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Month: December 2014

Bits and Clips for December 2014

June 9, 2015December 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, helpful or

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

College Applications Are Sent Off!

June 4, 2015December 30, 2014 by Polly Castor
College Applications Sent off!

What a relief it is to be able to say that all of our youngest daughter’s college applications are sent off!

Categories Homeschooling, Hope Tags College, education, Essay, homeschooling, parenting, Release Leave a comment

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary

June 4, 2015December 29, 2014 by Polly Castor

No big Alaskan cruises, exotic Hawaiian vacations, or huge surprise parties for us. Just a marriage that is getting better and better celebrated with a great meal out with our three children.

Categories Hope Tags Family, Fun, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Books our Family Got for Christmas

May 23, 2015December 28, 2014 by Polly Castor
Books we Got for Christmas

Regardless of ereaders, everyone in our family received some paper copy books for Christmas. Interestingly, they were all non-fiction!

Categories Books Tags Holiday, non-fiction Leave a comment

Pottery I Made for Christmas

May 23, 2015December 27, 2014 by Polly Castor
Pottery I Made

Here is the pottery I made for Christmas, which includes the first lidded pot I’ve ever made; I gave that to my husband. It has melted glass in the knob, which I’ve never done before either.

Categories Art Tags Family, Holiday, pottery Leave a comment

Movie Review: Into the Woods

May 23, 2015December 26, 2014 by Polly Castor
Into the Woods movie Review

And even though the message, “Be careful what you wish for,” might be good, there were too many loose ends and mixed messages to get a better review from me.

Categories Movies Tags Movie Reviews Leave a comment

Our Family Christmas 2014

May 23, 2015December 25, 2014 by Polly Castor
Family christmas 2014

To say I was unprepared for Christmas was an understatement. I had barely even gotten to the grocery store.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Holiday, parenting, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Sacred Bits and Clips for Christmas

June 9, 2015December 24, 2014 by Polly Castor

As you prepare for the rebirth of the Christ child in your heart, I thought you might appreciate these two articles and three videos…

Categories Spirituality Tags Bits and Clips, Christ, Holiday, Jesus Leave a comment

Secular Christmas Bits and Clips

June 9, 2015December 23, 2014 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips,

Here are some secular bits and clips to enjoy during your holiday:

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips, Holiday Leave a comment

All Together to Get a Tree

May 23, 2015December 22, 2014 by Polly Castor

All three of our kids are now home so we finally got a tree…

Categories Photography Tags Family, Holiday, parenting, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Our Youngest Donates 14” of Her Hair

June 4, 2015December 21, 2014 by Polly Castor
donated hair

Shortly after getting her senior photos taken, our youngest daughter donated 14” of her hair…

Categories Hope Tags Family, Release Leave a comment

New Abstract Oil Pastels

May 20, 2015December 20, 2014 by Polly Castor

I’m still playing with oil pastels. Here are the two most recent…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art Leave a comment

Be Positive and Don’t Bear False Witness

May 24, 2015December 19, 2014 by Polly Castor
Be positive, Don't Bear False Witness

A month ago a blog reader and I agreed to take one quality of Spirit each month and focus on seeing it, experiencing it, expressing it, noticing it, demonstrating it, appreciating it, and spiritually demanding it of ourselves and all creation.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, God, life lessons, Qualities of Spirit, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

Some Recent Digital Art

May 20, 2015December 18, 2014 by Polly Castor
Digital art by Polly Castor

I’ve done these recently on my smart phone on the free app Brushes 3. This is fun for in between moments!

Categories Art Tags creativity Leave a comment

A Great Gift for a Ten Year Old

May 24, 2015December 17, 2014 by Polly Castor
gift idea for a ten year old boy

When I saw this, I wanted to buy it, but have no one of the right age on my gift list to bequeath it upon. Maybe you do?

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Ideas Tags children's books, Gift Ideas, homeschooling Leave a comment

New Poem: I’m so Glad We Have a Day to Celebrate You!

June 1, 2015December 16, 2014 by Polly Castor
birthday poem for daughter

Happy Birthday!
Know you are special beyond words.
I’m so glad you came to be with us!
I love you, always.

Categories Poetry Tags Family, gratitude, Poetry by me, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Book Review: Three Junes

June 4, 2015December 15, 2014 by Polly Castor
Three Junes review

There are three stories in this book (hence the title) with overlapping characters revolving around a Scottish family of three boys.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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.

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

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 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!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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.

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

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!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

Love your pastels!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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 this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

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!

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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…

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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.

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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 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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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!

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

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

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…

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…

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.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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!

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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! ❤️

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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!

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

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

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 :)

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!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for 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.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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 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!!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

I 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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