BARRY COURTER: Lisa, you know that I spend most of my days off from work doing fun and relaxing things around my house like painting, plumbing or yard work. It's become such a regular thing, the last time I did go out of town on a real vacation, I painted the hotel room door out of habit.
LISA DENTON: You've definitely been around your house a few times with a paintbrush. I've thought about offering my help, but "my help" and "paintbrush" don't really go together.
But I think I know what might help. The Tri-State Home Show runs Friday through Sunday at the Chattanooga Convention Center, and there will be 470 booths of the latest home products and services all under one roof.
This is the 47th year for the show, which is put on by the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga.
BARRY: I like going to the home show to see what is new and to see which ideas I can "borrow." I'll give them back, I promise. It's a good place to see a lot of trends and new products all in one place. One of these days, I'll finish the outdoor fireplace/spa/putting green/entertainment area at my house.
For something completely different, ArtsBuild, which used to be Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, is holding its annual kickoff campaign Thursday at The Church on Main.
It's free to attend, and you can sample some Indian dancing, finger painting for adults, ballet and hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
LISA: It's also a good way to see the scope of the arts in Chattanooga. The $1.1 million campaign will help fund 14 arts institutions.
That gives me an idea: I could dabble in the finger paints at the ArtsBuild event Thursday, then use my creation to beautify my surroundings, which is the whole idea of the home show.
It all comes full circle. Sort of like you painting your house.
BARRY: Now, if you combined the dancing, finger painting and chores, you might be on to something.
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