Me, last week, in front of my studio painting wall, taken by daughter, artist and photographer Allison. It was a shot between poses but perhaps the most revealing.
When I turned 60 instead of a party I took a long walk. I’d read somewhere that 60 was “the beginning of old age.” Not exactly an inspiring thought. So how should I feel about turning 70?
My dad at age 70 had just retired and was building a house in the mountains. It was something he’d always wanted to do, took him five years, and later he said it was the greatest experience of his life.
Me, I’m not retiring (still finding interest in painting) and am completely satisfied with the house we’re in, being its own work of art. Still, it seems there should be some meaningful “gift to self” to commemorate beginning of old-age-plus-ten.
But what, at this point, do I really need? A new pair of jeans?
For awhile I thought it should be a motorcycle. That’s an intrigue from my youth that never went completely away. A classic Triumph Bonneville would be nice, or a Norton Commando . . . beautiful machines, very fast, very loud, and fun!
But when would I ride it? When I’m out I’m almost always carrying art, or art supplies.
Besides, I know what people would think: “There’s a guy denying reality!”
But who cares? I’m 70 and I can do whatever I want!
Actually I’m not so sure about that, which is why I’ve come up with something else, something not so life threatening, but to me a certain meaning about life.
It’s an earring!
What? An earring? And this coming from a fellow who’s 70 years old, and one who’s never had much use for tattoos or any of that sort.
But it’s for a different reason. Really. It’s like in Bob Dylan’s famous song, You’ve Got to Serve Someone: “It could be the devil; it could be the Lord; but you’ve got to serve someone.”
Though I’m 70, I am serving someone. I really can’t do whatever I want. Or even want to.
And the earring will be a personal reminder.
More about this next blog.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
7:25 pm
Happy big 70th Birthday, Hyatt. 5 days early!
Could always count on you to come up with something unique!
7:59 pm
Like fine wine, Hyatt. I say age-on, friend, you only get better with time. Loved Sunday’s message, it was gold!
8:31 pm
Wonder how Methuselah felt when he hit 900? Just to think that 70 will just be the beginning in the new earth!
Happy Birthday and have fun for your 70th! I know I did on mine!!
9:11 pm
I loved that sermon. And the sermon of your life/example. Still curious what Mom thought of the earring when she first saw it! :) It looks good on you, Dad.
9:24 pm
Oh Hyatt . I just listened to your sermon and loved it. I have been wanting to hear you speak and now I have. You were great.
Now, the earring……I LOVE it. Can’t wait to see it.
9:58 pm
Happy, happy birthday Hyatt!! You’re the best:-)
Kathy and Mike
10:11 pm
Hyatt, a lot of us are counting on you to show us how great things can be at 70…..and you have.
God has given you the mantle of “inspiration of others,” through art, through teaching, and through example. You’ve helped inspire me to have something to look forward to, as opposed to finding that each year of age attained is just another place to look back from.
6:02 am
Hyatt,
How about another Dylan song, Forever Young. That is you, my friend.
7:59 am
First of all Happy Birthday!!!! WOW! 70 years old! You are really lucky!!! Secondly I listened to your sermon last night! I am glad because I got to understand the amazing reason for the earring! Otherwise I was a bit baffled, I must say! Thinking WHY? Is he going to be more radical? Like Harrison Ford with his earring at his age? Then I heard the WHY behind it and you are being radical in an amazing way!! I would pierce my ear too for this reason but I already have 2 pierced ears from over 40 years ago for decoration!! Hahahaha! SO, congratulations on doing this for the Lord! Wonderful! I will now look upon your pierced ear with admiration! Have an amazing trip to Oregon! Wishing you great productions of amazing work!!! Love to you and Anne! Lisa
8:53 am
Hyatt, you have more energy than people in their 30s! Each day is a new beginning,
a new adventure, and a blessing. You are a testimony to living it all.
So, maybe a tattoo at 75!! Our blessings on your upcoming birthday, may it be filled with love and joy! Mary and Roger
10:48 am
Happy Birthday, Hyatt! This is a fantastic portrait by Allison! I love that you are still planning, creating, inventing self.
11:16 am
Hyatt, that photo of you is captivating. It says a lot about you as an artist. I love in- between, candid shots and this one is up there with the best of them. I see one who worships…even though you might’ve just been scratching an itch in the photo. I look forward to listening to the message you gave.
4:44 pm
Hyatt:
Remember: When you are old you can wear purple and spit on sidewalks. I did and it was fun.
Enjoy your being of age and being so mature. Even so you can have and earring and everyone thinks it’s great.
Blessings for many more years and Happy Birthday.
Ursula
12:09 pm
Hyatt,
I decided to clean up my email tonight and was happy to see your new Blank Slate letter. I missed the service last Sunday but had heard from Pastor Phil it was an incredible message, one of the best he has ever heard, WOW! so I was ready to listen, which I did. I listened intently and by the end of your message you really cut to the heart of the matter. I am sitting here with tears of joy and conviction. I know my biggest problem is dying to my-Self daily. It requires a lot of intentional effort, discipline, perseverance, prayer, Trust and Total dependence. God knows I fail more times a day than I succeed in living totally surrendered to Him. Because “my voice” (flesh) self-justification & entitled thoughts…often times lead me astray and away from God’s presence. I wanted to say I agree with Phil. That was an amazing message that God downloaded to you. Thank you for your transparency, humility and courage. I will listen to it again and again. You really hit the ball out of the park to the grandstands in heaven! Well done! God Bless
Jim
4:35 pm
“Somebody”, Hyatt. “Ya gotta serve somebody”…that extra syllable doesn’t change the meaning, but it makes the song…(like when, apparently, Mickey Mantle and Paul Simon were on the Tonight Show, and Mickey said, “Paul, why couldn’t it be, “And here’s to you, Mickey Mantle”, to which Paul replied as patiently as possible, “Syllables, Mickey, syllables!”)…at least I think that’s how the story goes (attributed to Bob Costas). More importantly, love the input. Happy Birthday from a fan and a fellow traveler, nine years younger, two days later.