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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.

Recent Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal

April 10, 2022April 10, 2022 by Polly Castor
Recent Pages in my Bible Lesson Journal

Check out my notes in this post, of the ideas that struck me as most needing to be contemplated in the recent weeks.

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Bible Lesson Journal, Christian Science Leave a comment

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Fruit, Gorgonzola, and Brown Butter Walnuts (Recipe)

April 9, 2022April 9, 2022 by Polly Castor
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with fruit, gorgonzola, and brown butter walnuts recipe

This salad is welcome as something different, fresh, healthy, and delicious.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Salads, vegetarian 1 Comment

Beannacht (Poem by John O’Donohue)

April 8, 2022April 8, 2022 by Polly Castor
Beannacht poem by John O'Donohue

On the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble, may the clay dance to balance you…

Categories Poetry Tags peace, poetry by others 1 Comment

Silence Your Inner Critic

April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by Polly Castor
Silence You Inner Critic

This attitude is like a non-stick pan for the inner critic; it slides right off, with no residual effect.

Categories Art, Hope, Ideas Tags advice, authenticity, creativity, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, Release 1 Comment

Pray Like a Gourmet (Book Review)

April 6, 2022April 6, 2022 by Polly Castor
Pray like a gourmet book review

It is no surprise that I’d love the fusion between creativity and spirituality, but our whole book group loved this book too, and said they will continue to refer to it in the future

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Christian, God, non-fiction, Prayer 4 Comments

Choose the Path with Heart (Carlos Casteneda Quote)

April 5, 2022 by Polly Castor
Don Juan's Path of the heart quote

I warn you. Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary…

Categories Ideas Tags advise, Quotes, Virtue 1 Comment

I Got an Honorable Mention in this Pastel Society Show

April 4, 2022April 4, 2022 by Polly Castor
I got an honorable mention in this pastel society show

It was good to see everyone again after two years!

Categories Art Tags Art by Others, Art Shows, happiness, pastel 6 Comments

God and I Thrive (A New Short Poem by Polly Castor)

April 3, 2022 by Polly Castor
God and I Thrive, poem by Polly Castor

God and I can’t imagine life without each other.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags Flowers, God, metaphor, Poetry by me 2 Comments

Recommended Sketchbook Supplies (Sketchbook Ideas #2)

April 2, 2022 by Polly Castor
Recommended Sketchbook supplies

Many of you asked also for me to link to supplies, because you want to follow along and try the exercises I do. I’m delighted! So here you are.

Categories Art Tags creativity, pen and ink, sketchbook ideas, teaching Leave a comment

Finding Margin (New Poem by Polly Castor)

April 1, 2022April 1, 2022 by Polly Castor
Finding Margin poem

I’m relishing the feeling of empty…

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags life lessons, patience, Poetry by me, Release 1 Comment

My Private Hideout in the Sun-drenched Forest (New Painting in Pastel)

March 31, 2022March 31, 2022 by Polly Castor
My Private Hideout in the Sun-drenched Forest (pastel) by Polly Castor

Here is is my hideout in the woods, with the sun streaming in, surrounded by vibrancy, color, and all of nature singing.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Abstract Landscapes, pastel 1 Comment

Bits and Clips for March 2022

March 30, 2022March 30, 2022 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for March 2022

I hope you are inspired, motivated, intrigued, or educated by the many paintings, photographs, poems, podcasts, videos, memes, and articles in this post:

Categories Ideas Tags Art by Others, Bits and Clips, Memes, poetry by others 1 Comment

Jumpstarting a Sketchbook Practice (Sketchbook Ideas #1)

March 30, 2022March 29, 2022 by Polly Castor

I hope you’ll sketch a bit alongside me, and we’ll se where it goes.

Categories Art Tags Artist Journals, creativity, pen and ink, sketchbook ideas 8 Comments

These Precious Days (Book Review)

March 28, 2022 by Polly Castor
These Precious Days Book Review

Ann Patchett’s level of authenticity is exemplary, and how she cherishes her friends with openness and presence is inspiring.

Categories Books, Ideas Tags 5 Star Books, authenticity, Book Reviews, Memoir, non-fiction 4 Comments

Rough Translations (A Poem About Hope by Jan Richardson)

March 27, 2022 by Polly Castor
Rough Translations, a poem about hope by Jan Richardson

Hope where we had ceases to hope.

Categories Hope, Poetry Tags peace, poetry by others 2 Comments

Pesto, Egg, and Veggie Frittata (Recipe)

March 26, 2022March 26, 2022 by Polly Castor
Baked Pesto Frittata Recipe

Other then flexible and delicious, this recipe is easy.

Categories Food Tags Breakfast, Main Dish, Recipes, vegetarian 1 Comment

To Understand Truth (Krishnamurti Quote)

March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 by Polly Castor
To Understand Truth Krishnamurti quote

“To understand truth one must have a very sharp, precise, clear mind; not a cunning mind, but a mind

Categories Ideas Tags education, Quotes, Release 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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!

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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.

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

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

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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 .

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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! ❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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.

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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.

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

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

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and 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.

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

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

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.

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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.

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 the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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 your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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 very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

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

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

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

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Recent Posts

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Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

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

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