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Polly Castor

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

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Month: October 2016

Featured Artist: Maurice Esteve

October 14, 2016 by Polly Castor

By doing my part in furthering his work, maybe I can help him eventually become well known.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Featured Artists 3 Comments

Jeannine’s Cats on the Beach

October 13, 2016October 13, 2016 by Polly Castor
cats on the beach

As a photographer, I loved the contrast between the cats soft fur and the course beach rocks and sand.

Categories Photography Tags creatures 1 Comment

Recent Black & White Photographs

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016 by Polly Castor

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

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment

Grace Notes #1

October 13, 2016October 11, 2016 by Polly Castor
grace notes

“Grace notes” will occasionally capture my jottings of incidental gratitude for sacramental moments in the shards of daily life.

Categories Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags abundance, grace notes, gratitude, Mindfulness 2 Comments

New Poem: Northeast Harbor Marina

October 10, 2016October 10, 2016 by Polly Castor
Northwest Harbor Marina Poem

Such static power chomps at the bit restless to fly free but meanwhile, moored on a glassy calm…

Categories Poetry Tags Maine, metaphor, Poetry by me 1 Comment

Other Maine Photos 2016

October 9, 2016October 9, 2016 by Polly Castor

In this post are are many of my various and sundry photos from my recent trips to Maine that are not otherwise attached to some topic either previous or in the future.

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Summer Leave a comment

Movie Review: Sully

March 11, 2017October 8, 2016 by Polly Castor

Do you remember when a passenger plane crash-landed in the Hudson, and everyone survived? This movie is of that story…

Categories Movies Tags 4 Star Movies, Movie Reviews, New York 1 Comment

Two New Collages

October 7, 2016 by Polly Castor
In the Soil of Earnest Hopes (mixed media collage) by Polly Castor

I enjoy the process of making my own papers for collage and then fitting them together to express something ephemeral.

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

What to Do With All This Eggplant!

October 6, 2016October 6, 2016 by Polly Castor
what to do with all this eggplant

My husband grew all this eggplant, and more. With all this at once, we had to process it for the freezer, because eggplant is good only a few days after it is picked.

Categories Food Tags Gardening, Organic food, Recipes, vegetarian 1 Comment

Walt Whitman Quote: “This is What You Shall Do”

October 5, 2016 by Polly Castor
Walt Whitman quote

…dismiss whatever insults your own soul; and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words…

Categories Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags advice, authenticity, Quote Leave a comment

Fun Weekend with Friends in Western Massachusetts

October 4, 2016 by Polly Castor

Four couples we know got together for a house party last weekend in western Massachusetts and we had a wonderful time.

Categories Photography Tags authenticity, community, creativity, Fall, Fun 1 Comment

Featured Artist: The Fused Glass Landscapes of Alice Gebhart

October 3, 2016 by Polly Castor

check out this new and fabulous YouTube video I just watched of her process. Wonderful work!

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Art by Others, Featured Artist 1 Comment

Attempting to Fly from Emptiness?

October 6, 2016October 2, 2016 by Polly Castor

Choose wisely how you fly.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags life lessons, Quotes, Virtue Leave a comment

Recipe: Peppers Stuffed with Quinoa and Black Beans

October 1, 2016 by Polly Castor
Recipe Peppers stuffed with quinoa and black beans

For the beautiful peppers shown below that my husband grew, I wanted a mild stuffed pepper recipe that was also quick and simple to put together.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, Side Dish, vegetarian Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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.

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

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

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

I have 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!!

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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!!

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

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!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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.

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

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

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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 eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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 .

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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! ❤️

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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.

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow. Yes, quite something to contemplate. 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.

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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.

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

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

I’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!

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

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 !

Love your blog. Today’s is dynamite and very helpful to viewing 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.

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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 am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

I 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 your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

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

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

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!!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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 your pastels!

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

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

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.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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.

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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Archives

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
  • Two Cookbooks I’ve Been Enjoying Lately
  • What to Pack (New Poem by Polly Castor)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Beethoven Quote →

  • Family Christmas Photos 2021 →

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

  • Writing Prompt: The Petoskey Stone Mouse →

  • Polly Answers Your Questions (#3) →

  • When Great Trees Fall (Poem by Maya Angelou) →

  • Today’s “Tuesday Teatime” →

  • Plein Air Oli Paintings Done in California →

  • Doodles in Gouache →

  • Photos of Way More Flooding →

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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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