Sometimes we make a promise to ourselves, to a family member, to a friend, or to a new acquaintance with the very best of intentions. Then something gets in the way and we don’t fulfill that promise – at least in the timely manner that we intended.

I am embarrassed to admit that happens more often than it should. Life gets in the way. Excuses grow as we are distracted. The letter that I meant to write goes unsent. The coffee date I had been meaning to have doesn’t get scheduled. The painting I started remains on the easel unfinished. When I realize that I’ve done it yet again, I am humbled and more determand to behave better in the future, and I ask that friend or new acquaintance or even my own heart to forgive me and allow me to begin again with grace. Life is too short to carefully pack all those little guilt nuggets into a bag and carry them.

I occasionally do historical events where I take my paintings to show and share. It’s one of my greatest joys to work on a painting in public and talk with the people who come through.

Recently I had begun a painting at home right before one of my events. (see process images 1-5 above) I took that painting and worked on it there. (see process image 6 above)Typical of an event where there’s a good turnout with a lot of people, I get less painting done and more talking done. Ordinarily it’s not a problem. I know that when I get home I’ll finish the painting and go on to the next one. This time, however, I started a conversation with some wonderful children from a family about the painting. The little girl in particular kept coming back to see how far along I had gotten. I was not progressing very fast and I even apologized that I was talking more than I was painting. She was very kind and patient and when it was time for her family to leave the event I said, “I tell you what! I will finish this painting when I get home and I will make a comment in my post just for you.”

Circumstances have not allowed me to get that painting done and fulfill that promise the way I should have. A couple days ago I got an email from her mom asking if I had finished it. It was said with such kindness and grace and reminded me the very great importance of promises kept.

The place I chose to paint is of a particular shoreline on Madeline Island, Wisconsin. This is one of the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior. I have personally enjoyed going there after a hot day talking about art and history at the Madeline Island History Museum in LaPointe. There is a peace and a sense of renewal at this place that reminds me of all the peace that comes from forgiving ourselves for falling short of our intentions.

I hope you will enjoy today’s 40″ x 16″ oil on canvas painting, entitled ‘Promises Kept’ in honor of Rose.