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

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Month: July 2014

July 2014 Bits and Clips

June 9, 2015July 31, 2014 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips

Here are the articles, blogs, podcasts and videos from this month that I felt were worth sharing. I hope you find something enjoyable, inspiring, intriguing or

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

Other Photos from our North Carolina Trip

March 18, 2015July 30, 2014 by Polly Castor
photos from North Carolina trip

Here are some of the other miscellaneous photos I took on our trip to North Carolina to see family…

Categories Food, Photography Tags Family, Flowers, Travel Leave a comment

Artwork of My Mother’s that My Sisters Have

June 4, 2015July 29, 2014 by Polly Castor
Virginia Castor artwork

This summer, I have visited both of my sisters in their homes: Ohio and North Carolina, respectively. It was lovely to see my mom’s artwork gracing their walls.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Family, Flowers, watercolor Leave a comment

A Rarity: Our Children All Together

March 18, 2015July 28, 2014 by Polly Castor
all together

We haven’t been all together since Christmas, but as the four of us (my husband, two daughters and I) drove to and from North Carolina we stopped by to see our son. This evening on our way home we had a great time celebrating his birthday with a nice dinner.

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, happiness, parenting Leave a comment

Restaurant Review: City Kitchen

March 18, 2015July 27, 2014 by Polly Castor
City Kitchen review

We had a wonderful dinner together at City Kitchen in Chapel Hill. As a special treat I had the swordfish and it was fantastic; it is shown first below. This restaurant is pricey but delicious!

Categories Food Tags Restaurants, seafood, Travel Leave a comment

Family Visit to North Carolina Art Museum

March 18, 2015July 26, 2014 by Polly Castor
visit North Carolina Museum of art

We had a wonderful family afternoon at the North Carolina Museum of Art, that started with a delicious lunch at their restaurant (called Iris).

Categories Art, Food, Photography Tags Art Shows, Family, Restaurants, Travel Leave a comment

Delighted to Meet Our First Grand Nephew

May 27, 2015July 25, 2014 by Polly Castor
grand nephew

We were delighted to finally get to meet our first great nephew– my oldest sister’s first grandchild– who was born last January. He’s a wonderful fellow, and we enjoyed snuggling him, listening to him chatter away and grin, and were there for his first word: Dada.

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, happiness, parenting Leave a comment

Our Youngest Daughter’s Recent Pottery Creations

March 18, 2015July 23, 2014 by Polly Castor
pottery creations

Here is what our younger daughter has made recently in pottery…

Categories Art, Homeschooling Tags Art by Others, creativity, Family, homeschooling, pottery Leave a comment

Featured Artist: Brian Rutenberg

March 18, 2015July 23, 2014 by Polly Castor
Brian Rutenburg artist

I love the artwork of Brian Rutenberg and thought you might too.

Categories Art Tags Abatract Art, Abstract Landscapes, Art by Others, Oil Painting 1 Comment

Poem by Jill Gooding: Losing Weight

June 1, 2015July 22, 2014 by Polly Castor
spiritual weight loss, losing weight, Poetry by Jill Gooding

Going on a diet the God-given way with prayer and humility…

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags God, poetry by others, Prayer, Relationship with God, Spiritual Healing Leave a comment

Poem by Ganga White: What If?

June 1, 2015July 21, 2014 by Polly Castor
Ganga White quote, Ganga White poem

What if our religion was each other?

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags poetry by others, Quotes 1 Comment

James McNeil Whistler Quote

March 16, 2015July 20, 2014 by Polly Castor
James Whistler quote

Where do all true artists create from?

Categories Art, Ideas Tags creativity, Quotes Leave a comment

Butterfly and Flower

March 16, 2015July 19, 2014 by Polly Castor
butterfly and flower

Quote by Ponce Denis Écouchard Lebrun

Categories Ideas Tags creatures, Flowers, Summer Leave a comment

Recent Pen and Ink in My Artist’s Journal

March 16, 2015July 18, 2014 by Polly Castor
pen and ink artist

I’ve been exploring some compositional ideas recently in these abstract doodles in my artist’s journal. They are all done in pen and ink…

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, Doodles, pen and ink Leave a comment

Book Review: The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris

March 16, 2015July 17, 2014 by Polly Castor
the greater journey review, the greater journey: americans in paris

If you enjoy history, art, or Paris, you would enjoy this book if you can stick with it. Whoever you are, reading this book is a project that you’ll be glad to have done. It makes me wonder, am I really deeply living and seizing the day in my own time?

Categories Art, Books, Homeschooling Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, homeschooling, non-fiction Leave a comment

Recipe: Chickpea Stuffed Poblano Peppers

June 1, 2015July 16, 2014 by Polly Castor
recipe for poblano peppers, stuffed poblano pepper recipe

This is a delicious vegetarian meal served with a simple side salad of garden lettuce, avocado and cilantro. You can make the peppers as spicy as you like; we are wusses and use about 3/4 of a tablespoon of chili powder, but I know others that would want more.

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

Photos Sent Me By Blog Readers

June 1, 2015July 15, 2014 by Polly Castor
photos sent by blog readers

These photos were sent me by blog readers, and I thought you would enjoy them.

Categories Photography Tags creatures, From Blog Readers, Nature Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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!

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…

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

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!

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

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.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading 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 !

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

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!

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

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! ❤️

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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!

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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!

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

Love your pastels!

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.

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.

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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…

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

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!

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

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.

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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 :)

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

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

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.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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 .

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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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:

  • Zone (poem by Alfred K. Lamotte) →

  • A Bit Uphill at First (Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Texas Sheet Cake (Recipe) →

  • Baked Frittata with Spaghetti Squash, Bacon, and Mushrooms (Recipe) →

  • Gianni Notarianni (Featured Artist) →

  • Book Review: Death Comes to Pemberley →

  • Movie Review: All the President’s Men →

  • Photos of December Hikes 2020 (with Lots of Water Reflections) →

  • The House at the Edge of Night (Book Review) →

  • Once the Forsythia (New Poem with Photos) →

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
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