Thursday, November 10, 2011

in seventy years, i hope

i did dishes last night. and this morning. and yesterday morning and on tuesday too.

the sink is deep and metal. it's got hairline scratches from piles of pans stacked up over seventy years of housekeeping. but it overlooks the front yard and the pin oaks i have grown to adore. and at 5:45 in the afternoon there's a sliver of setting sun that falls on the spigot and makes it flicker. i like to sit up on the countertop and let my heels hit against the knotty pine cabinets.

elbows deep in suds, i thought, i'll probably be doing this for the rest of my life. there will be dishes in the sink and clothes in the hamper day in and day out. it's a sort of a ritualistic romance we lead, me and these chores.

but pablo laid at my heels on the rug as i folded the millionth white undershirt. and robert came up behind me at the sink, getting his arms wet. i dropped the cereal bowl. and at nine in the evening i rested my head against him, breathing in the rusty smell of pipes and copper.

and another thought came, i hope so. i hope at eighty i'm still standing over a sink. maybe looking at the same grassy field. maybe not. maybe in a kitchen full of grandchildren, or perhaps just robert. he'll be eighty-two and by then the callouses on his hands will be deeper. a new dog on the old rug, or maybe just my house slippers.

i hope i'm blessed to always tidy up a house filled with love. but more than that, i hope to always have someone there to pull me from it. to remind me that a messy home is better than a clean house. and, on the really overwhelming days, someone to roll up his sleeves, and stand beside me in bright yellow gloves. washing and scrubbing and loving all the rest of our days.

21 comments:

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Beautiful and so very well said as always. What an old and wise soul you are. I wish those things for all of us.

Blondie's Journal said...

You remind me that I rush through things and need to slow down.

XO,
Jane

Unknown said...

beautiful - and what a great outlook on a the simple daily drudgery that is chores.

http://lavitaebella-elisabeth.blogspot.com/

Sarah said...

This was so sweet. Totally gave me a mental image. You are a good writer!

- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com

Southhamsdarling said...

I love this post my friend, and I love how your mind works. Your little family of yourself, Robert and little Pablo. I do think that you're living life in the right way, and always remembering the really important things of life. I just know that you'll make an incredible mum, and an awesome grandma!! Hugs.

Amber said...

he even does dishes?! man you scored a prize :)

Kira said...

Really well said, I need to start thinking this way while doing the dishes :)

Unknown said...

I hope for you and Robert that your dreams will come true and in 70 years you will be looking back and happy with where your life has taken you. Beautiful Post, Courtney.
And so I will get up and dedicate some time to the dishes in my sink... :)

♥ Bibi

Meg said...

loved this. how beautiful, the simple things can be.

Courtney B said...

Beautiful! What a perfect outlook on life and the goals we should strive for :)
You and your Robert sound just PERFECT together! And that view outside your window... gorgeous!

p.s. Why are dishes never ending?? Ah!

Janette said...

I often have this thought when I'm folding laundry..Yes, I'm going to be doing this for Lovey & I for the rest of my life until I'm an old fogie..if the Lord tarries... Sweet bliss!

Janette, the Jongleur

PS. You wear gloves to do laundry?? Hmm.. I don't. Should I? :-/

erika said...

Gosh, lady. I'm in tears. The biggest hopes are often so small.

... said...

you write so beautifully and from the heart :) really enjoy your posts!

Shay said...

This is one of my favorites- your posts always make me daydream!

Holli said...

this was so sweet to read. I loved it.

Kirsten said...

I love this post so much.

You portrayed a very beautiful and comforting picture!

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

you have a way of transforming the ordinary into extraordinary like no other Courtney. this was beautifully written, your mind is a piece of heavenly delight!

and i absolutely adore all the shots of you sporting your sensational shops wears! awesome and tremendous styles. happy weekend! xo ♥

Unknown said...

I think this is the sweetest post I've ever read! I feel the same way when my husband does things like that! {Sigh} I loved this!

Emma Frances said...

What a wonderful thought! I hope that's what I'm doing with my husband in 70 years as well! :]

Cara-Mia said...

A beautiful thought. Even chores sound romantic when you write about them. :)

kate said...

these are the posts that break my heart they are so wonderful. i hope to one day find a sweet, pure, and genuine romance and love that you have found with you sweet husband. thank you for letting us into the kitchen with you and for a brief moment be in your shoes. this post was perfect and wonderful.

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