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Polly Castor

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

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Polly Castor

I work to amplify good wherever I find it. I love color, texture, beauty, great ideas, nature, metaphor, deliciousness, genuine spirituality, and exploring new territory. I encourage authenticity, nurture creativity, champion sustainability, promote peace, and hope to foster a new renaissance where we all are free to be our most fulfilled, multifaceted, and terrific selves. Read more here.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Series Book Review)

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 by Polly Castor
The unselected Journals of Emma M Lion book review

Compare this series to a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables; it is at once lighthearted and substancial.

Categories Books Tags 5 stars, Fiction, Gift Ideas, Reviews 2 Comments

Lentil Soup with Rosemary, Butternut Squash, and Chard (Recipe)

January 28, 2026 by Polly Castor
Lentil Soup with Rosemary, Butternut Squash, and Chard (Recipe)

This soup has all the sustaining coziness of winter in a bowl.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, soups, Vegan, vegetarian Leave a comment

Joy Cometh in the Morning (New Pastel Painting)

January 27, 2026 by Polly Castor
Joy Cometh in the Morning, painting by Polly Castor

To counter the oppressive darkness of the news, this new painting of mine refers to a phrase from Psalms 30:5: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Abstract Landscapes, pastel 3 Comments

Snow Photos

January 26, 2026January 26, 2026 by Polly Castor
Snow Photos

The snow is up now over the wheel wells on our cars in the driveway, and shoveling out will commence later today.

Categories Hope, Photography Tags Prayer, snow, Winter 2 Comments

Today’s Scriptural Selection from the Message Version of the Bible

January 29, 2026January 25, 2026 by Polly Castor
Scriptural Selection from the Message Bible

My scriptural Selection today from the Message version of the Bible for the lesson on Truth:

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible Leave a comment

Blog is Back Up After Technical Difficulties

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 by Polly Castor

Thank God! The blog is back up! Yes, we are still alive and well over here! My absence was only a technical glitch!

Categories Hope Tags Special Occasions 3 Comments

Clementine Cake (Naturally Gluten Free Recipe)

January 24, 2026January 23, 2026 by Polly Castor
Clementine Cake (Naturally Gluten Free Recipe)

This recipe was a hit – so moist, simple, and flavorful…

Categories Food Tags Desserts, Recipes 1 Comment

Flaky Biscuits (Recipe)

January 24, 2026January 22, 2026 by Polly Castor
Flaky Biscuit Recipe

This is your purely perfect, simple, no-skill required, straight-forward, always welcome, everyday but company worthy biscuit, especially delightful when eaten with our easy homemade jam…

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish 2 Comments

The Cold (Poem by Wendell Berry)

January 21, 2026 by Polly Castor
The Cold (Poem by Wendell Berry)

How exactly good it is to know myself in the solitude of winter…

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others, Winter Leave a comment

Sunset Over the Gulf of Mexico (New Painting in Oil)

January 20, 2026 by Polly Castor
Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, painting by Polly Castor

While praying about Venezuela, I remembered this unusual sunset looking south over the gulf of Mexico from Corpus Christi after our nephew’s wedding.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, metaphor, Oil Painting, Sunsets 1 Comment

The One Recurring Response (Poem by Susan McBride Els)

January 19, 2026 by Polly Castor
The One Recurring Response (Poem by Susan McBride Els)

All prayers– even the wild and savage ones– point to the one recurring response: Yes, its always love.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others, Prayer 2 Comments

Janet Fish (Featured Artist)

January 18, 2026 by Polly Castor
Janet Fish, featured artist

I have long adored the artwork of Janet Fish. I was saddened to hear of her passing last December, but proud of what she accomplished, by being true to what she was interested in and making a name for herself, especially when the way there was so steep for women. She was tenacious in following her vision, and consistent in working toward it.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Featured Artist, representational art 2 Comments

Don’t Ruminate, Activate (James Clear Quote)

January 17, 2026 by Polly Castor
Don't Ruminate, activate, James Clear quote

I find it is difficult to think my way into a better mood. When I sit and stew, the problem usually grows larger in my mind.

Categories Ideas Tags life lessons, Quotes 1 Comment

Time of the Child (Book Review)

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026 by Polly Castor
Time of the Child book review

It is a story about an unexpected baby arriving at Christmas time, and what a miracle that can be. It centers around the town doctor as the main character, as well as his unmarried daughter.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction 1 Comment

Be the Light in the Darkness (New Painting in Pastel)

January 26, 2026January 15, 2026 by Polly Castor
Expanding Opportunities (New Painting in Pastel)

I thought of expanding opportunities like the northern lights but more exaggerated and with complex light coming out of darkness. There are lots of reasons to believe in darkness and limitation these days, but light and effulgence always win out.

Categories Art, Hope Tags Abstract Art, pastel 3 Comments

Lean on the Infinite (New Poem by Polly Castor)

January 14, 2026 by Polly Castor
Lean on the Infinite, Poem by Polly Castor

Let all that and infinitely more surge through you. Let that govern your being. Let that sustain you through it all. Let that determine your destiny.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Mary Baker Eddy, Poetry by me, Relationship with God 1 Comment

Grassroots Uprising (New Oil Painting)

January 13, 2026 by Polly Castor
Grassroots Uprising, oil painting by Polly Castor

I painted this oil painting in my studio, even though I usually try to only paint oils outdoors. I’m loving some new oil painting stuff I bought with my Christmas money, and felt the urge, so I ventilated well and went for it anyway.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Oil Painting 2 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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!

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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.

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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!

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

I 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!

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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!

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.

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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…

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

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

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

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

Glorious! Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, 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 so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, Polly!

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

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.

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

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

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

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 photos are so wonderful, it really warms the heart.

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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!

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 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 saying what needs to be said.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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!

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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 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 LOVE YOU!!

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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 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 .

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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!

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

I 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.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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!

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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…

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!!

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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.

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

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Recent Posts

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  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
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Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • To Understand Truth (Krishnamurti Quote) →

  • Spring at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens →

  • Love Regardless of Worthiness (Thomas Merton Quote) →

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  • Photos of Azaleas →

  • 50 Ways to Show Kids You Care →

  • Book Review: Delancey →

  • Let Yourself Trust (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
 
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