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

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Month: September 2014

Creative Arts Camp: Photos of the People

June 1, 2015September 13, 2014 by Polly Castor
creative arts camp

I love the people at Creative Arts Camp! Here are some photos of them…

Categories Photography Tags community, Creative Arts Camp, People Leave a comment

Notes Made on Art and Spirituality at Camp

June 4, 2015September 12, 2014 by Polly Castor
art and spirituality

I love Creative Arts Camp in Maine. The people are terrific: the convergence of art with Christian Science is an amazing combination.

Categories Art, Spirituality Tags Bible, Christ, Christian Science, Creative Arts Camp, creativity, education, Fun, God, life lessons, Oil Painting, watercolor Leave a comment

Painting Class: Underpainting

June 4, 2015September 11, 2014 by Polly Castor
underpainting

Brooks even goes so far as to claim the the most important part of the painting is its underpainting.

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

A Fledgling Bald Eagle

April 29, 2015September 10, 2014 by Polly Castor
fledgling bald eagle

A couple of bald eagles took up residence in the tiny island shown in the photo below, opposite the camp beach. This season they had two babies.

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, creatures, Maine Leave a comment

Glad to be Back on the Shores of Long Lake

April 29, 2015September 9, 2014 by Polly Castor
Long Lake Maine

I am glad to be back on the shores on Long Lake in Maine for Creative Arts Camp with so many friends and blog readers!

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

Featured Artist: Brooks Anderson

April 29, 2015September 8, 2014 by Polly Castor
Brooks Anderson

I am headed up to Maine to my annual Creative Arts Camp where I will have the privilege this year to take a class with Brooks Anderson for a week on the shores of Long Lake…

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Featured Artist, Oil Painting 2 Comments

Recipe: Our Homemade Salmon Burgers

June 1, 2015September 7, 2014 by Polly Castor
fresh salmon burger recipe

We have made these salmon burgers for over 15 years, having adjusted a recipe over time that was originally in the New York Times. I just realized recently that the recipe has never made it onto my blog so I’m fixing this omission right away!

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood 1 Comment

Recent Food of Around Here

June 4, 2015September 6, 2014 by Polly Castor
recent food, Polly Castor recipes

I’ve been trying a lot of different things that you can see here as well as some standby favorites…

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

More Zinnia Photos

April 29, 2015September 5, 2014 by Polly Castor
zinnia photos

I love them and every year I can’t resist taking more photos of them!

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Flowers, Gardening, Summer Leave a comment

New Poem: Be Vulnerable

June 1, 2015September 4, 2014 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor poetry, be vulnerable

Let the angels tell them what they need to know. Trust God’s steady hand and correcting rod for thankfully that is not our job.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags advice, God, life lessons, metaphor, Poetry by me Leave a comment

Historical Fiction for Kids about the 20th Century

June 4, 2015September 3, 2014 by Polly Castor
historical fiction for kids

I recommend these 20th century historical fiction titles for homeschooling kids or for any young reader (or would-be reader) on your gift list.

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

Non-Fiction Books about the 20th Century for Kids

June 4, 2015September 2, 2014 by Polly Castor
Non-fiction books for kids

These books about the 20th century I recommend for any homeschooling family or any curious, precocious kid on your gift list…

Categories Books, Homeschooling Tags children's books, education, homeschooling, non-fiction, parenting Leave a comment

Some Humor for Labor Day

April 22, 2015September 1, 2014 by Polly Castor
humor memes

Here is some humor (not all of which is funny…) and I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Categories Ideas Tags Fun, Humor, Memes Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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!!

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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!!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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 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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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!

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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.

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

Love your pastels!

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for 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.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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…

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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!

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

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

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

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

This 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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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 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.

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!

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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.

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

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

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!

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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!

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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!

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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.

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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 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.

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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.

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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’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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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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:

  • Don’t Quit (Poem by Edgar A. Guest) →

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

  • Day 13: Canadian Flowers →

  • Block Island Birds and Animals →

  • Humility Is (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Spirit Moved upon the Face of the Waters (New Conceptual Painting) →

  • Roasted Garlic (Recipe) →

  • Irises in Our Yard 2015 →

  • October Tomato Harvest →

  • Polly Answers Your Questions (#10) →

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

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