Perfect Ten

This Tuesday, April 12th, is the anniversary of Handsome Husband’s birth.

He’ll be 55 years old. Fifty – five. 5 + 5.

In other words, he’s a perfect 10. That he is.

I want you to know about the man behind the woman behind the blog.

Handsome Husband has been at my side for 35 years, so I’m a bit of an expert on him. Even at that, describing him to you will be a bit of a challenge. How do I find words to tell you what a fine man he is?

I could list the many things he does to help, like taking over household chores so I can spend time in my studio, or hauling display panels or attending receptions when he’d rather be home in his jams. What I want you to know is that it’s not the list of things he does that I appreciate so much (and I do), it’s how he does them. Enthusiastically, patiently, kindly, always in my corner, he is the foundation of our family and my rock.

HH supported me fully in making the leap from sometime-squeeze-it-in painting to all-out-go-for-it-full-time artist. He’s the one who encouraged me to leave my paycheck job and follow my dream. Never ever did he say, “Gee, are you sure?”, or “Why would you want to do that?”, or anything of the kind. In fact, in his calm sure way he said, “If it doesn’t work, you can get another job”, in a way that told me it would work. His belief in my ability to have a successful art career gave me the courage to step out into my future with confidence. His belief in me and my abilities has made it possible for me to be who I am.

HH is willing to listen to me talk my way through the issues I’m faced with, whether it’s deciphering a color wheel or figuring my taxes. He readily admits that he doesn’t understand a lot of what goes into either the business end or the creative end of being an artist. He is, however, willing to share a conversation to help me evaluate what I have learned and to figure out what it is I need.

Handsome Husband is the best kind of human being. He is an honest and ethical man, one who believes in others until they give him a reason not to. His goal is to make those around him rise to the occasion, and generously gives them all the credit they are due. He is loyal to his friends and family.

Of course he has his faults. Sometimes his socks don’t match and he’s not bothered a bit by that. He can’t tie a tie and has no interest in learning as long as clip-ons are still being made. He’s been known to fall asleep on me during a fascinating conversation about the difference between cerulean blue and cobalt blue. Shocking, I know.

Happy Birthday Sweetie.  You're my perfect 10.