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Polly Castor

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

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Books

Edgar and Lucy (Book Review)

June 11, 2018 by Polly Castor
Edgar and Lucy (Book Review)

Given the subject matter and size of this book, most of you won’t read it, but wow, this is a redeeming example of post modern literature, which was especially appreciated by me after reading and abandoning several others recently.

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

Mastery (Book Review)

May 24, 2018May 24, 2018 by Polly Castor
Mastery (Book Review)

This book will make you see that follow-through is the key component to mastery, and that is within everyone’s reach. Mastery is not a matter of talent, but one of learned and cultivated attention.

Categories Books, Hope Tags Book Reviews, Four Star Books, non-fiction Leave a comment

35 Million Illiterate Adults in the US (Quote)

May 16, 2018 by Polly Castor
35 Million Adults Illiterate in the US

If you can’t read, you aren’t using the internet, nor reading newspapers. How do you get your news and information?

Categories Books, Hope Tags education, Quotes 2 Comments

Arabella (Book Review)

May 11, 2018 by Polly Castor
Arabella (book review)

Never sappy, sexy, nor too trivial, this is romance at its best. It is a solid, upstanding, and enjoyable read.

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

Reading Challenge 2018 Update

May 2, 2018May 2, 2018 by Polly Castor
Reading Challenge 2018 Update

How are you coming along in your reading year? Anything in particular that was wonderful that you recommend?

Categories Books Tags Reading Challenge Leave a comment

Mindset (Book Review)

April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 by Polly Castor
Mindset (Book Review)

This is a wonderful book that I think everyone could benefit from reading. I give it five stars.

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Hope, Ideas Tags 5 Star Books, advice, Book Reviews, parenting Leave a comment

The Weight of Ink (Book Review)

April 12, 2018 by Polly Castor
The Weight of Ink (Book Review)

I am so fulfilled with this read that I feel unwilling to start another book anytime soon; I need to linger a while more in the afterglow of this one.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction 1 Comment

Before and Again (Book Review)

March 23, 2018 by Polly Castor
Before and Again (Book Review)

I can only give it 3 stars, but still is was enjoyable, mostly because it is a story of resilience, and it is wonderful embrace that concept for everyone, anywhere.

Categories Books Tags Book Reviews Leave a comment

The One-in-a Million-Boy (Book Review)

March 16, 2018 by Polly Castor
The One in a Million Boy (Book Review)

In all my years going to this book group, we’ve never had a book we all liked and all agreed on… until now. This is that book.

Categories Books Tags 4 stars books, Book Reviews, Fiction 1 Comment

Prisoners of Geography (Book Review)

March 8, 2018March 8, 2018 by Polly Castor
Prisoners of Geography (Book Review)

This is an interesting look at how geography has shaped history, and how it will continue to shape it in the future as well.

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Hope, Ideas Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, non-fiction 1 Comment

Little Fires Everywhere (Book Review)

February 24, 2018 by Polly Castor
Little Fires Everywhere (Book Review)

This book is a good exploration on the topic of motherhood, as well as a compelling story. I give it five stars.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews 2 Comments

Why Read Literature (quote by James Wood)

February 21, 2018 by Polly Castor

“Literature makes us better noticers of life; we get to practice on life itself; which in turn makes us better readers of detail in literature; which in turn makes us better readers of life.”

Categories Books Tags Quotes Leave a comment

The Great Alone (Book Review)

February 17, 2018February 17, 2018 by Polly Castor
The Great Alone (Book Review)

This is a magnificent novel set in Alaska, although very difficult in places. I give it five stars.

Categories Books Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Fiction 2 Comments

My Birthday 2018

February 8, 2018 by Polly Castor

Thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes via email, text, social media, and snail mail! I’m so grateful you are all in my life!

Categories Books, Photography Tags Family, Gift Ideas, Special Occasions 4 Comments

GodDependency (Book Review)

February 6, 2018 by Polly Castor
GodDependency (Book Review)

This book talks about how to reverse codependency with a spiritual dependency on God. And codependency is defined more widely than I thought of it before, to the point where it includes most of us at least in some way or degree.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags 5 Star Books, Book Reviews, Christian, non-fiction 1 Comment

Comparing 2nd Century Christians with 2nd Century Christian Scientists

January 28, 2018January 28, 2018 by Polly Castor
Comparing 2nd Century Christians with 2nd Century Christian Scientists

Meanwhile, these books will get you out of your comfort zone, challenge your preconceptions, and get you asking fresh questions, which can lead to healing oppression and the myriad other problems of the 21st century.

Categories Books, Spirituality Tags Bible, Christian, Christian Science, non-fiction, Spiritual Healing 4 Comments

The Gold Coast (Book Review)

January 27, 2018 by Polly Castor
The Gold Coast (Book Review)

This is a story of two neighbors–one patrician blue-bloods of high society, and the other a Mafia Don and his family– who clash and implode. It serves as a cautionary tale in many ways, as well as a study in human nature.

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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 .

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

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.

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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 !

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

Thank you, Polly, for bringing clarity to the stressful events we’re experiencing. Your insights are thought-provoking and inspirational. I’m very thankful for your blog.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love 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.

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

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

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

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 blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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.

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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?

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

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

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

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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!

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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!

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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.

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

I 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!

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

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

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!

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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.

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

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

I can’t tell you how helpful this has been to me today. I must’ve read it half a dozen times or more. It’s helping me with a great challenge. Thank you!

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

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

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Love your blog. Today’s was dynamite, and very helpful for understanding 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

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 :)

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

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

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

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!

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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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:

  • More Art Quotes →

  • Movie Review: Lion →

  • Quotes for National Bible Week →

  • New Poem: Suddenly it is Spring →

  • Lessons from Moses →

  • No Shame in Going Through Grief →

  • Book Review: Madeleine L’Engle (Herself) →

  • Creative Arts Camp 2024 (Last Day Student Showcase) →

  • Autumn in the Vermont Forest (New Abstract Landscape in Pastel) →

  • My Mother’s and Aunt’s Recipes →

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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©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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