Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art
Polly Castor 
During the stellar weather we’ve been having lately, I’ve enjoyed these flowers…
As of yesterday, we have a bridge being replaced on one of our most commonly used back roads. For six months we will have to go a less direct and less familiar route. These photos are of my new view, taken out of the car’s window on the way to an early appointment.
I have the best blog readers. Shared below is the response I got from a blog reader (who is an Episcopal priest in Georgia) regarding the poem I wrote yesterday. I thought it was wonderful, complete with its great internal rhyme scheme. Thank you! Tattoos (Apologies to Polly) What do you have tattooed on your … Read more
Tattooed on Your Heart What do you have tattooed on your heart? What is irrevocably etched on your soul, your being, your character? Is it lovingkindness, gently giving voice only to good? Is it quietly getting done with poise and focus what needs to be accomplished? Is it gratefully making the most of what you’ve … Read more
Today was the first time I’ve been to the Farmer’s Market all year since between our garden and our weekly CSA haul we have been inundated with seasonal produce. But there is nothing like a lovely Saturday morning at the farmer’s market, and it was good to be back. In the bottom photo you can … Read more
Hands on homeschooling has many hours where I need to be present for the discussion of ideas or the supervision of work, but my hands can be busy.
This is spicy, delicious, and deeply satisfying… Mexican noodle casserole 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 6 oz.), divided 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs 1/4 cup butter, divided 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 1 … Read more
It took my daughter three hours this morning to pick the last of the New Pond Farm zinnias… Mixed in here are also photos of some of our other booty gleaned today from the garden…
I really enjoyed this book and stayed up late last night finishing it. It is about two widowers who fall in love in their sixties with someone each of their respective families consider most inappropriate. Major Pettigrew, a proper Englishmen, and Mrs Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper, are a wonderful pair that you root for all … Read more
Here are some images from the current Ridgefield Guild of Art Juried Show. I have never submitted to this show as its entry dates always overlap with my trip to art camp in Maine. I thought this show was particularly good this year…
I’ve been experimenting with black & white photography lately, fascinated by the range of values and the effects of light…
At Creative Arts Camp this fall, when I learned more about underpainting, I remembered a painting I had done mostly as therapy to get over some upsetting news. Not surprisingly under those conditions, it had come out terribly and I knew now that I could definitely save it by relegating it as a first layer … Read more
I found this quote by Umair Haique in the Harvard Business Review blog encouraging: “If America wants to create the future… it’s going to have to prefer to buy stuff that offers real benefits, to work on stuff of real worth, to invest rather than just speculate, to educate and dedicate its time, energy, and … Read more
Bonding and Balance While I advocate being a noble gas with outer atomic shells initially complete, most elements do not exhibit those properties so molecules are formed by atoms sharing electrons not only to be numerically fulfilled but more importantly: to gain stability. It’s called bonding and it brings balance. At our most elemental, people … Read more
I have studied the story of the tower of Babel before. To me it is a lesson about getting so ahead of oneself with one’s own abilities that you forget about God. It’s about being so full of yourself that you work for your own gain instead of for God’s glory. It is about pride … Read more
Need a muffin recipe that is so delicious that you’ll want it over and over again, but one that is healthy as well? These muffins have enough staying power and nutrition to keep you satisfied all morning. They are totally yummy. Serve them warm, and not only for breakfast! Recipe for Morning Glory Muffins … Read more
I am so grateful to have been to Creative Arts Camp this year! It was just what I needed and I want to thank everyone there for facilitating for me an “oil change” of a spiritual proportion. Let me explain. Many years ago now, I was working on a major church project that was an … Read more