I am Scared of the Painting Party

When I think about the painting party, I feel it is a lot to ask of my friends.  This is not a "party" at all.  In fact, it is slave labor.  I worry that when people are wobbling on a ladder, they will think about all the things they need to do at their own houses, and wonder why they are at mine.  I also worry that no one will show up, and of course I worry about the weather.   What if I buy all the wrong stuff at Home Depot?  I worry about the kids being bored, people falling off ladders, and thinking the music from the boom box is bad.  If I go to the kitchen to feed people, I worry people will think I am a slacker.  What time should I bring out the beer? If it is too early, people will start painting the roof; too late and they will think I am cheap and bad.  When it's all done, I worry that I won't be able to express my gratitude properly.  The only thing I am not worried about is when it is done, we will all drive by and say "We did that."

Meet Charles -- The Mascot

Meet Charlie, The Painters mascot.  As you can see from the badly soiled brush, Charlie has done some hard work already, and deserves a rest.  After several hours on the job and a couple of beers, we expect you may be joining Charlie on the kitchen floor -- and that's okay!

Meet Ellen -- The Paint (& Everything Else) Muse

It is hard to write anything about Ellen without getting sappy, and she hates that.  This woman changed my life 2 years ago when we re-aquainted ourselves over a spider bite -- her leg, my dog.  Both resulted in necrosis.  Since then, Ellen has become my family and has generously shared hers with mine.  I can't imagine life without Ellen & Co.  We spend holidays and vacations together, share stories and worries, and we laugh a lot.  I can not believe all the happiness Ellen and her family and friends have brought to me and my family.  In this picture, Ellen looks worried because she worries a lot about the people she cares about.  For example, thanks to Ellen's worry, I consented to a colonoscopy (given by Rosemary's friend.  See "The Instigators") when I turned 50.  Not many people could get me to do that.  As a muse, she will inspire you to do all kinds of challenging but good for you (and the house) activities should you join The Painters.  And you will somehow like it, even if you are in a death-defying upside down position so you can paint trim.  Once a cheerleader, Ellen remains a cheerleader.  

The Painting Babes

Meet Tammy, Henrietta and Juli.  These lovely and seemingly delicate babes are some of the toughest laborers you will ever meet.  Not only will the up the aesthetic of this project, they will run up ladders, be super cheerful and may possibly outpaint even the pros on the team.  Do not underestimate The Babes, and don't get in their way.

Meet the Watson-McCruddens -- The Instigators

These are the people who pushed the Painting Project over the edge.  Gray, the mean looking dude on the right is all about communities getting together and helping each other out.  He and his fierce wife, Rosemary practice this philosophy to a fault.  These guys and their sad-sack son have been incredible friends and neighbors.  Maybe someday I can do something for them.

While you are on your ladder with a scraper in hand and the sweat is pouring out of your ears, remember to gave a big shout out to Gray and Rosemary, The Instigators.

Meet David -- The Painting Planner

Meet my friend David Anderson, the Painting Planner and all around good guy.  The role of the PP is to loan a ton of equipment to the effort and to supervise those of you who may be painting challenged.  David is a contractor who usually hires people to do things like paint houses.

The Before -- Scary Peeling House

I think it is only appropriate to document the House Painting Project since I am relying on my friends to do most of the work.  David Anderson is the Chief Planner who will provide equipment (he has something called pump jacks.  I googled this unfamiliar term.  It is some kind of mechanism to make scaffolds move up and down or something) and supervision.  I plan to rent or borrow a power wash this week so I can remove 7 years of filth plus some peeling paint.  I will also trim back bushes etc.  Who could resist being a part of such a daunting project?  Also, for those of you who will be helping out, the good news is we are only painting THREE sides.  The back seems to be in pretty good shape.  Other good news is the house will be painted the SAME COLOR which should reduce all kinds of priming agony.