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Polly Castor

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

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Recipe: Garlic Scape and Almond Pesto

June 2, 2015June 20, 2012 by Polly Castor
scape recipe, scape recipes, scape pesto

If you are growing garlic scapes or see them in the Farmer’s Market this time of year, this is a great use for them… a wonderful garlic delivery system!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish, vegetarian 2 Comments

Photos of Houses in my Neighborhood Last Spring

January 16, 2015June 19, 2012 by Polly Castor

I took these photos on some of the nice days early this spring but never got around to posting them until now…

Categories Photography Tags Architecture, community Leave a comment

My Sister’s Family Comes For Lunch

June 4, 2015June 18, 2012 by Polly Castor
family picnic food

To most of you this event may not seem newsworthy, but this is the third time these folks have visited in the 20 years we’ve lived here. It was so lovely to…

Categories Hope Tags Family Leave a comment

Recipe: Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies

June 2, 2015June 17, 2012 by Polly Castor
Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies

I got this recipe from blog reader Patti, who got it from blog reader Anne, who got it from someone else, who I think got it from the Barefoot Contessa.

Categories Food Tags Desserts, Recipes Leave a comment

Is This Abstract Painting Finished or Not?

January 16, 2015June 16, 2012 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor art, Polly Castor artist

This is layer #4 of an oil painting that is not finished as intended when I began, but I’m liking it as is and wonder whether to stop and call it finished or…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Oil Painting Leave a comment

New Poem by Me: Zeroing in on the Practice

January 16, 2015June 15, 2012 by Polly Castor

In the history of science/ it took a long time for the concept of zero/ to be accepted as something more than a placeholder./ Once it was, negative numbers…

Categories Poetry Tags Poetry by me Leave a comment

Thomas Aquinas’ Mother

May 23, 2015June 14, 2012 by Polly Castor

Homeschooling parents learn all sorts of things. This is today’s interesting tidbit. I’ll comment on it below after sharing the basic story here:

Categories Homeschooling, Ideas Tags homeschooling, Mary Baker Eddy, parenting, Science Leave a comment

Our Son Starts as a Counselor at Crystal Lake Camps

January 16, 2015June 13, 2012 by Polly Castor
Crystal Lake Camps

Our son starts today as a counselor at Crystal Lake Camps in Pennsylvania, where he completed the counselor-in-training program last summer.

Categories Hope Tags Fun, Summer Leave a comment

Book Review: Sketchbook Confidential

May 23, 2015June 12, 2012 by Polly Castor
Sketchbook Confidential

I’ve read through this book slowly, a couple of page spreads at a time: each artist featured here had two page spreads. I enjoyed seeing examples of artists’ private…

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

New Poem by me: Rendered Dysfunctional

January 16, 2015June 11, 2012 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor poetry, parenting poems

I’m going to give a little preface for this poem as it may not seem in keeping with this blog’s hallmark of hope. Some of you have me way up on a pedestal, but

Categories Poetry Tags parenting, Poetry by me 1 Comment

Poem by Virginia Thesiger: The Safe Place

January 15, 2015June 10, 2012 by Polly Castor
The Safe Place

The Safe Place: There is no little space where God is not,/ No crevice, cranny, fissure, scissure, slot,/…Through which His counterfeits can infiltrate.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags poetry by others Leave a comment

Recipe: Cornbread with Sprouted Flour

June 4, 2015June 9, 2012 by Polly Castor
Sprouted Spelt Flour recipes, spelt cornbread

As discussed previously on this blog, I’ve been working on recipes incorporating Sprouted Spelt Flour. This cornbread is a keeper. It is delicious!

Categories Food Tags Recipes, Side Dish, sprouted flour 1 Comment

Book Review: The White Tiger

January 15, 2015June 8, 2012 by Polly Castor
The White Tiger book

This is an eye opening novel of corruption and oppression in modern day India. The protagonist cannot free himself from bondage of class and station without…

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

From Homeless to Harvard

June 9, 2015June 7, 2012 by Polly Castor

I was very inspired by this news story about a homeless teen who is graduating High School today and is headed to Harvard in the fall.

Categories Hope Tags College, education Leave a comment

“Scanner Photography” by Ellen HoverKamp

June 4, 2015June 6, 2012 by Polly Castor
Scanner Photography, Ellen HoverKamp

These exceptional photos (yes, done by a high resolution scanner!) are also available in the New Pond Farm Photography Show that I posted about yesterday.

Categories Art, Photography Tags Art by Others, Featured Artists Leave a comment

New Pond Farm Photography Show

June 9, 2015June 5, 2012 by Polly Castor
New Pond Farm Photography Show

– Our family has been members of New Pond Farm since our oldest was in pre-school seventeen years ago. For less than $100/year we have access to over a hundred acres for prime land seven minutes from our home. This educational farm also has wonderful programming. We have made maple syrup, sheared, carded, spun, and … Read more

Categories Photography Tags Art Shows, New Pond Farm 1 Comment

Annual Meeting 2012

June 9, 2015June 4, 2012 by Polly Castor
Christian Science Annual Meeting

We attended the Annual Meeting for our worldwide church today and it was wonderful. Held in The Mother Church in Boston, the quality of thought in the room was

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Christian Science, Church 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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…

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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 .

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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!

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

Love your pastels!

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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!

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

I 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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

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

This is such a beautiful and loving blog and feels much like your amazing dynamic spiritual art. You are proving and sharing truth in a precious, creative, encouraging, and heartfelt way. You inspire me!

I 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!!

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

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!

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.

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

Thank you for 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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 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 :)

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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 your commitment to reality and our true nature!

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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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 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!

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts 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.

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!

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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.

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

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Recent Posts

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  • Grassy Valley (New piece done in Charcoal)
  • 2027 Polly Castor Art Calendars Available
  • Machines or Creatures (quote by Wendall Berry with photos)
  • Like Fan Coral (New Abstract painting in Pastel)
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Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

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  • Gorgeous Gourds →

  • I am From (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • My Mother’s and Aunt’s Recipes →

  • My Two New Handmade Bowls →

  • Book Review: Jade Dragon Mountain →

  • Memorial Day Musings →

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  • Halibut with Saffron Tomatoes and Fennel (Recipe) →

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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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