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