linenandlavender.net: There is nothing so lovely...

. . . as slipping into sheets fresh from the line.

They remind me of sleepovers at my Grandma's house. Her sheets and towels always had that clean fragrance of sunshine and fresh cut grass, christened with dew.

I love seeing pure white bed linens, blowing in the breeze. There is something so soothing and ethereal about it. It evokes thoughts of summer days at the beach and everything clean and fresh and right with the world.

Sun bleached towels result in just the right texture, -a bit crisp, -yet still soft and absorbent; -like the perfect spa towel.

I think we lost our way a bit with the advent of the clothes dryer. Don't get me wrong. I love the convenience, too!- However, it seems in our haste to move to the ultimate in convenience we didn't factor in what we were losing. We forgot the therapeutic value this simple activity holds for us.

I know those sound like strong words for what may seem like no more than an additional chore to add to your already long "To Do" list. -And I hear you on that! But trust me, trying it once is all it will take to change your mind.

Even my manly-man (John Wayne-loving) dad enjoys hanging clothes out on the line —(and he is particular about how he goes about it, too!) My mom has to compete for her chance at the line these days. Am I going to be in trouble for revealing this little secret of his? —Shh, Mom. Don't tell him!

A communion with nature occurs when hanging out laundry. . . there is a real meditative aspect to the process...difficult to capture in words, yet easily grasped upon experiencing.

If you are fortunate enough to have space to hang all your bedding and towels, I highly recommend you make the effort to do so. You'll be so glad you did.

If you live in the city or have limited space, I suggest you find somewhere, some little space to at least hang out your pillowcases one sunny summer day.

Truly. . .
Every human being
deserves the experience
of nodding off to sleep
nestled in the sublime,
sun-laden goodness of
nature that can only be
captured this way.

Sweet Dreams!

Photo credits in order of appearance: 1-lb home; 2- Making the Most of Bedrooms, Karen Howes; 3-White on White, Stephanie Hoppen; 4-Making the Most of Bedrooms, Karen Howes; 5-Linens and Lace, Tricia Foley; 6-Casa Antica,Luglio-Agosto-06; 7-The Peaceful Home, Country Living.