Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Month: April 2012

Scale of the Universe: Great Comparisons!

June 9, 2015April 13, 2012 by Polly Castor

I’ve just had an enlightening time on a website learning about the size and scale of the universe.

Categories Homeschooling, Ideas Tags homeschooling, Science Leave a comment

Sprouted Spelt Flour

June 9, 2015April 12, 2012 by Polly Castor
sprouted spelt flour

Sprouted flour is actually food, instead of the trumped up emptiness that fills so much of the baked goods around. This book helped me understand what…

Categories Books, Food Tags sprouted flour 1 Comment

Our Weeping Cherry Tree

January 5, 2015April 11, 2012 by Polly Castor
Weeping cherry tree

Our weeping cherry tree starts out bright pink and fades to almost white when the petals drop, drifting at the edges of our walk like dustings of snow…

Categories Photography Tags Flowering Trees, spring 1 Comment

Movie Review: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

December 15, 2014April 10, 2012 by Polly Castor
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen movie

We enjoyed this movie about introducing salmon to the Yemen. The themes of faith, trying to accomplish the unlikely, and of swimming against the current, were…

Categories Movies Tags 4 Star Movies, Movie Reviews Leave a comment

Glass Beads We Made

May 22, 2015April 9, 2012 by Polly Castor
handmade glass beads

Yesterday my sister-in-law hosted a lovely lunch for her family and ours. She wore the handmade glass bead necklace we made her years ago.

Categories Art Tags creativity 1 Comment

New Poem by Me: Obscure Escape Hatch

December 14, 2016April 8, 2012 by Polly Castor

We’ve all suffered minor crucifixions.
People let us down and are unkind
our honest, open-hearted hope is dashed
we are no longer needed or are too threatening

Categories Poetry Tags Poetry by me Leave a comment

Laurel Ridge Daffodils

June 9, 2015April 7, 2012 by Polly Castor
litchfield daffodils

My husband and I had a great time this morning visiting the thousands of daffodils at Laurel Ridge in Litchfield, CT. It was gorgeous even though we were not…

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Nature, spring Leave a comment

My Good Friday Sermon 2012

May 22, 2015April 6, 2012 by Polly Castor
good friday sermon

Every year for the past twelve years I have given a sermon as part of our clergy association’s three hour community Good Friday service. This year we did…

Categories Spirituality Tags Essay, Jesus, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Photos from a Hike in the Woods

December 15, 2014April 5, 2012 by Polly Castor
hiking in the woods

It was delightful to get out into the woods today – the first time since fall. The skunk cabbage are perky harbingers of much more green to come!

Categories Photography Tags Nature, spring Leave a comment

Dramatic Evening Sky

December 15, 2014April 4, 2012 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor photography

This was the sky as we arrived at church this evening…

Categories Photography Tags Sunsets Leave a comment

Fabulous Forsythia

December 15, 2014April 3, 2012 by Polly Castor
yellow forsythia

This is the fabulous forsythia outside the pottery studio I work in on Tuesday mornings… What a treat of luscious vibrance!

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Nature, spring Leave a comment

Kickoff of JSH-Online

June 9, 2015April 2, 2012 by Polly Castor
jsh online christian science

For well over a century Christian Science Reading Rooms have had bound volumes available of all past periodicals (Journal, Sentinel & Herald; hence JSH) Today a website is launched with all 500,000 pages available to be searched.

Categories Spirituality Tags Christian Science Leave a comment

AIPAD Photography Show in NYC

March 11, 2017April 1, 2012 by Polly Castor
new york photographers, aipad

No April Fool: the prices on these works ranged from $2,500 to $185,000! There was very little nature photography. Shown are those works I found inspiring.

Categories Art, Photography Tags Art Shows, New York 1 Comment
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 Page2

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

I’m new to your site and I love today’s post about being grateful!

Absolutely stunning, Polly. I love the infinite range of ideas, expression, and media in this BIG blog of yours.

Thanks for the nudge!

You continue to inspire, impress, and
amaze me, Polly.

Thank you so much for your fantastic, soulful images– your photos really capture the love, joy, camaraderie, power, and intensity of the present moment.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Every day I look forward to your blog. It’s encouraging me to find ways to express what God reveals in me.

Thank you Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

What lovely Soul-inspired insights! Thank you for these great ideas!

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others. With appreciation for all you do to magnify good!

