This is a redux of my birthday painting from 2012 and an edited rewrite from last year’s post:
Today I celebrate that I am still here, living and breathing in this remarkable world and able to look myself, eye to eye, in the mirror each new day. I celebrate being loved and being able to love. I celebrate that my senses are still open to the daily miracle of the smell of beach sand, ocean, flowers, tree sap and grasses – still open to the sight of jeweled stars, meteors falling like angels, the dance of moonlight on the sea and the glorious coastal light filling me with hope and inspiration – still open to the sound of singing, music, the soothing surf, crows, dogs and sirens and the whispers of my love – still open to the touch of wet grass on my feet, a friend’s hug, paint on my fingers, spiderwebs on my face and sun on my skin – still open to the taste of rain on my tongue, wine, tequila and tea, fresh baked bread, blueberries, toothpaste and tomatoes.
There is some angst at the rapid river of time, the ebb and flow of life’s ocean – but I keep my head above the waters – swimming, emerging, baptized anew and amazed at the wonder of love, friends, beauty and the daily magic of the unexpected.
My walking through time is a meditation, each step bringing more wonders into my heart – I am filled with light and blessed beyond belief.
“And light has no weight, / Yet one is lifted on its flood, /Swept high, /Running up white-golden light-shafts, /As if one were as weightless as light itself – /All gold and white and light.” (Lawren Harris)
Happy Birthday John! And this is beautiful. As long as we can sense, we live 🙂 Many happy returns! xx
Happy Birthday John!
“Grow old along with me…. the best is yet to be.”
– Robert Browning
Happy Birthday!
Happy, Happy Birthday John.. keep your childlike sense of wonder for it is this that keeps you open to to the joy of all the things you mention.
Oh and the painting makes me think of venice..
Thank you so much dear Ina…
Thank you Andy…
and the best is here, now – thanks so much Robert…
thank you very much Helen for that lovely comment…
Yes -I can see that now – city of dreams and dear to my heart…
Sorry I came late to your party….
This is beautiful. Rejoice in what life offers simply everyday.
Life is good and reaching yet another birthday even makes it better. Hope ya had a good one.
Mmmm…love your painting, and your gratitude.
The party is ongoing MG and you are welcome anytime – thank you for your lovely words…
I read this profound question somewhere: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” – thanks Hansi…
Thank you, as always, for your kind words Giovanni…
Hope your birthday was joyous and in this next year the universe is even better to you than you would ever ask it to be. Much joy, John. The painting is awesome of course
Thank you Gary…
I’m sorry to be late to the celebration. Your art is inspirational. Thank you for all you bring to the world.
“There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents, and only one for birthday presents, you know.”
Lewis Carroll – and thank you for you Carl…