Good Intentions Behind the Scenes

Good Intentions. That was the inspirational title that came to mind when I finished this painting. I often have good intentions, but they end up being lessons on what not to do more often than I’d like to admit.

That is probably why there are so many interesting quotes about good intentions. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”-Samuel Johnson, “Most of the evil in this world is done by people with good intentions”-T.S. Elliot. The list goes on and on, but I’m starting to see a theme here.

I must not be the first one to experience this! I know there are times I’ve been guilty of good intentions gone bad. Like when my daughter was getting ready for school and was frustrated because her bangs were so long she could barely see. Mom to the rescue! How hard can it be to cut bangs, right? Of course, my intentions were good. I wanted her to be able to see and not feel frustrated with her hair, I never intended on making her look like a fourth stooge or a female version of dumb and dumber. Sadly, that was the outcome.

I’ve also been on the receiving end of good Intentions gone bad. I know my husband meant well when he took the time to wash my brand new cashmere sweater, and he was probably so proud when he remembered to put it in the dryer right away! My then 2-year-old daughter was the proud recipient of her mommy’s now shrunken expensive sweater.

I’m sure you have had your own experience with good intentions either from you or on the receiving end! (please feel free to share yours!) Maybe it’s pride or stupidity. I don’t know, and I certainly don’t know how to avoid it, so I’ll inevitably have to add more to my long list of “good intentions gone bad” but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying! After all, “A blank canvas is always a place of good intentions”. (paraphrased from Anthony T Hincks quote)