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

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life lessons

Mindful Awareness (New Poem by Polly Castor)

September 27, 2020September 27, 2020 by Polly Castor
Mindful Awareness poem

You are the watcher.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags authenticity, life lessons, Mindfulness, Poetry by me, Release 4 Comments

Defining Consecration

September 24, 2020September 24, 2020 by Polly Castor
Defining Consecration

What does consecration mean?

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags authenticity, Christian, life lessons, Spiritual Healing, Virtue 2 Comments

“More Blessed to Give than Receive” and Unselfing (Deep Think #12)

November 2, 2020September 13, 2020 by Polly Castor
It is more blessed to recieve essay, unselfing in Christian Science

Let’s give God’s gifts to others from the place of our “unselfed better self,” and receive the blessings. Get a right sense of self and take care of it.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags authenticity, Christian Science, Deep Think, Essay, life lessons, reformation, Spiritual Healing 4 Comments

Build Each Other Up (New Poem by Polly Castor)

November 23, 2020September 1, 2020 by Polly Castor
Lets Build Each Other Up poem

Let’s take care of each other by shoring each other up.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Poetry, Spirituality Tags life lessons, metaphor, Mindfulness, Poetry by me, Release, Virtue 9 Comments

Yes, I Give Up on Books!

August 28, 2020 by Polly Castor
Give up on books

Since several of you have asked, yes I do give up on books. That is an important freedom that I exercise, and I strongly recommend that you do too. I think people feeling like they have to finish books that are not working for them is the reason more people are not readers. There are … Read more

Categories Books Tags abundance, advice, authenticity, Essay, happiness, life lessons, Mindfulness, Release 5 Comments

Absolute or Relative (Choose the Better Way)

August 16, 2020August 16, 2020 by Polly Castor
Absolute or relative (choose the better way)

What is the difference between the absolute and the relative, and why is it a useful distinction?

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags advice, God, life lessons, Mindfulness, patience, Prayer, reformation, Release, Spiritual Healing 8 Comments

Believe Me – It Wasn’t Easy (Poem by Marcella Krisel)

July 28, 2020 by Polly Castor

Are you hosting a problem you need to throw out?

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags life lessons, poetry by others, Spiritual Healing 3 Comments

You are the Light (Quote by John Lewis)

July 26, 2020July 26, 2020 by Polly Castor
You are the Light John Lewis quote

Here is some advice from a wise man. He will be missed.

Categories Books, Hope, Ideas Tags advice, life lessons, peace, Quotes, Virtue 2 Comments

Parable of the Garlic and the Compost Pile

July 21, 2020July 21, 2020 by Polly Castor
Parable of the garlic, parable of the compost pile

What seems like a waste can eventually be a blessing.

Categories Food, Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Gardening, life lessons, Organic food, patience, Release, Virtue 4 Comments

My Forum on Faith Article In Three CT Newspapers Today

July 18, 2020July 18, 2020 by Polly Castor
Polly Castor Forum on Faith newspaper article

This is about equality and the power of a premise.

Categories Ideas, Spirituality Tags Bible, Christian, God, life lessons, Mary Baker Eddy, Newspaper Articles, Spiritual Healing 1 Comment

Bible Study Journal (Photos of Recent Pages)

February 3, 2021July 12, 2020 by Polly Castor
Bible Study Journal (photos of recent pages)

Here are the six weeks most recent pages in my brand new Bible Lesson Journal…

Categories Spirituality Tags Bible, Bible Lesson Journal, Gift Ideas, life lessons 1 Comment

Wet Leaves (Focused Thoughts and Photos)

July 3, 2020 by Polly Castor
Wet Leaf Photos

Here are photos and thoughtful pondering from a morning with focusing on wetness.

Categories Photography Tags life lessons, Mindfulness, Nature, peace, Summer, water photography 4 Comments

“Why Would God Do This to Me?” (Polly Preaching #5)

June 23, 2020 by Polly Castor
Why would God do the to me?

We have dominion and agency. Let’s use it to be aligned with an infinite, all good God.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Bible, Christian, God, life lessons, Mindfulness, reformation, Relationship with God, Spiritual Healing 3 Comments

Some Thoughts on Painting “Style”

June 16, 2020June 16, 2020 by Polly Castor
Thoughts on Painting Style, How to find your painting style

There is a formula for choosing and having a painting style. Otherwise you can just be yourself.

Categories Art Tags Abstract Art, advice, authenticity, life lessons, Release, teaching 3 Comments

Animal Magnetism (New Metaphysical Poem by Polly Castor)

June 16, 2020June 9, 2020 by Polly Castor
Embroiled (acrylic) by Polly Castor, Animimal Magnetism metaphysical poem by Polly Castor

Anything that is not joy is animal magnetism.

Categories Poetry, Spirituality Tags advice, Christ, Christian Science, Deep Think, life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Relationship with God, Release, Spiritual Healing 3 Comments

Racism and the Color of God’s Skin (Diary Reveal #2)

June 2, 2020June 2, 2020 by Polly Castor
Racism and the color of God's skin

Here are some of my thoughts about racism and spiritual truth, during the current national upheavals.

Categories Hope, Spirituality Tags community, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, Relationship with God, Release 4 Comments

Respond Instead of React

May 28, 2020May 28, 2020 by Polly Castor
Respond instead of React

This is an important, ongoing lesson for us all.

Categories Hope, Ideas, Spirituality Tags advice, Essay, life lessons, Mindfulness, peace, Virtue 4 Comments
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Reviews from Readers

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

This blog is really stimulating and motivating.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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

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

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

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

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!

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

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

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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

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

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

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 !

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear 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…

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

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.

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

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

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Thanks for the nudge!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

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

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

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

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

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

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’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!

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

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

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

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

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

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

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

Excellent, meaningful, quotes. Thanks!

I love the feeling of playfulness and of uninhibited joy.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really beautiful, very hope filled. I love this!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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

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 just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I never before found computers this beautiful….

I LOVE YOU!!

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

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

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

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 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

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.

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

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

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

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

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

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

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

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

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

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 for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

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

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

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

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

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!

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

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 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.

Wow Polly!! You are buzzing with ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

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

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

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

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

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

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

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

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

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

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

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

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

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

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

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

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

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

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

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding, superb and beyond all imagination.

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

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

I have 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

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!

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

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.

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!!

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

Love your pastels!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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Recent Posts

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  • Insha’allah (Poem by Danusha Lameris)
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  • Gloria Steinem Quotes (Part 1)
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Rotating Jewels from the Archives:

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©2026 Polly Castor. I encourage you to freely share and forward my blogs in context, with proper attribution, and with links back to this website attached. Feel free to use the "Print" button provided to utilize Polly's recipes for personal use. Prior explicit permission is required, however, for any portion of Polly Castor’s photographs, art works or writings to be otherwise copied, reproduced in any way, re-blogged or downloaded (Contact Me Here). Please don’t steal my work. Copies of photos and artwork are available for purchase in my Gallery.

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