We have almost arrived at the end of a very busy year. The older one gets, the shorter the year feels and longer the day. I have enjoyed the first year of the Diploma course in Fine Art and have been promoted to 2nd year commencing the 6th of February, 2012. We covered an interesting variety of subjects, namely Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Conceptual studies, Computers (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) and History of Art.As a mature student of 60, I was well received by the youngsters in my class. My only concession to my age, was a down filled pillow I carried to university. When the youngsters sat on the floor between lectures, I sat on the pillow.Occasionally I also had to ask for a "hand up" when the arthritic knees were a bit painful. Writing essays and learning for exams has certainly greased my brain cells and given them a new lease on life. May you all experience a blessed Christmas and the joy of a loving, caring, forgiving and compassionate Father God. All the best for 2012.