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Month: December 2022

Bits and Clips for December 2022

December 31, 2022December 31, 2022 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for December 2022

I hope you find something here that inspires, educates, motivates, reassures, or interests you:

Categories Ideas Tags Art by Others, Bits and Clips, poetry by others 1 Comment

My Favorite Photos from 2022

December 30, 2022December 30, 2022 by Polly Castor
Favorite photos from 2022

Enjoy all of that here. Let me know in the comments what you like the most. Life surely is good!

Categories Photography Tags community, Mindfulness, Nature, Travel 5 Comments

Our Wedding Anniversary 2022

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022 by Polly Castor
Our Wedding anniversary 2022

We’ve been married 33 years and I like him better than ever.

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, Special Occasions 7 Comments

Assessing Last Year’s Resolution

December 28, 2022December 28, 2022 by Polly Castor
assessing last years' resolution

The trick with this margin resolution will be to see if I can keep feeling and defending sufficient breathing space, when I don’t defer everything else!

Categories Ideas Tags Mindfulness, Release, Virtue 3 Comments

Completion Reading Challenge for 2022 (with Links to Reviews)

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 by Polly Castor
Reading Challenge Complete 2022, Best Books of 2022

I read 66 books this year and had about ten favorites. How about you?

Categories Books, Ideas Tags 4 Star books, 5 Star Books, abundance, Book Reviews, Gift Ideas, Reading Challenge 1 Comment

Christmas Photos 2022

December 26, 2022December 26, 2022 by Polly Castor
Christmas photos 2022

We had a wonderful day and hope you did too.

Categories Photography Tags Church, Family, Gift Ideas, gratitude, Holidays, Special Occasions 2 Comments

Merry Christmas 2022

December 25, 2022 by Polly Castor
Merry Christmas

I hope you have a wonderful day, however you spend it, whether in festivities with family and friends, or in contemplative quietude, as we are happily doing over here this year.

Categories Hope Tags Holidays, Special Occasions 2 Comments

Joseph the Carpenter (Poem by Luci Shaw)

December 24, 2022December 24, 2022 by Polly Castor
Joseph the Carpenter poem Luci Shaw

Joseph’s role is important too.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Christian, gratitude, poetry by others, Special Occasions 6 Comments

Mary Considers Her Situation (Poem by Luci Shaw)

December 23, 2022December 23, 2022 by Polly Castor
Mary Considers Her Situation poem by Luci Shaw

Imagine being Mary…

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Christian, poetry by others, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Small Things Like These (Book Review)

December 22, 2022December 22, 2022 by Polly Castor
Small Things Like These book review

This short, wonderful read takes place over a couple days before Christmas, but is not a usual Christmas story.

Categories Books, Ideas Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction, Gift Ideas 2 Comments

Savory Croissant Strata (Recipe)

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022 by Polly Castor
Vegetarian Croissant Strata

This is a lush, vegetarian brunch casserole, perfect for house guests, Christmas morning, or potlucks.

Categories Food Tags Breakfast, Main Dish, Recipes, vegetarian 4 Comments

Artwork Done on Guadeloupe

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 by Polly Castor
Travel artwork done on Guadeloupe

Loved painting in plein air, filling a concertina sketchbook, and doing so grid thumbnails on Guadeloupe!

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, grid journaling, sketchbook ideas, Travel 3 Comments

Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down (Book Review with Quotes)

December 19, 2022December 19, 2022 by Polly Castor
Things You can see only when you slow down book review,Things You can see only when you slow down quotes

This is not religious content, as much as common sense, distilled down to its essence.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, advice, Book Reviews, Gift Ideas, Quotes, Virtue 1 Comment

Guadeloupe (Last Days: The Cousteau Reserve and the Fort)

December 18, 2022 by Polly Castor
Guadeloupe photos

A wonderful day snorkeling and some history at the fort before we fly home,

Categories Photography Tags Fun, gratitude, Nature, Travel 1 Comment

Guadeloupe (Day #5: Spice Market, Waterfalls, and Northern Coast)

December 17, 2022December 17, 2022 by Polly Castor
Guadeloupe Photos

A lovely varied day with some city time, rainforest time, and crashing surf time.

Categories Food, Photography Tags Fun, Nature, Travel 1 Comment

Guadeloupe (Day #4: Terre de Haut)

December 16, 2022December 16, 2022 by Polly Castor
Terre de Haut photos, Les Saints photos

We took a ferry to this island for the day, reveling in the hills, flowers, snorkeling, passion fruit gelato, and late day lighting.

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Fun, Travel 2 Comments

Guadeloupe (Day #3 Waterfall, Chocolate Plantation, and Deshaies Photos)

December 15, 2022December 15, 2022 by Polly Castor
Guadeloupe trip photos

Waterfalls, flowers, cacao, surf, and sunset make for a gorgeous and satisfying day.

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Nature, Sunsets, Travel 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

These 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?

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

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

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.

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, 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 for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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!!

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 really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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 is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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.

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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!

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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!!

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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!

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!!

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

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…

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

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!! This has needed to be said for a while!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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.

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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 am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

I 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!

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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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:

  • Two New Bowls Made by Me →

  • SemiAnnual Request for Blog Donations →

  • Recipe: Our Favorite Green Soup →

  • Chateau de Chillon (Castle/Fortress) →

  • Food Photography with Recipe Links (Spring 2022) →

  • Photos of my Daughter in Kenya →

  • Photos of Huntington State Park (July 2022) →

  • The World Needs More of You (quote on Writing by Jena Schwartz) →

  • The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Movie Review) →

  • Overcoming the Herod Thought (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

Favorite Books

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