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When I was a girl in the 1970s, I wasn’t what you might call a willing housekeeper. As the oldest child I bore the brunt of the chores around the house, but I did them grudgingly.

I was bored by dishwashing and uninspired by dusting. I didn’t like doing laundry and had absolutely no interest in vacuuming.

My mother wasn’t interested.

I could complain, throw a tantrum or mope, but I was still expected to wash the dishes, dust, do the laundry and vacuum.

So, I did what I was supposed to do, but I found a way to make it exciting. I would fill the sink with hot, soapy water and as I washed the plates and forks I pretended that the performers from my favorite bands were in the kitchen with me, waiting for me to finish so we could all go out and have a good time.

The Beatles gathered around the kitchen table chatting as I splashed. The Monkees sat on the sofa while I pushed the vacuum cleaner around the den. Paul Revere and the Raiders helped me fold the towels.

Thinking about it now, it seems so silly. But as a pre-teen, my imagination made the work go faster.

I’m the mother now. I’m still not the most motivated housekeeper, but I want a tidy house and I can’t always catch a child to help me. The other day, as I carried baskets of laundry up and down stairs, my mind wandered. I started thinking about things I’d like to do to my house; changes I’d like to make in myself.

Pretty soon I was lost in the daydream. As I went about my work I could see the new paint I’d like to use in my bedroom– a soft gold that perfectly matches the color in the fabric of the vintage curtains on the window.

I could picture the burnished oak hardwood floor I’m hoping to install in the kitchen. I could appreciate the softness of a cashmere throw – something I’d seen in a catalog – thrown over the sofa.

Naturally, in my housework-induced fantasy, I was 10 pounds lighter and had a new haircut. And a new outlook.

Before I knew it, the washer and dryer were empty and silent. Stacks of clean clothing waited to be put away. The house, for as long as it would all last, was clean and shining.

In middle age, I don’t surround myself with imaginary people to help me get my work done. But I guess I still use the same technique for making the time pass. My mind still goes out to play.

This week in Home

When several area artists were asked to appear on a popular Home and Garden Television show, there was more involved than just picking up the house a bit. Their to-do list was long and included such instructions as keeping the neighbors quiet and finding a good caterer for lunch. Our cover story is a behind the scenes peek at the filming. This week’s issue of Home is packed with good things.

Open it and let your imagination fly.

Enjoy!