A History in Paint

My "painting" overalls, Gap denim circa 1990's

I spent last week helping close friends paint their new home. Whenever I have a painting project, I break out my "painting" overalls. I have owned them for over 15 years and they are now filled with holes, tears and yes, covered in paint. I tried to patch the knees a couple of times, but later decided it added extra "cooling" for painting on hot summer days. The snaps and buttons like to come undone if I reach or stretch too much and apparently, you can see my underwear quite clearly from behind, thanks to more holes!!
Perhaps my favorite detail to this crazy outfit is the story that the paint tells. This was not the intended purpose, but over time and project as the paint flew and splattered, these overalls took on a life of their own. A stranger sees a mix of blues, greens and cream colors. I see my son's nursery, my college bedroom and the faux bricks I painted in my parents front hallway that remain to this day. Most of these rooms are long gone, painted over and re-purposed, but the paint remains on my overalls. My friend took great pleasure in adding her colors to the overalls (cherry cinnamon, periwinkle blossom and some green color that's name escapes me) appreciating the history and becoming a part of it. More memories and more stories, all told by splotches of paint on a pair of faded overalls.
I was a little sad as I folded them up, to return them to their shelf in the guest room closet. But, I was also inspired by that history of paint and look forward to future projects that will be added in many colors!