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

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Month: May 2021

Bits and Clips for May 2021

May 31, 2021May 31, 2021 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for May 2021

I hope you find something in all the photos, paintings, poems, memes, and links here that interests you, motivates you, inspires you, or educates you.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips 1 Comment

Food Photography with Recipe Links (Spring 2021)

May 30, 2021 by Polly Castor
Food Photography of Spring Food with Recipe Links

Here are some ideas of delicious food for you to try.

Categories Food, Photography Tags food photography, Recipes, spring Leave a comment

May Flower Photos 2021 (Most from Our Yard)

May 29, 2021 by Polly Castor
May Flower Photos

I’m so grateful to live amongst all this beauty!

Categories Photography Tags abundance, Flowers, Gardening, gratitude, Irises, Mindfulness, spring 2 Comments

Old Growth (New Landscape/Conceptual Painting in Pastel)

May 28, 2021May 28, 2021 by Polly Castor
Old Growth, pastel by Polly Castor

These redwoods were painted as a metaphor to keep in mind.

Categories Art Tags pastel, representational art, Sustainability, Trees, Virtue 1 Comment

Photos at Huntington State Park May 2021

May 27, 2021May 27, 2021 by Polly Castor
Photos Huntington State Park May 2021

See my photos of spring from my daily walks this month.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Flowers, Nature, spring, Trees 2 Comments

Blue is the Color of Longing (Quote by Rebecca Solnit)

May 26, 2021May 26, 2021 by Polly Castor
Blue quote by Rebecca Solnit

The world is blue at its edges and in its depths…

Categories Art, Ideas Tags Paintings, Quotes 1 Comment

Readiness and Getting Ready to Get Ready

May 25, 2021 by Polly Castor
Readiness, Getting Ready to Get Ready

It’s ok not to feel ready!

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags advice, authenticity, life lessons, patience, Release, Virtue 5 Comments

Roasted Radishes with Radish Greens (recipe)

May 24, 2021 by Polly Castor
radish greens recipe

Can you eat the radish greens you ask? The answer is yes! Here is my favorite way to cook them.

Categories Food Tags recipe, Side Dish, vegetarian Leave a comment

Within Me (Poem by Albert Camus)

May 23, 2021 by Polly Castor
Within Me poem by Albert Camus

No matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger…

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags life lessons, poetry by others, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

Life in the Studio by Frances Palmer (Book Review / Featured Artist)

May 22, 2021May 22, 2021 by Polly Castor

This is marvelous. It is thrilling to share some time and pages with someone so balanced and actualized.

Categories Art, Books, Food, Hope, Ideas, Photography Tags Art by Others, book review, Connecticut, Featured Artist, Flowers, pottery 3 Comments

Turn People Into Trees (Ram Dass Quote)

May 21, 2021May 21, 2021 by Polly Castor
Think of People as Trees (Ram Dass Quote)

Appreciate them just as they are.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Quotes, Trees 3 Comments

SemiAnnual Request for Blog Donations

May 20, 2021May 20, 2021 by Polly Castor
Biannual Donation Plea

Your financial assistance is necessary to keep this blog afloat and ad free.

Categories Hope Tags abundance, community, gratitude, trust 2 Comments

The Muralist (Book Review)

May 19, 2021May 19, 2021 by Polly Castor
The Muralist (book review)

Set among historical abstract expressionists before their fame, and examining why it was so hard for Jews to immigrate to the US…

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Abstract Art, Fiction, Reviews 3 Comments

Birdsong at Daybreak (New Abstract Painting in Pastel)

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021 by Polly Castor
Birdsong at Daybreak, pastel by Polly Castor

Listen to all the various refrains as light makes its way into the world.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, pastel 1 Comment

An Honorable Mention and Astute Juror Comments

May 17, 2021 by Polly Castor
Embracing our Differences, by Polly Castor

So grateful to be understood so well by someone I don’t know.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Art Shows, gratitude, Maine, pastel 4 Comments

“Love Not the World?!” (Polly Preaching #6)

May 16, 2021May 16, 2021 by Polly Castor
Love not the world? sermon

Here I repudiate the passage where the Bible tells us not to love the world.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Christian, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, Virtue 5 Comments

Spring at New Pond Farm (Photos)

June 7, 2021May 15, 2021 by Polly Castor
Spring at New Pond Farm Photos

We love this beautiful, precious land.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Nature, New Pond Farm, spring 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

Love your pastels!

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 Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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 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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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, Polly, for bringing clarity to the stressful events we’re experiencing. Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I’m very thankful for your blog.

I 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!

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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 !

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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!

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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…

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!!

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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 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!

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

Thank you 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

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

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.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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’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!

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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.

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

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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.

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

Thank you for 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.

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

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

I 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!

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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:

  • Featured Artist: The Fused Glass Landscapes of Alice Gebhart →

  • Book Review: Food Rules →

  • What We Ate on Our Camping Trip →

  • Two New Abstract Paintings in Pastel that are in my Show →

  • Amaranth Photos at Hollandia →

  • Fabulous Forsythia →

  • Featured Artists: Earth, Fire, Spirit Pottery →

  • The Sisters (Book Review) →

  • Two New Monoprints →

  • Little Princes (Book Review) →

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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