Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art
Polly Castor 
So I am back from pick up at Crystal Lake Camps and am thrilled my son had an awesome time during his counselor-in-training summer. I haven’t seen him in six weeks! Apparently, he and some friends resuscitated the camp’s science program and gave space shuttle simulations potent enough to make fast friends out of any … Read more
If I had known that this movie was about a recent young widow getting posthumous letters from her husband, I probably would have chosen something different to watch. This was a bit far fetched, and I really don’t find watching someone grieve entertaining. I wouldn’t agree that this is “the best romantic comedy in a … Read more
This movie is better in retrospect (four stars), than it was during the viewing (three stars.) It is about the choice adoption over abortion, and also about making peace and restitution with the past. These are difficult topics to portray and this movie does it in an interesting way.
Being part of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a wonderful thing. Check out what a week’s bag of food looks like for us (first two photos below.) A little different than most people’s grocery store run. No plastic. Nothing artificial. Nothing processed. There are also flowers. These were so stunning yesterday, I had to … Read more
One of the great things about my job is having no commute; I often work at the picnic table in the summer. There is one squirrel in particular, that makes impertinent eye contact with me often. Sassy. While I’m in full view watching him, he jauntily climbs up the peach tree, chooses one immature beauty … Read more
This blog has totally been inspired by Carol Hohle’s Inspiration House site, which I highly recommend. Also check out the links below and my photos. And please start doing something to stop this craziness! Other links about this issue to explore: Beth’s Blog: My Plastic Free Life GRIST Dared Me to Make A Change Seven … Read more
Okay, I can be up for a beach read, and as they go, I guess this is an okay one. It is also insipid, banal, repetitive and predictable. I give it only a low 3 stars. It came well recommended from a usually reliable source, so I’m mostly just warning you not to waste your … Read more
This was delicious and easy to make. I served it recently with fish smothered in pesto made fresh from the garden, and it was truly a wonderful meal. This recipe is from a beautiful cookbook shown below that I recommend as well. Leek, Scallion, and Fennel Gratin 3 large leeks, white part only, washed, … Read more
I am a regular contributor to the Danbury News Times Forum on Faith column, which is also picked up by the Connecticut Post and the Stamford Advocate. Here is today’s article: Life Lessons are Everywhere, if You’re Watching How is your summer going? Aside from a few blistering days, we’ve had some great weather. I’ve … Read more
This evening I saw the documentary Buck, which won the Sundance film festival this year. It is about the real life horse whisperer that the movie with Robert Redford by that name was modeled after. This is about parenting as much as horses, leading with respect and love, and never anger. Gently let expectations be … Read more
I really enjoyed this book whose premise is that happiness can be cultivated. I give it five stars. Although slow going at times, I found it a thoroughly worthwhile read about one woman’s journey toward figuring out how to make choices that would garner more happiness. She ends up nagging less, de-cluttering more, laughing more, … Read more
I was reminded recently of something heard years ago in a Presbyterian sermon that has set me pondering over the years, and I realized that you may find it relevant to think about as well: “Tradition is the living faith of those now dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of those now living.” So, what … Read more
Be Grateful for the Lump We are leaven, spark-plugs, jump-starters. We see the pan-vision picture with all the exciting possibilities. We are restless for progress that others can’t even imagine. We are bucking for the change that others fear or resist. Galatians 9:5: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” All of us are leaven … Read more
It’s not often we eat at the top of the food chain but tonight we splurged and treated ourselves to swordfish. We bought it fresh off the boat and it was delicious! These were not hard to make, and was fun to do; we will be making this again! This recipe came from a grocery … Read more
A few years ago I had a “eureka” moment while sitting in Sarabeth’s Restaurant in New York City. I was thoroughly enjoying an incredible egg creation made with smoked salmon, when I realized the secret ingredient in a chat with my waiter. Always liking an egg and smoked salmon combination, I had never before … Read more
Not surprising for a homeschooler, I’m inside in the air-conditioning on a hot, sticky day in July planning curriculum for the coming school year. One of the distinct advantages of homeschooling is that you can customize your plan to the kid involved, and that is what is going on here. Some subjects are approached in … Read more
