My updated birthday edicts! - OBEY!

UPDATED 6/2018

So today I celebrate the 49th anniversary of my birth.  Still am amazed I made it this far.  But with the love of a good women at your side, two wonderful kids, a daughter-in-law, a grandson and two ornery Beagles, it's not all that hard.  

But this morning after I awoke, I had a revelation.  One day, the birthdays for me will end.  Okay, I'm not saying that to be morbid, so stick with me here.  But yes, one day I will slip loose from this mortal coil and no longer be "here".  Okay, a little heavy, yes.  So that has led me to come up with my "Birthday Edicts" for you all to obey here-forth.  So here we go.

1.  From here on out, it is expected of you and deemed necessary that you spend at least some part of your day, every day, doing something creative.  Something.  Anything.  Be creative with your creativeness.

• Take a picture with your cell phone
• Take a picture with your camera
• Draw a picture
• Color a picture
• Mold something out of clay
• Play in the sand
• Learn to play an instrument
• Pretend you know how to play an instrument and play anyway
• Write a poem
• Write a book
• Sing with your kids
• Tell jokes
• Make up a recipe and cook something

I'm convinced that the world is lacking creative thinking.  Creative thinking sparks ideas.  Many a time when I'm either taking or working on my photography, I spend that time thinking, praying, opening my mind to possibilities.  It's easy.  I think if more people spent time doing that the world would be a much better place. 

2.  My second edict is simple.  Love.  Love those in your life.  Don't be afraid to show it either.  If there is anything that has shown me this, it has been this past year.  With all that has gone on, the love I have for my wife has grown stronger.  But also, the love that has been shown to us from our family and friends is what has gotten us through some very dark days. Love can conquer all  "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."  That is so damn true.
3.  Dream big. Always.  Dreaming big never hurts anyone.  It's free.  It's what led me back to doing photography.  It's what's driving the notion of the business called Andy Donaldson Photography.  Share that with your kids, too.  And if you are having problems with dreaming big, ask a kid for help.  They are good at it.

4.  GO WATCH A SUNSET OVER OPEN WATER, like a Great Lake or an ocean.  And if you're lucky, you'll do it when the moon is hanging over the water and casting it's light across it.  A true bonus is if there is another bright object hanging low in the sky like a planet and you can see the light from that shimmering across the water.  This past week I saw that and it was breathtaking.  You really should experience it.
5.  If you have grand-kids - PLAY WITH THEM AND LOVE THEM!!!

6.  In case you didn't get it with #2, I will repeat it here.  Love those in your life.

We are only on this rock for some many revolutions. Some are here longer, some are here shorter. We just don't know and have no guarantees whatsoever.  In the grand scheme of things it is just a flash. Stop screwing it up fellow humans.  Make it worth something for yourself and for those around you. Stop getting caught up in the latest arguments on social media.  Just live and make the lives or those around you better!

So there.  If you follow at least one of my edicts, then consider that your birthday gift to me and I will be appreciative.