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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.

My next page is done in my Box-a-Day Art Journal

June 2, 2015January 27, 2009 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor Box-a-day Art Journal-www.PollyCastor.com

This page in my daily art journal is dominated by three days of preoccupation with the inaugural.

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, Box-a-day Art Journal Leave a comment

Yummy Vegetable Side: Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

June 9, 2015January 26, 2009 by Polly Castor
Roasted Brussels Sprouts-Polly Castor photography

This was delicious! It is very simple: roasted Brussels sprouts, parsnip slices and pecans. I saw it in the December 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine and you can

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish Leave a comment

Book review: An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

June 2, 2015January 25, 2009 by Polly Castor
The Uncommon Reader

Is reading considered an eccentric activity? What effect does the habit of reading have? The Queen is the uncommon reader in this mild and witty satire; she…

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

Today’s Poem: Both Sides of Devotion

June 2, 2015January 24, 2009 by Polly Castor
bed side table-www.PollyCastor.com

Here’s a poem I wrote today watching the devotion both dog and owner had during a wintery walk. Ah, the things I am devoted to call…

Categories Poetry Tags authenticity, Bible, Poetry by me, Prayer Leave a comment

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

June 2, 2015January 23, 2009 by Polly Castor
flower-www.PollyCastor.com

I liked this movie: unvarnished and polished, sad and triumphant, disturbing and empowering, straightforward and complex. The restoring power of love was…

Categories Movies Tags 4 Star Movies, Movie Reviews Leave a comment

Movie Review: Doubt

June 2, 2015January 22, 2009 by Polly Castor
Winter trees-www.PollyCastor.com

I give this movie 2 stars, although Meryl Steep did a great job and deserved her academy award nomination for best actress, but…

Categories Movies Tags Movie Reviews Leave a comment

My Mandoline Gratin

June 2, 2015January 21, 2009 by Polly Castor
Autumn Vegetable Gratin-www.PollyCastor.com

I used the new mandoline I got for Christmas to make this lovely and delicious dish. It has thin slices of butternut squash, fennel, onion and potato in it.

Categories Food Tags Cookbooks, Organic food, Side Dish Leave a comment

Barack Obama Inauguration 2009

June 2, 2015January 20, 2009 by Polly Castor
Newspapers with Obama's Inauguration www.PollyCastor.com

Who would have thought a few years ago that we would witness having a black president in our lifetime let alone so soon?

Categories Hope Tags authenticity, Christian Science Monitor, God, Special Occasions Leave a comment

Our New Amaryllis

June 2, 2015January 18, 2009 by Polly Castor
Amaryllis-www.PollyCastor.com

The church flower committee contribution basking in the sun on our front table is a joy to see.

Categories Photography Tags Amaryllis, Church Flowers, Flowers Leave a comment

Statistic about Spiritual Healing

June 2, 2015January 17, 2009 by Polly Castor

According to a Gallup Poll, 40% of Americans claim that at one time or another they had a physical healing through prayer.

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags Prayer, Spiritual Healing Leave a comment

Quote on Perspective from Steve Jobs

June 2, 2015January 16, 2009 by Polly Castor

My friend Fred emailed me the following quote from Steven Jobs, chairman of Apple Computer, who two days ago took a leave of absence for health reasons:

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags life lessons, Mary Baker Eddy, Quotes Leave a comment

The Next Page is Done in My Box-a-Day Art Journal

June 2, 2015January 15, 2009 by Polly Castor

Here are some close-up photos of a few of my recent boxes from my daily art journal from the last twelve days.

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, Box-a-day Art Journal Leave a comment

William Blake Quote on Virtue

June 2, 2015January 14, 2009 by Polly Castor
William Blake quote

Virtue comes from spontaneously responding to the Creator and not from obedience to someone else’s limited ideas. William Blake says…

Categories Spirituality Tags Quotes, Relationship with God, Virtue 1 Comment

Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe with Tilapia and Roasted Asparagus

June 2, 2015January 13, 2009 by Polly Castor
Cheese shop-www.PollyCastor.com

Here is a soup recipe that I customized from a Mollie Katzen recipe from the Moosewood Cookbook . It was perfect for this very cold day and was an instant hit.

Categories Food Tags Main Dish, Recipes, seafood, soup Leave a comment

Photos of Church Flowers

June 2, 2015January 11, 2009 by Polly Castor

As chairman of the church flower committee we brought these amaryllis which simultaneously had thirty one blooms on them.

Categories Photography Tags Amaryllis, Church Flowers, Flowers Leave a comment

I Made This Wreath

June 2, 2015January 10, 2009 by Polly Castor
Pine cone wreath-www.PollyCastor.com

There are many memories attached to our Christmas decorations. This pine cone wreath I made is one of them. But so are some old family ornaments… an angel that was

Categories Ideas Tags creativity, Family, Holiday Leave a comment

Photos of Today’s Dusting of Snow

June 2, 2015January 8, 2009 by Polly Castor

After a dazzling morning flurry I was able to snap a few pictures before the sun came out to melt it…

Categories Photography Tags Nature, snow, Winter Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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!

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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!

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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!

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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.

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! ❤️

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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!

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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 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.

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

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

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

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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!

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

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

I 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.

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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 !

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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 :)

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

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 Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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.

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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!!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
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  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)
  • Holy Peace (Poem by Danna Faulds)
  • Dolly All the Time (Book Review)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Grace Notes #24 (with Photos) →

  • Peony Photos 2018 →

  • Five Recent Pages from my Artist’s Journal →

  • A Fleeting Memorial in Green Tape →

  • The Joyous Miracle of Existence (Quote by Lewis Thomas) →

  • New York City in Black and White →

  • My New Painting: Amen-Ra →

  • Father’s Day Portraits →

  • Two New Handmade Bowls →

  • Call to Action (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

Favorite Books

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