Yesterday was possibly the most perfect Colorado summer day. The temperature was, for me, near perfection. It wasn't too hot and there was a delightful breeze. Even though the weather people tend to use the word 'breezy' rather loosely here in Colorado (most of the time it's downright windy!), it truly was what most people would define as breezy.As I was sitting in my backyard I started contemplating my clothesline and decided to sketch it in my journal. You see, I view my clothesline as a work of art. It's made of wood and slightly weathered. I know there are a lot of people out there who think of clotheslines as just a lot of work or, at the very least, an eyesore. And they are entitled to their opinions just as I'm entitled to mine.
I started wondering what it is that my clothesline stirs in me. I grew up in a charming Craftsman bungalow in Northern California in the 1950s and 60s. You could hang all the laundry standing in one place! It had a pulley system from the back porch to the other side of the yard. Hanging out the laundry was one of my responsibilities and one I loved. There was such a sense of peace and calmness that enveloped me as I went through the repetition of clipping on each clothespin just right. Then there was the sense of satisfaction as I looked at all the clothes lined up moving gently in the breeze. Taking them down was even better. I took the time to fold each one as I put it in the basket. I still do. So you see, I could never live in a place where clotheslines are forbidden, because for me my clothesline is another of life's little pleasures.
5 comments:
How you stir a motions from being in Israel. I don't get to hang my clothing on a clothesline in the state but in Israel is the only way to do it, on my parent’s roof. I also find something soothing about it. I drive my mom crazy when I match the cloth pins to the color of the clothing. What about the smell of the cloths you can’t beat that.
great sketch! I love clothes lines too! it brings us back to simpler times doesn't it? and it was my chore as well and I secretly loved it as well!
Kathleen! I thought I was the only person with a fascination for clotheslines! I've been waiting patiently for Matt to finish mine but have settled for hanging things over the backyard fence. It seems a silly thing that I love seeing how other folks create clotheslines. I often think it would be fun to photograph them. I'm in the process of painting Mady's room sky blue and when finished, I'm going to paint a clothesline and use real string and hang photos etc. with real clothespins.
Kelly, what an inspired idea! I would love to see it when you're finished.
Fantastic job Kathleen! I'm so happy to see your writing on your blog!
Post a Comment