This morning our brisk run turned more challenging than expected when we climbed a hill only to encounter some forceful blustery weather on top.  As we turned the corner to head back home, Dixie & I struggled stubbornly into the headwind as it relentlessly pushed directly against us.  "Think style, not speed," Dixie coached.  Immediately, my shoulders relaxed, my pace evened, and by the time I reached our house about 3 kilometers further I was only about 3 minutes slower than my normal pace.

(Ant)Arctic Matters is a project which has blown challenges our way from the start.  That we have made it this far to tomorrow's opening is an accomplishment equal to any other grand goal we have set-out to achieve.  Dixie has been the initiator and leader on this exhibition, and he has used the same focus, the same determination, and the same resourcefulness as in any polar expedition.  He has been blessed with the same unpredictable ingredients = luck and good fortune, especially in his discovery of selflessly committed project teammates.  And together, this diverse team has decided to mix a bit of dare into the recipe.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of such a project is the surprising cooperation which evolves with seemingly incompatible partners.  Dixie & I have learned over the years that it is easy to team with corporations or groups who already symbolize "green" thinking.  The real challenge - and even more important the tangible results - come from collaborations with parties who have room to grow in the realm of environmental responsibility. 

And so as we proudly launch (Ant)Arctic Matters  in Brugge, Belgium tomorrow, we will do so with the many hands of many generous and sincere people who are willing to face the challenge together.  It does not matter where we all started ~ but it does matter that we all end up at the same destination.

Julie Brown