homeschooling – Polly Castor

Circe (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on June 19, 2020
This is a compelling retelling of a minor character from the Odyssey.
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A Veteran Homeschooler’s Advice for Homebound Families
By Polly Castor on March 19, 2020
I wrote this to help homebound families find the blessing in their school closures by fortifying their families.
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Fall Semester of my High School Abstract Art Class
By Polly Castor on December 17, 2019
My high school abstract art class did great with pastel! Check out their work!
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Attention is the Beginning of Devotion (Mary Oliver Quote)
By Polly Castor on January 19, 2019
Teach the children. We don’t matter so much, but the children do. Show them daisies and the pale...
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Student Work in my High School Abstract Art Class
By Polly Castor on December 13, 2018
I teach an Abstract Art class early Monday mornings for homeschooled high schoolers at the Pathways Cooperative in Newtown,...
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California Railroad Museum Photos
By Polly Castor on July 13, 2018
Sacramento was where the Transcontinental Railroad was born, and hence this museum is here.It is a lovely museum worth...
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Good Books About Trains for Children and Young Adults
By Polly Castor on June 23, 2018
Trains is a subject that does not sound like school but has many important lessons none the less, including...
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My Homeschool High School Abstract Art Class
By Polly Castor on May 15, 2018
They now understand some of the range of options one works with when creating an abstract work of art–...
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Art Education and Mental Health
By Polly Castor on October 6, 2017
Would those massacring shooters have done those horrible things if they had enough art in their life? I genuinely...
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Nice Article about our Older Daughter’s Work
By Polly Castor on March 20, 2017
Last week, St. John's College in Annapolis, MD, where our older daughter got her undergraduate degree, put out a...
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Best Poetry Books for Children and Young Adults
By Polly Castor on December 17, 2016
It is a fortunate child who shares these poems with an adult that cares– firelight, fuzzy blankets, cookies, and...
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Best Books About Thanksgiving for Kids
By Polly Castor on November 19, 2016
Here are our favorite books about Thanksgiving for kids. These would be terrific to read to or get in...
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Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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 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.

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.

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!

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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 expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

Hoping others can/will read this…

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

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

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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!

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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 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!

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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!

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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

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

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

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.

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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

Wow!! I cannot wait to try this recipe! 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…

Love your pastels!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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

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!

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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.

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 .

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

I 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 :)

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

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

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

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

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 !

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!

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

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

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

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

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.

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!

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