My dad was born on May 17, 1921
He was the very first classical guitar student EVER at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
The sun coming up over his porch.
Tradition. Hanging out at Morro Bay.
I love to read and write because of my dad. These are some of the books he has given me throughout the years. They are usually about animals, how your mind can heal you, how to travel and get paid for it, Alaskan stories, Peace walkers, sailors, train hoppers, and how to play the guitar.
Guitar Whitey singing the blues on a sunny porch.
My dad found this deer antler down at the creek near my parent's house on the central coast of California. He laid it on my pillow when I was there in March. I cried. Of course!
He's been singing me songs since I was three years old. In this picture I think he is singing the song "Green Broom", a song about a young man who has difficulties ever getting out of his bed. It was my favorite.
His smile lights up my life.
I grew up playing on the beach, learning about animals in the woods, fishing in creeks and hearing all kinds of amazing stories.
My dad is a movie star. If you get the chance to see the PBS documentary 'American Experience ' RIDING THE RAILS, you'll get to see him up close and personal. Here he is on a boxcar of a train with the New York producers of the film.
My dad taught me everything I know about nature, animals, books, music and respect for all things.
I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for him.
It's his birthday.
HE IS 93!
And he is AWESOME!
wat ben jij rijk met z,on vader,van harte gefeliciteerd.
ReplyDeletehappy birthday to your dad!!!
ReplyDeletehe's such a gem :) ah, i wish i could know him personally. i think i'll have so many questions. he's awesome!
Oh my gosh this is so awesome. Happy birthday to your dad! Wow 93 and still full of spirit! I love it. He looks so happy :) will he read this post? I bet it would make his day to see this!!
ReplyDeleteAww, such a great guy! I hope you two are having a wonderful time together.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete[sheesh. i'd best drink tea before attempting comments….]
Deletea loving tribute to a cherished man.
loved reading this, red dirt.
[i wanted to cry, too, when i read that your dad placed an antler on your pillow….]
Happy Birthday to your dad! What an awesome guy and amazing inspiration. 93 years old, traveling man, musician, lover of life. You're lucky to have a dad like that. Awesome. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your dad!
ReplyDeleteAw, happy birthday to your sweet daddy. I so enjoyed the pics. Your childhood looks divine. :)
ReplyDeletethis is such a loving and heartfelt post-- it speaks volumes about the relationship you had with your dad while growing up. so many touchstones of the heart here. i especially love that he sang to you. aren't we both so lucky to still have our 1921-born daddies??!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Thank you for sharing your beautiful dad with us. It makes our lives richer to know such a great man and awesome dad is out there. I love your family dearly! Your family is a light in this world for sure. Seeing Glenny play solo and hanging out with you in nature some day are on my bucket list :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful dad with us. It makes our lives richer to know such a great man and awesome dad is out there. I love your family dearly! Your family is a light in this world for sure. Seeing Glenny play solo and hanging out with you in nature some day are on my bucket list :)
ReplyDeleteoh...and happy birthday to you, too!
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Happy birthday to you...to dad..what an incredible life story...thank you for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU ONE AND ALL for sharing in my ol' man's birthday celebration!
ReplyDeleteMy mom no doubt will pull this post up at their local library so he can check it out.
I know he will be as touched as I am by all the kind words and good wishes.
What a beautiful bunch of caring souls! How lucky I am to call you my friends.