194/365 Sterling

this is Sterling.   All of his life he's lived in the same town, painting houses for a living.   He gets around a lot, usually on foot.

 

One day he hit his head on the eaves of the house he was painting.   That did it.  He decided to paint his cap and make it a hard hat, to protect his head from any further pain.

One of the kids on his painting crew liked what he'd done with his cap and wanted one too.   So Sterling painted one for the kid, and then a chain reaction took place and yet another wanted a cap like Sterling's.   He painted a total of three caps before someone suggested he paint caps and sell them.   Sterling decided it was too much trouble and called it quits for the cap-painting.  He decided to stick to painting houses.
 

He eats out at restaurants a lot.   When his favorite restaurant in town was sold and bought by newcomers, he didn't like that.  He said the food wasn't as good, so he organized a boycott.   He wanted everyone to eat at a different spot in town that served what he thought to be better food.    The idea didn't take hold.   But he still doesn't eat at his old spot.  That's just the way he is.   Sort of set in his ways until the fruit basket gets upset.

 

He lives in the house where he grew up.   When I drove past it, there was a metal ladder resting atop the roof beside the chimney.   According to those in the know, that ladder has been there all winter.

I caught up with Sterling on a cold and grey late-winter morning.   He was on his way some place but didn't mind stopping to have his photo taken.   He stood in the street and talked while I snapped.   And snapped.   He was on his way  to the community center where there was a showing of local artists and photographers.   He wanted to go see what was there, and have a few cups of  coffee,  a bit of dessert,  and talk.   Lots of talk.   That's what Sterling likes.   Drinking coffee and talking.   He didn't move the entire time I was taking his photo.  Except to talk.