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Polly Castor

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

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Year: 2024

Recent Food Around Here (with Recipe Links)

January 27, 2024January 25, 2024 by Polly Castor

Scallops on a Bed of Leeks Winter is such a good time for eating, and the food is totally different than summer. We’ve been relishing stove-top soups and things from the oven, with some simple protein thrown in. In the caption below each photo are details of what is depicted, with links to recipes in … Read more

Categories Food Tags food photography, Recipes, Winter 1 Comment

Others Playing with Red

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024 by Polly Castor
Red in art, others playing with red

How thrilling is red!

Categories Art Tags abundance, Art by Others, creativity 2 Comments

Grace Notes (#51 with Photos)

January 23, 2024 by Polly Castor
Grace Notes #51

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

Categories Photography Tags community, grace notes, gratitude 6 Comments

Playing with Red (Sketchbook Ideas #13)

January 22, 2024January 22, 2024 by Polly Castor

I’ve found that it’s hard to get a red red that reads only red!

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, creativity, sketchbook ideas 4 Comments

Recent Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal

January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 by Polly Castor
Bible Study Journal Pages

I find the process of journaling while I study really helpful in making it my own. Doing so also prompts me to put it into action, and not just learn about it.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Bible Lesson Journal, Christian, Quotes 1 Comment

Barbara Rae (Featured Artist)

January 20, 2024January 20, 2024 by Polly Castor
Barbara Rae (Featured Artist)

I love the bright, streamlined vibrancy of her work.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, creativity, Featured Artist 2 Comments

Self Portrait with Nothing (Book Review)

January 19, 2024January 19, 2024 by Polly Castor
Self Portrait with Nothing (Book Review)

This is a very unique, bizarre, and ultimately satisfying read.

Categories Books Tags 5 star reviews, Book Reviews, Fiction Leave a comment

Small Talk is Too Small (New Poem by Polly Castor)

January 18, 2024January 18, 2024 by Polly Castor
Small talk is too small, poem by Polly Castor

Are you fully alive with overflowing gratitude and love?

Categories Poetry Tags authenticity, community, life lessons, Poetry by me 4 Comments

Circles by Others

January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by Polly Castor
Circles by others

Painting, drawing or collaging circles makes for a great meditation.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Artist Journals, creativity, sketchbook ideas Leave a comment

The Bible as a Verb (Listen to Me be Interviewed on the Podcast)

January 16, 2024January 16, 2024 by Polly Castor
Bible as a Verb Podcast, Do what the Bible says podcast

You can listen in and hear some of what the Bible says we should be doing.

Categories Spirituality Tags advice, authenticity, Bible, Christian, life lessons, Mindfulness, Relationship with God, Virtue 1 Comment

Exploring Circles (Sketchbook Ideas #12)

January 15, 2024January 15, 2024 by Polly Castor
Exploring Circles (sketchbook ideas #12)

The purpose of a sketchbook is to use it. Fill it up with trials! Give some circles a go!

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, creativity, sketchbook ideas 1 Comment

Intuition or Spiritual Sense? (Deep Think #24)

January 14, 2024January 14, 2024 by Polly Castor
Intuition or Spiritual Sense?

Cultivating spiritual sense is thrilling, and I wish more people would experience this exciting connection, instead explaining it away materially, or hiding it behind the term of intuition.

Categories Art, Ideas, Spirituality Tags authenticity, creativity, spirituality & art 3 Comments

Boys in the Boat (Movie Review)

January 13, 2024January 13, 2024 by Polly Castor
Boys in the Boat movie review

We all can use a story of pulling together right now.

Categories Movies Tags 5 Star Movies, Movie Reviews 5 Comments

New Day (Poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson)

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024 by Polly Castor

He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Categories Poetry Tags advice, poetry by others, Release 3 Comments

Recent Black & White Photos

January 25, 2024January 11, 2024 by Polly Castor
Black and white photography by Polly Castor

Urban environment contrasted with the natural one… organic shapes and texture contrasted with geometric, built, and man made angles.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Mindfulness, Winter 4 Comments

Layered Scribbles by Others

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 by Polly Castor
layered scribbles by others

Approach scribbling with mindful noticing and inquisitiveness, and let one thing lead to the next by asking questions.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, creativity, Mindfulness 1 Comment

Visual Thinking (Book Review)

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 by Polly Castor
Visual Thinking book review

This book could hold a profound revelation for you.

Categories Books Tags 4star books, Book Reviews, education, non-fiction 3 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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 so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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.

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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 work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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!

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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!

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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 !

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 !

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

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

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

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 colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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.

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Recent Posts

  • Range (Book Review)
  • Abstracted Sunflower (New Painting in Pastel)
  • Allowed to be Ordinary (Poem by James Crews)
  • Grace Notes #65
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  • What to Pack (New Poem by Polly Castor)
  • Heaps of Windblown Dried Grasses at Christmas Cove (Landscape Painting in Pastel)
  • Recent Food Around Here (with Photos and Recipe Links)
  • I’m in this National Show at Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Floodwood Pond (Poem by Danny Dover)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

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  • Bodrum Castle, Halicarnassus, and Buying Turkish Rugs →

  • Recent Black and White Photographs →

  • Contrasting Texas and Connecticut from the Air →

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  • Short New Poem: Sacramental Moment →

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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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