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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.

Gochujang Tomato Soup (Recipe)

January 12, 2026January 12, 2026 by Polly Castor
Gochujang Tomato Soup Recipe

This is a deliciously fresh take on tomato soup! Plus it is easy to make and made with canned (or jarred) tomatoes!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, soups, Vegan, vegetarian, Whole30 Leave a comment

Joshua Miles (Featured Artist)

January 11, 2026 by Polly Castor
Joshua Miles Featured Artist

I love the reduction prints of Joshua Miles, which are astonishing in their detail and complexity.

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

Interconnectedness (quote by Thich Nhat Hanh)

January 10, 2026 by Polly Castor
Thich Nhat Hanh interconnectedness quote

As thin as this sheet of paper is, it contains everything in the universe. So the one contains the all.

Categories Ideas Tags life lessons, Quotes 1 Comment

Polly Answers (#17)

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026 by Polly Castor
Polly Answers how to start in abstract art,

I hope this helps! This truly is a wonderful subject to explore!

Categories Art, Food, Ideas Tags Abstract Art, life lessons, Polly answers Leave a comment

White-Edged Ripped Elements in Collage (Sketchbook Ideas #21)

January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 by Polly Castor
Ripped White-edged Elements in Collage, Sketchbook ideas #21

Give this a try; it is a great way to warm up our creative juices for a new year.

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, Collage, sketchbook ideas Leave a comment

Between Aspiration and Realization (New Poem by Polly Castor)

January 7, 2026 by Polly Castor
Between Aspiration and Realization, poem by Polly Castor

So dive in! The water is fine!

Categories Hope, Poetry, Spirituality Tags Mindfulness, Poetry by me, Virtue Leave a comment

Brownie Edge Chocolate Cookies (Recipe)

January 6, 2026 by Polly Castor
Brownie Edge Chocolate Cookie Recipe

Who doesn’t love the edge of the brownie best? And this is the easiest one bowl and drop cookie recipe imaginable.

Categories Food Tags Desserts, Recipes 1 Comment

Joy is a Stubborn Courage (Maria Popova Quote)

January 5, 2026 by Polly Castor
Joy is a stubborn act of courage, Maria Popova quote

In this world heavy with robust reasons for despair, joy is a stubborn courage we must not surrender, a fulcrum of personal power we must not yield to cynicism, blame, or any other costume of helplessness.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, Quotes 2 Comments

Family Holiday Photos 2025 (with Recipe Links)

January 4, 2026 by Polly Castor
Family Holiday Photos

We had a nice holiday with both daughters home, as well as our older daughter’s boyfriend.

Categories Food, Photography Tags Family, Holidays, Recipes, special occastions 3 Comments

Amaryllis Photos (with Growing Instructions)

January 3, 2026January 3, 2026 by Polly Castor
Amaryllis Tips and Sources

If you have a bare bulb, plant it in a pot that is at least twice its diameter. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the pot. You may plant more than one bulb in a bigger pot if desired

Categories Ideas, Photography Tags Amaryllis, Flowers 1 Comment

Reading Challenge 2026

January 2, 2026 by Polly Castor
2026 Book Challenge

I’ve printed this list off and put it in my journal. I hope you’ll join in with us and do the same.

Categories Books Tags Reading Challenge 1 Comment

New Years Goals/Resolutions 2026

January 1, 2026January 1, 2026 by Polly Castor

Both of these things seem huge, even daunting. I’ve been unsuccessful in these areas in the past. I’m going to break through that, so help me God.

Categories Hope Tags reformation, Release 5 Comments

Bits and Clips for December 2025

December 31, 2025 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for December 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 1 Comment

2025 Year End Goal Review

December 30, 2025December 30, 2025 by Polly Castor
2025 goal review

My resolutions/goals for 2025 are shown below, with my comments on whether they were met or not:

Categories Hope Tags gratitude, Special Occasion 5 Comments

Anniversary Photos 2025

December 29, 2025December 29, 2025 by Polly Castor
Anniversary Photos 2025

We are so grateful for all the joy support, opportunity, family time, progress, exploration, discovery, growth, and extension of purpose we’ve felt and experienced in the past year.

Categories Photography Tags Family, gratitude, Special Occasions 2 Comments

Paintings in Pastel by Others that I’ve Enjoyed this Year

December 28, 2025 by Polly Castor

Here are some competition painting that I enjoyed this year. Which one is your favorite?

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, community, pastel 1 Comment

Breath (Poem by Luci Shaw)

December 27, 2025 by Polly Castor
Breath poem by Luci Shaw

When, in the cavern darkness, Jesus
opened his small, bleating mouth (even before his eyes widened to the supple world his lungs had sighed into being), did he intuit how hungrily the lungs gasp?

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Jesus, poetry by others Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

Thanks, Polly! 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.

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

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

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

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!

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Thanks for the nudge!

You continue to inspire, impress, and
amaze me, 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 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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 your commitment to reality and our true nature!

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

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 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 :)

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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 these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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.

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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 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.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

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

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

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!

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

I 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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 this….I absolutely love reading it!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

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!!

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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!

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 blog is very interesting and insightful.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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 .

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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!

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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 words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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
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  • 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:

  • Recipe: Mustard Roasted Fish →

  • Simple Joys of the Season →

  • Movie Review: Wild →

  • Last Kid’s Forum as We Know It →

  • Horse (Book Review) →

  • Sanibel Island Shells →

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  • Life with my Teen (& Book Review) →

  • Labor Day Weekend at Home →

  • Be You Faithfully (Jen Hatmaker Quote) →

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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