On a late Thursday afternoon early in August, I was feeling rather lonely in a four star guesthouse far away from home. I was living in luxury, but I was there for work, and my loved ones were far away. When I go away for work, I always take along at least some books to read, some series to watch, my current crochet project, as well as some coloring in books for the long, lonely hours after work. And music, of course.
That day was different. I wanted to be outside, maybe catching a glimpse of the promise of spring just around the corner. Also, I realized that all the shoes that I had brought along, were dusty and scuffed from walking around in the dust of our dry winter. So then I went and sat outside, enjoying the crispness of late winter in South Africa, listening to music by the Dutch singer/songwriter, Herman van Veen...and polishing my shoes.
Would you believe it, I was actually greatly enjoying doing this chore, and I found it deeply therapeutic at that very moment. First, the dirty, scuffed shoes...
Then applying some good old shoe polish. (Yes, I know that there are many instant products to choose from, but the old way is the good way.)
Then the act of polishing with a clean brush, and then finally a good rub with a clean dust towel.
And herein lies the satisfaction: the reflection of light in the leather.
As a child we were required to polish our ugly school shoes regularly, and I used to absolutely abhor doing it. I never understood that it was necessary to look after your stuff by taking care of it; I also did not realize how important it was to look groomed. I was just a child. As an adult, I at least realize that grooming is important. But in the age of consumerism, it is easy to just discard old shoes and buy new ones. However, over the years I have invested in some good leather shoes, and they are trusted favorites. I have to look after them!
So that was is what I was doing this afternoon. I found it strangely therapeutic to do this chore, right there, on a late winter afternoon. Maybe it was the pride that I took in the fact that I finally "got" what my parents wanted to teach me so many, many years ago.
You won't catch me finding pleasure in ironing clothes very soon, though!