I love this poem, Polly, and I shall read it often! I feel sure it will help lift my thought to healing.

Polly, I just love your spirit, innovativeness, receptivity to beauty and to God’s goodness expressed. Thank you for your blog.

Thank you for sharing such a personal, and at the same time, universal, love of beauty.

Helen Frankenthaler’s works were interesting, but I like your abstracts better.

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive!

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

Magnificent poem. How blest you are to be a poet, photographer, artist, metaphysician, all wrapped up into One.

Excellent. Thank you for sharing this welcome thought to redirect today’s thinking.
I am grateful for this blog.

Really enjoyed your poem on Animal magnetism. Very clear truths. Thank you. Your vibrant art work is superb.

Your food is presented in such an artistic way that it looks beautiful, wholesome and totally delicious!!

This blog is simultaneously simple and profound– a perfect, balanced combination of seriousness and light.

Love all you do and express. You’re an amazing role model!!

Thank you for all your uplifting daily contributions, wherever form they take – photos, recipes, artwork, book reviews and smiley faces!

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

With its awesome art, recipes, book reviews, and really excellent writing, this blog is the perfect corner of the internet.

Your abstracts are interesting and you have a unique style that is all your own. Original, demonstrating individuality and confidence! I see joy and love expressed.

Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts.

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

What a fine piece! You certainly are a shining example….[it] was uplifting and instructive.

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

Your blog is full of the wonderful, multilayered colors and textures that you play with, and share so unselfishly with the world.

Thank you for the insight. Especially separating church from a building or denomination. The passion and joy of color in your paintings is marvelous.

Thank you for your ultra positive, upbeat, cheering and cheerful expressions in so many forms. What great seeds to sow in world thought!

This is absolutely beautiful and so incredibly helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much! ❤️

Thank you for your transparency of love, your generous sharing of what you are pondering and doing.

Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. Very clear.

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

Thank you sincerely for your joyful out-pouring of love, light, color, comforting, inspiring words…

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. Thanks for keeping that idea alive.

Well done Polly, I love your book reviews! Please carry on the good work of guiding our book choices.

Thank you for the constant good thoughts and beautiful expressions of love and joy that you share on your blog.

Love the photos, as usual. You are a Creative Genius, Polly.

Thank you for the joy you share. I look forward to reading your posts!

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

Yes indeed! You are a shining light and you are definitely using all your wonderful talents

Thanks for sharing from the seat of your soul with generosity and openness.

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

You are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

I think you have covered absolutely every way anyone would wish to be blessed

Your photos have opened my eyes to the beauty surrounding us everywhere.

Oh my goodness Polly, this is absolutely magnificent and reaches so far deep into my soul.

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

I love your swirling universes, the spirals that draw one in and introduce us to ourselves.

I have just started this book and am really loving it! Thank you so much for recommending it.

Thank you for introducing me to wonderful, amazing authors.
Love the pictures of your elegant flowers.

Thanks, Polly, for listening so carefully and sharing so selflessly.

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

Just a wonderland of possibilities and ideas and the materials to explore and discover. What a beautiful, exciting place! I’ve taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it.

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

Thank you very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

I love your website, messages, poems and art. Thank you for the blessing of community that you provide.

Thankful every morning to see another treasure from you in my emails !

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

Polly, please keep sharing these pages! I love seeing them. You inspired me to do the same thing.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

You are so incredibly sweet, gracious, kind, thoughtful, creative, generous, joyful, witty, courageous, tender, persistent, compassionate, brilliant, articulate, ad infinitum!

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

I’m grateful for you opening my eyes to the wonders that surround us.

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

Polly! I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

This is so well thought out and written. Thank you for this compelling essay. I agree with you on all points, Polly.

Thank you for sharing yourself and creativity in such a transparent way, it is very inspiring and humbling to me.

I am simply amazed at the wealth of beauty, soul, and experience. Love it. Love you! Thank You for sharing your innermost so openly.

My mother adores your blog and speaks to me often about what recent nugget you shared which she thought was wonderful!

Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. I printed it out and will try it. Thanks so much!

This is one of the BEST explanations of one’s understanding of God I have seen in a long time. The image paired with the text was spot on!

Thank you Polly for your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

Polly, I needed you today and there you were and it was enough. Thank you for being a motivator.

