#2-19-16

50 of 366 // He sure never did.

William de Leftwich Dodge, The Clothesline I could see the woman hanging clothes in my mind’s eye when Winston was seeing her and describing her. It brought back sweet memories for me of warmth and gentleness. We have photos of my maternal grandmother hanging clothes out to dry on the line. I also use to play at my mother’s feet while she hung clothes when I was young. I remember when my mom taught me how to hang towels and sheets when I became old enough. There’s nothing like sleeping on clean sheets just off the line! I was also struck by how many famous artists from the past have painted such scenes and photographers in the 20th century took so many photographs of women hanging laundry. It conjures up feelings of maternal love and care for many people I suppose. My mom hated it when my brother and I would run in-between the rows of newly washed clothes and play hide and seek, especially with dirty hands. I think Winston was feeling all of that warmth as he watched the lady hang the diapers and all the care she put into what she did. Her task was a labor of love, as well as a necessity. My mom use to love to sing while she did household chores. I think she was in some type of zen place. She was in her element; taking care of her family and living in that moment. I’m glad that Winston experienced the beauty in that. I think that’s why he recognized the beauty in her, he recognized the beauty in her life. Long before women thought about having careers or working outside the home, many of them found beauty and purpose caring for the home, their husband, and their children. It was hard work, but there was also a simplicity in it that was beautiful. How amazing for Winston to see that. He began to see so many things he’d never noticed before. I use to think that 1984 had no redeeming parts, but I was wrong. The woman hanging her clothes and singing was very special and redeeming. Thank you Winston, for sharing it with us!

Formerly known as coolowl123 & now known as cartoondemon.