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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.

Last Night I Dreamt about Running for President

January 9, 2015May 5, 2012 by Polly Castor
being president

Last night I dreamt about running for President. It wasn’t in this current race but one in the future. In my dream, I won, but that is not one of the moments I saw in my dream.

Categories Ideas Tags reformation Leave a comment

Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

June 4, 2015May 4, 2012 by Polly Castor
Reflections on I Corinthians 13

At the National Day of Prayer service we had yesterday, our First Selectman read the following. He said he found it on the Internet and it really struck him.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, reflections Leave a comment

National Day of Prayer

January 8, 2015May 3, 2012 by Polly Castor
National Day of Prayer

Congress has proclaimed the first Thursday in May the National Day of Prayer and this year our local clergy association decided to host our first annual service for this occasion.

Categories Hope Tags Prayer Leave a comment

New Poem by me: Synergy

January 8, 2015May 2, 2012 by Polly Castor
synergy poetry

Like an individual water molecule by itself has no wetness/ until jostling with others in a slippery tumble/ it forms and breaks lattices…

Categories Poetry Tags Poetry by me Leave a comment

Annapolis Food

January 8, 2015May 1, 2012 by Polly Castor
crab salad

Annapolis food is a delicious joy! Hope you enjoy vicariously and then plan a visit!

Categories Food Tags Annapolis Leave a comment

Photos of Spring Cotillion

January 8, 2015April 30, 2012 by Polly Castor
Spring Cotillion St. John's college

My husband and I were pleased to be included in the Spring Cotillion at St. John’s College in Annapolis last Saturday night. Our daughter was responsible for…

Categories Photography Tags College, Fun, People Leave a comment

St. John’s College Beats the Navy at Croquet

May 22, 2015April 29, 2012 by Polly Castor
St. John's College Croquet

This is the 30th annual croquet match between St. John’s College and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. In all that time, the Navy has only won five times.

Categories Photography Tags Annapolis, College, Fun, People 1 Comment

Visiting our Oldest Daughter at St. John’s College

June 4, 2015April 28, 2012 by Polly Castor

We have come to visit our oldest daughter, who is a junior at St. John’s College in Annapolis. We’ve enjoyed staying in her house and meeting her friends.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags Annapolis, College, education, Family Leave a comment

Baltimore Art Museums

June 9, 2015April 27, 2012 by Polly Castor
Baltimore Museum of Art

Yesterday we visited The Walters Art Museum and The Baltimore Museum of Art. Here are some of the highlights…

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Museums Leave a comment

We Sent an Acceptance Check to Swarthmore

January 8, 2015April 26, 2012 by Polly Castor

Well, we have sent an acceptance check to Swarthmore! Our son felt that it was the best school with the most options and opportunity.

Categories Homeschooling, Hope Tags education, homeschooling Leave a comment

Recipe: Date Muffins

June 4, 2015April 25, 2012 by Polly Castor
date muffins, date muffin recipe

These are wholesome: made with maple syrup and the sprouted spelt flour I mentioned recently on my blog.

Categories Food Tags Breakfast, Recipes, sprouted flour, vegetarian 1 Comment

Plants in a Retaining Wall

January 8, 2015April 24, 2012 by Polly Castor
plants for retaining walls

Something functional can also be made beautiful! Here are some ideas for plants for retaining walls.

Categories Ideas Tags Gardening Leave a comment

My Kids’ Robot at the Homeschool Science Fair

January 6, 2015April 23, 2012 by Polly Castor
homeschool science fair

Well, the FIRST robotics season is over and my kids brought their robot to the homeschooling science fair, and did a great job teaching little kids about it.

Categories Homeschooling, Ideas Tags homeschooling, Robotics, Science Leave a comment

Photos of Succulents

January 6, 2015April 22, 2012 by Polly Castor

I was thrilled at the variety of succulents in the Wave Hill greenhouses!

Categories Photography Tags Gardening Leave a comment

Lovely Pastels

June 9, 2015April 21, 2012 by Polly Castor
Elizabeth Roades pastels

I enjoyed seeing these lovely pastels in a gallery in Litchfield. It is interesting to note we share a teacher in Alain Picard. Enjoy!

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Pastels Leave a comment

Swarthmore Peonies

January 5, 2015April 20, 2012 by Polly Castor
Swarthmore peony garden

Check out the gorgeous peonies in the Swarthmore peony garden!

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Peonies, spring 1 Comment

Photos of Swarthmore Visit

January 5, 2015April 19, 2012 by Polly Castor
Swarthmore College

I took Andrew to Swarthmore “admitted student days” today and he stays through tomorrow. People here are nice and that the campus is the most beautiful I…

Categories Photography Tags College Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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!

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

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!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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!

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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 love your blog! I shared it with my mom, an artist, and she is impressed with your art. I’ve also spent time studying your paintings. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! Thank you!!

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

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!

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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…

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

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

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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!!

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.

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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 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 very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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!

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 your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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! 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 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 .

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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…

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 for passing along such wise words.

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!

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Love your pastels!

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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.

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 are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • 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)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Warm Brussels Sprout Salad with Hemp Heart Ranch Dressing (Recipe) →

  • Father’s Day Poem for God (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Go Gentle (Book Review with Quotes) →

  • Bits and Clips January 2025 →

  • Where is God at Christmas (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Featured Artist: Janet Schwartz →

  • A Week of Sunrises →

  • Tradition and Traditionalism →

  • Priorities: Housework or Art (aka How I Do All I DO) →

  • Recipe: Hot & Sweet Tofu →

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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©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.

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