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There's something cathartic about painting.

Other home improvement projects tend to be complicated. They require power tools and cuss words. A brush and a steady hand are pretty much all you need for painting. 

OK, it's not quite that simple. It also helps to have a roller, roller tray, tape, drop cloth and ladder. Still, it's a relatively peaceful pursuit, one that fosters classic rock singalongs and heart-to-hearts.

During almost two decades of couplehood, the Mister and I have embarked on lots of home projects together, with varying degrees of success. 

We've hung ceiling fans and installed garbage disposals. We've hooked up television sets and laid pavers. (When I say "we," I freely admit he did most of the work while I stood at attention, ready to hand over various tools like an operating room nurse, or to call 911 in case of an electrical mishap.

While our marriage has survived the tense moments, and neither of us has ended up in the ER, as years have passed, we've turned over more of these projects to the professionals, realizing sometimes it's cheaper to pay someone who knows what they're doing.

Painting — at least inside painting where air conditioning is involved — is a chore we've kept. Yes, a pro probably could get it done faster and with fewer splatters. But I enjoy the rhythm of painting. I love how, with just a few brush strokes, dinginess disappears, replaced by something fresh and bright.

Which is how one or the other of us has ended up perched atop a ladder for the past two weekends.

I'm not saying painting together is all long talks and harmonizing to the Little River Band.

Turns out, open floor plans are great for living, but not so great for painting, especially when said floor plans have rounded rather than square corners. Painting an open floor plan living room is a long-term commitment. There's no going half-in.

Those red splotches on the drop cloth: Did they come from a previous project, or is someone bleeding? 

My husband still offers the occasional admonishment when he hears my roller dry out, because somehow, he really can hear the difference. 

And let's not forget The Law of Lowe's: Every project requires two more visits than expected, and the number of acquaintances you see there will grow in proportion to the amount of paint on your body and the grubbiness of your hair.

Mostly, though, I'm enjoying painting, along with the quiet conversations, nostalgic music and quality time the chore has created. One more weekend of work, and our home will feel fresh and new.

Then we'll be on to the next project. Let's hope it doesn't involve electricity.

Suzy Fleming Leonard is a features journalist with more than three decades of experience. Reach her at sleonard@floridatoday.com. Find her on Facebook: @SuzyFlemingLeonard or on Instagram: @SuzyLeonard

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