Two Last Chores
Every night the house gets dark and quiet. The kids are all sleeping. The sewing machine is turned off for the night, the magazine put down on the table, and the fire is burned down to coals.
I love doing the two last chores of the day, the dishwasher and the coffee. The kitchen is almost dark; it's clean, with only the Composer's ice cream bowl sitting beside the white sink. All that's left to do is tuck the dirty bowl into the dishwasher and start it up. I'm easy to thrill: knowing that the machine will wash all the dinner dishes without me, and there won't be any more mess until tomorrow, makes me happy.
And then I set up the coffeemaker for morning. I love the fragrance of the ground beans, my personal blend of caff and decaff. I love knowing that all I have to do in the morning is flip a switch, and stand at the cold east window watching the sky turn red while my coffee brews. My green cup, milk and no sugar, and the day spread out in front of me.
20 comments:
Anna, this is beautiful writing. Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of "mundane" chores.
You paint such a peaceful picture of quiet joy. This is why I read your blog.
Quiet joy. Amen.
That's my problem- I really need to get a dishwasher!
Thank you so much for such a lovely reminder - of chores, and of peace!
What a lovely picture in words of the simple pleasures in life!
Lyn
Anna, Your site is an oasis of peace, simplicity and beauty in a world that is rough and complicated. Thank you.
Everymorning I flip on my computer and I eagerly await your postings. You have such a poetic way of making the everyday beautiful!!!! Thank you
Anna,
You inspire me as always. I have checked out Home Comforts(inspired by you) and am really enjoying reading it when I can get a few snatches in between. What a comfort the everyday things can be.
Christina gomez
Not only have I been inspired by you to start a blog (which couldnt be more different than yours...except I do have pictures on mine....but no Giles to take them!), but now I actually own something from your store!!! My (now) best friend bought me a beautiful linen towel for Christmas. I can't wait for someone to ask me where I got it :)
Off to kiss my dishwasher -
Debbie
http://cheaperbythebakersdozen.blogspot.com/
I have to agree. I love the fact that these are my last 2 chores too...well..I have 3...I normally am drying a load of clothes as we sleep too....but yes...its nice to know this part of the home is clean for at least 8 hours on end.
Anna,
I admit these are my two favorite last chores of the evening. I also love the smell of the coffee as I ready it for the next morning. Waking up to a clean kitchen is worth the work the night before.
Have a fabulous trip.
Peace,
Lynne in NC
I am a tea drinker but I still love the smell of my husband's freshly ground beans in the morning. Thank you for so eloquently sharing your joy in the simple pleasures which we tend to take for granted.
I liked the part about the coffee! We have a bunn style coffee maker and we have a whole pot in 3 minutes - a dream come true.
A simple smile and nod of agreement is sent your way as I sit here and read what you've shared of your evening routine. I am now in year six of having a dishwasher (!) The luxury! I love my nightly routine: hearing my dishwasher chugging away as I head off to bed, knowing I've readied the timer on the coffee maker to start brewing in the morning... absolute decadence! (smile)
Dear Anna,
Just wanted to tell you that I actually linked to your blog (we share a similar passion for Cheryl Mendelson's book, Home Comforts, which is how I found you) from mine, and copied this particular post into my blog (giving you credit, OF COURSE!) as one of the most peaceful images I'd read in a while.
You write so beautifully!
Blessings and prayers to you regarding the loss of your dear grandmother. Old folks are such a treasure.
How beautifully you put my favourite part of the day into words. That last little bit of pulling together the remains of a busy day with the anticipation of clean dishes and fresh brew in the morning to start it all anew and refreshed. Thank you!
Loved reading this. Beautiful.
Hi Again, Anna...two years later...I just wanted to tell you that this was my absolute favorite post. Ever.
Blessings to you on your hiatus. I hope you eventually come back.
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