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

I am so totally impressed with your photography, poetry, and painting.Your talent is incredible!!!

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

Love your blog’s colour and joyfulness and the inspiring leads, Polly. Easy to see why you are much loved. Thank you.

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading it.

Just beautiful, Polly. So honest and uplifting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the helpful ones of others.

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

That’s all very helpful for me today, Polly. Thanks for going deep on this. I’m sharing your joy in our Source.

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

You show us how God’s love shines in all things. You are a blessing!

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing….

You capture so vividly the beauty of nature. Thank you for bringing such beauty into my every day.

What a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for your honesty, integrity and willingness to speak out for Truth and Justice!!!

Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive!

Your site is bolstering my creative thoughts. I need to put them into action.

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

Polly, you are a whiz at living life the way it’s meant to be. I’m fascinated by all you do!

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

Today’s post was a Gift from God. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

WONDERFUL blog, Polly! Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I am just left in awe !

Thanks, Polly! Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

I just had to comment on today’s blog. I LOVED it! I have had similar thoughts for some time.

Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? I am in absolute awe of your thorough and articulate way you describe how all of this works.

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

I salute you! And I sure do thank you for inspiring me to greater efforts along all lines of life!

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

This blog is so prolific and original, inspiring and joy producing.

Polly, your reflection of Soul’s endless creativity is truly wonderful! Thank you for letting the divine shine through you so brightly!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

Let’s all have a productive day and be joyful!

Neat! Love the black and white contrasts enhanced by the light.

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

Quite unforgettable. You truly have a way with words:warm; strong; inviting; enlightening; so substantive, and more.

Wow. Yes, quite something to contemplate. Thank you, Polly!!

Thank you for all the inspiration you share so generously. I am deeply grateful!

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

Your multiple images and vocabulary choices give energy and renewed resolve to flagging spirits. Thank you for sharing.

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

Grace is a beautiful quality and you exude it in spades – thanks so much for all you do and are! You are a treasure!

You share so freely, with so so so much love and joy and an open-open-heart…

Thank you for your commitment to reality and our true nature!

Wow! What a stunning collection of gorgeous images and though-provoking quotes. They made my day.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

Well Done! This is such a wonderful venture. Your work is just extraordinary!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

Beautiful photos. It is uplifting and energizing to see such bright, cheerful, healthy and fresh images. Thanks, I needed that!

I am one of your readers who definitely looks forward to a positive message from you every morning. You grow people.

Beautiful photos! All that color, texture & gorgeous pattern….

All of your work is eye and mind popping. I love it!

Wow!! I cannot wait to try this recipe! Thank you!

Yummy and beautiful! I love all the colors and this food looks amazing! The plates too!

I appreciate the joy, inspiration, and great information you provide us in your blogs.

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

Thank you Polly–you are always such a clear thinker and always willing to share your God-given gifts.

Thank you! I enjoy reading your notes from the Bible Lesson. Your interpretation is helpful for my thought and I’m sure many others.

I think one reason I enjoy your blog is that you Stand Forth In All Your God-given Glory, expressing everything Good!

Oh yum, Polly… These gorgeous photos made my mouth water and my eyes pop!

I wanted you to know that I found the time I spent on your blog to be relaxing, refreshing, inspiring, and totally enjoyable.

Gorgeous new work. I love the vitality of the city scenes and vibrant color palette.

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

Amazing, Polly! A wonderful example of seeing the possibilities…creativity at its best.

This is absolutely magnificent. Bless your precious and beautiful soul for sharing this.

Polly, thanks for “amplifying good”. That’s what you really do!

This blog is upbeat, progressive, sincere, colorful, metaphoric, and exploratory. Such a rich feast!

What a beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

Wow, super powerful and definitely what I needed to hear today.

I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

Perspective is everything – and choosing a liberating one blesses everyone, as you point out!

You are my favorite artist. I just have to say it. Your paintings make me so happy.

I have so enjoyed your recent posts– about your garden, your reflections about parenting, your vibrant artwork– so many wonderful expressions of Spirit.

This is a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

Excellent post, dear Polly! Thanks!! There is lots that I relate to in your comments!

Polly always captures the balance between what I can do, and all the miracles I am given.

I love your blog! I shared it with my mom, an artist, and she is impressed with your art. I’ve also spent time studying your paintings. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! Thank you!!

Oh so beautiful! I keep coming back to look at the paintings again.

