I created the base image for this 3D animated .gif three years ago, right after a big Birthday Bash.
The lavish affair of ungodly expense was a gift from a very close friend to celebrate my 56th birthday.
In spite of the huge turnout that made the fancy hotels banquet hall feel claustrophobic (I hate crowds), the paranoia of wearing a very expensive tuxedo around a bunch of drunk guests and faking how much I enjoyed all the "mystery sauce" covered french cuisine, my girlfriend and I had a blast.
Normally, I don’t make a big deal about my birthday.
On my 18th birthday, I was in Boot Camp. And in true military fashion, I was graciously given a 10 minute “smoke break”.
Imagine this. I was an 18 y/o multi-sport athlete; and of course, I didn’t smoke.
Anyway, back on topic: The party and my friend.
The only reason I allowed my friend to throw me a party is because I knew how much he loved anything and everything related to parties; especially planning them.
Besides, “I owed him one”.
You see, while we served in the military together, we had literally saved each other’s lives on several occasions.
But the last time was when he swam over two miles to our extraction point WHILE TOWING MY UNCONSCIOUS BODY.
Sadly, that friend passed away last year.
He was the brother I never had and I miss him everyday.
Back to the present.
In two days I will turn 59 years old.
Because of COVID, I’ll be celebrating my birthday in my home with my daughter, girlfriend, two dogs and a couple of close friends.
After much thought, with all things considered, I still think “Life is Good.”
May you and yours be well and loving life today.
In lak’ech, JaiChai
A rare, signed, non-watermarked and higher resolution version of “Life is Good” is available for download at: https://creary.net/digitalart/@jaichai/life-is-good