I have a new washing machine. I’ve never purchased a new washing machine in my life. The shiny white device now resides in my former darkroom, in a little closet attached to my office.

The darkroom was my pride and joy when I set it up about eight years ago. But, you know, things change. I loved the process of making my own images in there, but I grew less and less enchanted with spending so much time in the dark. And after a few photography buddies passed away, I felt a lot of sadness whenever I was holed up in there. After much thought, I decided to ask a friend to sell all the equipment on Ebay.

My original goal was to move my laundry center out of my kitchen so I could open up that area to have more light, seating room and counter space. When the new washer was delivered and installed last week, I had no idea I would fall in love with a laundry appliance!

Usually it takes the purchase of a new computer or PDA or cell phone (or car) to really get me excited. This is a front loading, very quiet, high tech piece of equipment that gently cycles on and off as it does the job. I thought I’d keep the door closed to cut down the noise it makes, but instead I’m watching it spin and listening to it more than I listen to the playlists I’ve built in iTunes! It does have all kinds of cool electronica on the front and makes fun beeping noises when it’s finished, so maybe that’s the appeal? I don’t think it is Blue Tooth enabled, but who knows what all it might be capable of!?

Not only that: the dryer which was to have been installed on top of the washer (wow! stackable!) had to be taken back to the shop as it was the wrong style, so for one week I’ve been dropping my dirty laundry into a retro clothes hamper from a funky antique shop in Phoenix, running it through the washer and then hanging out on the clothesline! Who knew how satisfying that could be!