The Washing Machine

Def: The laundry machine, washing machine, clothes washer, or washer is a machine to wash laundry, such as clothing and sheets. The term is mostly applied only to machines that use water as opposed to dry cleaning (which uses alternative cleaning fluids, and is performed by specialist businesses) or ultrasonic cleaners. (Wikipedia)

For humans to live in close proximity to each other we need to smell good, look good, be clean and presentable. In short – we need to wash ourselves and the clothes we wear regularly. Not surprisingly then, that the first patent for a machine classified under the category washing and wringing was issued in England in 1691, long before the industrial revolution or the invention of electricity. The machine did not exactly look like the washing machines we know, but still the need was there and it had to be satisfied. From there the quest for ‘the washing machine’ began.

Finally in 1904 the electric washing machine arrived. Fischer, an American citizen has incorrectly been accredited with the invention of the electric washing machine as we know it, but at least one patent for such a device was registered in America before he registered his.

Now, why on earth have I devoted a piece of literature to this for granted electrical appliance? Can we describe it as a miracle in our everyday lives? Maybe it was a 100 years ago as articles have described the washing machine as more liberating than the contraceptive pill… We have to realise, before the arrival of a machine with washing ability, the tedious action of maintaining hygiene lay in the coarse hands of the woman of the house. She usually had to offer a day or more of her week washing and wringing away…

So yes, maybe it is still a unappreciated miracle, drowned by the voices of iPads and iPhones and iPods and all other forms of nanotechnology.

But one thing I am sure of: the washing machine is not is a form of entertainment. We hide it in our pantry. It is not applauded for its aesthetic or entertainment qualities. Not until now…

Isn’t it wonderful to see how an everyday activity, like the workings of a washing machine become magical through the eyes of a child.

Andreas enjoyed every moment and we enjoyed him. There we were sitting – the three of us, in our pantry, marvelling at our own washing machine. The entertainment did not cost a cent.

There are things in life which are simply priceless, like seeing your child exploring the world.

Thank you Andreas. Through your eyes I get a new perspective on the world.

Jelly Babe

To have a child is surely one of the most life changing event which could ever happen to you. Nothing in your life is ever the same…

In their innocence they come, take your whole life, your heart, your being and turn it all upside down. They come without reservation, the only agenda they have is to be fed, cleaned and loved, but believe me that ‘little’ agenda of theirs keeps you busy all day.

They don’t ask for anything, they just simply cry to get it. They drain your pocket, occupy your thought, and crawl into the centre of your heart.

You don’t have free time anymore and should you get it sleep sounds like the best way to spend it on. You know now that you never knew the true meaning of work, until now.



Knowing all this, who in their right mind would ever want to put themselves through all this?

On Saturday, as I was sitting watching my jelly babe all the above faded away – because despite them taking all your energy they give back so much more. With their innocent vitality they have the power to transform an ordinary day into a memorable event.

They teach us that enjoyment lies in the ordinary things.

Something we so often forget.