A story of dedication: Wat Rong Khun

(Source: Wikicommons)

Last week, I went on a two day meditation retreat in Chiang Mai.  After a LOT of silence, I chatted with a couple from Menlo Park on our ride back into town.

Per usual with other travelers, we exchanged stories of our adventures.  During their trip, they went to Chiang Rai (outside of Chiang Mai) to see the elaborate white template above, Wat Rong Khun.

It's still a work in progress.  The artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, started the project in 1996 with estimates of completion by 2070.  He says "only death can stop my dream, but cannot stop by project."

In a world of quick profits and fluttering interests, I found it refreshing to hear a story of dedication.  Dedication to art.  to craftsmanship.  to personal beliefs.

For more photos, click below.

What's dangerous about Rick Perry

(Source: Maryanne Chastaine)

I lived in Texas for almost 2 decades, so I think I'm entitled to comment on the current governor.  The other day, I blogged about Wendy Davis, the woman that's been filibustering Senate Bill 5; the bill would be one of the most conservative abortion laws in the country, limiting abortions in Texas to only 5 locations in the state (as an FYI, it's 696,241 kilometers squared).  

Regardless of your moral view on abortions, this is an underhanded way to effectively reverse Roe vs Wade for the citizens of Texas and would very likely result in illegal, back-alley clinics.

So, lets say you agree with Senate Bill 5.  Why is Rick Perry still dangerous?