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

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Ideas

Bits and Clips for November 2015

November 30, 2015 by Polly Castor
November Bits and clips

I hope you find something inspirational, informative, interesting, delicious, Thought-provoking, or enlightening in these links:

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

30 Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes for Vegans, Vegetarians, and Sides

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 by Polly Castor
Thanksgiving vegetable Recipes, Vegan Thanksgiving recipes, Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

Whether you are a vegan, a vegetarian, or just are looking for some vegetable side dishes, these recipes will make any Thanksgiving meal more delicious.

Categories Food, Ideas Tags Holiday, Recipes, Side Dishes, Special Occasions, Vegan, vegetarian 2 Comments

Restaurant Recommendation: Cookshop in NYC

March 11, 2017November 7, 2015 by Polly Castor
Cookshop restaurant review

Yay! I’m so glad to have been able to spend two days in New York City with the matron of honor in our wedding, my friend from college…

Categories Food, Ideas Tags New York, Restaurants 2 Comments

Newer Children’s Classics

November 5, 2015 by Polly Castor
new children's classics

It is good to see these enduring works updated and made accessible again to a whole new generation of readers.

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Ideas Tags children's books, Gift Ideas, homeschooling Leave a comment

Bits and Clips for October 2015

October 29, 2015 by Polly Castor
bits and clips

Here is a summary of much of what I though was worth seeing, reading, or listening to in this past month on the internet, complete with links for your perusal.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

A Warning Heeded with a New Refrigerator

October 2, 2015 by Polly Castor
refrigerator replacement

Our refrigerator was 23 years old, and because it still worked, we were not motivated to replace it until now. How could we ignore such a warning as this?

Categories Food, Ideas Tags advice, Special Occasions, Sustainability 1 Comment

Bits and Clips for September 2015

September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 by Polly Castor
bits and clips

I hope you find something inspiring, thought provoking, stimulating, helpful or interesting.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips, Memes Leave a comment

Pope Francis Visits America

September 30, 2015September 28, 2015 by Polly Castor
Pope Francis Visits America, moral courage of Pope Francis

I must say that I really appreciate Pope Francis’ moral courage, humility, and overall approach to his role.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags Bits and Clips, Memes, Quotes Leave a comment

Cross and Crown Pendant

September 16, 2015 by Polly Castor
Cross and Crown Pendant

This would make a great gift for any Christian Scientist you know and love.

Categories Ideas Tags Christian Science, Creative Arts Camp, Gift Ideas Leave a comment

Book Review: Julie

September 11, 2015September 11, 2015 by Polly Castor
Book Review Julie, Catherine Marshall book review

This work of historical fiction is based on the author’s own life, and is set in the depression, featuring the impending Great Flood of Pennsylvania.

Categories Books, Homeschooling, Ideas Tags 4 Star books, Book Reviews, Fiction, Gift Ideas, homeschooling 1 Comment

A Tribute to Wayne Dyer in Memes

September 7, 2015 by Polly Castor
Wayne Dyer Quotes, Wayne Dyer Memes, Wayne Dyer Tribute

Check out some of what I especially appreciate that he advocated shown in memes here in this post…

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Quotes, Release, Virtue 3 Comments

Empty Nesting (i.e. What Now?)

September 3, 2015September 3, 2015 by Polly Castor

So many of you have asked what are or plans now that we have no children left under our roof, that I thought it might be expedient to answer that question here. The short answer, obviously, is that we’ll have more time for ourselves.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags authenticity, Flowers, parenting, Virtue 1 Comment

A Mother’s Advice to her College Freshman Daughter

September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 by Polly Castor
advice college freshman

Instead of a scattered bunch of verbal advice, our daughter asked for me to share what wisdom I wanted to convey regarding helpful hints for her college success concisely and in writing.

Categories Hope, Ideas Tags College, education, Family, life lessons, Mindfulness, parenting, Release 3 Comments

Bits and Clips for July and August 2015

August 29, 2015 by Polly Castor

I’m putting in this one post the articles, podcasts, videos, and ideas I enjoyed from the internet from over the summer.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment

Naturalist’s Quotes

July 24, 2015July 23, 2015 by Polly Castor

I liked these quotes in the Visitor’s Center at Sequoia National Park…

Categories Ideas Tags happiness, Mindfulness, Nature, peace, Quotes Leave a comment

Our Homemade Fire Starters

July 19, 2015 by Polly Castor
homemade fire starters, how to make fire starters

Leave the lighter fluid at home and make these instead.

Categories Ideas Tags advice, gratitude, Travel 5 Comments

Bits and Clips for June 2015

July 2, 2015June 30, 2015 by Polly Castor
Love wins

I was a bit preoccupied this month, so this link list is shorter than usual, but here is the best of what I read, listened to, or watched this month.

Categories Ideas Tags Bits and Clips Leave a comment
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Reviews from Readers

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.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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 expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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…you have made carrots sexy!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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 .

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

I’ve just finished this book and I loved it! 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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.

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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 are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 LOVE YOU!!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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…

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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 is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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!!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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.

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

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!

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

Love your pastels!

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.

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Hike Photos from Huntington (October 2026)
  • Range (Book Review)
  • Abstracted Sunflower (New Painting in Pastel)
  • Allowed to be Ordinary (Poem by James Crews)
  • Grace Notes #65
  • Two Cookbooks I’ve Been Enjoying Lately
  • What to Pack (New Poem by Polly Castor)
  • Heaps of Windblown Dried Grasses at Christmas Cove (Landscape Painting in Pastel)
  • Recent Food Around Here (with Photos and Recipe Links)
  • I’m in this National Show at Eastern Connecticut State University

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Iris Photos →

  • Poem: Isle au Haut →

  • Rise Up and Build →

  • Recipe: Great Raw Slaw (with Kale) →

  • Layered Scribbles by Others →

  • The Joy of Painting Abstract Landscapes (Quote by Lewis Noble) →

  • At the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival →

  • Feeling Alive (New Poem by Polly Castor) →

  • Doodles in my Artist Journal →

  • Veggie Pie Recipe with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Gluten-Free Crust →

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