I've wanted a clothesline since we bought this house 6 years ago. Along with all the other renovations we've had going on. I knew exactly what I wanted and didn't want to settle for less, now Greg of course knew this and added said clothesline to "the list". Not a big deal I thought, 2 t-posts with a bunch of lines in between (we do a lot of laundry) like this one from The Vermont Clothesline Company. Esthetically pleasing and functional and Greg could build it in an afternoon...But as you can probably guess there are many, many, many afternoon projects around here. Not to mention family time, travel, and the ever growing popularity of Dark Hollow Bottling Company meaning lots of gigs and recording studio time. This is no complaint mind you, just the reality that is us. So summers have come and gone without a clothesline, both of us thinking this will be the year we "get to it". Recently I decided, I could stop wishing and get my own simple pulley clothesline up and running! Duh! I know, but hey we get busy...So the kids and I went to the local hardware store and 10 minutes later (OK, probably 30 I had to cut some branches) I was hanging laundry.
The surprising thing was how much I actually enjoyed hanging laundry! I wanted the line for the environment and the electric bill. What I got was this meditative little moment in my day. Laundry usually feels so rushed, going by hand fulls into the washing machine, then to the dryer, and finally the basket...Nothing special about it, laundry. However, when hanging out or taking in laundry one is forced to handle each article of clothing individually, slowly, pinning it in just the right place. When bringing it in I fold each piece as I take it off the line (something that never happens from the dryer where things are just stuffed into a basket). Some of you may laugh at this post, but I am truly enjoying this little bit of time I have each day to breath slow and deep and enjoy something that for me has always been tedious.
Of course today is quite rainy so no clothes on the line, but clothes must be packed as children are getting ready to head off to summer camps in Vermont and special grandparent visits in Georgia.
Of course today is quite rainy so no clothes on the line, but clothes must be packed as children are getting ready to head off to summer camps in Vermont and special grandparent visits in Georgia.
Your post summed up exactly how I feel about hanging laundry on the line [and taking if off too]. Laundry is one of my favorite household chores to accomplish. So glad you got yours!
ReplyDeleteI too had to beg for my line but it was worth it. I start the wash when I get up in the morning and by the time the kidlets are eating breakfast, I'm outside enjoying a few quiet minutes. And then I get that same pleasure when it's time to take it down. It's my quiet time, just enjoying the outdoors, no one asking questions...gotta take those moments where you can get them!
ReplyDeleteOh i so love hanging out the laundry - and i do love the word "laundry" To launder your clothes sound so much more mindful than just washing them. Hope they all have fun on their trips. xx
ReplyDeleteI think this is wonderful. I'm excited to have a laundry line (and space for a laundry line) some day soon.
ReplyDeleteMy mom feels the same way about hanging laundry. She loves it. And she's hardcore hanging laundry out to freeze in the winter. We'd always laugh to bring our jeans off line and stand them up in their frozen state.
Enjoy all those fun trips you have coming up! Hope you're feeling better, Angie! I had the best dream that we were hanging out last night - it made me very happy.
Hanging clothes to dry is an Australian tradition - one that I miss from our long stays there, so I get you! One day I shall have a clothesline, too :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post - makes me want to get out and hang up my laundry. Although it has been so rainy here in VT that I haven't had much chance. Enjoy your time with the clothes!
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love hanging up laundry. The whole thing is beautiful. The meditative part of it, the look of clothing (like prayer flags) billowing in the breeze and then of course, the fresh scent of air and sun on the sheets and clothing.
ReplyDeleteYour kids go to summer camp in Vermont??? SWEET!
Reading this simply made me smile and remember fondly growing up and hanging laundry with my mom. As the youngest of four in a very busy household, this was the one thing I could do that was quiet.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I was just telling my husband how I'd love to have a clothesline - I'm sure we'd be the only people in ur urban zipcode with one. ;)
I love hanging up the laundry. My quiet time. Without wishing to sound weird, but probably failing, I love seeing the washing fluttering in the wind on the line too! Hope both children enjoy their summer camps.
ReplyDeleteI love my clothes line, only it has had little use this year as it has been constantly wet. I find I fold my washing as I go when using the clothes line and put it away when I go inside. When using the dryer, I kind of go into a washing frenzy, only to end up with mountains of washing that has to be folded and put away. It overwhelms me, so I end up putting it off too long. Seems silly I know. Jacinta
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