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Polly Castor

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

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Month: March 2014

About the New SAT

June 1, 2015March 14, 2014 by Polly Castor
the New SAT

Well there has been a lot of buzz about the new revision to the SAT that will apply to kids that are freshman this year and younger.

Categories Homeschooling, Ideas Tags College, education, parenting Leave a comment

Two Tissue Paper Collages

June 1, 2015March 13, 2014 by Polly Castor

I love working with colored tissue paper, and am intrigued with the layering possibilities of it. The only problem is that it is not lightfast, so

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Artist Journals, mixed media Leave a comment

Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Donuts

June 2, 2015March 12, 2014 by Polly Castor
Recipe: Baked Pumpkin Donuts

My husband makes these along with Apple/Spice ones in a specialty pan I bought on vacation in Maine…

Categories Food Tags Breakfast, Desserts, Recipes, sprouted flour, vegetarian 1 Comment

Three New Handmade Pottery Pieces

June 1, 2015March 11, 2014 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor Handmade Pottery

I recently made the large scrafitto popcorn bowl, and the carved vase. Our youngest daughter made the amazing teapot of a dragon emerging from an egg.

Categories Art Tags creativity, homeschooling, pottery Leave a comment

A Question Guide to Discussing Art

June 1, 2015March 10, 2014 by Polly Castor
Art by Polly Castor

I think it is important to talk about art, but many people don’t know where to begin. This question guide could be used to get more out of a museum visit, or as a tool for classroom children or homeschooling parents.

Categories Art, Homeschooling Tags Art Shows, creativity, education, homeschooling Leave a comment

Current Indoor Blooms

June 4, 2015March 9, 2014 by Polly Castor
reblooming orchid

We’ve had one or another amaryllis blooming and my husband can make orchids rebloom with apparent ease; there are two reblooming right now in my home.

Categories Photography Tags Amaryllis, Church Flowers, Flowers, Nature Leave a comment

A Poem by Dawna Markova

May 8, 2015March 8, 2014 by Polly Castor
Poem by Dawns Markova

I choose to risk my significance,
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom,
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others Leave a comment

A Last Painting of my Mom’s

June 4, 2015March 7, 2014 by Polly Castor
My Mom's Painting

And in that box was the abstract, my last painting from my Mom…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Painting, Art by Others, Family, watercolor Leave a comment

No Formulas for Homeschooling High School

June 1, 2015March 6, 2014 by Polly Castor
No Formulas for Homeschooling High School

High school is a time to tailor offerings even more diligently to the specific needs of our unique pupils than ever before. It is not a time to buckle to the “system” and start playing the “game.”

Categories Homeschooling, Hope, Ideas Tags advice, authenticity, College, community, education, Essay, homeschooling, life lessons, parenting, patience, reflections, Robotics, trust Leave a comment

Our Job is to Love (Quote)

May 30, 2015March 5, 2014 by Polly Castor
Our Job is to Love

Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags community, life lessons, patience, peace, Quotes, Virtue Leave a comment

Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

February 7, 2021March 4, 2014 by Polly Castor
Recipe for Mushroom Stroganoff

This is both good and really quick and easy. We ate it here as a solo main dish but I like it better as a side for something else.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Organic food, Recipes, Side Dish, vegetarian Leave a comment

New Acrylic Abstract: The Iguana’s Grotto

May 30, 2015March 3, 2014 by Polly Castor
The Iguana's Grotto by Polly Castor

Here is a new painting of mine titled The Iguana’s Grotto. It is 16″ x 20″ and done in acrylic…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Acrylic Paintings, creativity, Paintings Leave a comment

New Poem: Feed the Soil

May 30, 2015March 2, 2014 by Polly Castor
Feed the soil

Poem about children being like plants; you’ve got to cultivate the soil they are in…

Categories Poetry Tags Gardening, metaphor, Poetry by me Leave a comment

Photos of Fast Moving Cold Water

May 30, 2015March 1, 2014 by Polly Castor

I thought you might enjoy my recent photographs of fast moving cold water. They were a challenge to take, but came out beautifully.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Nature, water photography, Winter Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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!

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

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.

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 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.

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

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!!

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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 :)

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

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 !

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

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.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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?

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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!

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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! ❤️

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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 for this….I absolutely love reading it!

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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!

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.

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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.

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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!!

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

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.

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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.

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.

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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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:

  • Our Son Starts His Sophomore Year →

  • Recipe: Baked Winter Squash Soup →

  • Two Book Reviews →

  • Swarthmore Peonies →

  • Book Review: Water For Elephants →

  • Art Quotes Off Twitter →

  • Lessons in Chemistry (Movie Review) →

  • New Abstract Watercolors in Artist’s Journal →

  • The Importance of Silent Prayer →

  • Two New Paintings →

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
 
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