The best things in life...

The best things in life are free? Well, I've never been given an E-type jag, but I have been given decent health, good friends, a passion for creativity, and an ability to see beauty in little things - from graffiti on bus shelters to roses in bloom or perfectly-cooked parathas. And that's what I consider a gift.

Bus shelter graffiti

Roses in the garden

Ominous clouds with the promise of rain

Drinking with friends

We've been sussing out local restaurants - our quest for the best curry in Canberra is continuous. Dawate E Punjab in Kippax is a good contender.

More graffiti from a run in the rain. I sheltered beneath an underpass and found a riotous expression of colourful creativity. 

The bird life seemed quite happy in the rain. And then the sun came out again.

Part of Christmas at The Smith Family is a massive gift drive. Many people generously give gifts for disadvantaged families; the gifts are sorted into age categories by volunteers; families are contacted by our staff to come and collect the present bags; and we have a day of spreading happiness. 

It's a huge effort requiring a lot of coordination, funding and publicity - last year 100,000 toys and books were delivered to 20,000 children across Australia in one day. Our office does its bit as the boss presents the message to the media and the presents to the children.  

One of the big releases in the beer calendar is that of Feral Tusk: it's a triumph of marketing exercise and hype, and probably a draw-card for whichever venue is lucky enough to get a keg - in this case it was The Durham Castle Arms (a favourite pub of ours) and we hurried along to partake before it all sold out, which it did last year in a few short hours.

The beer itself is a Double IPA, which is very orangey, very malty, very sweet and, at 13.5%, very very big - perhaps too big? At $16 for a half, it's certainly too expensive. But it had to be done. So here I am, doing it.

We are still hard at work rehearsing for Coda for Shirley. There is a lot of fun to be had amidst the script analysis and character development. I know I've said it before, but it's a real treat to work with such a talented group of wonderful women, whether actually rehearsing, or posing for publicity shots!

Here are some of the many faces of Micki Beckett as the titular Shirley and as herself. 

Big sister, Sarah (not my big sister, Sarah) is played with a range of expressions (and several glasses of wine) by Nikki-Lynn Hunter.

And her long-suffering little sister, Jane, is embodied but the ever-versatile and always lovely Elaine Noon.

Rounding out our awesome foursome is the spirited and engaging Alex McPherson as the daughter-in-law-to-be, Jen.

And here they all are together - the fabulous four, ready to set the stage alight!