"If I am incapable of washing dishes joyfully, if I want to finish them quick so I can go and have dessert, I will be equally incapable of enjoying my dessert. With the fork in my hand, I will be thinking about what to do next, and the texture and flavor of the dessert, together with the pleasure of eating it, will be lost. I will always be dragged into the future, never able to live in the present moment. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
We've had a couple of birthday parties at our house recently which means the delight of bringing out the pretty teacups for the celebrations. One of my little joys is washing them up afterwards in warm, sudsy water and putting them away. As I wash and rinse, I think of bits of conversation, the laughter between sips of tea, the clink of cup against saucer, and the happiness of being together with special friends.
I love the simplicity of doing dishes by hand -- of sinking my hands in the warm water and soap bubbles. It comes with sense of peace and quiet, not to mention a contentment for a little chore completed. Tidying the kitchen, as I collect my thoughts or just let them wander, it's my way of setting my corner of the world back in order for the rest of the day or week ahead.
Do you still wash any dishes by hand?
Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places,
Brenda
xox
Today I'm linking with Kara for
Tuesday Afternoon @ A Spirit of Simplicity
Tuesday Afternoon @ A Spirit of Simplicity
Sometimes I do dishes by hand. It all depends. Hot soapy water does feel good.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty tea-cups, Brenda! I do wash certain dishes by hand - and all my pots and pans, too. Anything wooden, too, like wood-handled cutlery or wooden spoons, or delicate things, like the good china or glasses. I especially love doing just what you mentioned - thinking of the sweet visits and conversations when using these special pieces. A lovely ritual. Have a wonderful week. xo Karen
ReplyDeleteI wash a few things by hand....especially tea cups! I like to dry everything right away too. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThe quote offers a thought to ponder. I love the joy and simplicity that you describe in your dish washing. We have a dishwasher, but there are still plenty of "delicates" and pots and pans to wash. I enjoy it the most when one washes, one dries, and the two can enjoy some lingering conversation as we work.
ReplyDeleteI often wash dishes by hand, especially all the pots and pans that I choose not to put in the dishwasher. And always the better china and glassware. It's not a chore for me either.
ReplyDeleteWashing dishes by hand is something I do not infrequently. Crystal is always done by hand, and even after loading the dishwasher on a daily basis there are wooden handled knives, cutting boards and ungainly pots to do in the sink. I've never minded the washing of dishes, but I struggle with the drying of them.
ReplyDeleteMostly in the dishwasher, but some things by hand every day too. A large mixing bowl and baking tray this afternoon! xx
ReplyDeletemy husband cleans up the dishes, rinses them clean then puts them in the dishwasher...lol!
ReplyDeleteI've always preferred washing dishes by hand - one reason is that I don't like the puzzle of loading the dishwasher and trying to pack in as many dishes as possible. I don't like unloading it, either, but when my husband or children had that job I would be willing to use the machine for a lot of the dishes. But rarely pots and pans, or very large items, wooden handles, silver.... I learned that silver causes some reaction that makes stains on stainless flatware. I have a few old silver butter knives that are in daily use, so I have to watch that people don't load them in the dishwasher when I'm not looking.
ReplyDeleteI use my dishwasher, but it still seems I do a fair amount of hand washing, with knives and wood and china, etc. I do love cleaning up after a party, and thinking about it, even enjoying thinking about who used the teacup that I'm washing! It's a fun way to re-live the special moments together.
ReplyDeleteCount me in as a handwasher! One of my favourite things to do is handwashing teawares that I've purchased while thrifting. I love cleaning them so that they're shiny and new again!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I do wash my special dishes by hand. Like Margie, I love bringing home a slightly scruffy china something or other and giving it a good hot sudsy bath, infusing it with a new life. I too "listen" to those conversations that echo in the plates and teacups after a special gathering. I was surprised this Thanksgiving when my husband cleared away all the dishes as a surprise for me ... I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed that I wouldn't be washing my "wedding china" myself (which only comes out for three major celebrations) ;)
ReplyDeleteWendy
we do dishes by hand... and i recently read a study that found that families who did dishes by hand have fewer allergies... and yes, patience, and being able to savour every moment is SO important!
ReplyDelete