Faded glory

The Japanese celebrate an aesthetic called wabi-sabi. Basically, it is the art of finding beauty in imperfection, of accepting the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death. It's simple, slow, and uncluttered - and above all, authentic.

Wabi-sabi is flea markets, not warehouse stores; aged wood, not Pergo; rice paper, not glass. It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind. It reminds us that we are all but transient beings on this planet - that our bodies as well as the material world around us are in the process of returning to the dust from which we came.

I spent some time this past weekend photographing what was once a robust garden of flowers in my backyard. But the winter approaches and the cycle of life draws to a close.

You can view these photos of death and grieve for the time that has passed.

The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

Or you can resolve to make the most of the time that is still available.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Choose wisely.

Monday photo blogging: Like dogs? So does Erin Vey, a Seattle photographer who specializes in poochy portraits.

Photo: Morning glory. Click on picture to enlarge. Photograph © 2007 James Jordan.