Polly, your wonderful blog is doing more than its bit in this dreadful time. Thanks, and keep on keeping on!

I just want to say that I have really been enjoying your blog! It gives me hope for the world…

Lovely Polly! You are an inspiration! I am so happy to have your blog in my life!

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

Love the poem so so much and the first painting with the trees is INCREDIBLE!!

What a stunning place! It is just a slice of heaven. Thank you for sharing its beauty.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

Polly, I’m grateful for you, your prayerful work, your blog, your art, photos, words and colors.

This blog deeply resonates while being beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and fun. Not easy to do!

Polly, what amazing and timely insight in these wise words! Thanks for sharing this wisdom.

I’m so grateful for all you share with us.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

This poem is what I needed to further focus on moving out of the fear of COVID.❤️

Thank you for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

I did your 52 books challenge, and loved the structure that it provided to my selections. Doing it again this year too!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

These thoughts you shared are a keeper for me to revisit when in need. You are a blessing to many!

What a delight to experience the beauty of nature you shared of your slice of the world through these beautiful photos.

When you get famous, I need to be the president of your fan club.

Polly….I’m happier because of you; I sure do thank you.

Synesthesia! I can taste the yellows and hear the oranges! A feast to the senses! Brava talented Polly

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

Thank you for focusing in on and capturing the little things we so often pass by and/or take for granted.

I’ve just finished this book and I loved it! Thanks for recommending it.

I love the photos – such a gift which makes me feel closer to Fall, my favorite season.

I get so happy when I see your paintings. I really do. They bring me such joy. I feel your heart when I see them.

Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration! I love reading your blog with it’s many insights.

It is always refreshing to see the loves, joys, challenges, and triumphs that you share on your blog.

Love this– actually so “timely” for what I have been thinking about lately.

Wow! Love the abundance of exotic shapes and colours in the Autumn sunshine!

You are such a gem Polly- it is an incredible blessing to daily read your blog!

Thank you for sharing this.
Strange, nothing surprising here.
You are who you are.

Thank you for this. Read it. Gave me hope. Going through an “unsure” time. Thank you for these words of strength, hope, and faith.

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

So beautiful, Polly. Thank you for spelling out – through such artful means – the beauty of patience.

I am so grateful for your generous sharing of ideas across so many different fields! Your colorful art, your beautiful photography, your tasty looking and well presented dishes, your uplifting ideas, your insightful book reviews, and your wonderful healing work! You truly are a polymath!! I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all.

What an incredible blessing and inspiration you are. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart!

A powerful message. Thank you for getting it out there.

I LOVE YOU!!

You amuse-inspire-edify-entertain-inform-uplift-enhance-educate-color!-…my days!

Your posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving heart.

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

You have a great eye for beauty Polly. I love your blog.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

WOW! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

The colors are exquisite!!! Thanks for bringing so much beauty into our lives.

Your blog captures a life well lived, constantly imparting good– truth, health and happiness– including beauty, harmony, art, science to the world.

I feel the joy and love of the color and thought in all your work! You are letting your light shine.

Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

Thank you for this….I absolutely love reading it!

Thank you for this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

Your poem feels like a lesson, a treatment, and a love letter all rolled into one perfect package.
Thank you, Polly.

I truly love and am inspired by your blog, including capturing the beauty of life in the moment, teaching by example, taking time with children, and spirituality.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Oh how I love this! Thank you, thank you!

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

That definitely sounds like a book I’d like to read! Thanks Polly!

Wow, you outdid yourself this month with your Bits and Clips. It was a wonderful mix of beauty, humor, and thoughtfulness.

Providing us with wonderful refreshment, enlightenment, peace, encouragement, joy,
and a whole lot more. Thanks, Polly!

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world.
You do a great job taking pictures. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice
shadows.

Polly this is absolutely exquisite and so inspiring. I will refer to it often.

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

This is a fantastic article Polly…so much in it, I know I’ll have to re read it at least twice more!

Way to go on your artistic journey. You show great courage, humility, and such support for everyone around you.

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

I find the ideas you share on your blog very encouraging in having a sense of order when it comes to goals and priorities.

Glorious! Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, Polly.

I always appreciate your reviews. Our fave film in 2019 was The Green Book – which we watched following your recommendation.

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

I look forward to your messages each day, like a delightful gift to unwrap.

