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Polly Castor

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

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Constraint is a Catalyst for Creativity (New Poem by Polly Castor)

March 19, 2026 by Polly Castor
Constraint is a Catalyst for Creativity, poem by Polly Castor

Endless possibilities bewilder while narrowed options focus fresh opportunities. Limit yourself to just do a painting

Categories Poetry Tags metaphor, Poetry by me 1 Comment

Recent Food Around Here (Photos with Recipe Links)

March 18, 2026 by Polly Castor
Recent Food Around Here (Photos with Recipe Links)

There are some oft-repeated tried and true recipes here as well as a bunch of recipe-testing on new stuff that is not yet what we call “blog worthy.”

Categories Food Tags food photography, Recipes Leave a comment

Recent Black and White Photos

March 17, 2026 by Polly Castor
Recent Black and White Photographs

These photos have been collected since the beginning of January. I hope you enjoy their value contrasts, composition, light, shadows, shapes, and mood.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Winter 2 Comments

Theo of Golden (Book Review)

March 16, 2026 by Polly Castor
Theo of Golden book review

It is about kindness, about an artist and art appreciation, about deeply listening to others about what is on their heart, encouraging others to see their value, appreciating nature, music, walking, and community, all with Christian overtones.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction 3 Comments

Reverse our Feeble Flutterings (Spiritual Short #3)

March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 by Polly Castor
Reverse our Feeble Flutterings, spiritual short by Polly Castor

When you do a major overhaul of limiting beliefs, reversing them, you’ll thrive, and be a peace, fulled with joy, and in consonance with the “absolute center and circumference of your being.”

Categories Spirituality Tags advice, Mary Baker Eddy, Mindfulness, Release, spiritual shorts Leave a comment

Just Around the House, Early in the Morning (Poem by Mary Oliver)

March 14, 2026March 14, 2026 by Polly Castor
Just Around the House, Early in the Morning by Mary Oliver

Though I have been scorned for it
let me never be afraid to use the world beautiful.

Categories Poetry Tags Mindfulness, poetry by others Leave a comment

Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Cream Sauce (Recipe)

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Polly Castor
Zucchini Noodles with tomato cream sauce recipe

This is a quick and versatile recipe, which is a good, light base for any protein, or a welcome side dish.

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish 1 Comment

Zaria Forman (Featured Artist)

March 12, 2026 by Polly Castor
Zaria Forman Featured Artist

I had the privilege of being in a group chat with Zaria Forman this week. I have long known about her incredible large scale pastels of icebergs, but I was delighted to find out she’s a wonderful person too– very real and forthcoming.

Categories Art Tags Featured Artist, pastel, Sustainability 2 Comments

Three Good Books about Making Art Materials

March 11, 2026 by Polly Castor
Two Good Books About Making

Making the art materials yourself is an art in itself. By being creative about the elements you use, you can achieve the unique results you are after.

Categories Art, Books Tags 5 Star Books, Art Books, Book Reviews Leave a comment

Summary of Facts, Concerns, and Links about AI

March 10, 2026 by Polly Castor
Summary of Facts, Concerns, and links about AI

All this is troubling, and snowballing very quickly. I advocate trying not to use AI, or at least switching to Claude, which as a company seems to have more of a conscience.

Categories Ideas Tags advice, peace, Sustainability, trust 1 Comment

I’m in this Connecticut Pastel Society Show

March 9, 2026 by Polly Castor
Connecticut Pastel Society Member Show 2026

In this post you can see my favorites in the show. I particularly like the two abstracted rock paintings.

Categories Art Tags Art Shows, Connecticut, pastel 1 Comment

A Blessing (by John O’Donohue)

March 8, 2026 by Polly Castor
A Blessing by John O'Donohue

May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

Categories Hope Tags poetry by others, Quotes 1 Comment

Consider Yourself Kissed (Book Review)

March 7, 2026 by Polly Castor
Consider Yourself Kissed book review

This book depicts the average struggles families go through to give everyone what they need. This is particularly true for women and mothers…

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

Halibut with Saffron Tomatoes and Fennel (Recipe)

March 6, 2026March 6, 2026 by Polly Castor
Halibut with Saffron Tomatoes and Fennel Recipe

This is quick and easy and good enough for company.

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

Are You Using What You Already Know? (New Poem by Polly Castor)

March 5, 2026 by Polly Castor
Are You Using What You Already Know?, poem by Polly Castor

Doing more is way more potent than knowing more or obtaining more.

Categories Poetry Tags life lessons, Poetry by me, Virtue Leave a comment

My Notes from the Better Together Conference

March 4, 2026 by Polly Castor
notes from the Better Together conference

Non-violence in a love-centered way to thinking, acting and engaging that leads to personal, cultural, and societal transformation.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Release, Virtue Leave a comment

Principles of Nonviolence

March 3, 2026 by Polly Castor
Principles of Nonviolence

Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. It is active nonviolent resistance to evil. It is assertive spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Release Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

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

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

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

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

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 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! ❤️

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 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…

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!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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!

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.

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!!

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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…

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 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 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.

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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!

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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’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 for this….I absolutely love reading it!

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

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!

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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’m so grateful for all you share with us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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!

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!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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 :)

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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Recent Posts

  • Range (Book Review)
  • Abstracted Sunflower (New Painting in Pastel)
  • Allowed to be Ordinary (Poem by James Crews)
  • Grace Notes #65
  • Two Cookbooks I’ve Been Enjoying Lately
  • What to Pack (New Poem by Polly Castor)
  • Heaps of Windblown Dried Grasses at Christmas Cove (Landscape Painting in Pastel)
  • Recent Food Around Here (with Photos and Recipe Links)
  • I’m in this National Show at Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Floodwood Pond (Poem by Danny Dover)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Day 4: Hike to Dickson Falls, New Brunswick (Photos) →

  • Homemade Salmon Burgers →

  • I’m in this Juried “Art of Abstraction” Show in Hartford →

  • Recipe: Crock-Pot Three Bean Chili with Avocado →

  • Three New Abstract Watercolors →

  • Photos from Secrest Arboretum →

  • Recipe: Emeril’s Vegetarian Chili →

  • My End-of-Homeschooling Bash →

  • Cloud Atlas (Book Review) →

  • Water Crisis Facts →

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