Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

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

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Month: March 2015

Bits and Clips for March 2015

June 9, 2015March 31, 2015 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips,

Here are some bits and clips I came across this month I thought you would enjoy.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

Recipe: Cheese, Onion and Garlic Strata

June 1, 2015March 30, 2015 by Polly Castor
Vegetable Strata Recipe, Cheese Strata recipe, onion cheese strata

This is delicious, and is a great way to use up stale bread as well as miscellaneous cheeses. It is easy to make and the leftovers taste just as good warmed up for a quick meal. This may also be prepared in advance and refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.

Categories Food Tags Breakfast, Recipes, vegetarian Leave a comment

Photos from a Palm Sunday Walk

June 1, 2015March 29, 2015 by Polly Castor

I love the recognition and triumph of Palm Sunday. Hosanna in the highest! After a lovely church service, I went on this contemplative hike by myself in Huntington State Park, where the lakes have not yet thawed.

Categories Photography Tags snow, spring Leave a comment

Pastel Still Life Demonstration

June 1, 2015March 27, 2015 by Polly Castor
Pastel demonstraction

Today I went to a pastel demonstration done by Patricia Tribastone. In this post you can see photos from the event, and here are the bits from my notes that I want to remember…

Categories Art Tags advice, Art by Others, pastel Leave a comment

Great Bible Books for Children

June 4, 2015March 27, 2015 by Polly Castor
Bible books for Kids, Bible books children

I was requested recently to give some recommendations for good Bible read alouds for children. I promised to pull together this blog as a response, for it is useful for parents, homeschoolers, and Sunday School teachers alike.

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Spirituality Tags Bible, children's books, education, homeschooling Leave a comment

Fog and Trees in Black & White

May 27, 2015March 26, 2015 by Polly Castor
fog in black and White

This morning’s walk was very foggy. We’ve had a week in the 40’s, so our snow is largely melted, revealing the first soil we’ve seen in months.

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

Two Monoprint Collages

May 27, 2015March 25, 2015 by Polly Castor
monoprint collage, art by Polly Castor

While just at the beginning of my exploration of monoprinting, here are my two most recent collages, which I made with my hand printed papers. I am enjoying this process; it so so full of possibilities! They

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage, creativity, Monoprints Leave a comment

Recipe: Mushroom Tilapia Casserole with Eggplant Sauce

June 4, 2015March 24, 2015 by Polly Castor
tilapia casserole, eggplant sauce recipe

The flavors here are intense and earthy, and the after-glow is better than the most sought after comfort food. This actually feels as good as it tastes, if that makes any sense.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood Leave a comment

Book Review: The Remains of the Day

May 26, 2015March 23, 2015 by Polly Castor
Remains of the Day Review

I did not like the movie based on this book when I saw it; I remember it as unsatisfying and rather frustrating, so I would not have chosen to read this.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction Leave a comment

Beethoven Quote

May 26, 2015March 22, 2015 by Polly Castor
Beethoven Quote

“To play a wrong note is insignificant.
To play without passion is inexcusable.”

Categories Ideas Tags Quotes Leave a comment

Today’s Newspaper Article About Mary Baker Eddy

June 1, 2015March 21, 2015 by Polly Castor
Mary Baker Eddy Article, Mary Baker Eddy Christian Science Church

I am a regular contributor to the Danbury News Times Forum on Faith column, which is also picked up by the Connecticut Post and the Stamford Advocate.

Categories Spirituality Tags Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, Newspaper Articles Leave a comment

Poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer: Unapologetic

June 1, 2015March 20, 2015 by Polly Castor

Oh the water lilies. See how they seem
to open wider out of their own opening?
Let me unfold like that—without thinking,
without assuming I’m already open enough.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others Leave a comment

More Photos Sent by Blog Readers

June 1, 2015March 19, 2015 by Polly Castor

Here are some more unattributed photos sent in by blog readers. If you want your name on these, please tell me! Meanwhile… it is an interesting assortment, isn’t it? You are interesting people!

Categories Photography Tags From Blog Readers Leave a comment

Book Review: Orphan Train

May 26, 2015March 18, 2015 by Polly Castor
Orphan train review

This is a quick and easy read. It is an interesting story of upheaval and resilience, even though the writing style is overly simplistic.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews 1 Comment

From the Lorica of Saint Patrick

May 26, 2015March 17, 2015 by Polly Castor
Lorica of St. Patrick

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
…

Categories Spirituality Tags Christ, God Leave a comment

Movie Review: Cinderella

May 26, 2015March 16, 2015 by Polly Castor
Cinderella movie review

I thought the new version of Cinderella that came out this past weekend was marvelous. I absolutely loved it, and even though some people complain that it is “one dimensional” and not cutting edge, I give it five stars for doing the classic story justice in a beautiful way.

Categories Movies Tags 5 Star Movies, Movie Reviews Leave a comment

New Poem: Let Your Light So Shine

June 1, 2015March 15, 2015 by Polly Castor
Let Your light so shine poem, Polly Castor poetry

We are lamps shining away the darkness of the world.

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags Mindfulness, Poetry by me Leave a comment
Older posts
Page1 Page2 Next →

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

I 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!

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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 really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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’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!

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

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

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

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

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

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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 get so happy when I see your paintings. I really do. They bring me such joy. I feel your heart when I see them.

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

I 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 .

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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.

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

I 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!

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

I am so 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.

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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.

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

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

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

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!!

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

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.

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

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!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

Thank you for 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,471)
  • Books (736)
  • Food (852)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (847)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (190)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (697)
  • Spirituality (829)
  • Uncategorized (5)

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:

  • Ripples on Still Waters (Photos and New Poem) →

  • Cold Cucumber Soup (Recipe) →

  • Things You Don’t Need to Do Anymore (Melissa Urban Quote) →

  • Poblano, Potato, & Corn Stew (Recipe) →

  • Book Review: The Signature of All Things →

  • Live Life on Your Terms (Mandy Hale Quote) →

  • Practicing Direction (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Tree on Sunset Hill (New Plein Air Landscape in Pastel) →

  • I’m in the Renaissance in Pastel National Juried Show →

  • Two New Small Collages →

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
Follow on Instagram

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©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.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress