Summary

Dennett shares a personal journey through a week of photography, capturing the essence of each day with a single image, reflecting on the emotional spectrum from joy to sorrow, and the unexpected surprises life offers.

Abstract

In a weekly photo challenge, Dennett documents the nuanced experiences of life, ranging from the breathtaking beauty of a sunset to the birth of a grandchild, and the discovery of an injured mouse named Javi. Each day's photo is accompanied by a brief narrative, revealing the author's emotional landscape and the power of photography as a tool for mindfulness and connection amidst the pandemic. The challenge, which began as a personal endeavor to cope with stress, has grown to include a community of photographers who share in the practice of capturing and sharing the world around them.

Opinions

Dennett views some days as bountiful and others as sparse, suggesting a rich diversity in daily experiences.
The author finds promise and renewal in the resilience of nature, as seen in the hibiscus flowers blooming after a storm.
Dennett is surprised by the whimsical sight of a Muscovy duck crossing a road, adding a touch of humor and lightheartedness to an ordinary day.
The birth of a grandchild from afar brings a mix of joy and sadness, highlighting the bittersweet nature of life events during times of physical separation.
The discovery and care for an injured mouse, Javi, introduces an element of the unexpected and the joy of nurturing life.
Dennett expresses both curiosity and peace upon finding a Buddhist temple during a visit to the vet, symbolizing harmony and the interconnectedness of life's events.
The author's experience with Javi's uncertain prognosis reflects on the fragility of life and the question marks that some days present.
Dennett emphasizes that the photo challenge is not a competition but a communal practice of noticing and sharing one's world, underscoring the value of participation over perfection.

© Dennett ~ Sunday, 7/11/2021 ~ **Drizzled**

Photo-A-Day Challenge

Some Days

My week in photos

Some days need more than one photo. Sunday was one of those days. I was perfectly happy with my trumpet vine picture when I spotted an orange-yellow sunset that took my breath away.

Some days are bountiful, others are sparse.

© Dennett ~ Sunday, 7/11/2021 ~ **Gilded**

© Dennett ~ Monday, 7/12/2021 ~ **Renewal**

Stormy Elsa shattered my hibiscus flowers but left the bushes only slightly bent. Now, they stand tall with new blooms.

Some days are promising.

© Dennett — Tuesday, 7/13/2021 ~ **Wonderment**

Tuesday Ben had an appointment at a doctor’s office in a medical complex behind one of our local hospitals. He didn’t need me, so he went in alone while I found a landscape wall where I could sit and read a new book, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman. It’s been months since I’ve indulged in a lighthearted book. This one was a delightful surprise. Well-written and witty. As I was reading, a Muscovy duck crossed the road from the parking garage and rapidly waddled past me and down the sidewalk, obviously running late for her doctor’s appointment!

Some days are surprising.

Photo by Dennett’s daughter/ Enhancement by Dennett using ToolWiz ~ Wednesday, 7/14/2021 — **Legacy**

My third grandchild was born this Wednesday, more than one thousand miles away. I was present when my daughter’s previous children were born. This time, I feel disconnected and isolated. Electronic communications can’t erase all those miles.

Some days are both joyous and sad.

© Dennett ~ Thursday, 7/15/2021 ~ **Foundling**

Thursday morning, while weeding around our patio, I found a mouse. He flopped around, often turning in circles. I retrieved one of the carry cases from our guinea pig days and laid him in it atop an old t-shirt of Ben’s.

I did the obligatory Googling. He is older than I thought. Should be standing and walking, which led me to believe he was injured. Perhaps a broken back? Could he have been dropped from the talons of a bird flying over?

I named him Javi and fed him egg yolk mixed with water that he sucked from a Q-tip. Never expected him to live through the day. But, he did. Never expected him to live through the night. But, he did.

Some days are unexpected.

© Dennett ~ Friday, 7/16/2021 ~ **Harmony**

Since Javi survived until morning, I took him to my vet on Friday. My vet is on the outskirts of the western side of our city. When I was back and forth to her office several times in 2020, I noticed the construction of a building in a semi-rural area. Today, I stopped to see what it was and was surprised to find a Buddhist temple!

Update on my mouse: Javi is an adult female. X-rays revealed no broken bones. Dr. C said the flopping about and rolling around are signs of trauma. She gave Javi steroids. If they help, Javi will be better within 24 hours. If not, well, we’ll have to consider euthanasia. Dr. C charged nothing ❤ and sent me home with a feeding syringe and instructions to feed Javi banana baby food.

Some days are question marks.

© Dennett ~ Saturday, 7/17/2021 ~ **Emerging**

Some days just are.

Last July, I started Photo-A-Day as a personal challenge. It was a way to erase the stress of the pandemic. A way to be in the moment, using my camera as a meditation tool. And, it got me outside in the fresh air where I could forget there was a virus trying to kill off humanity.

Others have joined the challenge. Some post regularly, some occasionally, some only once. I want to thank these photographers for joining me:

Erika Burkhalter / Eileen Vorbach Collins / Anne Bonfert / Sasha Meyer / Tracy Aston/ Lisa Bolin / Juan O. Aguilera / David Wade Chambers / June Nguyen / Mia Verita / Susan Alison / LensAfield / Barbara Radisavljevic / Diana Lotti / Barbara Dalton / Kim Zuch

(If you participated in the Photo-A-Day Challenge and your name isn’t listed above, please let me know.)

It’s easy. One photo for each day or no more than 10 for a week. Short narratives.

Have fun! This isn’t a contest; it’s not about the best photos or the best photographers; it’s about noticing your world and sharing it with us.