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Month: September 2016

Bits and Clips for September 2016

September 30, 2016 by Polly Castor

This is a monthly feature on this blog where I share the best that I read, listened to, watched, or saw on the internet during the month.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

Why I Don’t Drink Alcohol

September 29, 2016September 29, 2016 by Polly Castor
why I don't drink alcohol

Once you’ve experienced the clean living high of a well connected bliss, you will not trade it for anything. Try feeling under the influence of the Creator of joy itself.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags Christian Science, Mindfulness, Relationship with God, Release, Virtue 8 Comments

Book Review: House of Thieves

March 11, 2017September 28, 2016 by Polly Castor
Book Review House of Thieves

Full of high society on the one hand, and squalor, poverty, and depravity on the other, it is this high contrast is that makes this book interesting.

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews, Fiction, New York 1 Comment

New Poem: Being the Mother of Adult Children

September 28, 2016September 27, 2016 by Polly Castor

I think now what I would want my kids to do in my situation, and then go and try to earnestly do that myself. It is so much better for everyone than me thinking what I would have them do if I was them.

Categories Hope, Poetry, Spirituality Tags advice, Christ, God, Mindfulness, parenting, Poetry by me, Release, Virtue 1 Comment

New Plein Air Oil Painting: Morning on Chaffinch Island

September 26, 2016 by Polly Castor
Morning of Chaffinch Island (oil) by Polly Castor

I enjoyed painting this on location on Chaffinch Island in Connecticut with a limited palette.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Oil Painting, Plein Air painting 1 Comment

Mid Maine Botanical Gardens

September 25, 2016 by Polly Castor
Mid Maine Botanical Gardens

Highly recommended for its beauty, and a great place to play with a child!

Categories Ideas, Photography Tags Flowers, Gardening, Maine, Travel 3 Comments

Write Your Own Response to a Psalm

September 24, 2016 by Polly Castor

In God’s grace there are no “ifs” or “buts”, no expiration dates, no measured share, no price to pay
24/7, in plentiful supply that never ends, God’s love abides. We need do no more than accept it.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Bible, Christian, poetry by others 2 Comments

Guilford Arts League Juried Show

September 23, 2016 by Polly Castor

The painting above is by friend and blog reader Anne Merriam, and it was my favorite of the show.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows Leave a comment

Book Review: The Interestings

September 22, 2016September 22, 2016 by Polly Castor

I have just now slogged through it and do not recommend it, giving it only three stars. The bottom line is it is not really that interesting.

Categories Books 1 Comment

What a Good Decision Feels Like

September 21, 2016 by Polly Castor
On the Edge of the World (gouache) by Polly Castor

“When something is right for me, I always have an indescribable sense of peace about it. Knowing that this sense of peace is available as a guide and criterion gives me a great sense of confidence regarding decision.

Categories Ideas Tags advice, life lessons, Quotes Leave a comment

My Husband and the New Pond Farm Harvest Dinner

September 20, 2016 by Polly Castor
New Pond Farm Harvest Dinner

I’m so grateful such a wonderful place as New Pond Farm exists, and I’m proud of all my husband’s hard work that helped make this supportive event a success!

Categories Food, Photography Tags abundance, Fall, Family, Gardening, gratitude, New Pond Farm, Special Occasions 2 Comments

Ropes and Traps

September 19, 2016 by Polly Castor
ropes in Maine

These ropes and traps from Little Cranberry Island are a medley of line and anticipation. What are you walking past that would improve and expand on closer consideration?

Categories Photography Tags Abstract Art, Maine, Mindfulness Leave a comment

Sunsets from the Islesford Dock

September 18, 2016September 18, 2016 by Polly Castor
sunsets from the Islesford dock

The sunsets as seen from the Islesford Dock are a kaleidoscope of beauty. Several times I interrupted my dinner to go and take yet again another photo of it as it morphed and transformed. Here are some of those shots…

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Sunsets Leave a comment

Food at the Islesford Dock

September 18, 2016September 17, 2016 by Polly Castor
Food Islesford Dock

They have built something wonderful here. They pampered us with spicy ginger brew, appetizers, and three delicious meals a day.

Categories Food Tags Maine, Restaurants Leave a comment

Islesford Workshop: The People and Their Work

September 18, 2016September 16, 2016 by Polly Castor

It was fun to discover what we had in common, and to see the different approaches and styles to each one’s art. We all learned from each other, and the warm fellowship was certainly an added bonus to the class.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, community 4 Comments

Henry Isaacs / Ashley Bryan Workshop Notes

September 15, 2016 by Polly Castor

A powerhouse group, their advice was gentle and encouraging, freeing and supportive, and blissfully without prescription. If I taught, this is the way I would teach.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, education, Featured Artists, gratitude, Maine, Plein Air painting 2 Comments

Featured Artist: Ashley Bryan

September 15, 2016September 14, 2016 by Polly Castor
Ashley Bryan featured artist

I will never forget this man’s energy, love of color, excitement for the creative process, his great attitude, and how animated and lucid he is. His youthfulness at 93 is truly the greatest art of all.

Categories Art, Books, Poetry Tags Art Books, Art by Others, children's books, Featured Artist, gratitude, life lessons, Maine, poetry by others Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

I’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 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! ❤️

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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.

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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 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!

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world.
You do a great job taking pictures. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice
shadows.

I 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!

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

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

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

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.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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!

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

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

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

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!!

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

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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Recent Posts

  • Jewel from the Archives (Distinction Between Jesus and the Christ)
  • Happy Pumpkin Day!
  • Bits and Clips for October 2026
  • Hike Photos from Huntington (October 2026)
  • Range (Book Review)
  • Abstracted Sunflower (New Painting in Pastel)
  • Allowed to be Ordinary (Poem by James Crews)
  • Grace Notes #65
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  • What to Pack (New Poem by Polly Castor)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • New Poem by Me: Benign →

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  • Ask the Best Questions and then Live Them →

  • Photos of Today’s Ice Storm →

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  • International Pastel Show Spring 2023 →

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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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