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Month: July 2025

Bits and Clips for July 2025

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for July 2025

I hope you find something among all this artwork, photography, memes, links, and quotes that spurs you on, inspires, supports, educates, or motivates you.

Categories Ideas Tags Art by Others, Bits and Clips, Memes, poetry by others, Quotes Leave a comment

Goodbye to our Boat, Turkey, and Each Other

July 30, 2025July 30, 2025 by Polly Castor
Goodbye Turkey

We loved this trip and being together!

Categories Photography Tags Family, grateful, Travel 2 Comments

We Go up the River to Kaunos

July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 by Polly Castor
Visiting Kaunos

We’ve had a wonderful time!

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, Travel Leave a comment

Returning to Turkey for a Hike and a Party

July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Polly Castor

We swam in another lovely cove early in the day and then went back through immigration in Marmaris. The water continues to be endlessly fascinating. Next, we settled in a lovely mountainous spot and some of us did a difficult bike ride to a lake, while others of us (me included) went for a hike. … Read more

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel 2 Comments

On to the Greek Island of Rhodes

July 27, 2025 by Polly Castor
On to the Greek Island of Rhodes

Rhodes was fun; wish we had longer there.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel 2 Comments

Crossing to the Greek Island of Symi

July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 by Polly Castor
Sailing to Simi

The water is amazing!

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel Leave a comment

Swimming, Touring Knidos, and an Evening Bike Ride

July 25, 2025 by Polly Castor
Boating and Biking in Turkey

A lovely day enjoying being together.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel Leave a comment

Bodrum Castle, Halicarnassus, and Buying Turkish Rugs

July 24, 2025July 24, 2025 by Polly Castor
Bought Turkish Rugs

We are finally all together!

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel Leave a comment

Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Meeting Our Boat

August 1, 2025July 23, 2025 by Polly Castor
Hagia Sophia photos

I was excited to see the Hagia Sophia since I wrote my first term paper about it in high school and never dreamed I’d be there. The reality is that its 1500 years of history and multiple uses have made it a little down on its ear. They are in the process of renovating now … Read more

Categories Photography Tags Family, Travel 1 Comment

Topkapi Palace Museum, Cistern, Bazaar, and Harbor in Istanbul (Photos)

July 22, 2025July 22, 2025 by Polly Castor
Istanbul photos

It was a wonderful but full day.

Categories Photography Tags abundance, Architecture, Family, Travel 1 Comment

Just Back from Turkey, Greece, and Sardinia!

August 1, 2025July 21, 2025 by Polly Castor
Just back from Turkey, Greece and Sardinia!

So grateful for this amazing opportunity!

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, Travel 5 Comments

Build on What You’ve Been Given (Quote from the Message)

July 20, 2025July 20, 2025 by Polly Castor
Build on what you've been given (quote from the Message)

With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward…

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Christ, Christian, Jesus, life lessons Leave a comment

Dorothy Ganek (Featured Artist)

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025 by Polly Castor
Dorothy Ganek featured artist

I like Dorothy Ganek’s vibrant and engaging abstract work.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Art by Others, Featured Artist Leave a comment

Broiled Halibut with Parmesan Dill Crust (Recipe)

July 20, 2025July 18, 2025 by Polly Castor

This is one of our favorite recipes and it is so easy…

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood 4 Comments

Two New Found Paper Collages

July 17, 2025July 17, 2025 by Polly Castor
found paper collages by Polly Castor

Here I have been experimenting with collage compositions made of found paper.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage 1 Comment

Love Breeds Love (Quote by Frank Ostaseski)

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 by Polly Castor
Love Breeds Love (Quote by Frank Ostaseski), art by Polly Castor

Love is the very human quality that allows us to welcome everything, not just what we prefer most.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags life lessons, Quotes, Virtue 1 Comment

Recent Black and White Photos from Maine

July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 by Polly Castor
Recent Black and White Photos

Try starting a discipline of taking things in black and white, for you will really start to see values everywhere and what a difference they make.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Maine Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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.

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I 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!

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

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!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 powerful message. Thank you for getting it out there.

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

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

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

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

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

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

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 your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

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

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

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.

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

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!!

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

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

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

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…

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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 Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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!

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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!!

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

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

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

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.

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 your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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!

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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 .

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.

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

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 !

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!!

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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.

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

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!

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.

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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!

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’m so grateful for all you share with us.

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

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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:

  • Bits and Clips for May 2025 →

  • Marie Kondo Our Style →

  • Artist-in-Residency (Day 1 Creative Arts Camp 2022) →

  • Movie Review: Tangled →

  • More Photos of Moving Water →

  • Book Review: The Secret Wisdom of the Earth →

  • Movie Review: Letters to Juliet →

  • Be in Touch with Some Vital Interest →

  • I was Featured in the Pastel Society Newsletter →

  • Juniata Freshman Dorm Drop Off →

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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