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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.

Under the Waterfall (New Large Oil Painting)

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024 by Polly Castor
Under the waterfall, painting by Polly Castor

It is a place at once with thundering energy and spontaneous effervescence, but also of prisms and refraction. It is a place that blots out all other white noise, leaving a soul cleansed, refreshed and calm.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Oil Painting, Summer 4 Comments

Beyond Selfie Culture to Balanced Self-Expression

August 16, 2024July 17, 2024 by Polly Castor
Beyond selfie culture to balanced self expression

For a more balanced approach to self-expression, pay attention to the internal more than the external, keep your sense of validation between yourself and your own highest ideal…

Categories Ideas Tags advice, Essay, life lessons 1 Comment

Cold Cucumber Soup (Recipe)

July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by Polly Castor
Cold cucumber soup recipe

This soup is easy and very delicious, while being light, refreshing, and low in calorie.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, soup, Summer Leave a comment

A Voice Crying in the Wilderness (New Poem by Polly Castor)

July 15, 2024July 15, 2024 by Polly Castor
A voice crying in the wilderness, poem by Polly Castor

I ask for You to help
this country vote for a solution
that we can all live with.

Categories Poetry Tags Christian, peace, Poetry by me, Release 3 Comments

Not (Poem by Erin Hanson)

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 by Polly Castor
Not poem by Erin Hanson

Remember all that you are!

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others 4 Comments

Still Life (Book Review)

July 13, 2024July 13, 2024 by Polly Castor
Still Life book review

The writing here was excellent, spacious, and full of dialogue. It slowed down my pace considerably, and not in a bad way

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

Objectively Examine Your Opinions or Beliefs

July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Polly Castor
Questioning Your Opinions for beliefs

Are your opinions and beliefs just mindlessly following the crowd?

Categories Ideas Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, Release, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

Popovers (Recipe)

July 20, 2024July 11, 2024 by Polly Castor
Popover Recipe

These eggy popovers are great with butter and jam!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish 2 Comments

Grace Notes (#54 with Photos)

July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Polly Castor
Grace Notes #54, gratitude by Polly Castor

I am furthering my ongoing goal of appreciating such a continuous, overflowing abundance of random good.

Categories Ideas, Photography Tags Family, grace notes, gratitude, Mindfulness 3 Comments

How to Deal with the Estrangement of an Offspring

August 16, 2024July 9, 2024 by Polly Castor
How to deal with the estrangement of an offspring

Be patient with both them and yourself, taking blame fully out of the equation.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags God, life lessons, parenting, Polly answers, Release 4 Comments

Polly Answers Your Questions #12

July 19, 2024July 8, 2024 by Polly Castor
Polly Answers your questions

How to overcome a creative slump, grief of a parent’s passing, advice for college freshmen, fires starters…

Categories Ideas Tags advice, creativity, parenting, Polly answers Leave a comment

Toward Peace (Poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer)

July 7, 2024 by Polly Castor
Toward peace poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

Become the momentum that is the change…

Categories Poetry Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, poetry by others Leave a comment

Courage (Quote by David Whyte)

July 6, 2024July 6, 2024 by Polly Castor
Courage, quote by David Whyte

To be courageous is to stay close to the way we are made.

Categories Ideas Tags Quotes, Virtue 1 Comment

Recent Black and White Photographs

July 5, 2024July 5, 2024 by Polly Castor
Recent Black and White Photographs

Value, shape, form, texture and light are what I’m exploring here, as well as how they contribute to composition.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment

Freedom From (New Poem by Polly Castor)

July 4, 2024July 4, 2024 by Polly Castor
rom, Fourth of July poem, by Polly Castor

This Fourth of July I want freedom from hubris and inadequacy…

Categories Poetry Tags Poetry by me, Special Occasions 3 Comments

Higher View (New Abstract Painting in Pastel)

July 3, 2024 by Polly Castor
Higher View, painting by Polly Castor

Might a higher view help you?

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, pastel 1 Comment

Recent Hikes with our Daughter (Photos)

July 2, 2024July 2, 2024 by Polly Castor
Recent Hike Photos

I hope you too are getting some rambles out in nature wherever you are!

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Family, Huntington State Park, Nature, Summer Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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 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.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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!

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

Love your pastels!

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

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!!

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

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!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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, 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 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!

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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!

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear 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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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 art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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.

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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 !

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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! ❤️

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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…

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

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

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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!

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.

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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!

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

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’m so grateful for all you share with us.

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!

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Polly, for saying what needs to be said.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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!

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

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • 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)
  • Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Nothing to See Here (Book Review) →

  • Are You Perceiving Truth? (Quote by Hermann Hering) →

  • Some Recent Digital Art →

  • Walk at Rachel Carson Preserve (Photos) →

  • Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures Turns 150 Years Old →

  • Poem: On the Other Side of the Peninsula →

  • Spirit is Complete →

  • Photos of Sunflowers →

  • Truth Brings Liberty (Quote by Mary Baker Eddy) →

  • Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup with Gruyere (Recipe) →

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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