Heavenly Connection

The Temple looks great, but something's missing. I wonder what it is?

Wayne Miyata, artist and instructor at Kauai Community College created the sections out of clay. Before they were fired in the kiln, the base and ball were massive. If the shape and perfect scale isn't amazing enough, the glaze is a perfect match to the copper box that has been weathering on the temple roof. Because of the unique environment at Lawai, the copper changed into a wonderful brown instead of the green we sometimes see.

Now, how do we attach a sacred clay ball to the top of a temple? It's not like you can bolt it on. Every so often we do have Hurricanes.  

Yep, that's me taking my eye off the ball. Author's have really short attention spans. Check out the color of the copper box.

With  the roof complete, the sacred ball connects the structure to heaven. Beneath the Temple is the turtle's chest, which connects the temple to the earth. This 13th century building is designed to last a thousand years. I would say, "that's impossible," but the oldest wooden buildings in the world are in Japan.  You really have to come and see the Lawai International Center. No hurry though, you have hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Say No to Cheap Sunglasses

"What's the big deal? They're five dollar sunglasses and if I drop them on the pavement, so what?"

 The problem is when you don a pair of cheap sunglasses you're actually causing permanent damage to your eyes. 

Cheap glasses are tinted, so your irises dilate to allow in more light. But cheap sunglasses do not block UV rays, so more light is not a good thing. You're better off squinting.

If you think I'm sitting next to a real person, you should make an appointment and get a quality pair of prescription sunglasses. 

Yes, that is a month's supply of Panko, with a week's supply of Dilettante chocolate. The combination of these two foods are proven to contain vitamin D and more beta Carotenes than carrots. Okay, I made that part up, but you'll never convince my wife that Chocolate is not food, don't even try.

The main thing is ––It's time to upgrade. "Get rid of those cheap shades Mr. Panko man. 

Tea Banned in Public Places

"Are you serious?"

"Yea. The good news is, you get to hang out with all the smokers who have been likewise banished." I explained. 

"You're joking, right?"

"Okay, you found me out, I'm kidding. Yes, we all take our tea and coffee for granted. You've heard of comfort food? Tea is like liquid harmony. Water from the sun for my tea, please," I call upon an imaginary waiter. My companion remains lost in his phone.

"Who would have guessed that tea is a Camellia plant?" I continue, undaunted. "Camellia Sinensis to be exact. It started out as a medicine and is now the most popular beverage in the world. It's good for you, it tastes great, and that little bit of caffeine is fun. They say you can study tea for a hundred years and never learn all the varieties." I take a satisfying sip.

 "Hey, sure, tea is great. But what's it done for me lately?" He almost makes eye contact to get his point across.

"Tea is old school. It connects us to each other, a little bit like your hand held device there. Look, here we are having tea together, while you stroke your phone, expanding the view so you can read this blog. It's like magic and stuff." 

"Huh?"

I pour more tea and smile.