The dress is on backwards, her (my) shoes are on the wrong feet, she’s holding her camera backwards, her hair is a mess, and there’s a dog pinned under the door. Also, the lighting is off, and it’s not well focused or composed. There is not a thing I would change about this picture. This snapshot tells a story about our life. It’s messy, and lively, and it’s spontaneous. It’s beautiful, and those little imperfections are part of what makes it… well… perfect.
I love this picture.
Beauty is imperfection
I have a mint green blanket that my grandmother knit for my baby. My grandmother was in her late 90s, had arthritis in her hands, and she was close to blind, but she was determined to knit this blanket for my daughter. The blanket was probably knit, in it’s entirety, several times with the number of times mistakes were caught, ripped out, and re-knitted, and yet the finished product is still full of dropped stitches. Those holes make the blanket even more beautiful to me. If the blanket was completed flawlessly, it would be easy to overlook the effort and determination and love that went into making that blanket. That’s not to say that a perfectly finished blanket made by someone’s grandma isn’t beautiful, but for this blanket, the flaw carries the story.
I struggle with perfectionism, and sometimes it’s paralyzing. I get stalled on a project because I can’t see a perfect outcome with my abilities, or with my resources. Of course, we want to do our best, but then get busy living. Those little imperfections are sometimes the best, most memorable and most endearing parts.
Years ago, my parents discovered that we have a photo of my mom at 4-years old, and a picture of me at 4-years-old that highlight the family resemblance.
I determined right then, that if I ever had a daughter, I would take a similar photo, so we could frame together the 3 generations of photos.
This is my mother at 4
This is me at 4
I kept waiting for my daughter to turn 4, so I could take this picture of her. Then I forgot about it. Then she turned 5.
Finally, my mom kicked me into gear and reminded me to take that photo. So I started planning the photo, scoping out the perfect location, and then forgetting about it again.
I remembered again this morning, so I threw a blanket on the floor, put her in a dress, and snapped the photo before I had time to start planning again, and then forgetting again.
This is my daughter at 5
3 Generations
I’m so glad I stopped planning and just grabbed the moment.
Since then, I’ve discovered our neighborhood is full of these Little Free Libraries, and it does help to build a sense of community in the neighborhood.
Gem was particularly fond of this lighthouse themed library. She brought her mermaid so she could check it out, too.
Another of our favorite libraries is actually two Little Free Libraries: one for kids and one for adults.
There is quite an active community around these book exchanges. There is a facebook page for local fans and Architects without Borders is sponsoring a design competition for the structures that house these libraries.
Gem decided she would like to donate some of her books to one of the little libraries.
Gem: I want to give these books to other kids who don't have any books.
Me: That's a very nice thing to do.
Gem: Well, these books are bad
Me: why are they bad?
Gem: Well it's not nice to hop on people, its not nice to mess up people's houses, and kids should never cross the street without holding a grownup's hand
I love that I can see so much of who she is now in the old photos of who she was back then. She has grown so much – but I can see the seeds of her personality and her appearance in her baby pictures.
My girl has a knack for creating fun wherever she goes.
There are several different play structures at this park, but where does she want to play?
on the bike rack.
I love this playful, joyful approach to life. I relish in it. It makes me happy to see her explore things in new ways. I love things like bike racks being used for other than their intended purposes. This is where creativity and invention kicks in.
She’s getting so big now – taking on more challenges, like tree climbing.
She’s growing so strong, so tall, so confident…
I hope she doesn’t outgrow her sense of playfulness and whimsy. I hope, in the life before her, she continues to find creative ways (but not too dangerous, I’m still a mama bear) to have fun.
CoffeeJitters is an affiliate to a number of sites and services. I do not endorse products I don't love. I may receive compensation if you purchase items from links on this website.
