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Polly Castor

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

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Month: March 2019

Photos from the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show

March 14, 2019 by Polly Castor

What a delight it was to capture photos of these beautiful orchids to share them with you!

Categories Photography Tags abundance, Family, Flowers, Fun, Nature, New York 2 Comments

When to Believe ( Buddha quote)

March 13, 2019 by Polly Castor
when to believe (buddha quote)

Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books…

Categories Spirituality Tags advice, life lessons, Mindfulness, Quotes, Relationship with God, Release Leave a comment

Grapefruit Salad with Dried Fruit (Recipe)

March 12, 2019 by Polly Castor
Grapefruit salad with Dried Fruit

This delightfully different salad is light and bright– perfect for winter!

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

Resilience (Poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer)

March 11, 2019 by Polly Castor

Our resilience takes my breath away…

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags poetry by others 1 Comment

A Eureka About My Body (Putting Down the Weight)

March 10, 2019 by Polly Castor

I really want to take hold of what I’m writing about here, until it transforms my thinking about my body in routinely practical ways.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, reformation, Release, Spiritual Healing 6 Comments

Conundrum (New Abstract Conceptualist Painting in Pastel)

March 9, 2019 by Polly Castor
Conundrum (pastel) by Polly Castor

We’ve all experienced this. We are buzzing along just fine, and then just before a fork in the road, we get all confused and flummoxed about which way to go, and nothing seems clear, and we’ve got to decide, but there so much conflicting stuff going on, and… That’s what I painted in this new abstract conceptualist piece called Conundrum.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Paintings, pastel 3 Comments

The Gentle Art of Blessing (Book Review)

March 8, 2019March 8, 2019 by Polly Castor
The Gentle Art of Blessing (Book Review)

I loved this book and want to encourage everyone to read it. It presents a simple but ultra powerful practice that can make all the difference in your life. It can jumpstart your spiritual progress. I give it 5 stars.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, non-fiction 2 Comments

Grace Notes #18 (with Photos)

March 7, 2019 by Polly Castor
Grace Notes #18

Now I am furthering my ongoing goal of appreciating such a continuous, overflowing abundance of random good.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags grace notes, gratitude 4 Comments

This Too Will Melt (New Poem with Snow Photos)

March 6, 2019 by Polly Castor
snow photos

Taking photos
early Monday morning
either out windows or from
our front porch as I gape
in my slippers at the magical
snow clad landscape…

Categories Photography, Poetry Tags Connecticut, Nature, Poetry by me, snow, Winter 1 Comment

I’m in this Connecticut Pastel Society Show

March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Polly Castor
I'm in this Connecticut Pastel Society Show

I helped hang this beautiful Connecticut Pastel Society Show last week, and unfortunately missed the opening on Saturday due to it being snowed out. Fortunately, however, I got these photos while we hung the show!

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, Connecticut, pastel 2 Comments

Shrimp Cakes with Dipping Sauce (Recipe)

March 4, 2019 by Polly Castor
Shrimp Cakes with Dipping Sauce (Recipe)

This makes a terrific make-ahead meal that comes together in a flash when you are ready to serve it.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood Leave a comment

Big Bang or Inseparable Oneness?

March 3, 2019March 3, 2019 by Polly Castor
Big Bang or Inseparable Oneness?

Where your premise is, will make all the difference to the conclusion that follows. Therefore, great care must take place, to begin correctly.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, authenticity, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, Relationship with God, Release, Spiritual Healing 2 Comments

I’m in this “Blue” Show in the Guilford Library

March 2, 2019 by Polly Castor
I'm in this "Blue" Show in the Guilford Library

My painting July, shown above, is in a show “Blue,” put on by the Guilford Arts League, at the Guilford library, on the Guilford green in Connecticut.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Art Shows, pastel 1 Comment

Late Afternoon Light in Putnam Park (Photos)

March 1, 2019 by Polly Castor
Late Afternoon Light in Putnam Park (Photos)

Check out the stunning yellow light and intense shadows in the photos in this post.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Nature, Trees, Winter 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 this….I absolutely love reading 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!!

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

I am so grateful for your generous sharing of ideas across so many different fields! Your colorful art, your beautiful photography, your tasty looking and well presented dishes, your uplifting ideas, your insightful book reviews, and your wonderful healing work! You truly are a polymath!! I so look forward to your daily offerings and rejoice in them all.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love 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.

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

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 .

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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!

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.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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.

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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! ❤️

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

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!

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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!!

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!!

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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!

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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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:

  • Names for Abstract vs. Non-Objective Paintings →

  • Hot Swamp Hike →

  • Day 9: Skyline Trail, Nova Scotia Highlands →

  • Frost on the Windows This Morning →

  • Grain Free Banana Muffin Recipe →

  • The Five Star Weekend (Book Review) →

  • A Few Spaces Left in My Pastel Adventures in Abstraction Workshop →

  • Our Daughter’s Empty Bowls Project →

  • Water at the Quarry →

  • Denial (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

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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