Happy Week - in the presence of beauty, power and glory

glo⋅ry   [glawr-ee, glohr-ee]
noun, plural -ries, adjective, verb, -ried, -ry⋅ing, interjection

1. very great praise, honour, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown
2. resplendent beauty or magnificence
3. a state of great splendour, magnificence, or prosperity.
4. a state of absolute happiness, gratification, contentment, etc.

This is where I grew up. The place I call Home rather than home.* 

A magical spot on the southernmost coast of Africa, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Known for its natural beauty and champagne air.

Where a walk on the beach with loved ones...

Allows me to simultaneously savour the detail

And the grandeur

And where a walk on the cliffs brings me close to the mighty power of the ocean

And into the presence of glory

Southern Right Whales that come in to the bay for the Winter, to date and mate and calve in the relatively shallow waters.

An indescribable privilege to witness them in the wild.

Nowhere on the planet makes me as profoundly happy as being here, in this small bay. Even thinking about it makes me happy. And sad.

*Home = a person's native place or own country
*home = a house, apartment, or other shelter that is the usual residence of a person, family, or household - the place in which one's domestic affections are centered

PS Here is something else incredibly beautiful - also ocean and happiness related - that made me very smiley inside today

[Photos taken by me, my siblings, or found here and here]