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Polly Castor

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

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Independence and Liberty

July 4, 2018July 4, 2018 by Polly Castor

By refusing to jump off the cliff myself– by exercising my own independence and liberty– I help someone else have the objectivity not to do so as well. Please join me.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags essays, Mary Baker Eddy, Mindfulness, Virtue 2 Comments

Whole30 for 180 Days!

July 3, 2018July 3, 2018 by Polly Castor

Overall, this project was a success on many levels. Firstly, I feel in control, instead of being at the mercy either of food itself, or of a wildly immoral food system.

Categories Food Tags essays, Mindfulness, Organic food, Release, Virtue, Whole30 9 Comments

The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley (Book Review)

July 2, 2018 by Polly Castor
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley (book Review)

I warn you, there are a lot of guns in this book, and because of that, I debated even honoring it with a review here.

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

Short Poems About Peace by Children

July 3, 2018July 1, 2018 by Polly Castor

Plaques like these by elementary school aged children are scattered all over the peace garden near the Sacramento capitol.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Poetry Tags education, poetry by others, Sacramento, Virtue 2 Comments

Bits and Clips for June 2018

June 30, 2018June 30, 2018 by Polly Castor
Bits and Clips for June 2018

This is a monthly feature of the best that I saw, read or head on the internet in the past month. I hope you find here in these links and (many!) memes something that motivates, inspires, educates, or enlightens you:

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips 1 Comment

June Roses 2018 (Photos)

June 29, 2018 by Polly Castor
June Roses 2018 (Photos)

I hope these images of the beautiful roses bring as much joy and sunshine into your life as they did mine.

Categories Photography Tags Flowers, Nature, Sacramento 2 Comments

Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento

June 28, 2018June 28, 2018 by Polly Castor

We enjoyed our first visit to the Crocker Museum of Art while we were in Sacramento. In this post you can see a sampling of the the range of interesting art and ceramics there…

Categories Art Tags art museums, Sacramento, Travel 3 Comments

Photos from Airplanes

June 27, 2018 by Polly Castor
Photos from Airplanes

All these photos out the airplane windows were taken with my (unfiltered) iPhone.

Categories Photography Tags Travel Leave a comment

Prayer Nuggets #4

June 26, 2018 by Polly Castor

Here are some nuggets from my private prayers that I’ve been outwardly working on lately:

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, God, Prayer, Relationship with God 2 Comments

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Recipe)

October 4, 2020June 25, 2018 by Polly Castor
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Recipe)

This sauce is delicious. You could put it on pasta, spiraled veggies, filets of fish, or like shown in the last photo below in stir-fry’s and saute’s of any kind.

Categories Food Tags Recipes 6 Comments

The Way Other People Treat Us Isn’t About Us (Rita Sharma Quote)

June 24, 2018 by Polly Castor

You don’t have to allow their judgement to become your truth.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags advice, life lessons, Release Leave a comment

Good Books About Trains for Children and Young Adults

June 23, 2018June 23, 2018 by Polly Castor
Good Books About Trains for Children and Young Adults

Trains is a subject that does not sound like school but has many important lessons none the less, including multicultural ones and moral ones. All foster a love of learning and stretches imaginations. Consider giving some of these to a child you love!

Categories Books, Homeschooling Tags children's books, education, Gift Ideas, homeschooling 1 Comment

Psalm of Life (Poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

June 22, 2018 by Polly Castor
Psalm of Life

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others Leave a comment

Five Recent Pages from my Artist’s Journal

June 22, 2018June 21, 2018 by Polly Castor
Five Recent Pages from my Artist's Journal

Working in an artist’s journal when I am too busy to paint larger full concept works remains an important part of my process.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Artist Journals, Gift Ideas Leave a comment

Grain Free Banana Muffin Recipe

June 21, 2018June 20, 2018 by Polly Castor
Grain Free Banana Muffin Recipe

These are delicious and are great for those limiting grain or sugar.

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

How to Feel More Connected to God

June 20, 2018June 19, 2018 by Polly Castor

Someone recently asked how do I stay feeling connected to God, and here is what I said:

Categories Spirituality Tags essays, Mindfulness, Prayer, Relationship with God 3 Comments

Softly the Moon (Poem by Max Dunaway)

June 18, 2018 by Polly Castor
Softly the Moon (Poem by Max Dunaway)

Softly the moon ascends and lets its beauty shine,
Serene in its own place, as I would be mine.

Categories Poetry Tags poetry by others 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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 it. Made me smile while I was reading it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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.

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? I am in absolute awe of your thorough and articulate way you describe how all of this works.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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 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!!

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

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…

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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!

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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 :)

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 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!

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

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!

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

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!

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.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

Oh how I love this! Thank you, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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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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