Mark Twain’s Rules on Writing
Here are Mark Twain’s Rules of Writing (from Mark Twain’s scathing essay on the Literary Offenses of James Fenimore Cooper):
Polly Castor
Book Review: Handling the Truth
I enjoyed this book and found it gives a good introduction to writing in the genre of memoir. The author has written several memoirs and is a professor of the subject at
Memoir Class: First Day
I am at Creative Arts Camp on the shores of Long Lake in Maine yet again – for my eighth consecutive year – while my husband holds down the fort at home with
Please Pray About Syria
Call me a peacenik, but I believe bombing is not a solution. And when the best minds and strategists can’t figure out a solution, why will bombs help? I’m glad we haven’t bombed yet. I hope we don’t. There is not an obvious, good, governmental move that is going take out Assad, the Al Nursa … Read more
New Painting: ”Underlying Issues” (with Process Photos)
Friday afternoon my calendar was unexpectedly cleared so I had the chance to paint outside in the beautiful day. Above is the painting that came forth, titled “Underlying Issues.”
Quote from Leonard Cohen
“ring the bells that still can ring forget your perfect offering there is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in” Leonard Cohen
The Medium of Man
As an artist, I’m used to thinking in terms of mediums: watercolor, acrylic, pastel, gouache, or oil, for example. So when I read that matter is not the medium of man (see Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy page 372) it really struck me that the “medium of man” … Read more
New Poem: Floating Down the River
Floating Down the River Submerged in rivulets of undulating millefiori bean shapes refracting vigorously verdant overgrowth while little-bo-peep clouds, puffed, also float in strong blue hue above, and underneath, macrame light nets coppery rocks, anchoring them. But on the surface dapples shift and converse, one color streak jostles with the next, chatting, swapping places … Read more
Featured Artist: Marian Dioguardi
Not usually a fan of still life, I have at last found some still life paintings that I genuinely love. Check out here and on her website, the work of Marion Dioguardi. Who knew cups could be so exciting? These are so wonderful; my hat is off to her!
Movie Review: The Butler
I enjoyed this movie, which is based on the true story of a White House butler who served seven presidents over thirty years, while his son actively worked in the civil rights movement in sit-ins, as a freedom rider, and with Martin Luther King. It serves as a rather concise survey of the hard won … Read more
Some Humor
Since yesterday’s post was a little heavy for a holiday weekend, I thought we could use a little humor today. I’ve been collecting these since last spring when I did a similar post; I hope something strikes your funny bone…
New Poem: The Problem with Bullies
The Problem with Bullies With bullies you lose whatever you do. Most bullies don’t realize they are bullying or jealous or inappropriate and they don’t always only pick on those that are awkward and unsure. Some bullies think they are leading when they intimidate, condescend and overrule. Those petty dictators that so desperately have … Read more
Our Son Starts His Sophomore Year
I drove our son to Swarthmore today, where he will start his sophomore year in college. He was excited to be back and I’m very grateful he loves this place so much. He is pursuing a double major in engineering and political science, and this fall will be taking mostly engineering requirements, with a hard … Read more
August 2013 CSA Produce
Our youngest daughter (in the red shirt in the photos) has a seasonal job in the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) gardens at New Pond Farm. Here are some photos of the produce they’ve grown this August. There has been a wonderful bounty every week!
What Healthy Looks Like
I liked the bit below from this Bravewriter (homeschooling curriculum) newsletter written by Julie Bogart: “I made a list of what ‘healthy’ looks like to me a few years back. I share it with you now: Curiosity over accusation: When you find someone’s behavior strange or upsetting or simply different than you expected, ask questions, … Read more
Our Son Turns 19
We had a nice time today with our son as he turned nineteen. He has grown up a lot and we are very proud of the progress he is making. We celebrated with our usual birthday cookies and Andrew set a new high standard on an awesome job frosting his large cookie (see below.) … Read more