Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)
At times these days I think of the way the sun would set on the farmland around our small house in the autumn.
Holy Peace (Poem by Danna Faulds)
Nothing to run from or run toward. Just this breath, awareness knowing itself as embodiment. Just this breath, awareness waking up to truth.
Dolly All the Time (Book Review)
This is what my book friends call a “palette cleanser” and sometimes you need an easy read with a happy ending.
For all the Jane Does (Poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer)
Walking through the rain-damp grass, cool morning air startles me into being, and I realize how the news of violence against women has numbed me.
Growth Changes (New Poem by Polly Castor)
Growth Changes Our ancestors lived organically, freely sprawling out of the fertile soil. My generation exists hydroponically, efficiently enclosed, with our feet in water. The next generation are air plants, trying to thrive on mere mist and humidity. How and on what will their children live? We all need the sun, and to photosynthesize, but … Read more
Bits and Clips for September 2026
I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, informs, inspires, supports, educates, encourages or motivates you.
Monhegan Sunflowers (New Painting in Pastel)
These cheery sentinels greeted us each day in the gardens on Monhegan, and it was delightful to have the opportunity to paint them in plein air there on a beautiful day. This painting is 18″x24″ and done in pastel. You can see the entire image above and close up details of it below. Click here … Read more
Every Generation Thinks More Abstractly
The “Flynn effect” shows a pervasive increase of correct IQ test answers in each generation, and these gains occur everywhere, across various cultures and educational or economic opportunities. This has been tracked since World War I and has been documented in 30 countries. IQ gains are three points every ten years.
Trying to Pray (poem by Twyla M. Hansen)
With my arms raised in a vee,
I gather the heavens and bring
my hands down slow together,
press palms and bow my head.
Butterfly Photos from Monhegan
It is amazing to think that these slight, fragile creatures, flew there across the ocean and will fly much further in their migration. No wonder they are fueling up with so much nectar!
Climbing Mountains (New poem by Polly Castor)
Spirit does not labor to ascend a high elevation, nor does it even notice a change in atmosphere.
Monhegan Butterfly Garden (New Floral Painting in Pastel)
There were lots of monarchs and other butterflies on Monhegan and it was delightful to spend a beautiful day with them painting them, watching them flit around and gulp down nectar for their migration from the lovely gardens there.
A Pot of Red Lentils (Poem by Peter Pereira)
I want to remember us this way—late September sun streaming through the window, bread loaves and golden bunches of grapes on the table, spoonfuls of hot soup rising to our lips, filling us with what endures.
The Calamity Club (Book Review)
This is an atmospheric, engrossing, immersive read set in Mississippi during the depression.
Recent Black and White Photography
As summer turns into fall, color will be king and I still try to focus a bit on what is compelling beyond that.
Danny Gregory Books (Sketchbook Ideas #26)
Reading the book above, reminded me of these four books of his (shown below) that I also loved and highly recommend.
Red Brocade (Poem by Naomi Shihab Nye)
That’s the armor everyone put on
to pretend they had a purpose
in the world.