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Blessings in small doses

Today I find myself at the "Bright and Bold" in Renton, a coin laudromat where I wash towels, casual wear and intimates in light of the plumbing problem in my new home's laundry room. It's near possible to locate a coin laundry in Bellevue (but no problem at all to find cleaners who are willing to do laundry service. However either I'm a prude or it's just too weird to have someone else do my intimates). I've been thinking about just how blessed we are. I could compare myself to the next person, to either feel good about what I have or to feel bad, but I don't think that's right either. It's not "either I have more or I have less, as if we are either above or below zero (or a zero sum game). Gratitude is win-win. I could have nothing, but i have something. Whether I claim I deserve it doesn't matter (or change anything than maybe my ability to appreciate my blessings). If others have more or less, I still have what I have. And they are still worth appreciating.

Posted by Sara Washburn on 09/07/2007 09:02 PM

Comments (17)

blessings

Originally posted at: Better Seattle: Blessings in small doses

17 Comments on Blessings in small doses

SEP

2007

Hey Sarah, where ya been ? There is always something to be grateful about. I found that out this summer through my daughters car wreck. I am grateful that because of the wreck I was able to spend many more hours with her reconnecting. Teenagers girls are always on the go, so with her home, we had lots of good mom and daughter time. So even in tragedy can come joy.

All about perspective, right Sara, i'm thankful for the blessings that i'm not even aware of. -amen

SEP

2007

I'm glad my plumbing and washer is working. I was reading and then thought...what would I do? Where is the nearest laundromat? Thanks for sharing Sarah...be grateful for what I have.

Sarah - I don't think I had ever thought of a laundromat here in Bellevue and cannot remember one even while growing up here - but there must have been ... I think there used to be one out in Crossroads.

At any rate, it is good to count blessings and I feel blessed I don't have a new home (or the payment on one) at this point in the market cycle.

If you get into a bind and need somewhere to do laundry, you're welcome to do a few loads here (we're close to downtown) - I don't think my wife would mind ...

Hi Missy! Just finishing my move.. lots of boxes still hovering around (almost like a haunted house). What a great experience! Teenagers are always on the go, what an opportune reconnecting time!

Nick, ditto, lots of blessings just beyond our awareness...

Celeste, I think I saw this in a movie ("The Blue Lagoon"?) You can wear flowers and those pretty handmade reed skirts....

Joe, count on it! Don't say you didn't invite me, heheh..

Hi Sara, It's good to be able to "count your blessings." So many of us would have been focused on the hassle of not being able to do laundry in a brand new house. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is something that I seek to do daily. Congratulations on the new home! :)

We live in the most affluent county in the world. Things we consider routine are luxuries in most places. Thanks for the reminder.

Sara - first of all, what's happening to correct the plumbing problem in your new home?

I wouldn't worry about a laundry doing my intimates - it's only short term until your plumbing is fixed. If it matters, choose one in another neighborhood!

"I worried about having no shoes....until I saw someone who had no feet."

It's good to be alive. And loved. And productive. And able to make choices.

I thank the Lord every night for the blessings that he has blessed me with. My husband, children and grandchildren are at the top. What more do I truely need.

SEP

2007

There used to be one on Main St. in downtown Kirkland... I haven't been down Main St in so long I'm not even sure if it's still there. But, if it is, there's 40 minutes of entertainment in Kirkland most days.

We need to start one of those cool cafe/bar laundromats like they have in San Francisco and Europe.

BTW - I have two houses now... you're welcome to do laundry at my house that's on the market - you've got lock box access and I totally wouldn't mind - I'm never there anymore and it's only like a 10 minute drive from Brio. That or, if you want internet access just come over to my rental ... we have two offices setup.

-ben

You're funny.....those grass skirts we buy at Walmart now...haha!

SEP

2007

Lola, thank you, it is a fantastic rental!!! lol We haven't bought yet, but we're agents, so you know that'll be happening in due time. ;)

Chris, yes we do. We are soooo rich! SO RICH!!! I think about it all the time when I put lotion on my face at night, or take my dog for a walk. We're like the kings and queen and nobles from centuries or even thousands of years ago, and only the very rich had creams for their faces or kept animals as "pets"!!! And the U.S. makes up such a tiny part of the world... even in western Europe, home ownership is rare, owning a car is a luxury... We almost expect to have nice things, but in the back of my mind is that idea that never goes away... we are like the Roman empire at the height of it's power, and even though it's rocky in small parts we have peace, and the population is flourishing... Wow. The ODDS of being here...now...with these opportunities.. what a blessing!

Vicki, family is it! The most valuable of all...

Hi Ben! What we need is an internet cafe and bowling alley with a laundromat. heheh There's nothing like a realtor smuggling in her laundry to a listed home... "Oh, hello! Oh please do make yourself comfortable viewing the home [to Buyer], don't mind me, I'm just doing laundry" heheheh

Hi Sharon! Plumbing's being corrected...

Jon's had the cleaners do his undies before.. but it's weird, almost... and towels?

The freedom and ability to make choices is a real blessing... the freedom to choose one's attitude... to grow, change, learn, become...

SEP

2007

I really need to see that podcast with me and the RCG boys.

Cat Stevens said it best in "Moonshadow."

SEP

2007

When I first moved to L.A., before my home sold in Sacramento, we had to stay at the place my husband rented for six months. Three young teenage girls and two adults in a one bedroom apt over a garage (with a full ocean view though).

No laundry facilities and I walked up to the laundromat, (no parking) to keep all five of us in clean clothes for six months. I used a huge wheel suitcase to get up there and back.

I met a lot of people, I gained a lot of respect from people by smiling through it and in fact, it was a great experience.

Silver linings sometimes come with sweat and hard work and proving we have the character needed to get through anything. Moving gives you that. Moving proves you can make it through no matter what.

See you Monday!

that's my favorite comment by Ardell ever!
maybe cause i can relate.

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