of my favorites.
A fantastic variety of connections John, really a marvelous post. So unique and varied. I especially loved the story of the crossing to the “homeland”
Thanks, Tina. I had fun from finding the images to writing the stories.
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Better late that not at all, great response, I have similar one of a lady making a call next to phone box, why did I not think of that, a great pick for this theme. all your choices show great connection.
Thanks, Ritva.
The array in New Mexico is incredible John. I love the quote that went with it as well. Sometimes I think that is how I feel about living in Melbourne Australia.
It is, indeed, Leanne! We learned a lot about the array and how it works at their visitor center.