Ahh, the richness of looking back upon memories well lived and revisiting lessons learned, people encountered, memories made, character carved. Our lives are built of our collective experiences, relationships, and footprints we leave behind. It is the intention of this platform to make those things as meaningful and steeped in wisdom, camaraderie, and benevolence as possible, and of course to share them with others. ARE focuses on the enrichment of lifestyle and travel in order to forge strong personal characters, resilient communities, and bolster society toward a harmonious, peaceful existence with other cultures and the Earth. Focusing on the discrete and the personal, a key question becomes: How to generate authentic experiences through responsible means? While not a definitive guide, some of the larger Endeavors I've undertaken have followed a general progression of learning, creation, experience, and sharing. The result is an inspiration to anyone whose path crosses or gets involved.

 

Learn

As an undertaking is dreamed up and planned out, the first opportunity for growth is to learn what's needed to make it happen. Taking the Big River Trifecta as an example, I had to study up on glued lapstrake boat construction, the hazards of the Mississippi River, the logistics of a shop, transportation, programming, and needs of my audience before undertaking any of the three phases. Where I didn't do my homework ahead of time, the learning curve became quite steep as I had to pick things up along the way.

 

Create

This is one of the best ways to really own an experience. Or maybe it is the experience. In the BRT, I built the vessel I took down the Mississippi River. The construction became an adventure of its own, even numerous ones. I lived on the floor of a boatshop while getting the project started, negotiated the needs of a building space and moving materials without a car after I moved the operation back to Wisconsin, and had one hell of a celebration at the christening.

 

Experience

The building of Whisper was an experience of its own, but the voyage down the Mississippi River was a trip of a lifetime. What a great way to experience a cross section of America.  I kept a detailed journal and took pictures in an effort to capture the essence of the experience.  This, of course, was balanced with enjoying where I was.  The journals and pictures are fun to look back upon to remind myself of forgotten nuances, and even set straight details that may have been blurred or warped with the passage of of time.

 

Share

After returning from the Gulf of Mexico, I paused for a bit to see what my future held. A month after my return I learned about a boat building high school in Milwaukee, and a year later I was building boats with students there. I was able to pass on the story, share some aspects of craftsmanship, and get youth out on the water to have their own adventures.  

 

Inspire

Inspiration of others is truly the highest achievement we can hope for.  It is how our actions become bigger than ourselves, how movements are spawned, and how the world is improved.  If there were a solitary mission of Art & Rugby Endeavors, it would be to inspire others to keep improving the world around them, society, and themselves.  AS we provide support and resources for others to chase their dreams, we share in the story line.  And as victories are racked up, we all share in the camraderie and fulfillment.   

 

Hopefully others are able benefit from these concepts as I have. Or better yet, invent your own and let me in on the genius you uncover! At any rate, we'd love to hear about your most meaningful and rewarding experiences.  Simply become a member and update a personal blog as your journey unfolds.  Whether a long term Endeavor, or and afternoon outing, we will be at your side every step of the way.