Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

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

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Month: May 2020

Bits and Clips for May 2020

May 31, 2020May 31, 2020 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for May 2020

I hope you find something in the links and many memes here, that inspires, educates, challenges, encourages, sobers, motivates, humors, or intrigues you.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips 2 Comments

When (Covid poem by John O’Donnell)

May 30, 2020 by Polly Castor
When Covid poem by John O'Donnell

This poem embraces this unusual time, looking beyond, while honoring the struggle.

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags poetry by others 1 Comment

Two Pastel Landscape Painting Books (Review and Notes)

May 29, 2020 by Polly Castor
Two Pastel Landscape painting books reviews and notes

Here are my notes from two well established landscape painters in pastel.

Categories Art Tags Art Books, education, nonfiction, Plein Air painting, representational art 1 Comment

Respond Instead of React

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Polly Castor
Respond instead of React

This is an important, ongoing lesson for us all.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Virtue 4 Comments

Warm Mushroom Salad with Fresh Peas and Pine Nut Parmesan (Recipe)

May 27, 2020May 27, 2020 by Polly Castor
Warm Mushroom Salad with Fresh Peas and Pine Nut Parmesan recipe

This warm salad is filling and light, delicious and easy, refreshing and different.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, seafood, Vegan 3 Comments

My Cup Runneth Over (New Abstract Painting in Pastel)

May 26, 2020 by Polly Castor
My Cup Runneth Over (pastel) by Polly Castor

Here is a favorite bit from Psalm 23 depicted abstractly in pastel.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Bible, pastel 1 Comment

Heroes of all Kinds (New Poem by Polly Castor)

May 25, 2020 by Polly Castor
Heroes of All Kinds Poem by Polly Castor

Let’s all be a hero to someone.

Categories Poetry Tags gratitude, Poetry by me, Virtue 3 Comments

Recent Bible Study Notes

February 3, 2021May 24, 2020 by Polly Castor

Here are the spiritual ideas I’ve been focusing on.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Bible Lesson Journal, Christian, Christian Science, God, Mindfulness, Relationship to God 2 Comments

Recent Walk Photos (It’s Green out There!)

May 23, 2020May 23, 2020 by Polly Castor
It's Green Out There

I have a lovely daily walk, as you can see in this post.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Nature, spring 6 Comments

Emit Love-vibes (quote by Marc Barasch)

May 22, 2020 by Polly Castor
Love vibes quote by Marc

Radiate photons of goodwill!

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags authenticity, Qualities of Spirit, Quotes, Virtue 1 Comment

Donation Update (Grateful to be a Third of the Way There)

May 21, 2020May 21, 2020 by Polly Castor

Thank you for your generosity! It is really appreciated! Keep it coming! xxx

Categories Hope Tags abundance, gratitude 3 Comments

Do Not Voice Imperfection (Deep Think #11 )

November 2, 2020May 20, 2020 by Polly Castor
Do not voice imperfection

It is imperative for us to be mindful about what we say.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Bible, Deep Think, Essay, Mindfulness, Quotes, reformation 4 Comments

Easy Asparagus Soup (Recipe)

May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Polly Castor
Easy Asparagus Soup Recipe

This is a terrific way to celebrate the advent of asparagus season.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, soup, vegetarian, Whole30 Leave a comment

Lilacs (new Poem by Polly Castor)

May 18, 2020May 18, 2020 by Polly Castor
Lilacs poem by Polly Castor

How would you describe the smell of lilacs?

Categories Poetry Tags Flowers, Nature, Poetry by me, spring 5 Comments

Collection of Historical Christian Science Lectures Expanded

May 17, 2020 by Polly Castor
Collection of Historical Christian Science Lectures Expanded

These lectures from the past include some jewels.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags Christian Science 9 Comments

Mind the Present (George Macdonald quote)

May 16, 2020May 16, 2020 by Polly Castor
Mind the Present (George MacDonald Quote

Never load yourselves so, my friends…

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Mindfulness, Quotes, Relationship to God 2 Comments

Two New Pastel Paintings of the Spring Landscape

May 15, 2020 by Polly Castor
Gentle Spring Breeze (18"x24" pastel) by Polly Castor

Here I have captured some of the more fleeting stages of spring in the landscape. What a wonderful season!

Categories Art Tags Nature, pastel, representational art, spring 2 Comments
Older posts
Page1 Page2 Next →

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

I 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…

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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.

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

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!!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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!!

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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.

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

I 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.

WONDERFUL blog, Polly! Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I am just left in awe !

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

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.

I enjoy your strong, bold artwork– there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I really appreciate your blog. It brings joy every day.

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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!

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

I 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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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 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!

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’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!

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

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

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!

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 your commitment to reality and our true nature!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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!

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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…

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,471)
  • Books (736)
  • Food (852)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (847)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (190)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (697)
  • Spirituality (829)
  • Uncategorized (5)

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:

  • Book Review: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress →

  • Give it Up! (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • June Flowers (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos) →

  • Butterball Bush Photos →

  • Employ Courage (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Laura’s Portobello Tuna Cranberry Beet Stacks →

  • Potato Salad (An Actually Good Recipe) →

  • Day 29: Kouchibouguac National Park, New Brunswick →

  • Spring Photos from New Pond Farm →

  • Book Review: The Abstinence Teacher →

Favorite Books

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

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress