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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.

English Lake District Day 2 (Hike to Castlerigg Standing Stones)

September 23, 2024September 23, 2024 by Polly Castor
Hike to Castlerigg Standing Stones

In these photos, you can follow along on our walk out of Keswick into the fields and beyond to the standing stones

Categories Photography Tags creatures, gratitude, rocks, Travel 4 Comments

The Shepherd’s Life (Book Review)

September 22, 2024 by Polly Castor
The Shepherd's Life book review

This is one of the best and most unusual memoirs I’ve ever read.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, book review, Memoir, non-fiction 4 Comments

English Lake District Day 1 (Photos of Hike Around Derwentwater Lake)

September 21, 2024September 21, 2024 by Polly Castor
Derwentwater lake hike photos

Enjoy with us the views, the weather, the reflections, the amazing trees of the trail around Derwetwater Lake.

Categories Photography Tags Nature, Travel 3 Comments

London Art Museum Photos (Tate Modern & Courthauld)

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by Polly Castor
London Art Museum Photos

I was particularly inspired by Kandinsky’s early work which I had not seen before.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Art by Others, art museums, Travel 5 Comments

London Photos (Borough Market)

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 by Polly Castor
Borough Mark London photos

I also took a side trip to an art store established in 1855.

Categories Food, Photography Tags food photography, Travel 1 Comment

London Photos (Travel, Architecture, Friends and Family)

September 18, 2024September 18, 2024 by Polly Castor

We are spending three days in London before renting a car and heading to more remote hiking in northern England.

Categories Photography Tags Architecture, community, gratitude, Travel 3 Comments

Recent Black and White Photos

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024 by Polly Castor
Monhegan Black and White Photography

Within the format of each rectangle is a little world contained unto itself, isolated for examination.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs 2 Comments

Four Plein Air Paintings in Pastel from Monhegan 2024

September 16, 2024September 16, 2024 by Polly Castor
four plein air pastels painted on Monhegan

I loved painting outside on Monhegan with friends.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Maine, Monhegan, pastel, plein air 3 Comments

Monhegan Island 2024 (Day 3 Through the Woods to Squeaker Cove)

September 15, 2024September 15, 2024 by Polly Castor
Monhegan photos

It was fun to climb out on the rocks at Squeaker Cove!

Categories Photography Tags gratitude, Maine, Monhegan, rocks, Travel, Trees Leave a comment

Monhegan Island 2024 (Day 2: Hike and Museum Photos)

September 14, 2024September 14, 2024 by Polly Castor
Monhegan photos

This museum show of women artists is particularly wonderful.

Categories Photography Tags Art by Others, gratitude, Maine, Monhegan, Travel 3 Comments

Monhegan Island 2024 (Photos Day 1)

September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by Polly Castor
Monhegan Island textures

I enjoy this yearly trip with plein air friends.

Categories Photography Tags community, Mane, Summer, Travel 3 Comments

Rembrant Landscape and Animal Drawings (Sketchbook Ideas #16)

September 12, 2024 by Polly Castor

Give yourself permission to get out there and give it a go.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Drawing, sketchbook ideas 1 Comment

i thank You God for this amazing (Poem by e.e. cummings)

September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 by Polly Castor
Thank you God for this most amazing, poem by ee cummings

i thank You for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes…

Categories Poetry Tags God, gratitude, poetry by others 2 Comments

Recent Food Around Here (with Recipe Links)

September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 by Polly Castor
Recent food photography

Here are photos and recipe links to what we’ve been eating…

Categories Food Tags abundance, food photography, Recipes, Summer 2 Comments

I was the Fine Art Judge the Glastonbury Art Show

September 9, 2024September 9, 2024 by Polly Castor
I was judge for the Glastonbury Art Show

I was an enjoyable privilege to judge his show.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Connecticut, judging 2 Comments

My Loyalty is to the Inner Vision (quote by Mary Oliver with comment by me)

September 8, 2024 by Polly Castor
Your loyalty is to the inner vision, Mary Oliver quote

Does focus on one’s inner vision compromise one’s outward life?

Categories Art, Ideas Tags creativity, happiness, Mindfulness, peace, Quotes, Release Leave a comment

Farmer’s Market Flowers and Produce Photos

September 7, 2024September 7, 2024 by Polly Castor
Farmer's Market Flower and Produce photos

Eating and shopping local is best!

Categories Photography Tags Farmer's Market, Flowers, food photography 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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.

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 for expanding my ways to see, 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.

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

Thank you, 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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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!

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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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!

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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.

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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!

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

I 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!

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

I 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!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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! ❤️

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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!

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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 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!

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

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!!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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…

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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.

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

This is one of the BEST explanations of one’s understanding of God I have seen in a long time. The image paired with the text was spot on!

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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:

  • Encourage Imagination (Quote by Ursula Le Guin) →

  • Today’s Painting →

  • Book Review: The Gift of an Ordinary Day →

  • Recipe: Cranberry Pear Frangipani Pie →

  • Art Quotes →

  • Pecan Sandies (Recipe) →

  • Recent Food Around Here →

  • Overcoming Difficulties (Quote from Samuel Greenwood) →

  • Recipe: Peach Galette →

  • Awareness (Book Review with Quotes) →

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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