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Month: December 2016

Best of This Blog 2016

December 31, 2016December 31, 2016 by Polly Castor
Searching for Truth (pastel) by Polly Castor

Here is a list, as concisely as I can offer it, of the best of this blog in the past year in links and photos.

Categories Ideas Tags Best Blog Posts of the Year Leave a comment

Bits and Clips for December 2016

December 30, 2016 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips December 2016

Here is the best of what I read or saw on the internet this month. I hope you find something here that is interesting, helpful, enlightening or inspiring:

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

Reading Challenge for 2017

December 30, 2016December 29, 2016 by Polly Castor
Reading Challenge for 2017

Please join me for this year’s reading challenge! I hope you like the new list. I think it is easier than last year’s and more open ended.

Categories Books Tags Reading Challenge 4 Comments

Recipe: Sri Lankan Sauce for Fish

December 28, 2016 by Polly Castor
Halibut with Sri Lankan Sauce

This sauce is dynamic and delicious, and takes a bland protein (we used halibut) into another stratosphere.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood 2 Comments

Books We Got for Christmas

December 27, 2016 by Polly Castor

Here are the books that were under our family’s tree this Christmas. What books did you receive that you are excited about?

Categories Books Tags Fiction, nonfiction Leave a comment

Pottery Plates I Made My Husband for Christmas

December 26, 2016 by Polly Castor
handmade oblong pottery plates

All three were carved and glazed while still wet with a technique called sgraffito before they were fired.

Categories Art Tags Family, pottery 10 Comments

Christmas Photos 2016

December 25, 2016 by Polly Castor

Merry Christmas! It is so good to have all of our kids home for Christmas!
I hope you are having fun and feeling the love and delight of the season.

Categories Photography Tags Church, Family, gratitude, Holiday, Special Occasions 3 Comments

Christmas Links 2016

December 24, 2016 by Polly Castor
Christmas Links

Merry Christmas! Here are some recent links revenant to the holiday… Wishing you the hope and joy of the season!

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Bits and Clips, Holiday 1 Comment

Christmas Creche at the MET

December 23, 2016 by Polly Castor
Photos of Christmas creche at the MET

I enjoyed seeing this immense, detailed creche, with all of its tiny vignettes.

Categories Art, Spirituality Tags Art by Others, Christ, Christian, Jesus Leave a comment

2016 Reading Challenge Complete

December 18, 2017December 22, 2016 by Polly Castor
2016 reading challenge complete

It has been a bit of a scramble to complete my Reading Challenge for this year, but I’m going to make it! See here what I read this year, with live links to corresponding blog reviews in blue…

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews, Reading Challenge 2 Comments

Our Daughter’s Empty Bowls Glazed

December 21, 2016 by Polly Castor
empty bowls project

Many of you wanted to see what her colossal effort looked like glazed, so here they are, before they were packed up for the fundraiser.

Categories Art, Hope Tags College, Family, patience, pottery 4 Comments

Name the Christmas Carol Puzzle

December 20, 2016 by Polly Castor
Name the Christmas Carol Puzzle

Here is the fun puzzle we had people do at our party, and I thought you might want to try it out on your friends and family as well.

Categories Ideas Tags Fun, Holiday Leave a comment

We Hosted the Church Christmas Party

December 20, 2016December 19, 2016 by Polly Castor

Everyone had a great time and I am very grateful for this small but strong group of wonderful people.

Categories Photography Tags Church, gratitude, Holiday, Special Occasions 7 Comments

New Poem: Those Left Outside

December 18, 2016 by Polly Castor
Left outside advent poem

They are the ones who follow, kneel, and welcome Him in.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Christ, Christian, Holiday, Poetry by me 2 Comments

Best Poetry Books for Children and Young Adults

December 17, 2016 by Polly Castor
Best poetry books for children, best poetry books for young adults, best poetry books for young people

It is a fortunate child who shares these poems with an adult that cares– firelight, fuzzy blankets, cookies, and hot chocolate, are optional additions for added ambiance…

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Poetry Tags children's books, education, Gift Ideas, homeschooling, parenting, poetry by others 1 Comment

Grateful She Came to Be With Us

December 20, 2016December 16, 2016 by Polly Castor

She is such a huge blessing both to us and the world, and is a glorious reflection of all of God’s goodness.

Categories Hope, Photography Tags Family, gratitude, Special Occasions 3 Comments

Recent Black and White Photos

December 15, 2016 by Polly Castor
recent black and white photos

I love the sharp contrast between black and white and the whole range of subtle grays.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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!

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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.

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

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

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 Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 !

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!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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!!

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading 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.

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.

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

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!

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

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

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

I love 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.

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

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 passing along such wise words.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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!!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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 :)

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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.

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

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

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

Your 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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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 Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

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

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

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.

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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!

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

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

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! ❤️

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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…

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

I 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • 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)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Bisque →

  • Prayer for No Kings Rallies with Bits and Clips of Concern →

  • Be Transparent (Quote by Joan Halifax) →

  • Felted Lightning Bag →

  • Save Me the Plums (Book Review with Recipes) →

  • The Cure for Shyness (Lucille Ball Quote) →

  • Art Quotes →

  • Maximum Strength (Poem by Rosemerry Whatola Trommer) →

  • Kid Photos with Martin Luther King Quote →

  • We the People (poem by Rosemary Cobham) →

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
 
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