Bits and Clips for September 2026
I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, informs, inspires, supports, educates, encourages or motivates you.
Month: September 2026
Monhegan Sunflowers (New Painting in Pastel)
These cheery sentinels greeted us each day in the gardens on Monhegan, and it was delightful to have the opportunity to paint them in plein air there on a beautiful day. This painting is 18″x24″ and done in pastel. You can see the entire image above and close up details of it below. Click here … Read more
Every Generation Thinks More Abstractly
The “Flynn effect” shows a pervasive increase of correct IQ test answers in each generation, and these gains occur everywhere, across various cultures and educational or economic opportunities. This has been tracked since World War I and has been documented in 30 countries. IQ gains are three points every ten years.
Trying to Pray (poem by Twyla M. Hansen)
With my arms raised in a vee,
I gather the heavens and bring
my hands down slow together,
press palms and bow my head.
Butterfly Photos from Monhegan
It is amazing to think that these slight, fragile creatures, flew there across the ocean and will fly much further in their migration. No wonder they are fueling up with so much nectar!
Climbing Mountains (New poem by Polly Castor)
Spirit does not labor to ascend a high elevation, nor does it even notice a change in atmosphere.
Monhegan Butterfly Garden (New Floral Painting in Pastel)
There were lots of monarchs and other butterflies on Monhegan and it was delightful to spend a beautiful day with them painting them, watching them flit around and gulp down nectar for their migration from the lovely gardens there.
A Pot of Red Lentils (Poem by Peter Pereira)
I want to remember us this way—late September sun streaming through the window, bread loaves and golden bunches of grapes on the table, spoonfuls of hot soup rising to our lips, filling us with what endures.
The Calamity Club (Book Review)
This is an atmospheric, engrossing, immersive read set in Mississippi during the depression.
Recent Black and White Photography
As summer turns into fall, color will be king and I still try to focus a bit on what is compelling beyond that.
Danny Gregory Books (Sketchbook Ideas #26)
Reading the book above, reminded me of these four books of his (shown below) that I also loved and highly recommend.
Red Brocade (Poem by Naomi Shihab Nye)
That’s the armor everyone put on
to pretend they had a purpose
in the world.
Tomato, Spinach, & Anchovy Gratin (Recipe)
This is yummy and a great way to use up those tomatoes still burgeoning in the garden.
September Cove (New Abstract Landscape in Pastel)
Done in September colors, this was painted in plein air on Monhegan Island in Maine, of a place just past Christmas Cove.
Monhegan 2026: Friends and Food (Photos)
In this post, you can see our meals together and the loving supportive atmosphere we share with each other.
A Lovely Visit to Monhegan Island (Photos)
We had a great time, hiking, eating, hanging out, playing, laughing, and painting together.
Don’t Do Only One Thing (Quote with Commentary)
The most successful experts also belong to the wider world. … it appears as though they are scattering and dissipating their energies, while in reality they are channeling and strengthening them