“There is no such thing as an ordinary life. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy and a tragedy.” Mark Twain wrote that, and I know it to be true. When you grow up fatherless at the end of the railroad, you grow up wondering what might lie at the other end of the line. So as soon as I could, I left my mountain in New Zealand and set off to find out. The tracks led me all over the world. Now as I hurtle into old age and look back I marvel at the myriad encounters along the way when my life collided with another’s and just like that a unique human connection was established, a precious moment shared, friendship discovered, meaning uncovered. You may have heard of some of the characters here, others you have no reason to know, but celebrated or not each of them touched my soul. Invisible rays of recollection connect them to me still and if I tell my stories well, maybe they will touch you too. I hope so. Inspiration can be found anywhere, anytime, but mostly when you’re not looking for it. All you have to do is open your heart. Hold out your hand. And say “g’day.”