Perspective: The Island and the Boat

I came across a simple two-panel comic the other day that hit harder than most essays I’ve read. In the first panel, a man stranded on a deserted island sees a boat in the distance. He jumps up, arms raised, and shouts, “BOAT!” Relief floods his face. His isolation may finally be over. In the second panel, we see the man in the boat. He sees the island—and the man on it—and he too shouts, “LAND!” He’s just as overjoyed, perhaps exhausted from being adrift in open water, desperate for solid ground.

It’s a beautiful, humorous, and profound reminder that perspective is everything. One man sees salvation in the other. Both are in need, and both offer something the other lacks. Too often, we get so focused on what we’re missing that we fail to realize someone out there may be seeing in us exactly what they need. It’s a powerful lesson in empathy, gratitude, and the value of connection. Whether you’re on the island or in the boat, don’t discount your own worth. And when two people meet, each bringing what the other needs? That’s where the magic happens.

When You Learn The World Is Smaller Than You Thought

Mall of America Log Ride

When I was at the Mall of America a few years ago I took a video of some people on the log ride and posted it to YouTube so I could embed it here on my site. Over the years I’ve seen lots of interesting things by having this blog and this is definitely one of them. Who would think the person I’m taking a video of in public would actually see it? Not that it is the most exciting video but 14,523 people for some reason have watched it. The Internet is awesome…

Finders Keepers Heart of Collecting

Finders Keepers Heart of Collecting

Collectors are people who like to tell stories — about the rare objects they’ve found, the history of their favorite pieces, and the cultural significance of their prized relics. Some like to hide their goodies away behind closed doors but others create private museums to show the world what they’ve gathered together.

Meet collectors of antique telephones and talking machines, confectionary molds, snowglobes, handcuffs, breweriana, and other interesting artifacts, as they tell their own unique tales of research, preservation, and passionate pursuit. It’s a fascinating and revealing look into a special fraternity of modern hunters and gatherers.

Food Truck Mafia

Anthony, Brian, and I went to a food truck mafia event today at the mall parking lot.  A food truck mafia (I learned today from Brian) is a group of food trucks in one location.  I had fish tacos from Cabana Dave’s Food Truck (Twitter) and a maple bacon cupcake for dessert from That’s Sweet!  Dessert Truck (Twitter).  I felt horrible about myself after eating the cupcake for about 5 minutes.  Life is short, and man was that cupcake good!  Time to exercise so I can get another cupcake some day!