My husband recently painted our porch and the railing of our many steps also needed some tender loving color. I don’t know why but I really wanted to tackle this project. I can’t see anything clearly, let alone in detail, from a light standpoint it’s as if I’m always wearing a very dark pair of sunglasses, I am unable to see color and my depth perception is terrible. What could Picassobly go wrong?
I set to work, laying down a drop cloth underneath the railing. Getting the lid off the paint can was my first hurdle. Finding the groove by feel to insert the screwdriver took some time but I was able to pry it off. As I dipped the brush into the paint for the first time I thought about the old joke where a patient asks, “Doctor, will I be able to play the piano after the operation?”, and the doctor replies, “Yes, of course.” The patient says, “Great. I never could before.” I had painted a few little things prior to my sight being compromised but nothing as public as this.
I began to paint, trying to make straight, even strokes. I took my time, worked methodically and carefully, moving the tarp as I went to capture any drips. Steps are a challenge for me, especially going down, and we have many in front of our house. I always use the railing and remembering not to touch it while working was difficult. I’m sure I left a finger print or two before I realized what I was doing.
Two hours later, I was done. It was strange to finish and not be able to check my work. My quality control inspector wouldn’t be home for a few hours, so I made “Wet Paint” signs and cleaned up. I was proud of what I had done but the perfectionist in me had some concerns about how it looked. I forced myself to focus on the fact that I did it.
It’s the start of a new week. I encourage you to paint a railing, carry a watermelon, tackle something daunting. For the very thing you conquer this week my be the very thing you hold on to when you take your next steps.
