Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art
Polly Castor 
I was really struck by the above verse in Hymn 361. My son is in the early throes of preparing for eight big college entrance tests this spring of his junior year. As a homeschooler, the scores on these tests are particularly important in validating his transcript. Recently, I bought the mountain of test prep … Read more
Ever wonder what I get back from my blog readers? The limerick Joe wrote for me made my day and inspired this post, but all of you are interesting people who contribute so much to my life! I cherish each of you. Here is a recent smattering of input from my readership: “There once was … Read more
This page represents February 6, 2011 through February 17, 2011. See close-ups of recent entries below. Enjoy!
Here are the oatmeal raisin cookies my daughter makes… Easy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe 1 cup (1/2 pound or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar, packed 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 … Read more
My husband can make orchids re-bloom like it is no big deal. My mother could do this as well. And I am simply a lateral beneficiary, totally delighting in them! Here are the re-blooming orchids currently gracing my living room…
Marriage a Secure Friendship It’s the last day of the long President’s Day weekend. All our children were away: one at college; two at a four day church youth retreat So we had time alone. We went out to dinner and saw a couple movies. But mostly we talked: we talked (and talked) from breakfast … Read more
After a few warm days, our heaps of snow have started to melt. Lots of the snow is looking pretty dirty at this point. We even can see bits of grass under the large pine tree in our front yard, but make no mistake, it’s still 18” high most places. Happily, the dangerous snow on … Read more
I really enjoyed this movie set in India about a child struggling with dyslexia and the art teacher who helped him overcome it with understanding, kindness, and compassion. Regardless of it’s slow pace, the subtitles, and long song interludes, I give it five stars. I was very touched by both what the boy went through … Read more
This is the most unusual film I’ve seen in quite a while. Animated for adults, in detailed but subdued watercolors, this intentionally slow paced, sweet, movie is totally NOT from Disney! Created by Europeans and Asians, with incredibly little dialogue, the artwork in this is remarkable, the caricatures are interesting and varied, while the story … Read more
As basically a multifaceted Renaissance person, and one that believes in and deeply practices cross-pollinating (see here), I’ve been contemplating what a singular purpose for me might be, especially as it relates to the following advice from four thinkers I respect. Quotes from great thinkers: “Hardly any human being is capable of pursuing two professions … Read more
As a New York Times bestseller, with over a million copies in print, the cover of this novel says it is a story of human triumph. Just read the back cover below and you can see why I read it! But after reading it, I don’t recommend it, even though it is exceptionally well written … Read more
Here is my recent digital artwork done on my tiny iPhone screen… (The last yellow one my daughter did with me…)
Our day started by honoring our youngest with a hearty breakfast of six of her favorite multi-grain pancakes with berry maple syrup (see here). After church, she opened four books from us (the green packages): two on chemistry and two on beading. (What does she want as her “big” present from us? The piano being … Read more
As a doodler in general, I made it official at Christmastime with a very large, 12” x 16” Moleskine journal dedicated to the subject. (See here for details.) The pages are thick enough for no bleed through and I’m happy with it! Check out here the first two creations contained therein!
I can’t help but note that before a worldwide 24 hour prayer watch for Egypt was over, a radical breakthrough occurred. The miscellaneous smorgasbord of quotes below came to mind as I thought about what we are seeing come to pass there. Let us celebrate, thank God, keep praying! Inspirational quotes about peace “It isn’t … Read more
We love this ginger pear muffin recipe from Mollie Katzen’s cookbook Sunlight Cafe. The problem is they just don’t keep; you make them and they disappear practically instantly! Try this crowd pleaser at snack time: Ginger Pear Muffins butter to grease muffin pan (or paper liners) 1 cup finely chopped (peeled) pear 1 tablespoon fresh … Read more
