Skip to content

Top Bar

Polly Castor

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

  • Home
  • About
  • Prayer
  • Art
  • Workshops
  • Merchandise
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • -Art
    • -Photography
    • -Spirituality
    • -Ideas
    • -Books
    • -Movies
    • -Food
    • -Poetry
    • -Homeschooling
    • -Hope
  • Links
    • -Christian Science
    • -Blogs I Read
    • -Homeschooling
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

Photography

Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)

October 12, 2026 by Polly Castor

I’m so grateful to have this humble space back in operation, and it is an especially lovely time of year to be out there right now.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Special Occasions 4 Comments

Sunset Quote by Elizabeth Strout (with Sunset Photos)

October 12, 2026October 5, 2026 by Polly Castor

At times these days I think of the way the sun would set on the farmland around our small house in the autumn.

Categories Photography Tags Quotes, Sunset Leave a comment

Butterfly Photos from Monhegan

September 30, 2026September 26, 2026 by Polly Castor

It is amazing to think that these slight, fragile creatures, flew there across the ocean and will fly much further in their migration. No wonder they are fueling up with so much nectar!

Categories Photography Tags creatures, Gardening, Maine, Nature, Summer 2 Comments

Recent Black and White Photography

September 30, 2026September 21, 2026 by Polly Castor

As summer turns into fall, color will be king and I still try to focus a bit on what is compelling beyond that.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs Leave a comment

Monhegan 2026: Friends and Food (Photos)

September 30, 2026September 16, 2026 by Polly Castor

In this post, you can see our meals together and the loving supportive atmosphere we share with each other.

Categories Photography Tags community, Fun, Maine, Restaurants, Summer 2 Comments

A Lovely Visit to Monhegan Island (Photos)

September 30, 2026September 15, 2026 by Polly Castor

We had a great time, hiking, eating, hanging out, playing, laughing, and painting together.

Categories Photography Tags Maine, pastel, plein air, Summer, Travel 2 Comments

Farmer’s Market Flowers and Produce (Photos)

September 30, 2026September 12, 2026 by Polly Castor

Going to the farmer’s market is a highlight of our week and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Farmer's Market, Organic food, Summer Leave a comment

Huntington Hike Photos (Late Summer 2026)

September 30, 2026September 11, 2026 by Polly Castor

I continue to traipse this land most days. Here it is in it’s late summer mood, yellowing tinges coming into the green.

Categories Photography Tags Huntington State Park, Summer Leave a comment

Grace Notes (#64 with Photos)

September 30, 2026September 8, 2026 by Polly Castor

I am furthering my ongoing goal of appreciating such a continuous, overflowing abundance of random good.

Categories Ideas, Photography Tags grace notes, gratitude 1 Comment

Extended Family Visits for a Week

August 27, 2026August 27, 2026 by Polly Castor
Extended Family Visits for a Week

A great time was had by all, and I’m so grateful for this we could all be together.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Family, Fun, New Pond Farm, Summer 5 Comments

We saw a Bobcat at our Swimming Hole

August 25, 2026 by Polly Castor
We saw a bobcat at our swimming Hole

Oh my gosh, we saw a bobcat at our local swimming hole yesterday. It was the second one I’ve seen in Connecticut after having been here for 35 years. The other time was when I was on my walk at Huntington, but that one was was further away, and I didn’t get a picture of … Read more

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Summer 4 Comments

Mushroom Hunting on my Walk

August 24, 2026 by Polly Castor
Mushroom Hunting on my Walk

What have you been walking by routinely and not noticing?

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Huntington State Park, Mindfulness, Summer 3 Comments

August Flowers

August 20, 2026 by Polly Castor
August Flowers

The vibrancy of the colors, the countless varieties– there are so many ways to feel the joy of the season.

Categories Photography Tags Connecticut, Flowers, Summer 1 Comment

Recent Black and White Photos from Maine

August 19, 2026 by Polly Castor
Recent Black and White Photos

I love studying the play of light with dark, shadow and highlight, and the emphasis of texture when color is removed.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Maine Leave a comment

Many Faces of Water on South Branch Pond (Photos)

August 12, 2026 by Polly Castor
Many Faces of Water on South Branch Pond (Photos)

Not only is the water on South Branch Pond in Baxter State Park exceptionally clear, it is very reflective as well.

Categories Photography Tags Maine, Nature, Travel, water photography Leave a comment

Camping for a Week in Baxter State Park with our Youngest (Photos)

August 11, 2026August 11, 2026 by Polly Castor
Camping for a Week at Baxter State Park

I am so grateful for this quality time in remote nature with our daughter.

Categories Photography Tags Family, Maine, Nature, Summer, Travel 13 Comments

Recent Black and White Photographs

August 3, 2026 by Polly Castor
Black and White Photographs, by Polly Castor

Here are the black and white photos I’ve taken recently, focusing on shapes, textures, and composition.

Categories Photography Tags black & white photographs, Summer 1 Comment
Older posts
Page1 Page2 … Page81 Next →

Subscribe for Polly Blog Alerts: Daily or Weekly

Reviews from Readers

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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!

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

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

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

This is a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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

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.

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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!!

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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 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!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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.

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

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

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 never before found computers this beautiful….

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!

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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.

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

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

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!

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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 !

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.

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 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…

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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?

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 !

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

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 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…

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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.

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

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.

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

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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 :)

Help me keep this site ad free:

Please click below to make a donation via PayPal.

Need art materials?

Click the “Shop Now” button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Categories

  • Art (1,473)
  • Books (738)
  • Food (854)
  • Homeschooling (158)
  • Hope (848)
  • Ideas (1,194)
  • Movies (191)
  • Photography (1,377)
  • Poetry (698)
  • Spirituality (830)
  • Uncategorized (5)

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Recent Food Around Here (with Photos and Recipe Links)
  • I’m in this National Show at Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Floodwood Pond (Poem by Danny Dover)
  • Church Tomorrow (Book Review)
  • My Brilliant Career (Movie Review)
  • Jackie Leishman (Featured Artist)
  • New Blog Design is Now in Operation
  • How to Read a Book (Book Review)
  • Corn Risotto (Recipe)
  • Renovating our Side Porch (Before and After Photos)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Recipe: Winter Vegetable Fish Chowder →

  • The East Side of our House Got Painted →

  • April Snow →

  • My Birthday 2014 →

  • A Bit Exciting but Thankfully Uneventful →

  • Human Will (Deep Think #27) →

  • My Benediction for our 20th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Service →

  • Vegan Alfredo Recipe (Cashew Sauce with Spaghetti Squash, Broccoli, and Shrimp) →

  • A Spring Walk During the 245 Anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield →

  • Quotes About the Unreality of Matter →

Do you need art materials?

Click the "Shop Now" button and a percentage goes to support this blog.

Sign up for A Cup of Cold Water Podcast

Footer

©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.

© 2026 Polly Castor • Built with GeneratePress