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Month: November 2020

Bits and Clips for November 2020

November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for November 2020

I hope you find something in these links, paintings, photographs, and memes that is interesting, encouraging, thought provoking, and growth inducing

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips, Memes 5 Comments

Season of Waiting (New Pastel Painting for Advent)

November 29, 2020November 29, 2020 by Polly Castor
Season of Waiting (pastel) by Polly Castor

Waiting for the pandemic to be over… And now, Advent begins, which is the traditional season of waiting…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, pastel, patience Leave a comment

Photos from November Hikes 2020

November 28, 2020 by Polly Castor
Photos from November Hikes

Check out these shots of the wonder and transience of nature that I captured with my iPhone, all taken this November in Huntington State Park, which is becoming ever more dear to me.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Fall, Mindfulness, Nature, peace, reflections, Trees 6 Comments

Merchandise in my Shop Perfect for Holiday Gift Giving

November 27, 2020November 27, 2020 by Polly Castor

Great gifts ideas available in the shop on my website!

Categories Art, Ideas Tags abundance, creativity, Gift Ideas, Holiday 2 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving 2020

November 26, 2020November 26, 2020 by Polly Castor
Thanksgiving 2020

This Thanksgiving, I thank God for you.

Categories Hope Tags gratitude, Special Occasions 8 Comments

Grace Notes #30 (with Photos)

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020 by Polly Castor
Grace Notes #30

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

Categories Ideas Tags grace notes, gratitude 9 Comments

Brussels Sprout Salad with Hemp Heart Dressing (Recipe)

November 24, 2020November 24, 2020 by Polly Castor
Brussels Sprout Salad with Hemp Heart Dressing Recipe

This would be great on your Thanksgiving or holiday table, or like us, just eat it as a terrific side to share on an average weeknight.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads, Side Dish, Vegan, vegetarian 2 Comments

Stop, Look, Consider (Quote from Leo Tolstoy)

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020 by Polly Castor
Stop Look Consider Leo Tolstoy quote

The most important advice Leo Tolstoy could give.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Christian, Mindfulness, Quotes, Release, Virtue 3 Comments

Harvest Time is Now (New Poem by Polly Castor)

November 22, 2020November 22, 2020 by Polly Castor
Harvest Time is Now poem, by Polly Castor

Why wait? Jesus didn’t.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Poetry by me 2 Comments

Savory Seafood Soup (Recipe)

November 21, 2020November 21, 2020 by Polly Castor

This soup is satisfying, nurturing, flavorful, and unique. Give it a try!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, seafood, soup, Whole30 2 Comments

Nothing to See Here (Book Review)

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 by Polly Castor
Nothing to See Here Book Review

While I usually don’t blog about three star books, this undemanding novel, might be the ticket to lighten things up for you during this crazy year.

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews, Fiction 2 Comments

Abstract Photos of a Friend’s Basement

November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 by Polly Castor
Abstract Basements Photos

Look at each of these photos as if it was a stand alone abstract art composition, instead of just a snap shot in a basement.

Categories Photography Tags Abstract Art, Architecture, teaching 4 Comments

Vegetable Korma (Recipe)

November 18, 2020 by Polly Castor
Vegetable Korma Recipe

In solidarity of our Indian friends celebrating Diwali last weekend I made this classic vegetable korma. It was was really delicious and easy to make!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, seafood, Vegan, vegetarian 1 Comment

Pro Life and Pro Choice

November 19, 2020November 17, 2020 by Polly Castor
Pro-life and Pro-choice

This is where I stand, both pro-life and pro-choice, but not the way that you might think.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags Essay, peace, Virtue 21 Comments

Fall in Rain (Pastel Landscape Painting)

November 16, 2020November 16, 2020 by Polly Castor
Fall in Rain (pastel) by Polly Castor

In the rain, the autumn colors pop, the backgrounds blur, and the mood is serene and moist.

Categories Art Tags Fall, pastel, representational art, Trees 1 Comment

Holding Together (Poem by David Abram)

November 15, 2020November 15, 2020 by Polly Castor
Holding Together by David Abrams

I am so grateful for all those, who through their love and joy, hold it all together during challenging times.

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags gratitude, poetry by others, Virtue 4 Comments

Nothing is Far (Poem by Robert Francis)

November 14, 2020 by Polly Castor
Nothing is Far poem by Robert Francis

Here we are, contemplating, between the known and the unknown, wonderful which is more real.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags God, poetry by others 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

Love your pastels!

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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.

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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.

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

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

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!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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?

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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 !

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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…

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

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!!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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….

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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! ❤️

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I 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!

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.

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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 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…

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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 really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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!

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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 very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

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 these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • How to Read a Book (Book Review)
  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
  • Cornell 7 and Rape Culture (Bits and Clips)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Man in the Iron Mask (Book Review) →

  • Bits and Clips for June 2026 →

  • No Room for Evil (Blanche Hersey Hogue Quote) →

  • My Octopus Teacher (Movie Review) →

  • We Fly to Switzerland →

  • Thy Birthright (Poem by Mildred Spring Case) →

  • Guests at this Villa and Art Studio with Tuscan Views →

  • The Woman’s Hour (Book Review) →

  • Our Daughter Made Five Teapots →

  • Nursing Our Churches →

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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©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.

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