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Polly Castor

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

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Month: May 2020

Ambition vs. Dominion

May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by Polly Castor
Ambition vs. Dominion

Jesus was not ambitious. He was emphatic that he was to be about his “Father’s business.” It was not about his will,”but Thine, be done.”

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags abundance, authenticity, Christian, Essay, happiness, Jesus, peace, Relationship with God, Release 2 Comments

Fear (Poem by Kahlil Gibran)

May 13, 2020May 13, 2020 by Polly Castor
Fear poem by Kahlil Gibran

It is said that before entering the sea a river trembles with fear…

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others 2 Comments

A Plea for Donations to this Website

May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by Polly Castor

Please help keep this site financially viable.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags abundance, gratitude, trust 5 Comments

Indian Style Vegetable Curry (Recipe)

May 12, 2020May 11, 2020 by Polly Castor
Indian Style Vegetable Curry Recipe

This keeper recipe tastes like the best of Indian take-out. Chop everything first, then this comes together quickly.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, Vegan, vegetarian 3 Comments

A Bouquet of Mother’s Day Flowers (A New Poem with Lots of Photos)

May 10, 2020May 10, 2020 by Polly Castor
Many Mother's Day Flowers

Flowers! Such an abundance of beauty and gratitude and joy! Thank you to the Mother of all creation.

Categories Photography, Poetry Tags abundance, Flowers, God, gratitude, Special Occasions, spring 2 Comments

For Success in Life Seek Connection

May 9, 2020May 9, 2020 by Polly Castor
For Success in Life Seek Connection

What looks like less connection can actually mean more, but regardless, connection is what is important.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags community, happiness, life lessons, reflections, Release, Virtue 4 Comments

Christian Science Founded by a Woman (Analogy by Edward Kimball)

May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 by Polly Castor
Christian Science Founded by a Woman (analogy by Edward Kimball)

Imagine yourself in hell, looking for a way out…

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy 3 Comments

In Among the Leaves (New Impressionistic Botanical Painting)

May 7, 2020 by Polly Castor
In Among the Leaves (acrylic) by Polly Castor

This paint looks especially good on pillows, yoga mats, and face masks. Check it out in my merchandise link!

Categories Art Tags Acrylic Paintings, Nature, representational art 1 Comment

Braiding Sweetgrass (Book Review)

May 6, 2020May 6, 2020 by Polly Castor
Braiding Sweetgrass (book Review)

This mixes Native American values with scientific knowledge for a fantastic weave of environmental hope.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Nature, nonfiction 3 Comments

Advice to Artists (new Poem by Polly Castor)

May 5, 2020May 5, 2020 by Polly Castor
Advice to Artists poem by Polly Castor

…as the quality sky rockets and someday you’ll arrive.

Categories Art, Poetry Tags advice, creativity, life lessons, Poetry by me, teaching 2 Comments

Knives Out (Movie Review)

May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 by Polly Castor
Knives Out Movie Review

I give it 5 stars, but maybe I was just overdue for a good mystery. You too might enjoy this one as a welcome, but unimportant diversion.

Categories Movies Tags 5 Star Movies, Movie Reviews 1 Comment

Nature Brings Solace (Anne Frank Quote)

May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 by Polly Castor

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside…

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags happiness, life lessons, Mindfulness, Relationship with God, Release, spring, trust 2 Comments

Curried Tuna Cakes (Recipe)

August 18, 2023May 2, 2020 by Polly Castor
Curried Tuna Cakes Recipe

Need to make something nourishing fast? These are quick, delicious, and made with pantry ingredients.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood, Whole30 5 Comments

Photos of our Weeping Cherry Tree 2020

May 1, 2020May 1, 2020 by Polly Castor
Photos Weeping Cherry tree

Enjoy this gift that keeps on giving in this post, as it spews its spring pink blooms all over our vivid blue shy.

Categories Photography Tags Flowering Trees, Nature, spring, weeping cherry trees 4 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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 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 :)

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

Love your pastels!

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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!

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

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

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 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.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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!

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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.

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

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

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

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

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 .

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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.

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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.

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

Just a wonderland of possibilities and ideas and the materials to explore and discover. What a beautiful, exciting place! I’ve taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it.

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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.

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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 !

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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.

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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!

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

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 colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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.

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

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

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 expanding my ways to see, Polly.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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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:

  • Sweet Corn Chowder (Recipe) →

  • Be Ruthless About What You Ignore (James Clear Quote) →

  • Bits and Clips for May 2026 →

  • Photos of Unusual Whitewater on Swollen Local Streams →

  • The Wisdom of Plants (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Lobster Cove Photos (2023) →

  • When Great Trees Fall (Poem by Maya Angelou) →

  • Five Pastel Paintings I Painted this Week in Maine →

  • Beartooth Pass →

  • Come to my Large Solo Show Opening November 7 →

Favorite Books

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