This is me, by me, casting around for something to paint some weeks ago. I was just 69 then. So young. Here are two quotes sent to me by another friend: “Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life,“ and “I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am.”
At the risk of beating this thing to death, here’s one more on the subject. After this I won’t commemorate any more birthdays until age 75.
Many people have offered their good wishes for the day. The fact is, the day passed like many others. At least like others where we’re showing art at an art festival.
We’re in Toledo, Oregon, the place we’ve been the last two Februarys making art. This time it’s to show it. Haven’t sold any. Maybe the day didn’t start with enough prayers. Not that prayers were neglected, just didn’t remember that subject. And I did earn some gas money, offering my five-minute portraits for ten dollars to passers by. That was fun. Then there was the artist’s presentation mid-day where Anne and I and a few others spoke to an audience about “our journey.”
In a sense it was a day representative of the life: Time with God, time with friends, painting, speaking, and (right now) writing. Add to that, travel, and what more could one want . . . but maybe quality time with spouse, and that’s happened too!
All this and, I’m affirmed, God is for me!
I’ll drink to that!!!
This morning I opened an e-mail from a friend, one Becky, who with her husband is part of our weekly home group. All in the group are scholars in their way, and some are poets. Becky’s one. Here’s her greeting:
The calendar has decreed
the page must be turned
you stand at the threshold of new decade
no scrambling to complete exploits on a bucket list
because, of course, you are Hyatt.
Jettisoning the detritus of life
you continue the continuum.
Introspection
circumspection
going back to the beginning
distilling life down to the essence.
Jesus/you
So…Happy Birthday to you!! To have a weekly front row seat to a life well considered, well lived and shared with honesty and creativity, is a gift. Thank you, dear friend.
And thank you Becky. Words are the best gift. They came from others too, and especially Anne, too precious to share.
I’m grateful. And very rich.
Now, onward and upward. Where we’re headed is God.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
11:24 pm
Now that is a great portrait Hyatt! Wow! You captured you!!!! Well done!!!!! And “well done” in all your areas of life! With your painting, your living for The Lord, your wonderful wife, precious family, friends, and your meaningful writings! Thank you! Happy Birthday once again! Blessings on your birthday day and even more in your birthday year! Lisa
4:00 am
Happy birthday, Hyatt– you and Anne are like fine, expensive wine, you have both aged well. Thanks for the gift of you– for sharing your humor, life experiences, wisdom, spiritual knowledge and artistic gifts so freely. And like fine wine (although I do not drink), I imagine that when you are “uncorked,” spilling your goodness into everyone’s cup around you, a party always happens! Thanks for inviting so many including Alan and myself to your party of life. Thanks for the example of a life well lived. Here’s to many more!
6:38 am
Hyatt, Happy Birthday and God Bless You. I have connected with you and felt befriended by you since our early days in HB. I appreciate and am enriched by all you do and say. I pray your life continues to touch lives in such a God-honoring way. Blessings!!
6:57 am
Wow…….. Happy Birthday Hyatt
Now where in DP is that earring store? I may need to visit.
7:24 am
It sounds like you found the perfect way to spend your day! God Bless both you and Anne as you continue onward and upward together .
7:24 am
A very merry un-birthday, Hyatt! It’s obvious to this observer that you are blessed and a blessing. Two thoughts along the “wine” theme — Some wines turn to vinegar with age; glad you’re not that kind. Second, and you already know this, wines aren’t made to stay in the bottle, but to be poured out and enjoyed. Glad also that you are sharing your life so well with others! Jude 2
8:04 am
Happy “four score & ten” Hyatt! Three words from you to me now return to you “fret not” and like the sign on your office wall in Dallas…”LAUGH”!
8:16 am
Clarifying truth is a gift, Hyatt, and that’s what you do. Hanging with you and your thoughts helps me to focus, to see things like God does. This older guy (not old) in my world is very much appreciated!
9:32 am
Happy day 2 of your 70th year. The best is yet to be!!
So glad you had such a great birthday, with wonderful affirmations from friends and family. Like so many others, I have great memories of the years working with you, your words, your art, and your wonderful family as well. Many, many blessings Hyatt.
11:33 am
Happy Birthday, Hyatt.
Sang in the mirror this morning:
Getting Older, getting older,
hey man that’s the facts
But I don’t see older in the mirror
Cause I’ve got cataracts.
12:35 pm
“Where we are headed is God”
Thank you for that; my husband and I are on track and I especially appreciate the reminder since I am also turning 70 next week. We moved to Waxhaw to be near children in WBT who moved overseas a couple of years later. I must admit celebrations are more difficult with no family around. It makes me think of all those serving around the world who sacrifice “family” time. Of course, our friends become our family and I thank God for each one. Thanks for sharing.
2:42 pm
Happy Birth Hyatt! I tried to text you yesterday morning on your birthday, but it can back denied. I then remembered what you told me about your cell phone. No problem because the real person I was able to thank was our Lord for make you the incredible and amazing brother-in-Christ that you are. May God continue to show you great favor and blessing, that you and Anne will sell your amazing artwork at full price, that you keep the galleries where your work is shown and that you add new ones this year. We ask for a special blessing for your parents, as you are the product of their love and the gift to them from God. Journeys mercies on the road and adventures ahead. Your best days are still before you!
In His Love,
John & Melissa
4:20 pm
Old blues verse from “C.C. Rider,” Traditional – (Revised)
My mama done told me
My papa told me too
Said son you’s three times seven
you know what you oughta do
You’s TEN times seven
you oughta know what you gonna do
Said you’s TEN TIMES SEVEN
you know what you gonna do.
10:41 am
Awesome and meaning-filled portrait. I pray right now for your eyes so that you can continue to paint for twenty more years.
Stay young in spirit and old in soul,
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio
6:48 pm
Just caught up on your blank slate and want to wish you a joyful filled blessed birthday!!
Love the portrait. And the wisdom/thoughts you pass on to all of us.
May the good LORD continue to give you many more years…painting away surrounded by family and friends.
8:00 pm
Happy Birthday, Hyatt!
Offering praise for the creation and uniqueness
of you! Celebrating with you.
Kathleen
6:50 am
Happy Birthday Hyatt,
I love the portrait -and love all your reflections on life and that I am lucky to call you a friend. Lora
11:05 am
Sally and I also turned 70 this year. All wonderful! God bless you heading toward 71 with blessings and thanksgiving.
6:53 am
Happy Birthday Hyatt. You are still going strong. The years have not slowed you down a bit. Continue down that creative and teaching path.
1:13 pm
Hyatt,
Am I the Becky you were speaking of? Happy birthday, cousin two years younger than me. I enjoy your Blank Slate and your and Anne’s art work. I also read Sue almost everyday. Betty and Hy raised some good kids.
Just glad that I get the oppuntity to read and hear about your family.
Love to you both,
Becky