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Polly Castor

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

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Books

Quotes from Abraham Heschel’s book The Sabbath

December 14, 2020December 6, 2020 by Polly Castor
Quotes from Abraham Heschel's The Sabbath

Here are some thoughtful bits from a Jewish classic about the Sabbath.

Categories Books, Ideas, Spirituality Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, Quotes, reformation, Special Occasions, Virtue 4 Comments

The Stationery Shop (Book Review)

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Polly Castor
The Stationery Shop (Book Review)

I found this novel about lost love, the quirks of fate, missed chances, and forgiveness engrossing. I give it five stars.

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

Nothing to See Here (Book Review)

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 by Polly Castor
Nothing to See Here Book Review

While I usually don’t blog about three star books, this undemanding novel, might be the ticket to lighten things up for you during this crazy year.

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews, Fiction 2 Comments

The Henna Artist (Book Review)

November 13, 2020 by Polly Castor
The Henna Artist review

I recommend reading this chick lit with an exotic twist. It is a great way to visit another culture when you are land locked in a pandemic.

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

Awareness (Book Review with Quotes)

November 6, 2020 by Polly Castor
Awareness (Book Review with Quotes)

If you need to freshen up your perspective, give this interfaith overview of conscious awakening a go. You’ll be glad to have put it into practice.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags book review, Five Star Books, Mindfulness, non-fiction, Quotes, Release 2 Comments

40 Rules of Love (Book Review with Quotes)

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020 by Polly Castor
Forty Rules of Love (Book Review with Quotes)

This book is historical fiction of the 12th century mystic poet Rumi’s life, embroidered with so profound Sufi bits.

Categories Books, Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction, Memes, poetry by others, Relationship with God 3 Comments

The Talented Miss Farwell (Book Review)

October 7, 2020October 7, 2020 by Polly Castor
The Talented Miss Farwell book review

If you are interested in art, crime, or compulsive behavior, you might enjoy this unique read. I give it four stars.

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

Broken Open (Book Review)

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 by Polly Castor
Broken Open book review

If you are going through a dark night of the soul, this book can help you rise out of the ashes.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, life lessons, Spiritual Healing 2 Comments

The Island of Sea Women (Book Review)

September 18, 2020 by Polly Castor
The Island of Sea Women (Book Review)

This book, about the struggles of two deep sea diving friends, is enlightening about a different culture and time.

Categories Books Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction 3 Comments

Warmth of Other Suns (Book Review)

September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by Polly Castor
Warmth of Other Suns (book review)

I encourage you to read this narrative nonfiction blockbuster. I give it five stars. You’ll never forget what you learn.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, non-fiction 2 Comments

The Universal Christ (Book Review with Quotes)

September 6, 2020September 6, 2020 by Polly Castor
The Universal Christ book review with quotes

He went to bat for things I care about: stewardship of the environment, women as spiritual leaders, original innocence and goodness, and Jesus as the way-shower of the highest ideal, rather than a mistake fixer for God, or God himself. This book deserves applause for all that.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, non-fiction 5 Comments

Jane of Lantern Hill (Book Review)

September 4, 2020September 4, 2020 by Polly Castor
Jane of Lantern Hill Book Review

This easy, sprightly little book is just what a soul needed.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, children's books, Fiction, Gift Ideas 2 Comments

Yes, I Give Up on Books!

August 28, 2020 by Polly Castor
Give up on books

Since several of you have asked, yes I do give up on books. That is an important freedom that I exercise, and I strongly recommend that you do too. I think people feeling like they have to finish books that are not working for them is the reason more people are not readers. There are … Read more

Categories Books Tags abundance, advice, authenticity, Essay, happiness, life lessons, Mindfulness, Release 5 Comments

Long Way Down (Book Review)

August 21, 2020August 21, 2020 by Polly Castor
Long Way Down book review

This book is a quick read and not one you’ll soon forget.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, poetry by others 2 Comments

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie (Book Review)

August 11, 2020August 11, 2020 by Polly Castor
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie book review

Looking for something lighthearted while not stupid? You might enjoy this one.

Categories Books Tags 4 star book reviews, Book Reviews, Fiction 4 Comments

Notes from a Young Black Chef (Book Review)

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020 by Polly Castor
Notes from a Young Black Chef book Review

Get behind the scenes in the life of one black kid from the Bronx who made good.

Categories Books, Food Tags book review, Memoir 6 Comments

Spirituality and Art (Book Review with Photos and Notes)

August 6, 2020August 5, 2020 by Polly Castor
Spirituality and Art Book Review with Photos and Notes

This is a beautiful, well illustrated, and thoughtful book on a topic of articular interest to me.

Categories Art, Books, Spirituality Tags 5 Star Books, Abstract Art, Art Books, Book Reviews, spirituality & art 1 Comment
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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.

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

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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!!

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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

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…

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

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.

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 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.

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

Thank you 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.

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

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!

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…

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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?

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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.

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

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 this….I absolutely love reading it!

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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 !

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

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

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

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! ❤️

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

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.

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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 love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

Your abstracts are interesting and you have a unique style that is all your own. Original, demonstrating individuality and confidence! I see joy and love expressed.

I 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!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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.

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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!

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

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.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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 for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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.

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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.

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 saying what needs to be said.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

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

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Book Review: Half Broke Horses →

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

  • Bits and Clips for May 2023 →

  • Recipe: Lentil Walnut Pasta Sauce →

  • Two Lists from Reading the Bible Lesson on Man →

  • Where is Your Third Place? (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Today’s Newspaper Article by Me →

  • Four New 9″x12″ Abstracts in Acrylic →

  • Thinking about Balance →

  • January Amaryllis →

Favorite Books

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
Hints on Child Training: A Book That's Been Helping Parents Like Your...for More Than 100 Years
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
 
Polly Castor's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists


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