Khun Ton is only 14 years old. His mother died a few years ago, his father is a gardener and there are very few resources for the four children in this family.
Khun Ton is the oldest child and much of the household responsibilities are on his shoulders.
School remains a first-priority for all of the children, however, Khun Ton must carefully organise his days so that along with school and the household responsibilities, he can also work at a nearby home-stay to earn extra revenue for his family.
Along with all this, Khun Ton has never hesitated to express that which he feels is his true-self ~ he enjoys traditional Thai-dancing (he has won numerous competitions) ~ and he is gender-fluid.
Life would be easier for Khun Ton, (especially at this age) if he chose to hide his feelings (in-the-closet). However, that is NOT an option for Khun Ton, he embraces life each day with great courage and Integrity!
These videos shows a couple of Khun Ton’s first ventures into this sphere of activity; beauty-pageant/shows.
Ton’s transformation is stunning ~ it is crystal-clear that he delights in this persona (as model), his joy is obvious in every part of his body and smile. Keep in mind, Khun Ton was not professionally trained ~ he simply had the courage to believe in himself (though all the adversity that entailed). He is still in school; he also works to help support his family, and finances these endeavors on his own. Khun Ton accepts these challenges with courage and integrity.
Winston Churchill said:
“With integrity, nothing else counts.
Without integrity, nothing else counts.”
My neighbours across the small khong/canal raise pomelo, bananas and coconuts in their orchard. This khong/canal is very close to the Nakhon ChaiSi River and they have a system of canals running through their orchard. However, the water-level must be watched closely and at times dirt needs to be added to the barrage protecting their land.
This couple do not have a television and rarely venture further than where their boat can take them. They are intelligent and open-minded ~ and live in harmony with the nature that surrounds them.
These two iMovies show some of their activities.
Wonderful World follows them, as they pass my home, going to market with the coconuts.
Waltzing on the Water watches the water-level ~ this is the first-priority in the lives of these farmers, and it is in constant movement. Furthermore, the water-level in this khong/canal is dependant on many factors:
- the moon
- the tide in the sea
- the dams upriver
- the water-doors on the khlongs
- local authorities
- the rainfall, etc. .
This video shows the movement of the water, the water-level can be followed by watching the wall of the barrage (opposite side of khlong). As the water-level goes up, the farmer needs to transport dirt to build some parts of his barrage even higher. His fruit trees would die IF the water inside of his orchard were as high as it is in the khlong.
Once again, this hard work is accomplished with great courage, dignity and respect for nature.
These films are inspirational! |
