55

20 comments on 55
1 minute
55/MR
Nikon Df, 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF Nikkor

After my birthday every year, I look to make a photograph where the number of my next birthday is in the image. On a Michigan Road trip earlier this year, I came upon this just south of Rochester, and it was perfect.

Today I complete 55 trips around the sun and begin my 56th. For most of these years I sought after perfection. In my 50s, I’ve finally come to accept that seeking it sets me up for disappointment and disenchantment. I’m a recovering perfectionist! But it’s good to be open to perfection when it finds you. Then stop and enjoy it as long as it lasts.

I’ve written a birthday reflection every year since I turned 44. See them all here.

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Comments

20 responses to “55”

  1. Stewart Waller Avatar

    Happy Birthday!

  2. Andy Umbo Avatar
    Andy Umbo

    Another year! There are those that make a big deal out of their birthdays, with parties etc., and I am not one of those…I always find the day sort of steeped in melencholia and reflection. Probably the last 20 years, I haven’t even lived near people that knew it was my birthday and never really tell anyone I am around, of the date. I try to take the day off, if I’m working, but even then. not always. Don’t know why I feel this way.

  3. Katie Yang Avatar

    Happy birthday!

  4. J P Avatar

    Happy birthday, sir! It’s funny to look back at prior birthdays and think about what a great age that was. Having put my 50s in the rear view, it seems a much better age than I thought it was when I was 55 myself. I suggest cake.

  5. brandib1977 Avatar

    Happy Birthday Jim! Here’s hoping this is your best year yet!

  6. Jim Lucas Avatar
    Jim Lucas

    Happy Birthday!

  7. Shirley B. Avatar
    Shirley B.

    Happy birthday!

  8. marcusterrypeddle Avatar

    Happy birthday. 55 but no limits!

  9. DougD Avatar
    DougD

    Happy Birthday! My thing for my 50s is enjoy doing what I can. Hard to imagine all this time has passed, isn’t it?

    Hope you’ve got a special dinner or weekend planned.

  10. Greg Clawson Avatar
    Greg Clawson

    Happy Birthday Jim, And many more!

  11. brineb58 Avatar

    Happy Birthday!!!

  12. sonny rosenberg Avatar

    Happy Birthday Jim! I hope you have a great day!

  13. Kurt Ingham Avatar

    Happy Birthday!! BTW that 28-80 is a much better lens than I would have expected

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      That 28-80 performs surprisingly well. I’m sure a bag full of primes along that spectrum would be better, but this lens is good enough for sure.

  14. Carol Rowland Avatar
    Carol Rowland

    Happy Birthday Jim! I wish I were 56 again!

  15. DELORIS A DUTOI Avatar
    DELORIS A DUTOI

    A very Happy Birthday to you even though it’s nearing the end of it. I’ll never forget your birthday because my daughter is 44 today. Cool that you both have double digits. I enjoy reading all your writings and seeing your pictures. 🎂🎉

  16. Dan Avatar

    Happy Birthday Jim! I wish you much happiness and good fortune on your 56th trip around the sun!

  17. Peter Paar Avatar
    Peter Paar

    Happy Birthday from one who is approaching the end of his 84th orbit.

  18. Peter Avatar

    Happy Birthday

  19. Ben Cotton Avatar

    Happy birthday!

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