Going With The Flow in 2012

The point is, not to resist the flow. You go up when you're supposed to go up and down when you're supposed to go down. When you're supposed to go up, find the highest tower and climb to the top. When you're supposed to go down, find the deepest well and go down to the bottom. When there's no flow, stay still.

~ Haruki Murakami, author of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle

2012

Ironically, for my last post of the year, I have no profound words nor a new recipe to offer you. A bit strange for a blog, and a food blog at that. I decided not to make any resolutions for the year ahead because, well, I am who I am. If I hadn't already made any significant changes in myself over the last decade or so, I doubt if writing something down on a list will now work to elevate my character. Not that I'm anywhere near perfect, but I'm in a happy place right now and would rather focus on living very much in the present.

Now let me tell you something about this food blog and what it has come to mean to me. Like many other years, this year has had its share of ups and downs but this blog, it's a soothing constant in my universe. I do believe the regularity of writing and interacting with you all has kept me sane. Even though I may have sounded insane at times, believe me, having you guys in my life has made me very, very happy. You (yes, you!) have become like a family member, my additional family to complement my real one.

Of course, our passion for food is the actual thing that binds us all together. Because it is a source of nourishment, I hope we will never get tired of it. Or rather, we shouldn't. I'd wear the adage, "All that you believe about love, change, joy and possibility is revealed in how, when and what you eat" on my apron sleeves if my apron had them. Everything I had ever presented on my plate therefore represents my experiences, the world through my eyes and more importantly, my heart.

And so for my end of year 'share 'n care' package for you, I've resisted posting up my favorite new year song by ABBA and instead have chosen these 3 powerful videos. First and foremost, they are all beautifully shot and composed. Secondly, they contain messages that I think all of us can carry in our hearts over the coming year. 

Robin Thicke's Can You Believe for those crappy days ahead:

Kina Grannis' Strong Enough for those crappy people you're going to encounter, and you are going to meet them!:

One of my favorite commercials showcasing filial piety, for when you forget what's (or who's) important. It's corny and the lead actress shares my name, but if you can look past those details, this ad is extremely touching:

Have a blessed New Year and let's continue having a blast in 2012!