quiet joys

image from commons.wikimedia.org

we should all do what,
in the long run,
gives us joy,
even if it is only
picking grapes
or
sorting the laundry.
-e.b. white

I realize that doing laundry doesn't give most people joy (from what I hear from most people with kids, laundry definitely doesn't give joy).  And for migrant field workers in California, picking grapes probably doesn't give joy either (there could be a whole other post on this, but I'm not a political commentator.)  However, joy is possible in the outcomes of both situations.

I really do like sitting on my couch, watching a favorite show or listening to a conference talk on the internet while folding clean laundry.  I like the neat piles of clean clothes, towels, sheets, socks and pjs ordered across my couch.  I like putting it all away, knowing I have clean laundry again.

I even like ironing and will do a mass ironing about once a month while watching a movie.  Nothing like multi-tasking.  I like having a closet full of neatly pressed blouses and trousers.  It gives me a feeling of accomplishment and expands my wardrobe choices quite a bit.

When asked what my simple pleasures in life are I usually include clean sheets, fuzzy socks, comfy pjs and sweetly tart, juicy red grapes.  Some days I come home from work exhausted and change right into clean pjs and sit down to eat a handful grapes and some rosemary & olive oil flavored Triscuits while reading a book.  And let me tell you, that right there is joy.  Quiet joy, but joy nonetheless.  All that laundry folding pays off, and those migrant grape pickers certainly enabled my joy.

P.S.  I have a big pile of laundry on the other end of my couch waiting to be folded tonight, and some ironing as well.  The possibilities for joy abound.  Now I just have to decide what movie to watch.

P.P.S.  You, whoever You are, are great.  Thanks for your comments, the Neil Armstrong dream made me laugh.  Can You leave me a hint so I know who You are?  I promise not to reveal You.  xoxo