a wonderful start

December has started off fabulously. In part because of this:

Yay!

And in part because this guy:

This is Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (no, not that Ravi Shankar), founder of the Art of Living Foundation. I just completed the level one course last week and it was incredibly wonderful. The foundation operates in 151 countries around the world. If you are feeling like you want to reassess things a bit, de-stress, learn some great yoga, breathing, and meditation techniques, and refocus yourself for a happier and healthier life, find your local branch and take this course.

Also because of these:

Red wine poached pears (in a lovely Le Creuset dish).

And certainly because it is warm and summery here, because we are going to the beach tonight, because I got a box of 60 apricots for R40 ($5.80), because today is my Dad's birthday, and because my wonderful family will be here in less than two weeks.