Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

Fostering a new renaissance through creativity, authenticity, spirituality, and art

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

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.

I’m in this Pure Color Juried International Online Show (2022)

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 by Polly Castor
Pure Color International Online show

You can see some of the work in the show in this post…

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, pastel 1 Comment

Upon this Rock I Shall Build my Church (Deep Think #20 )

September 25, 2022September 25, 2022 by Polly Castor
Upon this rock I shall build my church

Upon what is the church to be built?

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags authenticity, Bible, Christ, Christian, Deep Think, Essay, God, life lessons, Mindfulness 3 Comments

The Month of All (poem by Henry Grantland Rice)

September 24, 2022 by Polly Castor
The Month of All poem by Henry Grantland Rice

Praise for the glory of September!

Categories Poetry Tags Fall, poetry by others Leave a comment

Self Critique Your Artwork with this Elements of Art Check-list

September 23, 2022September 23, 2022 by Polly Castor

This is how you’ll know your painting is finished.

Categories Art Tags advice, teaching 1 Comment

Notes and more Quotes on Abstraction

September 26, 2022September 22, 2022 by Polly Castor
Notes and more quotes on Abstraction

I’ve been prepping for an Adventures in Abstraction workshop I’m giving in Maine and will be including these among tons of other ideas…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Quotes, teaching 1 Comment

The Fortnight in September (Book Review)

September 21, 2022 by Polly Castor
The Fortnight in September book review

This book is delicately straightforward, about ordinary life in an earlier time, closely observed in copious detail.

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

Pastel Society of America Enduring Brilliance Show (2022)

September 20, 2022September 20, 2022 by Polly Castor

See here my favorite paintings from The prestigious Enduring Brilliance show in New York City.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, pastel 3 Comments

Invent Your Own Life’s Meaning (Bill Watterson Quote)

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022 by Polly Castor
Invent

Creating a life that reflects your values and satisfies your soul is a rare achievement.

Categories Ideas Tags authenticity, life lessons, Quotes, Release 1 Comment

Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal (Summer 2022)

September 18, 2022September 18, 2022 by Polly Castor
Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal

These Bible Lessons are a wildly beneficial baseline of my life.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Bible Lesson Journal, Christian Science, life lessons, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

I’m in this Guilford Arts League Juried Show (2022)

September 17, 2022September 17, 2022 by Polly Castor
Guilford Arts League Show 2022

This annual juried show by the Guilford Arts League is always a good one, with high caliber art and plenty of variety

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, community 2 Comments

Tomatoes (Poem by J. Sullivan with Tomato Photos)

September 16, 2022September 16, 2022 by Polly Castor
Tomatoes poem by J. Sullivan

We are busy being small and happy and alive.

Categories Food, Photography, Poetry Tags abundance, happiness, poetry by others 3 Comments

The People We Keep (Book Review)

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022 by Polly Castor

Read this only if you want a rollercoaster of feelings, boomeranging back and forth between heartbreak and hope.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction 2 Comments

Two New Pages in my Artist Journal Along with Time Lapse Videos

September 14, 2022 by Polly Castor
Two Art Journal Pages with Time-lapses

With these two recent artist journal pages, I first try my hand at filming and posting time-lapse videos.

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, creativity, Timelapse 2 Comments

Faith Can Move Mountains (Solo Lyrics by Carolyn Kardinal)

September 13, 2022 by Polly Castor
Faith Can Move Mountains Solo Lyrics by Carolyn Kardinal

You can move mountains with one tiny seed of faith that God can give you everything you need.

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags Christian, Christian Science, Church, life lessons, poetry by others, Release, Spiritual Healing Leave a comment

TiK ToK Green Goddess Salad Dressing (Recipe)

September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 by Polly Castor
Tik Tok Green Goddess Dressing

Taste it and groan with satisfaction.

Categories Food Tags recipe, Salads, Vegan, vegetarian, Whole30 2 Comments

Queen Elisabeth II Remembered

September 11, 2022September 11, 2022 by Polly Castor
Queen Elizabeth II remembered

Her legacy is enormous and there are mountains of life lessons we can all learn from her…

Categories Ideas, Photography Tags gratitude, life lessons, Release, Virtue 6 Comments

I’m in this Pastel Only Show at the Saco Museum in Maine

September 10, 2022September 10, 2022 by Polly Castor
Pastel Show at the Saco Museum

Check out in this post the paintings from the Pastels Only international show at the Saco museum in Maine.

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, Maine 1 Comment
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 … Page87 Page88 Page89 … Page380 Next →

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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 :)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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.

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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!

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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 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!

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

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

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 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 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…

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

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.

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

I am 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.

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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…

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just a wonderland of possibilities and ideas and the materials to explore and discover. What a beautiful, exciting place! I’ve taken all this glory into my heart today and am grateful for it.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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 .

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

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.

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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’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!

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

Thank you for this….I absolutely love reading 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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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!

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!

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

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

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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!

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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…

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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 this exercise in balance, Polly. Helps a lot!

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

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

I 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,471)
  • Books (737)
  • Food (853)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (848)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (190)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (697)
  • Spirituality (829)
  • Uncategorized (5)

Archives

Recent Posts

  • New Blog Design is Now in Operation
  • How to Read a Book (Book Review)
  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)
  • Days are Getting Shorter (New Poem by Polly Castor with Photos)
  • My Favorite Paintings from the 2026 Fall IAPS Show
  • Cornell 7 and Rape Culture (Bits and Clips)
  • Vegetable Curry with Cod (Recipe)
  • Shady Hollow Series (Book Review)
  • Into the Autumn Field (New Landscape Painting in Oil)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Instructions on Not Giving Up (Poem by Ada Limon with Photos) →

  • Our Anniversary 2023 (Year in Review Photos) →

  • In Anticipation of Thanksgiving (new poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Plein Air Oil Painting on the Humid Hudson →

  • Review of “The Crown” TV Series →

  • Float Your Sunflowers! →

  • A Field of Daffodils (Photos) →

  • June Farmer’s Market Photos (Still Life Photography) →

  • A Darkling Thrush (Poem by Thomas Hardy) →

  • Fully Submerge (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress