Thursday, January 26, 2012

WABI SABI BIRTHDAY

According to Richard R. Powell, in his book, Wabi Sabi Simple, Wabi sabi "nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."

To me, this is saying, "Embrace your imperfections, your slightly ugly parts, and move on."  That's what I'm going to do in my life and in my art. 

What about you? 
Can you embrace the imperfections, the blossoms that show up where you did not intend them to go, the drizzles that went the "wrong" way, the 5 pounds you can't seem to shed because you refuse to give up all things that taste good?  Can I? 
Let's do it together...





Happy Birthday to me.

Happy Wabi Sabi to us all.




21 comments:

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Wabi sabi right back atcha! I hope your day is special and the good feelings last all year.

Tom's birthday was yesterday and when he woke up he said "well, since I made it to today, I guess I will recharge my toothbrush"! How funny, but sweet, that was considering his past two years of poor health.

I like the philosophy of wabi sabi!

Unknown said...

Happy Wabi Sabi Birthday! Love it! How interesting too that you brought that subject up. Another friend of mine was just talking about wabi sabi yesterday to me. I think I will pull out my Leonard Koren book on that exact subject again. Thanks.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Susan. Give Tom a big belated birthday hug for me (that comment about the toothbrush had me smiling!).

Thanks, Tina. I don't know much about wabi sabi but little bits I've read - may have to do more study :)

Carol Blackburn said...

Don't know about Wabi Sabi but Kemo Sabi means friend....so here's a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Kemo Sabi.............and if you have too much to drink to celebrate you might be my "wibbly wabi-ly Sabi." :)

jgr said...

Happy birthday!! I agree with the wabi-sabi. I also realized some time ago: Friends and family are most likely to see the good qualities while we tend to focus on our own 'imperfections'.

Judy said...

Happy birthday Rhonda! I have to google what wabi sabi is.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Carol - you are so silly and clever!!

Thanks, Jane and Judy. I think I hear a chocolate pie calling my name (I don't like birthday cake or cake of any kind, really).

hw (hallie) farber said...

I like this flower painting, and I liked your work from Monday's post. Happy birthday; practice Wabi Sabi.

Sadami said...

Dear Rhonda,
Happy Birthday!!
I like Wabi, Sabi that is well-known in a tea celemony world. Old Japanese literature often depicted a world and human based on similar thoughts or philosophy.
Take care. Be kind to yourself.
Kind regards,Sadami

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Hallie!

Sadami, thanks!

debwardart said...

Happy Birthday!

Jane said...

Congratulations Rhonda and many happy returns of the day!! Sorry for being late. I like your flower painted beautifully loose.

Autumn Leaves said...

Now this is one gorgeous sunflower!! I'm embracing the ugly parts this weekend. I'm dying my hair gray with the hopes I don't have to keep up with the roots any longer.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Deb, Sherry and Jane!

Sherry, never heard of anyone dying their hair grey but I read you're going back to your true color now so I get it :) I tried being au naturel for a while - looked too much like my mother and started coloring it again (I have my hairdresser do it as I hated the mess and the missed sections I always would have in the back).

Arena Shawn said...

I love the succinct understatement of the background. Beautifully done -- true spirit of Wabi Sabi!

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Dang, I missed your birthday! Perhaps a birthday week is in order. That's what we do in my house.... spoil each other for a week :) So tell your honey you get to pick the TV programs, where you go out for breakfast, he gets to do the dishes and lets not forget head rubbies! That will chase those migraines away!

Here's to another healthy, happy and creative trip around the sun!!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Arena, for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. I'll take a look at your blog when I get more time!

Thanks, Pam. You've got the right idea!

http://carolking.wordpress.com said...

Happy Wabi Sabi. I like that quote and philosophy very much.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Carol. I'm trying to incorporate wabi sabi in my life, a little at a time - perhaps I'll reach it!

irinapictures said...

Happy birthday, Rhonda! Many happy, healthy and creative years to you ahead!
So sorry I am late..

RH Carpenter said...

Thank you, Irina - you're never too late to send birthday wishes :)