Deep and encompassing. Passionate and motherly. Loving and expansive. The photos speak volumes too…and I see the connections with the poem perfectly.

Graciously and lovingly spoken, like a true friend to all. Thank you for your blog Polly.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

I am grateful for the myriad ways you celebrate Life in your art, activities and relationships. Your blog is inspiring in its magnification of Soulful goodness!

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

I appreciate your blog. It’s a breath of fresh air, beauty, and innovative thinking!

Outstanding message! And a sure “wake-up” call for me regarding mortal decline. I’m off on a refreshing direction. Thanks, Polly.

I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Many thanks…

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

The phrase ‘divine choreography’ is resonating with me. Bless you for sharing your inspiration with us all.

You encourage me to grow with your everyday wisdom and your lovely contributions.

We are so blessed with your access to nature and your talent to communicate visually….

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

You are such an inspiring person, Polly, and I love the variety of your activities you share with us all! Thank you so much.

These photos are so wonderful, it really warms the heart.

The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here…. could you direct me to more literature on spiritual healing?

Thank you for bringing your hydrangeas into my home via the internet. Other flowers are lovely too, but hydrangeas are SPECIAL.

I enjoy your strong, bold artwork– there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I really appreciate your blog. It brings joy every day.

This blog is a daily dose from an spiritually-oriented, artist, thinker, sage.

Love your blog. Today’s was dynamite, and very helpful for understanding our role as individuals at this time.

I made your fabulous Fish Tacos and they were BEYOND delicious!!

Thank you, Polly, for bringing clarity to the stressful events we’re experiencing. Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I’m very thankful for your blog.

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

Polly, I love your poem “you were never unwanted”. This poem really hit home. Thank you for your words of wisdom

I love your Blog, Polly!! Therefore, I love you! Your art, your poetry, your philosophy, your religion, your book reviews, your photography, your … husband!

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, Polly!

So beautiful and I have shared it with so many others. Thank you!

Thank you for your generosity and your overflowing sense of soul which you share so beautifully and articulately with everyone!!

Thank you Polly!! This has needed to be said for a while!

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

Thanks so much for this recommendation Polly. We watched in awe … and have recommended in turn.

Love your blog. Today’s is dynamite and very helpful to viewing our role as individuals at this time.

Thank you Polly for sharing those wise words! I heartily agree with them all now I have a bigger perspective on life.

The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . . . This morning I went from fasting to feasting . . .

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

I must find the higher spiritual path that nature often helps me see. Thank you for this beautiful poem.

Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation.

It’s a rare inspiration that can uncover an aching joy — but those poems do that. Thanks for sharing this with us.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

Your blog is uplifting and enlightening, and seems to speak to me just when I need it most.

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

You brighten my life with your thoughts, views, words, pictures….

Absolutely beautiful!!! I love these particular colors together and the different styles and techniques really give it a lot of depth and texture. Brilliant!!!!

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

Love your pastels!

Thank you Polly for this article on supply! I cherish the healing thoughts therein very much, and they are very helpful.

Such a complete radiance of Soul you are demonstrating. I find it very inspiring!

What an inspiring and uplifting painting. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with the world!

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

Thank you for your burst of sunshine reflected in your positivity this morning… I look forward to your blogs.

Polly, you have such a great feel for things. I will enjoy you forever.

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

I loved this book, Polly. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,471)
  • Books (736)
  • Food (852)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (847)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (190)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (697)
  • Spirituality (829)
  • Uncategorized (5)

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
  • Cornell 7 and Rape Culture (Bits and Clips)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)
  • Holy Peace (Poem by Danna Faulds)
  • Dolly All the Time (Book Review)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Savory Croissant Strata (Recipe) →

  • Measuring by Degrees (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Recent Black & White Photographs →

  • Quotes from Abraham Heschel’s book The Sabbath →

  • September Flowers →

  • Recipe: Winter Salad with Eggs and Homemade Dressing →

  • My Husband Made My One Woman Show Possible →

  • Poem: Motherhood is a Gift →

  • It’s Not About the Church Building (New Conceptualist Pastel) →

  • Creativity and Spirituality are Interconnected (Quote by Julia Cameron) →

Favorite Books

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Hints on Child Training: A Book That's Been Helping Parents Like Your...for More Than 100 Years
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
 
Polly Castor's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists
Follow on Instagram

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress