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Month: September 2014

Bits and Clips for September 2014

June 9, 2015September 30, 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

Late September Flowers

May 4, 2015September 29, 2014 by Polly Castor
Late September Flowers

These flowers are in my town right now… I live in a beautiful place.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Fall, Flowers, Nature Leave a comment

Gleaning from New Pond Farm

June 4, 2015September 28, 2014 by Polly Castor
gleaning

We got invited this weekend to come New Pond Farm and pick some of their surplus before they rip out their garden for the season tomorrow.

Categories Food, Photography Tags Connecticut CSA, Gardening, gratitude, New Pond Farm, Organic food, Sustainability, Vegan, vegetarian Leave a comment

Picture Books by Holling Clancy Holling

May 4, 2015September 27, 2014 by Polly Castor
Holling Clancy Holling

Every child should have the opportunity to read this series of books in an unhurried way with an adult.

Categories Books, Homeschooling Tags 5 Star Books, children's books, education, homeschooling, parenting Leave a comment

Recent Black & White Photos

May 4, 2015September 26, 2014 by Polly Castor
Black & White Photos

Here are the black and white photos I’ve taken recently…

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Maine Leave a comment

Driftwood Photos

May 4, 2015September 25, 2014 by Polly Castor
Driftwood Photos

Don’t you love driftwood? Here are the photos of It I took on my recent trip to Maine…

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Nature, Trees Leave a comment

Photos of Jeannine and Purdy

May 4, 2015September 24, 2014 by Polly Castor

I got to see blog reader Jeannine and her dear husband this time in Maine, and we have what my mother used to call a mutual admiration society.

Categories Photography Tags authenticity, community, Fun, gratitude, Maine, Travel Leave a comment

New Poem: My Heart is at Low Tide (with Photos)

June 1, 2015September 23, 2014 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor Poetry, Heart at Low Tide, Low Tide Poetry

My heart is at low tide, sparkling and moist…

Categories Photography, Poetry Tags Maine, metaphor, Poetry by me Leave a comment

The Farmer’s Market in Stonington

October 31, 2015September 22, 2014 by Polly Castor
Stonington Farmer's Market

I love a farmer’s market anywhere, but it was fun to be at one in Maine off season with just the locals there.

Categories Food Tags Farmer's Market, Maine, Organic food, Travel Leave a comment

Sunset from Cadillac Mountain

June 4, 2015September 21, 2014 by Polly Castor
Cadillac Mountain sunset

As soon as I dropped her off in Bar Harbor, I hightailed it up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park to see the sunset.

Categories Photography Tags creatures, Maine, Nature, Sunsets, Travel Leave a comment

Our New Roof is Installed

May 3, 2015September 20, 2014 by Polly Castor
roof installed

In preparation for getting solar panels this fall, we had a new roof installed. The weather was perfect and the guys did a great job!

Categories Photography Tags Architecture, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Processing 21 Pounds of Homegrown Tomatoes

June 4, 2015September 19, 2014 by Polly Castor
homegrown tomatoes

This is not our whole crop but it is the most we’ve picked in one day this year. We are roasting it up to use in sandwiches, on burgers, in fritattas, and in omelets.

Categories Food Tags Gardening, Organic food, Vegan, vegetarian Leave a comment

Goodbye to Camp for Another Year (Misc. Photos)

April 30, 2015September 18, 2014 by Polly Castor
Creative Arts Camp

Here are my other miscellaneous photos from a great time…

Categories Photography Tags community, Creative Arts Camp, Fun, Maine, Nature Leave a comment

Creative Arts Camp: Art by Others

April 30, 2015September 17, 2014 by Polly Castor
Creative Arts Camp

Here is some of the art by others at Creative Arts Camp…

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, community, Creative Arts Camp, creativity Leave a comment

New Abstract Oil Painting: An Homage to Edgar Payne

June 1, 2015September 16, 2014 by Polly Castor
Edgar Payne Composition

We were challenged to take the composition of a recognized masterwork and make it our own. I chose to abstract a work of Edgar Payne…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp, creativity, Oil Painting Leave a comment

New Oil Painting: Trees on the Point (with Process Photos)

June 4, 2015September 15, 2014 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor Oil Painting

I am positioned out on a peninsula we call “the point” at camp and these are the four trees next to a gazebo there.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Creative Arts Camp, creativity, Fun, Oil Painting Leave a comment

Another Sunset on Long Lake

April 29, 2015September 14, 2014 by Polly Castor
sunset photography

Last week I posted some sunset photos over this lake, but I thought this light show trumped those.

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine, Sunsets, water photography Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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.

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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!

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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!

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

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

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

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

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…

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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.

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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.

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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?

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

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!

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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.

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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!

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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!

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 !

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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!

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.

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

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!!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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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:

  • The Accessibility of God as Abba (Quote from Phillip Yancey) →

  • Recipe: Beet and Goat Cheese Salad →

  • Annual Meeting 2016 →

  • Recipe: Salmon and Bok Choy with Blueberry Salsa →

  • Transformation (Richard Rohr Quote with Sunset Photos) →

  • Out on a Limb into the Next Fifteen Feet →

  • Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Condiments →

  • What to Do in Darkness (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Artwork Done on Guadeloupe →

  • Be Totally Receptive (Quote by Jean Klein) →

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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