Catholic • artist • gardener • seamstress • lover of all things domestic • and sometime attorney
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
When We Are the Engine
On the difference between working by hand, and working with machine power:
" . . . There is an undeniable satisfaction in using our own sheer animal power and energy. We feel a deep sense of satisfaction when we alone are the engine that makes something happen."
--Alexandra Stoddard, Gracious Living in a New World
"our own animal power"? That sounds evolutionary. If Mrs. Stoddard wants to consider herself an animal, she can title herself with that...but it is presuming and rude of her to go on and label everyone with it by using first person possessive.
I know I am a human , made in the image and likeness of God. Just thought I'd share, since you are an Evangelical too.
I think the term "animal power" is used to mean physical, biological power as opposed to machine power. I don't think it means that we are animals in any kind of lowly sense. Her point is that our bodies, unaided by machines, have the power to accomplish work.
An interesting quote. Especially to me at the moment because we have no washing machine right now. I am the washing machine. And instead of it being a dreadful imposition (as my husband worries) it is good. Without a machine I can still provide clean clothes for my family.
Just caught up on some of your post.I'm using grey this year in my spruce-up. Being the engine has cut my workout done to a minimum this winter but, glad to see you are organized enough to fit it in. Think I'll have time to squeeze in that breakfast treat:0
One of my favorite writers is Alexandra Stoddard.
ReplyDeleteI love being "the engine," too.
what a helpful analogy. A great argument for do-it-yourself projects, beyond thriftiness.
ReplyDelete"our own animal power"? That sounds evolutionary.
ReplyDeleteIf Mrs. Stoddard wants to consider herself an animal, she can title herself with that...but it is presuming and rude of her to go on and label everyone with it by using first person possessive.
I know I am a human , made in the image and likeness of God.
Just thought I'd share, since you are an Evangelical too.
I think the term "animal power" is used to mean physical, biological power as opposed to machine power. I don't think it means that we are animals in any kind of lowly sense. Her point is that our bodies, unaided by machines, have the power to accomplish work.
ReplyDeleteI love this quote; it rings so true!
ReplyDeleteShe has many good ideas and insights.
ReplyDeleteLisateresa
An interesting quote. Especially to me at the moment because we have no washing machine right now. I am the washing machine. And instead of it being a dreadful imposition (as my husband worries) it is good. Without a machine I can still provide clean clothes for my family.
ReplyDeleteJust caught up on some of your post.I'm using grey this year in my spruce-up. Being the engine has cut my workout done to a minimum this winter but, glad to see you are organized enough to fit it in. Think I'll have time to squeeze in that breakfast treat:0
ReplyDelete