In my previous administrator role, I would never had time to contemplate the connection between noodles, laundry and gratitude other than the simple consideration and thanks to God for convenient foods like already made ravioli and laundry machines that just need to be filled and started. Yeah, maybe thinking deeper about these items is a bit of a stretch, but my mind has been a bit lighter these days so whatever, I just go with it!

Noodles. Have you actually seen the YouTube channel, “Pasta Grannies”? This channel provides videos of pasta makers around the world. Videos provide examples of specialized homemade pasta and the makers who have mastered the art of each noodle design. This is a favorite channel of mine, again recently, as I have a deep desire to learn how to make homemade noodles.

The reason? Memories.  As a young teen, I remember learning how to make simple homemade egg noodles with my grandmother and the reminder has me yearning to learn. I can almost taste the pepper steak we ate with those noodles. Yummy! As a young mom, I recall the moments each of my sons learned to slurp up a spaghetti noodle. What a lovely, messy memory! And, most recently, I remember the third son telling me how much he loves when I make homemade chicken noodle soup because of the noodles I use. Wish they were mine! Noodles, the reminder of great people. great moments and great food!

Laundry. Honestly, I cannot remember a memory that associates with laundry. More likely, I have blocked the recall of the many, many, many loads of sorting (yeah, I don’t check pockets, much to Andrew’s dismay), washing, drying, folding and putting away that I have done in my fairly short life. What I have not blocked out is the reminder of what it should be to everyone of us. Laundry=Life (unless you choose to hang out in unwashed garb!). Yep, the logic then would be if you have more laundry in your home, you have more life.?  Well, I know this laundry subject to be overwhelming ugliness and you are already wondering when it will be over. Here is the MOST IMPORTANT THING: that laundry you hate to do, will eventually be gone. The life that we have too, will be gone. So while some (me too sometimes!) can look at the laundry with the evil eye, remember to be grateful. It means you are living!

FINALLY!!!

Gratitude. BE THANKFUL. Breathe it, share it, let it shine.

That’s it. Noodles and Laundry and Gratitude. I am so very thankful for my noodles that help me remember the people, times, and food that make the moment special. I am beyond grateful for the laundry that is non-stop at my house right now. A whirlwind of life in my world. I will try to remember to show gratitude for all of it, even when I find out a tissue was in that pocket I didn’t check!

Much love to you all!

Carrie Ruth  #shineon

PS. Here’s the Pasta Grannies YouTube link!

Pasta Grannies YouTube