After we talked about seeing beauty in imperfection I began to see it everywhere.
Decay.
Beautiful, poetic decay.
Today I wanted to share a collection of photographs on that theme from our recent visit to the Circus Museum.
I realized
as I looked over my photos that my favorites were indeed mostly of that –
the slow return to the earth of what was made by our human hands.
I have titled this post "part one" because I suspect it will be a recurring theme through time for me.
Go slowly.
Linger.
And see beauty in imperfection.
P.S. I've shared my appreciation for decay before, including this long-ago post I thought you might also enjoy. That link includes an audio story that is tuning in for.
Love,
Rachel
just short but do you know about wabi-sabi? this concept will be of great interest for you!
I love this post – the patterns of the disintegrating paint. Everything looks forlorn and forgotten.
This post reminds me of the book “Drummer Hoff” by Barbara Emberley that I loved as a child. Now, military is not my thing but the whole book is about various “orders” of the military setting up to fire off a cannon. The cannon is eventually set off by a mere drummer. The final page, with no words, shows the cannon in a state of decay where nature has reclaimed her space. Well, this is the way I interpret it. And, this is why I’ve always liked the book.
What beauty! Such a poignant theme, truly. I do think that life is all about this–appreciating the beautiful messes that are all around us, if we choose to see them that way. I’ve probably shared this quote before, but it’s one I turn to again and again. Because life just is, cracked paint and all…
~Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~
Lao Tzu
What beauty! Such a poignant theme, truly. I do think that life is all about this–appreciating the beautiful messes that are all around us, if we choose to see them that way. I’ve probably shared this quote before, but it’s one I turn to again and again. Because life just is, cracked paint and all…
~Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. ~
Lao Tzu
I enjoyed this because it was comforting. Comforting that it’s not new. I like old and worn with wisdom. When I see these pictures, I see someone’s hard work, creativity and time. And perhaps that’s the comforting part, that time will continue.
Maybe that’s why I like old furniture so much. My kids ask why we always have to go to the ‘messy stores that smell like old stuff’.
Great point of view, but the first picture is my favorite!
Time is such a great something.
Such beautiful preserved beauty…
I second Stephka’s suggestion of looking into Wabi Sabi. I love the text: Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers.
I like referring to this as ‘finding poetry among the ruins’, a recurring motif in different urban landscapes I’ve lived in.
1. Amazing Shots!
2. Love your site and your blog!
3. Please continue to rock!
Vintage, full of history and memories. I love the appreciation for something that is old and used. I hope someone will feel that way about me when I’m that age! lol! Great, great pics!
Gorgeous!!!!
Yes! I have. Love it.
Lovely. Thanks Beth.
Beautiful.
Lovely. Thanks for the book suggestions, Jess.
1. Thank you!
2. Thank you again!
3. Deal!
Yes. It is probably no coincidence that I posted this after finding my first gray hairs. 🙂
Those textures and fading colours are all kinds of heavenly!