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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.

Jade Fadojutimi (Featured Artist)

June 23, 2025June 23, 2025 by Polly Castor
Jade Fadojutimi, Featured Artist

She paints large, and I love her gestural strokes, as well as her bold use of color.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Featured Artist 1 Comment

News (Poem by Alfred Lamotte)

June 22, 2025 by Polly Castor
News poem by Alfred Lamotte

And that’s the way it is this Sabbath morning.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others, Release Leave a comment

The Trackers (Book Review)

June 21, 2025June 21, 2025 by Polly Castor
The Trackers book review

I listened to this driving to and from Maine last week, and enjoyed it.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Fiction, Reviews Leave a comment

When the Sun (Poem by Juniper Klatt)

June 20, 2025 by Polly Castor
When comes the Sun poem by Juniper Klatt

Oh how lovely it feels to be alive; how magical to wake with the light and live…

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others Leave a comment

What I Painted at the PSME Plein Air Retreat

June 19, 2025June 19, 2025 by Polly Castor
Plein Air Retreat Paintings by Polly Castor

During our plein air retreat I did six paintings in three full days, two of flowers, two of rocks, and two of water.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Flowers, Maine, pastel, plein air, rocks, Water reflections 5 Comments

Food I Prepared for the PSME Plein Air Retreat

June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by Polly Castor
Food for PSME Plein Air Retreat

It was fun to nurture people in this way, and I’m already thinking about what to make next year!

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, Side Dish 4 Comments

PSME Plein Air Retreat 2025 (People, Places, and Art by Others)

June 18, 2025June 17, 2025 by Polly Castor
PSME Plein Air Retreat 2025

A great time was had by all.

Categories Photography 2 Comments

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Flower Photos)

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025 by Polly Castor
Mid Coast Maine Botanical Gardens Photos

This lovely spot is definitely worth the visit.

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Maine, Nature 4 Comments

A Hymn for Father’s Day

June 15, 2025June 15, 2025 by Polly Castor
A Hymn for Father's day

O Father, Thy kingdom is come upon earth

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags Christian Science, God, gratitude, Relationship with God, trust 1 Comment

Broccoli Cucumber Salad (Recipe)

June 14, 2025June 14, 2025 by Polly Castor
Broccoli Cucumber Salad recipe

This salad is easy to make, lots of crunch and texture, and the dressing is delicious.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads, Side Dish 1 Comment

Arden Bendler Browning (Featured Artist)

June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Polly Castor
Arden Bendler Browning, Featured Artist

I like how Arden Bendler Browning’s work straddles the line between abstraction and landscape painting.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, acrylic painting, Art by Others, Featured Artist 1 Comment

Recent Black and White Photos

June 12, 2025June 12, 2025 by Polly Castor
Black and white Photographs by Polly Castor

This is why I have a practice of taking photographs in black and white.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment

Making is the Message (Quote By Cecil Touchon)

June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 by Polly Castor
Something Inside that Insists on Making (Quote By Cecil Touchon), paintings by Polly Castor

Making is how I stay connected to something deeper than thinking.

Categories Art Tags process, Quotes Leave a comment

Two New Monoprints

June 10, 2025 by Polly Castor
May I perceive All Being One (monoprint) by Polly Castor

I’ve been enjoying makng monoprints lately of many different layers.

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

Reading Challenge Update

June 9, 2025 by Polly Castor
Reading Challenge 2025 Update

I read in a range of edifying and entertaining, a mixture of substantial stuff and fluff.

Categories Books Tags Reading Challenge 1 Comment

New Day’s Lyric (Poem by Amanda Gorman)

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 by Polly Castor
New Day's Lyric, poem by Amanda Gorman

May this be the day we come together.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others, Release 2 Comments

I’m in the New Pond Farm Invitational Art Show

June 7, 2025June 7, 2025 by Polly Castor
New Pond Farm Invitational Art Show 2025

Stop by to see the show before June 15th.

Categories Art Tags Art Shows, New Pond Farm, pastel 3 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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!

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.

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!

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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 for your commitment to reality and our true nature!

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

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

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!!

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

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 !

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 this….I absolutely love reading it!

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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.

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!

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

I 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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 !

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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…

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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 Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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!

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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!

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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.

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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.

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • 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)
  • 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)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Exemplary Turtles (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Why Jesus Doodled in the Dirt →

  • My Forum on Faith Article in Today’s Danbury News-Times: Serving Others Should Be Part of Our Daily Lives →

  • The Summer Before the War (book review) →

  • Photos of Local Flowering Trees →

  • Recipe: Roasted Carrots →

  • What Is On These Things →

  • Book Review: Under the Wide and Starry Sky →

  • The One Person I am With Forever (Louise Hay Quote) →

  • Maine Pastel Exhibition (Photos) →

Favorite Books

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Hints on Child Training: A Book That's Been Helping Parents Like Your...for More Than 100 Years
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
 
Polly Castor's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists
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