Another brilliant piece from a GUNNAS WRITING MASTERCLASS WRITER`
It was brilliant! Today was going to be a sunshine day, a day of usefulness and warmth. I knew it was going to be like this as soon as Kat opening up the cupboard first thing in the morning and loaded up the washing machine.
Wallace grumbled and groaned as he always does when he’s loaded up with towels and jeans but we all knew that he really loved the days Kat got him going and he could do his thing, twisting and turning, soaking and removing dirt, sweat and general living stains before finally finishing with squeezed out, clean and fresh smelling finery.
Originally, I thought that the day was going to be quite boring, a usual Wednesday, where Peg Leader gets us all to stand up and move into formation, allowing him to check on our springs and the tops of our frames. Any loose springs or cracks in the frame and we were shipped off to the Chiro Pegs for adjustments and general upkeep.
Clara, the head Chiro Peg is pretty cool, she’s been around for a while and knows her stuff. She also makes sure her team does everything they can for us so we can return to duty and it’s a very rare occasion when one of us is retired or pulled from duty for too long. Whilst it doesn’t happen very often, the thought of not returning to the fold is quite frightening for all of us and Wednesday’s can be a bit of a nerve wracking day.
So when Kat opening up the laundry door, I felt a lovely flute of excitement that this Wednesday was now a washing day and formation day would be put on hold. My excitement couldn’t be contained and before I knew it, I found myself jiggling around in expectation. Sam, who was next to me started jiggling too and all of a sudden the contagious jiggle had spread through all of us, perfectly in time with Wallace firing up his engine and getting the water rolling in.
Today was going to be a great day. There is nothing quite like holding washing up for it to dry. oh, the conversations we have! With the T shirts, jeans and pants. The tea towels, who always have the most delicious and entertaining kitchen gossip and oh boy, can those socks and undies tell a tale or two!
I particularly love the days when the wind picks herself up and joins in the conversation. She has such a wide range of stories from everywhere she’s travelled to and from since her last visit, it really is quite inspiring. All the while, we’re sitting under the glorious sun, with warmth, love and camaraderie. That’s when the fulfilling sense of well being sinks in and contentment abounds. Then, just before dark, Kat comes and gets us in, we’re all happy and the clothes are clean, fluffy and well satisfied with the days work and sharing.
It was expensive, now that I think about it, flying away with Mr Kookaburra that day, but so, so worth it. What cost me in terms of safety and certainty, has come back to me tenfold and over through connection, learning and helping others fulfil their purposes.
I remember him sitting on the line and asking if any of us were adventurous enough to fly with him. Immediately I piped up, ‘yes please. Oh, do pick me’.
‘And what about the sock you’re holding?’ Team Leader Peg asked me.
‘Oh yes, you’re right’, I replied. ‘I am sorry Mr Kookaburra, not today, I’m on duty and really won’t let the team down’.
‘Nonsense’ called out Sock. ‘My other half is still in the laundry room, they missed her in the pick up so it’s really no problem if you drop me and I’m washed again. Be lovely to see the old girl again’.
‘Finally!’ I thought. I can fly, explore the world and this time with the team’s blessing. Not one of my rebellious flies that always caused more problems than they were worth. The days of flying with Crow, needing to stretch my frame and escape day to day life but often resulted in repercussions that lasted for months.
This time, I’d be flying with Kooka, my friend, with heart as well as wings. He has taught me so much about responsibility and freedom and stuck by me during those terrible months after the last disastrous fly, when, in an attempt to become who I really am meant to be, I pulled the line, worked with the others and put my faith into the belief that the hard work would pay off and unknown benefits would come.
And now, that’s exactly what I’m experiencing. The magic, the trust and the rewards – finally being able to fly with Kooka. He’s sharing his world with me, the two of us travelling to all the other backyards, introducing me to the other pegs, the clothes and of course the stable and steady clothes lines. They’re sharing their knowledge and wisdom, their laughter and at times the tears and heartaches. In return, I’m sharing our stories, our lives and together we are learning about each other and healing past wounds and misbeliefs.
All these beautiful stories from all over the yards have given me such a gift. To truly acknowledge how our lives are all intertwined and that through serving in my new role, Story Teller Peg, I am now honoured to be able to connect these amazing, wonderful and inspirational lives both inside and outside our backyard.