2010/02/16 Amsterdam
Not for sale anymore
Cleaning lady
My mother told me in the hospital: “You should speak to my cleaning lady. She stole my clothespins. If she steals my clothespins she will steal other things as well. I used to have a basket full of clothespins in my bedroom, but since last week the basket is half empty. These are precious clothespins, not your run-of-the-mill clothespin. If she admits that she stole my clothespins I’m willing to forgive her. But she should admit it, she should be honest about the fact that she saw my clothespins and that she couldn’t control herself.”
“Yes,” I answered. “I will speak to her. I will take care of this.”
My mother added: “These clothespins are not for sale anymore. You can’t get them nowadays. They are probably worth quite a bit of money.”
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20 comments 
Wits
Good to hear your mother still has her wits about her. She's right about clothespins not being made the way they used to anymore. If she would ever consider selling some of them, I would be very interested to make her a decent offer. As an aside, what is it with cleaners these days? Most of them get paid cash in hand, they don't pay tax on it, yet they still want to rob you as well. Maybe they should get paid a little more, but what does one say when they offer their services so cheaply? "I would like to pay you 50% more, if you promise not to go through my things or rob me when I'm not looking, is that ok with you?" I dated a cleaner for a while. She took her job very seriously, but we would occasionally sit in the home owners' jacuzzi before cleaning it, and taste a little from their stock of fake champagnes. We never touched their clothespins though, tempting as it was.Arnon
Did you consider telling your mother that the basket with clothespins is half full?We're awaiting the Greatest of all Grunberg Novels about her.
Oscar
Today I will go to my mother's house and I will take a picture of the clothespins.Handling site?
On Twenga i saw that these oldies are sold for 1,20 a piece. Ive never heard of Twenga before but naming it like this makes Twenga something of a mysterious incrowd thing. It has something of a TWist and some ENGAgement in it. Im defenitely gonna twenga more in the future, for now ive twenga'd enough.Indeed, what a character, your mother.
Bernard
I think she's adorable.Fetish
Of course, the truth is that the cleaning lady has a secret fetish for clothespins. Perhaps if you "confide" your own fondness for clothespins, she will confess and she will reveal herself.arnon
i like the way your mum appreciates her belongings. i am the same. (silly) little, worthless things "wachsen mir ans herz" and i have to keep them. i hope the other half of the clothespins will appear again. don't know why, but i would like to know the name of your mother...Old mothers
My mother once told me that her best friend Jeanne had stolen three handkerchiefs (even the pink one with the B.) from the drawer.She was sure she had seen them on the kitchentable of her friend. Among other handkerchiefs, which were not so nice, not so soft, not so pink. Jeanne must have been her last friend.
Arnon
Would it comfort your mother if you told her that some ( myself) use these old wooden clothespins as support inside clay sculptures.I think many woman would find it hard to control themselves being alone with clothespins. Why did your mother even let the cleaning lady be exposed to the seduction? Do you think your mother is right that she took them?
I think it is absurd to panic over clothespins. So I don't get all the commentors' words.
Mr. Arnon's mother, on the other hand, is panicing over very precious clothespins. The clothespin is an incentive to steal other things.
Mr. Arnon's mother, on the other hand, is panicing over very precious clothespins. The clothespin is an incentive to steal other things.
Dens
What is worth panicking about?Arnon, I like that for your mother the admission of having stolen is enough for forgiveness. She does not seem to be sentimental.
My father died in November, with him it was an entire herd of cattle. My mother finally told him they were all dead now.
Men are fond of the C47 also.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothespin#Filmmaking
Arnon, I have enjoyed reading about your fictional mother while trying to study Dutch. Wish you both well.
Men are fond of the C47 also.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clothespin#Filmmaking
Arnon, I have enjoyed reading about your fictional mother while trying to study Dutch. Wish you both well.
Mr. Arnon
Stuff like integrity, you know. The things where no one can help.clothespins
Sorry guys & dolls, but these classic wooden clothespins (or -pegs)[- Dutch 'wasknijpers']
are still quite available and cheaply to be had:
http://www.bwv-borstels.nl/shop/enter.html?target=diversen30_Wasknijpers.html
http://www.bwv-borstels.nl/shop/enter.html?target=diversen30_Wasknijpers.html
http://www.hobbyhuis.nl/index1.html
A couple of dollars/euros and you've got a basketful of them....
@Careca
1.20 a piece ?!
OK, wanna buy 40 of these I've still got?
In perfect (new) condition !?
clothespins
Sorry guys & dolls,these pins are still very cheaply to be had:
http://www.bwv-borstels.nl/shop/enter.html?target=diversen30_Wasknijpers.html
http://www.hobbyhuis.nl/index1.html
borstels.nl/shop/enter.html?target=diversen30_Wasknijpers.html
http://www.hobbyhuis.nl/index1.html
General info:
http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/2006/2/2006_2_38.shtml
@Careca
1.20 a piece?
OK, let's make a deal: I've got 40 brandnew wooden clothespins,
Send me 55 dollars and I'll send you those wooden pegs.
?
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