Gina Morelli / Can see clearly now

She has washed windows professionally for 17 years. One of few women in the trade, Morelli's accounts include homes, restaurants, cafes and shops in Pike Place Market and downtown.

Q: Eyes are windows to the soul; what insights strike while cleaning windows?

A: It's a wonderful metaphor, going through life, cleaning the way for people to see. My clients are happy to see me, happy to pay me, over time small conversations develop into friendships. It's peaceful. I have a fairly intense family life, so it's nice to have time alone. But it's also isolating. You're on your own. That may be why women don't do it as much. We tend to be more social creatures.

Q: Why else so few women?

A: We're not socialized to be our own boss. I was used to taking orders, so I could work really hard for others, but I didn't think to work hard for myself. There's also an element of exposure both to odd people and the weather. And there's no social status; in fact, you get a lot of disrespect from people on the street.

Q: Is there a hierarchy among window washers?

A: The people who do rappelling, there's a certain top-dog pecking order around that. Especially on construction sites, the guys all challenged me because I'm female — like it's a sex-linked characteristic to climb a ladder. It gets old having to prove that. I've done ladder work and ledge work, but I have no cartilage in one knee. If I fell again and injured myself, I'm a single parent, our family would be in serious trouble. If you work fast, you don't need to rappel. You can reach most windows with poles. There's enough work out there without having to take on the toughest assignment.

Q: You peek into many homes. What can you tell about people's lives and personalities?

A: There's a huge difference between old wealth and people who haven't always hired out. The (latter) are really afraid of you being a thief. Old wealth tends to be a lot more gracious and a lot less suspicious.

Q: How 'bout from looking at their stuff?

A: A lot of people who keep their windows clean are very organized. Everything has a place. It's artistic. Not so much random clutter. Or else, I'll start washing the windows and people will go into cleaning fits.

Q: How did you get into window washing?

A: I'm a former teacher. I was teaching ESL at a pathetic rate of pay, no benefits . . . bemoaning my fate. At the same time, the husband of a friend was overwhelmed with too much construction finishing, so I took over the window part.

Q: Why did you stick with it?

A: In the end, the results were what mattered. I didn't have anybody standing over me. And it paid better than teaching, probably three times as much. I make a good living and I can set my own schedule, which is hugely important for me because I have a disabled kid and you can't easily stick an autistic kid in after-school care.

Q: What cleaner do you use?

A: It's a trade secret! I cannot reveal what it is.