Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

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

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

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.

Book Review: Euphoria

May 17, 2016 by Polly Castor

If you love anthropology, you might find this book worth your time. For me, I give it only three stars.

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews, Fiction 1 Comment

Book Review: Delancey

May 16, 2016May 16, 2016 by Polly Castor
Book Review Delancy

If you want to read a real life story of the struggle behind realizing a dream, you might enjoy this book.

Categories Books, Food Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Cookbooks, Memoir, Restaurants 1 Comment

New Poem by Me: The Futility of Self-Reliance

May 15, 2016 by Polly Castor
Poem: The Futility of Self-Reliance

We are like the Israelites
overburdened by their
Egyptian taskmasters
and eager to escape
for the Promised Land.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags Bible, God, life lessons, metaphor, Poetry by me 3 Comments

I’m in this Madison Art Society Juried Show

May 14, 2016 by Polly Castor
Madison Art Society Juried Show

I’m in this Madison Art Society Juried Show which runs at the Scranton Memorial Library until May 27th, so stop by for a visit.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows 1 Comment

Poem by Luci Shaw: Speechless

May 13, 2016 by Polly Castor
Speechless Poem

Whose scent, invisible, drowns you in opulence, and for which you can find nothing adequate to say.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others 2 Comments

New Painting: Blooming Crabapple in Evening Light

May 12, 2016 by Polly Castor
Blooming Crabapple in Evening Light (painting in acrylic) by Polly Castor

Here is the painting I did this week of a crabapple tree about a block from our house captured in the evening’s glowing light.

Categories Art Tags Acrylic Paintings, Paintings, Plein Air painting, representational art 2 Comments

Photos of Lightning Whelk Seed Cases

May 11, 2016 by Polly Castor
Lightning whelk seed cases

That such a little jelly-like creature makes both that shell and these seed cases, makes me feel awed.

Categories Photography Tags creatures, Nature Leave a comment

Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Masala

December 28, 2016May 10, 2016 by Polly Castor
recipe roasted vegetable masala

To serve, layer the quinoa and roasted veggies, and top with the masala sauce and chopped cilantro if desired.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, Vegan, vegetarian 1 Comment

Featured Artist: David Schulz

May 9, 2016 by Polly Castor
Paintings by David Schulz

His use of the palette knife for these is perfect, and contributes to their strong vibrant character.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, Featured Artists Leave a comment

New Poem: What I Learned From My Mother

May 8, 2016 by Polly Castor

I learned all this and more from the best example I could have had.
Thank you!

Categories Poetry Tags Family, gratitude, life lessons, Poetry by me 4 Comments

Felted Lightning Bag

May 7, 2016 by Polly Castor
Felted bag

You have to knit a felted bag much larger than you want it, as you can see in the first photo below, in order to shrink it tight and strong to the size you desire.

Categories Art Tags creativity, Fun 2 Comments

Book Review: The Forest Lover

May 6, 2016 by Polly Castor

This book is historical fiction of Emily Carr, a remarkable woman painter, who despite her confining Victorian upbringing traveled to Paris to study with Post Impressionists and returned to her cherished northwest Canada to paint the forests and native artifacts

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

Two New Monoprint Collages

May 5, 2016 by Polly Castor
monoprint collage

Here are my two new monoprint collages done in acrylic and ink. Both are 18″x24″.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage, Monoprints Leave a comment

Spring at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

May 4, 2016 by Polly Castor
spring at the Brooklyn Botanical garden

I had a glorious time a the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which was bursting in bloom with cherry blossoms, wisteria, azaleas, lilacs, peonies, and tulips, all somehow magnificent simultaneously.

Categories Photography Tags community, Flowers, Fun, spring Leave a comment

NYC Five Boro Bike Tour

March 11, 2017May 3, 2016 by Polly Castor
NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2016

I completed it without walking my bike once– even up the steep climbs on the bridges– so although I was very chilled and wet, I was feeling pretty good about it!

Categories Photography Tags Fun, New York 1 Comment

Two Early Spring Plein Air Oil Paintings

May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 by Polly Castor
Early spring plein air oil paintings

I’ve been painting outside a couple times here this spring before the weather turned cold and rainy.

Categories Art Tags Oil Painting, Plein Air painting, representational art Leave a comment

Some Exotic Captive Birds

May 3, 2016May 1, 2016 by Polly Castor

Yes, a God I resonate with gave them their coloring!

Categories Photography Tags creatures Leave a comment
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 … Page224 Page225 Page226 … Page380 Next →

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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.

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!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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…

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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!!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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.

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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 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!!

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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 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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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.

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!!

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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?

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

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

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

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

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!

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

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

I 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.

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

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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 LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,472)
  • Books (738)
  • Food (853)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (848)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (191)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (697)
  • Spirituality (830)
  • Uncategorized (5)

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Church Tomorrow (Book Review)
  • My Brilliant Career (Movie Review)
  • Jackie Leishman (Featured Artist)
  • New Blog Design is Now in Operation
  • How to Read a Book (Book Review)
  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • 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)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Winning Hearts and Minds Cake: aka Flour-less Chocolate Cake →

  • Our Solar is Finally Installed! →

  • Perfect Potato Hash (Home Fries Recipe) →

  • Featured Artist: Erin Hanson →

  • Grace Notes #30 (with Photos) →

  • Clarissa Pinkola Estes Quote →

  • Eight New Hand Carved Pottery Plates →

  • Moss (St. Patrick’s Day Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Recipe: Quinoa Granola Bars →

  • Recipe: Spinach Quiche →

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress