Polly Castor
The Practice of Meditation (Poem by Danna Faulds)
It’s a practice, this choice to be
still and know what I know
while allowing the ocean of my
unknowing to scour the mind’s
shoreline until awareness is
laid bare and the subtle sound
of breath vies with silence
for my attention.
Seaside Outcropping (New Pastel Painting by Polly Castor)
Gosh it feels good to paint again after all that time refurbishing my artist website!
Crispy Herbed Falafel (Recipe)
The secret to these fabulous vegan and flourless falafel is that they are made with soaked, dried chickpeas.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (Book Review)
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, and listening as the main character blossomed into finding renewed purpose in her life.
Sketching the 360º View (Grid Journaling Idea #5)
I found this process very satisfying, and will do more of it, prepping some pages in advance, so I can just grab my journal and go, as the sketching opportunity arises.
Confidence (Poem by Agnes Florida Chalmers)
Confidence (pastel) by Polly Castor Confidence Our Father knows my need to-day; I do not, doubting, ask For happy hours or golden way, Or loving, helpful task; But, with all trust in Love, I pray : Our Father knows my need to-day. Our Father knows my need this hour; Where’er my steps may go, The … Read more
Two New Small Landscape Paintings
Happy Headlands (watercolor) by Polly Castor Here are two, small, recent landscapes. The one above, Happy Headlands was done in the new watercolors I got for my birthday, on scrumptious 300# handmade paper made by Two Rivers. I would love to visit them when we are in England, but they are in the wrong direction, … Read more
Recent Black & White Photography
Studying the world this way heightens my awareness, and is a good exercise in mindfulness, while also helping underpin my strongly colorist artwork.
Announcing: Polly’s New Art Website is Live!
I’ve built a new art website over the last year and a half and it is finally up!
Bits and Clips for April 2024
I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, poetry, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, inspires, supports, educates, or motivates you.
The Need to Grow (Movie Review)
It is an environmental film with some solutions to offer, so more hopeful than most on this topic.
Future of Christian Science in Connecticut Meeting
Church, after all in Christian Science is defined as, “that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race…” so let’s get on with doing just that!
The Rest of my Photos from DC and Alexandria
Here are some of the other highlights from our recent trip, along with an itinerary summary.
Old Town Alexandria Farmer’s Market (Photos)
I’m not sure what it says about me, but you can take me to any amount of highbrow cultural events, but I’ll like a farmer’s market the best of all. There is something in the mix of colors, shapes, people, flavors, potential, and hopefulness at one that I find irresistible. The one in Old Town … Read more
Starting A New Paragraph (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Starting A New Paragraph While we were gone, the leaves have begun to come out as the forsythia cadmium, which was so bright when we left, wanes. Our weeping cherry tree is in bloom and becomes less pink each day, but fortunately, it has remained cool enough that we didn’t miss it entirely. The tree … Read more