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Month: November 2016

Bits and Clips for November 2016

November 30, 2016 by Polly Castor

Meanwhile, it is my earnest hope you remember I love you all and that you find something here that is interesting, helpful, enlightening, thought-provoking, or inspiring

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips 3 Comments

Poem by Ruhiyyih Khanum: This is Faith

November 29, 2016 by Polly Castor
Poem by Ruhiyyih Khanum: This is Faith

To walk where there is no path,
To breathe where there is no air,
To see where there is no light-
This is Faith.

Categories Art, Poetry, Spirituality Tags poetry by others, Relationship with God, watercolor Leave a comment

Book Review: Soul of an Octopus

December 15, 2016November 28, 2016 by Polly Castor
Book Review: Soul of an Octopus

This book challenges our material assumptions about consciousness and the sources of intelligence in an effective and captivating way.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Memoir, non-fiction 3 Comments

Our Daughter’s Empty Bowls Project

November 27, 2016 by Polly Castor
Our Daughter's Empty Bowls project

Our daughter is making 150 bowls for an “Empty Bowls” project; they will be sold to individuals and filled with soup at a dinner to benefit local hunger relief charities.

Categories Art, Hope Tags College, Family, gratitude, Juniata, pottery 1 Comment

Recent Food Around Here

November 27, 2016November 26, 2016 by Polly Castor
photos of our recent homemade food

Here are some photos of food we’ve enjoyed recently. Many meals were made trying new things, but you’ll find these classic recipes from this blog as well:

Categories Food Tags abundance, Organic food, Salads, seafood, soup, vegetarian 4 Comments

Gifts from My Gallery

November 25, 2016November 25, 2016 by Polly Castor

Since it is Black Friday, I’m going to make a shameless plug for the zillions of lovely gift ideas from my Gallery on this blog.

Categories Art, Ideas, Photography Tags Gift Ideas Leave a comment

Grace Notes #2

November 24, 2016 by Polly Castor
grace notes

This Thanksgiving, I am furthering my goal of appreciating the abundance of random good.

Categories Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags abundance, grace notes, gratitude, Mindfulness 3 Comments

Thanksgiving Links 2016

December 7, 2016November 23, 2016 by Polly Castor
Thanksgiving Links

Here are live links to past Thanksgiving features on this blog as well as those to Christian Science Thanksgiving services.

Categories Food, Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags abundance, Christian Science, gratitude, Newspaper Articles, Poetry by me, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Two New Abstract Collages

November 22, 2016 by Polly Castor
November State of Mind (mixed media collage) by Polly Castor

I have been trying out some new ideas, and am pleased with the results, which in turn, of course, spawn lots more ideas to try!

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage, mixed media, Monoprints 2 Comments

November Snow

November 21, 2016 by Polly Castor
November snow photos

Here are the photos I took with my iPhone on an enchanted walk before church in Ridgefield yesterday morning.

Categories Photography Tags Fall, snow Leave a comment

Book Review: One Thousand Gifts

November 20, 2016November 20, 2016 by Polly Castor
Book Review: One Thousand Gifts

…her life was turned upside down and burst open by finding gratitude to God for the slightest little gifts all around her.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Christian, gratitude, life lessons, Mindfulness, Relationship with God 2 Comments

Best Books About Thanksgiving for Kids

November 19, 2016 by Polly Castor
Best Books for Kids About Thanksgiving

Here are our favorite books about Thanksgiving for kids. These would be terrific to read to or get in the hands of your children and grandchildren for this upcoming holiday.

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

Night Prayer of a New Zealand Prayer Book

November 18, 2016 by Polly Castor

The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags poetry by others, Prayer 2 Comments

Amazing Butternut Squash

November 17, 2016 by Polly Castor

My husband got an amazing butternut squash harvest this year. Some are over 4 feet long…

Categories Food Tags abundance, Gardening, gratitude, Organic food, Sustainability 2 Comments

Fall Foliage Photos

November 16, 2016 by Polly Castor
Fall Foliage Photos

I particularly like how light plays off these leaves, either early or late in the day. It can have such a stained glass effect, and is a dream for a pointillist like me.

Categories Photography Tags Fall, Trees 2 Comments

Nice Weekend in Boston

November 16, 2016November 15, 2016 by Polly Castor

I had a great weekend in Boston seeing friends, doing some work, staying at a lovely pond house, and eating fabulous food.

Categories Photography Tags Travel 2 Comments

Poem by Rudyard Kipling: If

November 14, 2016 by Polly Castor

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others, Virtue 4 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

Love your pastels!

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.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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!

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

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

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

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

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

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.

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

Your 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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.

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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!

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

This 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 beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Thank you for 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…

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

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

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

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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.

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts 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!

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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!

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I truly love and am inspired by your blog, including capturing the beauty of life in the moment, teaching by example, taking time with children, and spirituality.

I 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!

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

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.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
  • Cornell 7 and Rape Culture (Bits and Clips)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)
  • Holy Peace (Poem by Danna Faulds)
  • Dolly All the Time (Book Review)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Featured Artist: Erin Hanson →

  • Photos of Early Spring Flowers →

  • Clementine Cake (Naturally Gluten Free Recipe) →

  • Women’s March 1/21/17 in (lots of) Photos →

  • My New Painting →

  • Bible Study for a Gifted 12 Year Old →

  • New Plein Air Pastel Landscape: Florence Griswold View →

  • Visual Thinking (Book Review) →

  • Photos and Food of the Westcott Area of Syracuse →

  • Photos of White Peonies →

Favorite Books

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Hints on Child Training: A Book That's Been Helping Parents Like Your...for More Than 100 Years
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
 
Polly Castor's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists
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