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Polly Castor

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

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Month: June 2017

Letting it Go

July 5, 2017June 30, 2017 by Polly Castor

Check out this timely quote by Lao Tzu.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags Quotes, Release 1 Comment

Tarragon Dressing Recipe

December 4, 2017June 29, 2017 by Polly Castor
Tarragon dressing recipe

Want a dressing with a different flavor? Then try this delicious tarragon dressing.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads Leave a comment

Update on the 2017 Reading Challenge

July 5, 2017June 28, 2017 by Polly Castor
Update on the 2017 Reading Challenge

You can see below in red the books I’ve completed so far this year (many of which I have reviewed on this blog), and in purple are the ones I am in the process of reading.

Categories Books Tags Reading Challenge 1 Comment

Honoring the Unseen (New Poem by Polly Castor)

June 27, 2017 by Polly Castor
Honoring the unseen poem by Polly Castor

Recently a friend
complimented a woman
on her gorgeous sari
and was shown
the intricate stitching
on the inside where
it would never be seen
as well as the detailed
filigree on the backs
of her stunning earrings
that no one would ever notice.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags authenticity, God, Poetry by me, Virtue 2 Comments

Asian Sesame Sauce for Spiralized Carrots

October 10, 2017June 26, 2017 by Polly Castor
Asian Sesame Sauce for Frozen Spiralized Carrots

These frozen spiralized carrot “noodles” are available at Trader Joes at low cost and this is the perfect sauce to put on them.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish, Vegan, vegetarian Leave a comment

Refuse to be Homogenized

June 25, 2017 by Polly Castor
refuse to be homogenized

It takes courage to stand one’s ground against homogeneous thinking—thinking that simply melds into what everyone else is thinking.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags authenticity, Christian Science 1 Comment

Plein Air Oil Painting of the Quarry Swimming Hole

June 24, 2017 by Polly Castor
Plein Air Oil Painting of the Quarry Swimming Hole

I have frequented this lovely spot for decades but never painted it before.

Categories Art Tags Oil Painting, Plein Air painting, representational art 4 Comments

Recent Black and White Photos

June 23, 2017 by Polly Castor
Recent Black and White Photos

I enjoy the study of values that black and white photography demands. I think it this practice helps my over all artistic eye, my ability to understand the play of light, and my sense of composition.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment

Dulce de Leche Chocolate Tart Recipe

June 22, 2017June 22, 2017 by Polly Castor
Dulce de Leche Chocolate Tart Recipe

Not too sweet, this is chocolate perfection with an internal ribbon of salted caramel. Just perfect.

Categories Food Tags dessert, Recipes Leave a comment

It’s Green out There (New Poem by me with Photos)

June 21, 2017June 21, 2017 by Polly Castor
It's Green Out There Poem

The lush, dappled day
engulfs me, effulgently
as stray, stippled sunlight
penetrates in spotty brushstrokes,
and tender leaves clap their hands
exhilarated by such hydration.

Categories Photography, Poetry Tags metaphor, Nature, Poetry by me, Summer 1 Comment

Sharing Ramadan

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 by Polly Castor
Sharing Ramadan

The whole event was a great way to open up to the community, build relationships, and remove misinformation and stereotypes. What a good example for the rest of us!

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags God, Prayer, Virtue 1 Comment

Wonder Woman (Movie Review)

June 19, 2017 by Polly Castor
Wonder Woman (Movie Review)

It is encouraging to see a woman owning her own power, honoring and prioritizing her own purpose, and channeling into divine Love to triumph over evil.

Categories Movies Tags 4 Star Movie, Movie Reviews Leave a comment

Two Oblong Ceramic Plates I Made for Father’s Day

June 19, 2017June 18, 2017 by Polly Castor
Two Oblong Ceramic Plates I Made

He uses these plates everyday for his smorgasbord of a breakfast, and they help him start his day with a smile.

Categories Art Tags Family, gratitide, pottery, Special Occasions 4 Comments

Human Thought Must Conform to Truth

June 17, 2017 by Polly Castor
Human Thought Must Conform to Truth

Truth is universal, impartial, supreme. It can’t be divided up, nor curated into one selective brand of reality. Neither can it act as a pendulum…

Categories Art, Hope, Spirituality Tags Christian Science, pastel, Quotes, Spiritual Healing Leave a comment

Purely Pastel Show at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

June 16, 2017 by Polly Castor
Purely Pastel Show at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts

I really enjoyed going to the opening of this lovely show given by the Connecticut Pastel Society at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, pastel 1 Comment

Spiced Coconut Shrimp with Spinach (Recipe)

April 9, 2019June 15, 2017 by Polly Castor
Spiced Coconut Shrimp with Spinach (Recipe)

This is quick, easy, and delicious. It comes together in minutes and is good enough for company. The spice mixture is flavorful but not hot.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood 2 Comments

Pachinko (Book Review)

June 14, 2017June 14, 2017 by Polly Castor
Pachinko (Book Review)

This multigenerational saga is about a Korean family that expatriated to Japan, taking place throughout the 20th century. It highlights the harsh prejudice against Korean immigrants in Japan…

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, gratitude 2 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!!

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

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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 very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

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

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

I 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!!

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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! ❤️

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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.

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 .

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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…

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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Recent Posts

  • Grassy Valley (New piece done in Charcoal)
  • 2027 Polly Castor Art Calendars Available
  • Machines or Creatures (quote by Wendall Berry with photos)
  • Like Fan Coral (New Abstract painting in Pastel)
  • Insha’allah (Poem by Danusha Lameris)
  • Spiced Purple Sweet Potatoes with Oranges (Recipe)
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Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Recipe: Roasted Winter Vegetable Frittata →

  • Day 35: Miscellaneous Trip Photos →

  • Recipe: The Perfect Snowy Day Soup →

  • The Chosen (Movie Review) →

  • Land Art (Book Review with Photos) →

  • Donated 12 Boxes of Books →

  • The One Recurring Response (Poem by Susan McBride Els) →

  • The Ultimate New Year’s Resolution →

  • Some Foodie Infographics →

  • Movie Review: The September Issue →

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