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.
Polly Castor
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.
Grace Notes #61
My hope is that this practice will make me and you more aware of the constant flow of amazing good we are perpetually steeped in, which we are surrounded by all the time.
Connecticut Women Artist’s Member Gallery 2026
In this post are my favorites from the Connecticut Women Artists Member Gallery for 2026. I enjoy being part of this talented and diverse group of artists.
Recent Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal
Lately, I’ve been writing the action items– the imperatives– I need to do in the right hand column, with everything else on the left hand side. I am really loving paying attention to this distinction, as well as focusing on implementing those injunctions.
Whole Red Onion and Carrot Soup (Recipe)
This is inexpensive, low calorie (41 calories a bowl), healthy, and surprisingly good. I was skeptical, but now I’m a believer, and for a bonus, the soup only get better as leftovers. It takes a little time simmering, but is not difficult to do.
Seven Most Recent Collages in my Artist Journals
I love using my artist journals to try new ideas, but frankly they are also great for mental health. Are you playing in one yet?
What to Do in Darkness (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Don’t despair. Be more conscious and aware. Move carefully, cautiously.
Lean on each other…
Fresh Translation of the Lord’s Prayer from Aramaic
Create your reign of unity now- Your one desire then acts with ours, as in all light, so in all forms.
Take Two Artists with Art and Creativity Quotes
Enjoy all this beauty, creativity, and heart shared in this post, focusing on fiber, mixed media, nature, and abstraction.
The Eights (Book Review)
I enjoyed this book about the friendship that grows between four smart, strong women, who are assigned to lived together in their first year of Oxford in 1920.