Check It Out

For the last few days I have been painting the kitchen. I don't know when it was last done, but I know the paint that was here when I moved in eleven years ago was still here. It was not in very good shape even then. Tenants in the intervening time have painted the other rooms, but neglected the kitchen.

I had a hard time deciding what color to use, and even when I got to the store to buy it I wasn't sure. Finally I chose blue, remembering that every kitchen I've had since middle street I wanted blue. Every time someone talked me out of it. Well, I love it. I painted the cabinets and woodwork gray to soften the effect of the bright blue against white, and even though I did my usual sloppy job it is wonderful to behold.

As I worked on it, I was thinking of the people who have been here before me. I felt a kinship with them, since they obviously held the same standards as I. The previous green paint was clinging in hardened drops over nails, bubbling around the edges of holes, and spattered on the ceiling. Unseen areas behind the stove and washer and dryer were left undone. The edges of wallpaper from yesteryear curled along its seams. I followed suit, painting a curvy line along the ceiling moulding, sometimes hitting the ceiling, sometimes missing the top quarter inch of wall. Most everything needs another coat of paint, which it will not get. Still, to one such as I who does not see or care much about detail, it is a fine job.

I love the fact that this is the same house it has always been, with people like me living in it. As far as I know, there have been no renovations to speak of..........a superficial coat of paint, slapped on over grease and dirt was about all that was needed to perk up the place. I feel in the right place.