avatarK. Barrett

Summary

The website content describes a "Photo-A-Day Challenge" where the author, K. Barrett, captures and reflects on the theme of "Perfectly Imperfect" through a series of daily photographs and musings during the second week of September.

Abstract

K. Barrett embarks on a week-long photo challenge, embracing the concept that imperfection is an inherent part of existence, as echoed by a quote from Stephen Hawking. Each day, Barrett shares a photograph and a brief narrative that encapsulates the beauty and character found in everyday imperfections. From a less-than-perfect smile on a coffee mug to marigolds that are not typically photographed, a rainy commute brightened by a podcast, weeping willows in a cemetery, a one-antenna stink bug, flowers prevailing amidst city trash, to the unblemished perfection of a sunset, the author finds profound meaning in the mundane. The challenge serves as a reminder to seek out the good, appreciate the uniqueness of each moment, and recognize the perfectness in our imperfections.

Opinions

  • The author believes in the beauty of imperfection, suggesting that it is what makes life interesting and meaningful.
  • Barrett values the act of noticing and appreciating the small, often overlooked details in our surroundings.
  • The author sees the imperfections in nature and life as opportunities for growth, reflection, and gratitude.
  • There is an appreciation for the resilience of nature, as seen in the flowers growing among trash.
  • The author holds a deep appreciation for the beauty of sunsets, viewing them as a daily phenomenon that is consistently perfect and awe-inspiring.
  • Barrett encourages readers to join in the challenge and share their own perspectives on the theme of "Perfectly Imperfect."
  • The author expresses gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the challenge and for the community of writers and photographers who share their stories and images.
Photo, K.Barrett, author (Smile for Kindness)

PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

Perfectly Imperfect

Second Week of September

One of the basic rules of the universe is that nothing is perfect. Perfection simply doesn’t exist…..Without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist. ― Stephen Hawking

Day 1

I took the cover photo of my almost perfectly smiling coffee, then I took the highly anticipated first sip. The smile was much less perfect in the second photo. Funny actually. Perfectly imperfect.

I took this picture to send to my sister-in-law to thanks her for the new mug. She gifted me this mug with a special message: Cultivate Kindness Often.

I think I might actually like the second photo better. It has more character.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Sipped Smile)

Day 2

The marigolds that catch my eye and make their way into my photos are generally the most perfect ones I can find. Today I found these perfectly imperfect ones worthy of attention too!

This reminded me of a couple of messages I recently heard about looking for the good in others, not the bad and not the perfect.

Photos, K.Barrett, author (Perfectly Imperfect)

Day 3

Today I enjoyed a rainy ride to work brightened by an episode of Johnathan Field’s Good Life Project podcast featuring Light Watkins. Yes, his name is Light. There is no way a gloomy day could get me down listening to Light.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Gloom and Light)

Day 4

Several times in the past couple of weeks I have noticed a lot of weeping willows, particularly in cemeteries. I find it an interesting idea that the willows are weeping for those that have found their final resting place.

I snapped this photo on the edge of a cemetery from my car window while waiting for a red light to turn green. I felt grateful to still be going.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Willow Weeps for the Fallen)

Day 5

I almost spilled my travel mug of coffee when I bent down to snap this photo on the way out the door. Ahhh…it’s a stink bug! Beautiful to see, I can’t speak to the smell but I guess from the name, maybe it’s not so great. I didn’t stick around to find out!

I am not sure if it is just the photo or if it is missing an antenna. Life as a bug with only one antenna could be complicated.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Pretty Stinky)

Day 6

There is a battle on the side of this city street between the trash and the flowers. I was so glad to see the flowers winning in so many ways.

To those that notice, they are hope. No matter how imperfect humans mess up the world, there are perfect forces that keep pushing back.

There is beauty in every corner of the world if we look close enough.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Flowers vs. Trash)

Day 7

At the end of the day, I am ok being perfectly imperfect. But, one thing I have yet to find imperfect in any way — the sunset. The end of every day is unique and perfect in every way. I can’t get enough. This one even offered a tiny slice of the moon. It fills me with wonder and awe.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Perfect Ending)

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone recognizes the perfectness of our imperfections.

Thanks to Dennett for starting this challenge. See her story, A Week of Special, below for the rules to join! Thanks to Erika Burkhalter, Anne Bonfert, Juan O. Aguilera, and the other great writers for sharing their awesome stories and photos too!

My story from the last two weeks:

Photo A Day Challenge
Awe
Nature
Writing Prompts
Photography
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