Papa Callan's Birthday

 

Papa Callan would have turned 101 yesteday. He was born between St. Patrick's Day and the first day of Spring--very apropos for my Irish father. He had green eyes and red hair and he looked good in green. For his birthday we would go to hear the Irish folksingers, the Clancy Brothers, play at Southern Connecticut State University and then perhaps finish the evening off at an Irish pub with a good glass of Guinness Stout. Oh, and the next morning—if his favorite breakfast spot featured a special doughnut—well then, he would definitely indulge. In fact, here he is with his smiley face doughnut, a very happy man.

Papa Callan once told me that sunshine made him high. When he first said this, sometime in the late 1960's, I vehemently protested. After all, how could he be so naive?! The world was going to hell in a hand basket! How could he be happy in the middle of all the strife and chaos!? The injustices and criminal activity? The lying, the stealing and plain old cheating?

And yet, he was honestly happy.

Here we are--once again. The world has gone to hell in a hand basket. But, I suggest we take a page from Papa Callan’s playbook and be happy. Happy people take action. Happy people are brave and strong. Happy people have energy and gumption. Happy people will not be defeated. And creative people will definitely not be defeated. We will flip the page. We will upend the status quo and we will turn this thing around. So yes, be happy. That's probably about the most revolutionary thing you can do.

Creative Friends--Now that it's springtime, your assignment is to go out there for a walk. Take in the fresh air, the sunshine and all that green. Go ahead and have yourself something sweet in honor of Papa Callan's birthday. And be happy. Because, yes. Papa Callan was right—sunshine will make you high.

Love,

Jamie