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Polly Castor

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

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Creative Arts Camp

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 6 (Two New Pastel Paintings)

August 27, 2019 by Polly Castor
So Glad to Be Here (pastel) by Polly Castor

I tried a new technique of painting pastels into saturated, wet paper, and I’m in love with the process. It is so spontaneous and immediate, and perfect for abstract expressionism.

Categories Art, Photography Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp, creativity, Maine, pastel, Summer 1 Comment

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 5 (Second Painting Finished)

August 26, 2019 by Polly Castor
Newfoundland Geology (acrylic collage) by Polly Castor

I completed four paintings enough to give a presentation about my work in front of a great audience.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Collage, Creative Arts Camp 2 Comments

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 4 (First Painting Finished)

August 25, 2019 by Polly Castor
What it Takes to Sing (acrylic) by Polly Castor

Photos of a good day: a long swim with friends, a newly finished painting that I’m satisfied with, and an amazing alpine horn.

Categories Art, Photography Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp 2 Comments

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 3

August 24, 2019 by Polly Castor

Another lovely day on Long Lake with progress photos of my paintings.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp, Fun, Summer Leave a comment

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 2 (with Sunset Photos)

August 23, 2019 by Polly Castor

Check out this beautiful place and that gorgeous sunset!

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Fun, Maine, Summer Leave a comment

Long Lake Artist-in-Residency Day 1

August 22, 2019 by Polly Castor
Long Lake Artist-in-residency

On Long Lake at this special church camp, this time with an artist-in residency! I’ll be showing you progress photos of my art this week.

Categories Art, Spirituality Tags Abstract Painting, Church, Creative Arts Camp, Fun, Summer 2 Comments

Creative Arts Camp 2018 Photos of Day 1

August 23, 2018August 23, 2018 by Polly Castor
Creative Arts Camp 2018 Photos of Day 1

This is the first year I have had the honor of both teaching here as well as being an artist in residence. I’m teaching a class called The Art of Seeing…

Categories Art, Photography, Spirituality Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine 5 Comments

My Photos and Art by Others at Creative Arts Camp 2017

September 5, 2017September 1, 2017 by Polly Castor
Other Photos at Creative Arts Camp 2017

Here are my photos of Creative Arts Camp and of other’s art there

Categories Art, Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp, Maine 4 Comments

People at Creative Arts Camp 2017

August 31, 2017August 31, 2017 by Polly Castor
People at Creative Arts Camp 2017

Here are photos of the people at Creative Arts Camp– these people are the reason I come each and every year…

Categories Photography Tags Creative Arts Camp 2 Comments

Last Camp Painting 2017: Cabin Sunflowers

August 30, 2017 by Polly Castor
Cabin Sunflowers (acrylic) by Polly Castor

This is the last assignment at this year’s Creative Arts Camp. We were to paint a still life with a view out a window.

Categories Art Tags Creative Arts Camp, representational art Leave a comment

Exercise: Gestural Abstract Painting

August 29, 2017 by Polly Castor
LA Highways (acrylic) by Polly Castor

So many things at camp are about movement. All artists are about moving thought. In this exercise we were to get more of our body involved, moving it as a way to move others…

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp, painting 1 Comment

Abstract Painting Exercise: Pouring, Spraying, Throwing Paint

August 28, 2017 by Polly Castor
Overcoming Subtleties (acrylic) by Polly Castor

I had a great time doing these. I threw, spattered, and poured paint. It was especially fun to drop paint from a twelve foot height off a deck banister onto paper and watch it splat.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, Creative Arts Camp 2 Comments

Leaning Tree at Camp Newfound (New Landscape Painting)

August 27, 2017 by Polly Castor
Leaning Tree at Camp Newfound (acrylic) by Polly Castor

Here is the painting I finished at camp yesterday. I was attracted to the strong diagonal composition and how the rocks in the bottom right, together with the cabins in the upper left, created the feeling of torque, even though it is a peaceful scene.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Creative Arts Camp 3 Comments

Three Quotes About the Power of Art (by Karen Montanaro)

August 28, 2017August 26, 2017 by Polly Castor
Three Quotes About the Power of Art by Karen Montenegro

Karen Montanaro, an instructor at Creative Arts Camp, summarizes the power of art in these three short quotes.

Categories Art Tags Creative Arts Camp, education, Quotes 2 Comments

Exercise: Down the Road from Oz 1 & 2

August 25, 2017 by Polly Castor

Here is the first exercise I did in my painting class from camp. We were to paint a still life, interior, or landscape from life abstractly. Then we were to clean off our palette on a new sheet and let it dry as an underpainting for the next work. Next we were asked to paint again the previous painting from memory even more abstractly.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Landscapes, Creative Arts Camp Leave a comment

Back At Creative Arts Camp

August 24, 2017August 24, 2017 by Polly Castor
Back At Creative Arts Camp

This is a church camp and I love the intersection of Christian Scientists and creative people. They are both my favorite kinds of people.

Categories Art, Spirituality Tags Creative Arts Camp Leave a comment

People at Creative Arts Camp 2016

September 4, 2016 by Polly Castor

The people is what I go to Creative Arts Camp for. I love the intersection between Christian Scientists and creative people, and I was there about twenty minutes my first time before I knew this would become an annual event for me.

Categories Photography Tags community, Creative Arts Camp 2 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

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

Thank you for bringing your beautiful great outdoors into my world.
You do a great job taking pictures. The colors are so vibrant and I like that you notice
shadows.

Thank you for 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.

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Love your pastels!

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

I 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!

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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 :)

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

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!

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

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!

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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 these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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!

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

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

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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.

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!

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.

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! ❤️

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

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

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

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

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

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

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

I LOVE YOU!!

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

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

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

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

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 !

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

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

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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 inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

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

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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

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

I LOVE THIS 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 !

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • Crystalized Ginger Cookies (Recipe)
  • Grassy Valley (New piece done in Charcoal)
  • 2027 Polly Castor Art Calendars Available
  • Machines or Creatures (quote by Wendall Berry with photos)
  • Like Fan Coral (New Abstract painting in Pastel)
  • Insha’allah (Poem by Danusha Lameris)
  • Spiced Purple Sweet Potatoes with Oranges (Recipe)
  • Angle of Repose (Book Review)
  • Two Doodles in Acrylic
  • The Most Important Thing (poem by by Julia Fehrenbacher)

Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

  • Day 22: West Coast of Newfoundland →

  • New Poem By Me: Wandering Stars →

  • Book Review: Dahveed (Series) →

  • Grace Notes #10 →

  • Recipe: Pepper, Quinoa, and Salmon Stir-fry →

  • Our Pines Bring Down Lines in Hurricane Sandy →

  • Brown Butter Corn Bread (Recipe) →

  • Tattoos on the Heart (Book Review) →

  • Photos from Elaine’s Cabin in Texas (with Sunrises) →

  • Excessive Planning is a Form of Unbelief →

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