Nonnas (Movie Review)
I love movies about food, family, breaking limitations, second chances, and dreams coming true. This movie is all that, plus it is based on a true story. We really enjoyed it, and I thought you might too.
Polly Castor
The Hardest Part of my Job (Polly Answers #19)
Recalibrating (pastel) by Polly Castor What is the hardest part of your job? Since 1997, I’ve held a full-time, public, day job as a Christian Science Practitioner (a spiritual healer), doing art and family in the in-between times. “Day job,” is a misnomer, since I’m on call 24/7, 365 days of the year, regardless that … Read more
Constraint is a Catalyst for Creativity (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Endless possibilities bewilder while narrowed options focus fresh opportunities. Limit yourself to just do a painting
Recent Food Around Here (Photos with Recipe Links)
There are some oft-repeated tried and true recipes here as well as a bunch of recipe-testing on new stuff that is not yet what we call “blog worthy.”
Recent Black and White Photos
These photos have been collected since the beginning of January. I hope you enjoy their value contrasts, composition, light, shadows, shapes, and mood.
Theo of Golden (Book Review)
It is about kindness, about an artist and art appreciation, about deeply listening to others about what is on their heart, encouraging others to see their value, appreciating nature, music, walking, and community, all with Christian overtones.
Reverse our Feeble Flutterings (Spiritual Short #3)
When you do a major overhaul of limiting beliefs, reversing them, you’ll thrive, and be a peace, fulled with joy, and in consonance with the “absolute center and circumference of your being.”
Just Around the House, Early in the Morning (Poem by Mary Oliver)
Though I have been scorned for it
let me never be afraid to use the world beautiful.
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.
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.