Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Cream Sauce (Recipe)
This is a quick and versatile recipe, which is a good, light base for any protein, or a welcome side dish.
Year: 2026
Zaria Forman (Featured Artist)
I had the privilege of being in a group chat with Zaria Forman this week. I have long known about her incredible large scale pastels of icebergs, but I was delighted to find out she’s a wonderful person too– very real and forthcoming.
Three Good Books about Making Art Materials
Making the art materials yourself is an art in itself. By being creative about the elements you use, you can achieve the unique results you are after.
Summary of Facts, Concerns, and Links about AI
All this is troubling, and snowballing very quickly. I advocate trying not to use AI, or at least switching to Claude, which as a company seems to have more of a conscience.
I’m in this Connecticut Pastel Society Show
In this post you can see my favorites in the show. I particularly like the two abstracted rock paintings.
A Blessing (by John O’Donohue)
May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
Consider Yourself Kissed (Book Review)
This book depicts the average struggles families go through to give everyone what they need. This is particularly true for women and mothers…
Halibut with Saffron Tomatoes and Fennel (Recipe)
This is quick and easy and good enough for company.
Are You Using What You Already Know? (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Doing more is way more potent than knowing more or obtaining more.
My Notes from the Better Together Conference
Non-violence in a love-centered way to thinking, acting and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation.
Principles of Nonviolence
Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil. It is assertive spiritually, mentally and emotionally.
I’m in this Pastel Plus Show 2026
I was pleased to be included in the 2026 Pastel Plus show, which is a show focusing on works that utilize pastel along with other mixed media.
The Sound of the Genuine (Howard Thurman Quote)
The sound of the genuine is flowing through you. Don’t be deceived and thrown off by all the noises that are a part even of your dreams (and) your ambitions that you don’t hear the sound of the genuine in you.
Bits and Clips for February 2026
I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, informs, inspires, supports, educates, or motivates you.
Hot Buttered Shrimp (Recipe)
This recipe is very quick, couldn’t be easier, and is both delicious and nutritious! I serve it three different ways, because you’ll want this repeatedly in your rotation,
Polly Answers #18 (about what happens after death)
My first obvious thought is I don’t know any more than you do because I’ve never gone through it.
Lessons from Alysa Liu (Women’s Gold Medal Figure Skater 2026)
Alysa Liu opted out of pressuring herself in favor of feeling joy and having fun performing at the Olympics, and it totally worked for her. I find myself referring to her example this week when trying to help out stressed people.